SIX NEW LEICA SUMMICRON C LENSES

Today we got word about six new Leica Summicron C cinema lenses with a focal length range of 18, 25, 35, 50, 75 and 100mm.  These are in addition to the Summilux C lenses.  Additional Summicron C lenses of 21, 29, 40 and 135mm are expected to be announced soon.  In comparison the the Summilux C lenses, the Summicron C lensess are reported to be 30 percent shorter and 20 percent lighter.  The price for the set of six lenses is $97,500 or $16,250 for each lens.

For more information go to Film and digital timesat: http://www.fdtimes.com/2013/12/06/leica-summicron-c-lenses-arrive/

LEICA AND LFI PRESENT: ME & MY LEICA X PHOTO CONTEST

Get creative with your Leica X Vario, X1 or X2 - and win an exclusive invitation for two to the inauguration of the Leitz Park in Wetzlar, or one of many other great prizes! For purposes of the contest, you can apply for a loan of a Leica X Vario from one of Leica's participating partner companies.

The Leica X is a storyteller: this strong yet compact companion puts the photographer right at the heart of the motif – the place where stories really happen and where they can be immediately captured.

We're looking for your Leica X story! It might be as personal as your son's birthday party, or a day trip to Rome. Or you might want to realize a creative story, where your X rises to the challenge giving expression to your ideas.

Let your Leica X Vario, X1 or X2 show us what you've been experiencing, and enter your pictures into our latest competition!

You don't yet own a Leica X Vario? Why not get one on loan from one of the participating Leica partner companies!  

Terms and conditions of participation

The competition takes place in the LFI Gallery.

We look forward to receiving series, but you can also submit one or various single images. The maximum permitted for each participant is ten pictures. The best series or best single pictures will be evaluated.

All photographs must have been taken with a Leica X Vario, X1 or X2. Please take care that the Exif data for each picture is preserved. Detailed information about this and registration at the LFI Gallery can be found in our directions.

Please read through our competition terms and conditions.

  

Prizes

From the whole pool of images we will be selecting two first to tenth place prize winners – the top ten of the X Vario and the top ten of the X Prime (X1/X2). In other words, there will be a total of twenty prizes to be won!

The two first place winners get the 100% Leica experience – they will receive an invitation for two people to the exclusive events surrounding the inauguration of the Leitz Park in Wetzlar, at the end of May, 2014, including travel costs and accommodation. In addition, they will be published in the Leica Blog with an interview and photographs.  

The two second place winners will receive Leica X accessories amounting to a value of 500.- euros. Their wining picture will also be featured in the Leica Blog.

The winners of the third to tenth prizes will each receive a free, half-year subscription to LFI – so, they can look forward to inspiring portfolios, informative articles and absorbing reportages!

Timeframe

The competition is open immediately, and the deadline is midnight, February 28, 2014. The winners will be announced by Leica and LFI on March 18, 2014.

Camera loans

In collaboration with participating partner companies, Leica is organizing a lending pool of Leica X cameras all over the world. Please approach a Leica dealer to find out more.

We wish you all the best!

LEICA M5 AT MINUS 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT

This morning the temperature here in Minneapolis was right around 0.  But we have bright sunshine and it is actually a nice day to go out and shoot.  This brings up the ever reoccurring question if we need to treat our cameras differently in cold weather?  The short answer is ‘not really’.

These days, when our our cameras rely more than ever on sufficient battery power, we should, however, be aware that they don’t like low temperatures very much at all.  Subsequently, one or two fully charged extra batteries are definitely a good idea.  Carried in an inside pocket, to keep them warm, should prevent any mishaps of camera failure due to lack of battery power.  In addition, it is advisable to carry the cameras underneath our clothing as well to keep them from getting any colder than necessary.

Finally, carry along a ziplock bag, big enough for the camera and lenses.  After a while of shooting, when getting ready to back inside, put the camera, lenses and other equipment into the plastic bag and seal it.  This prevents the warm, moist inside air to get into contact with the equipment.  Otherwise the result will be that the moisture condensates on the cold camera equipment.  Excessive moisture and cameras simply don’t mix.  Keeping the camera equipment in a closed case will also work as long as it is not opened.

All this reminds me of a new Leica M5 that I acquired several years ago.  I had always heard of the impressive resistance of Leicas to cold temperatures and decided to give the camera a good test.

