Leica Rumors

Leica M9 is not compatible with Eye-Fi SD cards

By LR admin | Published: January 20, 2011

I just came across this message on the Eye-Fi support page – Leica M9 is not compatible with Eye-Fi cards (the X2 and Classic models were mentioned) and those cards can damage the SD card slot:

“Eye-Fi has received reports that the Leica M9 may experience physical damage to the SD card slot after inserting and ejecting an Eye-Fi Card. An Eye-Fi Card should not be inserted into the Leica M9 because the removal of the card may render the SD card slot inoperable thereafter. This known issue is present in Eye-Fi X2 Cards.
The wireless range of an Eye-Fi card inserted in the Leica M8 and Leica M9 models is generally limited to less than 15 feet (5 M) due to the metal plate that covers the bottom of the camera. When using an Eye-Fi Card in these models, keep the camera as close to the wireless router or computer (if using Ad Hoc) as possible to maximize performance. This known issue is present in Eye-Fi X2 Cards.”

Posted in Leica Accessories, Leica M9| 4 Comments

Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: JPG files comparison (part 4)

By LR admin | Published: January 20, 2011

This is the last post of my Leica D-Lux 4-vs. D-Lux 5 series. Next week I will have some Leica D-Lux 5 vs. Panasonic LX5 comparisons, mainly JPG files, since everything else should be identical between those cameras.

Below are the actual JPG pictures taken with Leica D-Lux 4 and D-Lux 5 cameras. Both files are straight out of the camera (2048×1360, “2.5M” in camera resolution setting, click on image for larger view):

Posted in Leica D-Lux| 4 Comments

Leica X1 BMW limited edition camera

By LR admin | Published: January 17, 2011

What does Leica and BMW have in common? The X1:

And here is the Leica X1 BMW limited edition camera:

Posted in Leica X| Tagged Leica Limited Edition| 37 Comments

How to determine the production year of a Leica lens based on the serial number

By LR admin | Published: January 17, 2011

Here is a quick and easy way to get the year of manufacturing of Leica lenses (L, R, and screw mount) based on the serial number which is located on the front of the lens:

Posted in Leica Lenses| 9 Comments

Fuji X100 priced at $1,199.00 (quickly compared with Leica X1)

By LR admin | Published: January 16, 2011

Update: see my updated comparison between the Fuji X100 and Leia X1.

Adorama listed the Fuji X100 camera at $1,199.00 and is now taking pre-orders. This is $800 less than the Leica X1. Here is a quick specifications comparison between the X100 and the X1:

Both cameras have a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
The Fuji camera has a 2.8 in. 460,000 dots LCD screen, compared to 2.7 in. 230,000 dots on the Leica X1.
Fuji’s X100 ISO range is 200-6400 (expandable to 100-12800), Leica X1 has ISO range of 100-3200.
Fuji X100 has a 23mm f/2 lens, Leica X1 has a 24mm f/2.8 lens (both will be aprox. 35mm equivalent)
Both cameras take SD cards.
The Fuji X100 can do 5fps in continuous shooting compared to 3 fps for the Leica X1.
Fuji X100 has a max shutter speed of 1/4000, for the Leica X1 the maximum is 1/2000.
Minimal focus distance is 10cm for the X100 and 30cm for the x1.
In addition, the Fuji X100 can record video in HD (1280×720) with stereo sound and has a hybrid viewfinder with 1,440,000 dots. The Fuji X100 will also have a flash commander mode.

Posted in Leica X| Tagged Fuji X100| 40 Comments

Guest post: Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 MC lens review by Xavier Lhospice

By LR admin | Published: January 16, 2011

Today’s guest post about the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 MC lens on Leica M8 is written by Xavier Lhospice:

I used the Leica 50mm Summilux lens on my Leica M6/7 cameras for years. Now, that I use a digital M8 with a crop factor of 1,33x, my favorite lens became a 65 mm. I needed a 35mm glass in order to get my 50mm back. In addition, I wanted a fast f/1,4 aperture so I can use the camera without flash. Not able to afford the Leica 35 Summilux ASPH (any one of them, new or used), I was told by my favorite Leica store in Paris Photo Suffren that I should try the Voigtlander Nokton 1.4/35mm MC lens:

So I did, I tried it around the neighborhood and found that in terms of performance, it “looked” better than the old non-apsherical Summilux: way too soft for my taste. The big “Plus” was the price – €500 ($579) shade not included (extra $69). I bought the Nokton 1.4/35mm before I went to Louisiana last year to cover the oil spill. During my trip, the lens stayed in my bag – I was mainly using the amazing Leica 2/28mm and the 90mm Summicron which I had for years.