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Zeiss 35mm F1.4 ZM Distagon Lens Review
Intro Although marketed for the maker’s M-mount Zeiss Ikon rangefinder, the range of ZM lenses is rightly popular with Leica M users. All are accessibly priced compared with their Leica equivalents and optical performance is often on a par, if not sometimes regarded as being technically superior. With the Zeiss Ikon camera now retired, this new high-speed 35mm model is aimed squarely at Leica’s core users. Compared to the latest iteration from Wetzlar, the Zeiss is priced somewhat modestly at around £1680 inc VAT. It’s supplied without a case or hood, but there’s no mistaking the quality. Build Externally the design is reminiscent of previous models complete with click stopped…
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Leica SL2 silver version announced
Leica has released the Leica SL2 in a chrome version, or what Leica call a “silver” anodised finish. With a £280 increase over the black body, taking the price to £6,200 (body only), it’s quite a premium. Nevertheless, the consensus here is that it looks good. What’s more, like most chrome bodies the finish will likely be more durable over the long term than the black option. Curiously the US press release states that only 1000 silver chrome bodies will be made, making it a limited edition. If anything says the SL2 is about to be replaced with the SL3 this is it. I’ve been hugely tempted to buy into…
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Videos surface of the new Leica M11
Two new videos have surfaced showing some of the design elements on the forthcoming Leica M11. The rear screen is not flush, as I had hoped for but on the plus side the new battery looks large, which bodes well for capacity. Also shown is the rumoured new Visoflex. It is rather boxy looking but it is hinged for overhead viewing and it has built-in dioptric control. At present there are no details on the spec’s but the inferred low-light capabilities are encouraging.
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Thoughts on the up-coming Leica M11 – Updated
Update, January 7th: two new videos feature the new Leica M11 have leaked, see here for more details. Nokishita Camera, the principal source of most camera leaks on the net today, published the first picture of the Leica M11 (shown above) last week, allegedly ’taken’ from Leica’s Japan-based site. As it has shown up there it’s genuine, and coming soon. Although the press get advanced warning of cameras I’ve not heard anything officially (or unofficially, either), so this is just what I would like to see featured. It’s been long rumoured that the M11 will differ greatly from the M10, however as the leaked photo reveals there are only some slight differences…
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Leica M/M-P Protector half-case review
Leica M/M-P ‘Protector’ half case review I’m not one for cases or half cases; working cameras are just that, they’re not pampered, and I’m not really one for straps either as they’re a problem when working with tripods. That said, I did once have a black ‘ever-ready’ type some thirty years ago for a black Nikon F2AS that was constantly with me (and one of my favourite cameras, ever*). I discarded the detachable front and used it as a half case, as it provided a secure grip and a lot of protection. And yes, that camera had a strap, one of the superb, thin Nikon black and yellow nylon woven…
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Leica Q2 Monochrom officially announced
Leica has introduced a monochrome version of the popular Leica Q/Q2 compacts. Like those models, it features a 28mm f1.7 Summilux lens and full-frame sensor, only the new model sports a 47MP CMOS sans Bayer filter. The main benefit here over the 40MP Leica M Monochrom, besides the slightly higher pixel count, is the Q2 Monochrom’s autofocus and built-in EVF. The latter allows the user to not only view in B&W of course but more importantly to compose in B&W. While you can do that with the M Monochrom you would have to use the optional Visoflex or compose via the camera’s rear LCD. Both options are less compelling solutions to…
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Leica SL2 Announced
Leica has announced the long-leaked and long-expected update to the full-frame mirrorless SL, the appropriately named SL2. It brings several expected and significant updates to the original Leica SL, including a sensor upgrade from the old 24.2MP unit to a 47MP sensor, similar but not identical in pixel count to that in the Leica Q and that of their technology partner Panasonic and their Lumix DC-S1R camera. Although often overlooked, it’s no secret that the original SL electronics and many of its internal components are made by Panasonic and it’s not difficult to see that the SL2 shares much of its DNA with the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R. Although the imaging…
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Sigma introduce MC-21 Mount Converter for L mount bodies
Sigma has introduced the MC-21 mount converter for mirrorless L-mount bodies, at the time of writing which includes the Leica SL/TL and the new Panasonic S1 and S1R. There are two versions of the converter, the £249.99 EF-L allows Canon EF mount lenses, including Sigma lenses with EF mount to attach to L mount bodies. Priced at just £99, the SA-L version allows Sigma lenses with the SA mount to fit the same bodies. Sigma has confirmed the new converter has compatibility with 29 Sigma full-frame and APS-C lenses with the latter automatically enabling the auto-crop feature on full-frame bodies. Other models are not guaranteed as being fully compatible. Lens…
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Leica announces special edition Leica Q Khaki
Leica has announced a special edition of the Leica Q, the Leica Q Khaki. Clad in khaki leather trim and with chrome top and bottom plates the Leica Q Khaki is reminiscent of the Leica M Safari versions. In all other respects, the new khaki model is the same as regular Leica Q. The Leica Q remains one of the most compelling compacts currently available, however, the announcement of another limited edition will fuel the debate about when to expect a new model. It is believed that a version 2 or upgraded model when it comes will feature a new higher resolution sensor, 4K video and 120 fps for slow…
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Leica announces Leica M10-P: The quietest M
Leica Camera AG, the company behind the Leica M series rangefinder cameras, has announced an P-version of the current Leica M10. The “P” moniker was first used on the Leica MP in 1956. It resurfaced commercially with the introduction of the Leica M4-P in 1980, as the successor to the M4-2, to denote the new model was intended for “Professional” use. At least that was the inference. As then, updates to the current M10 are relatively minor, mainly cosmetic. However, Leica claim the M10-P has the quietest shutter of all M-series models to date. This is no mean feat, considering the film models used a horizontal-running, rubberized-cloth type shutter. Today’s…
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