Offical Leica Response to Problems and Fixes - M8

[johnastovall]

http://www.leica-camera.us/news/news/1/3682.html


Upgrade for the LEICA M8 available
LEICA M8
11/24/2006

Since delivery of the LEICA M8 started as of the end of October 2006 we have received the endorsement of many happy users. Nevertheless, in some fairly rare situations, some annoying effects may occasionally occur. Even though these artifacts neither happen often nor to everyone we want to eliminate the effects by providing the following solution.
Issues reported as "Banding" and "Mirror/Ghost images"

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.

All customers having received their LEICA M8 before this delivery date will be offered an upgrade free of charge in Leica Camera AG's Customer Service in Solms. To upgrade your camera please, register yourself on our website as of December 6th, 2006. After you have registered you will be contacted by Customer Service to make an appointment to send in your LEICA M8.

Please note that even without this upgrade all cameras delivered before this date are in working order and can be used normally. Even so, we recommend you to have the upgrade performed.

Above-average sensitivity for infrared light (synthetic fabrics are rendered with a slight magenta offset)

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.

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).

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.
Continuing improvements through firmware updates

As is common with digital products, Leica Camera AG is constantly working on improving firmware details such as in the case of the automatic white balance. All improvements will be made available for our customers as downloadable firmware updates.

We are confident these corrective technical measures will fulfil every expectation of even the most demanding customers.

[darktiger]

Atleast they are a responsible company that did not require a court order in order for them to fix their problem.

[Duffy Pratt]

It doesn't say what they did to correct the banding, but they are doing factory upgrades on existing cameras. It will be interesting to see how people react to the M8.1.

I think the IR filter solution is a non-solution. I wonder if there is something about rangefinder design that makes an effective IR filter destructive to image quality? The alternative is that the SLR companies that have solved this problem are giving compromised/inferior quality than they otherwise could. I may be wrong, but I'm willing to bet that they adopted this solution because making the change in camera would require a complete re-engineering. If I'm right, then the M9 won't require the extra filters.

Duffy

[Glen_A]

Screw on lens filters for the IR problem? Why don't they just go to a better IR filter over the sensor? Guess that would make them just like everyone else huh?

[amadjuster]

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

(Clipped) If I'm right, then the M9 won't require the extra filters.

Duffy

That's if they are still around to make an M9. This like getting a high dollar yacht with a hole in the hull and instead of fixing the hole, the high dollar yacht company sends you a couple of corks in your choice of sizes. Rather "Mickey Mouse" for the alleged greatest camera company ever. Ny favorite part of the "official" announcement was that Leica was now going to rigidly test their product! I think I'll keep my Nikons.

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

It doesn't say what they did to correct the banding, but they are doing factory upgrades on existing cameras. It will be interesting to see how people react to the M8.1.

I think the IR filter solution is a non-solution. I wonder if there is something about rangefinder design that makes an effective IR filter destructive to image quality? The alternative is that the SLR companies that have solved this problem are giving compromised/inferior quality than they otherwise could. I may be wrong, but I'm willing to bet that they adopted this solution because making the change in camera would require a complete re-engineering. If I'm right, then the M9 won't require the extra filters.

Duffy

The problem with the RF design is the angel of incidence to the sensor is much more extreme because of the shorter distance from the base of the lens to the senor. Leica uses a very thin weak IR filter. The wanted to keep the resolution of the lenses at the maximum.

I don't know about the M9 (it may never happen) but I would be interested in an all B&W model with out any Bayer array and maybe a diferent IR filter.

[Spec A!]

Forgive my ignorance, but can they not manufacture a stronger IR filter in the same thin-ness as what they put in it? Why does it have to be thicker and not denser?

In reading their response I keep thinking they're still trying not to take responsibility. "fairly rare situations, some annoying effects may occasionally occur" As if this is an insignificant occurance that happened to like 4 people.

[tragic hero]

Originally Posted by Glen_A

Screw on lens filters for the IR problem? Why don't they just go to a better IR filter over the sensor? Guess that would make them just like everyone else huh?

according to that acticle because it would affect sharpness?

[Glen_A]

Originally Posted by tragic hero

according to that acticle because it would affect sharpness?

Right, and they have just learned what all other dslr makers have learned. You get color issues etc. So they came up with a wonderful fix, stick the IR filter on the lens. Now what is that going to do to the sharpness and contrast? Same problem just a rediculous fix. It is easier to recover sharpness and contrast during post processing. I am glad Canon doesn't think like Leica.