Leica Announces V-Lux 3 superzoom

Leica Camera AG presents the Leica V-Lux 3, a new compact digital camera with an extensive range of features. The camera is extremely versatile, making it ideal for almost all photographic situations. For photographers shooting landscapes, architecture, sport, travel, portraits or wildlife, the V-Lux 3 incorporates an enormously flexible lens. The Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. 24-fold super-telephoto zoom lens covers a wide range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35 mm format. The newly developed 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor guarantees exceptional image quality for all applications. A truly universal solution for creative photographers looking for an all-in-one camera, the V-Lux 3 also features extensive broad range of video options and offers video quality comparable to premium-range camcorders.

“The Leica V-Lux 3 combines exceptional performance with the handy size of a compact camera. It offers a vast range of focal lengths and covers almost all photographic situations that usually require the use of a camera system. The V-Lux 3 is therefore an attractive alternative to entry-level DSLR cameras with interchangeable lenses,” says Peter Kruschewski, Product Manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG.

The Leica V-Lux 3 features a very impressive range of video functions, capturing full-HD video in AVCHD format with 1920 × 1080 pixels and 60 full frames per second. This 1080p60 video format not only guarantees the perfect rendition of fast movement in outstanding detail but is also ideal for conversion to alternative resolutions and refresh rates. The entire 24-fold zoom range is available during video recording while an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.

One of the fastest consecutive shooting cameras in its class, the V-Lux 3 incorporates a high-speed burst-shooting capability: bursts of 12 frames per second at full resolution, or 60 frames per second at a resolution of 3.5 MP.

A reliable aid to photographers in the precise composition and assessment of images, the 3" LCD display with 460,000 pixel resolution delivers an extremely bright and clear view. The monitor screen of the V-Lux 3 can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, opening up entirely new horizons for image composition from even the most unusual angles. When shooting stills or video from above their head or down close to the ground, photographers using the V-Lux 3 always remain in full control.

The design of the Leica V-Lux 3 is characterized by a compact form and extremely simple handling. The camera’s integrated handgrip keeps it steady and its light weight allows for one-handed shooting. All controls are clearly laid out and simple to use. For instance, video recording can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top deck of the camera.

Supporting Leica Camera’s commitment to an uncompromised customer experience, the Leica V-Lux 3 comes complete with a two-year warranty. The camera also is supplied with a comprehensive software package, including Adobe® Photoshop® Elements and Adobe® Premiere® Elements. The image-processing software Adobe® Photoshop® Elements offers users options for viewing, organization and administration in addition to a wide range of image-processing solutions. Adobe® Premiere® Elements is especially designed for video processing and offers optimum features for processing videos recorded by the V-Lux 3 in AVCHD format, enabling the creation of professional audio and video effects. Both programs are available as free downloads from the Leica Camera website after registration of the camera.

The Leica V-Lux 3 will be available from Leica Camera dealers beginning January 2012.

Leica announces D-Lux 5 premium compact

Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA D-LUX 5 – a high-performance compact digital camera with full creative control.

Successor to the acclaimed D-LUX 4, the LEICA D-LUX 5 offers a faster LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. lens with an extended range of focal lengths equivalent to 24 to 90mm in 35mm format. Together with its comprehensive range of features and manual settings, the versatile LEICA D-LUX 5 offers a broader spectrum of photographic options – from macro and wide-angle architecture and landscape photography to reportage and portrait photography. The camera’s 1,280 x 720 pixel HD video function in memory-saving AVCHD-Lite format, and a full range of optional accessories, open up a world of photographic opportunities for the discerning photographer.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG, said, “Thanks to its ultra-fast image processing, simple handling and compact form, the LEICA D-LUX 5 is a truly unique compact camera with system character. It offers users endless opportunities for creative photography and allows photographers to capture the most spontaneous, fleeting moments as unforgettable pictures.”

The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. zoom lens offers an extremely practical range of focal lengths. In addition, its exceptionally fast maximum aperture makes it an ideal camera for ‘available light’ photography. Whether in difficult lighting conditions, or for conscious manipulation of depth of field, the LEICA D-LUX 5 is the perfect camera for capturing truly distinctive images.

Featuring a particularly large CCD for a compact camera, the D-Lux 5’s 1/1.63” sensor is finely tuned to produce the highest quality images from the LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2 mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. lens. Combined with the camera’s electronics and firmware, it guarantees brilliant high-contrast images with natural colour rendition and superb sharpness. Also contributing to its exceptional image quality, the D-LUX 5’s pixels are considerably larger than that of other compacts.

