Leica News & Rumors » Leica S2

Leica S2 firmware update v1.0.3.3

LR admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:34:28 +0000

Leica Camera AG released new firmware update v1.0.3.3 for their S2 medium format camera. The changes in this version are support for the new Leica S-Adapter H and improved flash synchronization with 1/125 focal plane shutter. The firmware can be downloaded from Leica Owner's Area.

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LEICA CAMERA AG EXPANDS THE LEICA S PROFESSIONAL CAMERA SYSTEM

LR admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:11:23 +0000

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Solms, Germany (May 10, 2012) - Leica Camera AG presents a new accessory for the Leica S professional camera system: the Leica S-Adapter H. This adapter allows the portfolio of Hasselblad H-system lenses to be mounted onto a Leica S2 camera body with all lens functions, such as autofocus, central shutter control and automatic diaphragm, retained. The smart electronics of the adapter facilitate the complete integration of the lenses into the Leica S-System.

The Hasselblad H-system features a total of 11 central shutter lenses with focal lengths from 28 to 300 mm. As the S2 features a dual shutter system, users may toggle between the focal plane shutter (FPS) in the camera body or the central shutter (CS) in the lens utilizing the main switch. Photographers now have access to numerous additional lenses that increase the photographic options offered by the Leica S-System.

Hasselblad H-system users also benefit from the new adapter. The versatility of Hasselblad H lenses is expanded considerably when combined with an S2. For instance, as a result of the dual shutter system of the Leica S2, H lenses can be now used with the focal plane shutter at speeds of up to 1/4000th of a second. In combination with the Leica Maestro high-performance image processor, the camera’s image sensor enables perfect, noise-free exposures up to ISO 1250.

Furthermore, the DNG format of images from the S2 enables direct connection to Adobe Lightroom 4 workflow software and seamless data transfer to Adobe Photoshop. The dedicated lens correction profiles computed by Leica for both programs help photographers to achieve maximum performance from the H lenses. In cases of a longer shooting session with high image frequency, the S2 also offers significant advantages due to its low power consumption. The optional multifunctional grip S with separate controls is a particularly useful aid for optimum camera handling for portrait-format shots.

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Leica S2 instructional videos

LR admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:12:05 +0000

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Dale Photo & Digital published a series of Leica S2 instructional videos:

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Leica S2 shoots bursting bubbles… and more (NSFW)

LR admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:29:03 +0000

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Shoot The Centerfold decided to use a Leica S2 for their bubble bursting shoot. You can see some sample images here (video, links and images are NSFW):

So why look any further? It’s Leica. And even though I had never shot a single frame with Leica, what is there not to like about Leica? After all, it’s a legendary German-quality camera. Just like German cars and their famous beer, everybody knows that if the land of wiener schnitzel, lederhosen and pretzels has something to do with it, it’s bound to be quality. They’re well made and come with hefty price tag, too, but as they say, “You get what you pay for,” right? A few of my friends have Leica’s and all I ever hear from them, besides their stories of beer-drinking adventures in Munich, is how “wunderbar” their Leica cameras are.

Via Gizmodo

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Leica S2 firmware update v1.0.2.0 released

LR admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:42:49 +0000

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Leica S2

Solms, Germany (December 19, 2011) - Leica Camera AG continues its commitment to the ongoing development of the Leica S medium format system with a new firmware update, FW 1.0.2.0. This fifth firmware update is specially developed for the use of the camera with the new Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm f/2.8 ASPH. wide-angle lens, ensuring optimum functionality of the lens on the Leica S2 body. Registered S users wishing to bring their camera up-to-date can download the firmware update from the “Owners Area” on the Leica website and take advantage of the latest improvements.

The fastest medium format lens in this focal length, the Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm f/2.8 ASPH is now available from Leica dealers. As a result of its wide angle of view and large maximum aperture, this wide-angle lens opens up a multitude of new opportunities for creative composition, particularly in the fields of interior, architectural, landscape and available-light photography. Thanks to its outstanding imaging performance from close focus to infinity at all apertures and brilliant color rendition, the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH guarantees perfect results in a wide range of photographic situations.

About the Leica S2

The Leica S-System is a revolutionary digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2’s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. The S2’s full range of features includes autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for professional photographers.

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Leica Camera announces S-Magazine iPad application

LR admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:31:48 +0000

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Leica Camera released a new iPad app called "S-Magazine" that showcases the latest work by professional photographers using the Leica S system. The app can be downloaded on iTunes.

Leica Camera invites users to experience the recently launched S-Magazine application for the Apple iPad. Those who download this complimentary application can view a digital copy of S-Magazine, a new publication allowing professional photographers to share contemporary photographic ideas. Editorial portfolios and current advertising campaigns by prominent international photographers as well information on the latest trends in commercial photography are also offered.

