If FF M9 is true, can they upgrade the M8 with the FF sensor?

[francishmt]

If the rumored FF M9 is true and ready to be announced on 9/9/09, do you think Leica can/would offer sensor upgrades to existing M8 users? What is your thought and if so, for how much?

 

[s.agar]

The probability is low. http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica...rade-impossible-unprofitable.html#post1022916
(message5 by Mark Norton).

But first, somebody still need to confirm the m9, and its specs, (FF etc). You have to wait until 9.9.2009 for Leica's announcement.

 

[carstenw]

The cost would be prohibitive. The top plate and all the innards must be exchanged. The battery is moving around, the sensor is larger and so on. Even the front and rear shells might be different. If you can only keep the bottom plate, you won't save much at all...

 

[johnastovall]

I see no point in Leica upgrading the M8. Rather we need to accept the fact Stephen Lee lied.

 

[beamon]

But first, somebody still need to confirm the m9, and its specs, (FF etc). You have to wait until 9.9.2009 for Leica's announcement.

Check the PDF file in this thread: http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9978

The specs are in the M9 info in that file. This pretty well clinches the announcement of the FF M9 on the 9th.

 

[GrahamWelland]

I see no point in Leica upgrading the M8. Rather we need to accept the fact Stephen Lee lied.

I think that you're being a bit harsh on Stephen Lee. I don't think it's a case of being a liar so much as being overly optimistic about the M upgradability path. I somewhat doubt that his intentions were anything less than genuine. :deadhorse:

 

[Bob]

There is an upgrade path.
1) Buy your M9
2) Sell your M8
note that 1 and 2 may be done in any order.
Your total cost is minimized in this approach.
-bob

 

[johnastovall]

I would replace the horse with Mr. Lee. I think he did a great deal of damage to the image of Leica with his over optimism or just plain ignorance combined with mendacity.

 

[Bob]

And his over-visibility.
CEOS are best if they never talk about anything other than results.
-bob

 

[GrahamWelland]

There is an upgrade path.
1) Buy your M9
2) Sell your M8
note that 1 and 2 may be done in any order.
Your total cost is minimized in this approach.
-bob

I'm generally pretty proficient at the buy cycle. Not so good at the sell one as is witnessed by the overflowing equipment cupboard here. :ROTFL:

 

[Stuart Richardson]

I agree with Carsten and the rest -- the cost of changing everything out would be prohibitive. Since the sensors are different sizes, the viewfinder and frameline masks need to change as well. In order to bring the electronics to date, most of them would need to change too. Unfortunately, highly integrated electronics make upgradability a complex and uneconomical task, unless it has been made a part of the design.

 

[jaapv]

I see no point in Leica upgrading the M8. Rather we need to accept the fact Stephen Lee lied.

And was fired...