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Posts Tagged ‘Leica’

Voigtländer shares new information on its 75mm F1.5 Nokton for Leica M

20 Jun

Optics manufacturer Cosina has released more details of its forthcoming 75mm F1.5 Nokton lens in its Voigtländer Vintage Line for rangefinder cameras using the Leica M mount. Cosina’s intension to make the lens was first announced in February, but now the company has revealed more detailed specifications.

The Vintage Line lenses have a classic-style exterior, with an all-metal barrel and a design to suit more traditional cameras. Voigtländer says though that the optical design is thoroughly modern with the aim of excellent image quality in that matches today’s camera standards. The coupled rangefinder system will suit Leica M and Voigtländer’s own Bessa cameras, and allows focusing distances from 0.7m (2.25ft). The lens uses 7 elements in 6 groups, including aspherical correction and the iris features 12 blades.

Measuring 63.3mm (2.5in) long and 62.8mm (2.47in) in diameter, the lens weighs 350g (12.35oz) and will use a 58mm filter. A slit-style lens hood is included, and will match the black or chrome finish of the lens itself. Below is a small sample gallery of images provided by Voigtländer:

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The lens will be available in July and will cost 125,000 (approx. $ 1150). For more information visit Voigtländer’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica’s latest special edition is an ‘urban camouflage’ Leica CL with a matching strap

20 Jun

Leica has teamed up with French-Italian photographer and art collector, Jean Pigozzi to release a special-edition version of its Leica CL camera system.

The camera, officially named the Leica CL ‘Urban Jungle by Jean Pigozzi,’ features the same internals as the standard Leica CL, including the 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor. The outside, however, features an urban camouflage print on its black leather wrap, a custom grey rope camera strap, and the words ‘URBAN JUNGLE’ etched alongside Pigozzi’s signature on the rear of the camera underneath the LCD display.

The special edition kit also comes paired with the Leica Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8 ASPH lens, which is neatly tucked alongside the camera body and custom strap in ‘an elegant presentation box.’ This is Leica’s second collaboration with Pigozzi, the first being the Leica Sofort ‘Limoland’ camera released in 2017.

Only 150 Leica CL ‘Urban Jungle by Jean Pigozzi’ will be made and shipping will start June 25, 2019. You can get your hands on a kit at Leica Stores and Boutiques for $ 3,950. Alternatively, you can buy the standard black Leica CL kit, get yourself a silver Sharpie, scribble a little bit on the leather wrapping and save yourself approximately $ 750.

Press release:

Leica Releases Limited Edition Camera Inspired by the Aesthetic of the Concrete Jungle

The LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” pairs unparalleled imaging quality with a unique camouflage design

June 19, 2019 – The visually-captivating LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” is the newest special edition release of the Leica CL compact system camera presented by Leica Camera. Created in collaboration with French-Italian photographer, entrepreneur and art collector Jean Pigozzi, this eye-catching camera features a striking urban camouflage pattern on its leather covering, with an accompanying gray rope strap. Just as the Leica CL strikes a balance between traditional controls and contemporary design, Pigozzi’s thoughtful design language takes the functional pattern of camouflage and elevates it with a high-fashion and ultramodern aesthetic.

“With this design,” Pigozzi shares, “I wanted to do something completely different and create something is unique from all the other cameras around. To bring the urban aesthetic to life, I tried to visualize the structures of a big city like New York to replicate what I define as an ‘Urban Jungle.”

The LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” sports the same top-level performance, intuitive handling and exceptional image quality as the standard production Leica CL. A few highlights include the built-in EyeRes® electronic viewfinder that enables users to preview the final image before the picture is taken, high-resolution image quality that performs exceptionally well in low light, and a supremely fast and accurate autofocus; all of which are packaged efficiently into a compact system camera that travels effortlessly to any urban jungle the world over. The special edition set is complete with a Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens, lovingly packaged together with the camera in an elegant presentation box. With a focal length ideal for everyday travel and street photography, the Elmarit-TL lens helps this set bring the urban spirit to life.

Pigozzi’s latest design is his sophomore collaboration with Leica Camera, following the Leica Sofort “Limoland” by Jean Pigozzi in 2017, which sported vibrant, colorful graphics of “Mr Limo,” the logo of Pigozzi’s LimoLand fashion label.

The LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” is limited to 150 sets worldwide and will be on sale for $ 3,950 beginning June 25, exclusively available at Leica Stores and Boutiques.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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MS Optics unveils new Vario Prasma 50mm F1.5 and ISM 50mm F1.0 Leica M lenses

13 Jun
MS Optics Vario Prasma 50mm F1.5 lens

MS Optics, the niche lens manufacturer based in Japan, has released two new lenses for Leica M-mount cameras: the Vario Prasma 50mm F1.5 and the ISM 50mm F1.0. The new Vario Prasma lens is described as ‘a modern interpretation’ of the Kino-Plasmat, whereas the ISM 50mm F1.0 is an ultra-fast lens that’s also exceedingly small and light.

The MS Optics Vario Prasma 50mm F1.5 lens is based on the Plasmat lenses designed in 1918 by Paul Rudolph. In what is referred to as a modern interpretation, Miyazaki san’s rendition includes ‘unique improvements,’ including improved focus dampening, separate aperture, and the inclusion of an adjustable spherical aberration ring.

Below are a few sample images captured with the MS Optics Vario Prasma 50mm F1.5 lens:

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The lens features 6 elements in 4 groups, 0.8m to infinity focus, multi-coating on all surfaces, a 52mm focal length, and both Silver Chrome and Black Chrome finishes. According to Japan Camera Hunter, the lenses are currently in production with anticipated shipping in ‘weeks.’ The model can be pre-ordered now for $ 1,200 USD.

MS Optics ISM 50mm F1.0 lens

‘Miyazaki wanted to challenge himself to make an ultra fast lens in the same range as the greats such as the Noct, Xenon and Angenieux,’ Japan Camera Hunter explains. The result is the new ISM 50mm F1.0 lens for Leica M-mount, the creator’s fastest lens to date.

The ISM 50mm F1.0 lens is small and lightweight with a length of 40mm, diameter of 50mm, and a 178g (6.2oz) weight. The lens features 7 elements in 5 groups, 16 rounded aperture blades, 55mm filter size, and a reversible hood with an O-ring for storage.

Below are a few sample images captured with the ISM 50mm F1.0 lens:

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In describing the lens’ performance, JCH explains:

At full aperture there is a drop in contrast due to flare, but resolution is high. At f1.25 flare in the center goes away, and at f1.4 contrast out to midframe increases dramatically. At f2-f2.8 coma flare quickly decreases, and apart from the corners you can expect high imaging performance with sufficient contrast. While spherical aberration of 0.15 is a bit high, the S-M astigmatic planes line up perfectly resulting in very good image quality. From f4 onward both contrast and sharpness need no excuses.

The MS Optics ISM 50mm F1.0 M-mount lens can be ordered in Black Chrome and Silver Chrome for $ 1,700 USD.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Best fixed prime lens buying guide updated with Ricoh GR III, Leica Q2 and Fujifilm XF10

06 Jun

We’ve updated our ‘best fixed prime lens camera’ buying guide, adding the Leica Q2, Fujifilm XF10 and Ricoh GR III. Despite some solid competition, the Fujifilm X100F remains as our top choices in this category.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Top 5 Best Leica Digital Cameras

05 Jun

The digital era is here and photography has taken many strides into the future of artificial intelligence, thanks to camera lenses that beat human imagination. That is not all. There are many different brands to choose from such as Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus among others. But, does it mean everything you are going to buy should be automated and have Continue Reading

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Panasonic’s versatile Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 lens available in July

01 Jun

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Panasonic has announced that its Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH lens – first teased at Photokina 2018 – will be available for purchase in July. Panasonic is marketing the 10-25mm, which in full-frame terms is equivalent to 20-50mm on a Micro Four Thirds body, as a single lens that covers five commonly used equivalent focal lengths: 20, 24, 28, 35 and 50mm.

The lens features a total of 17 elements, including aspherical, ED and UHR glass. The lens uses a stepping motor to provide fast, quiet focus. It has a nine-blade aperture and minimum focus distance of 28cm (11″). The lens isn’t as large or as heavy as one would expect, and is very well-built and fully weather-sealed. It’s the first Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lens with a focus clutch and a clickless aperture ring is also provided.

The 10-25mm was very much designed with video in mind, with minimal focus breathing, ‘seamless’ iris control for smooth exposure changes and linear focus response.

The Panasonic Leica DG 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH will be available in July for $ 1799/£1799.

Panasonic Introduces The World’s First* Standard Zoom Lens Achieving Full-range F1.7

LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025)

*As a digital interchangeable lens for a mirrorless camera, as of May 31, 2019

Newark, NJ (May 31, 2019) – Panasonic is proud to introduce a new standard zoom digital interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH.

(H-X1025), which boasts a large F1.7 aperture throughout the entire 20-50mm (35mm camera equivalent) zoom range and exceptionally high optical performance, clearing the stringent LEICA standards. The LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. is suitable not only for stills shooting, but also for video recording, to satisfy both professional photographers and videographers.

The full-range F1.7 ASPH. high-speed aperture provides beautiful bokeh and high descriptiveness. Covering a focusing distance from wide angle to standard zoom range, the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. functions as a multiple fixed focal-length lens, providing the same or higher level of descriptiveness than a fixed focal-length lens can offer. It is suitable for a variety of daily shooting situations, from dynamic landscapes to portraits–even in low-lit scenes– eliminating the need to change lenses between variations in environment.

