Leica Announces 5 New Products

On May 10, 2012 Leica introduced 5 new products: The M Monochrom, X2, APO-Summicron-M 50mm/f2 ASPH lens, S-Adapter H, and the V-LUX 40. Scroll down for detailed information regarding each of these products, including pricing and availability.

Leica M Monochrom Black and White Digital Rangefinder

With the M Monochrom, Leica introduces the worlds first full-frame black and white digital camera. Featuring a black and white sensor, the camera produces images in a sharpness and brilliance never before attained and barely distinguishable from other M cameras with the model name discretely engraved on the hot shoe.

Key Features of the Leica M Monochrom:

• Newly developed monochrome CCD sensor with a native resolution of 18 million pixels
• 100% sharper imaging thanks to direct processing of raw data with no interpolation
• Extremely low, fine-grain image noise up to ISO 10,000
• Raw data histogram and parameter clipping warning
• Various tones programmable
• Top cover and bottom plate in black chrome finish
• New leatherette body covering
• All-cowhide carrying strap
• Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 software supplied in addition to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
• Exclusive access to the Leica Monochrom Print Service in cooperation with Whitewall
• Original fiber barite print of a Magnum photo from the Leica M Monochrom campaign by J.A. Sobol supplied

Newly developed monochrome CCD sensor with a native resolution of 18 Million Pixel.
With its full, native resolution of 18 megapixels, the Leica M Monochrom delivers 100 % sharper images than with color sensors. The fact that its sensor does not “see” color means real brightness values are available for each individual pixel. That is to say, the sensor of the M Monochrom produces a “genuine” black-and-white image directly. In combination with the brilliant imaging performance of Leica lenses and the perfect matching of the sensor to the M system, this creates pictures of outstanding sharpness and natural brilliance, with no need to sharpen the image in post-processing. The result is incomparable picture quality, such as would normally only be expected of a medium-format camera. The impressively low noise level of the monochrome CCD sensor delivers an extremely fine-grained image, which is not perceived as disturbing even at the highest ISO settings.

The Leica M Monochrom will retail for $7950, and Leica estimates it will be available August 2012.

Leica X2 Compact Digital Camera

The Leica X2 is Leica’s latest development of the popular, high-end compact X system and features the latest sensor technology in combination with a fast 35mm Leica Elmarit lens.

Key Features of the Leica X2:

• Newly developed APS-C CMOS Sensor with an effective resolution of 16.1 MP
• Leica Elmarit 1;2.8/24 mm ASPH (35 mm equivalent: 35 mm)
• Simple operation and manual adjustment possibilities
• High quality materials
• Connection for high resolution electronic viewfinder for new photographic perspectives
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, the comprehensive solution for modern digital photography
• Made in Germany

New developed APS-C CMOS Sensor with an effective Resolution of 16.1 Mega-Pixel
The CMOS image sensor of the Leica X2 in APS-C format is unusually large for such a compact camera. The result: extremely low image noise, high dynamic range, and accurate color differentiation. The combination of an exceedingly large sensor and high-performance lens sets new standards in image quality in the compact camera category. And this is where the Leica X2 shows its true greatness.

Classic Focal Length: Leica Elmarit 1:2.8/24 mm ASPH (35mm equivalent)
Countless iconic images in the history or photography were shot with a focal length of 35 mm – the classic lens for photojournalism. The Leica Elmarit 24 mm/f2.8 ASPH lens is equivalent to this famous focal length in 35 mm film format, with its superb optical performance opens up a broad vista of potential uses.

Precise Auto Focus
The Leica X2’S fast, new autofocus feature enables extremely precise and virtually silent focusing. Perfect for situations where spontaneous reactions are essential to capture the right moment. It adapts flexibly to the situation in hand, for example, with a choice AF focusing segments or face recognition. This allows the photographer to concentrate exclusively on their subject.

Key Differences between the Leica X2 and Leica X1

• Newly developed sensor which provides high image quality especially at low light and optimized auto focus speed.
• Connection for high resolution electronic viewfinder.
• New touch and feel of the operating elements, new leather trim and surfaces.
• New pop-up flash with latch trip.
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, latest version.

The Leica X2 will retail for $1995 and will be available in both black and silver, and Leica estimates it will be available at the end of May 2012.

The Leica X2 electronic viewfinder will retail for $529.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH Lens

With the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens, Leica engineers have pushed the boundaries of what is technically feasible to set a new benchmark in imaging. The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH was designed like all Leica lenses with the aim of maximizing both contrast and detail even at full aperture. That aim is met in an incomparable manner. The latest milestone in the history of the M-system delivers previously unattained performance levels in terms of all technical parameters. The MTF curves, which describe the sharpness of the image, remain all the way to the edges, even with the aperture open, over 50% contrast. This level of performance has never been achieved previously and demonstrates the exceptional quality of the lens. This allows extremely sharp imaging in all scenarios, with optimal definition right into the corners, even for close-ups.

