Leica S2 in Paris

There was a Leica event in Paris today and I have an eyewitness report:

This morning I went to a medium format show outside of Paris and saw the S2. I saw all the lenses, but most of them were samples, could not even be mounted on the camera. There I met Stephan Schulz from Germany who is in charge of the development of the S2. He showed me how simple it is to go though the menu, and some of the features  that can be programmed .If all the camera were thought that way, it would be great…simple, efficient, easy to get and fast to use. 

I also got some interesting information concerning the small portrait telephoto 100/2,5 (eq.in 24×36 of 80mm lens): the aperture could open up to f/1.8. Leica has not decided yet as most of the range is not definitive and the lens is  not in production. I asked why Leica decided to go into medium format, I was told that Leica have thought of going into medium format for over fifteen years, and the idea was postpone years after years then came the digital… Now, they can propose a complete range of lenses with a digital camera after finding that Kodak had a fine sensor of 30×45 mm.

I was told that the price will be well placed if not to say extremely competitive. No information as on how much it will cost though. Also a telephoto zoom is maybe to be studied to complete with the 30-90/2.5 one.

Leica S2 menu

Leica S2 zoom lens

Stephan Schulz from Leica

Related posts:

1. 40 megapixels medium format Leica and 10 autofocus lens @ Photokina
2. Leica Rumor: new lower price rangefinder, an R10, and the new D Lux-4.
3. Leica S2 on display in New York
4. Leica responds to S2 price criticism
5. Photokina rumor: Leica will be releasing a new lower price rangefinder, an R10, and the new D Lux-4