The weather forecast was predicting temperatures as low as -30F.  To give the camera a head start, I put it in a freezer overnight.  The next morning the thermometer did indeed read -30 degrees.  I set out to take photographs.  I purposely carried the camera on a strap, outside my clothing, to make sure it would get as cold as possible.

I noticed no ill effects.  The camera worked as it should.  The only difference was that the 50mm f/2 Summicron on the camera was a bit stiffer during focusing.

One of the subjects I photographed was Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis.  When it is cold enough, the entire falls freezes, with the rushing water still running inside.the frozen mass.  I took the opportunity to climb up the ice and walk behind the falls.  It was like being in an ice cave, with the light taking on the greenish color of the ice, and the rumbling waters of the fall penetrating the otherwise perfectly quiet environment.  

Minneapolis - Minnehaha Falls

Behind Minnehaha Falls

Behind Minnehaha Falls

I had been shooting for about 2 hours when I decided to go home.  Once I returned, against my own advice, I went right inside, forgetting about the plastic bags.  To my horror, the camera instantly froze over with about 1/8 inch of solid ice.  The camera was so cold that the condensation froze immediately.  As it warmed up and the ice thawed, I immediately wiped it off.  The camera showed no ill side effects and served me well for many years after that.

That was obviously some extremely rough treatment and I certainly don’t recommend subjecting any of your cameras to such torture.  But it showed that Leica’s claims in regard to cold weather operation are not exaggerated.

I have long since switched to digital Leica equipment and I have refrained from repeating that test with any of my current cameras, but I have used them at temperatures as low as about 0 with no ill side effects.  I would not hesitate to use any of my cameras at temperatures a lot lower than that.  But I don’t have anything to prove anymore, not with my cameras and certainly not for myself.  Unless absolutely necessary, I will wait for more pleasant days for my outdoor shooting. 

LEICA M MONOCHROM RALPH GIBSON EDITION

In close cooperation with Transcontinenta, the Leica importer of the Netherlands, Leica Camera AG and top photographer Ralph Gibson, New York, will offer an exclusive limited edition of only 35 pieces of the Leica M Monochrom.

Over more than five decades, for internationally renowned Leica photographer Ralph Gibson, the analog Leica M cameras used to be final the final answer to art photography. In his eyes, digital black and white did not measure up to the quality of analog. However, after he had tried a standard Leica M Monochrom, Ralph was so convinced of the unprecedented quality that comes out of this camera, that he has since been using the digital Leica M.

The Leica M Monochrom "Ralph Gibson 'is characterized by a unique personal design of both camera body, lens and leather camera case in premium finishes. This exclusive set is manufactured in a very limited edition of only 35 pieces. The very luxurious camera set also includes an autographed black and white photo and a limited edition of Ralph Gibson's new book, which is aptly called "MONO".

The first Leica M Monochrom "Ralph Gibson 'will be handed over personally. The special date '11-12-13' in the Leica store in Lisse, Ralph Gibson will be there during the week from December 9 to 14 and will provide various lectures in response to this unique introduction at that time. He will also attend the world premiere of the "MONO" exhibition in the Kahmann Gallery in Amsterdam.

About the Leica Boutique Lisse

Leica cameras and its users deserve special attention which is best reflected in the unique store concept of the Leica Store. On more than 80m2 one can fully enjoy the passion for quality and customer focus. Besides the latest Leica cameras there are also very special historical and limited edition Leica cameras in the Leica Store Lisse. Leica is not just a camera. The Leica Store Lisse informs its customers about the special properties of a Leica and guides them to the right choice.  Quality is paramount at the Leica Store Lisse. However, not just the quality of the camera, but also information and service. The Leica Store Lisse regularly offers lectures, training and workshops organized by and for professional photographers. This is the only Leica store in the Netherlands, located in the Kapelstraat 3, 2161 HD Lisse. Tel: 0252-415349.

Website: www.leicaboutiquelisse.nl 

Ralph Gibson

At 22 Ralph Gibson (1939, USA) got his first Leica. He learned photography in the U.S. Navy and became a photo journalist after a brief study at the San Francisco Art Institute.  Soon he went to work on various projects. Gibson began his professional career as an assistant to Dorothea Lange. Not a bad start, especially if you know that he also worked with Robert Frank on two films after moving to New York in 1967. To date he can look back on a fantastic career as a top photographer that has lasted more than five decades. He has received numerous awards, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Leica Medal of Excellence, the Lucie Lifetime Award and the Silver Plumb Award. He is a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France and has honorary doctorates from the University of Maryland and Ohio Wesleyan University. Gibson has had hundreds of solo exhibitions and his photographs are included in more than one hundred and fifty museum collections around the world.

