It ought to be possible to produce a camera with a much reduced specification that will do most of the things the Leica M9 will do at a fraction of the price. It would incorporate a bright optical viewfinder like that on the M, but with a simple fixed projected frame. The sensor would be between 20mm and 25mm square and somewhere around 12 to 15 megapixels - no more. The lens would be fixed and wide-angle, with an equivalent focal length of about 30mm and an aperture of f/2.8 or f/2. If practicable, the sensor would be concave, to reduce aberration and provide a light path where all light rays struck the surface at 90 degrees, thereby avoiding the need for microlenses and simplifying the lens design.
The square format would be novel. Amongst other advantages, this format would permit the viewfinder to be used equally well with the left or right eye. It would also avoid having to make the decision whether to frame for a vertical or landscape format, as well as making the best possible use of the image produced by the lens.
For the sake of robustness, it would have manual focussing and the lens would have a thread for a protective filter. With such a small focal length, it will not be necessary to fit a rangefinder, although that could be optional.
The cost should be no more than £2000. How about it, someone?
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