Leica fires CEO after full-frame M speculation

Possibly miffed over his hints in an interview that the company had a full-frame digital rangefinder in the works, Leica has abruptly fired Steven K. Lee, its CEO. According to British photo magazine Amateur Photographer, Lee's temporary successor, Andreas Kaufmann, will "review all options for the M system's future." A permanent replacement is expected after February 28.

In a controversial interview with AP, Lee suggested that Leica would unveil a digital M rangefinder camera (possibly an upgraded M8) with a full 35mm frame sensor later this year at Photokina.

Under Lee's watch, the Leica M8's release in 2006 was tainted by initial problems with white balance and infrared sensitivity. There is speculation that Lee's statements about a full-frame Leica M were premature.