THE NEW LEICA D-LUX 6

Complete Creative Freedom Meets Timeless Design

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presented the latest model of the successful Leica D-Lux line of compact cameras. The Leica D-Lux 6 allows for the ultimate in creative flexibility, proving to be the ideal companion anytime inspiration arises. Enabling an imaging quality that sets entirely new standards in its class, the Leica D-Lux 6 unites an exceptionally fast lens with a newly developed 1.7" CMOS image sensor that is particularly large for this compact camera format. Especially suitable for capturing vibrant art, architecture, music, fashion and design scenes, the D-Lux 6 offers a comprehensive range of features including automatic mode, manual setting options and new, Full HD video recording capability. Optional accessories, such as a new electronic viewfinder, provide even greater freedom in all areas of photography. Together with its intuitive handling concept, the classically elegant and stylish Leica D-Lux 6 proves to be a muse for compelling images.

The lens of the Leica D-Lux 6 is a newly designed and constructed Leica DC-Vario-Summilux f1.4-2.3/4.7-17.7 mm ASPH. Allowing for an expanded wide spectrum of photographic possibilities, the Leica D-Lux 6 offers a zoom range of 24 to 90 mm (35 mm equivalent). This extremely practical range of focal lengths makes the camera particularly versatile, ideal for everything from macro shots and wide-angle architectural and landscape photography to photojournalism and portraits. In contrast to the forerunner model, the lens is faster and therefore particularly suitable for available light photography, allowing for even greater intimacy between photographer and subject. Whether in adverse lighting conditions or for conscious manipulation of depth of focus, the Leica D-Lux 6 is the perfect camera for capturing truly distinctive images. The combination of this high-performance lens and the 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor (effective 10 MP) guarantees a high dynamic range and brilliant images that reveal the world.

The new image processor of the D-Lux 6 now enables photography with sensitivities from ISO 80 to ISO 12800. Images can be viewed directly in a choice of four formats, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1, in both capture and review mode on the new 3" LCD monitor screen. The camera monitor, with a wide viewing angle and a resolution of 920,000 pixels, displays the images in superb quality before and after capture. This allows photographers to reliably and precisely assess images both during composition and after capture.

Classical elegance and the finest materials unite in the Leica D-Lux 6, characterized by clear lines and an intensely focused design. All exposed surfaces of the compact metal body are anodized in black. Only a

few chromed elements set discreet counterpoints and refine the clarity of the formal vocabulary so typical for Leica. The D-Lux 6 also features an optimized handling concept with clearly laid out functions that makes the camera extremely simple to use.

The distance, shutter speed and exposure corrections can all be set with its ‘clickwheel’ control. The new option for setting the aperture on the lens barrel enables direct control and provides even more scope for creative composition. A second dial on the back of the camera offers manual focusing and the use of a built-in ND filter, for example to allow slower shutter speeds for intentional motion blur, despite intense light.

In addition to its program AE, an automatic exposure mode that gives users more control than full automatic mode, the D-Lux 6 also features a smart snapshot mode. With this option, the camera automatically selects the ISO sensitivity, face recognition, dynamic range adjustment and the most appropriate scene mode. The camera’s integrated optical image stabilizer prevents the effects of camera shake especially in failing light or insufficiently illuminated indoor settings, and when shooting hand-held. Thanks to its new, selectable, spirit level function, precise camera alignment is now easier than ever before.

The D-Lux 6 incorporates a new, Full HD video recording capability that can be started quickly and conveniently by pressing a button on the camera’s top deck. The camera records in AVCHD-Format with 1920 x 1080 pixels and 60 full frames per second for perfect rendition of even fast-moving subjects in outstanding detail. Video data can be saved in Internet-compatible MP4 format and can be uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices, for example, without any need for conversion. Crystal-clear sound recording is guaranteed by an integrated wind-noise filter that reduces undesirable noise.

A range of optional accessories further increases the versatility of the Leica D-Lux 6. The Leica EVF3 electronic viewfinder with 1.4 megapixel resolution offers particular advantages in extreme lighting situations. It can be mounted on the accessory shoe of the camera and supports Live View, a function that lets the photographer view the subject through the lens and assess the precise composition of the subject. The Leica CF 22 compact accessory flash unit provides additional options for flash exposure and fill-in flash. An accessory handgrip helps to ensure steady and safe handling of the camera. The range of accessories also features a choice of cases and bags. Camera owners can choose from a high-quality camera protector in finest leather, a classically elegant leather case and a system bag for the camera and its accessories.

The Leica D-Lux 6 will be available from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, beginning November 2012. The camera is supplied complete with the professional still picture and video processing software Adobe® Photoshop Lightroom® 4, an additional tool to create truly inspiring digital photography.

LEICA X2 “à la carte” PROGRAM

The ultimate bespoke style statement

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera announces the expansion of the ‘Leica à la carte‘ program, the exclusive concept for creating a Leica camera custom tailored to your personal taste. From vibrant and fashion forward to understated and discreet, Leica will offer a selection of styling options for the Leica X2 compact camera beginning in late October 2012. The Leica X2 continues the brand’s rich photojournalistic heritage in both style and function. First offered in 2004 for Leica rangefinder 35 mm film cameras, the ‘Leica à la carte’ program allows customers to select from a wide range of finishes and features. The resulting, uniquely personalized camera is then hand-crafted at the Leica Camera factory in Germany, a true statement piece to showcase a love of, and a passion for, photography.

In addition to the ability to capture fleeting glimpses of life, the Leica X2 boasts a particularly elegant design, harkening to traditional Leica M cameras. The ‘Leica à la carte’ program now offers the chance to further distinguish each Leica camera from any other with the choice of three different body versions for the Leica X2. In addition to the two standard models (in discreet black and elegant silver), the X2 is available in an exclusive, titanium-colored, anodized finish. The color and texture of the camera’s leather trim can be selected from a collection of ten different options. A diverse choice of colors ranges from a discreet black saddle-leather to full-grain cowhide in rich eye-catching colors like green, blue or yellow. Extravagant variations embossed with lizard and ostrich leather patterns are also available. Cameras become absolutely one-of-a-kind with personalized engraving, such as an important date or owner’s monogram, available on the flash cover or the top deck (front or back). Accessories, including carrying straps and camera protectors in colors and materials to match the camera leather, round off the selection and transform each personalized Leica X2 into a uniquely distinctive digital camera that is ‘Made in Germany’ by the skilled hands of trained craftsmen.

