Leica Rumors

Leica S3 has reached “end of production”

By LR admin | Published: July 7, 2023

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:

Posted in Leica S3| Tagged Leica S mirrorless medium format camera, To be discontinued| 9 Comments

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

By LR admin | Published: July 6, 2023

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:

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged Venus Optics Laowa lenses for Leica M-mount| Leave a Comment

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

By LR admin | Published: July 4, 2023

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:

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8, Funleader, Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M-mount| 4 Comments

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

By LR admin | Published: June 28, 2023

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.

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