LEICA SPONSORED PHOTO WORKSHOP

Leica Camera announced that there's still time to apply for the photo workshop with Steve McCurry during St.Moritz Art Masters on August 31-September 1.

THE EXPRESSION OF IDENTITY WORKSHOP :

A two-day photo workshop with Steve McCurry, Jock Sturges and Amedeo M.Turello

August 31 – September 1, 2012

Nira Alpina

Renowned photographers Steve McCurry, Jock Sturges and Amedeo M.Turello will each present a half-day practical workshop on portraiture, figurative and fashion photography during the St Moritz Art Masters 2012. The workshops will provide students with an exceptional opportunity to witness three very different artists at work and aims to drive each student further in their expectations of the medium. All photographers will be on hand throughout each workshop allowing students to plan out their shots.

A breakfast at the Nira Alpina on day 1 will give all participants a chance to meet the photographers, allowing the students intimate, unprecedented access to the artists and offering the opportunity answer any questions prior to work commencing. Constant discussion throughout the sessions is encouraged however, due to over subscription in 2011, the photography workshops have been scaled down and numbers will be limited.

Friday August 31 - Day 1

Breakfast with the Photographers

9h – 10h

Nira Alpina

10h – 13h 

Figurative with Jock Sturges - The Portrait and the Nude

Nira Alpina

This demonstration course will consist of an in depth immersion in both the technical and psychological challenges inherent to making clothed and nude portraits. Paramount will be a close examination of the concept of relationship in working with models with an emphasis on accepting as opposed to imposing “poses”. On the technical end, a rapid, intuitive use of the camera will be taught. There will be an emphasis on skills that are intended to liberate them from the sort of deliberate methodology that is so often inimical to spontaneity.

13h – 17h

Portraiture with Steve McCurry

Nira Alpina

This unique and intimate workshop given by one of the world’s most successful photographers is a chance to witness how the perfect portrait image can be structured. Steve is open to all questions and will take time to explain his methodology in detail. Working with almost no external equipment apart from his camera, he shows that the real technique lies in the soul of the photographer. The workshop at the Nira Alpina will be the only workshop given in Europe this year.

Saturday September 1  - Day 2

Fashion with Amedeo M.Turello -

10h – 16h

Nira Alpina

This workshop will be a unique opportunity for students to work closely with the fashion industry, in tandem with a team of professional models, stylists, hair stylists and make up artists. The aim of the course is to let your imagination illustrate situations in which an editorial for a generic fashion magazine is planned and produced. Students will work with female models in order to produce strong images that provoke in every student new challenges and expectations. The workshop is an extreme, personal and intimate search between the subject and the students and is supervised by Amedeo and his team allowing each student to express their own personal vision through their images. Amedeo will also illustrate with concrete examples the logic and reasoning between commission demands and personal creativeness.

Please note that the workshop will be held in English.

Please send your application to: zr@amedeoturello.com

Price Photo Workshop: CHF 480.00

Special hotel packages with Photo Workshop starting from CHF 328.00!

In cooperation with selected hotels we are able to offer you a package.

The package can be booked here.

The package includes:

2 nights hotel accommodation in a double room with breakfast in a 3* or 4* or 5* hotel

Mountain rides and/or use of the Upper Engadin public transport at selected hotels free

Ticket for St.Moritz Art Masters Tribute to Photography Night – Thursday, August 30, 2012

Participation at Photo-Workshop with the opportunity to test LEICA cameras and get tips and tricks from the LEICA specialists

VIP-Bag with information material and publications of St. Moritz Art Masters

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/MbAVOZ

LEITZ PARK, WETZLAR – NEWS AND PROGRESS REPORT

Work on the new Leica Camera headquarters at Leitz Park in Wetzlar is progressing on schedule for the opening in November of 2013.  Here are the latest pictures of the construction site, taken on August 8, 2012 by ‘HoSeidel’, who graciously allowed his pictures to be published here.

The pictures show the construction site for the new Leica Camera headquarters.  The building immediately to the left is Weller Feinwerktechnik and the company of Viaoptic GmbH to the left of it.

The location of these two companies so close to the Leica Camera headquarters is no accident.  They are both closely connected to Leica Camera.  Their Chairman of the Supervisory, Board Dr. Kaufmann, bought both companies through his capital management company ACM.

Weller Feinwerktechnik

Uwe Weller Feinwerktechnik develops designs and produces premium mechanical products in the company’s state of the art production facilities.

With their own galvanic surface technology and assembly operation, they are able to offer their clients from the strategic fields of precision optics, medical equipment and transportation sophisticated solutions from a ‘one-stop shop’.

In 1994, Uwe Weller took over Leica Camera AG’s machining division, thus laying the foundations for the company in its present form.

In 1997, the business then merged with his father’s company, Günther Weller Feinwerktechnik, which specialized in precision turned parts for the automotive supplier industry. The merged operation subsequently moved into the production facility on Wilhelm-Loh-Straße.

In 2005, the mechatronics division of Leica Microsystems in Weilburg was integrated into the business, followed in 2006 by the machining division of the Zeiss-Hensoldt Group in Wetzlar. Both operations were at that time manufacturing their products in leased premises in Wetzlar.

In early 2009, by relocating to the new facility at Am Leitz Park, the company was able to combine every manufacturing division and technology ‘under one roof’.

In May 2009, the new surface technology division began operations at the site on Wilhelm-Loh-Straße.

Viaoptic GmbH

Viaoptic is a leading supplier of plastic optical and mechanical components, technical injection molded parts and injection molding tools.

They are optimally equipped to react to customer requirements in development, tool design, injection molding, surface coating and assembly.

Viaoptic has over 30 years of experience and history.  Viaoptic in its current form has been situated in Wetzlar since 2002.  They moved to their brand new building «Am Leitz-Park» in the beginning of 2009, which offers greater opportunities for growth in the future.

Their customers are specialised in automotive industry, optical sensors, telecommunication, medical industry, lightning and optical industry. Their products are used in several different applications for light optics and imaging optics. Typical products include e.g. barcode scanner, LED illumination optics etc..

Viaoptic is an independent medium-sized company, supported by a broad-ranging network of partners.

Both companies are not just financially connected to Leica.  They do a large amount of work for Leica camera.  Especially Weller Feinwerktechnik does almost all mechanical preproduction work for Leica Camera as well as Leica Microsystems.

For more information on Leitz Park please go to:

LEICA RETURNING TO WETZLAR

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/leica-returning-to-wetzlar.html

DIE LEICA KOMMT HEIM

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/die-leica-kommt-heim.html

VIDEO OF THE NEW LEICA HEADQUARTERS IN WETZLAR

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/video-of-new-leica-headquarters-in.html

WETZLAR - GLOBUS SCHWEBT ZUM KREISEL

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/05/wetzlar-globus-schwebt-zum-kreisel.html

LEICA SERVICE DISCOUNT ON M8/M8.2 TUNE UP

Leica has announced a special discount on a tune up service for all M8 cameras.  The discounted price if $350 compared to the regular price of $475. 

Here is the official Leica announcement:

Leica Camera is pleased to offer for a limited time only a tune up special for the Leica M8 and

M8.2 cameras. Our factory trained technicians using original spare parts will clean the camera,

calibrate sensor, rangefinder, and metering system (small parts included). Pixel mapping and

sensor cleaning are also part of this full service offer.

Leica Camera offers a one year warranty on all work performed with a certification card. During this promotion, this service costs $350. The regular price is $475.

This service offer does not include major components, rangefinder, CCD, main board and monitor. This offer is only valid in North America from now through September 15, 2012. Leica

reserves the right to discontinue the program at any time.

LEICA GALLERY 8-07-2012

Today’s Leica Gallery consists of two sections.  Considering the currently ongoing Olympics, the first one has a sports theme while the second one is entirely fine art photography oriented.

R. A. Diskowski

Leica M2, 50mm f/2 Summicron

Ilford HP5

J. D. Macklin

"Three Legged Race"

Leica M4, 50mm f/2 Summicron

Bob Nandell

"Straining"

Leica R3-MOT, 400MM F/6.8 Telyt

Kodak Tri-X

John Palumbo

"Tecco"

Former principal violinist St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

Leica R4, 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R

Ilford XP2 Super

Blaine Schultz

"Black Dress"

Leica R4, 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R

Ilford HP 5

Blaine Schultz

Leica R4, 35mm f/2 Summicron-R

Ilford HP 5

View other Leica Galleries here:

LEICA Barnack Berek Blog GALLERY  7-11-2012

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/07/leica-barnack-berek-blog-gallery-7-11.html

FRENCH LEICA PHOTOGRAPHER SOLENN HERVOUET

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/french-leica-photographer-solenn.html

THE DECISIVE MOMENT

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/decisive-moment.html

LÜNEBURG HEATH – A LEICA PICTURE STORY

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/luneburg-heath-leica-picture-story.html

LEICA GALLERY  6-09-2012

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/leica-gallery-6-09-2012.html

LEICA Barnack Berek Blog GALLERY  5-14-2012

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/05/leica-barnack-berek-blog-gallery-5-14.html

LFI GALLERY

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/lfi-gallery.html

LEICA Barnack Berek Blog Gallery  3-28-12

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/leica-barnack-berek-blog-gallery-3-28.html

FINE ART NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/fine-art-nude-photography.html

LEICA Barnack Berek Blog GALLERY

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/leica-barnack-berek-blog-gallery.html

LEICA M2 No 1048416 - HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY

In the article “ODE TO LEICA NO. 1048416” I wrote: 

The following is a birthday wish written for the 20th birthday of Leica # 1048416 in January 1982.  It would be interesting to know how the 50th turned out to be.  

Just this morning I received an email from Bob Nandell with an update on Leica M2 1048416.  He writes:

Hi:  I stumbled across your site and I noticed you had reproduced a photo I took in 1982 of

Leica M2 number 1048416 at the time of its 20th year of service. Your cut-line wondered how it would be doing on its 50th birthday.

Well, attached are some scans to answer your question.

Leica M2 number 104816 continues to be most instrumental in my black and white fine art

photography. I am now retired from a 45 year career in the newspaper photography business.

Number 1048416 was the prime weapon in the production of my current (4th) book of Iowa themed poems and photographs titled 'Maple Street Stories'(PBL Publishing LTD., Ottumwa, Iowa). 

It is always loaded with Ilford HP5.  Its viewfinder has dimmed a bit with age, but mechanically the camera is still perfect although its exterior has literally been worn shiny by my hands over 50 years of use. It is wearing its fourth neck-strap. The little 50mm f/2.8 Elmar continues to be shrieking sharp. (note: it has never been 'collapsed', always left extended.  I prefer it because much of what I do is shot at f/11 or f/16 out-doors. I want depth, not speed.

Special note, I am NOT a Leica collector. I simply have used (and abused) them.

Over the decades I used a number of Leica M and SLR bodies for film work, but through it all this M2 has been the prime battle-ax. The little 50 simply stays put on the front of it. It's just the way I see things for composition purposes. It's that simple. It's how I see photos, through those little 50mm frame-lines in the view finder.

Quite often when I am picture hunting Number 1048416 is the only camera I am carrying. Nobody cares about or notices an old guy walking down a small town street with an old worn-out-looking camera in his hand. Yes, I own a couple digital whiz-bangs to chase grand-kids with and make routine snaps. But my serious black and white film and print photography is still done with the Leica. It has been my friend for 50 years now.

Robert Nandell

I am sure I speak for more than just myself in wishing number 1048416 a belated Happy Fiftieth.  May it go for another fifty.

The 20^th birthday wish can be found here:

ODE TO LEICA NO. 1048416

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/07/ode-to-leica-no-1048416.html

Other articles by Bob Nandell:

Other articles by Bob Nandell:

THE 90 ELAMR THAT NOBODY WANTED

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-90-elamr-that-nobody-wanted.html

ARE LEICAS TOUGH?

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/are-leicas-tough.html

LEICA WITH SPECTOGRAPH USED BY NASA

My continued research into Leica cameras that were used by NASA has yielded another interesting result.  This Leica camera was used in conjunction with a spectrograph and was used on the Gemini V and VIII missions. Longer missions during the Gemini program gave astronauts more time for scientific experiments, often created and monitored by other government agencies or academic institutions. Scientists at the U.S. Weather Bureau (now NOAA) created this camera attachment so it could simultaneously record a spectrum and an infrared image to determine cloud heights.

The camera appears to be a model M3.  It is unknown if any special modification were necessary for this specialized use.

