Leica should announce 3 new compact cameras soon (probably in February). Two of them will be produced by Panasonic and the third one is suppose to be Leica's own production. Leica D-Lux 4 replacement is not expected at that point.
Leica C-Lux 3 is already listed as discontinued @ B&H:
Adorama doesn't even list the C-Lux 3 model any longer. Amazon still has some at outrages prices => we should be expecting a new C-Lux 4 soon.
And what is the deal with the Leica V-Lux 1? Leica still has it listed on its website and this model is hardly found in retailers. Could that be the second camera to be announced (or something similar)?
(maybe the third, in house model is actually the Leica X1)
On the M front, a new 35mm Summilux is expected in the next few months. This rumor has been circulating for a while.
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5 Comments
Thanks for the update on the next M. I am starting to understand why people value robustness … especially since I am using a rangefinder camera.
would bet on a X1 zoom version (such as a vario 35-70 mm)
Can I wish for an X8, a fixed lens rangefinder cross between an X1 and M8?
No, the Solms camera should be whatever the R10 team have come up with instead of the R10. They have had some 15/16 months since they wrapped up the S2 project and announced that the person leading that team would be heading up the R10 project. All they said was that it was not practical to make an SLR. Personally, I have wanted Leica to start with a blank sheet of paper and create the best 35 mm digital camera, whatever that may be. Something informed by the past but not weighed down by it.
I’m surprised there has not been more speculation surrounding this announcement.
Obscura
I could just kick myself for not getting the C Lux 3 in white when I found it at a good price. W0uld be very interested in a C Lux 4 if they again did it in white.
My D Lux 4 – still loving it. Passed on the software upgrade because of user feedback. It was a great little camera from day one, and will continue to be so. That there is no new model doesn’t bother me.
The X1 – the camera just leaves me flat. There’s nothing for me to love about it. I would look at more seriously with a lower price point, but not at the current 2 grand. At 2 grand, I would expect a faster lens. I tend to agree with the above, start with a blank sheet of paper and have another go.