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Posts Tagged ‘Leica’

Leica updates wide-angle M lenses with new optical and design features

15 Jan
Left to right, and not to scale, Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH, Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH and Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH

German camera brand Leica has introduced upgraded versions of three of its wide-angle M lenses that offer improvements to both build and performance, according to the company. The trio of reportage favorites are the Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH, the Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH and the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH. Each is a direct replacement for the current equivalent model. 

All three of the lenses will be fitted with metal lens hoods and a ring to cover the hood mount when the hoods aren’t in use, and metal lens caps will replace the current plastic units.

The company hasn’t been absolutely clear about the optical changes that it has made, making general statements about sharpness improving across the frame. The 35mm Summicron though now has 11 aperture blades, while the previous versions of the lens had only seven, eight or ten blades. 

The company also comments that both 28mm lenses have significantly improved curvilinear distortion controls that provide better drawing, as well as flatter field projection for increased resolution in the corners of the frame.

The new Leica M lenses are scheduled to be available as follows:

  • Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH. (black) – end January 2016, price £1,650
  • Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH. (black) – end January 2016, price £2,975
  • Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH. – beginning of February 2016, black version price £2,250, silver anodised version price £2,350

For more information see the Leica website. 

Press release: 

Leica introduces new generation of classic Leica M lenses with improved performance

  • Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH.
  • Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH.
  • Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH.

Leica Camera has introduced next-generation models of three of its classic M lenses: the Leica M Summicron-M 35 mm F2 ASPH., Leica Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. and Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH., each delivering enhanced image performance and quality, thanks to their new optical design.

Additional improvements to the lenses include a more robust construction, now featuring a full metal rectangular lens hood with thread mount, and a threaded protection ring for the front of the lens when the hood is not attached. The lens cap is now also made of metal.

As with all Leica products, this classic trio of reportage lenses offers both optical and technical excellence. Made in Germany, the combination of state-of-the-art technology, the highest quality materials and meticulous manual construction ensures consistent quality, resulting in reliable products with outstanding durability.

The new generation Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. and Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH. lenses are scheduled to be available from the end of January. The Summicron-M 35 mm F2 ASPH. is scheduled to be available from February in black and, for the first time, also in a silver anodised finish.

The impressive Summicron-M 35 mm F2 ASPH. fast, classic prime lens delivers superior image performance and a unique bokeh. Despite its high speed and exceptional image quality, its dimensions are astoundingly compact. Furthermore, with its eleven blade iris, this new generation lens creates a circular aperture, lending out of focus areas an extremely smooth look and feel. Images are pin-sharp with rich contrast, and almost completely free from distortion with superb bokeh at all apertures and distances – and even when shooting wide open.

High performance and speed are also distinct characteristics of the Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. wide-angle lens. Its outstanding speed makes it particularly versatile and produces brilliant imaging results, even in difficult lighting conditions. At its maximum aperture, the Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. delivers rich contrast, differentiated reproduction of even the finest structures, a soft and smooth bokeh, and extremely high resolution. Improvements within the optical design in this new generation lens have made it possible to achieve superior image performance across the entire image field. The significant reduction of image field curvature guarantees better resolution of details from corner to corner within every picture.

The Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH. is the most compact lens in the entire portfolio of Leica M lenses. Thanks to its small size and light weight, this lens is a particular favourite with street and reportage photographers. Compared to the previous model, this new generation lens offers significantly reduced image field curvature, which brings considerably improved image performance with high resolution and brilliant resolution of details. The Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH. is practically distortion-free from infinity to its closest focusing distance of 0.7 metres, and provides an exceptionally clear view through the Leica M viewfinder.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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246 Shades of Grey: Leica M Monochrom Typ 246 real-world and studio samples

11 Jan

The sensor in the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) is an interesting one. Without a color filter array, the 24MP CMOS sensor doesn’t lose sharpness through interpolation, much like a first-generation Foveon sensor or Pentax’s pixel shift mode found in the K-3 II. The catch is, of course, no color. However, it also means the sensor is more… well… sensitive at base ISO, making this ones’ base ISO 320 instead of 200 like its Bayer counterparts.

There is another issue, however. Even without a mirror flipping out of the way in this rangefinder, the shutter causes blur at speeds near 1/125sec when using the 90mm F2 Summicron. To see the true sharpness of the camera at base ISO, we recommend switching over to low-light mode where the shutter’s effect isn’t present.

You’ll notice that the M Monochrom is marked as non-standard. Keeping true to its rangefinder roots, it can only change shutter speed in half-stop increments, whereas our standardized Raw exposures are based off of third-stop increments. However, the M does do exposure compensation in third-stops, even though it will only report half-stops. Therefore we shot the M in aperture priority and bracketed +-1 stop EV. We then, since it didn’t report accurate shutter speeds in its metadata, chose the Raw exposure that was closest to Lab 50 without adjustments. JPEG images still follow our normal procedure.

