More, New M8 Pics

Mackinaw · 09-06-2006

Just saw this on the Leica forum:

http://www.lightmediation.com/blog/i...rique-exclusif

plummerl · 09-06-2006

With the picture showing a self-timer mode, does this mean that the "Blue Dot" might be the self-timer LED? It is in the same spot as on my Contax G2, albeit a bit on the large (!) size. I suppose a red LED would detract from the Leica Red Dot.

Gabriel M.A. · 09-06-2006

Interesting that it would have a Single- and Continuous-shooting mode. I wonder what meeting they let that one slip.

The dial does look like the "other" way, just like the M6 TTL and M7.

It does seem to be about 1/4 inch (ok, I don't know my inches, but it's a little) taller than the M7.

Damn this strip-tease!

ywenz · 09-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by plummerl

With the picture showing a self-timer mode, does this mean that the "Blue Dot" might be the self-timer LED? It is in the same spot as on my Contax G2, albeit a bit on the large (!) size. I suppose a red LED would detract from the Leica Red Dot.

I doubt Leica will ravage the M body with that extra dot simply for the self-timer functionality. I imagine the self-timer will be in the form of beeps, rather than an indicator light.

Why doesn't Jorge have these photos?

John Camp · 09-06-2006

The "puzzle" pictures on the French site seem to suggest there is something to hide on the side of the camera opposite the shutter-speed controls. Yet another site, showing what are thought to be "ideas" or "prototypes" show an LCD panel there. I suspect that there is a simple (non-color) LCD panel, since nothing protrudes above the case in Jorge's photos. That would be a good thing, IMHO; you can get a lot of info for almost no battery cost (although it might detract from the aesthetic purity of the camera.) Jorge's photos now look to me like the camera, all right, but with some details photoshopped out. Well, I guess we'll see in a little more than a week.

ywenz · 09-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Camp

I suspect that there is a simple (non-color) LCD panel, since nothing protrudes above the case in Jorge's photos.

non-color? Lol... wishful thinking dude....

ghost · 09-06-2006

he means an lcd status panel.

that website looks like the real deal.

ywenz · 09-06-2006

I also like the wheel on the back of the M8, ala canon DSLR style.. once you've experienced the wheel, you simply can't go back.

jaapv · 09-06-2006

According to the site there is nothing but a LCD exposure counter under number 9. (the other side of the top)

AusDLK · 09-06-2006

These images suggest a rather frightening increase in the depth of the M8. I had read that it was supposed to be 2mm thicker. Now that I see how much 2mm is on the camera it looks like a lot... Hope it is an optical delusion.

ghost · 09-07-2006

on the upside, it might improve the grip.

jaapv · 09-07-2006

That is what I thought abot the Digilux 2 .What a brick. Now I have gotten used to that my M6 feels a bit thin for optimal gripping.

rsh · 09-07-2006

I think the M8 will feel just fine in the hand. So what if it is thicker or longer or higher. What is most important is that all of us will now have a digital M.

John Shriver · 09-07-2006

Looks completely consistent with what I saw in the flesh.

Rich Silfver · 09-07-2006

I guess they are revealing one piece a day. Today #9 was revelaled: http://www.lightmediation.com/blog/i...rique-exclusif

AndyPiper · 09-07-2006

Yep - frame counter where the rewind used to be.

Chubby little baby, isn't she? (Or perhaps we should just say "Rubenesque"?) Not enough to worry me, though.

ghost · 09-07-2006

tomorrow is the moment of truth!

AusDLK · 09-07-2006

Wouldn't it be swell if the M8 communicated through the hot shoe with the new Tri-Elmar viewfinder so the proper frame line view in the finder would automatically selected when the camera senses the focal length being changed? This could be done but will it?

jaapv · 09-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ausdlk

Wouldn't it be swell if the M8 communicated through the hot shoe with the new Tri-Elmar viewfinder so the proper frame line view in the finder would automatically selected when the camera senses the focal length being changed? This could be done but will it?

Again I will be trying to start a rumour: there will be an electronically coupled Visoflex 4 which takes R lenses....

. It would be a nice thing though

venchka · 09-07-2006

When will Leica ever get it: shutter speeds beyond a very seconds are very handy. Eh????????? I have owned SLR's with 30 seconds or longer shutter speed since 1975. My EF goes to 30 seconds and I think the Elan 2E does 90 seconds. The M5 on the other hand can only muster 1/2 second. If the M8 pictures are true, it stops at 4 seconds. Damn shame.

Bob Ross · 09-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyPiper

Yep - frame counter where the rewind used to be.

Chubby little baby, isn't she? (Or perhaps we should just say "Rubenesque"?) Not enough to worry me, though.

Hi Andy,
Using the flash shoe as a size mark (21mm) I did get 41mm depth or +3mm, but when I checked the length, I got a surprise with 146mm, instead of the 138mm of the M7 (+8mm). If I didn't goof with my calculations, the M8 will rival the M5 in the plus size dept.

Since I have used M5s since 1977, I'll be right at home.
Bob

Bob Ross · 09-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ausdlk

Wouldn't it be swell if the M8 communicated through the hot shoe with the new Tri-Elmar viewfinder so the proper frame line view in the finder would automatically selected when the camera senses the focal length being changed? This could be done but will it?

On the rear of the flash shoe there are 7 light spots that look to me to be electronic contacts. I posted a similar speculation about it on the Leica User Forum and got a quick reply that it was a reflection off of a plastic piece by someone who seemed to be sure about it. Very interesting reflections, if that is the case.
Bob

Bob Ross · 09-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by venchka

When will Leica ever get it: shutter speeds beyond a very seconds are very handy. Eh????????? I have owned SLR's with 30 seconds or longer shutter speed since 1975. My EF goes to 30 seconds and I think the Elan 2E does 90 seconds. The M5 on the other hand can only muster 1/2 second. If the M8 pictures are true, it stops at 4 seconds. Damn shame.

The M7 will go to 32 seconds in auto mode. I don't have the info on the R9, whose shutter will be used.
The M5 is able to meter in bulb up to 30 seconds, but you have to count elephants to use it

Bob

jaapv · 09-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

On the rear of the flash shoe there are 7 light spots that look to me to be electronic contacts. I posted a similar speculation about it on the Leica User Forum and got a quick reply that it was a reflection off of a plastic piece by someone who seemed to be sure about it. Very interesting reflections, if that is the case.
Bob

I think you are looking at the edge of a milled knob on the back, just below the flash shoe.

Bob Ross · 09-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaapv

I think you are looking at the edge of a milled knob on the back, just below the flash shoe.

Just like the one that doesn't show in the pictures that Jorge posted

In looking at that rear picture again, I do see a light line at the rear of the flash shoe, right where the pattern shows in the top view. I wonder if it is the "write light" with a plastic lens. Also the circular LCD on the left top does not show up.
My latest guesstimate on the size is 146mm X 88mm X 41mm
Bob