This is a prototype of a L39 to E-mount adaptor (Sony NEX camera has APS-C size sensor). It is expected to be available in early July and it will be produced in Taiwan. No word yet on who the manufacturer will be.
Rayqual already announced that it will produce Sony E mount adapter for Leica M lenses.
The silver version of the Leica 28mm Summicro-M ASPH lens (#11661) is now discontinued. B&H and Amazon still has them in stock (Adorama is out of stock). If you had plans to buy this lens, now would be a good time to do so. FYI the 50mm Summicron-M silver version (#11816) was discontinued back in 2004.
This is the response a LUF member got from Leica when he sent his Leica M8 for repair:
“Shutter fault in C-Mode this is a bug inside the firmware and should be gone with the next firmware update. New firmware is being tested now and as soon as we have the ok, it will be available for download on our homepage.”
LFI magazine released an iPhone/iPad app that is available for free at the app store. The app contains a collection of images from the Leica S2, M8, M9 and X1 cameras:
Leica Boutique from leica camera on Vimeo.
Adobe Lightroom 3 is already officially available (pre-order from Amazon or buy directly from Adobe).
Leica S2, M9 and X1 included a free license of Lightroom 2 and now it seems that if you have not used your licence to download version 2 you may be able to get version 3 directly – this is what Leica Camera posted on their Facebook page:
“The users who regsiter a S2, X1 or M9 will now get LightRoom 2 from our owners area. For those who want LightRoom 3, it is worth waiting a bit before they start the process to obtain Lightroom in our owners area. That is all we can say for now…”
Current Leica M9 firmware is 1.116
I already tweeted about the Leica M9 event at B&H today. I just learned that Stefan Daniel (Product Manager of Leica M System) was also present at this event. One of the participants raised his concerns about the inaccurate in-camera white balance on the M9 and Stefan Daniel’s answer was that a new firmware that will address this issue will be released in two weeks.
Note that I was not present at this event, so if somebody who attended can confirm that news, I would appreciate it.
Official statement from Leica UK regarding the closing of their offices in the UK and moving to the Mayfair facilities. Leica will close also their warehouse and move to “European direct distribution”:
Leica Camera Ltd statement regarding expansion of Leica Mayfair facilities and changes to Milton Keynes office
Expansion of Leica Mayfair facilities
The company has taken the first floor of 25 Bruton Place, directly opposite the Leica Store. This is to enable on-site Leica camera sensor cleaning and other product support. This new facility is due to be operative by mid summer 2010.Milton Keynes Service Department and product technical support
The company is proposing to restructure how it provides these services and is currently concluding an internal restructure consultation programme. Subject to completion of the consultation programme, the company is proposing to cease offering these services from Milton Keynes. The company is proposing to create three new Client Care positions to be located at Bruton Place, supporting all UK Leica owners.Milton Keynes Warehouse
In line with many other international brands, Leica Camera Ltd is to move to European direct distribution. Ordering, billing and stock enquiries will continue via the UK Sales Desk. There will be a phased transition between closing the Milton Keynes warehouse and transferring the distribution. The Milton Keynes warehouse is due to close in mid summer.Milton Keynes Finance, Sales Desk and Administration
These departments are due to vacate our Davy Avenue, Milton Keynes offices by mid summer, moving to a new Milton Keynes location. The registered office address of Leica Camera Ltd will switch to our Bruton Place Leica facility.