The D-LUX 5 delivers images in 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 formats as well as 1:1, a particularly interesting format for creative composition, in both capture and review mode. The camera’s 3” LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and a resolution of 460,000 pixels, displaying images in superb detail, and allowing photographers to assess images precisely both during composition and after capture.

The LEICA D-LUX 5 is characterised by clear lines and a stylish, uncomplicated design in an elegant black matt finish. Its formal simplicity, clear and intuitive controls, and a focus on essential features, are typical of all Leica cameras.

Users can enter manual settings quickly and easily using the D-LUX 5’s innovative ‘clickwheel’ located at the back of the camera. It also offers numerous automatic functions for effortless photography that guarantee the user perfectly exposed and sharp images by simply pressing the shutter release. The camera’s automatic functions control the O.I.S. image stabiliser, automatic ISO selection, face recognition, automatic contrast compensation and automatic scene mode. The 1280 x 720 pixel HD video function is started simply by pressing a button on the top of the camera.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA D-LUX 5 will be available in the UK from October 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA D-LUX 5 is £630 including VAT. Accessories are priced as follows (SRP including VAT):

Leica D-Lux 5 EVF1 electronic viewfinder - £270

Leica D-Lux 5 ever-ready case - £135

Leica D-Lux 5 brown leather case - £90

Leica D-Lux 5 soft leather pouch - £62

Leica D-Lux 5 handgrip - £62

Leica CF 22 flash unit - £225

Leica releases V-Lux 2 superzoom

Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA V-LUX 2, combining a high-performance 24x super-zoom lens and outstanding image quality with a sleek and compact body. Equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. lens, a 3’’ rotating LCD display and a wide variety of video functions in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD, the V-LUX 2 is ideal for almost any photographic situation.

The V-LUX 2’s 24x optical super-zoom lens offers an enormous range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35mm format. Whether shooting expansive landscapes, finely detailed macro studies at short distances, or far-away objects, people or animals with a super-telephoto setting, the Leica lens captures them all in breathtaking quality.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG, said, “The V-Lux 2’s versatile lens and compact form make it the ideal camera for the ambitious travel and wildlife photographer. In certain shooting situations, having to change lenses can be frustrating, especially when a quick reaction is required. Thanks to the V-LUX 2’s large range of focal lengths, this compact camera has the ability to capture almost all moments of life. The V-LUX 2 is an interesting alternative to comparable SLR systems. Compact and lighter, it also significantly reduces the weight and volume of photographic equipment when travelling.”

A newly developed 14.1 MP CMOS image sensor tuned to perfection enhances the high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. zoom lens. In combination with the camera’s electronics and firmware, the sensor guarantees brilliant, high-contrast images with natural colour rendition and superb sharpness.

The LEICA V-LUX 2’s 3” LCD display has a resolution of 460,000 pixels and can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, making it easy for photographers to compose pictures from even the most unusual or challenging angles. When shooting stills or videos from over their heads or close to the ground, photographers using the V-LUX 2 are always in full control.

In addition to offering an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter that guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack, the entire 24x zoom range is available during video recording. The LEICA V-LUX 2 is the first Leica digital compact to feature video capture in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD.

One of the world’s fastest consecutive-shooting cameras, the LEICA V-LUX 2 features high-speed burst shooting capability: bursts of 11 frames per second at the full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with a resolution of 2.8 MP.

Characterised by a compact design and extremely simple handling, the V-LUX 2’s integrated handgrip and light weight allows photographers to shoot one-handed. The camera controls are clearly laid out, ensuring fast and simple operation. For instance, video recording can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top plate of the camera.

Software

The LEICA V-LUX 2 is supplied with a comprehensive suite of software. Adobe® Photoshop® Elements® 8 provides users with a comprehensive and versatile image editing solution that offers viewing, organisation, administration and a wide range of processing options for still images and video recordings. Also included is Adobe® Premiere® Elements® 8, an easy-to-use package offering video processing for movies recorded by the V-LUX 2 in AVCHD format, and also enabling the creation of professional audio and video effects.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA V-LUX 2 will be available in the UK from October 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA V-LUX 2 is £675 including VAT. An outdoor case will be available for the V-LUX 2 at an SRP of £135 including VAT.

Leica announces new V-Lux 20

Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA V-LUX 20, a 12.1 effective megapixel digital compact camera with a powerful 12x optical zoom lens and built-in GPS tagging*, making it ideal for recording special memories when travelling – wherever you are in the world.

The integrated, high-performance LEICA DC-VARIO-ELMAR 4.1-49.2mm f/3.3-4.9 ASPH. zoom lens with a focal range of 25-300mm (35mm equivalent) means the V-Lux 20 is perfect for any photographic situation. Whether shooting expansive landscapes, detailed close-ups or shots of distant subjects using the super-telephoto setting, the V-Lux 20 captures them all in breath-taking quality.

