Leica digest #216

By LR admin | Published: January 18, 2026


→ Cosina to display new lens prototypes at the 2026 CP+ show in Japan.


→ Brightin Star lenses are now available for sale at B&H Photo (the L-mount lenses can be found here). Until now, Brightin Star lenses were available only at Amazon, Ali Express, and the official online store.


→ New: Brightin Star MF 50mm f/1.05 lens for L-mount announced – available for order at Amazon, Ali Express, and Brightin Star website (additional information).


→ New: the world’s first Sirui Astra 50mm/75mm/100mm 1.33X full-frame autofocus anamorphic cine lenses for L-mount are now available for purchase at B&H Photo and the Sirui store (additional information).

Read More »

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged | 24 Comments

New: Oberwerth Momentum line of camera bags in olive green for Leica Safari cameras

By LR admin | Published: January 17, 2026


Oberwerth announced a new Momentum line of camera bags in olive green, designed for Leica Safari cameras:

You can use the coupon code RUMORS for a 10% discount when purchasing from Oberwerth.com (some Oberwerth models are also available for sale at B&H Photo):


Additional information:

Read More »

Posted in Leica Accessories| Tagged , | 44 Comments

Epic: Photographer John Abernathy tossed his Leica camera to another photographer to make sure it wouldn’t be confiscated, while he was being detained and pepper-sprayed in Minneapolis

By LR admin | Published: January 17, 2026

Photographer John Abernathy tossed his Leica camera to another photographer to make sure it wouldn’t be confiscated, while he was being detained and pepper-sprayed by ICE in Minneapolis:

“I was tackled by ice agents and surrounded by about 50 border police. Just for taking photos. I tossed my camera to another photographer to make sure it wouldn’t be confiscated.” (photo by Pierre Lavie)

This should be the Leica photograph of the year!

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged | 6 Comments

The new Funleader Contax G35 non-destructive conversion kit V2.0 is now back in stock (Planar 35mm f/2 T* lens)

By LR admin | Published: January 16, 2026



The new Funleader Contax G35 non-destructive conversion kit V2.0 (Contax Planar 35mm f/2 T* lens) is now back in stock.

Following strong interest in the original non-destructive conversion (quickly sold out last time), V2.0 introduces mechanical and exterior refinements while preserving the original Contax G35 optical block. Updates include a reworked internal structure with smoother focus damping, tighter tolerances, and improved long-term stability, along with subtle exterior design refinements for better visual integration with the Leica M system (see previous coverage).

You can get 5% off Funleqadser lenses with the code: LEICARUMORS.

Key details:

  • Non-destructive conversion using the original Contax G35 optical block
  • Improved mechanical construction and focusing feel (V2.0)
  • Available in Black and Silver
  • Price: US$1,099



Previous coverage of Funleader lenses can be found here.

The new Contax Planar 35/2 T* non-destructive lens conversion kit 2.0 for Leica M-mount

Here are some comparison images between the original version and V2.0 for reference + technical specifications:

Read More »

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged , , , | 50 Comments

Comparing the new Ricoh GR IV Monochrome camera with the Leica Q3 Monochrom

By LR admin | Published: January 14, 2026



The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome camera is now officially released and available for pre-order at: B&H Photo | WEX Photo | Foto Erhardt.

A specifications comparison between the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome and Leica Q3 Monochrom can be found here:

Read More »

Posted in Leica Q3 Monochrom| Tagged | 81 Comments

New 7Artisans M 75mm f/1.25 Mark II lens for Leica M-mount officially announced

By LR admin | Published: January 14, 2026


The previously reported 7Artisans M 75mm f/1.25 Mark II lens for Leica M-mount is now officially announced and available for order:

Here is what was upgraded from the previous version:


Additional information on the new lens:

Read More »

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged , , , | 40 Comments

The new Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 lens is rumored to be announced on January 29th

By LR admin | Published: January 13, 2026

 

The previously reported Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 lens is rumored to be announced on January 29th, 2026, which aligns with the pattern of new Leica products being released on Thursdays. Stay tuned for updates.

Read More »

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged , | 59 Comments