LEICA NEWS - LEICA HALL OF FAME - RENĖ BURRI

New announcements from Leica.

Dear Friend of Leica,

We hope you find the latest news, including articles about some novel developments in the world of Leica, both informative and interesting.

HALL OF FAME

Leica Camera AG honors René Burri for his life´s work

The Swiss photographer René Burri is considered to be one of the best known and most respected photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His portfolios shot as a photojournalist at political hot spots around the world, for example of the divided and later reunited city of Berlin, and evocative portraits like those of the Cuban revolutionary leader Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara with a cigar, the sculptors and painters Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti or the architect Le Corbusier founded his fame. Today, some of his images stand as valuable documents of contemporary history. And now, Leica Camera AG honours the lifework of the 80-year old Leica photographer, who has been a member of the Magnum agency for over fifty years, with the Leica Hall of Fame Award.

More details: http://us.leica-camera.com/culture/hall_of_fame/rene_burri/

LEICA OSKAR BARNACK AWARD

Works about life in ice and snow

The winners of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and the Newcomer Award for 2013 have been chosen. Born in Siberia, Evgenia Arbugaeva has been awarded this prestigious photography prize for ‘Tiksi', a portfolio of her images from a project shot in the small town of the same name on the Arctic coast of northern Siberia. The international jury chose Ciril Jazbec from Slovenia as the winner of the 2013 Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award. His portfolio of images entitled ‘Waiting to move' tells the story of an Inuit village in Alaska facing the threat of global warming.

More details: http://us.leica-camera.com/news/news/1/10098.html

ADOBE® LIGHTROOM® 5

New more powerful version

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 5, the latest release of the powerful image-processing software, is now a part of the software package supplied with the current camera models of the Leica S, M, X, V and D-Lux lines. This software is available to Leica camera owners as a free download from the Leica website after registering their new purchase in the owners area.* Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 5 is considered to be the most professional image-processing software currently available, and guarantees ultimate picture quality when used in combination with images captured with a Leica.

More details:  http://us.leica-camera.com/news/news/1/10107.html

LEICA IN ARLES

Come and see the exhibition of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award winners at the Leica Booth!

The Leica team looks forward to welcoming you at the Leica exhibition stand located at "Espace van Gogh" from July 1 - 6, 2013 between 10.00 and 19.00h!

There you can see the range of Leica products, speak with Leica experts from France and Germany, test M cameras and lenses, and get a copy of the new LFI Special Magazine LOBAward 2013.

The winners and finalist’s’ entries for the Leica Oskar Barnack Award will be shown at the Award Ceremony, with the winners on stage at the Théatre Antique on Wednesday, July 3rd, ca. 22.15 h.

More details: http://us.leica-camera.com/news/events/by_date/3/10187.html

LEICA SUPPORTS THE MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL

"Music in Pictures"

More details: http://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/2013/en

LEICA D-LUX 6 ‘EDITION by G-STAR RAW’

More news from Leica:

Leica Camera is pleased to present a new special edition camera, the Leica D-Lux 6 'Edition by G-Star RAW.' The camera is a collaboration between Leica Camera and G-Star, the Dutch denim label. Both G-Star and Leica are united in their appreciation of premium-quality products and functional design. The Leica D-Lux 'Edition by G-Star RAW' has a distinctive, unique and timeless look and is a stylish accessory for fashion aficionados.

The body of the Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is finished in the typical RAW design, and features the script ‘LEICA BY G-STAR RAW … JUST THE PRODUCT’. This special edition’s leather trim is also unique – in fact, it is used for the first time ever on a Leica compact camera. The technical specifications of the Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ are the same as those of the standard model including a fast lens with a 1.7" CMOS image sensor.

The Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ comes as a set including a camera case in brown leather in the RAW look, branded with the G-Star logo. The set also includes an exclusive carrying strap and a matching hand strap, both in the same leather as the case.

The Leica D-Lux 6 ‘Edition by G-Star RAW’ is a worldwide limited special model and is available at Leica Authorized Dealers now.

LEICA AKADEMIE WORKSHOPS THIS SUMMER

Leica Akademie presents new multiday workshops this summer!

The Leica Akademie in North America enters its third year of operation with expanded workshops for intermediate and advanced photographers! These multiday workshops on Conservation Photography, Street Photography and developing a distinctive visual style offer a unique, challenging and fun learning opportunity for both Leica customers and those discovering the Leica system for the first time.

Leica Conservation Photography

Telling the bigger story of the landscape.

Lead by photographer Bridget Besaw this series of workshops are designed to teach the combined techniques of landscape and people photography, while connecting photographers with a passion for the environment to timely stories and beautiful locations that environmental organizations need help protecting. These workshops are perfect for photographers with a passion for the environment.

Bar Harbor, Maine: August 22-25, 2013

Patagonia, Chile: December 8-14, 2013

Leica Street Photography Weekends

A great tradition continued

Leica cameras are known worldwide as the perfect tool for street photography. Designed as a crash course in everything street photography, these intense workshops will push you creatively while improving your technical confidence. Spend three days shooting, editing, and reviewing your images with a Leica Akademie instructor and featured local street photographers.

Vancouver: July 20-21.13

Los Angeles: August 2-4.13

Washington DC: September 6.13

New York: September 20-22.13

The Truth About Photographs

Developing a Distinctive Visual Style

Going beyond the traditional technical workshop this 3-day program, designed for intermediate to advanced Leica M photographers explores the process of personal creativity and authorship in photography. Led by renowned documentary photographer and educator Quinton Gordon, participants will focus on increasing visual awareness with a goal for each photographer to make images that are distinctly their own.

Toronto: June 21-23.13

Calgary: September 13-15.13

Miami: January 17-19.14

Los Angeles: January 24-26.14

Leica M9/M-E Owners

Get the most from your Rangefinder.

If you currently own the M9 or M-E and have never attended a Leica Akademie workshop before, this should be your first stop. This one day session teaches you how to achieve astounding results with your camera, while providing access to a selection of lenses from Leica’s full line. Combining classroom lecture with hands-on learning your Akademie instructor will share some of his personal tips, shooting techniques and working methods to enable you to gain more from your camera.

Los Angeles: July 31.13

New York: August 9.13

Washington DC: November 13.13

Miami: February 22.14

For more information about all our Leica Akademie programs,

click on

www.leica-akademie.com

or email

akademie@leicacamerausa.com

A WORD FROM LEICA CAMERA AG

Since its presentation at the photokina 2012, the new Leica M has become extremely popular. The large number of orders we have received shows the outstanding acceptance of the new M-System on the market. The enormous demand has by far exceeded our expectations, with the consequence that delays in deliveries can unfortunately not be avoided.

In the words of Markus Limberger, COO at Leica Camera AG: “We are very sorry about these delays and hope you will understand the current situation. Please rest assured that we are investing an enormous amount of time and effort in the sustainable expansion of our production capacities, naturally in full compliance with our commitment to absolute quality. Despite the very high demand, particularly of the Leica M, the quality of our products and the high-precision in our production maintains our high standard.”

A significant cause for the longer waiting times is Leica’s uncompromising manufacturing process in accordance with the ‘factory’ principle. Just like all other Leica products, the Leica M is manufactured and assembled in an elaborate manual process that must satisfy the most stringent demands on precision engineering, painstaking care and quality. Each Leica M is a handcrafted product in every detail and may only leave the factory after being tested, checked and adjusted for so long until its flawless finish and performance are guaranteed and fulfill the exhaustive quality demands on which the worldwide reputation of Leica is founded. This commitment to precision and quality has been the the core principle of Leica manufacturing for almost a century. The endurance, reliability and perceived value of Leica products have been instrumental in the creation of the Leica legend.

To ensure that we can continue to maintain these uncompromising quality standards and simultaneously reduce order-fulfillment times, Leica Camera AG is currently significantly expanding production capacities, creating job opportunities for additional specialists and trainees, and is building a completely new, ultra-modern factory that will open in Wetzlar in 2014 with facilities to satisfy production demand. The sum total of these measures will relieve pressures in the production process and simultaneously lead to considerably shorter order-fulfillment times.

THE BEST ARGUMENT FOR BUYING LEICA BINOCULARS

Several years ago (more than I like to remember), I worked in a camera store.  We were the main Leica dealer in town which, of course, meant, we also sold the Leica Binoculars. 

One day, a gentleman indicated that he was interested in a pair of binoculars for his 10 year old daughter.  Thinking that he probably was thinking of something in a more modest price range, I proceeded to take a medium priced pair of binoculars out of the showcase.  He immediately rejected it and said that he wanted to give her a pair of Leica binoculars. 

“After all,” he said, “her eyes are the only ones she will ever have.”  

For complete information on the Leica sport optics go to:

http://us.leica-camera.com/sport_optics/

GRAND OPENING LEICA STORE LOS ANGELES

Grand Opening: Leica Store Los Angeles and Leica Gallery Los Angeles, June 21st to 23rd.

The grand opening celebration for the latest Leica sore in Los Angeles will take place this month from the 21^st to the 23^rd.  Along with the new store, Leica will also have a new Leica gallery with an exciting exhibition.

In the Gallery: Mary Ellen Mark - "Leica, My First Camera"

Mary Ellen Mark’s photographs are renowned the world over and span the genres of NY Street photography, photojournalism and portraiture.

Her main interest has always been social issues that this career survey of iconic gelatin silver prints embodies. The Leica Gallery Los Angeles exhibition will present prints from her NY street images and iconic "Indian Circus" images. In addition, the exhibition also features Mark’s legendary Hollywood celebrity portraiture from her new book "Scene Behind The Scene".

Yariv Milchan - "Leica ... An Affair"

Photographer and film producer Yariv Milchan grew up with Hollywood for his backyard, surrounded by the magic and wonder of the filmmaking world and its beautiful movie star inhabitants. Yariv’s photographs always share a depth and beauty, whether he focuses his lens on the stunning California landscape or the sinuous curvature of a woman’s back. The common thread always sewing his body of work together is his love of capturing great light, nature and beauty above all.

Seal - "Stopping Time"

Seal, a self proclaimed "photography geek," and ambassador for Leica, views his photographic practice as a means of "connecting" to people and "stopping time." His favorite subjects are people and portraiture. Seal has been a loyal Leica Camera collector for 25 years. He started shooting 35mm on the original M3, and now uses a range of cameras including the new Leica Monochrom.

Leica Akademie: Discover the new Leica X Vario

Meet the newest addition to the Leica line up during this world premier "Test Drive" experience!

Join the Leica Akademie for a two-hour shooting experience with the newly announced Leica X Vario! This powerful camera offers Leica quality in a versatile compact package that will benefit experienced and novice Leica photographers alike. This is the first opportunity to try this new unique product in North America and space is expected to go quickly.

Friday June 21st 10AM-12PM

Saturday June 22nd 3PM-5PM

Sunday June 23rd 10AM-12PM

Space is limited. Please RSVP: RSVP@leicacamerausa.com

Explore the Leica M-System

Spend some hands-on time with the legendary M-system.

 

This interactive, hands-on program provides an opportunity to discover for your-self the essence of Leica rangefinder photography! Under the guidance of a Leica Akademie instructor you will learn the craftsmanship, capabilities and perspective that makes photography with a Leica rangefinder unlike any other camera. A selection of M9P, M-E, Monochrom and a limited number of the highly desirable M (240) will be available for this two-hour program.

Friday June 21st 3PM-5PM

Saturday June 22nd 10AM-12PM

Sunday June 23rd 3PM-5PM

Space is limited. Please RSVP: RSVP@leicacamerausa.com

Lecture Series:

Friday June 21st, from 7PM, Mary Ellen Mark

Mary Ellen Mark has achieved worldwide visibility through her numerous books, exhibitions and editorial magazine work. She has published photo-essays and portraits in such publications as LIFE, New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair. For over four decades, Mary Ellen Mark has traveled extensively to make pictures that reflect a high degree of humanism. Today, she is recognized as one of our most respected and influential photographers. Join Mary Ellen Mark for an informative artist talk about her work in our current exhibition, "Leica, My First Camera."

Saturday June 22nd, 6PM - 8PM, Craig Semetko "The Essential Photographer"

Craig Semetko’s The journey from globe trotting comedy writer/ performer to being exhibited along side Henri Cartier-Bresson is a remarkable story. This internationally exhibited and collected photographer will share the stories behind his first book "Unposed" as well as new work from his recently completed portrait of America: E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, One).

Sunday June 23rd, 6PM - 8PM, Jeff Johnson - Writer, Photographer, Surfer

His stories and photographs have appeared in the Surfer Journal, Surfer, Alpinist and Outside Magazine. His adventures on both land and sea where chronicled in his first book "Bend to Baja," and most recently in the documentary film "180 South." In this rare lecture he will share his history in photography, and the impact that picking up a Leica M7 has had on his personal work.

Programs are free and open to the public, but space is limited.

Please RSVP: RSVP@leicacamerausa.com

Leica Store LA

8783 Beverly Blvd.

West Hollywood, LA 90048

Hours: Monday - Sunday 10AM - 6PM.

THE NEW LEICA X VARIO

To many, the official introduction of the Leica X Vario today was certainly anticlimactic.  Images and detailS of the new camera had been leaked and it was rather well known what the camera would be like.  I purposely held off talking about the IT or getting involved in the discussion until the final, official word was out.

Many of the comments are of disappointment.  Leica’s campaign of calling the camera a Mini M lead to the expectation that this camera somehow would be a simpler, maybe somewhat smaller version of the Leica M.  The fact is that we got a camera that is much closer to the Leica X2, but with a zoom lens.

Already we hear comments of fail, why, no M ...  Of course it is not a Leica M.  However, how well the camera fits into the lineup of Leica cameras needs to be seen.  So far, the few images taken with it that have been published are inconclusive.  Yes, the hopes of an interchangeable lens, morrorless Leica didn't come true, as is the case with an interchangeable lens version of the X2.  Either one of those cameras would certainly have created a lot more excitement.  But is it really that bad?  Of course, for total versatility, the Leica M is far ahead of the Leica X Vario.  Yet the versatility has been substantially increased over the X2 by the addition of the zoom lens.  That, combined with the new sensor and the additional features actually makes for quite a usable camera. 

If the camera deserves to be positioned between the M and the X2 will soon be revealed when we see some valid performance proof.  That, I am sure, will be forthcoming in just a few days.   Rather than blathering how bad this camera is, as so many are doing, I am willing to wait for that until I form my final opinion.

The official press release, from Leica:

Leica Camera proudly presents the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) -a groundbreaking compact camera which combines a large APS-C format with a zoom lens to offer customers the best possible quality and versatility in a compact camera.

The Leica X Vario (Type 107) features several significant technical, design and handling characteristics of the Leica M. With the AF Leica Vario Lens offering an equivalent zoom range covering 28 to 70 mm and full-HD video recording, the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) expands the creative options for the user while offering easy and automatic operation.

Benefits at a Glance:

Newly developed Vario Lens: Leica Elmar 1:3.5-6.4 (28-70 mm equivalent)

Newly developed APS-C CMOS Sensor with an effective resolution of 16.1 Megapixels

Iconic design using high quality materials (milled aluminum top cover)

Simple operations including manual adjustment options

Precise and fast Auto Focus

Best in class image quality and full HD video

Connection for high resolution electronic viewfinder for new photographic perspectives

Versatile accessories

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, the comprehensive solution for modern digital photography

Made in Germany

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR LENS & APS-C CMOS SENSOR

The Leica Vario-Elmar 28-70 mm f/3.5 -6.4 ASPH (35 mm equivalent) and the APS-C CMOS sensor ensures images of unsurpassed brilliance. The size and quality of the sensor means low image noise, high dynamic range and accurate color differentiation. The wide-angle to telephoto zoom range of the Leica X Vario (Type 107) offers photographers the options for many more creative compositions: indoor scenes, impressive landscapes or intimate portraits. The Leica X

Vario (Typ 107) allows users to change focal length easily and quickly to spontaneously capture the perfect moment. In addition, the autofocus is fast, extremely precise and virtually silent while the switch from autofocus to manual focusing is intuitive -simply move the focusing ring on the lens from MF to AF mode.

INTUITIVE HANDLING

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) offers a simple handling concept which allows the photographer to concentrate on the picture. All functions and controls are clearly laid out, and settings can be changed in an instant to meet the needs of any photographic situation. The user-friendly menu interface displayed on the high-resolution 3” monitor provides a

clear overview of all settings at a glance.

FULL-HD VIDEO

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) offers a full-HD video recording option with a 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 full frames per second. A video can be made by simply starting and stopping a single button on the camera’s top plate. The full-HD videos can be saved using the MP4 format and uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any conversion. An integrated wind-cut filter ensures outstanding audio clarity.

THE ART OF ENGINEERING -MADE IN GERMANY

The design and finish of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) reflects the ultimate in the art of engineering with attention to detail and the use of the finest materials. The top plate is machined from solid aluminum while the magnesium and aluminum body is trimmed with soft leather. The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) provides the user with a visual and tactile experience which is synonymous with a Leica made in Germany.

For complete information about the Leica X Vario, go to:

http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cameras/x_vario/

LEICA X VARIO Technical data.

Camera   Leica X Vario (Typ 107) black Order no. 18 430

Lens   Leica Vario-Elmar 18-46 mm f/3.5-6.4 ASPH. (corresponds to 28-70 mm in 35 mm format), 9 lenses in 8 groups, 2 aspherical lenses.

Sensor   CMOS sensor, size APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm) with 16.5/16.2 million pixels (total/effective), format aspect ratio 3:2.

Resolution   Selectable for JPEG format: 4928 x 3274 Pixel (16 megapixels), 4288 x 2856 Pixel (12,2 megapixels), 3264 x 2160 Pixel (7 megapixels), 2144 x 1424 Pixel (3 megapixels), 1632 x 1080 Pixel (1,8 megapixels), DNG: 4944 x 3274 Pixel.

Video recording format    MP4.

Video resolution/frame rate   Selectable 1920 x 1080 pixels, 30 fps or 1280 x 720 pixels, 30 fps.

Aperture range   From 3.5 to 16 (at 28 mm)/6.4 to 16 (at 70 mm) in 1/3 EV increments.

Image data file formats /Compression rates   JPG Superfein, JPG Fein, DNG + JPG Superfi ne, DNG + JPG Fein.

ISO Range    Automatic, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500.

White balance    Automatic, presets for daylight, cloud, halogen lighting, shade, electronic fl ash, 2 manual settings, manual color temperature setting, fi ne adjustment option for all settings.

Autofocus system    Contrast-based auto focus system.

Distance setting range    30 cm/1 ft (at 70 mm focal length) to infi nity.

Autofocus metering methods   1-fi eld, 11-fi eld, spot, face detection.

Exposure modes    Automatic program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority and manual setting.

Exposure metering    Multi-fi eld, center-weighted, spot.

Exposure compensation    ±3 EV in 1/3 EV increments.

Automatic bracketing    Three pictures in graduations up to 3 EV, adjustable in 1/3 EV increments.

Exposure modes    M (manual), A (aperture priority), B.

Shutter speed range    30 s to 1/2000 s.

Continuous picture series   3 fps or 5 fps, max. seven pictures with constant frequency in DNG + JPG Fine.

Flash modes    Auto, auto/Red-Eye, forced on, forced on/Red eye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red eye, Studio.

Flash exposure compensation   ± 3 EV in 1/3-EV increments.

Guide number built-in fl ash unit   For ISO 100, guide number 5.

Recovery time of built-in fl ash unit   Approx. 5 s with fully charged battery.

Monitor    3" TFT LCD, approx. 920,000 pixels.

Self timer Delay time    2 or 12 s.

Storage media    SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

Connections    Mini USB 2.0 socket, HDMI socket, special socket exclusively for external Leica EVF 2 electronic viewfinder.

Power supply    Lithium ion battery, rated voltage 3.7 V, capacity 1600 mAh (to CIPA standard): Approx. 350 pictures, charging time (after total discharge): approx. 200 min.

Charger Input: 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz, automatic switching.

Tripod thread    A 1/4 DIN 4503 (¼ in).

Dimensions    (W x H x D) Ca. 133 x 73 x 95 mm / 5.24 x 2.87 x 3.74 in.

Weight    Ca. 594/628 g / 22.9/24 oz (without/with battery).

Package includes Battery (Leica BP-DC8), battery charger (Leica BC-DC8), leather carrying strap, USB cable, lens cap, user manual.

Software    Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® (free download option after camera registration).

LEICA CAMERA AG FÜHRT DAS DEUTSCHE LUXUS SEGMENT AN

Die folgende Meldung wurde von Andreas Dippel, Leica Camera AG übermittelt:

Ldeica M

 Solms (ots) - Die Leica Camera AG, der Hersteller von Kameras und Sportoptik-Produkten im hessischen Solms, steht im Ranking der Top-50-Luxus-Unternehmen in Deutschland an der Spitze. Das ergab eine Bewertung der besten deutschen Premium-Hersteller durch die Munich Business School und die Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Ernst & Young. Die Initiatoren des Rankings haben die Unternehmen unter anderem hinsichtlich Exklusivität, Internationalisierung und Internetpräsenz untersucht. Ein Fachbeirat gab ergänzend sein Votum ab.

Alfred Schopf, Vorsitzender des Vorstands der Leica Camera AG: "Wir freuen uns sehr über das Ergebnis des Rankings, weil es die eingeschlagene Strategie unseres Unternehmens honoriert. Leica führt das Ranking auch deswegen an, weil unsere einzeln in Manufaktur gefertigten Produkte mit einem umfassenden Kundenservice weltweit verbunden werden. Unser international ausgelegtes Store-Konzept ist einmalig in der Branche und eröffnet nicht nur neue Märkte, sondern ermöglicht auch eine besondere Nähe zu unseren Kunden und den direkten Umgang mit ihren Bedürfnissen und Wünschen. Die aufwendig gestalteten Leica Stores und Boutiquen bieten Beratung und Dienstleistungen weit über den Verkauf unserer Produkte hinaus und verkörpern den Anspruch, den unsere Kunden seit bald einhundert Jahren mit der Marke Leica verbinden."

Die Leica Camera AG hat seit dem Jahr 2009 mit der Einführung innovativer Digitalprodukte den Turnaround erreicht. Derzeit gibt es 45 Leica Stores und über 90 Boutiquen auf allen fünf Kontinenten der Welt. In den kommenden Jahren soll die Anzahl auf rund 200 Stores und Boutiquen ausgebaut werden.

LEICA T-SHIRT

Help Leica Camera's t-shirt design win the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge: Frankfurt contest! Vote here by selecting Frankfurt from the menu and clicking on our design: http://bit.ly/11mHV0m

NEW LEICA S-ADAPTER FOR CONTAX 645 LENSES

Today Leica made the following announcement:

Leica Camera is pleased to introduce the Leica S-Adapter C which will be available from this June. With this adapter, Contax 645 lenses can be used with the Leica S (Typ 006), Leica S2 and Leica S2-P cameras. The adapter enables owners of the Contax 645 system to switch effortlessly to the Leica S System.

The Leica S-Adapter C when used with Contax 645 lenses on any of the Leica S cameras offers the following:

Autofocus and manual focus with focus confirmation

Automatic aperture

Using the EXIF data of lenses of Contax 645 system

Use of corrective lens profiles for the Contax 645 system when converting the RAW files in Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop.

When using the adapter with Contax 645 lenses, the aperture is selected with the manual mode or the automatic setting of the camera.

Stefan Pick, Contax photographer for many years, was the first to test the S-Adapter C in conjunction with the Leica Stand Contax 645-lenses. Stefan Pick said, “Initially, I was pessimistic about the adapter solution, but already from the first use I was enormously surprised how quickly and how well the auto focus on the Leica S works - faster than on Contax system in the past. The image quality as a result of the combination of Contax lenses on the Leica S is gigantic. Therefore, the connection of the Leica S with the Leica S-Adapter C is an extremely affordable entry-level solution to the Leica S-System and a better quality solution as a digital back, for photographers who own the Contax lenses from the past.”

The Leica S-Adapter C supports the following lenses from the Contax 645 system:

Distagon T* 3.5 / 35 mm

Distagon T* 2.8 / 45 mm

Distagon T* 3.5 / 55 mm

Planar T* 2.0 / 80 mm

Apo-Makro-Planar T* 4 / 120 mm

Sonnar T* 2.8 / 140 mm

Sonnar T* 4 / 210 mm

Tele-Apotessar T* 4 / 350 mm

Vario-Sonnar T* 4.5 / 45-90 mm

Mutar 1.4x T*

Auto Extension Ring 13 mm

Auto Extension Ring 26 mm

Auto Extension Ring 52 mm

The Leica S-Adapter C does not support auto-focus for the following components:

Apo-Makro-Planar T*4 / 120 mm as it is a MF lens

Automatic bellows

Shipments will start in June of 2013 at a cost of $1,950.

Leica S with Zeiss Distagon 45mm f/2.8

For more on the Leica S go to:

THE LEICA S AND THE PROFESSIONAL CAMERA MARKET

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-leica-s-and-professional-camera.html

NEW LEICA MINI M CAMERA

As I usually do every morning, I seek whatever Leica news I can find.  Today, the official Leica website (www.leica-camera.com) did not disappoint.  It reports of a new camera to be introduced on June 11, at this point referred to as the Leica Mini M.  It is thought to be a model placed between the Leica M system and the Leica X and it is thought not to be a rebranded Panasonic camera but a model made in Germany.

Rather than exercising all sorts of guesses of what that camera might be like, I chose to wait until the 11^th of next month to see what Leica has up their sleeves.

I like the timing because it allows me to take a close look at this new Leica product on my visit to Solms in July.  You can be sure that an in-depth report will follow on these pages.

NIKON AND CANON AT LEICA PRICES

We have discussed the cost of Leica prices here on several occasions, with the main reasons being the extremely tight tolerances that Leica applies to their equipment, and the fact that mass production is totally absent at Leica.

Quite often we can see people argue that Canon and Nikon equipment is so much less expensive, that Leica is just charging more because they established themselves as a luxury brand.

It is interesting that just recently both Nikon and Canon have proven the argument that they would have to charge similar prices like Leica if any of their equipment were made in rather limited numbers.  Both companies introduced lenses which, by their very nature, cater to only a limited market.  For that reason mass production does not enter the discussion.  Thus the cost of these lenses is rather high.

One of the lenses is the Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS USM 1.4x lens with a cost of $11,799.00 and $649.00 for the custom case.  Nikon introduced the Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens at a cost of $17,896.95.  That puts either one of these lenses solidly in the price category that Leica is so often criticized for.

Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS USM 1.4 lens with fitted case 

Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR

I have often argued that neither Nikon or Canon are able to perform miracles, that their equipment would sell for similar prices as Leica equipment does if it were made along the same guidelines as Leica.  These two new lenses from Nikon and Canon (Nikon makes as many lenses in one day as Leica manufactures during a whole year) seem to prove that point.  As a matter of fact, the high sales volume of most of their lenses allows both companies to regain the development costs of these two lenses faster than is the case with Leica, otherwise they would be even more expensive.

The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ still is true today, and it is good to see that Leica is applying their high standards across the board.

