Following their launch in October, Leica is recalling its M8 cameras to address issues associated with banding and mirror/ghost images that have been reported in a small number of cameras.
November 25, 2006: Following their launch in October, Leica is recalling its M8 cameras to address issues associated with ø¢â‚¬Å“bandingø¢â‚¬ and ø¢â‚¬Å“mirror/ghost imagesø¢â‚¬ that have been reported in a small number of cameras. To quote a company press release: ø¢â‚¬Å“Our engineering teams thoroughly investigated the root causes of these effects. They have developed and tested a robust remedy – an upgrade for the M8 – to eliminate any re-occurrence. We have taken extra precautions to not only make sure that the problem does not surface again, but that this remedy will enable every M8 to meet and exceed Leica performance standards. Cameras shipped from our factory as of November 27th, 2006 will be equipped with the upgrade. Therefore, and because they will be tested thoroughly, we are confident that they will be defect-free. ø¢â‚¬Å“During the development of the LEICA M8, we made important design choices to insure that the camera delivers the quality in images the Leica M System is known for. Keeping the protective glass cover on the sensor as thin as possible on the one hand has the benefit of allowing the full potential of Leica lenses on the LEICA M8 to be utilized with respect to their sharpness and contrast rendition, but it also absorbs less of the infrared light. In everyday photographical use the resulting above-average sensitivity for infrared light may lead to a faulty color rendition, especially in the case of synthetic fabrics which – depending on the ambient light – cannot be rendered fully black but only with a slight magenta offset. ø¢â‚¬Å“Our solution: We will offer special screw-on type UV/IR filters for all Leica M lenses. With respect to the Leica M’s compact build the combination of a thin absorption filter on the sensor and a screw-on interference filter on the lens represents the best technical solution. It completely eliminates the color offset caused by infrared light. When using lenses from 16 to 35mm, we suggest opting for the 6-bit coded ones, in order to prevent a color offset towards the edges. No disadvantages must be expected for the images when the LEICA M8 is equipped with the latest firmware (from 1.10; available as of early December 2006). ø¢â‚¬Å“Leica Camera AG offers every Leica M8 customer a basic kit of two UV/IR filters with diameters of her/his choice and free of charge. Delivery will commence as of early February 2007. In order to receive the two free IR/UV filters, please register yourself as of December 6th, 2006, including your name and address as well as the camera’s serial number. After your registration you can order two filters of choice which will be delivered to your address. Additional filters will be available from your Leica dealer.ø¢â‚¬ Australian owners of Leica M8 cameras should contact local distributor, Adeal by phone on (03) 9369 7811 or visit www.adeal.com.au. |