The range of leather trim options can be viewed on the Leica Camera AG website at www.leica-camera.com. After configuration, orders for personalized Leica X à la carte cameras can be placed with select Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, who are equipped with samples to illustrate the options offered by the program.

Ideally suited for photographers aspiring to be spontaneous and in-the-moment as well as purposeful and inventive, the advanced technical specifications of Leica X2 à la carte cameras are identical to those of the standard camera model. For instance, the Leica X2 features an APS-C-format, professional CMOS image sensor with over 16.5 megapixels (effective 16.2 MP). In combination with the high-performance Leica Elmarit f2.8/24 mm ASPH Lens, a classic focal length for photojournalism, this sensor ensures maximum image quality and sparkling brilliance. The camera’s profile is complemented by numerous setting options from full manual control to automatic functions and an intuitive handling concept. An elegant and stylish design coupled with a technical focus on the essentials makes the Leica X2 the ideal premium-class compact camera for discerning photographers who wish to concentrate completely on their subjects and who appreciate creative and true-to-life pictures.

An extensive range of accessories is also available to allow the camera to be adapted to each photographer’s individual photographic style. These include a high-resolution Viso-Flex electronic accessory finder with 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel function, a bright-line optical viewfinder and an additional handgrip for better grip and safer handling of the camera.

THE NEW LEICA X2 PAUL SMITH LIMITED EDITION

Modern digital technology ‘Made in Germany’ meets extravagant styling from the world of fashion in new Leica “Edition Paul Smith” digital camera

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012,) – Leica Camera presented the Leica X2 “Edition Paul Smith,” a distinctive and vibrantly hued special edition in the Leica X range. International entrepreneur Paul Smith, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most successful fashion icons, is behind the camera’s stylish design. The Leica X2 is the ideal camera for anyone with a passion for photography in its purest form. Thus, extravagant flair from the world of fashion and advanced digital technology are united in this highly collectible special edition, strictly limited to 1,500 pieces.

Paul Smith is best known for taking classic, bespoke clothing and adding cheeky, inventive twists using his signature rainbow palette, a technique he employed in designing this namesake special edition camera. A particularly striking feature is the unexpected combination of colors chosen by Paul Smith for the body of the Leica X2. The metal top plate of the camera is finished in dazzling bright orange, with only the top dials for setting aperture and shutter speed remaining the familiar classic black of the X2. Paul Smith calls attention to the unusual pop-up flash on the top of the camera with a unique, hand-drawn, engraved light bulb doodle. In stark contrast to the orange of the top plate, the designer chose an eye-catching brilliant yellow for the metal base-plate. This bold classic-meets-vintage camera is rounded off by a premium natural cowhide leather finish in ‘Racing Green.’

In addition to the beautifully-styled Leica X2, the on-trend set includes a selection of accessories that bear the unmistakable mark of Paul Smith’s design, including a carrying strap and a camera protector in taupe-colored premium calfskin. A lens cleaning cloth labeled ‘Paul Smith for Leica’ and a certificate of authenticity are further additions to the premium camera set. The exclusive offering is presented in special packaging created by the British fashion designer and is crafted in coordinated colors that complement the camera.

The technical specifications of the Leica X2 “Edition Paul Smith” are identical to those of the standard camera model, guaranteeing maximum image quality. The camera’s profile is complemented by numerous setting options from full manual control to automatic functions and intuitive handling. With its elegant and stylish design and superb technical functionality, the Leica X2 is the ideal premium-class compact camera for fashionable, discerning photographers who appreciate creative and true-to-life pictures.

Beginning in October 2012, the Leica X2 “Edition Paul Smith” will be available at select Leica dealers globally, including the Leica Store Washington DC.

About Paul Smith

British-born Paul Smith has worked in the fashion industry for over 40 years and has long-since earned the reputation of outstanding, on-trend designer. His fashion collection, which he likes to describe as ‘classic with a twist,’ is well known for its unique interpretations of typical British style. He is a master in the art of both recognizing and setting trends. He opened his first store in 1970 and premiered the Paul Smith men’s collection under his own label in Paris in 1976. Today, numerous collections bear the ‘Paul Smith’ label and are distributed in his stores and in outlets in more than 75 countries.

LEICA M vs. LEICA M10 RUMORS

A while ago I wrote about a look at the (then) rumored “LEICA M10 WITH ELCTRONIC “VISOFLEX” at:  http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/07/leica-elctronic-visoflex.html.

My crystal ball must have been especially clear that day, because the article came very close to what the Leica M actually turned out to be.  I found it especially interesting that Leica decided to use the term "Visoflex" for the electronic viewfinder, since I did so as well.  Of course a few things were missed, like the 24 megapixel CMOS sensor, the multifunction handgrip and the full HD video capabilities.  But after having been seriously involved with Leica for almost 45 years, I guess I have developed a fairly good feel for what we might expect from Leica.

Leica M10 with electronic viewfinder as imagined

The new Leica M with electronic viewfinder

A similar accuracy was expressed when I commented on a rumor that the Leica M9 replacement might be black and white only.  At the time I accurately predicted that the black and white camera would be an additional model in the Leica lineup.

What might we expect from Leica in the future?  I think for the time being, we should digest all what’s new since just yesterday.  But I do have the nagging feeling that the next addition to the Leica M camera line will be a separate line of autofocus lenses.  The next Photokina is only two years away.

THE NEW LEICA M ACCESSORIES

Leica Camera presented several new accessories for the Leica M to increase the potential uses of the camera and go far beyond the classical capabilities of rangefinder photography. These latest additions include the Leica R-Adapter M, the Leica EVF2 electronic viewfinder, the multifunctional handgrip-M with optional finger loops and the Leica Microphone Adapter Set.

The Leica R-Adapter M enables almost all Leica R-Lenses to be mounted on the new Leica M. Users can access a list of 20 dedicated profiles, including calibrated imaging workflows and Exif lens recognition, for a range of R-Lenses covering wide-angles, telephoto, zoom and macro lenses. This comprehensive portfolio of lenses opens up new potential for Leica M photographers, such as video recording with Leica R zooms.

