Leica M8 Digital SLR

[don_narayan]

A new Leica is about to be released... 10mp digital SLR M8... not just a digital back, either.

[Luko]

yeah... mmh... in itself, this was quite expected as Epson already launched their 2 versions of the RD digital viewfinder camera a while ago.

What, I think, will be more critical, is how they plan to reconcile a new lens range with their sensor. It's no secret that the summicron and other summilux optic patterns were not digital friendly (due to the angle of the light beams)... I don't think the M users will be very happy if Leica annouces that their costly lenses are useless anymore.

[Darren]

I have read that the R series digital back is very good with the Leica R series lenses, due to the use of microlenses on the sensor, as well as perhaps an actual curvature to the sensor. If this is the case, perhaps it will extend over to the M series?

I didn't know Epson had two versions of the rangefinder. I do know it was well reviewed but quite highly priced considering it was the same sensor as was in many sub $1000usd DSLRs.

[Luko]

I didn't know Epson had two versions of the rangefinder.
RD-1 and RD-1s (newer version - spring 06).

I suppose you've noticed the diameter difference between a SLR lens and a M lens. I guess technology should be quite different.

[BobTrips]

The M8 will be a rangefinder, not a dSLR.

I seem to recall that it will have a 1.3x crop factor.

[maciekda]

http://www.lightmediation.com/blog/index.php?2006/09/06/25 - there is some info and a video showing the M8.

[Luko]

Totally out of the scope but have you tried this game? It was included in the blog you linked to, Maciek.

A pity it's in french only.
I haven't even passed the 4th level.

[Darren]

Yes, I realize that the lenses are completely different mounts, I was just hypothesizing that they could use a similar technology or slight modification of the Kodak sensor from the R Series digital.

Would also be interesting and probably a little beneficial in that it is a 1.3x crop sensor. With the Leica name on it, it won't come cheap though.

[Darren]

Could well be the same Kodak sensor that is in the R series back then. That has some good reviews.

[stiginthedump]

I seem to remember reading a couple of weeks ago that you can get your leica lenses 'modified' at customer service for a small charge (maybe $100) so they'll work on the M8.

Donwside to this new release is the price - $5000...