View Full Version : Bottom Plate of M8 just like other M's
Thats right. It comes off so you can insert batteries and sd card :) Just confirmed.
Thats right. It comes off so you can insert batteries and sd card :) Just confirmed.
So much for a half case or grip adapter:( I hope there is more battery life than the RD1 (100 shots with chimping). With the RD1 isn't a problem because it is so easy to change. But if you have to take the camera apart every 100 shots or so.... not a deal breaker, but why? Please don't compare with changing a film cassette as this is not film.
I want this camera
Rex
Cumbersome.
Workable as most things in life, but cumbersome.
I've hated that baseplate for the last thirtyfive years:mad: :mad: But I sorta like they kept it... Nostalgia and all that kind of thing...:o :rolleyes:
Gabriel M.A.
09-13-2006, 10:38
OK, first the complaint that the film advance lever is gone, now that the baseplate is not gone. Ach, mein lieber. What next, that there's no autofocus?
OK, first the complaint that the film advance lever is gone, now that the baseplate is not gone. Ach, mein lieber. What next, that there's no autofocus?
WHAT!! no autofocus??
Rex
Cool! I like it!
This camera is really something to look forward too! But I still hope Leica eventually make one variant with the shutter speed dial going the other direction and no red dot on front. I am also a little bit worried about the blue dot/light.
These are just minor worries. On the other hand I do not worry much about picture quality, I cannot imagine that it will be disappointing.
It would be nice though if it optionally could take standard size batteries, but that might be hoping for too much.
(At the moment I am having a very minor GAS attack on whether I should get a second Hexar RF as I cannot possibly afford an M8. :p )
/Hĺkan
Actually, if they provide a battery-recharging socket with the USB under the little lid, the bottom hardly ever has to come off, only on extended shoots without the possibility of downloading and recharging.
OK, first the complaint that the film advance lever is gone, now that the baseplate is not gone. Ach, mein lieber. What next, that there's no autofocus?
Where are the two flash sockets on the back !!!???!!!
Rich Silfver
09-13-2006, 11:07
Cool!! Love that the baseplate retains some 'old' use. Neat.
Actually, if they provide a battery-recharging socket with the USB under the little lid, the bottom hardly ever has to come off, only on extended shoots without the possibility of downloading and recharging.
I would never consider charging a cameras battery while in the camera. In fact, I feel naked if I leave home without at least one extra battery and SD card. For a day shoot, I bring enough batteries and memory for 400 pictures. Rarely use half that but batteries and SD cards are light.
If battery life and maximum memory size would support 200 pictures before having to change anything, then removing the bottom plate would not be a practical problem, as I rarely shoot 200+
This is not a real big deal but still. Film users probably think that 200 shots a day is excessive. But once I had experienced digital, I noticed I was bracketing a lot of shots that I wouldn't have in film days. Basically, there are a lot of reasons to shot more pictures with digital besides mindless picture taking.
Rex
Thats right. It comes off so you can insert batteries and sd card :) Just confirmed.
Keeping the baseplate is tight :cool:. Always liked it on my M6.
On the other hand (and kind of OT), I wonder what the "SET" button to the left of the LCD is for. The DMR doesn't have one, or does it?
Bob Ross
09-13-2006, 13:26
Keeping the baseplate is tight :cool:. Always liked it on my M6.
On the other hand (and kind of OT), I wonder what the "SET" button to the left of the LCD is for. The DMR doesn't have one, or does it?
The removable base plate will make it possible for Leica to make add on power packs & wireless transfer units, without strange connections exposed to the elements.
The "SET" button is how you access the menus for changing shooting parameters. The DMR has one in the same place.
Bob
I would never consider charging a cameras battery while in the camera. In fact, I feel naked if I leave home without at least one extra battery and SD card. For a day shoot, I bring enough batteries and memory for 400 pictures. Rarely use half that but batteries and SD cards are light.