The new high-resolution Leica electronic Visoflex viewfinder (EVF2) has a resolution of 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel action for capturing images from unusual angles. When mounted on the camera it displays all significant exposure parameters and allows precise subject assessment, especially in brightly lit surroundings. In combination with the R-Adapter, R-Lenses and the viewfinder, the Leica M can be used independently from its monitor in the same way as an SLR camera.  This will also allow for virtually unlimited close-up capabilities of the camera.

Accurate focusing is further enhanced  by the ability to magnify the live view on the viewing screen in back of the camera ten times, thus enhancing focusing accuracy beyond what is normally possible with virtually all other cameras.

It is a safe assumption that aftermarket suppliers like Novoflex will offer adapters allowing other manufacturers lenses to be use on the Leica M., which will greatly expand the versatility of the camera.

With the new multifunctional handgrip-M with integrated GPS module, users can save exposure location information in the EXIF image data (geotagging) and later sort and display images according to location. To permit the use of a separate flash unit when an accessory viewfinder is mounted on the camera, the multifunctional handgrip-M also provides a dedicated SCA hot shoe that communicates with the camera in the same way as its own hot shoe. The Leica SCA Adapter Set, comprised of a flash bar and a spiral cable with a hot shoe, is also available for this purpose. The multifunctional handgrip also provides a socket for a remote power supply and a DIN/ISO X-sync socket for studio flash systems. An optional remote power unit (DC Adapter) is also available. The Leica M can also be connected directly to a computer workstation via the handgrip’s integrated USB socket, allowing full remote control of the camera with the ‘Leica Image Shuttle’ software package and the transfer of image files directly to the computer by USB cable. The multifunctional handgrip-M is a valuable aid to safe and steady handling of the camera, particularly when shooting with heavier R-lenses. The optional finger loops (available in sizes S, M and L) further enhance safe and steady handling of the camera and lens system. These can also be used in combination with the handgrip-M without additional functions.

As a special accessory for the 1080p Full HD video capability of the Leica M, the range also includes a Leica Microphone Adapter Set consisting of an adapter and a stereo microphone. The adapter also allows the connection of other microphones.

An additional offering is the ever-ready case, specifically created for the new Leica M. The accessories will be available from Leica dealers in early 2013.

Thus the Leica M has evolved to a true system camera which will favorably compete with virtually all DSLR cameras.

THE NEW LEICA M-E

In addition to the Leica M, Leica announced another new M camera, the Leica M-E.  It is meant as an entry level camera, slated below the Leica M with a lower price.  The camera is essentially the same camera as the previous M9, with the same 18 megapixel sensor, but with no viewfinder frame preselector level and no USB port.

Here is Leica’s introduction:

The fascination of M-Photography reduced to essentials

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presents a new model in the Leica rangefinder system, the Leica M-E. Possessing the high level of technology perfected in the nearly six decades since the M-System’s introduction, the Leica M-E represents the essence of rangefinder photography. Rather than offering all that is technically possible, it is limited to only those functions that create a better image. These essentials include the M-System’s typical rapid manual focusing with the viewfinder/rangefinder and the focusing ring of the lens, as well as the option of selecting automatically determined or manually set shutter speeds. It is the ideal entry-level model for photographers wishing to experience the fascination of M-Photography or require a secondary camera that performs at an optimum level without fail.

Advantages of rangefinder photography include the ability for photographers to become a part of the action and frame whatever they wish to capture in the viewfinder, while still perceiving what is going on outside the viewfinder frame. The crucial moment becomes predictable, and can thus be captured at precisely the right instant. Featuring the proven, high-resolution, 18 MP CCD sensor in full 35 mm format, the Leica M-E offers maximum imaging quality. Perfectly attuned to its role in the extremely compact M-System and the superior performance of M-Lenses, this particular sensor type possesses a high sensitivity to light. These characteristics lead to an unmistakably individual kind of photography.

The Leica M-E’s most distinctive feature is a minimalistic, purist, design statement. The top deck and base plate are discreetly finished in unobtrusive anthracite grey. The application of a new leather trim with enhanced grip characteristics ideally complements the camera’s timeless design.

The Leica M-System portfolio provides perfect tools for capturing a moment discretely, silently and without hesitation, allowing photographers to become a part of the scene. Together with the new Leica M and the Leica M Monochrom, the world’s first digital black and white camera in 35 mm format, the latest digital generation of the Leica M now offers three rangefinder cameras.

Additionally, the Leica M-E package includes the latest version of Leica Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to assist photographers with viewing, editing and managing digital images. The Leica M-E is available now from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC.

About the Leica M-System

Since 1954, the Leica M system has stood for an unmistakable, individual kind of photography and a very conscious photographic style. Because, with a Leica M, the photographer becomes a part of the action in the process of capturing challenging and creative images. The rangefinder frames precisely the shot the photographer envisages while allowing a clear view of what is going on outside the viewfinder frame. This allows the photographer to predict the decisive moment and capture it discreetly and reliably at the right moment – in all fields, from photojournalism and ‘available light’ exposures to discreet and aesthetic fine-art images. The functions of the Leica M rangefinder camera are consistently constructed for extreme robustness and a long working life. Highest quality materials, elaborate manufacturing processes and painstaking manual assembly guarantee functional reliability for decades to come. Full backward system compatibility – almost all lenses of the Leica M range built since 1954 can still be used on the latest M camera models – is an important factor in the enduring value of the M series.

Technical Data:

Unique ProductName: Leica M-E (Typ 220), anthracite grey paint

Camera type: Compact digital view and rangefinder system still camera

Lens mount: Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding

Lens system: Leica M lenses

Top Cover: Milled brass top cover with classic Leica M design

Material: All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium; synthetic leather covering. Cap and base plate made of brass

Image Sensor: KAF -18500 18 MP CCD Sensor Number of effective Pixels: 18 Million Pixels

Sensitivity range: ISO 160 – ISO 2500, Pull 80 available, Auto ISO

Imaging Platform: DSP based computing platform with Leica imaging algorithms

LCD Monitor: 2,5” TFT Display with 230.000 Pixels

Shutter: Closed type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure, with external cocking mechanics

Shutter Speed: 1/4000s – 240s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization

Burst rate: approx. 2 fps

Self timer: Off / 2s / 12s Storage

Media : SD / SDHC Memory Cards Imaging functions Image

File Format: DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or nonlinear compressed), JPEG File Size: DNG: 18 MB (compressed)/36 MB (uncompressed), JPEG: Resolution and image content dependent Available JPG Resolutions: 5212 x 3472 (18 MP), 3840 x 2592 (10 MP), 2592 x 1728 (4.5 MP), 1728 x 1152 (2 MP), 1280 x 846 pixels (1 MP)

Color Spaces: sRGB / Adobe®RGB

White Balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade /Tungsten / Fluorescent 1 / Fluorescent 2 / Flash / Manual / Kelvin 2000-12800

Other functions: Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening Exposure Control

Exposure Metering: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center-weighted with variable apertureCenter-weighted TTL metering for flashexposure with system-conformant SCA-3000/2 standard flash units

Exposure setting: Manual shutter speed setting with direct dial, A-Mode with direct dial

Exposure Modes: Automatic shutter speed (A-Mode), Manual Exposure (M-Mode) Exposure Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV, 1/3 f-stops

THE NEW LEICA M

Yesterday Leica announced the successor model to the Leica M9.  Contrary to common beliefs, the camera is not called M10.  Instead Leica decided to drop the numerical designation and simply called it Leica M.  The new camera is, in a way, an improved version of the M9, eliminating the draw backs that the M9 had been criticized for.

Here is Leica’s description of the camera:

The perfection of digital rangefinder technology

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presents a groundbreaking milestone in the nearly 60 year history of the Leica rangefinder system: The Leica M. Setting entirely new standards, the Leica M unites the ultimate in rangefinder precision with cutting edge digital technology. As the first camera to implement a newly designed CMOS image sensor and to feature additional focusing methods and functions such as Live View and Full HD video capability, it is the most versatile Leica rangefinder model ever. Remaining true to the legendary values of the M-System, the Leica M not only provides the advantages of rangefinder photography, but also for the first time, offers compatibility with Leica R legacy lenses. As with every innovation and development since the flagship line’s inception, the Leica M was created to capture fleeting moments of time and transform them into living history.

The Leica M also marks the beginning of a new era in the Leica product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasize the enduring and long-term significance of the respective systems.

In every respect, the new Leica M is the most innovative and versatile model the modern M-System has ever created. Looking to the future, the Leica M is the first in a long line of Leica rangefinder cameras to feature a completely new development in sensor technology; the Leica Max CMOS image sensor. This 24 MP, full 35 mm format sensor was designed and constructed in collaboration with CMOSIS especially for the camera and its use with M- and R-Lenses. This new development successfully transfers the characteristic advantages of CCD sensors, such as natural and brilliant color rendition and impressive reproduction of details, to a CMOS sensor.

In combination with the high-performance Leica Maestro processor that is also employed in Leica S cameras, this new full format sensor guarantees maximum imaging quality and speed. Now, all elements in the image creation chain, from the lens to the image file, are under complete control of the Leica engineers. This guarantees the ultimate in imaging performance and quality. An additional highlight is the low power consumption of the components that, in conjunction with the particularly high capacity of the battery, ensures outstanding performance over a long period of use.

In 1954, the launch of the M-System opened new horizons in reportage and artistic photography. Now at the dawn of a new era in the system’s technology, the Leica M offers a multitude of new features. The first of these are Live View and Live View Focus. Image composition can now take place in real time with the view of the subject through the lens. The sharpness, exposure and color content of images can now be precisely assessed on the camera’s large, 3-inch, high-resolution monitor screen with 920,000 pixels. The glass covering plate of the monitor screen is manufactured from particularly tough and scratch-resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass. The new Live View function allows photographers to have access to entirely new opportunities that, in combination with the outstanding performance of Leica M- and R-Lenses, go far beyond the classical capabilities of rangefinder photography. This applies particularly to macro and telephoto photography, but also allows even more discreet shooting. In combination with M- and R-Lenses, the camera’s new 1080p Full HD video capability also opens up further opportunities to record memories as they happen.

Ever in pursuit of capturing Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “Decisive Moment,” the Leica M offers two additional focusing methods that can be activated quickly and easily with the new focus button. M-Photographers now have even more options for capturing outstandingly sharp images. The new ‘Live View Zoom’ option enables up to 10 x magnification for precise assessment of the sharpness of subject details or the close focusing limit. The second aid to focusing is ‘Live View Focus Peaking’. Here, contours in the subject are automatically displayed as red lines to allow simple and convenient focus assessment. Focusing precision can be assessed on the basis of the intensity of the lines displayed.

The Leica M’s features are optimally combined with the typical values of the Leica rangefinder system and guarantee the accustomed dependability of the Leica M in all photographic situations, from available light photography to discreet and aesthetic fine-art image composition. In line with the principles of the M-Philosophy, all functions and features are designed and constructed for absolute robustness and a long working life. The top deck and the base plate of the Leica M are machined from solid brass blanks and the full-metal chassis is a completely self-contained diecast element manufactured from high-strength magnesium alloy. Special rubber seals protect the camera body against dust, spray and moisture.

The new rangefinder camera is also a typical M due to its intuitive handling concept with direct manual setting options and fast access to functions. The enhanced layout and particular user-friendliness of the menu interface guarantees a clear and uncomplicated overview of all camera settings at all times.

Dedicated button controls have been provided for the Live View and new focusing functions. Live View Zoom and Live View Focus Peaking can be selected with the new focus button on the front of the camera. User profiles can be programmed with any camera and shooting settings, stored under an arbitrary name. They can be accessed quickly whenever required for particular situations and can now also be saved to an SD memory card. For increased comfort in use and harkening to the film advance lever of Leica film cameras, the Leica M now provides an ergonomically formed thumb rest with an integrated setting dial at the top right on the back of the top deck. This ensures that the camera can be held securely in even the most demanding situations.

A wide range of optional accessories is also available for the new Leica M. A particular highlight of the range is a new Leica R-Adapter M that allows almost all R-Lenses ever built to be mounted on the camera. The use of Leica R-System lenses now opens up vast new possibilities for zoom, telephoto and macro photography.