This lens has an apochromatic correction feature which is a highly complex and sophisticated method of color error correction. It minimizes color fringing at sharp edges, so ensuring that all details are naturally depicted. This is achieved, among other means, by skilfully integrating glasses with anomalous partial dispersion into the lens design. All these qualities allow photographers to get the best possible image quality, especially for large prints.

The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH particularly in combination with high-resolution cameras such as the new Leica M Monochrom will offer photographers the opportunity to produce fine-art photography of a quality never before attained.

Key Features of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH Lens:

• High speed standard lens delivering outstanding imaging performance
• Supremely soft rendering of blurred image areas (Bokeh)
• Integrated lens hood, extendable by rotating
• Product package includes milled brass lens front cap
• Exclusive presentation packaging box

The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens will retail for $7195, and Leica estimates it will be available August 2012.

Leica S-Adapter H

The Leica S-Adapter H allows Leica S2 customers to use Hasselblad H-System lenses with the S2 or S2-P. This adapter allows the following functions:

• Autofocus and manual focusing with focus indication
• Automatic diaphragm
• Central shutter upto 1/750s

The Leica S-Adapter H will allow Hasselblad lenses to have an extended scope of application with the S-camera due to the integrated focal plane shutter of the camera body. This will allow the photographer to shoot with the Hasselblad lenses, as well as, with central shutter or without central shutter by using upto 1/4000s with the focal plane shutter of the camera.

The Leica S-Adapter H supports the following H-system lenses:

• HCD 4 / 28 mm
• HC 3.5 / 35 mm
• HC 3.5 / 50 mm II
• HC 2.8 / 80 mm
• HC 2.2 / 100 mm
• HC macro 4 / 120 mm II
• HC 3.2 / 150 mm
• HC 4 / 210 mm
• HC 4.5 / 300 mm
• HCD 4-5.6 / 35 – 90 mm
• HC 3.5-4.5 / 50 – 110 mm

The Leica S-Adapter H does not support the following components: HTS 1.5 Tilt/Shiftconverter, Converter H 1.7x, Extension tubes H13, H26 and H52 and H-System CF-Adapter.

The Leica S-Adapter H will retail for $1950, and Leica estimates it will be available at the end of May 2012.

Leica V-LUX 40 Compact Digital Camera

Leica is pleased to introduce the 14.1 MP Leica V-LUX 40 to their fine range of compact digital cameras. Boasting a high-performance 20X super-zoom lens with focal
length range of 24 to 480 mm, the Leica V-LUX 40 is ideal for almost any photographic situation.

Key Features of the Leica V-LUX 40:

• Leica DC-Vario-Elmar 4.3 – 86 mm / f 3.3 – 6.4 ASPH ( 24 – 480 mm equivalent) zoom lens
• Newly developed 14.1 MP 1 / 2.23“ CMOS sensor
• Simple and intuitive handling, plus manual setting options for more ambitious users
• Fast burst shooting and 3-D photo feature
• 3“ touch screen display with a resolution of 460, 000 pixels
• 1080 p-AVCHD full HD video and internet friendly MP4 storage format
• GPS module for the registration of geographical data for the location of every shot including detailed maps on separate DVD
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 and Premiere Elements 10 – the software package for image and video processing, archiving and display.

Leica DC-Vario Elmar 4.3 – 86 mm / 3.3 – 6.4 ASPH (24 – 480 mm equivalent) Lens
The new Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with an enormous focal length of 24 mm super wide angle to 480 mm super tele zoom for photo and video, the V-LUX 40 is prepared for nearly all photographic situations. High precision aspherical elements and an optical image stablizer are incorporated to guarantee outstanding imaging performance.

Newly developed CMOS Image Sensor with an effective resolution of 14.1 MP
The new 1 / 2.33“ CMOS image sensor in the Leica V-LUX 40 captures 15.3 megapixels (14.1 MP effective) to ensure excellent picture quality. It enables a higher dynamic range as well as particularly noise-free images at sensitivities up to ISO 3200. In comparison with its predecessor, the Leica V-LUX 40 now offers significantly improved image quality, even in low light conditions. In addition to this, its autofocus speed of 0.1 seconds allows even faster focusing on moving subjects.

Videos in full HD-quality
Full-HD videos capturedby the V-LUX 40 impress with their perfect rendition of the finest details, even with fast-moving subjects. This is made possible by recording in AVCHD format at 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and 50 full frames per second. Another new feature is that videos can now be saved in Internet-friendly MP4 format and be uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices, for example, without any need for conversion. Outstanding audio quality is ensured by an integrated stereo microphone with a built-in wind-noise filter.

Key differences between the V-LUX 40 and the V-LUX 30

• Newly developed lens – wider zoom range from 24 mm – 480 mm (20x)
• Newly developed CMOS sensor – Better picture quality even in low light condition
• Increased AF speed with 0.1 seconds
• Videos in 1080P (progressive) format for improved video quality and internet friendly MP4 storage format
• GPS including separate DVD with detailed maps
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 and Premiere Elements 10

The Leica V-LUX 40 will retail for $699, and Leica estimates it will be available May 2012.