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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 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 second, 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 to be 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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Leica APO Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH lens review: The best money can buy
All modern lenses perform well, especially short-tele primes like the Leica APO Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH, but the sizes over the last couple of years have become enormous. Admittedly, this is due to the makers’ preoccupation with ultra-high-speed lenses but independents like Sigma and Zeiss aren’t holding back. It seems that size is no longer a barrier, but that’s strangely at odds with the trend in smaller mirrorless cameras. Even Leica, the maker of the original compact primes for the M-series, succumbed to that mindset with the first lenses for the Leica SL models Both the Summilux-SL 50mm F1.4 ASPH and the Vario-Elmarit 24-90mm F2.8-3.5 ASPH are optically outstanding. If you need lenses…
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