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After fits and starts, calls for a digital Leica, and then missteps, Leica finally announced their M8, back in September of 2006. Following problems with the camera with color offsets because of a bad infrared filter, Leica finally responded with a "fix it yourself" mentality and put out two firmware updates back in March of 2007, as well as it's UV/IR filters. Way to go for a $5k camera, touted by many as jewelry.(Continued after the Jump)
It seems that, (Leica rolls out M8 hardware upgrade program -- for a price) as with Apple's iPod scratch issue, so too does the Leica have one with their LCD screen. Further, all you beta-testers of the M8, you can get an "electronically-controlled metal-blade slotted shutter that offers less noise and vibration." Doesn't an issue that needs that level of attention cause your beautiful Summicron-M glass to become about as sharp as a Nikon/Canon lens?
The Leica forums (Rangefinder Forum, and the L Camera forum) are, rightly so, chock-full of complaints about this, and Leica should be listening.
Further, I know of several Leica professionals (yes, that would be people who actually use the Leica for paying work, not as an accessory to their Aesculapian staff) who are selling their M8's (for a loss, no doubt), and have stated their intent to wait until Leica produces a professional camera that's ready for prime time.
Dear Leica -- when you come this late to the party, you need to step up to the plate and hit it out of the park. So far, you're at risk of being sent back to the minor leagues.
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