Update:
Will we be seeing the rumored rangefinder without the LCD screen at Photokina 2014? In an article at lavidaleica.com, the idea started when musician Seal, an avid fan of the German camera manufacturer requested this feature a few years ago and it seems that they're giving him just that. They have also reported that the new model, under the name M 60, will only produce Raw/DNG color images.
Previous report:
Leica just announced a few weeks before Photokina 2014 their latest addition to the M range cameras, the new Leica MP. Basically, the new MP is a Leica M (Typ 240), but optimized especially for professionals with a number of subtle yet significant improvements, giving users only what they need in a compact rangefinder camera.
A rumor has been circulating about another announcement from the German company, supposedly to arrive at Photokina. A limited edition rangefinder without an LCD screen. Yes, a digital M without an LCD screen. According to Leica Rumors (via petapixel.com), the camera will come with an ISO selector dial at the back, reminiscent of the old film M cameras, will be using the same 24 mega pixel sensor found inside the Type 240's, will only capture uncompressed raw files, and obviously no video recording. Adding to the diminished list of features, it is reported to cost more than the Leica M.
This isn't the first time that news of a Leica without an LCD monitor has surfaced. The company is no stranger to rumors, especially when the news of the Monochrom broke out back then, they sure delivered when the model finally came out.
It's an interesting idea, though we're not sure if it should cost more than the M Typ 240. Leica really pushes boundaries with "less is more".
In the meantime, we could settle with news of the new Leica MP and its list of improved features. Here's the official statement (specs and features) from Leica:
The buffer memory capacity of the Leica M-P has been increased to 2 GB - twice the size of that of the Leica M. This guarantees that the Leica M-P is immediately ready to shoot in almost all situations. This is a particular advantage when shooting pictures in rapid succession, as the image data needs to be buffered directly after the shutter is released, before writing to the SD memory card. This means that users can now react to events with even greater spontaneity to capture the decisive moment in almost every photographic situation."
Stay tuned for more Photokina 2014 news.