LEICA CAMERA AT ART BASEL

 

LEICA CAMERA PUTS PHOTOGRAPHY INTO FOCUS AT ART BASEL

Leica Camera, in partnership with Miami Street Photography Festival, is launching a series of exciting photographic events and partnerships at Art Basel Miami this December. Dubbed the winter playground of the global art world, the prestigious fair annually hosts over 50,000 international art enthusiasts who come to enjoy the fascinating exhibits, events, and programming against the vibrant backdrop of Miami Beach.

To celebrate photography on a global platform, Leica and Miami Street Photography Festival will offer photography workshops, lectures and exhibitions, joining with a host of partners such as Leica Akademie, Leica Store Miami, ONA, Image Pro International, Art Media Studio, Hanhemuhle FineArt and Gramps Bar.

Trendy Studios in Miami’s bourgeoning Wynwood Art district will be the hub of Leica events and partnerships during Art Basel, December 2rd - 8th, 2013.

MIAMI STREET PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL

           

Named as an "Art Basel Top Ten" in Harper's Bazaar Hotlist section in its inaugural season, programming will take place at Trendy Studio in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood Arts District. Featured speakers include world-renowned Magnum photographers Alex Webb, Bruce Gilden, and Constantine Manos, along with poet and photographer Rebecca Norris Webb and National Geographic’s Maggie Steber, who will be holding photography workshops throughout Art Basel.

Trendy Studio

196 NW 24th Street

Miami, Fl 33127

About the festival: http://www.miamistreetphotographyfestival.org/

FINDING YOUR VISION

Workshop with Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb

DATES: Monday December 2 to Friday December 6, 2013

LOCATION: Miami, FL (Downtown/Wynwood Arts District area)

PARTICIPANTS: 15

TUITION: $1500 (Workshop only. Travel expenses are not included)

To register: http://www.miamistreetphotographyfestival.org/#!alex-webb-workshop/c8kn

STREET SMART:

Street Photography Workshop with Bruce Gilden

DATE: December 2-6, 2013

LOCATION: Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami, FL

PARTICIPANTS: 12

TUITION: $1500 (Workshop only. Does not include travel expenses)

To register:

http://www.miamistreetphotographyfestival.org/#!bruce-gilden-workshop/chso

MIAMI MYSTERY:

A nighttime search for photographic mystery in the Magic City with Maggie Streber

DATES: December 4th, 5th and 6th, 2013

LOCATION:

Gramps Bar in Wynwood (Next to Trendy Studio)

176 NW 24TH ST

Miami, Fl 33127

PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 10 students

PRICE: $325

To register:

http://www.cvent.com/events/miami-mystery-a-nightime-search-for-photographic-mystery-in-the-magic-city/event-summary-bb0d54dd0ec84971ad55520ca4aee513.aspx

MIAMI STREET FAIR MAIN EXHIBIT

Showcasing the best of contemporary street photography as viewed through the eyes of emerging international photographers. Special guests: street photography collectives iN-PUBLIC, Strata and Calle 35

Open to the public

*Free Admission*

DATES:

Thursday, December 5, 2013 | 10:00am - 11:00pm

Friday, December 6, 2013 | 10:00am - 11:00pm

Saturday, December 7, 2013 | 10:00am - 11:00pm

Sunday, December 8, 2013 | 12:00pm - 5:00pm

LOCATION:

Trendy Studio

196 NW 24th St

Miami Fl 33127 US

For full schedule, please visit: www.MiamiStreetPhotography.org

LEICA AKADEMIE AT LEICA STORE MIAMI

Leica Akademie’s goal is to increase the fun and enjoyment of photography, expand photography knowledge and bring the total Leica experience to a new generation of photographers. Here’s your chance to experience the incomparable Leica M typ240, the newest full-frame interchangeable lens professional digital rangefinder camera. This full-day, hands-on experiential program is geared to present and prospective M owners, and includes a workshop providing a comprehensive introduction to the M and 2-hour field trial. All programs are lead by friendly, knowledgeable Leica Akademie instructors.

Attendance is strictly limited to 12 participants, so be sure to sign up at your earliest opportunity.

Sunday, December 8th, 10AM - 5PM.

Participants can RSVP here: akademie@leicacamerausa.com

           

LEICA STORE MIAMI PRESENTS TOGETHER AND APART

BY ALEX WEBB AND REBECCA NORRIS WEBB

Leica Store Miami, located at 372 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, will host an opening reception for an exhibit entitled ‘Together and Apart’ by Alex Webb & Rebecca Norris Webb, on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7 PM. 

Guests can RSVP to info@leicastoremiami.com

INTERACTIVE PORTRAIT STUDIO FEATURING CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER MARK MANN

Leica invites Art Basel attendees to be part of a living art exhibition on Thursday, December 5th. Celebrity photographer Mark Mann will be taking portraits of participants using the Leica S from 10am-4pm at Trendy Studios. The on-site printing of each image is supported by Image Pro International and print specialists Gady Alroy, of Art Media Studios, and Sean Black. The portraits will be printed on Hanhemuhle FineArt photographic paper and displayed outdoors across the entire Trendy Studio space to create a living street art exhibit that will be in constant transformation as each new image is added. The exhibit will remain hanging for the duration of Art Basel, capturing a unique moment in time at this year’s Art Basel. All attendees who pose for a portrait will be given digital copies.

To sign-up for a free portrait, please register here:  www.eventbrite.com

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For more details: www.Facebook.com

LEICA PHOTOWALK

 

Think color, think spirited, think unconventional and artsy...you must be thinking Wynwood, Miami's vibrant art district that pulses with energy and creativity, day and night. Wynwood is the soul of Miami's urban renaissance. It can be sophisticated or it can be eccentric. It can be teaming with life, or it can be a calm Sunday stroll. With its street art, galleries, restaurants, and throngs of diversity, it is the place to be in Miami, and a truly desirable place for any street photographer in search of "the moment".

Come join us on Saturday, December 7, at 11:00 a.m., as we use the streets of Wynwood as our palette for this year's photo walk. Participants will have the option to test Leica cameras throughout the morning's activity. What could be better than enjoying one of the world's premier art districts with a Leica in hand?!

This guided event is free to the public and all levels of experience are welcome. Bring your own camera or borrow a Leica. Participants will gather on the sidewalk adjacent to Trendy Studios at 196 NW 24th Street. Members of the Miami Street Photography Club will be on hand to serve as guides and answer questions.

Let us know that you're coming by sending an email to: info@miamistreetphotographyfestival.org.

LEICA X VARIO CITY CHALLENGE

Represent your city for a chance to win this fantastic camera

On December 6th, from 12-4 PM the "Leica X Vario City Challenge" makes a final splash in Miami following successful turnouts in New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles. Leica fans can participate in this photo competition for the chance to win a Leica X Vario among many other valuable prizes. 30 lucky participants in each city are invited to shoot with a Leica X Vario for 4 hours during the City Challenge. Sign up quickly, be creative, select your favourite image, and submit it to the competition.

About the challenge: http://blog.leica-camera.com/x-vario-city-challenge/

LEICA CAMERA AG TAKES OVER SINAR PHOTOGRAPHY AG

A press release in Germany this morning made the following announcement:

The Leica Camera AG, Solms, has taken over the he Swiss manufacturer of professional cameras, Sinar Photography AG, Zurich on Monday. Both companies have agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction. Sinar Photography AG is the leading manufacturer of cameras for professional photography. As the only supplier in this segment, Sinar offers digital ready solutions for professional photographers from cameras, lenses, digital backs and shutter systems to workflow software. Marketing, product management, support, development and production of Sinar remain in Switzerland. Sales will be handled in the future by the Leica Camera AG, as well as through the worldwide dealer network of Sinar Photography AG.

Thus Leica Camera AG enhances its offering in the high-end digital camera segment and further expands its position in the market for professional photography. According to their own philosophy Leica offers the Leica S-System as a highly mobile, integrated medium format system, which now has a perfect complement in the modular and particularly suited for studio, industrial, and architectural photography Sinar system. Synergies also arise in the areas of digital technology, sales and customer care.

Leica now offers a complete range of high end medium format and digital professional cameras, making them the only provider of complete digital camera solutions above the Leica 35 mm format. Both brands are known for the highest quality standards and their decades long tradition of professional photography, in which the best picture and the photographer are the focus.

This makes Leica the only camera manufacturer to offer not just digital equipment but also film cameras in 35mm, medium and large format photography.

Here is the German press announcement.

LEICA CAMERA AG ÜBERNIMMT SINAR PHOTOGRAPHY AG

Leica Camera AG übernimmt Fachkamera-Hersteller Sinar Photography AG

Die Leica Camera AG, Solms, hat am Montag den Schweizer Hersteller für Fachkameras, die Sinar Photography AG, Zürich, übernommen. Über die Einzelheiten der Transaktion haben beide Unternehmen Stillschweigen vereinbart. Die Sinar Photography AG ist der führende Hersteller von Kameras für die professionelle Fachfotografie. Als einziger Anbieter in diesem Segment hält Sinar digitale Komplettlösungen für Fachfotografen von der Kamera über Objektive, Digitalbacks und Verschlusssysteme bis hin zur Workflow-Software bereit. Marketing, Produktmanagement, Support, Entwicklung und Produktion von Sinar verbleiben in der Schweiz. Der Vertrieb wird künftig über die Leica Camera AG sowie über das weltweite Händlernetz von Sinar Photography AG abgewickelt.

Die Leica Camera AG vervollständigt damit ihr Angebot im Segment der digitalen High-End-Kameras und baut ihre Position am Markt für Berufsfotografie weiter aus. Leica bietet mit dem Leica S-System gemäß der eigenen Markenphilosophie ein sehr mobiles, integriertes Mittelformat-System an, das nun in dem modularen und besonders für die Studio-, Industrie-, und Architektur-Fotografie geeigneten Sinar-System die ideale Ergänzung findet. Synergien ergeben sich auch in den Bereichen Digitaltechnologie, Vertrieb und Kundenbetreuung.

Leica hält nunmehr eine vollständige Produktpalette von der Mittelformatkamera bis zur digitalen Fachkamera parat und ist somit einziger Komplettanbieter digitaler Kameralösungen oberhalb des Leica Formats 35 mm. Beide Marken sind bekannt für jeweils höchste Qualitätsstandards und ihre jahrzehntelange Tradition in der Berufsfotografie, bei der das beste Bild und der Fotograf im Mittelpunkt stehen.

THE 26 Megapixel LEICA S1, THE FIRST LEICA DIGITAL CAMERA

Leica has often been criticized for not having paid enough attention to digital photography, that a few years ago they fell hopelessly behind their competition.  Yet in all this criticism one fact is getting lost these days, the fact that already in 1996 Leica introduced a high resolution digital camera, the Leica S1.

We must remember that this was at a time when 2 to 3MP digital cameras that took pictures of questionable quality were the norm, the days when film photography was still way ahead of digital and when the Lweica M6 was the best 35mm film camera that money could buy.  In view of this, it is all the more amazing that the Leica S1 offered a resolution of 26 megapixels, something that even by today’s standards is very high.

Leica S1

How could this be possible?  At that time, resolution levels of this magnitude could only be achieved with so called scanning backs.  Instead of taking the entire image instantly, as is the norm today, the Leica S1 (as well as other, similar digital cameras at the time) scanned the image line by line.  Unfortunately this resulted in exposure times of about 185 seconds.  Subsequently the camera was only useful for stationary objects.

The camera was designed to capture square 36 x 36mm images using 35mm lenses. Though designed for use with Leica R-series lenses, Leica also offered lens mounts for Nikon, Contax, Canon FD, and Minolta lenses as well as for medium-format optics from Hasselblad and the Pentax 6x7. There was also a Novoflex adapter that allowed the use of large-format lenses from Rodenstock & Schneider, and a tilt-shift adapter for use with Hasselblad lenses.

Leica S1 with Leica R mount

The S1 could also be coupled to the rear of a view camera to take advantage of tilt, swing, and shift movements which further increased the overall versatility of the camera.

The ISO setting for the S1 was ISO 50, the D-max about 3.3, and the image files contained a dynamic range of 11 stops of latitude. At 300 dpi you could produce incredibly sharp 17 x 17" prints without having to interpolate the image, which in 1996 was almost unheard of.

Leica S1 Side View

Leica S1 Viewfinder

Included with the Leica S1 was a 55mm IRa filter, LaserSoft High Software, a PCI card (PC or Mac), and a 20' cable. As for system requirements, the S1 ran off of PowerMacs (7.55 or higher), or Pentium PCs (Windows 95 or higher) with a minimum of 256MB of RAM, a hard drive of at least 1GB, and Photoshop 3.05 or higher.

All that could be had for the price of $21,500.  Needless to say, the camera did not set any sales records.  It was mostly sold to museums and research institutions.  But it is interesting to think that this level of performance was not available from Leica until the introduction of the Leica S2 in 2008.

LEICA M (RED) SELLS FOR $1,805,000 AT SOTHEBY'S

The Sotheby’s (RED) auction has ended.  The custom made Leica M, designed by Apple’s Jony Ive and Marc Newson sold for $1,805,000 at the charity auction organized by Bono od U2 fame.  The opening bid had been set at $500.000 and it was thought that the selling price might reach $750,000.  Sotheby’s (RED) auction raised a total of $26.2 million to fight aids in Africa.

LEICA PRICE INCREASES ON JANUARY 1, 2014

Leica announced price increases on a number of products from the M, S, X, Compact cameras, and Sport Optics lines. The new prices will be effective January 1, 2014.

Here is a list of the effected products:

S-System

Vario-Elmar-S 1.3.5-5.6/30-90 ASPH - $11,400 (previously $10,900)

Summarit-S 1:2.5/35 ASPH (E82) - $6,950 (previously $6,750)

X-System

Leica X Vario (Typ 107) Lens Hood - $160 (previously $140)

Compact Cameras

BP-DC14-U Battery Leica C - $95 (previously $75)

M-System

Tri-Elmar M 16-18-21 / f 4.0 ASPH - $5,450 (previously $5,350)

18mm / f3.8 ASPH - $3,250 (previously $3,195)

21mm / f1.4 ASPH - $7,650 (previously $7,250)

24mm / f1.4 ASPH - $7,550 (previously $7,250)

24mm / f3.8 ASPH - $2,650 (previously $2,595)

28mm / f2.8 ASPH - $2,250 (previously $2,195)

35mm / f2.0 ASPH Silver - $3,350 (previously $3,195)

50mm / f1.4 ASPH Silver - $4,250 (previously $3,995)

50mm / f2.0 - $2,350 (previously $2,295)

50mm / f2.5 Black - $1,750 (previously $1,650)

90mm / f2.5 Black - $2,150 (previously $1,950)

90 mm/ f4 Macro-Elmar set - $4,150(previously $3,995)

135mm / f3.4 APO - $3,850 (previously $3,650)

E39 UVa Silver - $100 (previously $70)

Sport Optics

8 x 32 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $1,949 (previously $1,899)

10 x 32 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $2,049 (previously $1,999)

7 x 42 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $2,149(previously $1,999)

8 x 42 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $2,199 (previously $2,099)

10 x 42 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $2,299 (previously $2,199)

8 x 50 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $2,299(previously $2,199)

10 x 50 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $2,399 (previously $2,249)

12 x 50 Ultravid HD - Black Armored - $2,549 (previously $2,399)

8 x 20 Ultravid BCR Compact Binocular - Black - $729(previously $699)

10 x 25 Ultravid BCR Compact Binocular - Black - $779 (previously $749)

Most dealers will be able to honor the old prices through December 31, 2013 as long as they are in stock and as long as they can be ordered from Leica at the current prices.

LEICA – MAKER OF THE FIRST EVER SLR AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM

Leica is often criticized for not offering autofocus for the Leica M.  Many feel that this is really the final step necessary to make the M fully competitive with the top models from other manufacturers.

Yet it is a actually a little known fact that Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH (the name Leica Camera used to be called) was the first company to develop a working autofocus system.  Between 1960 and 1973 the company patented a number of autofocus technologies, and then showed that technology at the Photokina in 1976 and 1978 as the Leitz Correfot.  A further improved prototype was shown to the public at the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA) meeting in Minneapolis in Fall of 1980.

The common CdS light meter cells at that time proved to display also a sensitivity to variations in contrast.  It is a known fact that an image displays the highest contrast when in focus.  By using two CdS cells it was possible to accurately determine the highest contrast level and thus accurate focus.  The system was somewhat similar in concept to today's phase-detection systems - except that it required a vibrating diffraction grating to work accurately.