See the M Monochrom Typ 246 in our Studio Scene

See our Leica M Monochrom Typ 246 real-world sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic adds Leica 100-400mm F4-6.3 tele-zoom to Micro Four Thirds lens lineup

09 Jan

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Panasonic is adding a high-end super telephoto zoom lens to the Micro Four Thirds lineup: the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 ASPH. This lens has the longest focal length of any MFT lens, and Panasonic promises fast autofocus thanks to its 240 fps AF drive speed.

This lens is equivalent to a whopping 200-800mm when attached to a Micro Four Thirds body and features much-needed ‘Power’ optical image stabilization to keep things steady. It has has one aspherical, one UED, and two ‘regular’ ED elements, as well as a nine-bladed circular aperture. The minimum focus distance is 1.3m, with a magnification of 0.25x. 

A cool feature of this lens is its compact tripod collar which rotates with the camera body, taking the buttons with it. The collar has a tripod screw mount built into it, into which a longer (included) ‘foot’ can be added if additional clearance is need. The zoom lock is built into the lens barrel, as is a small pull-out lens hood (a full-sized hood is available as an optional accessory). The 100-400mm is also sealed against dust and moisture.

The Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 F4-6.3 will be available in early April at a price of $ 1799.99.

View our hands-on preview of the Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm F3.5-5.6

Press release:

Panasonic Launches LUMIX G 100-400mm Telephoto-Zoom, LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR Lens

New lens combines 200-800mm zoom (35mm equivalent) and 4K video compatibility in a durable and lightweight body

Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 2016) – Panasonic has today introduced a new telephoto lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras – the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom (H-RS100400) with Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.).

Small, light and highly durable, the latest addition to Panasonic’s range of interchangeable lenses is perfectly suited for photographing birds and other wildlife in all types of environments.

The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups and incorporates a number of aspherical and extra low dispersion elements to assure best quality and avoid flaring. The advanced construction of the new Telephoto-Zoom leads to highest quality standard earning the LEICA Logo for a LUMIX Lens once again.

Outstanding image quality and Telephoto-Zoom performance

Elegantly designed with a metallic black finish, the new 100mm-400mm LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR lens from Panasonic provides superb image rendering across the entire zoom range. The lens’ 200-800mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and 0.5x Magnification capability provide highly detailed shots from distance, as well as stunning close up capability– ideal for subject matter regardless of shape and size.

In order to capture steady, vibration free images across the entire zoom range, the lens also incorporates Power O.I.S. to keep unwanted shaking under control and ensure pictures look crisp and clear. 

The 100mm-400mm lens is also suited to a variety of photographic styles – with nine diaphragm blades providing a circular aperture to produce a smooth and beautiful bokeh.
 
Smaller and lighter than other Telephoto-Zoom lenses

When compared with conventional super telephoto DSLR lenses, the latest addition the LUMIX G line up offers outstanding mobility – perfect if you’re travelling and don’t want to pack too much. Similarly, the lens also boasts a durable, gapless construction so you no longer have to worry about unwanted dust or light rain damaging your equipment.

In addition to the lens’ practical size and weight, a compact, two-part tripod mount has also been incorporated to enable faster conversion between landscape and portrait orientation. While conveniently and speedily turning to the 90° angle, the levers for Focus Limiting, Power O.I.S. and the manual focus switch remain right at your fingertips as they do not move when you turn the lens. 

The lens also incorporates an integrated, hide-away hood to help you capture that perfect shot, without having to worry about sun glare.

Stunning 4K video capability

Panasonic’s new LEICA Telephoto-Zoom lens is perfectly suited for 4K video recording with its construction assuring the best contrast and colors. Furthermore the Telephoto-Zoom incorporates Panasonic’s high speed and precise 240 fps AF-motor. Due to the modern design, filming can also be conducted silently, so you can get up close to the subject without drawing attention.

As well as high resolution video, the lens’ 4K capability also enables you to take photos like never before. Panasonic’s 4K Photo function – found on LUMIX G cameras including the LUMIX DMC-G7 – lets you extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video (30fps) easily right on the camera’s screen with a simple fingertip touch.

