Rangefinder cameras have a cult following among photo-enthusiasts: the combination of mirror-less design and compact body, large viewing area, and a requirement that you often manually control exposure settings is part of the appeal.
New to this field is the Leica M8 "White", the brand's first digital rangefinder, which and what might be the ultimate status symbol for the truly devoted photography enthusiast.
Australian distributors Adeal list the M8 White at a cool AU$14,750. While you're considering that, keep in mind that this isn't a DSLR. Also, there's no autofocus.
What you do get is a limited edition camera, but one that, according to Leica, offers superior precision and speed. The kit includes a silver anodized Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH lens. The M8 isn't a full frame camera, but the M8 range does have a 27 x 18 mm CCD sensor.
The camera body itself has "vulcanite leathering" which extends to the top, base and back. Oh, and the set includes a white leather strap.
Owners of the M8 White will at least take comfort in the knowledge they're part of an exclusive club. Leica specialists Adeal are pushing the unit as an "asset" to Leica collectors. The number of M8 White units available in Australia is "very small". The Leica site says there are only 275 M8 White models, and each one comes with a certificate of authenticity.
