“From Stefan Daniel: there will be no R10 from Leica, but there will be a good solution that allows us to use our R-lenses on a digital body.”
I think the full frame Leica M9 rumor from yesterday just became more credible – Leica M9 on 09.09.2009. Maybe this date will be only for the M9 announcement and availability will be in late 2010 (just like the Leica S2). It’s all speculations for now, but everything started to make more sense now. Maybe M9 will not be full frame after all…
I can confirm the rumor about the M9 release later this year. It will be released on 2009/09/09 and will be full frame! It’ll cost about â‚6000.
I am surprised from this news – I don’t know if Leica can pull this one out: they have to release the S2 and the R10 first I believe. I will try to get some more info on this unconfirmed for now rumor.
There was a Leica event in Paris today and I have an eyewitness report:
This morning I went to a medium format show outside of Paris and saw the S2. I saw all the lenses, but most of them were samples, could not even be mounted on the camera. There I met Stephan Schulz from Germany who is in charge of the development of the S2. He showed me how simple it is to go though the menu, and some of the features  that can be programmed .If all the camera were thought that way, it would be great…simple, efficient, easy to get and fast to use.Â
I also got some interesting information concerning the small portrait telephoto 100/2,5 (eq.in 24×36 of 80mm lens): the aperture could open up to f/1.8. Leica has not decided yet as most of the range is not definitive and the lens is  not in production. I asked why Leica decided to go into medium format, I was told that Leica have thought of going into medium format for over fifteen years, and the idea was postpone years after years then came the digital… Now, they can propose a complete range of lenses with a digital camera after finding that Kodak had a fine sensor of 30×45 mm.
I was told that the price will be well placed if not to say extremely competitive. No information as on how much it will cost though. Also a telephoto zoom is maybe to be studied to complete with the 30-90/2.5 one.
After the Titanium edition, we now have Safari version of the D-Lux 4. What will be next – a white D-Lux 4?
The LEICA D-LUX 4 Safari features a distinctive green anodized finished aluminium body with silver lens and control elements. The D-LUX 4 Safari Set will be delivered with a dedicated khaki-colored system case that matches the feel of the camera. The system case offers space for optional accessories like the handgrip, viewfinder or flash unit. It is made of water-resistant heavy duty material that is used in manufacturing in the automobile industry. The case also comes with a rain cape made of nylon. Delivery expected in August. Price: US $ 995.
Panasonic just released firmware version 1.3 for the LX3 which improves auto white balance and the general performance of the camera (available for download on June 1st). If my calculations are correct, Leica D-Lux should get its firmware upgrade v1.3 on August 1st (last time Leica released v1.2 two months after Panasonic).