Key features:

  • Longest focal length for Micro Four Thirds
  • Compatible with Dual Image Stabilization
  • 240fps AF Drive
  • Zoom ring lock
  • Weather Sealing
  • Integrated Quick Shifting Tripod Mount
  • Integrated shift-away lens-hood

Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 100–400 mm
Image stabilisation Yes
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4.0 – F6.3
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Circular blades
Optics
Elements 20
Groups 13
Special elements / coatings 1 aspherical ED, 1 UED, 2 ED elements
Focus
Minimum focus 1.30 m (51.18″)
Maximum magnification 0.25×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Micromotor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Extending front
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 985 g (2.17 lb)
Diameter 83 mm (3.27″)
Length 172 mm (6.75″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 72.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

08 Jan

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Panasonic has just announced the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 Leica DG Vario-Elmar lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras. We’ve gone hands-on with the high-end, super-telephoto zoom that sports the longest focal length available for the MFT system. 

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

With a whopping 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 200-800mm, the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm affords the longest focal length available for the MFT system. This should make it a boon for photographing birds, wildlife, and landscapes – without breaking your back due to weight and size.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

In fact, as you can see here, the 100-400mm Leica lens is quite hand-holdable, which is remarkable for the 800mm equivalent reach the lens provides. Naturally, the small size and weight do come at a cost: with an equivalent maximum aperture of F8 and F12.6 on the 200mm and 800mm equivalent ends, respectively, subject isolation and noise performance on a MFT camera won’t be the same as what you might get with a full-frame 800mm F5.6 lens. Which, by the way, would run you $ 13k and weigh your pack down an extra 10 pounds. This lens weighs a modest 985g, or ~2.2 lbs in ‘Merican.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Can you spot the difference from the last image? It’s subtle, but in this shot we’ve extended the integrated shift-away lens hood that reduces sun glare. The hood just snaps back and forth, which makes it quite convenient – no need to take the hood off, flip it around, and reattach it.

Additionally pictured here is the Unlock <–> Lock ring which allows you to lock the zoom, so the barrel doesn’t extend inadvertently.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Here’s the lens at its shortest, zoomed out to 100mm. Focal length demarcations are provided for 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400mm.

There’s a focus range limiter which allows you to limit focus to subjects only beyond 5m. A direct AF/MF switch allows you to shut off AF, and a Power O.I.S. switch allows you to engage or disengage the the image stabilization system. If you’re using a DMC-GX8 you can use both the optical image stabilization in the lens and the built-in sensor-shift stabilization to provide incredibly effective vibration reduction.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Here we’ve extended the lens to its maximum telephoto setting: 400mm. While the lens extends quite a bit at this setting, it still remains very hand-holdable. Impressively, the lens sports a durable, gapless construction so unwanted dust or light rain shouldn’t damage it. As such, the lens is described as weather sealed.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

A convenient, two-part tripod mount is integrated into the lens. It’s a rotatable mount that allows for quick and easy swapping between landscape and portrait orientations. Unlock the tripod mount screw with your left hand and…

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

… speedily turn the mount 90º for portrait orientation shooting.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Under the hood, this lens packs some impressive features. Among them: a 9-blade aperture for smooth out-of-focus highlights, and a 240 fps drive AF linear motor with high speed and precision for fast focus. With the correct lens profiles, we hope Panasonic cameras with Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology will be able to focus this lens quickly for fast-paced shooting.

Focus is also silent, which means you can use autofocus during filming without the focus drive ruining your soundtrack.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

And that’s not all. The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups, with one aspherical and a number of extra low dispersion elements to ensure minimal flaring and other optical artifacts. The lens also boasts an impressive minimum focus distance of 1.3m, yielding 0.25x magnification (0.5x equivalent).

The lens, which is made in Japan, will be available in mid-April for $ 1799.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Testbericht: Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

15 Dec

Ein Mann raucht und steht an einem Mikrofon

Ein Beitrag von: Roman Tripler

Für viele Fotografen ist es schon ein wunderbares Gefühl, eine Leica in der Hand zu halten, geschweige denn, dauerhaft eine benutzen zu können oder gar zu besitzen. Bei allem Für und Wider zum Thema Preis vs. Leistung besitzt Leica eine Art gepachtete Magie wie kaum eine andere Marke in allen mir bekannten Branchen.
kwerfeldein – Fotografie Magazin | Fotocommunity

 
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Leica SL firmware update improves image and EVF quality and L-Log gamma

15 Dec

Leica has announced a firmware update for its SL (Typ 601) full-frame mirrorless camera. The company says that firmware v1.2 improves low ISO performance, the quality of the image on the electronic viewfinder, and makes entering Wi-FI passwords easier.

It also corrects an issue with using the Leica Log Gamma curve (L-Log) with internal 8-bit recording, which was previously only capturing the bright tones from the scene. The update has lowered the offset to zero, which will allow the files to incorporate darker tones.

Finally, there’s now an image magnification tool for use with Leica M and R lenses, which is activated by the AE Lock button. The update also ensures that the correct EXIF information is recorded when using R lenses via their adapter.

The update is now available for download and can be installed at a local Leica store. 

