The introduction of Leica's first digital M series hasn't gone quite as
smoothly as they will have hoped, before the camera even reached owners
some reviewers spotted some issues with the imaging side of the camera
(Banding, Mirror/Ghost effect and IR sensitivity). Leica issued a
statement two weeks ago that they were aware and were working on a
solution. Today they have announced the 'action plan', firstly that the
Banding and Mirror/Ghost images issue can be rectified by returning
your camera to LEICA for repair (and that all new M8's leaving Solms
will not suffer from this problem). Secondly the solution for 'above
average' IR sensitivity are IR filters which attach to the front of the
lens, Leica will be offering two free filters to all M8 owners.

Press Release:
Upgrade for the LEICA M8 available

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.