Leica USA will finally begin its Leica M8 upgrade service on October 1, 2008; the service had earlier been scheduled and postponed in the past. The Leica upgrade program allows owners of the M8 to keep the rangefinder camera state-of-the-art by integrating new technological developments.
Add a scratch-resistant sapphire glass LCD screen cover ($950), replace the shutter with a quieter one ($1,025) or do both for $1,450.
You may also opt for some prettifying touches: personal engraving on the top plate ($260), signature engraving on top plate ($425) and vulcanite leatherette body ($330).
With the upgrade the customer also gains an all-inclusive worry-free logistic package, according to Leica: Wherever the M8 owner lives in the world, he or she can ask for the M8 to be collected and returned. In addition, all camera functions will be inspected and adjusted by Leica technicians, who will also install the latest firmware. After the upgrade, a LEICA M8 is given a new two-year factory warranty with coverage equivalent to that of a new camera.
Technically, all LEICA M8 rangefinder cameras that have ever been built are suitable for the upgrade.
[Site: Leica US]