Comprising 17 elements in 12 groups, the lens system features three aspherical lenses and four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses that effectively suppress the axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Spherical aberration and distortion are also corrected by the aspherical lenses for stunningly high resolution. The use of aspherical lenses coupled with the optimum design of the lens system, results in a compact size and light weight, while maintaining its outstanding optical performance.

Compatibility with a maximum 240-fps high-speed sensor drive realizes high-speed and high-precision auto focusing. Notably, the new lens excels in video recording performance. In addition to the silent operation achieved by the inner focus drive system, the stepless aperture ring and micro-step drive system in the aperture control section help the camera smoothly catch up to brightness changes when zooming or panning. The optical design achieves exceptional barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming. Adoption of a focus clutch mechanism enables instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing. The LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was previously a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography.

The rugged dust/splash-resistant* design withstands use under harsh conditions even at -10 degrees Centigrade for high mobility. Nine blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth defocus effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. Filter diameter is in 77mm. A highly reliable metal mount endures long time use.

Panasonic is committed to expanding the of Micro Four Thirds lineup through its LUMIX G series of cameras and lenses.

*Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

  • Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH lens specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 10–25 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.7
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 17
Groups 12
Special elements / coatings 1 UHR, 3 aspherical, 4 ED elements
Focus
Minimum focus 0.28 m (11.02)
Maximum magnification 0.14×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 690 g (1.52 lb)
Diameter 88 mm (3.46)
Length 128 mm (5.04)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 77 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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This wooden Leica is a covert music box with rotating ‘lens’

29 May

Unlike some of the camera replica projects that have surfaced over the years, this wooden Leica music box is available to purchase now. The music box, which is available from multiple sellers through online retailers Amazon and eBay, features a combination of wood components and wood burning to imitate the Leica M camera system.

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Different versions of the music box are available, including options that play Für Elise, The Blue Danube, and more modern tunes like the Harry Potter theme song. Users wind the music box by rotating the front lens, which then slowly unwinds as the music plays. Prices vary based on seller, but generally sit around $ 12.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica, Lenny Kravitz produce limited edition ‘Drifter’ M Monochrom with snakeskin finish

24 May

Rock star and keen photographer Lenny Kravitz has produced another limited edition camera in partnership with Leica Germany, this time with a rock ‘n’ roll feel—and a snakeskin covering.

The Drifter is a Leica M Monochrom kit that comes with Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, and an APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH lenses and a case to carry them. All the items in the kit are finished with a sepia brown paint and the camera and strap use a synthetic snakeskin that is designed to reflect Kravitz’s wardrobe.

Leica says the result is an ‘attention-commanding and soulful Leica camera made for global touring,’ with Kravitz adding ‘I’m a drifter […] That has been my life since I was 15-years-old; I’m always on the road.’

Other than the finish the camera is a standard M Monochrom, but will also feature untreated brass on the hotshoe rails, the thumb wheel, the shutter button and the soft-release button to lend it a stylish vintage look over time.

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This is the second limited edition M camera Lenny Kravitz has been involved with, coming up with the design for the Correspondent version of the M-P in 2015 in memory of his reporter father. The Drifter kit will be limited to only 125 globally, and will cost $ 23,950 / £20,500. Kravitz’s accompanying “Drifter” photo exhibition is currently being showcased at the Leica Gallery in Wetzlar, Germany. For more information see the Leica website.

Press release:

One for the road: new limited-edition Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ is Lenny Kravitz’s ode to touring

Leica Camera AG and Kravitz Design have collaborated on a camera built for rock n’ roll nomads who can be found on either side of the lens. The look of the Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ has been created by Grammy-winning musician, actor and artist Lenny Kravitz, who is no stranger to bold style and individual expression. The result is an attention-commanding and soulful Leica camera made for global touring. The name is inspired by how Kravitz sees himself, “I’m a drifter. That has been my life since I was 15-years-old; I’m always on the road.”

This limited edition camera is designed with an eye-catching ‘synthetic python’ snakeskin covering, made from premium-quality vegan leather which looks straight out of the rockstar’s wardrobe. Kravitz was made aware of this synthetic material by his close friend, fashion designer and animal rights activist Stella McCartney, who uses it for many of her own creations. The matching carrying strap made of woven fabric is coated with the same vegan leather as the camera. The camera’s monochrom body is luxuriously retro in special sepia brown paint, and the hotshoe, thumb wheel, shutter and soft-release buttons are made from untreated brass, which will allow a stylish vintage look to develop over time.

Two state-of-the-art lenses are included, both finished in sepia brown; a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, and an APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. In a departure from the standard production model, the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 features a built-in extendable lens hood to match the design of its 75mm counterpart.

