The new lens is the widest prime lens in its series making it ideal for street, interior, and architectural photography, and Leica boasts that even opened wide at f/2 there’s no loss in image quality!

“As is universally appreciated with all Leica lenses, the fastest aperture delivers maximum performance,” Leica writes. “As a result, reducing the aperture is only necessary for compositional and creative purposes. Leica lenses always deliver an exceptional quality of natural skin tones, soft transitions into creamy bokeh, contrast-rich details and edge-to-edge sharpness across a distortion-free image.”

Technical Specifications

• Maximum aperture F2
• Minimum aperture F22
• Aperture ring No
• Elements 13
• Groups 10
• Special elements / coatings 6 aspherical elements
• Minimum focus 0.24 m (9.45″)
• Maximum magnification 0.2×
• Autofocus Yes
• Motor type Stepper motor
• Full time manual No
• Focus method Internal
• Distance scale No
• DoF scale No
• Focus distance limiter No
• Weight 700 g (1.54 lb)
• Diameter 73 mm (2.87″)
• Length 102 mm (4.02″)
• Materials Magnesium alloy
• Sealing Yes
• Colour Black
• Filter thread 67 mm
• Hood supplied Yes
• Tripod collar No
• Price – $5,195.00 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Read the full press release below;

Leica Launches the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH.:

Exemplifying A Commitment to Developing High-Performing Innovative Technologies in the World of Camera Optics

February 18, 2021. With the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH., Leica Camera presents yet another high-performance wide-angle lens for the Leica SL-System. The APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. is the latest addition to the ever-expanding APO-Summicron-SL series that includes a lens range renowned for its top-level optical performance and extremely fast and reliable autofocus.

Following the existing focal lengths of 35, 50, 75 and 90 mm, the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. is the first true wide-angle prime lens in this series, making the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. especially suitable for reportage, interior and architectural photography. Its maximum aperture can be used without any loss of image quality and offers additional creative possibilities through the exquisite balance of sharp subjects and lovely soft background blur. Thanks to the L-Mount standard, the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. is equally compatible with cameras made by other partners of the L-Mount Alliance that have been equipped with the Leica-developed lens mount.

As is universally appreciated with all Leica lenses, the fastest aperture delivers maximum performance. As a result, reducing the aperture is only necessary for compositional and creative purposes. Leica lenses always deliver an exceptional quality of natural skin tones, soft transitions into creamy bokeh, contrast-rich details, and edge-to-edge sharpness across a distortion-free image. Yet the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. is further distinguished by its apochromatic correction, which is a notable feature in a lens of this focal length, and its six aspherical lens surfaces. To ensure the optimal correction of chromatic aberrations, the majority of the grouped lens elements feature anomalous partial dispersion and are made of high-quality specialized glass. The end result is a wide-angle lens that delivers impeccable images complete with the “Leica Look” to help realize a creative vision in any avenue of photography.

The autofocus drive of all APO-Summicron-SL lenses utilizes extremely robust and high-performance stepping motors with DSD® (Dual Syncro Drive). This enables the AF to travel the entire focusing range in around 250 milliseconds. Leica Camera also takes an innovative approach to manual focusing technology, including an entirely new manual focus ring construction in the form of an embedded ring magnet with alternating north-south polarization. When the ring is turned, the magnetic field changes its polarity. A sensor monitors the status of the magnetic field and sends the data to the main processor. The drive then shifts the lens to the corresponding focusing position based on the angle of rotation and the rotational speed, delivering even faster and more precise manual focusing to match the lens’s quick and accurate autofocus.

Both the construction and design of the cutting-edge APO-Summicron-SL series represent the next step forward in the development of lenses for the Leica SL-System. New, extremely precise manufacturing methods and measuring technologies have been developed specifically for the production of these lenses, resulting in more compact dimensions as well as truly outstanding imaging performance. In the construction of the APO-Summicron-SL lenses, particular attention has been paid to the prevention of stray light and reflections by applying a high-quality coating to the lens surfaces. Thanks to their effective sealing against dust, moisture, and water spray, as well as the Aquadura coating of the exposed lens surfaces, these extremely durable lenses can be used in nearly any weather condition without any cause for concern. The ever-expanding portfolio of Leica SL lenses are built to withstand the elements and the test of time, matching its futureproof counterparts in the SL2 and SL2-S with their rugged construction and continuing firmware development ensuring a long service life.

The APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. is available now at Leica Stores, Boutiques, and Dealers for $5,195.00.

Check Pricing & Availability Here;

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Why is this a big deal? It’s a great thing that there are more affordable lenses for the L-Mount (Leica system) but on top of that, the new Sigma fp system leverages this mount as well. So not only can you use the entire L-mount line up, but the list of affordable lenses available to it just keep getting bigger and bigger, making the barrier to entry for videographers that much smaller! Especially for niche lenses such as the probe lens typically used for product work and very unique shots.

LAOWA 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye

Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens features a 210° Angle of view with circular fisheye perspective on Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) cameras. On the contrary to the Laowa ‘Zero-D’ wide-angle lenses, the 4mm fisheye lens is designed to create an extremely distorted circular fisheye perspective.

LAOWA 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D

Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D provides an extreme 113° angle of view and ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture allows photographers to create impressive astrophotography shots and low-light shooting. 2 aspherical elements plus 3 extra-low dispersion elements successfully correct chromatic aberration, realize close-to-zero distortion & deliver excellent corner to corner sharpness. It comes with Fuji X, Sony E, Canon EF-M, DL , MFT, and finally for the L mount users.

24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe

Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe is the world’s first consumer-grade probe lens which focuses from 2:1 macro to infinity and with a compelling wide angle ‘Bug Eye’ perspective. The wide-angle design means much greater depth of field at close distances than possible with a conventional telephoto macro lens, so more background details can now be seen. The front barrel of the lens is waterproof and an LED ring light is mounted at the tip of the lens. It can cover both standard 35mm full-frame & Super35 image sensors and is super lightweight to carry.

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro is optimized for macro shooting between 2.5X – 5X life-size. The lens is specially designed with an extended working distance (45mm at 2.5x & 40mm at 5x) and a small lens barrel. This allows sufficient lighting on the object for easier shooting in the field.

The Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X is developed for both professional and leisure macro photography, to be used in the field or indoor set-ups. An optional LED Ringlight and Tripod Collar are available for added control and precision operation.

[Related Reading: Venus Optics Release New Variants for Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO]

In total, we have 12 L mount lenses available for the L mount users are as follow:

Wide-angle lenses:

• 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye
• 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D
• 9mm f/5.6 FF RL
• 11mm f/4.5 FF RL
• 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D
• 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Zoom
• 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift
• 15mm f/2 Zero-D

Macro Lenses:

• 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
• 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe
• 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro
• 15mm f/4 Wide Angle Macro

Technical Specifications

4mm f/2.8 Fisheye

• Focal Length – 4mm
• Max. Aperture – f/2.8
• Min. Aperture – f/16
• Angle of View – 210 degrees
• Format Compatibility – MFT
• Lens Structure – 7 elements in 6 groups
• Aperture Blades – 7
• Min. Focusing Distance – 80mm (3.15”)
• Max. Magnification – 1:9
• Dimensions – Φ 25.5 x 45.2mm
• Weight – 135 g (4.76 oz)
• Mounts – Fuji X, Sony E, EOS-M, MFT, L mount
• Price – $199 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

9mm f/2.8 Zero-D

• Focal Length – 9mm
• Max. Aperture – f/2.8
• Angle of View – 113° on APSC, 100°on MFT
• Format Compatibility – APS-C, MFT
• Lens Structure – 15 elements in 10 groups
• Aperture Blades – 7
• Min. Focusing Distance – 12cm
• Max. Magnification – 1:7.5
• Filter Thread – 49mm
• Dimensions – 60 x 53mm
• Weight – 215g
• Mounts – Fuji X, Sony E, Canon EF-M, DJI DL, MFT, L mount
• Price – $499 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe

• Focal Length – 24mm
• Max. Aperture – f/14
• Min. Aperture – f/40
• Angle of View – 85°
• Format Compatibility – Full Frame
• Lens Structure – 27 elements in 19 groups (High Index Glass x 1, ED Glass x 2 & Prism x 2)
• Aperture Blades – 7
• Min. Focusing Distance – 470mm
• Min. Working Distance – 20mm
• Max. Magnification – 2:1
• Infinity Focus – Yes
• Focusing – Manual Focus
• Dimensions (Approx.) – 38 x 408mm
• Weight (Approx.) – 474g (1.04 lb)
• Mount (Standard Version) – Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, L mount
• Mount (Cine Version) – Arri PL, Canon EF, Sony FE
• Price – $1499 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

• Focal Length – 25mm
• Max. Aperture – f/2.8
• Angle of View – 10.3°
• Format Compatibility – Full Frame
• Lens Structure – 8 elements in 6 groups
• Aperture Blades – 8
• Min. Focusing Distance – 17.3 (5x) – 23.4 (2.5x)cm
• Max. Magnification – 5X
• Filter Thread – N/A
• Dimensions – 82 x 65mm
• Weight – 400g
• Mounts – Canon EF & RF / Nikon F & Z / Sony E / Pentax K/ L mount
• Price – $399 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

[Related Reading: Venus Optics Announces Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Macro – A Nikon Z & Canon RF Mirrorless Lens]

Pricing & Availability

The new variants of Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye, 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D, 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe & 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro are currently available to order and ship in the official website of Venus Optics (https://www.venuslens.net/) and their authorized resellers.

Shipping starts from Early March 2021 for the L mount lenses of 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye, 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D, 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe, 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro.

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To learn more about these lenses check out the official product pages here;

Referred to as a “beloved classic” since it was first produced over 45 years ago, this re-launch is a clear homage to the classic. Leica says the original lens’ “visual signature embodies the original essence of the “Leica look” and has helped shape the landscape of Leica’s iconic reputation for the best lenses.” so instead of a total redesign, they decided to base this new lens on all the successful elements of the original, improving on them to “deliver impeccably sharp images that live up to the quality expectations of modern-day digital photography.”

This is the 3rd lens in Leicas set of Classic Range which includes the Thamber-M 90 f/2.2 and Summaron-M 28 f/5.6 completing a trinity of tributes to Leica’s lens history.

While the Silver edition is limited to only 100 units globally at select Leica Store locations, the Black version should be available now and in perpetuity from any vendor you know that carries Leica products, but with the price tag of ‘only’ $7,695.

Technical Specifications

• Focal Length 50mm
• Maximum Aperture f/1.2
• Minimum Aperture f/16
• Lens Mount Leica M
• Format Compatibility Full-Frame
• Angle of View 45.6°
• Minimum Focus Distance 3.3′ / 1 m
• Optical Design 6 Elements in 4 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades 16
• Focus Type Manual Focus
• Image Stabilization No
• Filter Size 49 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 2.4 x 2″ / 61 x 52 mm
• Weight 14.3 oz / 405 g
• Price – $7,695 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

We’ve gathered a few sample images shot with this lens for you to look at, but to see them in full resolution you can visit the official product page here to download them for yourself.

(C) Oliver Vogler, www.sportfoto-vogler.de, Tel. 0172-6043751

Check Pricing & Availability Here

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For the Nikon shooters out there, this could be even better news. Given how hard it is to get hands-on with the Noct f/0.95 for the Nikon Z, this could be a very fun and MUCH more affordable lens to work with to get that super dreamy bokeh for your work. We’ve requested to get hands-on with the lens to do a full review, but until then, here’s all the details from ZY Optics official press release;

Key Features

• Aperture Range: f/0.95 to f/16
• Two Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
• One Ultra-High Refraction Element
• Stepless, Silent Aperture Control
• Manual Focus Design
• Support Rangefinder Coupling
• 9 rounded blade Aperture
• Compatible with third-party AF adapters (i.e. Megadap MTZ11 / Techart TZM-01 / LM-EA7)
• Price – $799 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

[Related Reading: ZY Optics Releases the Mitakon Speedmaster 17mm f/0.95 for Micro Four Thirds Cameras]

Great Control over Depth of Field

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture makes the lens one of the fastest lenses in the market for Leica cameras. A shallow depth of field endows pictures with an enchanting and dreamy ambiance, with the main character perfectly separated from the background. Soft and enticing bokeh can be formed in this picture, adding additional romantic sense to the picture. Its 9 rounded blades aperture creates a soft and perfectly circular bokeh that all photographers are craving for.

