This is the new Leica Q “Nikki Sixx Edition” camera I reported about last week:
The limited edition Leica Q is currently available for pre-order at the Leica Store San Francisco and Leica Store Miami for $5,250 (only 28 pieces will be available for sale). FYI: the price of the “regular” Leica Q camera is $4,250.
Additional information:
Once upon a time there were two visits, the first one of senior executives of KMZ at Leica, the second one of Leica executives at KMZ in April 2017. Both were reported in KMZ’s internal journal, Патриот (“Patriot”), and the two corresponding articles, dated of April 12 and May 5, 2017, were summarized in two reports (sometimes quite blunt as to the inconsistency of the comments made in said articles) on the independent site www.zenitcamera.com, dedicated to KMZ, their history and accomplishments.
https://www.zenitcamera.com/rec/news-2017-04-17-01.html (in Russian)
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&u=https://www.zenitcamera.com/rec/news-2017-04-17-01.html (automatic translation in English).
The goal of KMZ seems to be to sell in limited quantities a rangefinder camera based on Leica M9, the Zenit D1, sold 30% cheaper than its counterpart, as well as another digital camera, the Zenit D11, positioned lower in range and manufactured in large quantities.
The meeting concluded that a working group on the design of Zenit D1 should be set up, which should prepare an indicative budget (development and investment costs). The Zenit D1 would be accompanied by the Zenitar-3, Zenitar-12, Zenitar-MP2 and Zenitar-1/35 lenses in Leica M mount, manufactured by KMZ. A working meeting was planned for 5 and 6 April 2017 at KMZ.
https://www.zenitcamera.com/rec/news-2017-05-15-01.html (in Russian)
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&u=https://www.zenitcamera.com/rec /news-2017-05-15-01.html (automatic translation in English).
During the meeting, they talked about the key pricing factors of Zenit D1 and Zenit D11. A Leica designer presented some sketches of what the D1 might look like in a Zenit style. Another design office, Smirnov Design, also present at the meeting, was given the responsibility for presenting an alternative design proposal before the end of April and then supporting the Leica design team regarding design issues and feasibility studies.
It was also stated that the D11 would be sold under the Zorki brand. The objectives concerning it were revised: targeted retail price was decreased and targeted sales volumes were increased.
This is what is revealed by these reports about Leica’s involvement in KMZ’s projects: a consulting / engineering role to assist KMZ in the design and manufacturing of two digital cameras establishing the renaissance of Zenit (and Zorki) plus, possibly, a role in the manufacturing of the Zenit D1, a limited edition camera.
In my 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 Leica M-mount lens review I promised to post an update on the lens hood I selected for my 7Artisans lens. I purchased this 55mm black metal vented lens hood from eBay for… $1.83… yes, this was including shipping and handling from China. There are many similar options on eBay – check them out here. The lens hood was a perfect match. Here is the viewfinder obstruction:
I also did some testing and did not notice any vignetting in the corners.
The 7Artisian 50mm f/1.1 lens for Leica M-mount costs $370 and can be purchased at Amazon US, Amazon DE, Amazon UK and eBay.
More 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 lens reviews:
Here is the updated release timeframe on the four new Leica SL lenses that were announced at Photokina last year:
The fifth lens (Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH) is already available in stores.
Currently there are three Leica SL lenses available for sale and in stock (one prime and two zooms):
Leica M9, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.7 Ultron (image shot with M8)
Leica M9 Rangefinder Review by Carl Garrard:
Leica M9 Rangefinder Review: Since I’ve decided to switch to a rangefinder as my main camera system, life has been simpler. My creativity along with my passion for photography, seem in full swing again. Sometimes I reflect with a heavy heart when I realize that I almost lost both of those vital components that make photography so special to me. All of my life I’ve understood the value of a less is more philosophy, but as I get into more mature years I realize the rewards of living your life that way. Since publishing my M8 article I’ve been active. I’ve been making new contacts, having discussions with other passionate like-minded photographers, planning more, and looking forward to my next photo outings. I continue to hone my technique using a rangefinder camera. For those of you who are considering getting into rangefinders with a limited budget, this article will serve as a practical point of view when comparing the Leica M9 with the Leica M8. In a way, this is really a part II to my M8 article. This is my fourth rangefinder article here, and likely won’t be the last.
Leica M9 Best Current Price
Leica M9 Rangefinder Review (Diary Part II)- The Investment
So here you are reading about the M9, likely you either own one or may be window shopping. After all, the price of admission into digital rangefinders is a financial commitment for most individuals. Currently, the M8/M-E/M9/M240 (in that order) are your most affordable options. To go from the M8, you will about double your investment in a body, even with an M-E. No matter how you slice it, the price of admission for a camera body alone is a larger investment of capital than most camera systems initially. Good news, it won’t depreciate in value all that much, if at all. In some cases, you can even profit from your gear if you decide to sell it. In this world, you get what you pay for. Even if you decided to choose Voigtlander or Zeiss glass for your Leica rangefinder, you’ll get a great return on your money. I want to thank Leica Miami for the ability to use the M9 for this review, and I sincerely hope they and their families are recovering well from Hurricane Irma. Most of the images in this review were made using the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.7 Ultron, and Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton.
Any Leica Rangefinder is an investment, there’s simply no getting around it. Even an older M9 will run you $2,800-$4,000 USD. But remember, a good investment isn’t a bad thing.
→ Win a Leica M10 in the Leica Society Camera Sweepstakes.
The next Tamarkin Rare Camera Auction will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2017. You can download the auction catalog here. The online bidding portal will open in the next few weeks.