If battery life and maximum memory size would support 200 pictures before having to change anything, then removing the bottom plate would not be a practical problem, as I rarely shoot 200+
This is not a real big deal but still. Film users probably think that 200 shots a day is excessive. But once I had experienced digital, I noticed I was bracketing a lot of shots that I wouldn't have in film days. Basically, there are a lot of reasons to shot more pictures with digital besides mindless picture taking.
Rex
Nor would I leave without spare batteries and memory cards, but some posters seemed to object to a removable basepalte. Actually I cannot find any of my batterycharger-camera cables as I never use them.
Thats right. It comes off so you can insert batteries and sd card :) Just confirmed.
I like the sheer chutzpah of this, and it should certainly help protect the electrical contacts. But I can't help thinking it's going to be a nuisance when you need to change memory cards in a hurry (which seems to be the way I ALWAYS have to change them!)
Still, M users who have gotten used to the taste of metal from holding the baseplate in their teeth during hurried film changes will be able to keep up the tradition!
Mark Norton
09-13-2006, 17:27
I think it's great they've retained the removeable base-plate. Far netter than extra hatches like in the D2. As Bob says, alternative bases for extra power, wireless, docking would be good.
Bob Ross
09-13-2006, 17:49
I think it's great they've retained the removeable base-plate. Far netter than extra hatches like in the D2. As Bob says, alternative bases for extra power, wireless, docking would be good.
Hi Mark,
A more far fetched advantage came to mind. There used to be a way of stacking two bodies, so the the shutter release on the top body would activate both shutters. PJs used this with a tele and wide on the bodies to capture the specific and environment on an asignment. Editors apparently liked it, but they'd love it today with a wireless transmitter under the bottom body that would send every pair in directly.
Still for the amatuer, the removable bottom will be awkward and encourage larger memory cards. If battery life is in any way limited, Leica will be selling a lot of Power Pack Ms. It kind of makes me hope that what we think of as the USB/Firewire port door is big enough for the SD card, too.
Bob
I always get really pissed when the shoelaces supplied with a new pair of shoes aren't exactly what I envisioned. Just ruins my day.
All of a sudden the number '100' comes up, and everyone's in a tizzy. Last time I looked 100 > 36.
I've pre-ordered the M8 because I think it will be a terrific camera, but I'm starting to think that whatever idiot design Leica do, most Leicaphilies will find it not only normal, but revolutionary... :rolleyes:
Gabriel M.A.
09-14-2006, 05:49
I've pre-ordered the M8 because I think it will be a terrific camera, but I'm starting to think that whatever idiot design Leica do, most Leicaphilies will find it not only normal, but revolutionary... :rolleyes:
Could you enlighten us with an idiot Leica design that Leicaphiles find revolutionary?
Nachkebia
09-14-2006, 05:57
gabrielma : Crop factor!
Gabriel M.A.
09-14-2006, 06:01
Crop factor is a Leica design that's revolutionary?
How do you say in Deustche: oh, bu11*** :p
Nachkebia
09-14-2006, 06:03
I don`t speak Deustche :D but yeah it is a big Bull## :D btw I was trying to be sarcastic :)
Gabriel M.A.
09-14-2006, 06:06
I know ;) Leica ist Deustche, neine? Or is it "nein"? Ich kein sprech Deustche. Or is it "nicht"
Bah. Inglés es complicado tal y como es, de por sí.
Detachable baseplates for changing memory cards - I mean this is the 21st century, we should be able to design a lid now, as well as to understand that ergonomics are about realizing that your users aren't Indian goddesses with three arms. VIDOM - obviously screwmount Leicas weren't meant to take upright pictures, while Contaxes were. And, for this I'm going to get flamed, but anyway: Visoflex - why the whole idea of constructing a bulky and awkward mirror box outside a rangefinder camera? why not develop a proper SLR instead? especially since you're going to do it anyway a few years down the road.
Other way round: M5 - Revolutionary design considered idiotic.
Nachkebia
09-14-2006, 06:16
Jaa Jaaa :p
M5 and M8 are twiins
Gabriel M.A.
