The M5, M7 and now the M8 - all disasters.

How sad to see this decline in what was once the ultimate photographic tool.

R.I.P Leica

http://web.mac.com/kamberm/Leica_M8_Field_...raq/Page_1.html

Interesting to know M series Leica is still a choice of camera for some in war zones.

I thought it was least suited for field photography, let alone combat zone.

I'm tempted to buy M8, but frankly, I can't get my head around the fact that a camera of that price range is lacking some basic features that comes standard with most dSLR.

1) you have to remove the bottom cover to replace memory card or battery, need to remove your camera from tripod to change memory card

2) accommodates only SD (up to 2GB only), no CF

3) no low-pass filter, need screw-on UV filter on all lenses, extra care needed for sensor cleaning

List goes on. But above are enough to turn most photographers accustomed to using dSLR away from M8, IMO.

Quite amazing, for what I would have regarded as a "gold plated" brand name.