The new firmware 1.176 for Leica M9/M9-P is now available for download on Leica’s website. As previously reported, the new firmware contains the latest fix for the SD card compatibility issue (note: this firmware update is not compatible with Leica M9 Titanium):
Tomorrow Leica Camera will release a new firmware version 1.176 for M9/M9-P rangefinders. The new firmware will fix the memory card compatibility issue for all SD card models. The previous firmware release still had issues with the San Disk Extreme Pro SDHC I UHS-1 and HD Video SDHC I cards.
Many readers are trying to buy Leica M lenses before the price increase kicks in on January 1st, 2012. For the next few weeks I will maintain a list of all Leica M lenses that currently in stock. Right now Adorama and B&H are completely sold out of Leica M lenses – they don’t even have any Summarits in stock! Amazon has several M lenses in stock, but they are all priced above MSRP. I do not remember ever seeing this before!
This is what’s in stock right now – you can access the complete updated list on the right column ———————————————->
A brief history of the major Leica milestones:
Ernst Leitz I
Ur-Leica
Ernst Leitz II
Leica II
In addition to the Leica Cinema Lenses, cinematographers can soon also use Leica M lenses on a RED camera – Pier 59 with the assistance of Leica Camera have been testing the RED DSMC Leica-M mount in New York this week. Read more on red.com and reduser.net.
After it was initially delayed for some design changes, the new Super Elmar M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH lens is now finally shipping in the US. The above picture was taken in my local Leica dealer who also had the 28mm Summicron-M f/2 ASPH in stock. My other local dealer currently has the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH in stock. Every other Leica M lens is pretty much out of stock everywhere, maybe because of the upcoming price increase.
Amazon currently has one 21mm/f/3.4 in stock for a $500 premium.
Today Amazon has a deal on the Panasonic LX5 ($269) which makes is 3 times cheaper than the Leica D-Lux 5 ($799)!
The Leica D-Lux 5 and Panasonic LX5 are basically identical cameras, both manufactured by Panasonic in Japan. Check this comparison for more details.