Further accessories are the Leica EVF2, Visoflex electronic viewfinder and a multifunctional handgrip-M with an integrated GPS module that, in combination with optional finger loops in various sizes (S, M and L), helps to ensure safe and steady handling of the camera and lens system. The range also includes a Leica Microphone Adapter set for perfect sound with video recordings.

The Leica M will be available from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, in early 2013 in a choice of black paint or silver chrome finish.

Technical Data:

Camera type: Compact digital view- and rangefinder system still and video camera

Lens mount: Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding

Lens system: Leica M lenses, Leica R lenses with optional Leica R-Adapter M

Top Cover: Milled brass top cover with integrated thumb rest

Material: All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium; synthetic leather covering. Cap and base plate made of brass

Image Sensor: LEICA MAX 24 MP CMOS Sensor Number of effective Pixels: 24 Million Pixels

Sensitivity range: ISO 200 – ISO 6400, Pull 100 available, Auto ISO Imaging

Platform: Integrated imaging circuit with Leica Maestro® Image processor

Electronic Viewfinder: Optional available, can be used for Live View and Play functionality

LCD Monitor: 3” TFT Display with 920.000 Pixels, scratch resistant cover glass (Corning®Gorilla®Glass)

Shutter: Dual type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure and Live view

Shutter Speed: 1/4000s – 60s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization

Burst rate: 3fps

Self timer: 2s / 12s Storage

Media: SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards Image

File Format: DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or lossless compressed), JPEG File Size: DNG approx. 20 Mbyte – approx. 30 Mbyte (compressed)/ 48.2 MByte (uncompressed),

JPEG: Resolution and image content dependent Available JPG Resolutions: 5952px*3976px (24 MP), 4256px*2832px (12 MP)/ 2976px*1984px (6MP) / 1600px*1080px (1,7MP)

Color Spaces: sRGB / Adobe®RGB

White Balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shadow / Tungsten / Fluorescent warm /Fluorescent cool / Flash / Manual (Greycard) / Kelvin 2000-13100

Other functions: Film Modes, Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening

Movie Recording: Single frame video compression (Motion JPG), Quicktime format (mov)

Movie resolution: 1080p, 720p, 640*480 (VGA)

Movie sampling rate: 25 fps, 24 fps, 30 fps (VGA only)

Microphone: Mono, stereo microphone adapter optional available

Audio recording: Auto level adjustment, manual level adjustment (available while recording), concert preset

Exposure Metering: In classic viewfinder mode: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center weighted with variable aperture. In Live View and advanced viewfinder mode: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center weighted, spot or multifield measuring. Center-weighted TTL metering for flash exposure with system conformant SCA-3000/2 standard flash units.

Exposure setting: Manual shutter speed setting with direct dial, A-Mode with direct dial

Exposure Modes: Automatic shutter speed (A-Mode), Manual Exposure (M-Mode)

Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV, 1/3 f-stops Exposure Bracketing: 3/5 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 f-stops

Flash exposure metering: Control with center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering (with SCA-3501/3502 adapter, or SCA-3000 standard flash unit such as Leica SF24D/Leica SF 58)

Hot shoe: SCA-3502 compatible hot shoe, with center contact

Flash Synchronization: Optional triggered at first or second shutter curtain

Flash Synch time: 1/180s

 Focusing Methods: Manual focus with optical rangefinder, Live View, 100% Live View Zoom, Live View focus peaking

Optical Viewfinder: Large, light bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation, LED illuminated frame lines

Optical Viewfinder frame lines: Framelines size matches image sensor size at 2m focusing distance

Optical Viewfinder correction: Eyepiece adjusted to -0,5 dpt. Corrective lenses from -3 to +3 dpt. available (optional)

Magnification: 0.68x

Optical Viewfinder Displays: In the viewfinder LED symbol for flash status (at bottom). Four-digit seven-segment LED digital display, brightness adapted to ambient conditions, for: Warning in case of exposure correction; display of automatic shutter speed in automatic mode; advisory indicating use of metering memory lock LED exposure monitor with two triangular and one central circular LED with manual exposure setting

Rangefinder: Split or superimposed image range finder shown as a bright field in the center of the viewfinder image Rangefinder effective metering

Basis: 47.1 mm (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.68 times)

Start up time: <1s

Power Supply: Li-ion battery (included), 7.4V, 1800 mAh

Horizon: Yes User Profiles: 4 Profiles, exportable Sensor cleaning: Dust detection, manual cleaning function

Tripod Thread: A 1/4 (1/4") DIN made of stainless steel in base plate Dimensions: approx. 139 x 42 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.7 x 3.1 in.)

Weight: 680 g (23.9 oz)

Operating Temperature: 0°C – 40°C Menu languages English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese

Accessories:  Included Battery, Charger with power cables for EU and USA (different in some export markets), 12V charging cable, Carrying strap, Accessory port cover, Body cap Software licenses Adobe® Lightroom®

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NEW LEICA CAMERAS - NO MORE RUMORS

Leica “Das Wesentliche”

The day before the opening of Photokina 2012

NEW LEICA M

This is the camera that was rumored to be the Leica M10.  Instead, Leica decided to end the numerical designation and just go to the letter “M”. 

The main features are a new CMOS sensor of 24 megapixel resolution.  This allows Live View and additional focusing methods like a 10 times magnification for critical focusing and focus peaking.  In addition, the camera had has 1080p full HD video capability. 

Leica also introduced a new R adapter.   With this almost all Leica R lenses ever built can be mounted. The camera menu offers profiles for more than 20 R lenses completely with an individual calibrated workflow and EXIF lens recognition. 

The New Leica M can also be used as a studio camera.  The multifunctional handgrip-M has a dedicated SCA hot shoe, a socket for a remote power supply and a DIN/ISO X-sync socket for studio flash systems. An optional remote power unit (DC Adapter) is also available.

The Leica M can also be connected directly to a computer workstation via the handgrip’s integrated USB socket. This allows full remote control of the camera with the ‘Leica Image Shuttle’ software package and the transfer of image files directly to the computer by USB cable.

A high resolution, electronic viewfinder will also be available.  It has a resolution of 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel action for capturing images from unusual angles. It allows to use the LEICA M like a DSLR.

All in all this new camera appears to be very much like the LEICA M10 WITH ELCTRONIC “VISOFLEX” I wrote about previously.  Go to http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/07/leica-elctronic-visoflex.html to read the article.

NEW LEICA M-E

This is the long awaited less expensive Leica M model.  It is assumed that the camera will sell for less than $5,000.  It is essentially the same as the Leica M9 with very much the same technical specifications.  The only difference being that the camera has no preview selector for the different viewfinder frames and no USB port.

NEW LEICA S

Here too any numerical designations have been dropped.  While essentially identical to the former Leica S2, new features include

-              Higher ISO range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

-              Better noise reduction

-              Faster autofocus

In addition to the new camera body, three lenses have been added to the S-System portfolio, significantly expanding the capabilities of the system: the Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. super-wide, the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. and the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. tilt/shift lens.

Here is a list of all the new products introduced:

LEICA M: The perfection of digital rangefinder technology

LEICA M-E: The fascination of M-Photography reduced to essentials

NEW RANGE OF ACCESSORIES FOR THE LEICA M EXPANDS SYSTEM CAPABILITIES

LEICA S: The synthesis of optimum imaging quality, perfect handling and outstanding speed

LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-S 24 MM F/3.5 ASPH.: New super-wide lens with outstanding optical properties

LEICA ELPRO-S 180: Accessory close-up lens extends the working range of the LEICA APO-ELMAR-S 180 mm f/3.5

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-S 30-90 MM F/3.5-5.6 ASPH.: The first zoom lens for the S-System with exceptional imaging quality and low weight

LEICA TS-APO-ELMAR-S 120 MM F/5.6 ASPH. TILT/SHIFT LENS: Enables control of perspectives while maintaining the highest possible imaging quality and optimum handling

LEICA X2 À LA CARTE: The ultimate bespoke style statement

LEICA X2 “EDITION PAUL SMITH” SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION: Modern digital technology ‘Made in Germany’ meets extravagant styling from the world of fashion in new Leica “Edition Paul Smith” digital camera

LEICA X2 DIGISCOPING-ADAPTER

LEICA V-LUX 4: Compact Camera for travel, wildlife and sport photography

LEICA D-LUX 6: Complete Creative Freedom Meets Timeless Design

LIMITED SPECIAL EDITION LEICA ULTRAVID 8X20 AND 10X25 EDITION WITH EMBOSSED OSTRICH LEATHER TRIM

LEICA PHOTO-ADAPTER FOR MOUNTING SYSTEM CAMERAS ON LEICA PREMIUM SPOTTING SCOPES

More details in the coming days.  Stay tuned…

AMAZING PRICE REDUCTION ON LEICA M9

We saw a considerable reduction of the price for a Leica M9 a few days ago.  Amazon now has a further price drop.  The Leica M9 is currently available from Amazon for $5,999 in both steel gray and black.

The Leica M9-P received a similar drop in price.  It is now available for $6,499 in both colors.

Unfortunately no such price reductions on the Leica M Monochrom.

TRUTH IN ADVERTISING?

While looking at cameras on the web yesterday, I came across a blatantly false claim by Sony.  They wrote about the Sony Alpha DSLR camera:

"This changes everything.

Shoot with unprecedented speed and precision thanks to Sony's revolutionary Translucent Mirror Technology™. While traditional DSLRs depend on a reflex mirror to flip up and down with every shot, Sony's award-winning technology changes all that with its fixed-position, translucent mirror design…"

That statement is definitely false.  The first camera incorporating such a design was the Canon Pellix.  The Pellix was first marketed in 1965. It was Canon's first 35mm Focal-Plane Shutter SLR Camera with TTL metering.  It was also the first commercial production SLR that incorporated a fixed pellicle mirror. It employed a super-thin, semi-transparent film only 20/1000 mm thick that was used as a fixed mirror.

The Leica connection to all of this is the fact that the Leica Visofelx III was also available with a pellicle mirror.  This was a special modification by Norman Goldberg.  Goldberg is perhaps best known, in the Leica world, as the creator of the Camcraft N-5 electric motor drive for the Leica M2 and MP. However, also to his credit were several other inventions for Leicas and other cameras. The clip he designed to permit wearing an M Leica on the belt was widely used.  He also offered a modification of the Visoflex reflex housing, involving either a prism or a pellicle mirror.

Pellicle mirrors never reached any nominal success; the main reason being that part of the incoming light is permanently diverted to the viewfinder, effectively lowering the speed of the lens in use.  In addition, these mirrors are quite delicate and very difficult to clean.  Cleaning, on the other hand, is important because any dust, smudges or other dirt would adversely affect image quality since the mirror is in the lightpath from the lens to the film or sensor.

In view of this is seems strange that Sony would even market a camera of this type and it is equally strange that they have to accompany it with obviously false claims.

LEICA'S ROLAND WOLF AND JUSTIN STANLEY TALK M MONOCHROM

Interview: Leica's Roland Wolf and Justin Staley Talk New M-Monochrom Camera and Black & White Photography

By Complex Magazine | Sep 10, 2012 | 1:56 pm

Revolution vs. Evolution. Which is better? In the world of consumer electronics, the former is always more marketable than the latter. But is it better? If you ask the folks at Leica, one of the world's most renowned camera companies, they would say, No. Since it's founding in 1913, Leica has worked tirelessly to refine its line of cameras, tinkering with and pushing the limits of what a compact camera can do. All that tweaking has lead to the release of one of Leica's most noteworthy models: the M-Monochrom. A black and white camera based on its time-tested M camera base.

Complex’s Video Director, Jonathan Lees, took a trip down to the new Leica Store and Gallery in Washington, DC to see the new exhibit of photographer, Jacob Aue Sobol’s new black and white works exclusively utilizing the new Leica M-Monochrom camera. While there, he had a chance to sit down for a lengthy discussion with some key players from the legendary German camera brand including VP of Marketing and Corporate Retail, Roland Wolf, and Product Specialist Justin Staley.

Interview by Jonathan Lees

Leica has an involved and interesting history. How are you guys telling a story, now, to modern digital consumers and modern photographers?