For more info on the Leica-NASA connection got to:

LEICA M3 ON ENDEAVOUR SHUTTLE MISSION

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/leica-m3-on-endeavour-shuttle-mission.html

NASA LEICA Ig

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/nasa-leica-ig.html

LUNAR LEICA – UPDATE WITH PICTURES

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/07/lunar-leica-update-with-pictures.html

LUNAR LEICA

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/02/lunar-leica.html

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/survival-of-fittst.html

LEICA AKADEMIE NORTH AMERICA - WORKSHOPS 2012-2013

I received the following information via email from Leica Camera AG:





Dear Leica Customer, Leica Camera is pleased to announce an expanded 2012-2013 schedule for the Leica Akademie North America.
The Leica Akademie will travel to 16 cities in North America with 36 workshops designed to inspire and spur creativity while strengthening skills for photographers of all levels. From one-day photographic lectures to all-inclusive weeklong adventures, the Leica Akademie 2012-2013 expanded program offers a diverse series of exciting programs, encouraging the development of well-rounded photographers across North America. 


Leica M Monochrom Workshops
Explore the world of Black and White with the world’s first digital rangefinder camera exclusively for full-frame, 35mm black-and-white photography. This workshop will take you from theory to practice as you "test drive" the Leica M Monochrom. Along the way, you will learn not only what makes this camera special, but also discover the steps needed to pre-visualize scenes in black and white and explore new ways of seeing lighting, texture, contrast and tonal gradation.


• Washington DC, September 27th, 2012
• Toronto, October 5th, 2012
• New York, October 12th, 2012
• San Francisco, November 9th, 2012
• Miami, December 8th, 2012
• Los Angeles, January 12th, 2013
• Atlanta, January 19th, 2013
• Dallas, February 2nd, 2013
• Vancouver, February 23th, 2013


Leica Destinations: All-inclusive multi-day photography experiences
From the grand vistas of Big Sur, California to walking in the footsteps of Ansel Adams in New Mexico or even visiting a glacier on a documentary project in Chilean Patagonia, Leica Destination workshops combine fine food and exquisite accommodations with intimate and immersive photography experiences.


New destination workshops include:
• Preserving Patagonia: March 23rd-30th, 2013
• Big Sur: April 23rd-27th, 2013
• Santa Fe: May 19th-23rd, 2013


The Truth About Photographs: Developing a Distinctive Visual Style
Designed for intermediate to advanced Leica M photographers, this 3-day workshop goes beyond camera introduction and focuses on the creative process of making images. Led by renowned documentary photographer and educator, Quinton Gordon, participants’ experience a combination of dynamic lectures, shooting sessions, discussions and group review that will help increase visual awareness, and build confidence in your own photography.


• Portland: September 14th, 15th, 16th 2012
• San Francisco: September 19th, 20th, 21st 2012
• Vancouver: November, 2nd, 3rd, 4th 2012
• Los Angeles: November, 30th, 31st 2012


For more information on Leica Akademie North America’s schedule:
visit www.leicaakademie.com,
email akademie@leicacamerausa.com
or call us at 1-800-222-0118.

LEICA OSKAR BARNACK AWARD 2012 IN VIDEOS

From the LEICA CAMERA BLOG


The Leica Oskar Barnack Award, a highly esteemed and coveted international award for high quality reportage photography, has been presented since 1979, the year marking the 100th year anniversary of the birth of Oskar Barnack. This year, there were over 2,800 entries from professional photographers in 101 countries  –  a record number compared to previous years. 


Those given the difficult task of choosing a winner were: Bruce Gilden, Magnum photographer, Stephan Erfurt, Director of the C/O Berlin, Valérie Fougeirol, Creative Director of the Magnum Gallery in Paris, Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Artistic Director of the Leica Galerie in Salzburg and Brigitte Schaller, Art Director of Leica Fotografie International magazine. 


On July 3, 2012, Leica Camera AG presented the award to US photographer Frank Hallam Day in the course of the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie photographic festival held in Arles, France. They also awarded Polish photographer Piotr Zbierski with the Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award. What follows are videos documenting the award ceremony and interviews with the photographers.

For the videos go to:  http://bit.ly/N56Lto

LEICA M3 ON ENDEAVOUR SHUTTLE MISSION

A little known fact is that a Leica M3 accompanied the astronauts on a September 1995 Endeavour space shuttle mission.  As reported by the Houston Chronicle…

NASA Photographer Makes History With Trusty Camera

MARK CARREAU Staff

SAT 02/10/1996 HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Odds are that Andrew Patnesky, ""Pat" to his colleagues, has used the vintage Leica camera that swings from his leathery neck like an old dog tag to photograph every American astronaut since Alan Shepard.

It was only fitting that the trademark photo gear with the thick rubber band binding its aging components together accompanied a shuttle crew into orbit recently, something the 75-year-old NASA photographer couldn't do.