The new S-Magazine application provides yet another platform for photographers to present work shot with the Leica S-System to a broad international audience. This new iPad application is available through iTunes and perfectly supplements the print version of S-Magazine as well as www.S-League.net, Leica Camera’s new online portal for S Photographers.

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New online portal for Leica S photographers

LR admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:58:56 +0000

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This is the official press release for the new Leica S portal I mentioned few weeks ago:

Solms, Germany (November 30, 2011) - In collaboration with Leica Camera AG, LFI Photographie GmbH presents a new online portal for the Leica S-System, www.S-League.net. The website illustrates the wide range of photographic opportunities covered by the Leica S-System and provides a platform for photographers to present work shot with the medium format Leica S-System to a broad international audience. In addition to viewing current advertising campaigns and editorial portfolios by prominent international photographers, visitors to the site can keep informed on the latest trends in commercial photography and explore S-Magazine, a new publication allowing professional photographers to freely publish contemporary photographic ideas.

Leica S photographers can submit their latest campaigns and editorials and also apply for a free loan of Leica S equipment on the website. An application for publishing work on www.S-League.net can be found in the ‘Apply & Take Part’ section.

About the Leica S2

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Kodak sold its Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) business to Platinum Equity

LR admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:01:51 +0000

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A quick note that Kodak sold its Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) business to Platinum Equity. Kodak sensor are currently used in the Leica M9 / M9-P / S2 cameras.

Press release:

ROCHESTER, N.Y., November 07 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced today that it has completed the sale of its Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) business to Platinum Equity in a move that will sharpen Kodak’s operational focus and strengthen its financial position.
While the financial details were not disclosed, Kodak will have continuing access to the image sensor technology involved in this transaction for use in its own products. Kodak has previously communicated that it would sell assets that are not central to its transformation to a profitable, sustainable digital company. This sale is aligned with that strategy to generate cash to complete the transformation.

Included in the sale is a 263,000 square foot facility in Eastman Business Park in Rochester, N.Y., that houses manufacturing and research facilities.

The ISS business develops, manufactures, and markets the world’s highest performance solid state image sensor devices. Over the past 30 years, Kodak’s image sensors have delivered unrivaled image quality and innovative features for use in a broad range of demanding imaging applications. From precision manufacturing inspection to digital radiography, from earth imaging satellites to traffic monitoring, from the world’s highest performing studio photography cameras to DNA sequencing systems, customers around the world rely on high-performance products from ISS in the most mission-critical applications.

Platinum Equity is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets.

“Image Sensor Solutions is a business that is well-positioned in the high-performance imaging markets in which it participates,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Digital Imaging Group, and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “This sale maximizes shareholder value by obtaining a full and fair valuation for this business, and allows Kodak to increase its financial flexibility.”

Jotwani noted that Platinum Equity brings significant financial and operational resources to the ISS business and a comprehensive plan to ensure its continued success.

“Platinum Equity is an ideal acquirer of Kodak’s ISS business because they are committed to the success of the business for the benefit of customers and employees,” Jotwani said. “I’m very pleased that we have such a favorable outcome for all of our constituents.”

Platinum Equity focuses on acquiring businesses that can benefit from the firm’s extensive in-house capability and expertise in transition, integration and operations.

“This is a great opportunity to acquire a business with an impressive record for delivering innovative solutions to customers around the world,” said Brian Wall, the partner at Platinum Equity who led the team pursuing the acquisition. “The ISS business has a strong management team with the right vision for leading the company into the future. We share their commitment to product development and customer service and are committed to helping the business realize its full potential.”

Wall said Platinum Equity’s experience managing complex transitions from corporate parent companies will benefit employees, customers and other partners.

“Our operations group will work hand-in-hand with the management team to ensure a seamless transition while allowing the organization to stay focused on delivering world class imaging products and solutions,” said Wall. “We are proud to have forged a unique divestiture solution in partnership with Kodak that serves the best interests of everyone involved.”

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Water resistant Leica S lens demo

LR admin — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 02:17:07 +0000

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It's fun to watch this on a $30k+ camera and lens combo:

Water resistant Leica lens from Shoot The Centerfold on Vimeo.

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Two new offerings from LFI: S-Magazine and S-League

LR admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:46:00 +0000

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The latest news from Leica Camera on the S system:

A new website from LFI offers professional photographers a platform to show off their work to a large international audience.

The website "S-League.net" presents current ad campaigns and editorial photo series from international pros that were created using the Leica S-System.

Beyond that, the S-League reflects current trends in modern commercial photography - from fashion and beauty to interior design and still lifes.

Professional photographers can submit their current campaigns and editorials created using the S-System in the "Apply & Take Part" section. The best entries will be published on the site.

At the same time, you can also apply to rent an S-System free of charge.

There is also a new S-Magazine:

In the first issue of S-Magazine, the renowned fashion photographers Joachim Baldauf, Straulino and Manuel Pandalis present powerful images, unusual angles and surprising perspectives.

The professional tool of choice is the Leica S. The creative dialogue between photographer and model is the common element of all the photo series presented in the S-Magazine. The three photographers conduct their own distinctive visual dialogues and take different approaches to their work.

With a wide variety of topics, S-Magazine is always up to date on the latest trends. The iPad app and website www.s-league.net complement the classical magazine format and regularly present international photographers’ latest works.

The first edition is available in three different covers. The magazine is already available in the LFI shop. It will be sold from 11 November 2011.

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Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH wide angle lens announced

LR admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:26:22 +0000

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Solms, Germany (October 27, 2011) - Leica Camera AG expands the range of lenses for the Leica S-System with the new Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH wide angle lens. With this latest addition, the portfolio of lenses for the professional S-System is now comprised of five focal lengths. The fastest medium format lens in this focal length, the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH will be available beginning December 2011.

The field of view of this new S-Lens corresponds to a 24mm lens in 35mm format and this wide angle of view opens up a multitude of new opportunities in creative composition, particularly in the fields of interior, architectural and landscape photography. Additionally, a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 makes the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH ideal for available-light photography and the conscious use of selective planes of focus. Thanks to outstanding imaging performance from close focus to infinity at all apertures and brilliant color rendition, the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH guarantees perfect results in a wide range of photographic situations.

The highest priority in the development of all Leica S-Lenses is the dedication to creating tools that fulfill the stringent demands that professional photographers place on a camera system in their everyday work. Even wide open, the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH fulfills these demands and offers high resolution and extremely low distortion throughout its entire focusing range. Software-driven image optimization is unnecessary with this lens, allowing photographers to concentrate purely on the creative side of their work. A further highlight of the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH is its excellent control of flare to ensure high-contrast images, even when shooting a backlit subject.

The design and construction of the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH is tough, reliable and built to last a lifetime, a characteristic found in all Leica S-System products. The lens features an extremely robust bayonet mount and is fully sealed against dust and spray, ensuring absolute dependability even under the harshest shooting conditions.

The Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH will be available from authorized Leica dealers beginning December 2011. The lens is supplied complete with a rectangular hood designed for optimum suppression of extraneous light. For further product information please consult the Leica Homepage at www.leica-camera.com and www.S-League.net.

Technical Data	Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH
Lens Type:	High-speed wide-angle lens with two aspherical lens surfaces to ensure superior imaging performance
Compatible Cameras:	All Leica S-Models
Image View:	Approx. 84°, 74°, 53° (diagonal, horizontal, vertical), corresponding to approx. 24mm in 35mm format
Optical Design:	Number of elements/groups: 13/9; aspherical surfaces: 2; position of the entrance pupil: 33.3mm (from 1^st lens element)
Distance Settings:	Distance range: 0.5m to ∞, combined scale meter/feet, Smallest object field/largest repro ratio: approx. 330 x 495mm/1:11
Aperture:	Electronically controlled diaphragm, selection dial on camera, including half values, Lowest value 22
Bayonet:	Leica S quick-change bayonet with contact strip for Leica S-Models
Filter Mount:	internal thread for E82 filter; filter mount does not rotate
Lens Hood:	Lens hood (included), adjustable by bayonet
Surface Finish:	Black anodized
Dimensions:Length to bayonet mount:	approx.128/156mm (approx. 5.04 /6.14in) (without/with lens hood)
Largest diameter:	approx. 88/132mm (approx. 3.46 / 5.20in) (without/with lens hood)
Weight:	approx. 1060g (approx. 37.39oz)

Popflash is currently taking pre-orders.

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Interesting interview with Stefan Daniel

LR admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:15:12 +0000

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Megapixel had an interview with Stefan Daniel (Director Product Management at Leica Camera AG). Some of the interesting points:

Leica is in the process of creating a special order department to handle custom and limited edition versions.

In terms of announcing new products, Leica has "a strong focus on 2012".

On the size of the sensor in a potential Leica mirrorless camera: "Leica with an interchangeable lens should have at least an APS-sized sensor".

On the optical vs. digital viewfinder: "I think that the quality of the 1.4MP finders is already very good, and sometimes even more accurate than an optical finder, think of white balance or exposure. Over time, as technology is improving, optical finders will get less and less important. The X100 finder is a very nice concept and well executed".

On M rangefinder with video/CMOS sensor: "Offering additional functions such as video and live view would extend the usability of the M camera significantly. CMOS is a prerequisite for it, therefore it will be the technology of the future".

On M rangefinder with AF: "we are totally aware that we could aim at a much larger clientele with AF and are currently studying solutions".

Next S lenses: "a 30mm and then a 30-90mm zoom as well as a super wide angle 24mm in 2012".