Roland Wolf: Over the years, we created a set of values that we live by. Our past is our future. What we did is create an instrument. Whether there’s film in it or whether there’s a sensor in it, is really irrelevant because the values and virtues of a rangefinder camera are really irrespective of if you shoot film or digital. Especially these days where it’s not so much about achieving a certain quality level anymore, as it was when you were first entering digital, when you were really able to tell a difference between a film image ‘cause of its characteristics and its resolution and how it appeared. And today...the Monochrom is really a camera [where] the image feels like film. But, you know, the thing is, the M system is really what a lot of people, when they hear of Leica, think of, because it’s the tool that was used by a lot of the most respected photojournalists when photojournalism emerged and had it’s heyday with LIFE magazine and Time magazine. When we entered the digital world, we wanted to continue that system. So we were really trying to find a solution that made it possible for our customers and our photographers to continue using an M camera the way they were used to, and the lenses that they have been using for many years. For us, it’s a continuation.

Like an old Schott leather jacket, or Red Wing boots, there's been a resurgence of classic, timeless design. And I noticed that when the [Leica] M came out, people were gravitating towards this camera. And I feel that the rest of the camera industry was stumbling, trying to figure out what the consumer wanted.

RW: I think you are spot on, and I would have to go back to my product manager days, which was 2000, 2001. That’s when we started a whole new line of compact cameras. Obviously, I would look at the competition, and I would go to these shows where other brands would present the new compact cameras. And not only was I a trained photographer, but also a product manager for digital compact cameras, and I couldn’t figure out how these cameras worked. So, I would stand there and play with some of these oddly shaped, oddly colored cameras, thinking, Why are you trying to reinvent the wheel? Since photography has such a rich history and cameras were designed in a certain way for a reason. People are not only used to it, but, the way these cameras evolved, there’s a reason for it. Sometimes you don’t have to reinvent the wheel—what you have is a good thing. Just because it switched from film to digital, doesn’t mean you have to change everything around it.

Was there any hesitation from Leica utilizing full manual controls for a new digital form?

RW: I was in Germany still at the time. We’re a small company. I think that it’s an advantage sometimes, and sometimes it’s a disadvantage. But we are very close to our customers. We are very close to those that use our products. I don’t think a day goes by in Germany where we don’t have a professional coming in to talk to the product manager or talk to our Leica staff about their experiences with the product. People were asking for a digital rangefinder. So it’s kind of an informal market study. Market research. You get the feedback. Of course, we have been building M cameras at that time for 46 years. So for us, it made sense to continue the M system. And it comes back to what I said earlier, because of the advantages that a rangefinder has for street photography and for photojournalism. And what we felt was still valid. We got that feedback from the market, too. Doesn’t mean there aren’t other areas that you couldn’t explore, but this is really what Leica stands for, and continuation makes sense for us.

Is it because you did so well with the M system that you were allowed to experiment and bring it back to something people loved photographically or was this [the Leica M-Monochrom] something that truly tested well with photographers? Obviously 50 Magnum photographers wouldn’t come to Leica and tell you to put something into production. Why did you make a black and white camera?

RW: The idea had been out for a while. You’re asking a good question, whether it was based on the success of the M9. I think it helped because the idea was a lot older. The theory of creating a black and white sensor was something that we’ve been kicking around for quite some time. Did the success of the M9 help to make the push to realize it? I would say yes. Most likely. But is has been something that we have been discussing and thinking about for a while.

Justin, as a product specialist, what have you seen put into this camera that’s sort of unprecedented; that’s different than the way Leica has built other digital Ms?

Justin Staley: Besides the sensor, besides the way it’s processing through and creating files...the beauty of it is, it’s just another M camera. The menus are the same. The control buttons are the same. That’s really, to me, one of the things about the M system, that keep its linearity: If I would pull an M-3 from 1954, and put it right here on the ground, besides the wind lever on top and the screen on the back of it, it looks virtually identical. And I always chuckle and laugh when I’m out someplace with an M9 under my shoulder, and I walk into a restaurant and a waiter says, “Hey, nice old-school camera.” Half the time, I say, “Hey, thanks, man,” and the other half of the time, if I’m feeling cheeky, I’ll turn and frown, and show them the screen on the back. They will be like, “That’s digital?” It’s that lineage. It’s that longevity. That’s why I usually go with the Porsche 911, because it’s that lineage of car. It’s evolutionary, not revolutionary. It’s evolving. It’s taking in and messing with the design. Tweaking what’s there, what’s special about it, and celebrating that.

I understand there are photographers that would lose their minds over this but how do you convince a public that this [shooting with a Monochrom] is any different than desaturating an image, using Silver EFX, Lightroom, or Photoshop?

JS: There’s just something inherent to the way the sensor works and sees. When you have a color sensor, you’ve got a whole process that happens to the data of the chip, because you got a pixel that’s red, a pixel that’s green, and a pixel that’s blue. You’ve got that division of data. So I’ve got a data point that’s green, that’s red, that’s blue. On a digital camera with a bayer filter, I have “what’s my red value here?” And “what’s the green value?” And “what’s the blue value?” The camera has the process of demosaicing, where it takes those little color tiles and blends them together, and multiple pixels become the data for one. People say the [Monochrom] camera is three more times the resolution. It’s not 3x the resolution. They are looking for a number to justify it. And it’s not a number, it’s the way the process works.

Demosaicing is a really interesting term, but if you think about a mosaic on the wall, you stand fifty feet [away] and look at it, you see the image. You walk up and put your nose up to it, you see this tile is orange, that one’s blue. And you see different shapes and the different patterns of it. And when you step back from it, and it snaps back into that picture. And that’s sort of what’s happening here. But not having that process in the camera is allowing it to resolve much finer detail. But the other thing I noticed, being a black and white photographer, something about black and white film, and the way it captures an image, and the tonality, and the smoothness of tone in that image. This camera, with the way the sensors see light. And the way that they’d profiled it...when you suck these images in the lightroom, they’re flat. They’ve got this amazingly smooth tonal range that seems to just go forever. And having that ability to capture even in a bright sun, is a really contrasty scene. And keeping details in your highlights. And keeping details in your shadows. And then being able to say okay, what do I want?

