Michael, can you check this out at PMA?

[DaShiv]

DPReview has a bit more info:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/pma2004/Epson/

[David Mantripp]

Remarkable. I was wondering some weeks ago if a company like Cosina would spot the opportunity of building a digital body which could take "obsolete" lenses such as Canon FD.  I told myself this was a crazy, totally unrealistic idea. But maybe not...

[Scott_H]

That must be to wind it up.

[Bill Lawrence]

Ok, if the battery goes flat on something that uses an electronic sensor and data storage system, they're worried about the shutter not working?

That's it - it must be an emergency generator - just keep flipping the lever to charge your batteries, like those flashlights with the crank handle!

[billh]

Michael, can you check this out?

Leica M lenses on a new Epson digital body at PMA?

http://www.itmedia.co.jp/pcupdate/articles...13/news003.html

http://www.leica-camera.com/discus_e/messa...html?1076679043

[Edward]

It looks like they even rubbed the edges to get some brassing! With the right sensor this camera could be great.

[Bill Lawrence]

OK, here's a dumb question - I looked at the photos at DPReview - why would a digital camera need a film wind lever?  

Cheers!
Bill

[Tony Collins]

The winding lever is reportedly to cock the shutter, but why not a clockwork generator as a back up for when the batteries are flat. Loads of clockwork radios on the market, I believe some have a power take off to run other small devices. Pedal powered laptop anyone??

[Bobtrips]

The winding lever is there to give cover to those traditionalists who have sworn that they would never use a digital.  

As long as they keep the camera close to their chest so that no one can see the LCD and remember to crank between each shot they've got a chance of saving face.   ::

[adrian]

Ok, if the battery goes flat on something that uses an electronic sensor and data storage system, they're worried about the shutter not working?

That's it - it must be an emergency generator - just keep flipping the lever to charge your batteries, like those flashlights with the crank handle!

Think about all the battery juice you save by hand cocking a mechanical shutter! Seems like an idea whose time has come, especially on a camera like this!