[adan]

Just for the record, SLR auto-focusing takes place in the mirror box, before the light ever reaches the ground-glass. Therefore the type of ground-glass used has no effect on AF operation.

Split-image or microprism screens may have an effect on metering accuracy, especially spot metering, if the metering is done off of the screen. The previous R cameras metered via light diverted through the main mirror, so the type of screen used did not affect metering. That may change if the R10 is AF.

I expect Leica will provide interchangeable screens to keep Doug and everyone else happy with their preferred "view".

I expect the R10 will have a mini-S2 sensor - i.e. a slightly finer pixel pitch than the DMR/M8 sensors, which will boost it into the mid-20's Mpixel range. As well as any other innovations Kodak and Leica may put into the S2 sensor. That goes with Leica's stated intention of using the S2 as the "techonology development" platform for the M and R systems. S2-grade weather-sealing, etc.

I always found the R4-R7 to be a bit "skinny" and in need of a bit more volume to be comfortably hand-holdable, while the R8/9 in my hands were a bit too fat. But I could live with an R9 body size if it incorporates the motor.

I'd expect the R10 to be priced roughly on a par with the top-end Nikon-Canon full-framers or a bit more. Somewhere between $7500-$9000 (depending on currency variations, of course). Not only are there now four AF-24x36 cameras already out there under $5000, but Leica is also going to need to leave some daylight between the R10 and the S2 bodies, and I think there is going to be strong resistance to a $10,000+ "35mm" body, no matter how good.