The prototype was a completely operational system built into the shell of a Leicaflex SL2, renamed CK2.  All sensors necessary for the automatic focusing were part of the camera.  It was designed to use the conventional Leica R lenses on the market at that time.  The system required the lenses to be focused manually with the help of focus verification via two LEDs on top of the viewfinder.  But like the camera shown at the LHSA meeting in Minneapolis, the Leicaflex SL2 was also shown with a servo motor equipped 50mm f/1.4 Summilux R which provided true autofocus operation and made electronics-aided hand focusing unnecessary.

The servo motor was connected to the lens via a gear that engaged with the ridges engraved in the focusing ring of the lens.  With other words, it actually turned the conventional focusing ring to effect automatic focusing.  Leica chose this approach at the time because they felt it was necessary to utilize their very precise focusing mounts to maintain the mechanical and optical integrity of their lenses.

At that time it was generally thought that autofocus systems suffered from low-light insensitivity.  However, I personally was able to verify that the system worked perfectly in even very low light conditions and no manual refocusing was necessary at all.  However, the camera did display one serious drawback, very high power consumption.  The prototype’s servo motor used lots of energy which was supplied by a battery pack attached to the bottom of the camera.  It was made from the housing of a Leica R3 motor drive unit.  The six batteries proved to be good for only one hour of operation.

Careful inspection of the lens revealed meter couplings for the Leica R3 and R4 cameras.  These were utilized in a follow up model, based on the Leica R4 Mot prototype with special Correfot prism.  

In 1983 Nikon presented an evolution of its flagship camera, the Nikon F3AF with its viewfinder DX1 and its two lenses, AF 80mm f2.8 and AF 200mm f3.5 ED.  Although never officially confirmed, it is said that Nikon purchased the manufacturing rights for the Correfot prism from Leitz  to develop the F3 AF.  

The Leica R4 Mot prototype was replaced by the R4 Mot CK3 for which Leica also produced an auto-focus prototype lens Summilux 1.4/50mm

We must applaud Leitz’ decision not to forego their standard focusing mount for the flimsy autofocus systems that were marketed in the 80s and 90s.  Virtually without exception, those were so loose that the moving section of any of those lenses could easily be wiggled back and force by a considerable margin.  That of course is far removed from the 1/100mm (1/2500 inch) precision of the Leica focusing mounts.  Other companies chose that approach because it was the only means at the time to make the focusing parts of their lenses move easily enough to allow the use of rather small autofocus motors with low enough power consumption to make them practical with common use.

Unfortunately Leica never marketed their autofocus cameras thus missing out on having been the first company to do so.  That honor goes to Minolta, who introduced the Minolta 7000 in 1980. 

At that time Leica had a technology exchange agreement with Minolta.  The Minolta 7000 would have never seen the light of day without the Leitz Correfoot technology.

Although it never made it into production, it appears that the Correfot serves its duty in the German Leopard tanks to this day.

SPEND AN EVENING WITH THE LEICA S AND MARK MANN

Leica Camera invites you to spend an evening experiencing the Leica S-System. Designed from the ground up, the Leica S is the only medium-format camera to have the sensor and lenses engineered together for full optimization. With its unmatched ergonomics and most precise Auto Focus, the S is the perfect tool for shooting in studio, but with over 35 weather seals and 1,000 shots per battery charge, it is also ideal for travel and location use. Representatives from Leica and Foto Care will be on hand to demonstrate more of the camera's unique capabilities.

World-renowned photographer Mark Mann will speak about his career and be available to answer any questions. Mark's editorial work has appeared in such publications as Men's Health, Esquire, Vibe, Spin, Fortune, Billboard, Parade and Complex, among others. He has shot countless celebrities, sports figures and musicians. In addition Mark has amassed a sizable advertising portfolio with work for clients such as Reebok, Hennessy, Pepsi, Chrysler and more.

One lucky attendee will have the chance to win a Leica X-Vario (a $2,850 Value).

Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

When: December 18, 2013, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Mark Mann will speak from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Highline Stages

440 W. 15th Street

New York, NY 10014

Space is strictly limited. RSVP now to secure your place.

RSVP

https://www.cvent.com/events/spend-an-evening-with-the-leica-s-system-mark-mann/registration-a5ff1bbc4e5342bb82bc573389fe8d90.aspx