Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Leica now promises that it's flagship of the famous M line of Rangefinder cameras, the first made from scratch Leica digital camera, the M8 will be made "Future Proof". We wonder if this is a boast or reality? From the honest and open way Leica responded to discovery of severe faults in it's opening debut of the M8 last year, I really believe them. Leica makes the finest optics and it's cameras are famous for being designed and assembled with jewel-like precision.
Now Leica is learning that, unlike film cameras which can be stable in design, year after year, the digital camera is expected to incorporate the latest advances or be stampeded out of existence by the myriad of amazing choices appearing with each international photoshow. Leica, however, with its magnificent lenses, has an advantage for those that appreciate the finest optical tools. The camera of course needs to be up to date, but those lenses are for ever. So at last, Leica is working on the assumption that we'd prefer to invest in new lenses and maintain loyalty to the Leica brand with regular hardware updates to keep the system at cutting edge quality.
Well, one annoying thing to those of us who are used the subtle reserved click of a a Leica film camera was the sound of the M8 electronic shutter, not really Leica-like, at all. Leica listened in more ways than one.
Leica has launched a great new upgrade system which the other MFRS should take note of.
The idea is to keep the Leica M8 up to date in technology, not merely by adding new lenses or firmware but also by switching out standard parts to bring in the latest advances. Moreover, one gets an added two years of warranty!
The first upgrade kit adds a sapphire glass cover to the rear LCD to make it the most scratch resistant LCD out there! Even managing to withstand sand and steel!
Most interesting to me for taking pictures during performances without using a casing for one's camera, is the update of the standard M8 electronic shutter. Listen to the standard and the new shutter sounds.
So what do you think? Of course, a new sensor would be an obvious expectation. It all makes sense. Why not use the M8 as the platform to allow Leica users to upgrade without having to lose out by putting the camera up for sale as Canon, Nikon and other brands make us choose to do.
I think this is bout time. One extra thing, Leica, in the slight chance you ever read this, provide an SDK to allow others to write firmware for your platform. Imagine how buttons could be reassigned or one might make new lens codes for Zeiss or other lenses!
I feel that people might be happier spending $4500 or more on an M8 knowing it will not be obsolete in a year! Source
Asher
Now Leica is learning that, unlike film cameras which can be stable in design, year after year, the digital camera is expected to incorporate the latest advances or be stampeded out of existence by the myriad of amazing choices appearing with each international photoshow. Leica, however, with its magnificent lenses, has an advantage for those that appreciate the finest optical tools. The camera of course needs to be up to date, but those lenses are for ever. So at last, Leica is working on the assumption that we'd prefer to invest in new lenses and maintain loyalty to the Leica brand with regular hardware updates to keep the system at cutting edge quality.
Well, one annoying thing to those of us who are used the subtle reserved click of a a Leica film camera was the sound of the M8 electronic shutter, not really Leica-like, at all. Leica listened in more ways than one.
Leica has launched a great new upgrade system which the other MFRS should take note of.
The idea is to keep the Leica M8 up to date in technology, not merely by adding new lenses or firmware but also by switching out standard parts to bring in the latest advances. Moreover, one gets an added two years of warranty!
The first upgrade kit adds a sapphire glass cover to the rear LCD to make it the most scratch resistant LCD out there! Even managing to withstand sand and steel!
Most interesting to me for taking pictures during performances without using a casing for one's camera, is the update of the standard M8 electronic shutter. Listen to the standard and the new shutter sounds.
So what do you think? Of course, a new sensor would be an obvious expectation. It all makes sense. Why not use the M8 as the platform to allow Leica users to upgrade without having to lose out by putting the camera up for sale as Canon, Nikon and other brands make us choose to do.
I think this is bout time. One extra thing, Leica, in the slight chance you ever read this, provide an SDK to allow others to write firmware for your platform. Imagine how buttons could be reassigned or one might make new lens codes for Zeiss or other lenses!
I feel that people might be happier spending $4500 or more on an M8 knowing it will not be obsolete in a year! Source
Asher
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