09-14-2006, 06:23
OK, that's a good point, but by the same token we could argue that it's also very non-21st century to have a manual-focus non-SLR camera. Or a car that is not solar powered.
I hate SUVs; they are retrograde, psychologically-exploing cash cows; there are better, safer, 21st Century car designs. I'm not going to turn purple at every single one I see on the road, much less at one that hasn't been rolled out for sale yet. Actually, I could make a case that they are really bad for all of us.
But that's dumb and futile. I just won't purchase one.
I could argue that a motorcycle is a dumb choice of vehicle because it won't protect me from the rain, is very unsafe, and some would even argue is terrible for your hair. Why not an ATV?
We can make arguments about how stupid anything is about *anything*. If it's not for you, it's not for you. That's why I'm switching toothpastes.
I'll second Philipp's remarks. A removable baseplate is a sop to Leicaphiles who would/will rebel if the Digi-M were not "just like" an M6/M7. Small, secure hatch doors on the camera base would make much more sense ergonomically. And there's no need to remove the baseplate for electrical contacts -- look at any Leica R.
Silly.
rs
I don't think so.
A removable baseplate allows for a baseplate with incorporated grip and easy upgrade (or repairs) of electronic components.
Relax. I'm sure there will soon be an accessory replacement Quick-Reload base plate with hatches for the important stuff available. It will only cost a few hundred.. :cool:
Cheers,
Anders
Gabriel M.A.
09-14-2006, 06:34
Other way round: M5 - Revolutionary design considered idiotic.
You know, I like the M5 a lot. It's a really really nice camera. The only problem I see with it? The sensor arm. I'm afraid that if I drop that thing, the arm's kaput.
I considered the M5 before I went for the M6. The meter dial alignment is wonderful. Also think about the generation that was around (and prevalent, they had the money, percentage-wise) when the M5 came up :rolleyes: Still pops up at Pnut.
Could you enlighten us with an idiot Leica design that Leicaphiles find revolutionary?
The need to detach the baseplate to change SD card or battery.
John Camp
09-14-2006, 06:57
The only reason I'd buy a half-case is because it makes you look more like a tourist, which can be good, in some circumstances. I don't have any trouble gripping an M7, and I don't use the film advance as a grip or a thumb-reminder, so I don't think I'll have any problems with the M8. Also, with a 2-gig memory card you should be able to get 100 RAW shots, and if you shoot high-res jpg, twice that many (more or less.) So, the bottom plate is okay. With My D2x, you have to pull one corner off to replace the battery, and it's a matter of ten seconds. The other thing is, when you shoot film, you shoot film -- you can't go back. When I shoot digital, I chimp, and get rid of maybe two-thirds of the shots on the spot, so 100 shots on a card might be 300 shots actually taken. Sean Reid has hinted on another forum, although only indirectly because of his NDA, that a grip maybe be possible...any maybe already here.
One M8 accessory that I would really like to see is a clip that would hook into the o-ring that goes through the camera-strap lug, and then attach to the o-ring on the bottom of a Gordy's strap or a shoulder strap. You'd then have two o-rings, but if they were small, and if there was some kind of rubberized tube (like a surgical rubber tube) that pulled down over the ringers and the clip, it'd be pretty neat. Anyway, it'd be nice to be able to go quickly (five seconds) from a shoulder strap to a hand strap.
Hmmm. Now that I've explained it all, maybe I'll hit a hardware store and see if I can work one out...
JC
Gabriel M.A.
09-14-2006, 07:01
The need to detach the baseplate to change SD card or battery.
I don't find it revolutionary.
Of course they retained the baseplate. How else would a Leicavit/Rapidwinder fit? :D
Bob Ross
09-14-2006, 09:21
I agree. They already put the LCD on the back with no way to hide it (ala the R-D1), why bother adding a baseplate just to cover up slots and hatches?
One advantage of the removeable base plate is that the tri-pod socket is contained in the plate, so if you get an extra long tri-pod screw it wont be digging into the tender innards of the camera. There was a report of this with the DMR on the Leica user forum.
