18.09.12
Leica announce new range of cameras and lenses
Leica has announced their new range of cameras, lenses and Paul Smith collaboration.
Firstly is the unveiling of the new Leica M-E, which will join the existing Leica M and Leica M Monochrom – said to be the world’s first digital black and white camera in 35mm format. These cameras are the latest digital generation of Leica M, now comprising three rangefinder models.
Offering rangefinder technology, the Leica M-E is said to represent the essence of rangefinder photography. Concentrating on the photographic function and dependability for all typical ‘M’ fields of use, the Leica M-E is an entry-level model for photographers wishing to experience M-Photography.
It features a high-resolution 18 MP CCD sensor in full 35mm format and with rangefinder technology. It also comes with a new leather-style trim, which should provide enhanced grip for steadier shooting.
Pricing and availability:
The Leica M-E is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested retail price of £3,900 inc VAT from September 2012 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk.
Next on the announcements is the new D-Lux 6, a digital camera that combines a fast lens with a newly-developed 1.7 inch CMOS image sensor.
The D-Lux 6 offers Full HD video recording capability and optional accessories, such as a new, electronic viewfinder.
Pricing and availability:
The Leica D-Lux 6 is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested retail price of £600 including VAT from November 2012.
Next is the V-Lux 4, a digital compact camera that combines a super-zoom lens, image quality and speed in a compact format.
The V-Lux 4 offers a range of video functions and photographic features in a compact design, suitable for travel, sports or outdoor wildlife photography.
The Leica V-Lux 4 features a newly-designed Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.5–108mm f/2.8 ASPH 24x super-telephoto zoom lens with a range of focal lengths, said to be equivalent to 25–600mm in 35mm format.
Pricing and availability:
The Leica V-Lux 4 is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested retail price of £690 including VAT from November 2012.
Leica then announced a new camera in the Leica SSystem portfolio: the Leica S. The new Leica S offers an increase in sensor sensitivity and predictive autofocus.
In addition to the new camera body, three new lenses have been added to the S-System portfolio: the Leica Super-Elmar-S 24mm f/3.5 ASPH super-wide, the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH and the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120mm f/5.6 ASPH tilt/shift lens.
The camera includes a new image and sensor board, GPS system and the all-important S-system.
Pricing and availability:
The Leica S is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested retail price of £16,000 including VAT from December 2012.
The next in the line of new Leica cameras is the Leica M. It’s the first camera to implement a newly designed and constructed CMOS image sensor, and will feature additional focusing methods and functions such as Live View and Full HD video capability.
The Leica M combines the advantages of digital innovation with rangefinder technology and offers compatibility with Leica-R legacy lenses.
The Leica M also marks the beginning of a new era in Leica’s product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix.
Pricing and availability:
The Leica M in black paint or silver chrome finish is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested retail price of £5,100 inc VAT from early 2013.
Lastly in the camera announcements is a new special edition in the Leica X range: the Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith.
Paul Smith, the international fashion designer and entrepreneur, is the creative mind behind its flamboyant looks. Smith is regarded as one of the UK’s most successful designers and is famous for the use of bright and vibrant colours in his collections.
This special edition is strictly limited to 1,500 units.
The metal top plate of the camera is finished in bright orange. Here, only the dials on the top for setting the aperture and shutter speed maintain the familiar black design of the X2. A hand-drawn, engraved light bulb ‘doodle’, with which Paul Smith calls attention to the unusual pop-up flash on the top of the camera, is a further design highlight. In stark contrast to the orange of the top plate, the designer has chosen yellow for the metal base-plate of the Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith. The style is finished off by natural cowhide leather in British Racing Green.
In addition to its own unique serial number, each camera bears one of a series of consecutive limited edition numbers. The special Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith set contains not only the camera itself, but also a selection of accessories that bear the mark of Paul Smith’s design. These include a carrying strap and a camera protector in taupe-coloured calfskin. A high quality lens cleaning cloth labelled ‘Paul Smith for Leica’ and a certificate of authenticity are further exclusive additions to the camera set.
The special edition is presented in distinctive packaging in co-ordinated colours, also created by the British fashion designer to complement the camera.
The technical specifications of this special edition replicate those of the standard X2 model.
Pricing and availability:
The Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith is scheduled to be available in the
UK at a suggested retail price of £2,000 including VAT in October 2012.
To read up on the specifications for Leica’s newly announced cameras please click here and to visit Paul Smith's website please click here.
To see what new lenses and accessories Leica has announced click here.
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