Superior Image Quality

Compared to the Nikon Z/ Canon RF/ Sony FE version, the image is further improved by the new 11 elements in 8 groups optics formula, bringing high definitions and sharpness even at wide-open aperture. Colour fringing and chromatic aberration are greatly suppressed thanks to the addition of extra-low dispersion elements. The color rendered is also carefully calibrated to manifest a greater contrast on Leica cameras. Unlike other f/0.95 lenses where the sharpness is only optimized at certain distances, the new Mitakon 50mm has an outstanding sharpness at both portrait distances as well as infinity, making it one of the most versatile 50mm lens in the market.

Extraordinary Night Photography

The ultra-wide f/0.95 aperture is also tailor-made for night photography. With the improved sharpness and coma correction, the new Speedmaster outperforms any 50mm lenses in the market in the genre of night photography.

Full Support of Leica Cameras’ Rangefinder Coupling Focusing System

One special feature about Leica cameras is their unique Rangefinder Coupling system. The new Speedmaster is designed to perfectly support the rangefinder system of the Leica cameras to achieve a more accurate, convenient, and quicker focusing performance through the camera’s viewfinder. More precise control of manual lens shooting is not impossible now.

Autofocus Realization with Third-Party Adapters

A hybrid focusing performance can now be enjoyed. For Nikon Z and Sony E mount users, there are a few automatic adapters in the market that can turn Leica M-mount manual lenses into autofocus. Users can now take advantage of the short flange distance of the Leica M mount and experience a new focus performance with these AF adapters. Both Megadap MTZ11 and Techart TZM-01/LM-EA7 are supported. The adapters can support AF-S, AF-C, AF-F, and face/eye detection with IBIS of the cameras, making focusing with f/0.95 as painless as ever.

The video below shows how the new Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 works with Megadap and Techart adapters in autofocusing (2:38-3:27)

[Related Reading: Zhongyi Optics Lens Turbo Adapters, DIY Home NAS, & Epic D750 Savings}]

Impeccable Finishing with 2 Colors Available

Taking care of the high aesthetic standard of all Leica users, both matte black and silver versions are available to best match with the beautiful Leica cameras. In addition, the lens will be shipped with a specially designed black leather box. The lens is equipped with a delicate and durable metallic exterior like all other Mitakon lenses. A solid feel of precision is given by a smooth aperture control ring and engraved markings on the lens body.

Technical Specifications

• Focal Length – 50mm
• Aperture – f/0.95-16
• Camera Mount Type – Leica M
• Format Compatibility – Full Frame sensors
• Angle of View – 46.7°
• Lens Structure – 11 elements in 8 groups
• Aperture Blades – 9
• Min. Focusing Distance – 100cm
• Focus Method – Manual
• Colors Available – Black/silver
• Filter Thread – Front: 67mm
• Dimensions – Approx. Ф 75 x 88mm (Ф 2.95 x 3.46”)
• Weight – 675g / 1.49lbs

Pricing and availability

The new Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 for Leica M mount is available to order on ZYOptics official website and other authorized resellers. It is available to ship. The suggested retail price (ex-VAT) in US is $799 and it varies from country to country.

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The Q2 looks incredibly similar to its predecessor, but inside of the box there’s been some pretty cool improvements, including better battery life, nearly double the megapixel count, a new processor, a better EVF, and then the most talked about feature, the addition of weather-sealing!