""I think the world of that camera," said Patnesky, who shuns more modern gear with the automated features that focus and advance film in favor of the all-manual Leica M3.

""I have other cameras, but they don't measure up," he said. ""Anyone can just go shoot. Anyone can be a photographer, but not everyone can be a photojournalist."

Patnesky fretted over the Leica's absence during its orbital journey aboard the shuttle Endeavour last September. The separation was prolonged for several weeks after the shuttle's return so that the Leica could be unpacked and its journey officially documented.

""I feel kind of naked without it," he joked recently, clearly relieved that the old camera was available once again for his patrols of the space center's astronaut training facilities.

Patnesky staked his claim to the government-owned gear when he spotted it in an equipment closet soon after he joined NASA in 1961. The Johnson Space Center, then known as the Manned Spacecraft Center, was just beginning to take shape in Houston.

""None of the other dingbats would use it. So I said, `Hey, give it to me,' " recalled Patnesky, who spares no one, least of all himself, from his playful verbal digs.

Relying on his 21 years of experience as a photographer with the old U.S. Army Air Corps and then its successor, the Air Force, Patnesky began to chronicle, with the trusty Leica, the personalities who led America to the moon.

In those days, he said, the news media was thirsty for a steady stream of photographs of astronauts as they trained for their Apollo flights in exotic locales, from the Gulf of Mexico where they rehearsed post-splashdown procedures in rough seas to the deserts of Mexico.

During one of the Mexican excursions - it was a training jaunt by Shepard and astronaut Edgar Mitchell to prepare for their Apollo 14 flight - an instructor-geologist challenged Patnesky to descend into a rocky crater for photographs.

As he made his way to the crater floor, Patnesky slipped between the boulders. The Leica's fragile view finder broke away, disappearing between the rocks. Rather than replace the camera, though, he obtained a new view finder and lashed it in place with the first of a succession of wide rubber bands, lending the camera its rag tag character.

To this day Patnesky finds the Leica perfect for his needs, rubber bands and all.

With its precise mechanics and acute optics, the old camera makes little shutter noise and requires no flash when its operator is photographing in the Mission Control Center, the space shuttle simulator or the administrative offices.

""I like to shoot on a noninterference basis," he said. ""That is how you get the best shots."

The strategy has permitted Patnesky to photograph all of the American presidents with astronauts from John Kennedy to Bill Clinton. It allowed him to capture the drama of the Challenger accident as it was reflected in the faces of the personnel in Mission Control, as well as the majesty of Anwar Sadat, the late president of Egypt, during a state visit.

His favorite subjects, though, are the astronauts, from the original Mercury explorers to Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the first lunar explorers, and now the shuttle astronauts and their recent Russian cosmonaut guests.

""My friendship with the astronauts means a helluva lot to me. I admire those guys for all the hours they put in," said Patnesky. ""One way or another I've photographed every one of them."

One of 10 children born to a Pennsylvania coal mining family, he commutes 110 miles to work each day from a home north of Houston and shares time with his wife in a second home near San Antonio.

Wiry and healthy, Patnesky will log his 56th complete year of government service on Oct. 1. He is coy about his retirement plans.

But he feels so strongly about his association with the astronauts that he is willing to part with his Leica when he leaves NASA. He wants it to go on display at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, just outside the gates of the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Fla. 

NASA LEICA Ig

This is the next installment of reports on Leica cameras used by NASA.

With this camera, a Leica Ig model, astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr., took the first human-shot, color still photographs of the Earth during his three-orbit mission on February 20, 1962. Glenn's pictures paved the way for future Earth photography experiments on American human spaceflight missions.

Because Glenn was wearing a spacesuit, complete with helmet during his February 20, 1962 mission, he could not get his eye close to a built-in viewfinder.  Therefore NASA selected the high-quality Leica Ig camera that allowed them to attach a customized viewfinder on top. This special attachment featured a suction cup on the back side to allow Glenn to easily place the device against the visor when he was required to keep it down. The viewfinder was removable when Glenn did not need his visor down, and a velcro strip on the rounded top let him manage its location inside the spacecraft.  Glenn found the camera easy to use, in part because he could exploit the advantages ofzero-gravity.

"When I needed both hands, I just let go of the camera and it floated there in front of me," he said in his later memoir.

