Leica Rumors

Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21 lens for Leica M-mount officially announced, available for pre-order

By LR admin | Published: June 4, 2026

The previously reported Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 “Z21” is now officially announced and available for pre-order on this page.

The 75mm f/1.5 “Z21” is the latest lens in the Light Lens Lab “Z21” series, following the release and continued development of the 50mm f/1.5 “Z21”. This lens represents an important milestone for Light Lens Lab. Unlike many of the previous projects, the 75mm f/1.5 “Z21” is not a reproduction or homage to any existing 75mm optical formula. It is an independently researched and developed Light Lens Lab optical design, created through our continued study of the “Z21” rendering signature. Light Lens Lab has made several improvements to the 75mm f/1.5 “Z21”, including improved corner sharpness, stronger edge-to-edge performance, and enhanced sensor coverage.

Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21 lens for Leica M-mount key specifications and additional informtion:

You can now attach a smartphone to Leica Geovid binoculars with this new Ollin snapshot adapter

By LR admin | Published: June 4, 2026

In partnership with US company Ollin, Leica announced a new snapshot adapter specially designed for the Leica Geovid binoculars:

Fast and secure connection of smartphone and Leica Geovid Pro and Geovid R models
Capture photos and videos directly through the optics.
The clamp mechanism allows for easy attachment and quick removal.
Holds Snapcase to Eyepiece.

Alongside the new adapter, Leica Sports Optics also released a new Leica Geovid Pro 8×42 and 10×42 in olive green:

Leica already had a collaboration with Ollin for digiscoping solutions:

Additiona informtion:

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged binoculars, Leica Adapters, Leica digiscoping adapter, Ollin| 4 Comments

Rumors: corporate-owned Leica stores can carry third-party accessories only from those eight brands

By LR admin | Published: June 3, 2026

Sources indicate that corporate-owned Leica Stores (company-operated flagships, as opposed to independent authorized dealers) are now directing their third-party accessory offerings toward a curated list of premium brands only. The approved brands reportedly include:

Oberwerth: German handmade leather bags with frequent Leica Society International collaboration (previous coverage | B&H product listings).
Rock n Roll: European handmade leather straps and bags, with LSI collaborations and official Leica-branded or exclusive models (previous coverage).
Billingham: British classic canvas and FibreNyte bags, including Leica-specific models (previous coverage | B&H product listings).
Artisan & Artist: Japanese canvas and hybrid bags, with a history of Leica editions (previous coverage | B&H product listings).
Wotancraft: Taiwanese premium bags and pouches with multiple Leica collaborations (previous coverage)
Cooph: Austrian brand known for Leica co-branded rope and paracord straps (previous coverage | B&H product listings).
B+W: premium German filters by Schneider Kreuznach, frequently paired with Leica systems (previous coverage | B&H product listings).
Gitzo: professional tripods fitting the high-end ecosystem (previous coverage | B&H product listings).

Leica Camera AG has not issued a public press release or official statement confirming this new policy, so this remains just another rumor.

Previous coverage of various Leica accessories can be found here:

Posted in Leica Accessories| Tagged Artisan & Artist, B+W filters, Billingham bags for Leica, Billingham camera bags, COOPH, Gitzo, Oberwerth, Oberwerth bags for Leica, Rock n Roll camera bags, Wotancraft| 33 Comments

The latest accessories for Leica cameras from Owlkrown

By LR admin | Published: June 2, 2026

Owlkrown introduced several new Leica accessories:

Owlkrown PC Sync Port Plugs for analog Leica cameras: machined from a solid rod of brass or aluminum.
Owlkrown Slacker Outback color leather camera strap: crafted by hand, finished with beveled edges and a smooth, hand-buffed polish (with use, a natural patina develops, enhancing its character over time).
Owlkrown Leica Ultra Kit for M10 & M11: bundle & save $30.
Owlkrown FlexCase for Leica M11 & M-EV1: Full-grain leather sourced from a tannery in Tuscany, Italy. Selected for texture, consistency, and tanning quality. No PVC coating, no synthetic material.
Owlkrown M.O.A.S Kit Mother of all Straps: bundle & save $30.
Owlkrown M.O.A.K. Mother of All Kits for Leica M11 & M EV1: bundle & save $70.
Owlkrown padded straps: built from full-grain leather and flexible rope to solid hardware and clean attachment options. The padding adds support where the strap rests on the neck or shoulder, helping spread the weight without making the setup feel bulky.
Owlkrown TrailFlex and TrailFlex SL: featuring a proprietary built-in leather triglide buckle that ensures ease of adjustability while locking securely in place when worn. This design was created specifically to combat the scratching issues some camera straps have due to the use of metal or hard plastic in their construction.

Previous coverage of Owlkrown products can be found here:

Posted in Leica Accessories| Tagged Owlkrown| 29 Comments

Leica announced a new Cine Compact 1 projector

By LR admin | Published: June 2, 2026

Leica announced a new Cine Compact 1 projector – here are the key specs:

Positioning: Leica’s more affordable, portable entry in the Cine projectors lineup for easy plug-and-play home entertainment. Smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the larger Cine 1 model and Cine Play 1 (see previous coverage), while keeping premium Leica optics and ease of use.
Brightness: Up to 1,700 lumens via Triple RGB laser.
Resolution & Size: 4K (0.47″ DMD pixel-shifting) up to 220 inches.
Lens & Processing: Leica Summicron zoom lens with aspherical elements + Leica Image Optimization (LIO); Dolby Vision support.
Flexibility: 360° rotation system + auto zoom/autofocus/keystone/screen framing – projects on walls, ceilings, or any surface without a fixed screen.
Design: Bauhaus-style aluminum housing with glass front; includes eco-friendly recyclable transport case. Optional stand and tripod mount available.
Smart Features: VIDAA OS with built-in Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, AirPlay, HomeKit, HDMI, USB.
Audio: Built-in spatial sound with Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS Virtual:X; expandable via Bluetooth/HDMI.
Pricing & Availability: €1,645 / $1,995; on sale from June 18, 2026 – for availability, check our sponsors:

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Additional information:

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged Leica Cine Compact 1 projector, Leica Cine projectors| 14 Comments

Chinese HSG reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Blackstone’s and potentially Kaufmann’s stakes in Leica Camera

By LR admin | Published: June 2, 2026

Bloomberg reports that HSG (HongShan Capital Group, formerly Sequoia Capital China) has emerged as the leading bidder in advanced discussions to acquire Blackstone’s approximately 45% stake in Leica Camera AG.

According to people familiar with the matter, HSG may also seek to purchase the remaining ~55% held by the Kaufmann family (via ACM Projektentwicklung), potentially gaining full control of the company. The discussions value Leica at around €1 billion.

Blackstone originally acquired its stake in 2011 for roughly €130 million to support Leica’s international growth. If HSG completes a full acquisition, sources indicate the firm could explore a potential public listing (IPO) of Leica.

The talks are ongoing, and there is no guarantee a deal will be reached. No official comments have been made by any of the parties involved.

Here is the recap:

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged Andreas Kaufmann, Blackstone, Blackstone selling Leica| 11 Comments