Digital BW, The Print

Hi Tina,

> At 07:22 PM 4/10/2009, Paul wrote:
> >... I hope they don't sink their whole ship with this S2 program.

> Paul-
> 
> Well, you know I'm going to take up for Leica ;-) 

I thought I might get a rise out of you.

> ... The Leica M8 is closer to film than any other digital camera.

Leica M is a great camera system.  My concern is really that I wonder if Leica isn't putting so much into the S2 that they won't be able to push the M to where (I think) it ought to go, including a full frame, high MP sensor to take advantage of those Leica M wide angle lenses. 

> I'm really looking forward to the S2, but probably 
> will have to wait to buy a used one 10 years from now!

I fear most are in that position.  Also, I have to come back to the weight issue.  I suspect they are cutting out a significant part of their market by making a camera system that is too heavy.

>... the M8 is perpetually upgradeable, unlike most digital 
> cameras. 

It used to be said that no one ever lost money on a Leica.  A buyer could always re-sell them at about the same price that was paid for them.  With the advent of digital, this Leica advantage would seem to be nearly impossible to retain.  Perhaps that is why they came up with the idea of upgrades.  For those not familiar with this, see http://www.dpreview.com/news/0802/080204leicam8upgrade.asp
But I note that these are not free.  Also, can they really upgrade the sensor?  While they might offer a harder glass cover for the LCD, can they make it bigger?  

I wonder how long it'll be before Cosina has a 25 mp full frame that can take the M lenses.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com