read it here (http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotographyfeatures/5316/the-future-of-leica.html)

to pursue digital 35mm full frame ;)

hmmm .. the statements never hinted that they are abandoning fourthirds. but having considered another format other than fourthirds may suggest Leica's lack of confidence to the standard. At first, I was impressed with the openness of fourthirds but seeing Oly "struggle" to come up with new models highlighting or taking advantage of the supposedly strenghts of the standard, I begin to doubt too.

The M8 is APS-C right?

The M8 is APS-C right?

not sure. But Leica's DSLR Digilux 3 is fourthirds.

Doesn't Leica share it's components with Panasonic?

Ken T.

Ken: Not with the m8, I think... the Digilux and DLux P&S are definite rebrands (pana body, Leica optics).

It says they plan to make "true Leica DSLR cameras" -- this probably means R-mount. They already have the optics, body chassis and mount. The digital back they made for the R9 film SLR points to a continuing R&D so they're probably working on a fully digital and autofocus R-mount system.

It says they plan to make "true Leica DSLR cameras" -- this probably means R-mount. They already have the optics, body chassis and mount. The digital back they made for the R9 film SLR points to a continuing R&D so they're probably working on a fully digital and autofocus R-mount system.

A twist to a reincarnation of the Minolta ... :)

Hmm, the original R series didn't really take off well, even Leica will have a hard time competing against C&N back in the film days in terms of SLR scene... What'll woo buyers to go Leica digital R, I wonder...

Hmm, the original R series didn't really take off well, even Leica will have a hard time competing against C&N back in the film days in terms of SLR scene... What'll woo buyers to go Leica digital R, I wonder...

Make the prices for their bodies and lenses competitive compared to C&N... :)

The Leica-R's are too expensive, and it has become more of a richboy's toy rather than an actual professional tool (which is what C&N market has concentrated on)...

Maybe they can do what Zeiss and Voigtlander are doing and offer lenses in various mounts. That could potentially kill their R line, but maybe that's for the better if it will sell more lenses. There's a huge market in EOS, F, K, A mount.

I think the Leica brand will continue in 4/3rds via the Panasonic connection.