Magnum Photos and Leica Camera AG announced a technological and photographic collaboration. BJP noted that as part of this agreement, Magnum photographers will contribute to the future development of Leica products. Leica will also sponsor a series of independently produced multimedia essays by Magnum’s photographers:
“We’ll start with five essays, but based on their success, it’ll be a continuing relationship. You can consider these five essays as part of the first edition.”
The first assays are expected to be produced in Spring of 2011. Magnum photographers can submit ideas for considerations even if they don’t use/have Leica cameras.
“Asked whether Leica plans to launch a more compact system camera than its full-frame M9, a spokeswoman said there was no such system on the horizon.”
On several occasions in the past few months (LHSA meeting, LUF meeting, tech support email) Leica representatives did mention the existence of a new system that will serve also as a R-lens solution. It is also possible that this project was canceled or put on hold.
Leica issued a statement today recapping some of the Leica S2 medium camera features:
Leica Camera revolutionized the world of professional photography with the S2, breaking new ground in every way. The decisive advantage of the Leica S2 is truly the sum of all its features: flexibility, durability and easy operation combined with industry-leading resolution and image quality. While some specific features are lesser known, each component greatly contributes to the S2’s unparalleled standard for quality. Explore some of the elements that make the S2 the ideal choice whether in the studio or on location to capture images of unmatched brilliance.
Weather Seal
The rugged, durable design of the Leica S2 ensures the highest standard of performance in even the most extreme climactic conditions. With over 35 water and dust resistant seals covering every surface of the S2 and Leica S lenses, photographers can shoot in inclement weather or dry and dusty environments and still be assured that their camera will function to its optimum ability and provide breath-taking images. The S2 can also be supplied with a highly scratch-resistant Leica S2-P sapphire glass display cover for the most demanding circumstances.
The Spanish website dslrmagazine.com and its owner Valentin Sama heve been a reliable source of photo equipment news in the past. Today they twitted that Leica is almost ready with its mirrorless camera:
“Sources that usually are very well informed are telling us that Leica could have an almost ready CSC or mirrorless camera” (source)
“It’s not known by now if the possible CSC or mirrorless from Leica would be a Panasonic clone or, maybe more probably, a custom creation” (source)
