Leica M8 Upgrade Program
Leica M8 Upgrade Program
Leica is introducing an M8 digital rangefinder upgrade program that will ensure an M8 camera investment remains as current as possible. They’re calling it “an investment in the future.” This new program was introduced at the 2008 PMA tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first upgrade upgrades the shutter and the LCD cover. The current M8 shutter will be replaced with a quieter unit that produces less vibration. And the LCD cover will be replaced with a high-end watch-quality scratch-resistant sapphire glass cover. In order to get your M8 upgraded, you register at www.leica-camera.com and purchase an upgrade certificate for 1200 Euros. Limited quantities of the certificates will be available.
Leica’s M8 upgrade program is a creative and interesting approach in a very competitive digital camera market. Part of the appeal of the Leica M-series rangefinder cameras has always been their simple, durable build and traditional style. But in a world where most photographers replace their digital SLRs every 2 to 3 years, the M8 is a tough sell. Leica owners normally buy an M rangefinder for life – and then some. The 10.5-megapixel M8 falls somewhere in between those two camera-buying strategies – until now. In theory, Leica’s new M8 upgrade program means that you can buy your M8 for life and with a reasonable investment, count on Leica to keep it current.
Leica is being vague about what kind of modifications the new program will include. Of course, the sensor will be the most desired upgrade. But they won’t say whether that will happen or not. I’m sure that means that they don’t yet know. But if Leica is able to upgrade and keep the M8 sensor current with other digital cameras, it will be even more desirable than it already is. Right now high-end digital equipment is somewhat disposable. But imagine having a pro-quality digital camera for years or even decades - becoming intimate with the camera body and controls – and being confident that you’ll be able to continue using it for years to come. Imagine your M8 aging gracefully, with beautiful brass accents where your fingers rest and touch the controls. And all the while, Leica continues to care for and upgrade critical internal components, so your M8 remains competitive with the latest from Canon, Sony, Nikon, etc. Sounds pretty good to me.
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May 28th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
This upgrade program is a great idea for camera owners and it’s about time digital hardware is available to the same long lifecycle of analog equipment, but why would you still own an M8 in the first place? Maybe it’s just a bargain for those with money to blow.