Rumors have been
circulating for quite some time about what news we might expect from Leica at
this year’s Photokina in Cologne, the largest photography exhibition anywhere.
As of today, the rumors
have been replaced by facts. Our friends
David Farkas and Josh Lehrer of Leica Store Miami report:
LEICA S3 MEDIUM FORMAT
DSLR ANNOUNCED
By Josh Lehrer
Today at Photokina, Leica
has announced the S3, the highly anticipated successor to the S (Typ 007)
medium format digital SLR. Details are relatively light at this point as the S3
is slated for delivery in Spring of 2019. What we do know today is that the S3
will feature a brand new, Leica-specific 64 megapixel CMOS sensor, nearly
double the 37.5 megapixel resolution found on previous S cameras. This new
sensor has a maximum ISO of 50,000 and, significantly, can capture full-frame
medium format 4K video. As with the S (Typ 007), the S3 features Wi-Fi, GPS,
full weather sealing, and a durable magnesium body.
This is great news for the
S-system. Near the end of last year, we conducted a survey about what S users
wanted in the next model. You can check that survey out and see the results
here: Thoughts on the Next Generation Leica S. When it came to resolution, the
majority of users wanted 60 megapixels and the 64 megapixel sensor in the S3
fits that requirement perfectly. I’ve seen a number of extremely large prints
from the S (Typ 007) that look incredible, so I’m quite excited to see what the
S3 will produce.
Another top requested
feature was an improvement in high ISO capability. The S3’s maximum ISO of
50,000 is a 2-stop improvement over the 12,500 maximum ISO of the S (Typ 007).
Knowing what the 007 is already capable of at higher ISO’s (check out Night
Shooting with the Leica S (Typ 007) for that), I can imagine that the S3 will
be even more useful in hand-held, low light shooting situations.
More on the S3 still to
come
David Farkas is on-site at
Photokina. He was at the press event and will be heading to the Leica booth
tomorrow at the show to see about getting hands-on with a prototype S3 camera.
He’ll also be sitting down with Stephan Schulz, head of professional products
for Leica, as well as Toni Felsner, product manager for the S camera.
Hopefully, we’ll get some more details tomorrow. So, keep checking Red Dot
Forum for updates as we learn them.
Leica’s official release
Leica Camera presented the
upcoming Leica S3 at Photokina today. This announcement comes ten years after
Leica Camera first introduced a new medium format camera system, the Leica S2.
The S2 was followed by the Leica S (Typ 006) in 2012 and the Leica S (Typ 007)
in 2015. Along the way, the S-System was further improved with changes to the
handling concept, range of functions, completion of the lens system, switch
from CCD to CMOS sensor technology and the launch of the Maestro II processor.
The features of the Leica
S3 include a 64 MP CMOS Sensor designed exclusively for Leica, ISO up to
50,000, full frame medium format Cine 4K Video System, integrated Wi-Fi and
GPS. The Leica S3 is constructed with exceptionally high quality and resilient
materials including a magnesium body, a Corning® Gorilla ®Glass cover plate for
the monitor screen and a lens bayonet made from durable stainless steel. The
camera has numerous seals that protect it from dust and splashes. Sales for the
Leica S3 will start in Spring 2019.
LEICA ANNOUNCES L-MOUNT
ALLIANCE WITH PANASONIC AND SIGMA
By David Farkas
Today at a special press
conference the day before Photokina 2018, Leica announced a new strategic
alliance with partners Panasonic and Sigma. The L-Mount Alliance seeks to
create cameras and lenses around the L-Mount, which Leica currently uses for
its APS System cameras, the TL2 and CL, as well as its full frame professional
mirrorless body, the SL.
Immediately following
Leica’s press event, Panasonic held one of its own, where they debuted the
first product of the alliance. The LUMIX S series will be a full frame
mirrorless camera system based around the L Mount. And while Sigma didn’t have
any official announcements today, they did hint that they might be showing off
some new L-Mount lenses here at the show.
L-Mount Alliance logo
The move is an interesting
one for all parties involved. Leica is obviously the optical powerhouse,
Panasonic the electronics expert and Sigma bringing additional lower-priced
lenses and lens adapters to the table. With an open mount standard across three
companies, the speed of innovation will most certainly improve, as will the
end-user options. Leica and Panasonic have already been collaborators since
2001, so they already have an established working relationship. This move just
strengthens that existing partnership.
The heads of Leica,
Panasonic and Sigma discussing the L-Mount Alliance
It will be interesting to
see how this all plays out over the next few years, as each member pursues its
own R&D and own products, while sharing technology and resources. This
could be very, very good for photographers in the near future.
