Leica hinting at a full frame M8

[D'z Nutz]

Might be confirmed for Photokina this fall. I still wouldn't want the expensive piece of shit :poosie:

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/PMA_news_Leica_to_develop_fullframe_digital_rangefinder_camera_news_177351.html



Leica to develop full-frame digital rangefinder camera
PMA news: Leica to develop full-frame digital rangefinder camera

Saturday 2nd February 2008
Chris Cheesman and Angela Nicholson
Live from PMA

Leica's chief has dropped strong hints that the firm is planning to launch a full-frame 35mm sensor based digital rangefinder camera.

Steven Lee, chief executive officer of Leica Camera AG, today told Amateur Photographer that the camera could form part of a future upgrade option for the current M8.

But, he said Leica wants to make sure that a full-frame option is ready before launch, in a bid to avoid a repeat of initial issues that dogged the M8 launch.

Initial problems with the M8 meant Lee had to personally sign 4,000 letters of apology to customers after problems relating to areas such as white balance and infra-red sensitivity.

'When it's ready we will do what's right,' said Lee indicating that a full-frame camera would feature a CCD imaging sensor and could see its official debut at the Photokina trade show in Germany this autumn.

The news comes as Leica launches an upgrade option for M8 users. Customers can now opt to have a quieter shutter (dropping the top shutter speed to 1/4000sec) and the addition of 'scratch resistant sapphire glass' as a cover for the camera's LCD screen.

The service – which takes two weeks – costs Euros 1,200 and will be available via the Leica website.

Lee said further options for this upgrade service may be added in future. He suggested that the addition of a full-frame sensor for the M8 (pictured below) could be among these options.

'We are looking at all options regarding the M8 in terms of handling and technical advancement,' he added.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Maybe it'll come with more free hot-mirror filters. ;)

[D'z Nutz]

Leica announced a couple days ago that they now have an "upgrade" program to keep the M8 up to date with current technologies, so when new features/options are available, send it in and have them added (at a premium, of course). The full frame sensor is expected to be one of these upgrade options. So technically there won't be an actual new full framed M8... just the same one out right now but with the option to have a full frame sensor added after the fact. Kind of a neat concept, actually. So current M8 owners can actually have a "new" camera... without actually buying a whole new one.

Of course, if that's true, I wouldn't question that they'd have an already upgraded version out the box available in stores.

[D'z Nutz]

Hahaha, so in the last week Leica CEO Steven Lee got axed and the company issued a statement saying anything mentioned at PMA should be taken with a grain of salt. The M8 fiasco continues! Idiots.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Leica_issues_statement_on_M8_future_news_184829.html


Leica issues statement on M8 future
Wednesday 27th February 2008
Damien Demolder
Amaterur Photographer magazine cover 16.2.08

Comments made on the future of the M8 by ex-Leica Camera CEO Steven K Lee during a controversial meeting with Amateur Photographer magazine during the PMA show were 'premature', according to a statement issued to AP by the German company.

Lee, who was removed from the Leica Camera AG management board last Friday (22 February) after just 18 months in power, had 'hinted strongly' that Leica would announce a full-frame sensor upgrade for its M8 rangefinder at September's photokina show in Cologne.

In a statement aimed at clearing the confusion these remarks have created, the company acknowledges that it is considering a full-frame sensor, but makes clear that no decisions have been made yet regarding the type of body it may be fitted into. Crucially, the statement claims, 'In any case the M8 will continue to be our flagship camera into 2009.'

Read the full story in Amateur Photographer 8 March issue (on sale Tuesday 4 March).

Statement from Leica Camera AG - 26/02/08

'Already, in the working hours since the departure of Steven Lee, the Leica product development team has begun to review the M system strategy. It is too early to say what changes will be made. However, it is likely that the path may differ from the one set by Steven Lee. In any case, the M8 will continue to be our flagship camera into 2009. We can confirm that comments made during PMA regarding the possibility of an M8 upgrade to full frame were premature and we apologise if one of them gave a too optimistic outlook.

It is true that it is the desire of Leica to consider full frame within the M system. However, the final decision regarding the appropriate camera body configuration has yet to be made.'

[AccentAE86]

LOL.

I also find it funny that to 'upgrade' your camera to keep it current costs more than most new dslrs on the market now.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Hahaha, ouch!

[ex1z7]

More news from Leica, and I find myself caring even less..

:rolleyes:

Wouldn't mind putting a D3 sensor in my FM2 though.. :love: