Does "M" mean that it has to be m-mount? Yes? If so, I really don't have a clue, I thought the ME was the cheapest they'd do. Unless it's APS-C or something like that, but again can't really see them doing that. What do you think ?
If it's just APS-C ala Fuji X then I'm not sure they'd sell many at all. I see they've put the letter M in quotation marks, perhaps it's nothing really M related at all, or very loosely.
Looking at where it sits, I suspect it can be either a mirrorless M mount or a full frame compact X3? I suspect it will be a mirrorless M mount as Leica did mention this in the past. Without the complicated rangefinder mechanicals, it would be cheaper to produce compared to the M-E or M(240). Probably priced in the region of the X2 and M-E, ie from $3 to 5k, which is still not cheap? Hopefully full frame... better stock up on Leica lenses again
ricardovaste wrote:
If it's just APS-C ala Fuji X then I'm not sure they'd sell many at all. I see they've put the letter M in quotation marks, perhaps it's nothing really M related at all, or very loosely.
It may still sell if the sensor is specifically designed with microlenses for M mount glass? Since Leica is relatively small setup, it might well be easier for them to use the M(240) sensor and make it full frame? The EVF operation on my M240 is quite sluggish though, so it remains to be seen. All speculation on my part at this point.
joe88 wrote:
It may still sell if the sensor is specifically designed with microlenses for M mount glass? Since Leica is relatively small setup, it might well be easier for them to use the M(240) sensor and make it full frame? The EVF operation on my M240 is quite sluggish though, so it remains to be seen. All speculation on my part at this point.
This would likely be easy for them to do. EVF/ Mirrorless only with no rangefinder and FF but I suspect for marketing reasons they would never do so as it would likely cannibalize M Rangefinder sales. I'm betting it has to be APS sensor size.
Tariq is right, APS seems logical if Leica doesn't want to cannibalize the M rangefinder sales. Either way, a cheaper M mount option will spur more sales for their new lenses.
If it is a mirrorless cam, hopefully it will have the capability of zooming in on the live-view outside of the center only, unlike the M240's crippled live view implementation.
joe88 wrote:
could well be EVF M mount? hopefully full frame?
that's the only logical explanation. But it's Leica, they've proven to be anti-logical...
If it's really a FF M-mount without the rage-finder, and it is what it's supposed to be, I'm buying two.
Leica Camera has a new teaser on their website for a new Mini M camera that will be announced on June 11th. A new model placed between the M and the X series has been rumored for years. The only additional info I have at that point is that the new camera will be made in Germany and it will not be part of the Panasonic-rebranded Leica cameras. Stay tuned for more.
Interesting days ahead! 
scary thought