Press Release
The L-Mount Alliance: a
strategic cooperation between Leica Camera, Panasonic and Sigma
Cologne, 25 September
2018. At the company’s press conference prior to the opening of photokina 2018,
Leica Camera AG, Panasonic and Sigma announced a strategic partnership. The
‘L-Mount Alliance’ is a previously unparalleled form of collaboration that will
particularly benefit the customers of all three partners. The collaboration
enables Panasonic and Sigma to make use of the L-Mount standard developed by
Leica for their own developments and to offer both cameras and lenses utilizing
this lens mount. As a joint effort of all three partners, this alliance will
increase the importance of the L -Mount technology to the world of photography
even further.
Due to their numerous
interchangeable components, system cameras are extremely versatile and can be
individually configured for a wide range of photographic needs. Here, the
bayonet is the most important interface, because the lens makes a decisive
contribution to imaging performance and, in turn, to the quality of the final
results. Thanks to the strategic partnership between Leica, Panasonic and
Sigma, customers will be able to choose from a much wider selection of cameras
and lenses without having to limit themselves to a particular brand, as all
three brands will share the same proprietary bayonet mount.
Dr. Andreas Kaufmann,
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG and majority shareholder:
“For photographers, the ability to
choose from a wide range of lenses for their system of preference is extremely
important. Especially in the strongly growing market for mirrorless system
cameras, users seek increasingly greater product diversity to fulfill a wide
range of different photographic needs. We have therefore decided to work
together with prominent partners in the photographic segment as an immediate
response to these needs. Our long-established partnership with Panasonic is a
collaboration based on mutual trust, and the company’s expertise in the area of
electronics is unquestioned. Sigma is also a highly respected company that has
become firmly established especially in the areas of optical design and lens
manufacturing and is able to perfectly complement our existing portfolio of
L-Mount products. We are convinced that we and our partners can realize mutual
and sustainable growth for all our products.”
Mr. Tetsuro Homma, Senior
Managing Executive Officer, Panasonic Corporation: “Panasonic has always
focused on revolutionizing the camera sector to make the lives of photo
enthusiasts easier, more sophisticated and more enjoyable. Our longstanding
partnership with Leica has brought many high-performance and high-quality
digital cameras to the market; fusing Leica’s superior optical technology with
Panasonic’s digital technologies. Our partnership has enabled us to accelerate
the development of excellent digital camera products, and the L-Mount alliance
with Leica and Sigma is a great example of such acceleration. This is an
alliance of growing players, which will make a fundamental difference to the
future of the imaging industry. We have always been a challenger, bringing
innovation to the industry under the slogan of “Changing Photography” to meet
the high expectations of professionals. Our partnership with Leica and Sigma
will create additional business opportunities for our businesses, but more
importantly will advance our customers’ joy of photography.”
Mr. Kazuto Yamaki, Chief
Executive Officer, SIGMA Corporation: “As cameras evolved into digital and
mirrorless, requirements from users and systems introduced by each brands
diversified. Currently, there are overwhelming choices for users, but in terms
of extensibility and possibility, the system truly meets user’s needs is not
yet available. SIGMA is joining this
alliance to develop mirrorless cameras benefiting from a short flange
back. As SIGMA strives to develop high performance, high quality and innovative
products, this alliance will strengthen the level of completion and the
extensibility of our camera system and provide greater user benefits. Leica is
a magnificent company that has been contributing to photographic cultures for
more than 100 years, and Panasonic is leading the industry by developing
reliable technologies across various fields. Together with SIGMA’s unique, high
performance and high quality products, the L-Mount will evolve as an extremely
attractive system for users.”
About the L-Mount
The L-Mount was developed
by Leica Camera under the proviso of providing customers with a future-proof, flexible,
robust and precise bayonet mount that would fulfill even the most demanding
photographic needs. Since its initial appearance in 2014 within the Leica T,
development of the L-Mount was continued by Leica as well as by its strategic
partners, which led to significant improvements and therefore an effectively
new and more polished L-Mount technology.
To ensure maximum product
diversity, the diameter of 51.6 millimeters was chosen to make the L -Mount
suitable for use not only with full-frame cameras, but also on cameras with
APS-C sensors. The short register of only 20 millimeters enables a short
distance between the lens and the sensor, which in turn enables considerably
more compact construction – which is particularly helpful for developments in the
wide-angle lens segment. To ensure resistance to even the most extreme
stresses, and to guarantee customers maximum reliability in many years in
intensive use, the camera bayonets are manufactured from wear-resistant
stainless steel and with four flange segments that prevent canting and ensure
particularly secure and precisely positioned lens attachment. The standardized
L-Mount contact strip ensures trouble-free communication between the electronic
components of the lens and the camera – including the possibility of installing
future firmware updates for lenses to react to technological advances and
exploit the full performance potentials of the lens.
