This information is is based on a Leica Forum that happened few weeks ago in Germany. The presenter form Leica was Mr. Stefan Daniel who is the head of the M division at Leica in Solms. Here is run down on the report:
R-System:
– no new R lens at Photokina
– R9 still in production
– autofocus may come
M-System:
– many surprises for Photokina advertised
– the name Noctilux will be a part of the future M lens family
– a new fixed wide angle lens will come for Photokina
– the preferred sensor supplier for M will still be Kodak
– Tri Elmar 28-35-50 is no longer in production
Four-Thirds:
– there will be no Leica labeled Olympus E-3
D-Lux, etc.:
– there will be new models in corporation with Panasonic for Photokina.
– Leica will introduce a FF R10 and a new corresponding AF -lens line as prototype. Production will start late 2009.
– There will not be a new Leica FT model – but Leica will continue together with Panasonic the FTs line ( – think whatever you believe imho it is an Ausstieg¹ )
– FoMag is waiting for a new “Leica-Knaller” (Big Leica-Bang) which will be introduced at Sept. 15th in a press conference. FoMag will publish the news on a separate FoMag internet page.
