Will a new version of the Leica Manual be published?

[etrigan63]

I was wondering if Leica was ever going to release a updated version of the Leica Manual covering the advances thay have made in digital photography. I have a copy of the 1947 Leica Manual and would love to see what 60 years of updates would add to the tome.

For that matter, any books on the M8 would be welcome as well.

[Rob-F]

For that matter, what about an updated version of the Leica M Compendium Handbook of the Leica System? There are new Leicas and new lenses to be covered!

[Ajax]

A book is in preparation. Can't say at this juncture what it is or when it will make it to the printers. Perhaps more of a Compendium type. I agree the old one could do with a serious update, but that's out of my hands for the time being. Some have asked for an M8 manual/handbook; at the moment and until Leica iron out some of the flaws with that kit, I think it's probably a non starter. But I'd be interested to read any views on this topic in general.

regards
Jonathan
>www.ajaxnetphoto.blogspot.com<

[boilerdoc2]

I need/want a new updated Compendium Jonathan!
PS: Nice article by you on the Zeiss site!
Steve

[Ajax]

Originally Posted by boilerdoc2

I need/want a new updated Compendium Jonathan!
PS: Nice article by you on the Zeiss site!
Steve

Thank You Steve!

Re the Compendium. A project is in hand, but like everything else, these things take time.

As for the M8 Handbook, consider it a work in progress. More likely though, that I will look at the whole Leica digital handbag.

regards and thanks again for the comments.
Jonathan

[etrigan63]

Put me down for a copy of both please...

[Dunk]

Originally Posted by Ajax

A book is in preparation. Can't say at this juncture what it is or when it will make it to the printers. Perhaps more of a Compendium type. I agree the old one could do with a serious update, but that's out of my hands for the time being. Some have asked for an M8 manual/handbook; at the moment and until Leica iron out some of the flaws with that kit, I think it's probably a non starter. But I'd be interested to read any views on this topic in general.

regards
Jonathan
>www.ajaxnetphoto.blogspot.com<

Hi Jonathan, If and when you publish a revised or new "Leica M Compendium" could you please consider including something based on the excellent article you wrote in Professional Photographer magazine many years ago regarding checking all the possible ( as distinct from probable) faults when buying an M camera? I still have the article ... but I choose not to buy the magazine these days

Cheers

dunk

[fotobiblios]

Compendium would be great, but the really great book would be a 16th edition of the Leica Manual -- the 15th edition was in my opinion by far the best manual of photography -- different chapters by different authors - earlier editions were good, but the 15th quite exceptional.

[Dunk]

We also need an new Leica Pocket Book ie 8th Edition

Cheers

dunk

[Al Kaplan]

Yes a new one would be nice. The most recent Leica Manual that I have is from the early 1970's, but I have several dating back to the 1930's.

[caffeineshutter]

Mr. Eastland,

I'd humbly put my vote in for a longer Leica M Compendium. I own an M6 and CL, and have no intention of buying a digital Leica. In my opinion, the M-Compendium isn't long enough. Witness the latest edition of The Nikon Comlpendium. I'd love to own and read something as exhaustive as that for Leica M hardware and optics. Yes, I think a book like that would sell nicely, and yours truly would happily pay >US$50 for it.

[Ajax]

Hi everyone.

I was reminded of my infrequent posts on the site a few weeks ago and while it would be great to be involved more often, I'm afraid work takes priority. That said, I noted all your comments about a new M compendium.

I don't suppose I have to spell it out but here goes anyway.

The difficulty with this type of book is first finding a publisher willing to stump up production costs and PAY the something**!! author a reasonable (note the word) royalty percentage.

Hove Collector Books who originally published my Leica M Compendium have gone bust. It's hard to believe, but out of heaven knows how many photographic book publishers world wide, they were the only ones interested in printing a work of a comprehensive nature. Now, the situation is worse with publishers quoting 'styles' suitable for nano-second attention spans.

I am working on it. In the meantime, I am gradually updating the old edition and that alone will increase the number of pages and its weight. I would like to put in more about using M cameras, but much depends on how far a publisher would be willing to go, as there is already a lot of previously unpublished matter scheduled to slot in. If I could be sure of enough orders, I might even consider producing it myself - please don't all rush. I will post a notice in due course, should the situation warrant it.

Thanks and regards
Jonathan