M8: What Next? When?

[rbaron]

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Now that firmware version 1.102 has been released, what / when is the next realistically anticipated update to the M8's hardware or software?

 

I'm not asking for rank speculation nor about what you might want to see. I'm curious to know if there is any reasonably good information out there as to what is coming next and approximately when.

 

Thanks,

 

--Bob

[t024484]

Now that firmware version 1.102 has been released, what / when is the next realistically anticipated update to the M8's hardware or software?

 

I'm not asking for rank speculation nor about what you might want to see. I'm curious to know if there is any reasonably good information out there as to what is coming next and approximately when.

 

Thanks,

 

--Bob

What is your reason for asking this, are you unhappy with certain features ?

My feeling is that Leica has delivered like expected and promised. I won't reckon with a software update in the short future.

[jaapv]

This question can only generate wild speculation, as the truth is: we don't know. The only thing that seems likely, but by no means certain, might be a full-frame R10, with maybe a surprise in the sensor, at the next Photokina

[Joe Mondello]

Even info directly from Leica isn't always accurate.

 

Firmware 1.10 was promised originally at the end of February I believe and didn't arrive until a week ago. And the IR filters delivery has also been slow.

 

On other forums I see posters asking when the M8's price will fall under $3K and when the M9 is coming out.

 

I don't know that it much matters. Whatever is next will come when it does and knowing about it in advance just makes me anxiious!

[rbaron]

What is your reason for asking this, are you unhappy with certain features ?

 

I'm just trying to pinpoint the right time to add an M8 to my camera bag. I'm thinking the time is about here but I just thought I'd ask if there is any reasonably good information about updates available. As noted, I'm not looking for rank speculation.

 

Although I'm new to posting in this forum I've been reading it for a while; I've also been primarily a Leica shooter for close to 50 years.

 

It seems to me from the various message boards I've read this group seems a little more technically oriented and in touch with the Leica company.

 

Again: just asking. That's all.

 

--Bob

[jaapv]

It is hard to a imagine any update that will significantly improve the camera. If that is what is holding you back, I would say the time to buy is now. For me, another ancient Leica shooter (over 35 years) the time was November, 2006, and I have not regretted it for one instant.

[t024484]

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It is hard to a imagine any update that will significantly improve the camera. If that is what is holding you back, I would say the time to buy is now. For me, another ancient Leica shooter (over 35 years) the time was November, 2006, and I have not regretted it for one instant.

+1

[Eoin]

There is no information available or speculation that has any credibility regarding an update to the M8 or future M plans.

 

If your trying to hedge your purchase by looking over the hill to see what's in the future you'll always be waiting for the next release.

 

The M8 in it's current guise is a very capable camera, you will by now be fully aware of it's strengths and weaknesses, along with the impact of coded lenses with UV/Cut IR filters. IMO the time spent waiting is time lost that you could be using a digital M.

[eronald]

+1

 

My camera has spent more time in Solms than with me since November. I have not got it back yet either. How I ever managed to make these profiles is a mystery to me, shrouded in the past. My attempts to get it back have been dogged by a series of bureaucratic issues. If I didn't know better I would swear that commissars from the former USSR are to blame

 

I think the M8 will be mature when the "sudden death" problem has been fully diagnosed and solved. Until then, the camera cannot be considered debugged.

 

Edmund

[rbaron]

There is no information available or speculation that has any credibility regarding an update to the M8 or future M plans.

 

That is the response I was looking for.

 

Thank you.

[carstenw]

Personally, I hope that Leica now spends some time getting the next DMR firmware out the door. I don't personally own a DMR, but that has taken too long, and I hope that Leica will restore some faith by making such a move.

[jonoslack]

Now that firmware version 1.102 has been released, what / when is the next realistically anticipated update to the M8's hardware or software?

 

I'm not asking for rank speculation nor about what you might want to see. I'm curious to know if there is any reasonably good information out there as to what is coming next and approximately when.

 

Thanks,

 

--Bob

Hi Bob

I get the impression that Leica are commited to further firmware updates for the M8 - but I think these are likely to be incremental rather than earch shattering. There are a few issues that (as far as I'm aware) still need sorting - for instance the Auto White Balance, and the rare green stripe with oblique lighting at the edge of the frame.

 

Certainly nothing to make you wait - like Jaap, I've had mine since November, and despite the 'issues' I've never regretted it for a second. either

[scott kirkpatrick]

Seconding Jono and Jaapv, there are unresolved issues, WB, green streaks from the edge, and the occasional unexplained DOA or SD cameras that go back to Solms, get analyzed and contribute knowledge to the "improvements in internal processes" that are part of each firmware release. I'd expect that we'll see a new approach to AWB now that they feel they have red vignetting under control and that might take four months to release. The other stuff will also come along steadily for the next year or so. But only AWB is a common problem, and then only for JPG shooters is it serious. For the RAW shooters it is just a small annoyance.

 

The above is pure speculation, just what you didn't want. My personal initial judgement on the vignetting corrections is that they have tried two very different approaches, one for the "ON" lens detection setting and one for the "ON+UV/IR" setting and after a while, if they find out which is preferred , there may be upgrades in those algorithms as well.

 

scott

[rosuna]

I would add noise. In camera processing must improve in order to reduce noise in DNG files. Leica is aware of the WB and noise problems. Read this:

 

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/10804/leica_interview/

 

It is an old interview, but some sensible points are stressed:

 

Question : You have mentioned the difficulties with the lenses when designing the Leica M8. Was that the hardest part of the M8 to develop?

 

Answer : The hardest part is actually the software. And because of two things every manufacturer has to deal with: high ISO and white balance. A lot of Leica M-users like to work in available light, so no flashlight. We had to develop something very special.

[barjohn]

While I don't regret buying my M8, I do expect to see firmware that fixes the remaining issues (bugs) and a fix for whatever is causing the sudden death seen by many. At that point I feel like Leica will have lived up to their obligation to me. Until then, at this price point, they owe me that. Personally, i don't think that asking for a reliable camera that is not plagued by various bugs is asking too much and I would hope that Leica management would agree.

[george +]

Ruben wrote:

 

"I would add noise. In camera processing must improve in order to reduce noise in DNG files. Leica is aware of the WB and noise problems. Read this:

 

Leica Interview | Digital Camera Review

 

It is an old interview, but some sensible points are stressed:"

 

1./ What noise? There is practically none up to ISO 640 and I am most satisfied with my 1250 and even 2500s.

2./ The article quoted is very good reading. But I saw nothing about noise in it.

3./ AWB is indeed not that hot. I shoot DNG - what a treat!

 

All in all, it is a fantastic camera. Now if you wanted to dream about a modern rangefinder in the true Leica tradition of progress then send me a private message and I will gladly fill your ears. About image finders, range measurement and allowing for progress.Like when we went from box cameras to 35mm and from screw thread to the M system. But I am happy with my M8 and may just buy a second one.