Leica M8 users are ?more than happy? with the results achieved with the camera?s 18x27mm imaging sensor, according to Leica?s UK managing director.<\/p>\n
The news comes a fortnight after Leica Camera AG ?removed? its worldwide CEO Steven K Lee ? his departure triggered by what management described as ?premature? remarks made last month concerning a possible full-frame upgrade to the M8.<\/p>\n
Following Lee?s departure Leica began a review of its strategy for the M-system but confirmed its ?desire? to consider full-frame ?within the M-system?.<\/p>\n
However, Leica also made it clear that the company?s future may differ from the one set out by Lee.<\/p>\n
Yesterday Leica UK announced a \u00a3500 cash-back ?reward scheme? for customers buying an M8, M7 or MP camera with a selected lens before the end of May.<\/p>\n
Launching the scheme David Bell, managing director at Leica Camera Ltd said: ?There has been much recent speculation concerning the M8 but we can confirm that the current design remains our most important product for 2008\/9.?<\/p>\n
He added: ?As ownership increases, users seem to really appreciate that it is a faithful reproduction of a true classic M, but in digital form.?<\/p>\n
He explained that fans of the M8 include award-winning photographer Tom Stoddart who is set to use two M8s on a ?major EU project?.<\/p>\n
Bell continued: ?Leica?s specific CCD sensor design, integrating a very thin glass cover which avoids undesired refractions – combined with additional UV\/IR filters – is getting the very best out of the fabulous M lenses.<\/p>\n
?Similarly users are more than happy with the results of the 18x27mm size CCD which was a major factor in replicating the true M body size and shape. <\/p>\n
?To further increase M8 longevity there will also be shutter and rear display cover options available later in the year.?<\/p>\n
Leica announced an upgrade option for M8 users at PMA. Customers can 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.<\/p>\n
The Leica M8, the firm?s first digital rangefinder camera, features a 10-million-pixel imaging sensor and was launched in 2006.<\/p>\n
The M7 and MP are film-based models.<\/p>\n
The cash-back discount applies at ‘authorised’ dealers only, according to Leica UK. <\/p>\n
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