The 1957 Leica Ig was the last Leica screwmount model made, with production ending in 1963.  It was the successor to the If and is the only screwmount camera with the word 'Leica' engraved on the front of the camera. This camera had the same profile as the IIIg but without the viewfinder/rangefinder incorporated into the top.  As with both the Ic and If there were two accessory shoes mounted for attaching a separate viewfinder and rangefinder. The rewind knob was partially recessed into the top plate.  As with the Ic and the If, the Ig was intended for scientific or Visoflex use.

For more information on the Leica Ig, go to:

LEICA Ig REPRO

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/leica-ig-repro.html

For more info on the Leica-NASA connection got to:

LEICA WITH SPECTOGRAPH USED BY NASA

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/leica-with-spectograph-used-by-nasa.html

LEICA M3 ON ENDEAVOUR SHUTTLE MISSION

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/leica-m3-on-endeavour-shuttle-mission.html

LUNAR LEICA – UPDATE WITH PICTURES

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/07/lunar-leica-update-with-pictures.html

LUNAR LEICA

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/02/lunar-leica.html

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/survival-of-fittst.html

LEICA SUMMILUX C LENSES

A much lesser known range of lenses in the arsenal of Leica Camera are their new line of Summilux C lenses, designed for 35mm motion picture cameras and full frame digital video cameras.  The project experienced a number of delays, caused by the increased demand for Leica M lenses and cameras.  The facility in Solms needed every bit of space for the increased production of these lenses and the C lenses had to take a backseat.

To overcome these delays Leica Camera decided to construct a new, “boutique” assembly plant with the most advanced lens manufacturing techniques and equipment ever seen in a new building, in Leitz Park–where construction is now underway across the parking lot for the entire new Leica facility.

The new venture began with Christian Skrein’s concept of Leica lenses for motion picture production.  Leica hired the legendary optical designer Iain Neil and equally esteemed mechanical designer Andre de Winter.  Erik Feichtinger and Gerhard Baier are Managing Directors.

The lenses have a new aspheric design. Aspheric lens elements have a variable surface curvature compared to the constant curvature ofspherical ones.  That greatly reduces aberrations, especially spherical and geometric ones; in addition, larger apertures can be used with less aberration because less elements are needed.  The new designs allows slighter lenses with an astonishing sharpness all over the image surface and hardly any chromatic deviations.

The initial set of lenses is made up of 16mm, 18mm, 21mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 75mm and 100 mm, all of them with 1.4-22 aperture, and 95mm diameter. The diaphragm has also a “closed” mode that totally prevents light from entering to the sensor. The minimum focusing distance is between 0.31m with 16mm, and 0.90m with 100mm. All the lenses have the same length: 142mm from the mount.

The Leica Summilux-C lenses display their own look and texture, and they are able to deliver even the finest details, along with high contrast.  It must also be pointed out that image sharpness is very similar at the center and corners, without any noticeable fall-off.  All of the lenses transmit color in the same way, they are neutral, and perhaps slightly cold.   Aberrations are very minimized, both geometric and chromatic.

The Summilux C lenses are exclusively distributed by

Band Pro Film and Digital, Inc.

3403 WEST PACIFIC AVE - BURBANK, CA 91505

TEL: 818.841.9655 - FAX: 818.841.7649

http://www.bandpro.com

For those of us who have to ask, a set of 8 Leica Summilux-C Primes will set you back a mere $178,000. Operators are standing by at Band Pro.

This is a prototype by cmotion seen at Cine Gear: focus and iris motors for Leica Summilux-C Primes from Band Pro. The motor assembly attaches directly to the lens with a bracket, providing a way to control focus and iris without having to use lens rods. This helps keep things light, tidy and compact for handheld, remote, Steadicam and 3D rigs.  The prototype attached with two hex screws or thumbscrews for quick mounting when changing lenses.


Please Note: 
This prototype motor is very similar in concept to the external prototype motor used by the Leitz Correfot autofucus system in the early 80s.

For more information on the Leitz Correfot go to:

LEITZ CORREFOT AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/leitz-correfot-autofocus-system.html

STUFF COOL LIST 2012

The Leica M Monochrom made the top of the Stuff Cool List for 2012!  They write:

Looking cool is all about commitment to a look – and with an 18MP sensor that only sees in black and white and doesn't record video, Leica's M Monochrom rangefinder really commits. Its colour blindness means every pixel traps pure light values, resulting in sharp, dramatic monochrome snaps that feel like the iconic fashion shoots and reportage of the '60s. With Leica's usual image quality, ingot-like build and an in-camera post-production mode to apply classic tonal effects such as sepia and selenium, it's like having a darkroom in your pocket. Take note, Instagrammers: this Leica is the real deal.