And that is what the public is just starting to understand. They are getting to know about dynamic range. It’s now becoming a marketing tool for other cameras. That’s what made black and white so interesting...it’s not just black and white. There are tonal shades into the millions.

JS: And that’s the thing about film: Film had these amazing smooth shifts of color. And it’s hard to see that on the monitor. You can’t see that projected. Looking at Jacob’s [Sobol] work on the prints on the wall...That makes me want to challenge some people. I want to shoot some film, [and compare it] side by side, to this. And see what the results are. See what kind of results I’m truly getting out of it because I think it will give a run for its money. I was already making M9 files. I was just talking to someone in a black and white workshop that I teach, I have 20x30-inch prints made of black-and-white conversions off of a M9. And when you see that they are basically grainless—I’m at a 400 ISO, it’s virtually grainless. I’ve shot tons of Tri-X over the years. Tri-X shoots at 20x30. It’s got grains. It’s got texture to it. And to have that ability, it’s almost this [feeling of]...”Wait a minute, this doesn’t feel right. That was 400 ISO.” Because I’m so used to having this grain, that texture, the silver quantity in that image.

RW: I’m glad you are asking these questions, because this was exactly the reason why I wanted Jacob’s work over here. I think you need to see the work and the print to understand what the camera can do. Cause I, quite frankly, was a little shocked when we made the announcement and to see reactions from educated photographers: Just questioning the existence of that camera, and why wouldn’t you just work with a raw file and remove all the color information? It’s not the same. It’s absolutely not the same. You cannot produce what this camera does, with a true black and white sensor, with a color camera. The Bayer has a lot to do with it. You’re not interpolating the information. You don’t have the software trying to piece things together. You have one pixel, and that pixel doesn’t have that color filter in front of it anymore. So it’s either full or empty. It fills up much quicker. By removing those color filters, you get a lot more energy into the pixel, which means you actually increase the ISO of the filter. So the noise levels go down. You increase the ISO. You increase the resolution, just by removing that Bayer filter. The theory of removing that Bayer filter has a lot to do with the camera having a higher resolution, less noise. Not in pixel count, but as in, what it can display, the level of information it can display.

Does affect aliasing at all?

JS: The M cameras haven’t used an AA filter at all. There’s software embedded in the camera, looking for moiré that’s trying to automatically kill it when it sees it. Not having color information, I’m not sure moiré is possible on this camera. I haven’t done the test to see. Where you’re getting moiré is when a single pixel is a piece of data. The example I give at a workshop is: You are photographing at the beach. At some distance, a grain of sand will be the size of the pixel. So, you have a red grain of sand, a green grain of sand, and a blue grain sand. And de-mosaicing can’t figure this out cause it doesn’t have any overlap. It doesn’t have any edges to latch on to. So it’s seeing these individual things, that’s why you get that pattern that looks prismatic. If you magnify the image, you see the red dot, green dot, blue dot. This doesn’t have the red, green, and blue dots. It just has amplitude.

Why is black and white, film or digital, so romantic? Why do black and white images seem to be always interpreted as “realistic”?

JS: Ralph Gibson—New York City photographer; fine art, nude photographer—would tell you that color photography is two steps removed from reality because it’s a fraction of time. It’s freezing time. And it’s two dimensional. It’s two degrees removed from reality. As soon as we go to black and white, we are three degrees removed from reality. Something magical happens at that point. I’m going to say the ordinary to extraordinary. We don’t see the world in black and white. We see the world in color. There’s a simplification that happens. In our mind it’s just a bit more complex. And as a photographer, if you photograph in color, Julia’s red dress against the white wall separates her from that white wall. But if I was to photograph her in black and white, I have to now know the tone of her dress will respond in a certain shade of gray. And her skin tone is going to respond in a certain shade of gray. And where does that fall? And what happens to it? Well, red and green reproduce basically the same thing, same tone of gray. It disappears. And that’s when you start using color filters. That’s where the creativity starts to come in.

That’s where the M-Monochrom opens up for you. I can pull out my old red-25 filter, put it on the camera, and change the color. Now my sky is going to go dark. Skin tone is going to go white. Go porcelain. I can do those effects in camera. “Okay, Lightroom, black and white, red...and slide it to make adjustments.” I can shoot it that way and get the effect. If I put a red filter on a M9, I’ve just eliminated all my green pixels and all my blue pixels. I’m relying on digital conversions to do that. It really is a different experience, a different process. And I feel Leica is very attuned with the craft of photography. It’s got art and it’s got science. It’s the blending of those two things that make it interesting. But I think [the problem] with digital is that we forget that craft. It comes down to how can we push pixels around? How much can we manipulate? When do you say when? Think about the old guys in the darkroom, and having some of that control, and having some of that magic, that really happens. It’s having your fingers wet in the chemistry. I think some of the romance comes back with this. The romance of black and white comes back with it. We have the control. Where you as the artist, make the decisions and decide how you want the image to be printed. The tonality of it, and the feel of it. The contrast of it. How black your blacks are and how white your whites are. Do you want your picture to be dark? Be Lynchian and be Film-Noir. Deep dark, rough, gritty kind of look. I photograph that way.

[The camera] is for those who know, as photographers, exactly what they want. The people who truly go out there to take pictures to “make” a moment. To make it personal. To make it historical. It’s a hard sell but, to me, you guys just sold it.

JS: It’s an unique product. That to me is Leica. We are very much into making a specialized product. That’s what has kept us around. We haven’t tried to make a tool for everyone. Often times, if I’m talking to a class about the introduction to range finders, I’ve got people who haven’t used a range finder before. They’ve only used a SLR. I will often equate a SLR camera to a Swiss Army knife. It does everything well. Anything you want to do photographically, you can do with a SLR camera. And the M camera is really like a specialized tool. I’ll equate that to a chef’s knife. If you want to chop vegetables, a chef’s knife is way more efficient. There are certain things a chef’s knife will do extreme efficiently, but if I want to open up a can, which one’s better? The swiss army knife is better than opening up a can of soup. By realizing we are a specialized tool and not trying to do everything. It’s to me one of the things that kept the brand very special.

http://www.complex.com/tech/2012/09/interview-leica-roland-wolf-justin-staley-m-monochrom-camera