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Leica Camera at PDN Photo Plus Expo next week

LR admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:05:15 +0000

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Leica booth at PDN PhotoPlus Expo

Leica Camera will take part in the PDN Photo Plus Expo in New Your next week. There will be several Leica S2 events:

Leica Camera invites you to join us at our Photo Plus Expo Studio Event featuring the Leica S-System. Enjoy industry presentations as well as gain hands on experience with Leica’s medium-format solution; the S2 and S-Series lenses. Complimentary photographic prints will be provided courtesy of ILFORD Galerie Pearl.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday October 27.2011
12:30 pm - 01:00 pm: Ian McDonald Smith: Using the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm: Playboy Photographer Jarmo Pohjaniemi: Live Shoot
03:30 pm - 04:00 pm: Brenda Hipsher: Color Management with X-Rite Solutions
04:30 pm - 05:00 pm: Presentation by Leica Camera AG, Product Manager
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm: Open Shoot

Friday October 28.2011
12:30 pm - 01:00 pm: Ian McDonald Smith: Using the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm: Playboy Photographer Jarmo Pohjaniemi: Live Shoot
03:30 pm - 04:00 pm: Brenda Hipsher: Color Management with X-Rite Solutions
04:30 pm - 05:00 pm: Presentation by Leica Camera AG, Product Manager
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm: Open Shoot

Location
SUN WEST STUDIOS
450 W.31ST
10TH Floor
NEW YORK, NY 10001

Leica is pleased to have the following companies as sponsors: ILFORD Galerie Pearl, foto care, x-rite, American Society of Media Photographers and Profoto.

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Guest post: Leica Store Mayfair and Leica S2 in-depth review

LR admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:22:49 +0000

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Today’s guest post about the Leica Store Mayfair and the Leica S2 camera is written by Brian Hirschfeld:

Leica has stores? yup. They have all of their products in them? yup. And they actually sell them? yup*. That last yup* indicates a slight caveat to this answer. While they have every lens on display, they don’t have every lens in stock. In fact they are severely lacking in stock, just like every other place on the planet. They can’t be faulted for this and it is the worst thing I have to say about them .

Granted the store is a bit of a tease because you enter and are immediately awed by the fact that they have EVERY LEICA LENS (on display). You can see, you can touch, but you can’t buy. Everything you dream of from a 50 Summilux to a 90 Summicron; but you can’t buy them. The staff is very good as well. Knowledgeable about their products, as well they should be. Not only do these people work in the store but they are also photographers in their own right who have actual practical experience with the products. Since Leica is rather expensive the fact that some of the employee’s own multiple M9′s with assortments of exotic, (even for Leica) glass, astounds me. If you walk into the store with one of their products, they love you that much more. This is not to say they will not help you if you don’t own a Leica, but having one certainly doesn’t hurt in terms of overall hospitality. I didn’t have anything to do for the afternoon so I decided to walk over and check out the place.

They are very happy to let you mount any lens on your camera as well as let you take demo shots with it. This is one of the key purposes of the store. The Leica stores are there to provide access to their products and get the word out about them. Granted this is undermined by the fact that they are tucked away in an alley in one of the most exclusive areas of London (Holland and Holland is also on this Alley/Street though).

Having the Leica 50mm Summilux (a lens I have had on order from my camera store Camera Wholesalers of Stamford, CT since I purchased the Leica M8 when it was new) was an ethereal experience. In my opinion there is absolutely nothing like shooting with this lens. The Leica store employee who was helping me strongly agreed with me furthering my point by saying that the full-frame Leica M9 was made for this lens and that this lens was made for the M9. The 35mm Summicron was also another interesting experience. I had almost exclusively used my 35mm Summarit on my M8 and M9 and had an intimate knowledge of it. The 35 Summicron is as well built and smaller, but not too much so that it causes a problem. It is unobtrusive in every way. Wide open it does have better performance than the 35mm Summilux to some. I am not sure but I might be slightly more in the 35mm Summicron’s camp. Both lenses are superior and if you use them stopped down the way you will normally use any lens the difference would be negligible.

The Leica 75mm and 90mm Summicron’s were more interesting to me though. I had never used a telephoto lens on the M9 (other than a brief encounter with the 135mm). There is no legitimate reason to own both of these lenses. Either way it is most likely going to be the longest lens you will own. That is unless your Audrey Toutou and this is a Chanel No.5 Commercial. Or if you are an Asian businessman who insists on having every current Leica lens even the useless 90mm Macro (read on for more about this lens). Both of these lenses are exceptional but the 90mm Summicron is the standout. It is as sharp as you can get without cutting something when you get it in perfect focus wide open. Stopped down it is unbelievable. The 75mm Summicron is as good as any other lens. It is sharp, well built, and performs like a champ. However the 75mm focal length is a little too close to the 50mm focal length for me to see any practical use it. I don’t know if I will go out of my way to purchase a 90mm Summicron since the Leica M system really isn’t about the telephoto end focal lengths. They are there, you can do great things with them, but as the focal lengths increase they become increasingly inconvenient to use because of their size blocking the viewfinder.