LEICA'S DR. ANDREAS KAUFMANN BUYS INTO I-SHOT-IT.COM

Leica News and Rumors reports that Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG and majority shareholder of Leica Camera AG, has acquired a 25.1% stake in the Internet platform “I-shot-it”. For a small fee, www.i-shot-it.com enables photo-enthusiasts—from amateurs to professionals—to take part in photographic competitions. An independent jury of internationally acclaimed photographers selects the prizewinners and in the open competitions, members of the “I-shot-it” community select the prizewinners by direct online voting.

Dr. Andreas Kaufmann

“Many amateur photographers, and professionals, too, think our platform is great, because this is where their work finds the recognition they would otherwise often never find”, explains “I-shot-it” founder Hartmut Hennige. “The majority of photo competitions are so restrictive or have such strict rules that many photo enthusiasts are barred from entering right from the start. We let everybody try their luck. The jury members, all independent, acclaimed photographers, know nothing about the entrants or the camera they used to take the pictures.” According to Hartmut Hennige, around five million pictures have been uploaded so far. Around one half of these were submitted as competition entries.

Winners of the online photography competitions receive cash prizes –financed by the charges due for uploading image material—and a Leica camera. The current thirteen categories include genres such as wildlife, landscapes, black and white, cars, transport, flowers, street photography, sports, food and more.

The majority of visitors to the “I-shot-it” Web site come from the USA with more than 132,000 visits and 1.85 million page views. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann from ACM in Salzburg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Leica Camera AG, reckons with high growth rates in the coming months. “There has been a tremendous upswing of interest in photography over the past few years. The wish to be able to present your own photos to a virtually unlimited number of people in competitions is widespread”, says Dr. Kaufmann. “The growing numbers of fans and users shows just how enormous the demand is amongst photographers around the world. We intend to satisfy this demand.”

AVAILABLE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

St. Paul Winbter Carnival 1992 Ice Castle

Plaubel Makina, Anticomar 100mm f/2.9

Agfacolor Optima 100, 10 sec, f/2.9

This terminology is self-explanatory; photography with whatever light is available.  During daylight hours, this is no problem.  Difficulties arise when light levels are quite low.  Under such circumstances faster lenses or higher ISO settings often become a necessity.  With film, higher ISO settings generally are accompanied with coarser grain and ISO 3200 is a limit that is hard to overcome.  Here digital technology offers considerable advantages with some cameras offering ISO levels of 10 thousand or even more.

This has created another performance evaluation besides camera resolution in megapixels.  Some individuals are definitely of the opinion that a camera isn’t worth considering unless it excels at super high ISO levels.  There is definitely an advantage to be had, but are levels of 10 thousand ISO or more really necessary or helpful for that matter?

I have been involved in several discussion about this and thus have come across examples where anything less than 10 thousand ISO just doesn’t cut it.  My enthusiasm of this is far more measured, but then I don’t photograph black cats in a coal mine very often.

"Boltergasse" Barntrup, Germany

Linhof Technica 70, Schneider Symmar 100mm f/5.6

Ilford FP-3 10 minute exposure

Lou Bellami, Penumbra Theater, St. Paul, Minnesota

Leica M6, 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M

Ilford XP-2 Super, ISO 800

The beginning of my photographic education is solidly anchored in the film days.  Over the years I have certainly done my share of available light photography, yet rarely did that necessitate ISO levels higher than 800 or 1600.  As a matter of fact, I am hard pressed to imagine a photographic situation where anything substantially higher is necessary, although I should add that the coarse grain of very fast films is often used as an artistic element.

Children's Day Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Leica Digilux 2, ISO 400

Newton Fork Ranch, Hill City, South Dakota

Leica Digilux 2, ISO 100

Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul, Minnesota

Canon 5D Mark III, ISO 1600

I have always tried to keep film grain as small as possible which is the very reason why I used to shoot quite regularly with film speeds of ISO 25.  Obviously, that is quite limiting.  Combining small grain with a variety of film speeds led me to chromogenic films, mainly Ilford XP-2 and its successor, the XP-2 Super.  Unlike other black and white films, these have the advantage of offering a relatively wide range of ISO settings without the need of developing adjustments.  I regularly used the XP-2 and XP-2 Super at ISO ranges from 100 to 800.  This would be of no consequence if there were no apparent difference.  However, at lower sensitivity setting these films display a noticeably finer grain.  Since no development adjustments are necessary, there is the advantage of being able to change the film sensitivity as needed and take advantage of the finer grain at the lower speeds, all on the same roll of film.

