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Hong,

Never ventured into Leica R bodies so can't comment there as to what the R 8/9 capabilities are when the DMR is mounted and using flash of any type/maker.

Concur with you that the SF24D probably can't be upgraded. Whereas for the Metz 54 series (and perhaps for the 40 series also), Metz probably has either a SCA adaptor or perhaps a perhaps a whole new flash in mind for the M8. Suspect they have worked closely with Leica on the M8 project in this regard.

I'm sure initial work on the M8 concept began some time ago. I'd bet that Leica has expended more man hours bringing from conception to birth than any one project in their history.

Their foray into digital has pretty much been in the collaboration with Panasonic for all their digital cameras to date. And that activity has been a 'learning curve' of sorts for them. While even though they had a rebadged Panasonic in the D-Lux camera after the D2, they must have used the D2 to see just how deep customer acceptance would be of a digital camera that 'kinda looked' and certainly operated, much like the M.

Will they take it further with a D3? Using the new 4/3 chips. I don't think so, at least for awhile. The M8 will keep them busy.

On your D2. Why don't you give Roger Horn at Leica NJ an e-mail. I have found him to be a very down to earth and responsive individual in 3 or 4 matters, all of which concluded most satisfactorily. Rare, even in small companies like Leica. And most appreciated.

Best,

Jerry