Leica to develop full-frame digital rangefinder camera

[kshapero]

Leica to develop full-frame digital rangefinder camera

Saturday 2nd February 2008

Chris Cheesman and Angela Nicholson

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 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 infrared 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.

 

[Bryce]

I heard this was technically impossible. What gives?

 

[MartinP]

Ummmm, isn't this based on exactly the same wording and information as the post last week ? Probably the press release is doing it's thing

 

[Clark Van Orden]

We will see?

 

[Richard Marks]

Its the usual vagueries. At least of some of what is said is definately partly true.
Just get out there and enjoy the M8 as it is.
Richard

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Won't believe it until I see it.

Then, again, I never imagined Nikon would put out a FF digital SLR, and they did. Hence, there may be a sliver of the possibility of a certain hope...

 

[Didier]

I heard this was technically impossible. What gives?

It's technically not impossible, but would, beside the exchange of the sensor, also require an exchange of the complete rangefinder unit. If this is economicalkly reasonable, will be less improtant as most Leica users are not thinking economically about their photographic gear.

Personally I would prefer a new model than upgrading the older, but as the M8 is already out of my reach, am M9 will be it even more...

Didier

 

[etrigan63]

I heard this was technically impossible. What gives?

So was heavier-than-air flight and space travel. Your point?

 

[rxmd]

It's technically not impossible, but would, beside the exchange of the sensor, also require an exchange of the complete rangefinder unit.

It would be sufficient to change the frameline mask.

Philipp