Leica Rumors

New Leica Store Chicago is coming soon with a new M11-P Chicago Edition 17 camera

By LR admin | Published: April 14, 2026

Leica Camera will open a new 5,000 sq. ft. flagship & gallery store in Chicago on April 30th. To commemorate the event, the company has launched a new Leica M11-P Chicago Edition 17 camera:

“Named after “The Atelier” Commemoration: 1917, Leica introduces the Chicago Edition 17, a limited-edition silver Leica M11-P with boysenberry leatherette created exclusively for Leica Store Chicago. This special edition pays tribute to the year the historic Perkins, Fellows & Hamilton studio building was constructed, the architectural landmark that now houses Leica’s flagship Chicago store and gallery. The camera is an ode to the enduring spirit of creation that continues to shape Leica’s house of craftsmanship and design today. The Chicago Edition 17 will release on April 30 and will be available exclusively at Leica Store Chicago.”

Leica Camera Special ‘Chicago Edition 17’ Camera

Here are the details on the new Leica store:

Posted in Leica M11-P| Tagged Leica Limited Edition, Leica M11-P camera, Leica Store Chicago, Leica stores| 22 Comments

“I’m Back Roll” offers APS-C digital back sensor for Leica film cameras

By LR admin | Published: April 13, 2026

“I’m back” is back with a new “I’m Back Roll” digital camera back, equipped with a 26MP APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor, that is compatible with Leica film cameras:

The project is now live on Kickstarter, with over $550k raised by 950+ backers. Here is the “I’m Back Roll” product fact sheet and additional information:

Posted in Leica Film| Tagged "I’m Back" digital back solution for Leica film rangefinders, Leica M film cameras| 24 Comments

Leica digest #227

By LR admin | Published: April 12, 2026

→ The Leica SL2-S camera is now $3,708 on Amazon.

→ The Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH “Glossy Black” lens is still $1,376 off.

→ PolarPro announced a new Goldstache filter.

→ Viltrox is teasing new L-mount lenses to be announced at the 2026 NAB show (April 18–22).

→ Venus Optics is working on a new Laowa wide-angle zoom autofocus mirrorless lens for L-mount.

→ 90% trade-in promo at Leica Store Miami.

→ Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2026 announced.

→ Leica M4 Olive “Bundeswehr”: one of the rarest military Leica cameras ever produced.

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged Leica digest| 45 Comments

New 7Artisans 35mm f/2.8 lens for L39 mount coming soon

By LR admin | Published: April 12, 2026

7Artisans will soon release a new 35mm f/2.8 lens for L39 screw mount (LTM/Leica thread mount):

Here is what we know so far about the new lens (check the official 7Artisans website for updates):

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged 7Artisans, 7Artisans 35mm f/2.8, 7Artisans 35mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M-mount, Chinese lenses for M-mount, third party lenses for M-mount| 2 Comments

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

By LR admin | Published: April 11, 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. See previous coverage of the lens here:

Update – all sold out again.

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged Chinese lenses for M-mount, Mandler, Mandler 35mm f/2 lens for M-mount, third party lenses for M-mount, Walter Mandler| 41 Comments

Owlkrown introduced new Leica accessories

By LR admin | Published: April 10, 2026

Owlkrown introduced two new Leica accessories:

LTM39-M adapter

Precision Rangefinder Coupling: Machined to the exact 1.00mm flange-back tolerance between LTM and M mount, this adapter delivers full rangefinder focus coupling and accurate frame line activation on every Leica M body, no calibration, no guesswork.
Aerospace-Grade 17-4 Stainless Steel or Brass: CNC machined in Miami from durable 17-4 stainless steel or Brass and tested by our team of working photographers. Tight tolerances, smooth threading, and a zero-play bayonet fit, built to last as long as the glass it carries.
Also Available in Brass (50/75): Prefer weight and character? The 50/75 frame line version is offered in solid brass; it threads on with a satisfying heft that pairs naturally with classic Leica glass and ages beautifully over time.
Three Frame Line Options: Choose the version that matches your glass: 50/75 for standard and portrait lenses, 35/135 for wide-angle and telephoto, or 28/90 for ultra-wide and short telephoto coverage. Steel is available in all three. Brass in 50/75.
6-Bit Code Ready: 6 small recessed dots on the adapter flange can be filled with a matte black marker to enable 6-bit lens coding on M10 and M11 bodies, giving you automatic lens metadata with no permanent modification and no expensive coding service.
Simply screw it on, align the red dot, and you’ve got a near-native M experience. Compatible with all Leica M bayonet cameras.
Thread: 39mm (LTM/L39)
Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel or Solid Brass (50/75 only)

Slacker Outback leather strap

Top-grain leather construction – wider profile (⅝ inch / ~16mm) with chamfered and treated edges.
Reinforced end design – features an additional leather fold-over piece securing the split ring for added strength.
Built-in lug covers – integrated into the strap for constant protection, plus removable covers included for those who prefer extra flexibility.
Polished steel split rings – durable and resistant to wear.
Available in multiple colors – to match your style and setup.
Custom lengths available – from 30″ to 55″ for a perfect fit.

Previous coverage of Owlkrown products can be found here:

Posted in Leica Accessories| Tagged Owlkrown| 37 Comments

Oberwerth announced a new “Gear Pack”

By LR admin | Published: April 8, 2026

Oberwerth announced a new Gear Pack designed to address a common issue: premium storage for the discerning Leica user at home and on the go.

→ You can use the exclusive coupon code RUMORS for a discount ←

The compact case is designed to hold up to four lenses or, alternatively, a small camera setup, offering a dedicated solution for organizing and protecting valuable equipment at home and on the go.

The Gear Pack is made from Oberwerth’s Casual leather – a full-grain, softly tumbled leather sourced from European hides and produced under high environmental standards (LWG-certified). The material is designed to combine durability with a softer, more natural feel compared to traditional rigid cases.