The 90mm Macro-Elmar f/4 is one strange lens. There is nothing to say that this lens is not a legitimate “Leica” lens, it is. It’s just as Marty Feldman while playing Igor would say “Abbynormal”. Now on Earlier Leica cameras there were fewer frame lines and viewfinder magnification was a problem for certain lenses. This is why earlier lenses like the 35mm for the M3 camera had pieces that were put in front of the camera’s viewfinder and its coupled rangefinder.

The Assembly is the first place where this lens gets weird. The fact that the word assembly can be justly applied to this lens should be noted. When I say assembly I am not referring to the painstakingly detailed process of creating the elements and fitting them all together to create a masterfully constructed optical instrument..In effect I am only talking about mounting the lens on the camera. However this is not a simple on-the-fly process like it is with almost any other lens on almost any other camera. First off you remove whatever normal lens you have been using. Then you swallow your pride and mount the viewfinder modification piece (I’m sure there is a more technical name for it). Then you mount the lens. Then you reposition the lens. This is because you have to extend the front part of the barrel to be able to use it as a macro lens. Now it really gets weird. So you have mounted the adapter on the camera, you have mounted and positioned the lens, but your not done. To use this lens in any useful way you have to use the vertical viewfinder adapter for the M9. Now this isn’t a Hasselblad V series camera, or a Rollei TLR, it’s a Leica M; a rangefinder. You take this weird little piece of metal and glass and you look at it. You see there is a wheel that you can spin and figure out it must be screwed onto something. However you can’t really figure out how to put it on the viewfinder. You then think that somehow you need to take off the rubber piece over the viewfinder; BUT NO! it goes on over it. Getting even stranger after you have screwed this onto your camera, look through it and it’s everything you don’t want in a lens; confusing and disorienting. However, after a little time you get used to it. You get used to it just in time for the novelty value of it to wear off and you to realize there are better ways to spend $5,000.00 in the world of Leica.

Now, on to the most interesting aspect of the Leica store as well as this article….The Leica S2 review.

The Leica S2

At the time that I was in London in mid-July I still had not decided what new medium format digital capture system I wanted to upgrade to. It was up in the air between the Leica S2 and the PhaseOne 645DF and IQ180 back. Since then I decided to purchase the IQ180. I made this decision because for effectively the same price (with the trade in value of my Hasselblad H3Dii-39ms). Anyway back to the point right now, I was at the Leica store admiring all of the lovely Leica M products that I wouldn’t be able to get for the next 100 years because of backorders, when I brought up the Leica S2 which they had multiple examples of on display. The employees were just as eager to show off this system to me, especially after I had expressed interest in it as an upgrade (really more of a side grade sensor wise) to my Hasselblad system. Then I was able to play with the Leica S2 and all of its current lenses as if I was in a camera store..

When I say “as if I was in a camera store” because there is a specific way that you look at a camera in a camera store. You are able to touch, hold and use it. Sometimes you may even be able to take it outside, but overall you take some snap shots and then you hold it a while longer while talking to the salesperson and then you either buy it, decide to go home and look at the files, or you don’t buy it. This process is curt and can rarely give you the depth needed to understand the camera and its capabilities and shortcomings. The Leica store employee I was talking to told me that the store also had a professional services division. This means that they had a service center, as well as an office where they had classes and other events for professionals. The employee told me that I could contact someone in their office and would be able to have a studio session with the camera (Leica S2) where I could get a bunch of sample images that I could look at and help to make a decision about the camera.. At no point while I had my demo-session with the camera was there any pressure to buy the camera or any mention at all. I found this particularly interesting and relaxing especially since it is a significant investment and they did go to some trouble to give me the opportunity to have the demo session. At one point I was asked more out of curiosity by the man giving me the demo session where I thought I would buy the camera if I chose it? I told him I would probably by it in New York since that’s the closest place to me, and that was the end of that topic it was not mentioned again.

Now onto the Demo session; I contact the man I was told to about setting up the demo session and left a voicemail. It turned out he was on vacation with his family however he still contacted me later that day and said that although he would not be able to conduct the private demo session himself, he would find someone else who had extensive knowledge with the camera system who could conduct the demo. He was able to get photographer Ian Farrell to conduct the demo session. He is the man in the picture above. There are other images that can be seen on my flickr through this link. He was great and was able to talk about the system in detail because he uses it and was able to show off all of the different features that it had available. He also brought some of his Elinchrom quadra lights with him (since the Leica store had sent their lights out for repair) which of course made it a studio and a place where I could get images under controlled lighting to understand the camera better. Then we walked around outside and I was able to get some natural light images as well. Outside we got some looks because it was a big camera in a young man’s hands with a grown man behind him carrying the bag. Overall it was a very good experience.

