Leica's new baby (M8).

The new digital capture Leica rangefinder M8 camera is officially announced to-day and will be a main attraction at the Leica Camera AG stand later this month at photokina in Cologne. Much of the technical specification and product images for the M8 and new lenses being launched have already been posted on other web sites in advance of press embargoes so I have little to add here. Interesting though, that in spite of Leica's best efforts to snaffle the release of information, they still have a problem with moles.

From what I have seen of the new kit, I can't say I am overwhelmed by its appearance. It is simply not in the same elegant and compact mould of a Leica-M camera of any period. Not that it matters. Anyone coming to a Leica and the M8 for the first time without the baggage of eighty years of Leica history will be falling over themselves to get one. And despite my reservations, the M8 has not lost any of its analogue predecessor attachment to quality.

Two new Leica-M objectives and a universal viewfinder with integral spirit bubble level will also be launched.

For your convenience, Ajax has produced several .pdfs prepared from the official press releases issued by Leica Camera AG. You can download these by clicking on the titles listed below.

>LEICA M8.PDF
>LEICA M8 SPEC.PDF
>LEICA TRI ELMAR_16 ASPH.PDF
>LEICA ELMARIT 28MMF2.8 ASPH.PDF
>LEICA VIEWFINDER-M.PDF

Leica will have four new cameras showing at photokina including the M8 to join M7, MP, R and C-LUX 1, providing a camera range covering all key photographic needs (there will also be further M film cameras in the future),

New products and SRP prices in the UK are;

D-LUX 3

Improvements on D-LUX 2, at a lower price and now in professional black.
This is our ultimate compact, perfect for a back up to system kit.
Expected SRP £440, confirmation and price list 15th Sept.
First deliveries due October

V-LUX 1

Leica will have a bridge camera and an extremely zoomy one too!
Check out the amazing specs.
Expected SRP £590, confirmation and price list 15th Sept.
First deliveries due late October

DIGILUX 3

A significant improvement on the successful DIGILUX 2.
Interchangeable FourThirds lens system with live view monitor.
Supplied with Leica’s first ever auto focus lens with image stabilisation.
Expected SRP £1790 (body & lens), confirmation and price list 15th Sept.
First deliveries due late October

M8

This will not disappoint. It is a true M. Beautiful to hold, beautiful to use.
A classic digital camera in the market, appealing to enthusiasts and pros.
Expected SRP £2990 (body), confirmation and price list 15th Sept.
First deliveries due late November

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