Proceeds to go to press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders

In cooperation with WestLicht Photographica Auction House, Vienna, Leica Camera AG, Solms, is auctioning the first series-produced LEICA M8 camera. The auction is to take place during the next Westlicht auction on June 7th, 2008. The camera is estimated to be worth between 20,000 and 30,000 Euros; the starting price is 10,000 Euros. Leica Camera AG will donate the proceeds to the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders. The first LEICA M8 is being offered as lot number 147. Further information on the auction and the possibility of bidding online is available on the Internet at www.westlicht-auction.com.

The first LEICA M8 from the year 2006 bears the striking serial number 3100000. The camera is as new; it has not been used and therefore shows no signs of wear. The successful bidder will also receive a certificate signed by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, CEO of Leica Camera AG, confirming the authenticity of this first digital rangefinder camera of Leica. The camera will be supplied in an original LEICA M8 box including all the documents.

The LEICA M8 was introduced at photokina in Cologne in 2006 as the first digital camera in the Leica rangefinder system. All the key characteristics of the analog Leica reporter’s camera such as the compact design, the exceptional picture quality in conjunction with the Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition using the Leica rangefinder have been seamlessly carried over into the digital world.

This professional-standard digital camera “Made in Germany” uses an image sensor specially developed for the requirements of the Leica M system. Almost all Leica M system lenses made since 1954 are also suitable for digital photography, thanks to their high performance level. The combination of lenses, sensor and high-performance picture editing generates outstanding picture quality with a resolution of 10.3 million pixels. Measuring only 138.6 mm x 80.2 mm x 36.9 mm, the LEICA M8 adopts the ideal dimensions of the analog rangefinder camera LEICA M7. Except for a few differences in the controls, such as the absence of a winding lever and rewind knob, the front view of the LEICA M8 is practically identical with this analog model. The camera still retains the discretion and timeless elegance particularly valued by many customers. The precision assembly and adjustment of the camera and the painstaking checking of all mechanical and electronic details is done by hand at the Leica factory in Solms. Leica’s after-sales service offers maintenance and repair for decades to enable the camera to retain its value for a long time. Even today, all M cameras since 1954 are still serviced and repaired at Leica. Further product information on the LEICA M8 is available on the Internet at www.leica-camera.com.

Reporters Without Borders
More than a third of the world’s population live in countries without press freedom. Reporters Without Borders works every day to ensure than news is available to everyone. Alerted by their worldwide network of more than 130 correspondents, they expose press freedom violations in all countries by informing the media and public opinion through press releases and publicity campaigns. They defend journalists and media workers who are in prison or hounded for doing their job and expose their ill-treatment and torture that is still common in many countries. They support journalists threatened in their own country and give financial help to their families when needed. Reporters Without Borders fights to roll back censorship and campaigns against laws curbing press freedom. They also work to improve the safety of journalists, especially in war-zones, and help rebuild media outlets in difficulty with funding and equipment. Further information: www.rsf.org.