l_objectif wrote:
...As the lens has the label "Leica" on it, there will probably be a Leica version like all the other Panasonic cameras with the Leica glass....
I would not be at all surprised to see a Leica version of the LF-1. It already has the smooth lines of some of the D-Lux adaptations of the Panasonic LX cameras.
However, I should point out that
many, if not most, Panasonic compact cameras and camcorders have Leica-branded lenses; take a look and you'll see it's very common. Only a small fraction of these (typically the higher end compacts and superzoom models) have been re-branded as Leica D-Lux, V-Lux or C-Lux. (I don't suppose they'd want to rebrand the LF-1 as the F-lux...)
...With 12 mp and a small sensor, I am wondering how noisy the pictures would be!
The sensor is the same size as the LX = D-Lux cameras. Acceptable in modest light, just fine in good light. Considering your impressive photographic skills, excellent results would be routine.
...I am still waiting for Panasonic GX2; and hopefully a Leica version of it. Leica needs a small, high-end, 3/4, interchangeable lens camera!...
Regarding the Micro 4/3 cameras, Leica issued a fairly definitive statement a few years ago, indicating that they had rejecte the idea of marketing those cameras because the sensor size limits the quality. Personally, I am disappointed in that decision and I think it's a mistake. I love the M4/3 system and I think Leica is missing an opportunity to do some real customization, beyond the usual re-branding exercise, and also to broaden the existing small line of Leica-designed or Leica-branded M4/3 lenses. Leica could work with Panasonic and/or Olympus to create cameras with superior viewfiders, controls, materials, ruggedness and finish, while using the existing Japan-developed electromechanical and sensor components. The body prices would presumably run around the $2k to $2.5k range, not unreasonable if they legitimately improved on the existing O & P flagship cameras, also not much of a threat to O & P sales numbers while probably expanding the overall M4/3 customer base.
Some people think that Leica is wary of repeating the Leica CL scenario, in which a mid-priced, jointly-developed camera stole sales away from the higher profit margin M5. Even if one accepts the premise of that story (which I don''t fully), I think that the issues are very different at this time and with the M4/3 format vs. the M camera line. The idea of Leica M4/3 creates more of an opportunity than a threat - but again only if the Leica line were to be truly distinctive, beyond the -Lux approach.
