Just announced: new Leica M rangefinder camera adapter for 50mm M42 and Pentax K lenses




A new Shoten R50 Leica M rangefinder camera adapter for 50mm M42 and Pentax K lenses was introduced in Japan. Two different versions are available:

  • M42-LM R50 for M42 mount
  • PK-LM R50 for Pentax K-mount (not compatible with DA lenses)

The new adapters are already listed for sale on Amazon Japan for ¥ 22,730 (around $160).

International buyers can purchase the adapter on eBay.

Additional information is available here and here:

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Leica S3 has reached “end of production”


The Japanese store Map Camera mentioned on Twitter that the Leica S3 medium format camera has reached “end of production” and stock availability is limited. A quick check shows that B&H no longer lists the S3 and Adorama has it listed as “special order”.

Last year Stefan Daniel (Leica Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations) spoke to members of the Leica Society International in Dublin and mentioned that a new Leica mirrorless medium format camera is scheduled for production in 2025:

What’s next for Leica?

You probably also remember the possible Leica S mirrorless medium format camera mock-up that was shown in a Leica promotional video last year:


Is this a Leica S mirrorless medium format camera mock-up?

Considering the above and the fact that I have not received a single rumor about a possible new Leica S4, I think it is safe to assume that a new Leica mirrorless medium format camera will be coming in the future.

Here is the original tweet from Map Camera:

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Posted in Leica S3| Tagged , | 9 Comments

Venus Optics Laowa rangefinder-coupled lenses for Leica M-mount

Venus Optics offers several lenses for Leica M-mount but many readers do not know that all Laowa lenses except the 12-24mm f/5.6 zoom are rangefinder-coupled and can be used on a rangefinder – see the product listing at B&H and on the official Venus Optics website:

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New Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M-mount announced


   
The previously rumored Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M-mount is now officially announced and available for order at Funleader (direct product link).

The price of the lens is $358.99 and Funleader offers worldwide shipping. They also currently have 10% off sitewide and they offer several other lenses and accessories for Leica M-mount – previous Funleader coverage can be found here.

The lens profile is so low (less than a centimeter) that a Leica M camera with a Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8 lens attached can easily fit in a fanny pack:


Here are the key features of the new Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm f/2.8 lens:

  • 0.99mm thick
  • Infinity focus lock
  • Depth of field scale
  • Focusing scale in meters
  • No 6-bit coding
  • Rangefinder coupled
  • Focusing lever
  • Brass body with black paint
  • Pancake lens with variable aperture (10 aperture blades) – the lens reminds me of some of the MS Optical lenses by Mr. Miyazaki (but at a significantly lower price)

Technical specifications:

  • Price: $358.99
  • Mount: Leica M-mount
  • Format: 35mm full frame
  • Focal length: 28mm
  • Aperture range: f/2.8-16
  • Angle of view: 75.3°
  • Lens design: 6 elements in 5 groups
  • Aperture blades: 10
  • Minimum focus distance: 0.7 m (2.30 ft)
  • Filter diameter: 25.5mm
  • Rangefinder Coupling: Yes
  • Coating: multi-coated
  • Lens material: brass, black paint
  • Thickness: 9.9 mm (0.39 in)
  • Weight: 125 g (4.4 oz)
  • Size: 51.4 ⌀ × 21.5 mm (2.02 ⌀ x 0.85 in)
  • The lens package contains:
    • 1 x Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm f/2.8
    • 1 x Square Case
    • 1 x Pouch Bag
    • 1 x Product Manual
  • MTF chart:

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Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged , | 4 Comments

Top 10 LeicaRumors posts for June 2023

  
  

These are the top 10 most visited LeicaRumors posts for June 2023: Read More »

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Leica Japan: Leica Q3 orders far exceed our expectations and deliveries may take some time



Leica Japan issued a notice that Leica Q3 orders have far exceeded expectations and deliveries could take some time:

[Important] Notice of “Leica Q3” supply status

Thank you for using the Leica Online Store.

We are currently receiving orders for the Leica Q3 that far exceed our expectations worldwide, so it is taking some time to deliver. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers.

We will deliver the products one by one, but it is expected that you will have to wait for a long time. Please understand that it is difficult to give an answer at this time regarding the delivery time.

Customers who have made a reservation will receive an email from the Leica Online Store with instructions on how to purchase the product as soon as the product is ready.
We are very sorry to have kept you waiting for the product, but we ask that you please wait until we inform you.

In addition, we cannot answer inquiries about products reserved at the online store.
Please contact the online store.

Thank you very much.

In the US the situation is similar – currently, Leica Q3 pre-orders placed on the day of the announcement are being shipped.

AmericasEuropeAsia
Adorama | B&H
Leica Miami
Tamarkin Camera
Classic Connection
Meister Camera
Leica Store Lisse
Red Dot Cameras
Calumet | Koch | Park | WEX
Rangefinder
Map Camera

New IDS Works modular grip for Leica Q3 cameras now available

The ideal Leica Q3 bag by Oberwerth

Posted in Leica Q3| Tagged | 19 Comments

New MS-Optical Apoqualia 28mm f/1.7 lens for Leica M-mount released


There is a new MS-Optical Apoqualia 28mm f/1.7 lens for Leica M-mount. Here are the details:

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Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged , , | 2 Comments