A Long time ago when I was living in Las Vegas, I got to get hands-on with the original Leica Q for a while to do some test shooting while working a few Comic-Cons, and again, even though it was just a point and shoot camera, and I’m not much of a “Leica guy,” the camera was incredibly impressive and it really did feel good to carry and shoot. So if the upgrades in the Q2 are even half as good as they’ve been described, it’ll definitely be worth the investment.

[Related Reading: The Leica M10 Monochrom Camera Officially Announced]

Leica Q2 Technical Specs:

• Pixels Actual: 50.4 Megapixel
• Effective: 47.3 Megapixel
• Maximum Resolution 8368 x 5584
• Aspect Ratio 3:2
• Sensor Type CMOS
• Sensor Size Full-Frame
• Image File Format DNG, JPEG
• Bit Depth 14-Bit
• Image Stabilization Optical
• Focal Length 28mm
• Digital Zoom 2.7x Maximum
• Maximum Aperture f/1.7
• Minimum Aperture f/16
• Focus Range 11.81″ to Infinity / 30 cm to Infinity
  • Macro
    • 6.69″ to Infinity / 17 cm to Infinity
• Optical Design 11 Elements in 9 Groups
• Filter Size 49 mm
• Continuous Shooting Up to 10 fps
• ISO Sensitivity Auto, 50 to 50000
• Shutter Speed
  • Mechanical Shutter
    • 1/2000 to 60 Seconds
  • Electronic Shutter
    • 1/40000 to 1 Second
• Memory Card Slot Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Wireless Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• GPS No
• Battery 1 x BP-SCL4 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh (Approx. 370 Shots)
• Dimensions (W x H x D) 5.1 x 3.1 x 3.6″ / 130 x 80 x 91.9 mm
• Weight 1.58 lb / 718 g (Body with Battery)
• Price – $4,995 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

[Related Reading: SLR Lounge & Leica Ambassador Jay Cassario Shares His Legacy & Motivation Behind His Photos]

Leica Q2 Reviews

Like I mentioned above, we’ve not tested this version out yet but we’re pretty pumped to get our hands on it and complete our original review in the near future.  Until then, here are some of our favorites from around the web from other respected sources:

Kai W’s Leica Q2 First Look / Review

Steve Huff Review’s the Leica Q2

B&H Leica Q2 Review

Gear Patrol’s Leica Q2 Review

Park Camera’s Leica Q2 Review

Magic of Light’s Leica Q2 Review

Atola Visuals Leica Q2 Review

DPReview’s First Impression with the Leica Q2

The Camera Store TV’s Leica Q2 Hands-On Review

Alex Barrera’s Leica Q2 Review

Conclusion

It’s clear, (at least to Leica Shooters), that the Leica Q2 is basically the world’s best compact point-and-shoot camera. It’s very well built, feels great when carrying, handles quite well, it’s capable of excellent image quality, and with the new weather sealing, well…now you can use it in pretty much any environment you can think of. The Raw files are reportedly excellent to work with while the JPG’s are rather lackluster Perhaps that’s something that could be improved with a firmware update, or maybe to the True Leica Shooter, that’s all part of the appeal?

Either way you look at it, all of the awesome features come at a hefty price of nearly $5,000. It may feel extreme for most pro shooters, but for the Leica fan base, it’s just another drop in the bucket.
The rig is boasted as great for Street, travel, and casual photography, and even has some landscape photographers telling us they’ve made use of its wide-angle to capture some pretty compelling images.

What it’s not so good for is sports & action photography. Situations that require better zoom and faster autofocus. Basically, if you have to ask “Is It Worth It,” you won’t like this camera. For you, it is not worth it. You just won’t get it.

Check Pricing & Availability Of The Leica Q2 Here

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Black-and-white photography lends itself to establishing emotional connections between the photographer and subject matter being conveyed. With the absence of color, a photograph conveys intense, vulnerable and timeless messages that speak to the foundation of a scene without the distractions of color.

The Leica M10 Monochrom from Leica Camera on Vimeo.

