Leica M8.2
The Leica M8.2 was introduced in 2008282 and produced until to 2009357.
It had new shutter that was quieter and featured lower kinetic forces due to a reduction in the travel speed of the blades282. However, this change meant that the maximum shutter speed was now 1/4000th of a second, down from the previous 1/8000th of a second282. Additionally, the maximum flash sync speed was reduced to 1/180th of a second, compared to the earlier 1/250th of a second282.
The camera also included an auto ISO function that increased the ISO setting automatically if light levels fell below what was necessary for correct exposure282. Users could set a minimum preferred shutter speed and a maximum ISO setting to be used in conjunction with this feature282.
A delayed wind-on feature could be activated in the main menu, which "held" the wind-on until the user lifted their finger off the shutter release282. This design allowed users to avoid the noise of the wind-on drive in tricky situations, such as when they wanted to muffle the sound by keeping the camera under their coat282.
Additionally, the new 'S' function simplified many of the settings for users who wanted to operate the Leica M8.2 as a high-end point-and-shoot camera282. The viewfinder frames were also optimized for a 2-meter focusing distance instead of the 0.7 meters used in the Leica M8282.
Some cosmetic changes were made as well282. Notably, a new ‘vulcanite’ covering was introduced, and the black model featured black paint with a black dot Leica logo, replacing the red dot logo that had previously been on the front of the camera282. There was also a stronger detent to prevent accidental movement of the shutter switch into the delayed action position282. The viewing screen was updated to use ultra-hard ‘sapphire’ glass for improved scratch resistance282.
A quick procedure for setting exposure compensation was also implemented282. Users could do this by holding the shutter release at the first pressure point while rotating the control dial282.
Product codes were 10711 for black paint and 10712 for the silver chrome finish361.
Gifts
In 2008, a Leica M8.2 with the special serial number 3555555 was awarded to Woody Allen356.
Special Editions of Leica M8.2
Leica M8.2 "Isetan" was introduced in 2008357. This special series was developed for the Japanese department stores Isetan357. The camera was painted black and had a red leather covering357. The Leica dot was also black357.
Leica M8.2 "White Edition" was introduced in 2009403. Only 12 cameras were produced403. Examples included:
- body number 3561123, dated 2009
Leica M8.2 "Safari" was introduced in 2009357. The Safari set consisted of an olive green painted camera with olive green leather trim and a silver anodized Elmarit-M 28 f/2.8 ASPH357. The set was delivered with a carrying strap made of genuine brown calfskin in an olive green camera bag, designed and produced by the British brand Billingham357. Examples included:
- body number 3560098, dated 2009, with lens 4078214
Leica M8.2 "60th anniversary People’s republic of China" was introduced in 2009 or 2010 in quantity of 100 cameras355,357. This special edition was released on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China355,357. The silver chrome-plated camera had an elaborate red engraving of the Tiananmen building on the top plate, including the year engraving "1949-2009", and a special numbering also engraved in red355,357.