The previously rumored Andy Summers limited edition Leica camera could be announced on April 18-19, 2018 – this is when the new Andy Summers exhibit and solo performance will open at the Leica Store San Francisco. Additional information is available here.
Leica is known to make some of the best lenses in the world with Noctilux been their flagship lens. The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is a significant milestone for Leica Camera AG, as it is Leica’s first attempt to produce the Noctilux for another focal length apart from the world-renowned Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH Lens. The Noctilux has always been the King of all Leica lenses and it symbolises an object of desire that will remain a dream for most photographers.
Lens Design
The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens incorporates the latest optical design elements to maximise image performance. The complicated optical composition involves two aspherical elements to ensure maximum sharpness and low dispersion. The use of low dispersion glass along with anomalous partial dispersion helps with the reduction of chromatic aberration (CA), which has been a common issue with the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux Lens. The floating lens element system also assists with maintaining consistent high image quality throughout the entire focus range. Lastly, the optical design consists of 11 diaphragm blades allows smooth and pleasant bokeh to be produced.
Build Quality
The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is an enlarged version of the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH Lens with similar build quality. Both lenses are probably the best lenses ever made by Leica, with The 75mm Noctilux been the larger and heavier lens. The lens is longer in length and wider in diameter, which weights in at just over one kilogram that is exceptionally heavy for a rangefinder lens.
The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is finished in black anodized with an integrated hood that can be retracted or extended by twisting the hood. There is an inner thread for a non-rotating 67mm screw mount filter that can be applied.
We can expect something new and interesting in June this year (most likely June 14yh) from the Leica L-mount (SL/CL/TL) – this is what Dr. Kaufmann said in the LL interview I reported last week. Apparently the L-mount has much more potential that we currently see/know about (watch at the 23:29 mark from the interview):