Leica Rumors

Exclusive first-ever interview with Mr. Zhou – founder of Light Lens Lab: “Resurrecting the $50,000 Leica lens”

By LR admin | Published: January 25, 2026

Bobby Tonelli published the first-ever public interview with Mr. Zhou (founder of Light Lens Lab), offering a rare and in-depth look into the foundation and future of Light Lens Lab. In this conversation, Mr. Zhou discusses the company’s origins, design philosophy, and the principles that guide our research and development. The interview also outlines the long-term direction, including ongoing work in lens, mechanical, and film projects:

Light Lens Lab lenses 5% off code: RUMORS

Here is an updated list of photo gear promo codes you can use during this holiday shopping season

Here is a recap of the interview:

Leica digest #217

By LR admin | Published: January 25, 2026

→ Owlkrown released a new Helliot Sahara leather camera strap.

→ New Leica Welcome Kits savings available at Red Dot Cameras: save up to £640.00 when purchasing a new Leica M EV1 camera with a valid new Leica Summicron lens. (promotion valid from January 19th – March 31st).

→ The Shoten LM-NZ M II lens adapter (Leica M-mount lens to Nikon Z-mount camera adapter) with Helicoid is now available for sale.

→ The new 2026 ON1 Effects is now officially released and available as a standalone application or as a plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop (additional information).

→ First picture of the upcoming SG-Image AF 35mm f/2.2 pancake lens for L-mount.

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged Leica digest, Owlkrown, Red Dot Cameras| 17 Comments

Report: Blackstone could sell control of Leica Camera in €1 billion deal

By LR admin | Published: January 23, 2026

Bloomberg reports that Blackstone could sell control of Leica Camera in a €1 billion deal. Rumors about a potential sale have been floating around since 2017:

Blackstone has tasked Morgan Stanley with finding a buyer for its 45 percent stake in Leica Camera

Blackstone in talks to sell stake in Leica, Zeiss is “potentially interested”

Her eis the AI recap of the article:

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged Andreas Kaufmann, Blackstone, Blackstone selling Leica| 60 Comments

New Casio M-Edition watch inspired by Leica M cameras now available

By LR admin | Published: January 22, 2026

While waiting for the Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens official announcement, here is a new Casio M-Edition watch inspired by Leica M cameras sold by PPPcameras.

Watch features:

Available in Chrome and Black
Based on the Casio AE1200
A striking custom red dial, echoing Leica’s signature red dot
Custom red LEDs for the watch light reminiscent of a camera’s internal light meter
Completing the look with a leather watch strap, mirroring the leatherette of the cameras
Price: £150
Shipping will start in mid-February 2026

More products from PPcameras can be found here.

Check out also the new “Camera One” photography inspired watch by Artra Designs:

The ultimate Leica watch alternative just dropped: meet the new “Camera One” photography inspired watch by Artra Designs you can get for under $1,000 (coupon code included)

First reviews of the new Artra Camera One photography-inspired watch (coupon code included)

Posted in Leica Watches| Tagged PPPcameras| 47 Comments

More leaks: Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens officially announced… almost

By LR admin | Published: January 22, 2026

Here are a few more leaks of the previously reported Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens: it features an f/1.2 maximum aperture, 10 elements in 5 groups (including 3 aspherical elements and a floating element), a 50cm minimum focus distance, 49mm filter thread, 5cm length, and 416g weight. The official announcement is on January 29, 2026 (Leica usually makes announcements at 9 am EST).

Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens sample photos:

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 lens, Noctilux| 53 Comments

Owlkrown announced a new Flexgrip for Leica Q2 & Q3 cameras in black chrome (AirTag, Arca-Swiss, and more)

By LR admin | Published: January 21, 2026

Owlkrown announced a new Flexgrip for Leica Q2 & Q3 cameras in black chrome. The new grip is designed to complement the Leica Q system without altering its character. The grip delivers added security, balance, and versatility in a clean, continuous form. Machined from aluminum and finished in Black Chrome, the FlexGrip integrates seamlessly with the camera body while expanding real-world usability for everyday carry, tripod use, and portrait orientation shooting.

Get 10% off your next Owlkrown order with the code LEICARUMORS10.

Previous coverage of Owlkrown products can be found here.

More Leica Q3 accessories can be found here.

Additional information on the new Flexgrip for Leica Q2 & Q3 cameras:

Posted in Leica Accessories, Leica Q2, Leica Q2 Monochrom, Leica Q3, Leica Q3 43, Leica Q3 Monochrom| Tagged Leica Q2 Accessories, Leica Q3 43 accessories, Leica Q3 accessories, Owlkrown| 29 Comments

DxO adds support for seven Leica lenses

By LR admin | Published: January 20, 2026

This month, DxO Labs released 326 new DxO modules, expanding coverage to more than 110,000 camera and lens combinations in total, including new added support for seven Leica lenses:

Get 10% off DxO products with code RUMORS.

The new DxO Modules can be found in the following DxO software:

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged DxO, dxo coupon code, DxO Optics Modules| 61 Comments

Leica news, before it happens