Some thoughts about the camera: In the past I have had the opportunity to hold the Leica S2 in the traditional “camera store” way at Camera Wholesalers in Stamford on a Leica day as well as at PDN PhotoPlus in NYC. These had given me an idea what the camera felt like and how it was built. As is to be expected with any Leica product it was really, really well built. Every part of it felt solid and it is heavy but not too heavy. It is lighter and smaller than any other medium format system as well. In London I had the opportunity to use this camera with the vertical grip. A vertical grip is something that I really like about professional DSLR’s like the D3 and the Ids series of cameras. The Leica S2 and the PhaseOne 645DF are the only current production medium format cameras that have the option available (the older and possibly superior Contax 645AF system had a vertical grip as well). Holding the Leica Vertical grip on its own it felt a bit flimsy however when it was on the camera it felt just right. When I mentioned this to Ian Farrell he agreed with me. He also added that if they created the grip out of metal like the rest of the body of the camera, it would have greatly increased the weight. While it is made of plastic it is still fully weather sealed like the rest of the camera and attaches sturdily to the base of the camera. In pictures it makes the camera look significantly larger. However, in reality it is less pronounced then it appears in photographs. It works perfectly for what it is. The built quality, ergonomics and basic functionality of this camera are superior in every way to every other system currently available. But it is still not the best camera on the market.

While the Image quality is good on this camera, it is not the biggest and best that they have now that there are 60-80mp sensors on the market. When the camera was announced it had a standard sensor for medium format with the highest resolution, the 60mp category, being lead by PhaseOne’s landmark P65+ (and some impossibly named Leaf equivalent). The camera preforms admirably at all ISO’s. This is something that cannot be said of most medium format DSLR’s which top out their total ISO’s at 800 and their usable ISO’s at 400 typically. The Leica S2 though tops out at 1250 and produces highly usable results at this ISO (see my flickr page for comparison shots of all of the S2′s ISO’s). Here it definitely gets major points. Yet, the complaint I have with it, especially after using even higher mega-pixel backs like the PhaseOne P65+ and Hasselblad H4D-50, is that it doesn’t have the same ability to crop the way a 60-80mp sensor would. I found that this can also be said for the 50mp Hasselbald which I will have a review of posted soon. The image quality is far better than that of any 35mm DSLR and is on par or better than most medium format sensor’s. The area that differentiates the S2 most from all other cameras is its lenses which effect the image resolution greatly.

In the Leica S2 particularly, the lenses are the real show stopper for many reasons. The key ones are:

First off is the fact that is has AUTOFOCUS! This is a first for a Leica Camera. For years the CEO’s and designers had clung to the manual focus mantra. With the Leica R series, a highly underrated system technically speaking (in terms of lenses) which largely flopped due to a lack of features,.particularly autofocus which was already standard on the Asian imports. Leica knew that they couldn’t market a medium format DSLR camera that did not have autofocus to the professional market. Well they did this and the autofocus system is as good as any other medium format system; which is to say crappy. But if everyone else is crappy and you’re slightly better than crappy you get points, and they did. The autofocus works just fine, just know its limits and timing. The Leica S-Line of lenses perform better than any other lenses I have ever used. They add so much to the camera it is almost impossible to describe their impact. They make the system and they are the main selling point. Aside from being distortion free (on the wider end) and free of vignetting at all apertures they handle ghosting and flaring amazingly well. The image I show at the beginning of my Leica S2 review section is the perfect example of this. The image was taken with the 35mm Summarit S lens. The composition includes the subject as well as the backlight (there were two lights and the key light with umbrella was in front) With other lenses in other systems there would be ghosting and flaring issues from the light . As you can see from this image there is absolutely none. You have to zoom in on the larger quality image (which can be accessed by clicking on the image) where you can zoom in on the light and see how clearly defined the edges of it are. This is truly the magic of the lens design. They are perfectly designed and absolutely perfect. If only they could be used on a PhaseOne 645DF. The only true problem with these lenses is the fact that there are so few of them. Yes there are a few adapters which can be purchased that allow you to use other lenses like Hasselblad V series lenses on the S2 body, however they are manual focus and there is obviously no communication between the lens and camera. Leica has recently released their own adapters which allow you to use other companies lenses (Mamiya 645, Hasselblad and Pentax). These adapters are decidedly better built and definitely help to expand the system to users of other lenses from their film cameras. Yet the system does not have enough lenses at the moment. Hasselblad and Mamiya currently have around 20 lenses available for their cameras respectably. All of these autofocus lenses cover focal lengths from ultra-wide (28mm remember this is medium format) to telephoto (300mm which is equivalent to around 180mm’s in 35mm language). The S2 only has a 35mm, 70mm, 120mm and 180mm lens. Three of these are at the aperture of f/2.5 which is at least a stop faster than many of their counterparts. There are other lenses in the roadmap. From conversation I understand that next will likely be a 28mm ultra-wide, a tilt-shit, and zoom lenses. The system will develop, but that takes time. TIme which is recorded by cameras in split-second increments. If you don’t the capability to do what you want, when you want, it is meaningless whether they will be announcing a new lens in the future.

The Leica S2 is a great camera. It is not the best but it serves a specific function which it does better than any other can. The only other camera that defied the traditional medium format form factor that had the sensor built into the body of the camera and they were inseparable was the Mamiya ZD DSLR. I don’t include the Pentax 645D in this statement because it still has the basic form factor of a medium format DSLR even though it is still self contained. The Mamiya ZD was clunky and difficult to use and consequently did not catch on and that is why you probably never had an updated version of it in this form factor. I think the Mamiya ZD was an admirably first effort. It established that this kind of camera could be made and could generate some interest. Leica was able to truly take a risk (particularly financially especially after the disastrous R8/R9) and Leica’s financials since the release of the S2 speak for themselves. While during this time the M9 was also released. The great successes can be seen by the Leica S2′s success. The Leica S2′s success helped to create even more cache around the brand which certainly did not hurt the M system and other optical divisions that share the Leica brand name.

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Another Leica factory visit post from Luminous-Landscape

LR admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:05:00 +0000

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A quick recap of the latest Leica factory visit post from Luminous-Landscape:

Leica Camera to move to its new 25,000 square meter home in Wetzlar in 2013. The new facility will have gallery, show room, bigger factory floor which allow to double the current production capacity.
New 30mm f/2.8 lens for the S system will be out very soon.
30-90mm zoom is also on the S system roadmap.
No more megapixels for the S system. Future models will concentrate on better noise and ISO performance, higher dynamic range.
I takes 8 hours to assemble an M9 camera.
There were some speculations about future Leica products, but nothing that was not covered before on LeicaRumors.

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Leica S2 firmware update1.0.1.8 now available

LR admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:28:18 +0000

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Solms, Germany (July 28, 2011) - Leica Camera AG has released a new firmware update for the Leica S-System, FW 1.0.1.8. All Leica S2 and S2-P cameras will now be supplied with the latest firmware version. Users wishing to bring their camera up-to-date can download the firmware update from the “Owners Area” on the Leica website and take advantage of the latest improvements.

The firmware update FW 1.0.1.8 includes a revision of the setting procedure for auto-bracketing. Now, the shutter-release button must only be pressed once to activate the full bracketing sequence. This function is particularly useful for shooting bracketed exposures for HDR post-processing. Additionally, the menu-control button at the top right of the camera can now be programmed to carry out a custom function, allowing users quick access to settings. This improvement gives photographers a further opportunity to customize the Leica S2 and S2-P to meet their individual needs and demands.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update FW 1.0.1.8, please visit: https://owners.leica-camera.com.

About the Leica S2

The Leica S-system is a completely new digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2’s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. The S2’s full range of features includes autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for professional photographers.

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Leica Portrait: John Wright

LR admin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:57:55 +0000

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Leica Portrait: John Wright from leica camera on Vimeo.

John has been working with the Leica team in London to help build exposure for the S-System alongside the UK professional photographic community. As part of the collaboration between John and Leica, photographers are able to experience the S-System first-hand through a series of activities including interviews and photographic sessions, exhibitions and workshops at the Leica Store Mayfair ‘Studio S’ and other UK studios. John also uses the camera for a number of high-profile shoots. In our latest Leica Portrait video, John explains what he likes about the S2.

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New Leica S adapter for third party lenses

LR admin — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:38:06 +0000

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S-V Adapter, P67, M645

After a brief introduction in the November 2010 issue of LFI magazine, today Leica announced three new lens adapters for the S2 camera:

S-V adapter for Hasselblad V system
S-P67 adapter for Pentax 67 system
S-adapter for Mamiya M645-645 system

The adapters are made out of anodized aluminum and chrome-plated brass. They will be available in August, 2011 for € 580.

There are currently several different third party Leica S2 adapters available on eBay.

Press release:

NEW: LEICA CAMERA AG EXPANDS LENS COMPATIBILITY FOR THE LEICA S-SYSTEM

Leica S-Adapters allow for the use of medium-format lenses from other manufacturers

Solms, Germany (July 15, 2011) - Leica Camera AG is expanding the range of accessories for the Leica S2 professional camera system with three new Leica S-Adapters. Beginning August 2011, these latest accessories will allow users to attach medium-format lenses from other manufacturers to Leica S bodies. The Leica S-Adapter V can be used for Hasselblad V System lenses, the Leica S-Adapter P67 for the Pentax 67 system lenses and the Leica S-Adapter M645 for the lenses of the Mamiya 645 system.

