Breaking news: the new Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4

This link was first posted on the RFF – the official pdf for the new Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 lens (Update: the PDF file was removed):

The new SUMMILUX-M 35mm/f1.4 ASPH. is setting new standards in the important class of high-speed wide angle lenses. The optical design has been optimised for the use in combination with digital Leica M cameras, but also with traditional analogue M cameras stunning results can be achieved. In particular with the LEICA M9, the new SUMMILUX-M 35mm/f1.4 ASPH. shows its full potential and is therefore becoming an essential part of every Leica M outfit.

Contrary to its very popular predecessor, the new lens is equipped with a Floating Element, which keeps the outstanding imaging performance at a very high level even at closest focusing distance. The new patented, rectangular, full-metal lens hood is making the lens even more compact than before.

The new 35 Lux on a M9

Product Advantages:

  • Outstanding imaging performance even at full open aperture throughout the full focusing range from infinity down to 28“.
  • Selective sharpness ability for creative photography due to the large maximum aperture of f1.4.
  • Very good suppression of stray light and reflexes for high-contrast pictures even in back light situations.
  • Very good visibility through the viewfinder due to compact dimensions. • High quality, all-metal lens hood.

Price: € 3750,-

Availability: End of March 2010 (?) – my previous reports were right! Now obviously this lens was suppose to be announced around PMA and available in stores at the end of March, 2010 but for whatever reason that was postponed.

Prices and accessories:

Check the history of this rumor here.

Posted in Leica Lenses| Tagged | 10 Comments

Leica V-Lux 20 announced

Leica V-Lux 20 is now listed on Leica’s website.

More sample shots are available here and here.

Brochure download link (pdf).

Amazon is taking pre-orders @ $699.

Detailed specs and full press release after the break:

Read More »

Posted in Leica Compacts, Leica V-Lux| 26 Comments

Used Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 (pre-ASPH) for $2,499.00

Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4, 6 bit coded, model 11868 lens (black) is now available on eBay for $2,499.00 (“buy it now” option) – update: this is not the last, ASPH version of that lens.

Posted in Leica Lenses| 6 Comments

Leica V-Lux 20 samples now online

You can see several samples shots taken with the Leica V-Lux 20 on lenstip.com:

Posted in Leica Compacts, Leica V-Lux| 2 Comments

Leica V-Lux 20 announced in Japan?

Not sure if this is the official announcement, but DC Watch has pictures and details of the previously rumored Leica V-Lux 20 on their website (in English).

Price in Japan: 70,000 yen.

Posted in Leica Compacts, Leica V-Lux| 1 Comment

Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century (new book)

With the ongoing Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition in New York,  the Museum of Modern Art published also a new book “Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century”, now available at Amazon:

Links for international readers: Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Amazon France | Amazon Canada | Amazon Japan

Posted in Leica Photographers| Tagged | 2 Comments

Leica cinema lenses set of eight: $178,000

This is the official response I received from BandPro on the price and availability of the Leica cinema lenses:

“They will originally come in a set of 8 lenses and will begin delivering in the last quarter of 2010. The price for the set of 8 is $178,000 and Band Pro is currently accepting a refundable deposit of 10% to reserve a set of Leica lenses. The delivering lenses are 18mm, 21mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm.

We are fully booked with paid deposits for the planned deliveries through 2010. At the moment the lenses are only available as a full set and individual lens purchase is not planned for some time. From the response at NAB, we are expecting more deposits in the coming weeks.”

An interesting (un)related topic: Leica M lens (75mm Summicron) on a RED-1-M with samples.

Posted in Leica Cinema Lenses, Leica Lenses| Tagged | 8 Comments