The ultra-high resolution black-and-white sensor of the M10 Monochrom delivers images with impeccable sharpness and unrivalled resolution of details in all lighting conditions. While reaching these new feats of resolving prowess, the new M10 Monochrom is even more versatile than its black-and-white forebears, with a broadened sensitivity range at both extremes, now achieving ISO 160 to ISO 100,000 – ensuring that its unmatched imaging strengths can be used in new avenues, from the brightest of days to uncovering light in the darkest of nights. Images captured at all ISO settings offer fine-grained rendition of details with a more analog look and feel than a typical color camera set to black-and-white mode. As is the case with all Leica M-Cameras, the new black-and-white sensor pairs perfectly with the full breadth of Leica M-Lenses, showcasing their contrast, resolution and rendition of the finest details. With this combination, photographers can rest assured that the exceptional quality of the monochrome images they capture holds true to the luminance of their subject.

Based on the Leica M10-P, the M10 Monochrom now benefits from a bevy of newfound abilities for the Monochrom line, including a slimmer body, dedicated ISO dial, touchscreen controls, the quietest mechanical shutter of all Leica M rangefinders – analog or digital – and built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity to the Leica FOTOS app on iOS, iPadOS and Android. For the first time in the history of Leica M Monochrom cameras, users can utilize a mobile workflow that gives them direct access to authentic black-and-white images straight from the camera to their favored social media platform – no digital filters required. The FOTOS 2.0 app helps bring Leica users from the decisive moment of taking the picture to the creative moment of processing and sharing the finished photo as seamlessly as possible. This new freedom ensures no boundaries when it comes to capturing and sharing photographs with a Leica camera.

The design of the M10 Monochrom camera body is as loyal to the strict adherence to the black-and-white aesthetic as the image sensor that lives within it. The camera has no Leica red dot logo on the front and all of the usual bold red engravings found on most M cameras have been desaturated to a neutral gray, creating a sleek monochromatic contrast against its bright white engraved numbers. A subtle black-on-black logotype of “Leica M10 Monochrom” on the top plate gives the camera the most minimal branding to avoid distractions. The black-and-white design details combined with the newly blacked-out shutter button and lens release make the M10 Monochrom the stealthiest serial production camera yet from Leica, emphasizing its focus on blending into the heart of the action and capturing the decisive moment.

The M10 Monochrom is built to the highest quality standards expected of a Leica M camera, made almost entirely by hand through the passionate labor of experienced specialists in Wetzlar, Germany with the finest materials, ensuring it can bear even the toughest conditions of use in its stride. The new Leica M10 Monochrom promises to be a long-term companion that delivers an unparalleled experience and impeccable image quality, as timeless as the classical black-and-white photos it creates.

Technical Specifications

Leica M10 Monochrom SLR Lounge 1

Leica M10 Monochrom SLR Lounge 2

Leica M10 Monochrom SLR Lounge 3

Imaging

Pricing & Availability

The Leica M10 Monochrom is available beginning today for $8,295 at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers.

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This is a system that i’m actually very interested in testing out personally. I’m a HUGE fan of Black & White images and other than shooting with film, i’ve never been limited to the format since most digitals require you to convert to B&W after the fact. It’ll be interesting to see some of the images hit the internet taken with this rig and how its users feel about it. So let us know Leica shooters, have you planned on picking up this new M10 Monochrom? Non Leica shooters, do you have any interest in testing or picking it up? Would you like to see us review it here at SLR Lounge? Let us know in the comments below!

“The Leica M10-P “Ghost Edition” for HODINKEE is the realization of not only my fascination of how timeless object age and evolve, but a partnership with a brand that has been a part of my life for a long time and one that I greatly admire,” says Ben Clymer, CEO of HODINKEE. “This limited edition was inspired by the first dive watch that I purchased. In its original condition, the stainless-steel watch would have had a rich black dial and bezel, and markers that were bright white and luminous. With time and exposure, the dial and bezel faded to gray, and the markers turned cream. This “ghosted” watch is among the most beautiful and charming examples of an interesting life lived.”

