The silver Leica T camera is already listed as discontinued at B&H (refurbished models still available) and is out of stock in many Leica retailers:
The black version is currently deeply discounted: $1099 vs. the original price of over $1,600.
A new Leica T model (with code name “8854”) is already rumored to be announced next month at Photokina.
The Huawei P9 smartphone with dual Leica lens won the 2016-17 EISA European Consumer Smartphone award (see also the recent review by Kristian Dowling):
August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) is honoured to announce that the Huawei P9 has been named ‘European Consumer Smartphone 2016-17’ by the European Image and Sound Association (EISA). Furthering its commitment to pursuing the best quality and design without compromise, this is the fourth consecutive year that Huawei has been recognized in this category.
Designed to reinvent smartphone photography, the Huawei P9 is the first smartphone co-engineered with the global iconic brand, Leica Camera AG. The P9’s dual-lens camera takes smartphone photography to the next level, allowing people to capture both vivid colours and striking black and white images of unmatched clarity, richness and authenticity.
Leica USA added two new Leica M Typ 262 promo bundles. The first bundle was announced back in June and offers $2,095 in savings:
The two new promo bundles are:
Leica M set #2 is priced at $8,495 and includes:
Leica M set #3 is priced at $6,995 and includes:
All three promotional sets will be available for sale until September 30, 2016.
Update: the same bundles are now also available at B&H and Adorama.
I still believe Leica will announce a new M digital rangefinder camera at the Photokina show in Germany next month (September 20-25) – this has been the case during the past few years. The new M is already being tested in the field and is rumored to have a dedicated ISO-wheel/dial and a slightly bigger LCD screen. This is all the information I have received so far. If you have any other details about the new M, you can contact me anonymously here.
Picture credit: Photokina
The Leica Family Tree (Leica Stammbaum), that was purchased by the Leica Store Manchester last year, is currently being auctioned off at Christie’s in London:
“A history of the Leica camera comprising 107 of the principal models, showing the history of the marque from pre-production models, the screw-fit Leica series, M-series, R-series, to digital models, from c1923 to 2006, mounted as a family tree by model and date of production, on a custom-built display unit, formerly part of the Leica Sölms factory museum.”
The estimated selling price is listed at GBP 350,000 – GBP 450,000 (USD 456,400 – USD 586,800). The auction will run until 14 September, 2016.
Here is a better/more complete version of the Leica Family Tree – the poster is showing the evolution of Leica cameras from the Ur-Leica in 1913 to the M9-P in 2011 (update: a better resolution can be found here):
A new Leica Store/Gallery is coming to the Boston Park Plaza (Boston, MA) in late 2016 – this was officially confirmed in this press release:
“Additionally, in late 2016, Starbucks will open a signature 2,500 square-foot store, and Leica Camera will occupy over 3,000 square feet with a Leica Store and a Leica Gallery, both within the hotel lobby.”
Update – here is another picture of the store front:
