LEICA M8 Camera

The LEICA M8 is the first timeless digital camera “Made in Germany”. Fascinatingly new and yet still a real Leica M. For Leica, image quality is not only a byword, but a value attained by optimising all the links in the performance chain: Leica’s high performance M lenses, now performing even better in the digital system with the 6-bit coding. The low-noise CCD sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels, which is specifically matched to the extreme requirements of the high-resolution M lenses. The future-guaranteed raw data format (DNG) and the raw data converter Capture One LE, acknowledged as the best. It is this combination of high-quality individual components that ensures maximum image quality. The LEICA M8 deliberately dispenses with multifunction keys and nested menus. All the main settings are in clearly structured menus on the bright 2.5″ display. For detailed quality control whilst “on location”, RGB histogram and clipping warning can be used on even the finest details of the subject…

Auction of the first LEICA M8

Proceeds will go to „Reporters Without Borders

In cooperation with WestLicht Photographica Auction House, Vienna, Leica Camera AG, Solms, is auctioning the first series-produced LEICA M8 camera. The auction is to take place during the next Westlicht auction on June 7th, 2008. The camera is estimated to be worth between 20,000 and 30,000 Euros; the starting price is 10,000 Euros. Leica Camera AG will donate the proceeds to the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders. The first LEICA M8 is being offered as lot number 147.

LEICA M8

Reporters Without Borders
More than a third of the world’s population live in countries without press freedom. Reporters Without Borders works every day to ensure than news is available to everyone. Alerted by their worldwide network of more than 130 correspondents, they expose press freedom violations in all countries by informing the media and public opinion through press releases and publicity campaigns. They defend journalists and media workers who are in prison or hounded for doing their job and expose their ill-treatment and torture that is still common in many countries. They support journalists threatened in their own country and give financial help to their families when needed. Reporters Without Borders fights to roll back censorship and campaigns against laws curbing press freedom. They also work to improve the safety of journalists, especially in war-zones, and help rebuild media outlets in difficulty with funding and equipment.

LEICA M8

Unmistakably M
The Leica M system is now open for professional digital photography. Breaking completely new ground, the LEICA M8 doesn’t only look like an M - it utilises all the benefits of the analog Leica M system for sophisticated and creative digital photography. It is the only digital camera for professionals to incorporate the rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision. And the no-compromise quality criteria of the M system continue to apply to the M8. Full compatibility with nearly all M lenses means that their unique imaging performance is available for digital photography, too. The CCD image sensor has been specifically matched to the compact lens design to guarantee superlative photographic quality. The controls and functions of the digital M still concentrate on the essentials. The proven M concept is complemented by the intelligent extra functions that digital technology has to offer. The LEICA M8 is the first timeless digital camera “Made in Germany”. Fascinatingly new and yet still a real Leica M.

The LEICA M8 is now available in combination with a selection of M lenses as an attractive set - at particularly attractive prices - in dealers until 30/06/2008. Details about these Exclusive-Sets and the Summarit-Sets are available in our News section.

Exceptional performance in every detail
For Leica, image quality is not only a byword, but a value attained by optimising all the links in the performance chain: Leica’s high performance M lenses, now performing even better in the digital system with the 6-bit coding. The low-noise CCD sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels, which is specifically matched to the extreme requirements of the high-resolution M lenses. The future-guaranteed raw data format (DNG) and the raw data converter Capture One LE, acknowledged as the best. It is this combination of high-quality individual components that ensures maximum image quality.

Concentration on the exposure. Not on the controls.
A lot of care, many years of experience and extensive knowledge about how photographers work have gone into the operational concept of the M8. Concentrating on the essentials, operation is therefore simple and intuitive. The LEICA M8 deliberately dispenses with multifunction keys and nested menus. All the main settings are in clearly structured menus on the bright 2.5″ display. For detailed quality control whilst “on location”, RGB histogram and clipping warning can be used on even the finest details of the subject.

New creativity: Flash photography with the M8
The modern metal-blade slotted shutter enables extremely fast flash synchronization times down to 1/250 second. The new M-TTL flash technology ensures natural flash illumination through the activation of a metering pre-flash. The auto slow sync. function now allows available light exposures without camera shake in aperture priority mode combined with a natural fill-in flash.

M8 Upgrade Service
You have the possibility to upgrade your LEICA M8 with the latest technological developments: The fitting of a scratch-resistant sapphire glass LCD screen cover as well as a shutter that is quieter; one that is closer to a well-tuned classic analog Leica M. Further information you will find on our service pages.

More information about LEICA M8 Camera can be found at LEICA website