Leica Rumors

The Mandler 35mm f/2 “Seven Elements” lens is back in stock (limited quantities)

By LR admin | Published: April 26, 2026

The Mandler 35mm f/2 “Seven Elements” lens is now back in stock and open for pre-order (limited quantities). The Mandler 35mm f/2 is a complete reproduction of the optical formula of the original Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 seven-element lens. The name “Mandler” is a tribute to Walter Mandler, who designed many legendary Leica lenses. Previous coverage of the lens ca ne be found here.

Leica digest #229

By LR admin | Published: April 25, 2026

→ The “I’m Back Roll” digital back sensor for film cameras raised over $800k on Kickstarter (additional information).

→ The German company SPINN.DESIGN launched a new ProWrapp Impact+ gear wrapper with max shock resistance.

→ New Leica SL2 cameras now sell for $4,664 on Amazon (shipped and sold directly by Amazon).

→ New Venus Optics Laowa gift card savings offer:

Get a $900 gift card for $1,000 store credit
Get a $4,000 gift card for $5,000 store credit

→ The upcoming Insta360 Luna camera is co-engineered with Leica.

→ Leica Stories: a follow-up conversation with Jay Cassario.

→ 7Artisans to announce a new AF 135mm f/1.8 full frame lens for L-mount.

→ Here is the latest updated Panasonic Lumix S lens roadmap (L-mount).

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged Leica digest| 11 Comments

The “I’m Back Roll” digital back sensor for film cameras has a special solution for Leica M film cameras

By LR admin | Published: April 24, 2026

The “I’m Back Roll APS-C” digital back sensor for film cameras has a special solution for Leica M film cameras. The Kickstarter project, which raised almost $800k, is compatible with Leica M film cameras – here is how they did it:

I’m Back designed a dedicated solution for Leica M cameras
Custom back with integrated sensor
No change to the camera feel
Full mechanical experience preserved
Your Leica stays analog, but becomes digital

Posted in Leica Film| Tagged "I’m Back" digital back solution for Leica film rangefinders, Kickstarter| 18 Comments

Leica announced a new M-A Hammertone limited edition camera for the Ginza Store 20th anniversary

By LR admin | Published: April 24, 2026

Leica Camera Japan announced the release of a special 100-unit limited edition Leica M-A Hammertone “Leica Store Ginza 20th Anniversary” camera to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of Leica Store Ginza. Based on the mechanical rangefinder Leica MP, the battery-free film M-A camera features the distinctive gray Hammertone paint finish on the top cover and base plate, an engraved “20 JAHRE” marking on the front body, and the classic Leica logo on the top cover. The new model will be available starting April 25, 2026, exclusively at Leica stores in Japan.

Additional information:

Posted in Leica M-A| Tagged Hammertone, Leica Limited Edition, Leica Store Ginza Six| 38 Comments

Owlkrown’s latest accessories for Leica cameras

By LR admin | Published: April 23, 2026

Owlkrown introduced several new Leica accessories:

Owlkrown Solo Plate for Leica M11 & M-EV1: engineered to solve a problem every Leica M shooter knows, front-heavy setups that tip forward the moment you set the camera down – the SoloPlate eliminates that:

Owlkrown FlexGrip Handle Set for Leica Q2, Q3, M11 & M-EV1: machined from solid aluminum or brass, available in 4 different finishes: black chrome, silver chrome, solid brass, black patina: