bobby_novatron
Photon Collector
Hi all, just posing a somewhat rhetorical question (I don't expect anyone to have a crystal ball) -- but where might we be in Leica's product cycle?
Specifically, I'm wondering if the M 240 is due for a refresh this year.
Leica seems to be issuing a lot of new products lately (new M-lenses, compact cameras, the M 262, etc.) so might an updated M be not far off?
The only news I've read recently about the M 240 is there's supposed to be a firmware upgrade in Q1 2016, but that's it.
Any conjectures or conspiracy theories about Leica's product cycle are heartily encouraged.
Specifically, I'm wondering if the M 240 is due for a refresh this year.
Leica seems to be issuing a lot of new products lately (new M-lenses, compact cameras, the M 262, etc.) so might an updated M be not far off?
The only news I've read recently about the M 240 is there's supposed to be a firmware upgrade in Q1 2016, but that's it.
Any conjectures or conspiracy theories about Leica's product cycle are heartily encouraged.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
As far as I am aware the M successor is entering the beta testing stage. It is a bit behind schedule, but Leica has been rather busy with other releases lately. I would expect it to grace the Photokina stand by now.
Having said that, I think it would not be a bad idea for the M to go on a four-year cycle, given that the development curve has clearly flattened out.
Having said that, I think it would not be a bad idea for the M to go on a four-year cycle, given that the development curve has clearly flattened out.
Ruhayat
Well-known
From what I can tell of Leica's current cycle, the M will be up for an update by end of this year. The way I see it, their pattern of late has been:
Year 1 -- release a new M model
Year 2 -- release special edition models based on new model
Year 3 -- release budget "E" version of new model
Year 4 -- release new M model
...and then the cycle begins anew. Now that they have the SL out, maybe they can stretch the new M model introductions to 5 years instead, which should help stretch the value you get out of each one before you get compelled to upgrade.
Year 1 -- release a new M model
Year 2 -- release special edition models based on new model
Year 3 -- release budget "E" version of new model
Year 4 -- release new M model
...and then the cycle begins anew. Now that they have the SL out, maybe they can stretch the new M model introductions to 5 years instead, which should help stretch the value you get out of each one before you get compelled to upgrade.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
2006 M8
2009 M9
2012 M240
2012 MM1
2015 MM2
Three year cycle...
2009 M9
2012 M240
2012 MM1
2015 MM2
Three year cycle...
bobby_novatron
Photon Collector
Thanks everyone for your responses, yes I also was assuming 3-4 years between models. AFAIK the M 240 didn't actually become widely available at retailers until sometime in 2013 (if I recall, many people were on a waiting list). A new model is probably due by early 2017, if not sooner.
I've been noticing a slide in M 240 prices in the past 6-12 months, maybe this is because the product is getting toward the end of the cycle.
I've been noticing a slide in M 240 prices in the past 6-12 months, maybe this is because the product is getting toward the end of the cycle.