The S-Adapters offer many benefits to professional photographers. As a result of being able to use third-party lenses on the Leica S2, photographers now have access to a wider selection of additional lenses, further increasing the S-System’s flexibility. Furthermore, photographers who already own lenses from the aforementioned systems can now use them on the Leica S2. This extension of the compatible lens range includes tilt and shift. As with all products in the Leica S portfolio, the Leica S-Adapters are manufactured to extremely high specifications. The exclusive use of high-quality materials, anodized aluminium and chrome-plated brass, in construction makes the adapters durable and reliable, even with constant use.

Leica S-Adapter V	H=30.2 mm (1.2 in); W=81 mm (3.2 in)	138.75 g (4.9 oz)
Leica S-Adapter M645	H=15.5 mm (.61 in); W=78 mm (3.1 in)	93.5 g (3.3 oz)
Leica S-Adapter P67	H=37 mm (1.5 in); W=90 mm (3.5 in)	222.5 g (7.8 oz)

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Leica S2 color profile for ICC based workflow software released

LR admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:20:43 +0000

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Today Leica announced a color profile 1.0 for the medium format S2 camera which can be used in Capture One Pro or other ICC based workflow software using profiles (Adobe Lightroom and Camera RAW do not support this profile). The profile can be downloaded from the S2 owners' section.

Solms, Germany (June 1, 2011) – Leica Camera AG is pleased to announce a Leica S2 color profile for ICC-based workflow software. Users wishing to benefit from the new offering can now download the software from the Leica website and take advantage of new, improved features.

The Leica S2 raw data format complies with the specifications in the ADOBE DNG 1.1.0.0 standard (June 2009,) enabling DNG-compatible raw data converters to be used for processing Leica S2 DNGs. As a result, products such as Capture One 6 from Phase One can be utilized.

Further improving the color characteristics of the Leica S2 data, an ICC color profile specifically developed for the Leica S2 is now also available.

While Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw do not support this profile, a special “Adobe Standard” Leica S2 DNG color profile is integrated into the software and used automatically.

For registered S customers, the color profile and installation instructions are available for download in the owners’ area: https://owners.leica-camera.com/index.php/de/login

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Leica S2: what you didn’t know

LR admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:41:53 +0000

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Leica issued a statement today recapping some of the Leica S2 medium camera features:

Leica Camera revolutionized the world of professional photography with the S2, breaking new ground in every way. The decisive advantage of the Leica S2 is truly the sum of all its features: flexibility, durability and easy operation combined with industry-leading resolution and image quality. While some specific features are lesser known, each component greatly contributes to the S2’s unparalleled standard for quality. Explore some of the elements that make the S2 the ideal choice whether in the studio or on location to capture images of unmatched brilliance.

Weather Seal

The rugged, durable design of the Leica S2 ensures the highest standard of performance in even the most extreme climactic conditions. With over 35 water and dust resistant seals covering every surface of the S2 and Leica S lenses, photographers can shoot in inclement weather or dry and dusty environments and still be assured that their camera will function to its optimum ability and provide breath-taking images. The S2 can also be supplied with a highly scratch-resistant Leica S2-P sapphire glass display cover for the most demanding circumstances.

Tethered Shooting

A true trailblazer, the S2 is the first and only medium-format camera to incorporate LEMO push-pull connector technology for its USB interface into its design. Ideal for high speed tethered shooting, this construction is so durable that the camera body can be held by its strain-relief tethering cable alone, a major advantage for any number of challenging photographic situations. Designed by the German military, this state-of-the art technology enables photographers to easily move about without worrying that the cable will be disconnected from the camera while the LEMO USB weather seal allows for tethered shooting even in severe weather settings.

Soft Keys

Simplicity and ease-of-use are paramount to the Leica photographic experience and the S2 achieves both with its innovative soft keys. The four menu keys can be programmed to perform almost any function and adjust to photographer’s individual shooting style and needs. Additionally, the soft keys allow for firmware updates to be made swiftly and easily, ensuring that S2 photographers are consistently at the forefront of their craft.

Battery Life

Whether shooting a fashion spread in the studio or a safari in the field, the S2 allows photographers to capture more images with a single battery life. A drastic improvement over the standard 200 frames per battery life, S2 photographers can garner up to 1,000 frames from a single charge. In addition to using lithium battery technology, the S2 features no memory effect, which allows partially drained batteries to be recharged without reducing performance.

About the Leica S2

Introduced in 2009, the Leica S-system is a completely new digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2’s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. The S2’s full range of features includes autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for professional photographers. The Leica S2 retails for $22,995.00 (body only).

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