Auto Focus lenses on M8?

[Peter D Lux 2]

Hello group,

Do you think there is any chance that the dedicated lenses for the M8 will be auto focus?

I would really like to buy the new M8, but unfortunately my hands are partly paralyzed.

At the moment I work with a Leica D Lux 2 and a Contax G1 and G2 without any problem.

Thank you for reading.

Knd Rgrds,

Peter

[andybarton]

No. No chance whatsoever.

[adan]

As the other Andy said...

The lenses for the M8 are not really dedicated - that is, they are still completely compatable and identical to those that have been used on the M3-M7/MP bodies. They just have ID coding added to the mount.

AF lenses tend to be hollow shells with lots of space inside for the AF drive gearing, etc. (Even the Contax G lenses are titanium shells). Leica M lenses are pretty much solid chunks of brass/aluminum/glass with no excess internal space for AF mechanisms.

I'm thinking about options that might get you a digital 'equivalent' to the G cameras.

If you like the look of Zeiss glass and can handle a bit more weight and bulk, you might consider the Sony R-1. Nice Zeiss zoom whose images remind me a LOT of my Contax G/Velvia slides.

The other option would be the new Panasonic L1 4/3rds camera. It is an SLR, but on the scale/shape of the Contax G bodies and with a corner viewfinder like the Gs. Definitely AF, 7.5 Mpixels.

Leica will likely introduce their "D" version at Photokina, and IF (and it's a big 'if') they offer some fast, compact prime lenses in that line - say 21 through 90 f/2.8s, with a couple of f/2s and f/1.4s in the mid-range - that will probably be the closest thing in the world to a digital-G.

[adan]

Panasonic L1 facts and image (looks a lot like a black G2, doesn't it?)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Hands-On Preview: Digital Photography Review

[Peter D Lux 2]

Thank you all for the quick answers to my question.

I will just have to wait and see if I will be able to manually focus the M8...

Thanks Andy, for your eloborate and clear answer. I will look in to the Panasonic-option.

Knd Rgrds,

Peter

[Peter D Lux 2]

The Panasonic looks quite OK.

Nevertheless I guess I will wait for Photokina...

Knd Rgrds

Peter