Last week I reported that Leica Camera AG took over the Norwegian company Fjorden Electra AS in the course of the development of the new Leica LUX app. You can now read the full details and the backstory in this post: “Fjorden is now part of Leica Camera“.
It is interesting to note that Fjorden also sells a grip for smartphones:
and according to this comment, there is a very good chance that the next version of the grip could be Leica-branded:
In addition to the popular photo editing tool, Luminar is also offering photo tours. Their next destination is Iceland:
If you compare other photo tours to Iceland, the price is pretty decent. If you mention the code RUMORS when you sign up, you can get $500 off the original price of $6,000 (the final price will be $5,500).
Tour description:
“From dramatic waterfalls to volcanic lakes and mountains, our Iceland excursion promises an unforgettable experience for photography enthusiasts. Organized in collaboration with the local tour operator and led by professional photographers, this tour offers unique opportunities to elevate your photography skills and take breathtaking shots you’ll want to frame on the wall. Organized in partnership with Europe’s leading tour operator Iceland Photo Workshops ehf.”
Additional information can be found here.
After the recent Leica D-Lux 8 announcements, here is an updated list/recap of expected/rumored Leica cameras and lenses (see all previous reports here):
AstrHori announced a new and improved XH-2 light meter with more accurate photometry, a more sensitive sensor, and a new design (the old version is sold out).
The AstrHori XH-2 is currently in stock at Pergear and should soon be available also at Amazon Store and the official AstrHori website
Here are the XH-2 technical specifications:
Today Leica announced that it had acquired the smartphone photography startup Fjorden Electra AS and introduced a new smartphone app called “Leica LUX” that can simulate the “Leica look” of different lenses:
“With Leica LUX, users can experiment with well-known Leica lenses without having to physically take a camera in their hands. In ‘Aperture-Mode’, iPhone photographers can take pictures with the characteristic signatures of a range of classic Leica lenses, among them, the Summilux-M 28 mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH. Thanks to Leica’s proprietary image processing engine, which is based on machine learning and computer-aided photography, these lens simulations reproduce the unmistakable look for which these lenses are famed, including, of course, the characteristic bokeh effect. This means that an iPhone can also emulate photos with the unique aesthetic of the legendary Leica M lenses.”
Additional information:
Funleader will have one final batch of the Contax G45 f/2 lens for Leica M conversion in July. This will be their final restock, as these are the last 200 original Contax optical lenses available. Pre-orders are now open at a discounted price of $999 instead of the original $1199:
You can use code LEICARUMORS for an additional 5% off:
Orders will be sent out in early July. Some silver G45 lenses are still available; however, the last batch of G45 lenses will be only in black.
Keep in mind that for $999, you will get the complete lens. The conversion kit is also available (without the optics) for $489 – you basically have to source your own original lens and convert it (check the product page for instructions).
Funleader has several other products for Leica cameras:
The new Samyang/Rokinon AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens for Leica L mount is now available to pre-order:
