In an interview with BJP and other UK-based photography magazines, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Leica's head of supervisory board, refused to comment on ongoing product development, but said that he looked at the M series as a family of cameras with different models such as the M9 and the possible M10 sold alongside each other. "Let's talk around Photokina," he added. "We have two events this year [this one in Berlin and Photokina in September] because we have such a huge product roadmap at the moment."

When asked if such a new camera could include high-definition video recording features, Kaufmann said that "theoretically, yes," adding that there are some issues with introducing video in a camera - "the data rate, the heat, and the battery lifecycle, but I think we solved that. No comment until we show it on existing and new models."

He added: "HD video is interesting, and a lot of photographers would love to have it [in an M body]."

But Leica's head of supervisory board confirmed that the brand would continue to work with Truesense Imaging, the equity firm that took over Kodak's sensor operations, to use their sensors in future models of the M series.

This year's Photokina trade show is expected to be huge for Leica, which will have a larger presence than in 2010. "We have taken all of Hall 1," said CEO Alfred Schopf. Traditionally, Hall 1 of Cologne's exhibition centre is dedicated to photo galleries, universities and international photography magazines. Leica has pledged to respect that history, putting on a series of shows by Magnum Photos members and other photographers that have been using Leica's cameras, as well opening the doors to schools and universities.