Bob
Rich Silfver
09-14-2006, 10:02
I think it's great they've retained the removeable base-plate. Far netter than extra hatches like in the D2.
Hear hear! :)
Had Leica added more hatches and lids on the back there would had been an equal (or more rather) amount of people crying out about how that made it harder to hold, ruined the ergonomics and look. I think retaining the removeable base-plate is genius and applaud Leica for it!
EllitoGuy
09-14-2006, 20:58
ill bet you at least one good thing will come of the baseplate:
i bet you can hide a couple sd cards in there, quite conveniently i may add
Well folks, Leica already has an accessary base plate with a tubular grip built in. For those of us that want direct access to the battery for quick change, the thought of milling a slot becomes a possibility. Quick access to the SD compartment is not really needed since a 4 GB card will hold almost 400 RAW files. That enough for the longest day of shooting I have ever had. On the other hand, I'll bet the batteries will need replacement every 100 shots or so as I am a heavy chimper
Rex
I think retaining the removeable base-plate is genius
Case in point ;)
A removable baseplate allows for a baseplate with incorporated grip and easy upgrade (or repairs) of electronic components.
Attachable grips seem to work just fine for any other camera out there.
Upgrading and repairs of electronics aren't done by end users anyway.
One advantage of the removeable base plate is that the tri-pod socket is contained in the plate, so if you get an extra long tri-pod screw it wont be digging into the tender innards of the camera.
The tripod mount is the same, whether you attach it to the baseplate or the camera body itself. If it digs through the tripod mount, (a) the tip lands in the camera innards either way, (b) the mount wasn't sturdy enough - it's the 21st century, we should know how to build a tripod socket by now, and in a 4200 EUR camera from a manufacturer such as Leica I can expect a little solid steel piece every now and then.
the removable baseplate is an example of marketing driven design. especially the spot they left bare. that'll win over the brass fetishists, yeah!
the removable baseplate is an example of marketing driven design. especially the spot they left bare. that'll win over the brass fetishists, yeah!
It also says something about the target audience. It's not the professional photojournalist who churns out a couple of hundred pictures a day.
That removable baseplate is perfect; memorycards and batteries are protected way better than with "normal" digicams. I absolutely do not like those 30D canon plasticy doors... Only complain about M8 is that the usb-thingy connector is not located under the baseplate. That would make the desing even more sturdier and reliable...usability maybe not perfect, but that is a small price to pay...
That removable baseplate is perfect; memorycards and batteries are protected way better than with "normal" digicams. I absolutely do not like those 30D canon plasticy doors... Only complain about M8 is that the usb-thingy connector is not located under the baseplate. That would make the desing even more sturdier and reliable...usability maybe not perfect, but that is a small price to pay...
+1 (seconded)
- Made of brass, less brittle than Mg of the body housing... less costly to replace if the camera is dropped
- "balck" or "silver" option more easily implemented
- BUT... the USB port should be left outside... Connecting the M8 to a small digital data device... Epson P4000?... or laptop.
- SD cards have reached 4GiB. With firmware updates, the SD capacity issue may be surpassed. At 4GiB, if one saves DNG+JPEG, then you have about 350 images, nearly 10 rolls of film... you'll likely need a fresh battery before then.
...now batteries! Ugh... haven't seen the pricing on individual parts, but I would never head out without a spare... were I to buy an M8!
Haing used M cameras with a tripod, I was thankful for the offset connection: made use of certain tabbed lenses much easier... plus, from a structural POV, the rounded
ends of the brass base plates are more rigid than the center(read: stress on the camera front to back), and the film take-up column is more rigid too. The M8 location really tells me that Leica considered the crop factor, usable lens weight and likely popular notion that M's are not used on a tripod... "but just in case, there is a mount."
rgds,
Dave
many weeks ago when speculation started on the M digital, I posted what I thought was a smartA__ post asking if we would have to take off the baseplate to change memory cards. I really thought that I was kidding.
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