The Leica M (Type 240) has been around for just over a year and only now is it becoming "generally" (though not readily) available via dealers after considerable delays. Many of the accessories for the M are still not available, despite being given a timeline of when they'd be shipping. For example, only recently has the Multifunctional Handgrip M begun shipping as well as spare BP-SCL2 batteries. The long-awaited R-Adapter M is still MIA, as is the regular Handgrip M and Finger Loops (S M and L).

The first firmware update v1.1.0.2) in March of 2013 served only to add some lens vignetting correction, while the recent, yet long-overdue firmware update (v2.0.0.11) corrected several more issues, including further improved vignetting correction and white balance accuracy as well as over half a dozen software bugs.

Using wide angles on the Leica M is still inconsistent (producing "red edge") and color/white balance issues continue. On the hardware side, things got off to a rough start with strap lugs coming loose on early models - which still seems to happen on occasion. Other issues have continued, including long-standing random camera lockups, as well as in extreme (hot/cold) ambient temperatures (when using the EVF), overexposure of images (especially after updating to the latest firmware), potential banding at high ISOs, questionable Auto-ISO behavior and intermittent battery drainage issues, among others.

Granted, the Leica M (Type 240) is a completely new (hardware) design - and subject to some teething problems. However, it's over a year after the announcement and even less since it became "available." Obtaining one is still difficult while the accessories remain essentially non-existent. Leica has chalked this up to "overwhelming demand" and of course, limited production capacity in their old digs. We'd hope that going forward, quality control improves as well as production capacity once the new Leitz Park comes online. Make no mistake; we love our Leica gear and want nothing but Leica Camera to succeed - but this is a frustrating state of affairs.