Press release:

Leica Camera Announces New Firmware Update for SL Users

Leica Firmware Update 1.2 Optimizes Picture Quality and Improves Handling 

December 14, 2015 – Leica Camera today announced a new firmware update 1.2 for the Leica SL, which includes several fundamental improvements in the camera’s picture quality and handling. To access the firmware update, registered camera users can log into the Leica owner’s area of the Leica website and download the firmware version at: https://owners.leica-camera.com. Leica users can also take their camera to a Leica store and take advantage of the free update installation service. 

The new firmware update 1.2 includes optimization of picture quality at ISO values from 50 to 400, improvements to the image in the electronic viewfinder and greater flexibility when entering WLAN passwords. 

When shooting with Leica M and R lenses, camera users will find that the new firmware update 1.2 activates a loupe (magnifying) function with the auto exposure lock button (AE Lock) to allow fast manual focusing. Additionally, the firmware update guarantees the correct indication of the R-Adapter-M and the R-Lens used in the EXIF data of image files.

Finally, the firmware update offers an improvement in the Leica Log Gamma curve (L-Log) for video, enabling its use for in-camera 8-bit recording. The reduction of the offset will now allow recordings to appear considerably darker. Subsequently, videos recorded with L-Log must be corrected with a gamma correction in an external video editing program. The use of L-Log enables greater leeway for post-production color grading of videos recorded on the Leica SL. 

Leica SL owners can also find a regularly updated and expanded overview of all SD cards compatible for use with their camera at sl.leica-camera.com.

For more information about the Leica SL Firmware Update 1.2 or Leica visit www.leica-camera.com, or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Leica Camera

Passion for creating perfect pictures. Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, design and experience. It is a beautiful collision of art and engineering, and the future of form and functionality. Leica Camera is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. The legendary status of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of excellence in the supreme quality and performance of cameras and lenses, and the iconic images that artists and photojournalists everywhere captured with them. Leica Camera AG is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Epson announces mass production of 4.41m dot LCD likely used in Leica SL

11 Dec

Epson has announced its latest electronic viewfinder panel: a 4.41m dot SXGA+ display, a spec that may sound familiar to anyone who’s been reading about Leica’s SL full-frame mirrorless camera. Epson had shown a mockup of the panel at CP+ back in February 2015, and says the unit is now in mass production.

The 4.41m dot unit offers an SXGA+ display: 1,400 x 1,050 pixels. This equates to 1.87x as many pixels as the existing XGA viewfinders used in most high-end mirrorless cameras: a 36% increase in linear resolution. Everyone who’s used it at DPReview has been very impressed by the level of detail shown by the SL’s 4.41m dot viewfinder.

Leica has previously offered Epson-based EVFs as accessory finders for its X1 and X2 models, but these were likely to have been brought in from Olympus, given the similar styling and cross-compatibility with Olympus units. Considering the dot count and panel size (0.66″), it seems very probable that this is the LCD panel in the SL.

The Leica SL, as seen from behind

At present, most high-end EVFs we’ve seen are XGA 2.36m dot displays, using either LCD or OLED technologies. Olympus used LCD panels in its earlier OM-D cameras but has shifted towards OLED in its latest generation. Likewise, Fujfilm used LCDs in its X-Pro1 and X100 series models, only to embrace OLED across the rest of its range. Despite this shift, we’d be surprised if we didn’t start seeing this LCD panel in some of the higher-end mirrorless cameras over the coming year or so, especially given the greater longevity of LCD panels that Leica mentioned as its reason for choosing the technology.

That said, the 0.66″ panel size could limit its usage, since this is considerably larger than the 0.48″ LCD and 0.5″ OLEDs currently in use.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica introduces M Typ 262 with new quieter shutter mechanism and lower price

20 Nov

German camera manufacturer Leica has added another rangefinder body to its M system that has a pared-down feature set, an extra quiet shutter unit and a lower price than the M Typ 240. The new Leica M Typ 262 is very much the same as the other M bodies, but does not offer video or live view shooting, even though it uses a CMOS sensor. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica T firmware 1.4 promises to boost AF speed and overall camera responsiveness

29 Oct

Leica has released a major firmware update for its T (Typ 701) APS-C mirrorless camera. Firmware 1.4 promises to make autofocus twice as fast, and improves touchscreen responsiveness by three times. The company has also announced plans to release two new prime lenses for the T in 2016. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Studio tests: Leica SL

28 Oct

It came out of nowhere, a brand-new full-frame professional level mirrorless camera and lens system: the Leica SL. It combines a bespoke lens system (using the existing mount from the T) with an extremely high resolution viewfinder and a sensor based on the one used by the coveted Leica Q. Take a look at some preliminary studio test results from the Leica SL. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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