This camera demands five-star accommodation; a smart brown leather-like ‘Drifter Traveller’ bag, two pouches and cases for both lenses are included, so your kit is always protected.

Lenny Kravitz was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1964 to an Afro-American mother and a Ukrainian-Jewish father. He is not only a world-famous musician, songwriter, producer and actor but also an accomplished photographer. As a musician, Kravitz is a multi-instrumentalist who uses analogue recording technology to underline the retro-character of his songs. As a visual artist, he has enjoyed success with his design studio, Kravitz Design, and has also become an accomplished photographer publishing ‘Flash’, a book of his black-and-white photographs in 2015. “I love the quality of the Leica’s monochrom system’ says Kravitz, “it’s exquisite. I tend to see things in black-and-white. It looks more real to me, and timeless.”

This is the second time Lenny and his design team have collaborated with Leica on a limited-edition masterpiece. In 2015, he was inspired by the life of his father, a Vietnam War reporter and TV news producer, to create the ‘Correspondent’, a vintage-look Leica M-P. This time, Lenny has looked within himself and authored a design which reflects the lifestyle of a cosmopolitan artist and travelling musician stopping to capture his or her unique experiences.

With production limited to 125 units globally, the Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ is incredibly exclusive and highly collectable; RRP is £20,500.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica Q2 review

21 May

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Gold Award

84%
Overall score

The Leica Q2 is a fixed-lens, full-frame camera sporting a new 47.3MP sensor and a sharp, stabilized 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens. It’s styled like a traditional Leica M rangefinder and replaces the hugely popular original Leica Q (Typ 116), launched in 2015.

The Q2 looks essentially the same as its predecessor, but under the hood notable improvements have been made including the addition of weather-sealing, better battery life, a new processor and a much-improved electronic viewfinder. Pixel count has also nearly doubled.

Key Specifications:

  • 47.3MP full-frame sensor
  • 28mm F1.7 Summilux stabilized lens
  • 3.68MP OLED EVF with 0.76x magnification
  • 3″ fixed touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots
  • Fast autofocus and smoothly damped manual focus ring
  • Native ISO range of 50-50,000
  • 4K video capture
  • Leaf shutter up to 1/2000 sec
  • E-shutter up to 1/40,000 sec
  • IP52 rated dust and water resistant
  • Magnesium-alloy body
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Improved battery life

While the Q2 replaces the original Q in Leica’s lineup, the Leica Q-P – a ‘stealthy’ version of the Leica Q – will remain available. The Leica Q2 sells for a recommended price of $ 4995 / £4250 / €3990.

Raw photo processed in Adobe Camera Raw.
ISO 250 | 1/80 sec | F2.8

What’s new and how it compares

The Q2 and original Q look pretty similar, but there are a lot of upgrades under the hood. Here’s the nitty gritty.

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Body and controls

How’s it feel in hand? How’s the new electronic viewfinder? Find out here.

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First impressions

We’ve been shooting around with the Leica Q2 – here are our initial thoughts based on that time.

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Image Quality

The sensor in the Leica Q2 looks pretty impressive, but we’re still not fans of the low-contrast, low-saturation JPEGs.

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Lens performance

The Q2’s lens includes digital corrections as part of its design. We found little to worry about: the lens is as wide and sharp as the JPEGs make it look.

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Autofocus and Video

The Q2 has surprisingly good video specs, but the lack of control holds it back a little. Autofocus is fit for purpose.

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Conclusion

The sheer cost makes it difficult to be completely objective about the Q2. But by Leica’s standards, we think it’s a comparatively rational choice.

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Sample gallery

Puppies and landscapes and portraits, oh my! Check out our full sample image gallery for out-of-camera JPEGs and Raw conversions.

Read more


Is the Leica Q2 right for you? [Separate Article]

We take a closer examination at how well-suited the Q2 is for a variety of common photography use cases.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Special edition Leica CL kit celebrates 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus school of art & design

20 May

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus school of art and design in Germany, Leica has released a special edition version of its Leica CL camera system, complete with a matching Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8 lens and carrying strap to complete the kit.

With the exception of two small visual changes, this special edition Leica CL remains nearly identical to its less-special counterpart, complete with a 24-megapixel sensor, 4K video and wireless connectivity. The two changes are the addition of a ‘Bauhaus’ logo embossed into the black leather wrap on the front of the camera and a notable change to the usually-red Leica nameplate on the front—it’s now black.

Leica describes the special edition as ‘an elegant, iconic piece of german product design, that exemplary obeys the principle of form follows function.’

Included with the camera in the special edition kit is a matching silver Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8 lens and a black leather carrying strap that’s also embossed. The sets, of which only 150 will be produced, will be individually numbered and retail for $ 3,750 exclusively at Leica Stores and Boutiques.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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