Leica’s Photokina Announcements

The new Leica S (Type 007), shown with the Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 lens. (Source: Leica.)

New additions to the Leica S-system of medium format cameras are the entry-level Leica S-E (Type 006) and the flagship Leica S (Type 007) models. Both models have rugged, environmentally sealed bodies and utilise the large 30 x 45 mm Leica Pro Format sensor. The Leica S-E will be available from September 2014 from selected Leica dealers priced at $22,500.00 RRP inc. GST. The Leica S (Type 007) features a revised AF system, faster continuous shooting (3.5 fps) and integrated Wlan and GPS modules. The launch of the Leica S (Type 007) is planned for Q2 2015; pricing is not yet available.

New Leica M-system cameras, the M-A film camera (top) and the  Leica M Edition 60 digital model (below). (Source: Leica.)
The Leica M-system also gains two new models, the Leica M-A film camera, which is fully mechanical, and the digital Leica M Edition 60, which is released to commemorate  the 60th anniversary of the Leica M rangefinder system. Both models will be available from October 2014, with the Leica M-A priced at $5,700.00 (RRP) and selling through from authorised Leica dealers .  The Leica M Edition 60 will be available from Leica Stores and Boutiques; pricing is not yet available.

The two colour versions of the Leica X camera, which is on sale now. (Source: Leica.)

The new Leica X and Leica X-E cameras are made in Germany and feature a 16.2-megapixel (effective) APS-C-format   CMOS sensor and elegant metal body design. The Leica X has a fast Leica Summilux 23 mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens and is offered in a discreet black version with colour-matched leather trim or as an elegant silver version with brown leather trim. It is available now for an RRP of $2,700 from authorised Leica dealers.

The Leica X-E sports a Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens, which is ideal for reportage photography. It has a lightweight but rigid full-metal body and is available now from authorised Leica dealers for AU$2,150.

New Leica digicams, the D-Lux (top) and V-Lux (below) come with larger sensors and longer zoom lenses. (Source: Leica.)
Updates to the D-Lux and V-Lux compact digicam ranges see the addition of a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9″“34 mm f/1.7″“2.8 ASPH. zoom lens, larger Four Thirds sensor, integrated EVF with 2.8 megapixel resolution and a Wi-Fi module to the D-Lux model.   This camera comes with a Leica CF D flash unit and Adobe’s Photoshop Lightroom software. The Leica D-Lux will be available from authorised Leica dealers from November 2014 priced at $1,450.00 RRP.

The new Leica V-Lux features a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 9.1″“146 mm f/2.8″“4 ASPH. super-zoom lens with a range equivalent to 25 to 400mm in 35mm format. It has a 1-inch type (12.8 x 9.6 mm) sensor and boasts continuous shooting at up to 12 fps, along with 4K movie recording. The Leica V-Lux will be available from authorised Leica dealers from October 2014 priced at $1,600.00 RRP.

Leica’s new generation of fast Summarit-M lenses, from left:  35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm.  (Source: Leica.)
Leica has also unveiled a new generation of fast Leica Summarit-M lenses with maximum apertures of f/2.4, which are in a choice of black and silver anodised finishes. Designed to provide an ideal compromise between lens speed and compact size, they are made in Germany and assembled entirely by hand. The 75 and 90 mm Leica Summarit-M-Lenses will be available from authorised Leica dealers from September at AU$2500 and AU$2800 respectively. They will be followed by the 35 and 50 mm lenses from October, which are priced at AU$2600 and AU$2300. The lenses are sold with a lens hood and a metal lens cap.

Details of the new products are available from  www.leica-camera.com.