The lens mount is
currently used in the Leica SL full-frame camera system and the Leica CL, TL2
and TL APS-C camera models. All lenses made for the various different systems
can be used on all cameras without adapters and without any functional
limitations – this illustrates only one of the numerous benefits the common
bayonet brings for customers. In the near future, not only Leica Camera AG, but
also Panasonic and Sigma will be announcing further products that use the
common standard.
LEICA ANNOUNCES CL IN
SILVER ANODIZED FINISH
By David
Farkas
Today, just ahead of the
start of Photokina 2018, Leica has announced that its popular Leica CL
mirrorless camera will soon be available in a silver anodized finish. All the
technical specifications and features of the camera remain the same as the
original black version. Just as Leica has done with other cameras like the M
and the Q, the silver finish on the CL offers a clean, fresh and classic look.
The top plate, bottom
plate and control dials are all silver anodized aluminum, with the body wrapped
in a black leather. The rear buttons and direction pad are the standard black
in order to match the body. The combo, especially when paired with a silver lens,
is stunning.
Thumb Support
To complete the look,
Leica is also launching a matching silver anodized thumb support which slides
into the hot shoe. Priced at $195, the machined aluminum thumb rest provides
nice added comfort and stability and is great add-on.
Pricing and Availability
The Leica CL, silver
anodized is slated to start shipping next month (October 2018) and is priced at
$2,795 for the body only. There are two kits available as well. For those
wanting the smallest possible package, the CL Prime Kit includes the 18mm f/2.8
Elmamrit-TL pancake lens, which is also finished in matching silver, for
$3,795. For those wanting the convenience of a standard zoom the CL Vario Kit
comes bundled with the 18-56mm Vario-Elmar-TL for $3,995. Both kits represent a
decent savings over buying a la carte, $295 and $450, respectively.
The CL, silver anodized
and both CL, silver anodized kits are now available for pre-order at Leica
Store Miami by clicking one of the links below, emailing info@leicastoremiami.com,
or by calling 305-921-4433.
Leica CL, silver anodized
(body only) – $2,795
Leica CL, silver anodized
Prime Kit with Elmarit-TL 18mm – $3,795
Leica CL, silver anodized
Vario Kit with Vario-Elmar-TL 18-56mm – $3,995
Press Release
Alternative design option
for the Leica CL
Leica Camera AG has
expanded the product portfolio of the APS-C system and now presents a silver
version of the Leica CL compact system camera.
Wetzlar, 25 September
2018. Leica Camera AG has expanded the product portfolio of the APS-C system
and is now offering a second design option of the Leica CL compact system
camera in silver. Inspired by the iconic design of the black CL, the new design
option is distinguished by its classical combination of black and silver
elements. The top deck and the base plate are silver anodized and create a
distinctive contrast to the black of the leather trim. The control elements of
the top deck are also finished in silver and ideally complement the elegant
appearance of the camera. To improve handling, a color-matched thumb rest is
now also available in silver as an accessory for the new model.
The silver version of the
Leica CL is on sale from October. The technical specifications of both models
of the CL are identical. One of the outstanding features of the Leica CL is its
electronic viewfinder with EyeRes technology developed by Leica especially for
this camera. With a latency time below the threshold of perception and a
resolution of 2.36 million pixels, the EyeRes® viewfinder offers an impressive
viewing experience and numerous advantages: As the final image is visible in
the viewfinder before the shutter release is pressed, users have complete
control over the composition of their subjects.
In combination with the
high-resolution, 24 MP, APS-C format sensor of the Leica CL, a Maestro II
series processor and fast auto focus with 49 metering points guarantee maximum
picture quality in all photographic situations. The Leica CL is not only an impressive
still picture camera, this also applies to moving pictures captured with its
video function at a resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second.
The Leica CL also equipped
with an integrated Wi-Fi module. Pictures and videos can be sent by a wireless
connection to smartphones, tablets or computers and quickly and easily shared
by email or in social networks with the Leica CL App for iOS or Android. In
addition to this, the remote function of the app lets mobile devices be used as
an off-camera viewfinder or for altering exposure parameters – for example when
shooting with the self-timer function or from unusual angles. The new Leica
Photos App can also be used with the Leica CL, and will be available from
October 2018.
With its compact size and
iconic design, the Leica CL is an ideal everyday companion, while its
user-friendly handling concept makes it an intuitive tool for capturing
spontaneous and discreet pictures. All essential controls are located on its
top plate. In addition to the electronic viewfinder, there are two dials for
setting the aperture, shutter speed ISO value, and exposure compensation.