Office Building Minneapolis, MN

Leica Digilux 2, ISO 100

Brentwood Estate, Alexandria, Minnesota

Leica Digilux 2, ISO 100

Private Japanese Garden, Plymouth, Minnesota

Leica Digilux 2, ISO 100

"Tecco"

former principal violinist St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, St. Paul, Minnesota

Leica R4. 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R

Ilford XP-2 Super, ISO 800

Of course such considerations are of not much consequence with digital cameras.  Here we can change sensitivity setting at will, although the greater noise at relatively high settings, which does look very much like film grain, is something to consider.  Thus I still follow my old habit of using relatively low ISO settings in order to get the most out of my cameras and lenses.  With my digital cameras that generally is ISO 100 or 200.

Available light photography is considered by most as photography under relatively low light levels.  This naturally can result in fairly slow shutter speeds unless higher sensitivity settings are utilized.  Of course a tripod can be of great help when slow shutter speeds are necessary, although no tripod can overcome the need for faster shutter speeds with fast moving subjects.  I also consider a tripod very restrictive in the way I can use a camera.  I much prefer to use my cameras hand held.

Cindy Hillger, Don Shelby

Live Newscast WCCO TV Minneapolis

Leica M6, 50mm f/2 Summicron-M

Ilford XP-2 Super, ISO 800

For that reason I still employ the old formula that I learned in the film days, to use as the slowest shutter speed a setting which is the equivalent of the focal length of the lens.  With other words, the slowest shutter speed that the average person can safely hand hold with a 50mm lens is 1/50 (1/60) sec.  Subsequently, 1/250 sec would be the slowest with a 250mm lens, 1/30 sec with a 28mm etc.  This approach has served me well over the years. 

Would higher ISO settings be of an advantage?  Of course!  As long as the image quality does not substantially deteriorate, why not?  But I would not make high ISO capabilities a major factor when deciding on a camera.  As long as my camera equipment offers good performance at ISO 1600 or 3200, I feel unrestricted.

Finally, I must comment on another advantage of digital cameras.  With relatively long exposure times, they don’t display reciprocity failure.  This is a definite problem with most films and, unfortunately, it differs from film to film.  As a rule of thumb, we can safely assume that reciprocity failure is of no consequence with exposure times up to one second.  After that the exposure response is not linear anymore and films require an increase in exposure.  Unfortunately, there is little choice than to consult the reciprocity information that should accompany the film.

Don Stolz

Old Log Theater, Excelsior, Minnesota

Leica M6, 50mm f/2 Summicron

Ilford XP-2 Super, ISO 800

All in all, photography in low light is no problem, as long as we take the necessary measures to overcome the problems associated with this.  Digital photography has the added advantage of allowing to experiment without adding to the cost of film and processing.  The results can be outstanding photographs, much beyond the usual daylight snapshots.

LEICA HATERS

Some Leica oriented blogs and websites seem to be an irresistible magnet for the Leica haters.  The moment a new post appears, they come out in droves, only to spew forth their venom.  I have decided to report on this here from time to time.  This is not an attempt to whitewash any valid criticism, however, it is meant to highlight how ridiculous some of these comments are.

A few days ago one of the Leica blogs reported on the Leica Gallery in Salzburg showing works by Leica photographer and Jazz trumpeter Till Bronner.  Because of the severe negativity of the comments accompanying this article, I will refrain from posting a link. 

The article reported about the exhibition and accompanied it with one of Bonner’s photographs.

 

Here are some of the comments:

Oh come on leica, what a joke! another wannabe photographer. give your camera to a true pro photographer and not to musicians who wear your cameras like rolex.

That title photo is really disturbing.

Agreed. Looks like an assh*le. Literally.

Oh yes brother, that's exactly what came to my mind as soon as I saw it.

Yeah except that 'disturbing' would be an understatement...it's gross...ugh.

The comments below about assh*le is spot on.

What were they thinking?

I'm usually much too much a gentleman to comment on one like this...but it does remind me of the view of the south end of a north bound Pug.

It takes one to know one, I guess.

One might argue that these comments are in regard to the photo, that they have nothing to do with Leica as such.  However, I have been following the comments of this and many other posts on a regular basis.  They usually accompany articles about Leicas.  While these comments were mostly in regard to the photograph, they are generally just as severe when it comes to the Leica company and cameras.  For instance, a while ago several Nikon owners criticized Leica for making some of their equipment in their plant in Portugal instead of in Germany.  One even went as far as saying that all Leica equipment is made in Portugal and that they package and ship it from Germany in order to be able to say that it is made in Germany.  They totally ignored the fact that much of their camera equipment is not made in Japan but elsewhere, like China and Laos.  When it comes to Nikon and Canon equipment, the comments usually are much more professional and on topic.

I can’t figure out why people need to be so hateful about the Leica.  After all, many of their cameras of choice are made by a company that that got its initial impetus because of the Leica in the first place.  To me it shows a good dose of an inferiority complex that seems to create the need for these negative comments.  What do you think?