The “Ghost Edition” remains true to Leica’s minimalistic design with the purposeful omission of the Leica red dot logo and is finished entirely in matte gray with white and silver accents. The top and bottom plates of the camera body and the lens are coated with a matte gray paint with white enamel-filled engravings, whereas the body is covered in a gray cowhide leather for a soft, stylistic feature point. The muted color tones evoke the “ghosted” look that inspired the limited-edition camera yet offer a stylish design that stands on its own.

The “Ghost Edition” set maintains all the technical features of the original M10-P, naturally drawing parallels between the mechanical complexities of the camera with the intricacies of fine watchmaking. From the incredibly quiet mechanical shutter that barely utters a whisper to the touch and feel of the shutter speed dial and aperture ring that harken to the turning of the rotating bezel of a dive watch. Even the mechanical movement of the watch – its beating heart house within its case, not visible to the user – plays counterpart to the coupled rangefinder of the camera, it too hidden from sight under the camera’s top plate. Both perfect examples of precision engineering and mechanical excellence, relying on the motion and actions of their users to operate in harmony.

M10 P ghost 3D RGB

M10 P ghost BACK RGB

M10 P ghostSummilux 35 LEFT RGB

M10 P ghostSummilux 35 RIGHT RGB

M10 P ghostSummilux 35 TOP RGB

M10 P ghostSummilux 35GeLi FRONT RGB

Meanwhile, the lens included in the set – the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. – is one of the most versatile M lenses. Whether it is a shallow depth-of-field look when shot wide-open, high-contrast available-light applications or landscapes with immense depth of field, the lens performs wonderfully in any situation.

The Leica M10-P “Ghost Edition” for HODINKEE will be available beginning December 12, 2019. The edition is limited to only 250 camera sets worldwide, each of which bears a distinctive serial number. The set also includes a stylish and rugged gray rope strap with genuine Italian vegetable-tanned black leather accents, and a certificate of authenticity.

But Wait, There’s More

Additionally to this epic new camera, Leica has finally released the long awaited Summilux 90mm f/1.5 ASPH lens; A new extremely fast prime lens for the Leica M-System. The Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. renders portraits with a breathtakingly shallow depth of field – allowing for the subject to stand out in perfect focus with amazing clarity while the background appears lusciously blurred. The optical design of the lens sets new standards while delivering exceptional performance with the aperture wide open. In addition to the moderate telephoto focal length for portraiture, the high speed of the lens makes it ideal for available light photography and its short minimum focusing distance makes it possible to get close enough to bring each and every fine detail to life.

The optical design of the Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. is extremely complex and features eight elements, two of which are aspherical and made from specialized glass, arranged in six groups,. A floating lens element – an engineering feat when implemented in such compact lenses – ensures that the outstanding performance of the lens is maintained at all focusing distances. Vignetting and distortion, generally encountered with such fast lenses, play practically no role at all thanks to the advanced design of the lens. The integrated lens hood of the Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. can be quickly and easily deployed and locked with a twist to provide further protection against stray light and reflections.

Summilux M 1 5 90 ASPH 3D

Summilux M 1 5 90 ASPH FRONTAL

A closest focusing distance of one meter and a reproduction ratio of 1:8.8 make the Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. an ideal lens for portrait photography. Its high speed for this focal length fully utilizes the potential of the Leica M-Bayonet mount. This new Summilux-M has a close relation to the Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. in terms of optical design and construction and offers a similar, extremely shallow, depth of field that is around half the depth of the legendary Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH.

The Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. has both high quality materials and glasses as well as exceptional precision in the manufacturing and assembly process. This guarantees endurance and value can be seen first-hand in the smooth focusing action of the lens and the control over bokeh, which demand precise alignment of the optical system. With its ability to isolate subjects with an extremely shallow depth of focus and a focal length that simultaneously enables shooting from a less intrusive distance, the Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. stands out clearly among the classical focal lengths for portrait photography.

Technical Specifications of the Summilux-M 90mm

Pricing & Availability

• The Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. is on sale now for $12,995.00.
• The Leica M10-P ‘Ghost Edition’ for HODINKEE is available now for pre-order for $14,995.00