For the full article, go to:

http://cool-list.stuff.tv/#/leica_m_monochrom

NEW LEATHER CASES FOR LEICA M CAMERAS

Leica Rumors reported about a new set of half cases for the Leica M cameras, made in England.

The cases are of top quality, totally hand made.

For more information got to:  http://www.classiccases.co.uk/

LUNAR LEICA – UPDATE WITH PICTURES

A while ago I wrote…

An interesting, but relatively unknown fact is that NASA initially had chosen the Leica M4 as the camera to be used on their lunar missions (It is now known that it was not the Leica M4 that was chosen by NASA but the Leica MDa).  The reason was weight.  Of all the systems for the Apollo missions, one could never be tested because of the low gravity of the moon.  That was the take-off module.  To gain as much of a weight advantage as possible, NASA did everything they could to save weight.  That included the camera equipment.  The Leica M4 [MDa] with 35mm f/1.4 Summilux was definitely lighter than anything Hasselblad, their regular camera of choice, had to offer.  Leitz modified several cameras and lenses to feature large levers to allow camera operation with the bulky gloves of the space suits.  The astronauts chosen for the lunar missions all received extensive training in the use of the camera.

The picture clearly shows that the Lunar Leica was not an M4, as commonly assumed, but a Leica MDa.  Modifications appear to be a soft shutter release, a larger shutter speed dial and a large rewind knob.  Modifications of the lens are large levers for the aperture and focus settings, all designed for easy operation with the gloves of the space suits.

Yet, as is common knowledge, the Leica never made it to the moon.  The credit goes to one engineer who figured out that the interchangeable film backs for the Hasselblad were lighter than the M4 [MDa] with its Summilux lens.  Subsequently NASA decided to use the Hasselblad after all.  The Saturn 5 rockets had no problem delivering the payload to the moon.  For the return trip it was subsequently decided to remove the film backs from the cameras and to leave the cameras on the moon where they still reside today.  A total of 12 Hasselblad cameras are sitting in the lunar dust, ready to be picked up.

An intriguing question is if they might be still able to operate properly after all these years in the extremely harsh environment of the lunar surface.

Since then a few more details about the NASA – Leica connection have emerged.  One virtually unknown fact is that NASA also used the Leicafelx SL.  For what purpose is unknown at this point.  I have also found that in 1966, NASA ordered 150 Leica cameras.  Unfortunately it was not stated which cameras they were.

The camera appears to be without visible modifications other than the deeply knurled shutter speed dial to accommodate the heavy gloves of the space suits.

I will keep on researching the Leica – NASA connection, and as soon as I have anything else to report, I will do so.

For more info on the Leica-NASA connection got to:

LEICA WITH SPECTOGRAPH USED BY NASA

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/leica-with-spectograph-used-by-nasa.html

LEICA M3 ON ENDEAVOUR SHUTTLE MISSION

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/leica-m3-on-endeavour-shuttle-mission.html

NASA LEICA Ig

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/nasa-leica-ig.html

LUNAR LEICA

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/02/lunar-leica.html

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/survival-of-fittst.html

LENS SHORTAGE? WHAT LENS SHORTAGE?

Leica dealers throughout the country report that the shortage of Leica lenses is over.  The efforts of Leica to increase production by hiring additional technicians are paying off.  Almost all M-lenses are available.  These include:

•18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M ASPH

•21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH

•24mm f/3.8 Elmar M Aspherical

•24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M

•28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M Aspherical

•28mm f/2.0 Summicron-M

•35mm f/2.0 Summicron M Aspherical (black)

•35mm f/2.0 Summicron M Aspherical (silver)

•35mm f/2.5 Summarit-M

•50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Aspherical

•50mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical

•50mm f/2.0 Summicron-M

•50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M

•75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M

•90mm f/2.5 Summarit-M

•90mm f/4 Macro-Elmar M

•135mm f/3.4 APO Telyt M

As a side note, the latest M9 firmware includes a lens profile for a 28mm f/1.4 Summilux.  Is more specific information of what we might see at Photokina beginning to find its way onto the internet?

LEICA RELIABILITY AND SURVIVABILITY

Over the years, many accounts of the legendary survivability of Leica equipment under very adverse conditions have been published, yet it is always very interesting to read more about it.  Here are two accounts form The Luminous Landscape:

Pan-American Games, Winnipeg 1967

While I subsequently shot the 1967 Pan-American games with my Nikon F and an arsenal of long lenses, during the opening ceremonies I found myself just a few feet from the dignitaries on the podium, so I used the Leicas and 35mm, 50mm and 90mm lenses.

As Prince Philip gave his welcoming speech opening the games a huge thunderstorm broke and proceeded to drench everyone in the open-air arena, me included. Some large umbrellas were quickly erected for the Prince and he continued with his remarks, but along with about 30,000 other people I got soaked.

So did my camera equipment. I couldn't even attempt to protect my cameras, I just kept shooting throughout the torrential downpour. I changed lenses and film numerous times and just did the best I could.

As soon as the ceremonies were over I handed the film to a courier to race it to the lab and then headed back to my hotel to dry off. When I took the Leicas out of the bag they were dripping wet. Totally soaked, inside and out. I opened everything up and left the bodies and lenses on a table near an open window to dry out. I spent the rest of the day shooting with my Nikons, figuring I'd pack up the Leicas in the evening to send back to Toronto for replacement and repair.

But the next day I tried everything out and was surprised to see that they worked, and worked smoothly. I never did send it in for repair, then or afterward. I probably put several thousand rolls of film through both Leica bodies over the next few years and never saw a hint of trouble.

Canadian Downhill Ski Championships, Collingwood 1968

My assignment was to shoot skiers during this important race.  The organizers provided me with a small wooden platform on the inside of a steep downhill curve and said, "Have a nice day".

I had brought my Nikon F gear consisting of 2 bodies and several medium-tele and long lenses. At the last minute I decided to also bring the Leica M3 and 90 and 135mm lenses as well, (just in case).

The early morning went well, with the temperature at about the freezing point and with a moderate overcast. But by late morning the wind picked up and the temperature started to drop. A light snow started and with the increasing wind created blowing snow conditions that were just this side of being strong enough to stop the race.

I wish they had stopped it, because my equipment and I started to freeze up. The first Nikon froze after about 45 minutes of these deteriorating conditions and the second one some 20 minutes later. Both were caked in frozen snow. I figured that my day was done but I pulled the M3 out from the bottom of the bag and started shooting as best I could with the 135mm lens.

I spent 3 more hours on that frozen ski slope shooting hundreds of frames with the Leica and it never missed a beat. By mid-afternoon when I called it quits I was half frozen, and my Nikons certainly were, but the Leica was like the Timex watch in the ads of the time, they just kept on ticking.

And finally one of my own

I had just added a new Leica M5 to my camera equipment.  That once again reminded me of all the claims of the legendary reliability and survivability of Leicas in general.  One thing that had always intrigued me was the claimed ability of Leicas to function in very low temperatures.  Being that we were in the middle of a Minnesota winter, I decided to put the camera to a test.  The weather report forecast temperatures of -30F for the next morning.  That seemed to be a good temperature to see how well the camera would perform in the cold.

To give it a head start, I put the camera in the freezer overnight.  Then, the next morning, dressed for the occasion, I went to Minnehaha Park and down to the Minnehaha creek.  It follows a relatively deep ravine which is known to keep cold temperatures quite well.  I purposely carried the camera on a neck strap on the outside of my clothing to make sure it would cool down to the surrounding temperature.

I was out in the cold for about two hours during which I finished a whole roll of 36 exposure film.  The camera worked without problems, but I did notice that the focusing for the lens was noticeably stiffer than usual.  But that was about it.

After I finished the roll of film it was time to go home.  Contrary to my advice to others, I forgot to put the camera into a zip lock plastic bag.  I walked straight from the outside into my living room.  To my horror, the moment the camera came into contact with the warm, moist air inside, it instantly froze over with about a 1/8 inch layer of ice.  The camera was so cold that the moisture condensation on the camera instantly froze.  I watched it thaw out slowly, and as soon as any liquid formed on the surface, I wiped if off. 

No harm came to the camera and it served me well for many years to come.

More about the same:

DID YOU KNOW THAT……

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/did-you-know-that.html

ARE LEICAS TOUGH?

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/are-leicas-tough.html

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/survival-of-fittst.html