Everything is so conveniently located that photographs can be made without
taking the camera from the eye. An additional display on the top plate
instantly provides information about all relevant settings and exposure
parameters. Together with the perfectly defined release pressure point, this
ensures that users have absolute control over every picture they take with the
Leica CL.
An extensive portfolio of
TL-Lenses in black or silver anodized finish is also available for the Leica
CL. The lenses offer superior imaging performance and are responsible for the
exceptionally high picture quality delivered by the Leica APS-C System. The
portfolio of compact and fast lenses with focal lengths from 17 to 200 mm
offers infinite opportunities for all kinds of creative photography. Thanks to
the elegant simplicity of the design, the three zoom lenses – the
Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/11–23 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5– 5.6/18–56
ASPH. and the APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/55–135 ASPH. – and four prime lenses
– the Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/18 ASPH., Summicron-TL 1:2/23 ASPH., Summilux-TL
1:1.4/35 ASPH. and the APO-Macro Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/60 ASPH. – perfectly complement
the Leica CL, not only in terms of technological excellence, but also in looks.
Developed by optical
engineering specialists in Wetzlar, the Leica TL-Lenses all offer the
exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are famed. The
combination of optical and precision engineering expertise and the use of
finest materials in their construction ensures their constant quality and
reliability in use.
Thanks to the L-Bayonet
mount shared by the Leica TL- and SL-Systems, SL-Lenses can also be used without
an adapter on the CL and the TL2. Appropriate adapters are also available for
using Leica M- and R-Lenses on the cameras. As a consequence of the ‘L-Mount
Alliance’, announced shortly before the opening of photokina 2018, which grants
Panasonic and Sigma licenses to use the
L-Mount Standard developed by Leica and offer lenses and cameras with this lens
mount, the Leica CL is also ideally prepared for future developments.
An extensive range of
technical- and style-accessories ideally complements the Leica APS-C system
product portfolio.
LEICA RELEASES NEW FOTOS
APP FOR WI-FI CONNECTIVITY
By David Farkas
Today, Leica Camera has
announced the Leica FOTOS app. A brand new mobile app for iOS and Android, the
Leica FOTOS app provides support for almost all Wi-Fi enabled Leica camera
models. This is a dramatic change from the one app per camera approach they’ve
taken thus far. The unified app also features Easy Connect, support for
connecting multiple cameras (although not at the same time), a vastly improved
UI, and expanded functionality. Users can still expect remote camera control,
along with enhanced review, download and sharing options.
Features
- Easy to connect to smartphone
- The ability to transfer on the go means that one can instantly get RAW photos on the phone and control the type of files being transferred
- Immersive viewing provides the ability to check exposure and see every detail.
- Remotely control the camera which allows for every moment to be captured easily.
- Easy access to camera settings
- Edit and share easily as all post production work can be done on the phone in seconds
Easy Connect
Many current Leica camera
models already feature QR codes for setting up Wi-Fi. By November, almost all
will be updated with Easy Connect functionality. With the latest iteration,
Leica has managed to take out all the guesswork, and busywork, of pairing your
camera and phone together. No more sub-menus for SSID name and password. No
more sub-menus for setting a connection mode.
And, just a single click
with the FN button allows for a one-step pairing process. When the app launches
next month, the S, M10, CL, TL2, TL and T will already have built-in support
for Easy Connect. The SL, Q and C-Lux will all get firmware updates in
November. Compacts like the D-Lux and V-Lux won’t be joining in on the Easy
Connect party, but will still work with the new app with basic connectivity.
Availability
The Leica FOTOS app is set
to launch on October 25, 2018. It can be downloaded for iOS and Android devices
through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store respectively. The app is free
of charge.
Press Release
Leica FOTOS: universal app
for smartphones enters public testing phase in time for photokina 2018
Wetzlar, 25 September
2018. Leica Camera AG today announces an entirely new photo app for Leica
cameras – Leica FOTOS. As everyday companions, today’s smartphones handle a
number of tasks in a single device. Alongside the usual functions,
photographers often also wish to have mobile digital image processing, image
management and options for sharing their pictures on-board. In the past, Leica
Camera offered a wide range of apps that could be downloaded and installed for
various different cameras. As of now, the Leica FOTOS app replaces them all.
The focus in the
development of the Leica FOTOS app was tightly set on the user experience and
how it could be made as comprehensive and as uncomplicated as possible. As a
result of this, the app enables Leica photographers to seamlessly integrate
their smartphones in their daily photographic workflow – from connectivity with
the camera, data transfer and mobile digital post processing to sharing the
finished pictures in social media – easily, conveniently and quickly.
Leica FOTOS connects
directly to the camera via Wi-Fi and saves the registration details to make
future connections between the camera and the app as fast and convenient as
possible. Leica FOTOS enables photographers to access the Live View function of
the camera and remotely change exposure-relevant settings such as the aperture,
the ISO value, the shutter speed and exposure compensation from a smartphone.
It naturally also allows wireless control of the shutter release, which opens
up entirely new creative opportunities.
Thanks to the
high-resolution displays of modern smartphones, pictures can be viewed
immediately at full size to assess their sharpness. The exposure parameters are
also displayed, which can be extremely helpful for adjusting the settings for
subsequent exposures.
As soon as a personal
selection has been made, the pictures can either be shared in social networks,
or saved for mobile post processing in the smartphone. Leica FOTOS can be used
for this in combination with many popular software tools, ranging from Adobe®
Lightroom® Mobile® to VSCO®. To exploit the full potentials of digital image
processing, the pictures can also be transferred to the respective post
processing app in DNG RAW data format. If users wish to save the finished
pictures after processing on their smartphone, they can take advantage of the
option for saving them to a separate Leica Album – this keeps painstakingly composed
and processed pictures from the Leica FOTOS app separate from simple snapshots.
The Leica FOTOS app
currently supports Leica S (Typ 007), Leica SL, Leica M10, Leica M10-P, Leica
Q, Leica TL2, Leica TL, Leica T, Leica CL, Leica D-Lux and Leica V-Lux cameras.
Further camera models will be added in the near future.
From today, Leica
customers can register for a free beta-version of the Leica FOTOS app for iOS
and Android devices at fotosapp.leica-camera.com. The app will continue to be
available free of charge after completion of the beta-evaluation phase.
LEICA SL FIRMWARE 3.3
RELEASED
By Josh Lehrer
Today, Leica Camera has
released firmware version 3.3 for the SL (Typ 601) full-frame mirrorless
camera. In addition to adding compatibility with the new Leica FOTOS app for
wireless control (learn more about the new app here), firmware 3.3 adds a few
new settings and tweaks for both power saving and auto review.
The new firmware can be
downloaded here: Leica SL Firmware 3.3 – (It’s a big file at 112MB, so be sure
the LFU file is 100% downloaded before you copy it to your SD card!) Remember,
you must have a FULLY charged battery in your SL when doing the firmware
update, as the process can take up to 10 minutes to complete the update. Be sure
your SD card with firmware is in slot 1 (the top slot). If you need help
updating, scroll down to see our step-by-step video tutorial.
The official release
notes, from Leica:
Power Saving Mode
-Changed functionality:
While not using electronic viewfinder or any operating elements, the camera
will go into ‘Auto Power Off’ after a fixed amount of time.
-Changed the timing from 3
to 10 seconds.
Auto Review
-Additional option
‘Shutter pressed’ has been added to Auto Review settings
-Option ‘Off’ no longer
enables the camera to show Auto Review while shutter release is
pressed.
Instructions for Updating
SL Firmware
We’ve made a short video
tutorial on how to update your SL firmware, which can be found here:
How to Update SL Firmware
LEICA RELEASES NEW
FIRMWARE FOR M10 & M10-P
By Josh Lehrer
Today, Leica has released
new firmware versions for both the M10 and M10-P digital rangefinder cameras.
The firmware specifically allows the cameras to function via WiFi with the new
Leica FOTOS app, which is being released next month. Compared to working with
the Leica M app, this update makes it far easier to connect the M10 to your iOS
or Android device wirelessly. You can learn more about the new app here: Leica
Releases New FOTOS App.
Disclaimer: If you are
currently using the Leica M iOS app to control your M10 via WiFi, this new
firmware will no longer allow you to do so. You will not be able to use WiFi on
your M10 until the new Leica FOTOS app is released.
Previously, the M10’s WiFi
connection process was quite tedious. You had to manually create and enter a
network password, unlike most of Leica’s other WiFi-enabled cameras that have a
QR code you scan to automatically set up the network on your iOS (and now
Android) device. The new firmware makes the process much simpler. There are no
longer any options or settings in the camera’s WLAN menu to complicate the
process. Simply select WLAN in the main menu, and the camera automatically
activates the WiFi. Use the FOTOS app to scan the displayed QR code and you are
connected. I can’t think of a way this could be easier!
For complete details and more pictures of all the Leica news from Photokina go here:
For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right
To comment or to read comments please scroll past the ads below.
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For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right
To comment or to read comments please scroll past the ads below.
All ads present items of interest to Leica owners.
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