Leica M8.2 Digital Rangefinder Camera

Leica Upgrades the M8 Digital Rangefinder

The Leica M8.2 digital rangefinder that’s being introduced at Photokina next week has actually been available to a select few photographers since this spring. At least, part of it has – there are some new additions. By joining the Leica M8 upgrade program announced at PMA this spring, an M8 could be upgraded to some of the key features of the M8.2 spec. The upgrade included a super scratch-resistant sapphire LCD cover and a quieter, low-vibration shutter unit, which are standard on the M8.2.

There are some new exposure features in the Leica M8.2 rangefinder camera that weren’t mentioned at PMA. The new consumer-friendly exposure options look similar to features on recent Panasonic digital cameras and are likely a benefit of the Panasonic / Leica partnership. They include a new “S” snapshot setting on the shutter speed dial and an auto ISO feature. The snapshot mode brings more sophisticated auto exposure to the Leica M-series for the first time and is no doubt intended to make the camera more attractive to photographers with less technical experience.

The Leica M8.2 also has a new grip and “vulcanite” finish. It has the same 10.3-megapixel sensor with a 1.33x digital crop factor. The press release says it’s available now, although I didn’t see it listed on the B&H Web site, and the price was not listed on the press release, either. The original M8 body alone sells for about $5500 (read our M8 Pro Review). Leica is also introducing 5 new M-rangefinder lenses, including the Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 Asperical at the 2008 Photokina tradeshow.

Leica M8.2 Digital Rangefinder Press Release
Leica M8.2 Digital Rangefinder Specs