Leica S2 in Paris

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. 

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.

Leica S2 menu

Leica S2 menu

Leica S2 zoom lens

Leica S2 zoom lens

Stephan Schulz from Leica

Stephan Schulz from Leica

Posted in Leica S| 4 Comments

Leica D-Lux 4 Safari (special edition)

After the Titanium edition, we now have Safari version of the D-Lux 4. What will be next – a white D-Lux 4?

d-lux-4-safari

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.

Via Dalephotoanddigital & Reddotcameras

Posted in Leica D-Lux| Tagged , | 5 Comments

Garry Winogrand videos

Sorry, the video is in German – I could not find the original English version (you can still hear the English version):

A reader just found another video – in English:

Garry Winogrand @ Wikipedia

Posted in Leica Photographers| Tagged | 8 Comments

Technical issues with LeicaRumors.com

I am still in the process of fixing all issues related to the database corruption that happened yesterday. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| 2 Comments

Panasonic LX3 firmware update v1.3

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).

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Crazy Leica auction

Leica cameras auction… wow!

L-Camera TV #2 – Westlicht Auction Vienna from Andreas Jürgensen on Vimeo.

Some more details on the above event from Westlicht Auction:

“On Saturday, the 23rd of May 2009 the 15th WestLicht Photographica Auction was ended successfully. Regardless of the recent economical situation, this auction was able to hold the high standards of previous auctions both in total turnover as well as the percentage of sold lots.

The most spectacular lot of the auction was an original Leica M4 olive for the Germany Army which went for more than double the high estimate ‚ it was sold for unbelievable 87,600 EUR! The next lot of equal exclusivity was the presumably earliest Leica M3 pre-model ever built which also was able to realize a fantastic result of 72,000 EUR. Generally speaking the prices for Leicas and accessories were very solid and very often estimates were considerably exceeded ‚ for example a MP chrome was hammered for 14,400 EUR, a M1 olive went for 13,800 EUR and a I C Non Standard outfit was sold for 12,600 EUR.

This time hand-selected Japanese cameras were also at a premium with many achieving record prices. Amongst others, an almost mint Nikon I found a new owner for 27,000 EUR, and a black painted Nikon SP and a black painted Nikon S2 were both sold for 8,400 EUR.

One of the few early NASA modified 500 EL/M went for 18,000 EUR and also the historic cameras were able to establish remarkable results. Next to a very rare Meopta Pankopta (15,000 EUR) and a beautiful Sigriste Stereo (16.800 EUR) we sold two exceptional Dallmeyer cameras: the Universal Sliding Box Camera from c.1870 went for 15,000 EUR and the Naturalist Tropical Reflex dating from c.1910 for 11,400 EUR.”

Here is another current Leica auction offering from eBay:

Leica MP 60th Jubilee Independence Anniversary Model: US $34,750.00

cc62_12

Posted in Leica Auction Madness| 2 Comments

New Leica store in Moscow

I think the next exclusive Leica store opening will be in West Palm Beach in the new Palm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC).

Leica Store Moscow – the official opening event from leica camera on Vimeo.

Posted in Other Leica Stuff| Tagged , | 3 Comments