The V-Lux 20 is the first Leica camera to feature GPS tagging. For anyone travelling regularly – whether on exotic safaris, family beach holidays or even those important business trips – this innovative feature allows photographers to record the exact geographical co-ordinates of their location (in the Exif data of each photo) automatically, as well as the local time for every shot, ensuring the user always has a useful and accurate record of their trip. In addition, the V-Lux 20 can display the names of interesting sightseeing locations from a total of 500,000 ‘points of interest’ across 73 countries.

The built-in GPS feature also makes archiving and organising photos quick and easy, during or after a trip. Furthermore, for photographers posting images on social networks, image portals or map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth, the data automatically reveals exactly when and where the photos were taken.*

For those who want to make movies as well as still images, the LEICA V-LUX 20 enables movie recording in HD quality. Its intelligent automatic features, such as face recognition, automatic scene modes and smart exposure, are all available in movie mode, together with the camera’s zoom functions.

The V-Lux 20’s generous three inch LCD display has a diagonal of 7.5cm and a resolution of 460,000 pixels, and offers an extremely bright, sharp view for precise composition and framing of shots, as well as accurate quality control for captured shots in playback mode.

Beautifully styled in a matt black finish, the V-Lux 20 has been designed with simple, ergonomic controls and user-friendly menus, and offers fully automatic functions for those who prefer to ‘point and shoot’. It also provides a complete range of manual shutter speed and aperture settings for more creative freedom and image control. In addition, the integrated image stabilisation assists the photographer by reducing the chance of blurred pictures, whether due to camera shake or difficult lighting conditions. The compact dimensions and light weight of the camera also make it easy to pack into a bag or rucksack, or simply carry in a pocket, so users can ensure the LEICA V-LUX 20 is with them on every trip.

Accessories and software

The LEICA V-LUX 20 includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 for quick and easy image editing. A high quality brown leather case for the camera is available as an optional accessory from authorised Leica dealers.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA V-LUX 20 will be available in the UK from May 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA V-LUX 20 is £495. The optional brown leather case has an SRP of £70.

* GPS tagging may not function in China and neighbouring regions. Strength of satellite signal reception depends on location, and when restricted, positioning data may be recorded inaccurately or not at all.

Leica Camera AG announced M9

Leica Camera AG today announces the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a full-frame 24 x 36mm sensor. As the world’s smallest full-frame system camera, the LEICA M9 continues the long heritage of the Leica rangefinder system, and unites more than 50 years of continuous technical improvements to the M System with cutting-edge digital technology.

The successful combination of a high-resolution image sensor, the superior performance of Leica M lenses and sophisticated processing ensures the best imaging results, making the camera perfect for all fields of photography from reportage and ‘available light’ to the capture of discreet, spontaneous images.

The 18 megapixel image sensor, specifically designed and developed for the M9, enables capture of the full 35-mm film format without any compromise. All M lenses mounted on the LEICA M9 therefore offer the same focal length as originally intended, and the enormous potential performance of the current M lens portfolio, with focal lengths from 16 to 135mm, is now fully exploited in an M digital camera for the very first time.

Furthermore, the M9 sensor features a newly developed glass sensor cover designed to guarantee the suppression of the infrared portion of the light spectrum, avoiding the need to mount special UV/IR filters.

Leica has listened to photographers’ requests for quick access to essential features on the M9. One example is the new ISO adjustment button, which simply requires the user to hold down the ISO button whilst turning the dial to select the required setting – rather than having to access it via a menu. In addition, all other functions important for everyday photography are accessible by pressing the set button.

At just 139 × 37 × 80mm, the LEICA M9 maintains the compact size of the LEICA M8, despite the considerably larger sensor. The robust, one-piece, full metal housing, made from a high-strength magnesium alloy, combined with a solid brass top and bottom plate, provide perfect protection for the camera in all photographic situations. For photographers, this all adds up to absolute reliability over decades of use.

The LEICA M9 is available in two different styles: a standard black with ‘vulkanit’ finish, and for the first time, a version in steel-grey with classic leatherette finish.

M9 Sensor

The CCD, specially developed by Kodak for the LEICA M9, has been optimised to exploit the particular qualities of the Leica M lens system. As a result, the LEICA M9 achieves the highest resolution values, which in turn guarantee outstanding image quality.

The M9 sensor employs further advanced and meticulously-designed micro lenses with a low refractive index. The micro lenses at the sensor edges are laterally displaced towards the image centre to match the characteristics of M lenses precisely. This optimised micro lens design captures and concentrates even the most oblique rays on the sensor, and reliably prevents image brightness fall-off at the edges and corners of the image. As a result, all existing Leica M lenses maintain their full performance when used for digital photography.

A moiré filter has not been integrated, allowing full exploitation of the superb resolution of Leica M lenses. Any moiré patterns occurring are eliminated in the camera’s signal processing software. The optimised signal–noise ratio reduces the need for digital post-processing, and results in high-contrast, high-resolution exposures with natural colour rendition from corner to corner.

Lenses

Performance criteria, such as the individual coating of each element, have long been a Leica standard. For the first time, the immense performance potential of the M lenses is fully maintained and can be exploited for digital photography. In line with Leica’s commitment to system compatibility, almost all Leica M lenses built since 1954 can still be used on the new M9, as a result of their mechanical and optical precision.

The M9 sensor demands a particularly high spatial resolution, as offered by the latest M lenses. Their high resolution and efficient correction of optical aberrations make them all the more suitable for digital use. Current M lenses are supplied with a 6-bit code on the bayonet mount that is scanned optically by the M9. Using this coding, the M9 can compensate for any vignetting effects, if required. In addition, the lens type is recorded in the EXIF data and, when using the latest flash units such as the LEICA SF 58, automatically adjusts the reflector to match the focal length of the lens attached.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA M9 will be available in the UK from 9 September 2009 at a suggested retail price of £4,850 inc VAT. For further details and a list of authorised dealers including the new Leica Store Mayfair, please visit www.leica-camera.co.uk.

Leica Camera AG announced the X1

Leica Camera AG has announced the X1. Designed and made in Germany by Leica engineers, this camera is set to become a future classic. The desirable LEICA X1 achieves exceptionally high resolution and quality for a camera of such small dimensions, and will set new standards.

The LEICA X1 is equipped with a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor in APS-C format, as found in much larger DSLR cameras. This sensor, combined with the all-purpose LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 mm lens, offers outstanding picture quality comparable with professional cameras. Furthermore, the X1’s technical specifications and broad spectrum of setting options – from manual to automatic operation – makes it a perfect companion for creative photographers, while the compact size means it can be carried at all times – ideal for capturing those unique, spontaneous moments in life.

The large sensor area of the individual pixels on the CMOS sensor receive more light, guaranteeing low noise levels, high dynamic range and accurate colour differentiation. The crop factor of the sensor is 1.5 in comparison with 35mm film format, which means the fixed-mount LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 mm lens is transformed into a universal reportage lens with an effective (35mm equivalent) focal length of 36mm. This is a true classic amongst prime lenses and has captured innumerable iconic images in history.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager digital compact cameras at Leica Camera AG, commented, “The LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 ASPH is a true Leica lens with terrific optical performance. Its moderate wide-angle character creates sufficient distance when needed, but still allows photographers to get in close to pick out the details whenever the situation requires. This lens ensures that photographers won’t miss any shot, situation or detail, however fine.”

The straightforward design of the X1 is strongly reminiscent of the legendary Leica M cameras. This, in combination with its robust, all-metal construction and tactile, high-quality leather trim, makes the X1 typically ‘Leica’.

The LEICA X1 offers clearly laid-out, intuitive functions. For ‘uncomplicated’ photography, the X1 offers numerous automatic features ranging from precise autofocus to automatic exposure, guaranteeing photographers perfectly exposed, sharp images by simply pressing the shutter release. This allows the user to concentrate on the creative aspects of composition and framing.

Thanks to its numerous automatic functions, the X1 is always quick and versatile whenever the need arises. Photographers can also achieve creative freedom with the camera’s manual control options. Both aperture and shutter speed can be selected manually with the easy-to-use dials on the top plate of the camera. Even the plane of focus can be set manually, along with white balance and various other image capture parameters. Consequently, the X1 offers photographers complete manual control of the creative process while also guaranteeing rapid reaction ability with its automatic functions, when required.

The large size of the sensor, a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200 and large aperture make the LEICA X1 an ideal choice for ‘available light’ photography. Whether in adverse lighting conditions, or for conscious manipulation of depth of focus, the X1 offers numerous options for individual and creative composition.

The bright 2.7” display of the X1 almost fills the entire back of the camera and reveals the finest details, even in bright surroundings. The live-view function replaces an optical viewfinder and shows an accurate preview with all essential image information. The Live Mode also makes the X1 particularly versatile for shots taken from unusual perspectives.

Accessories and software

The LEICA X1 offers a comprehensive range of accessories that expand the abilities of the camera and adapt it to the photographer’s personal photographic style: A 36-mm bright-line accessory, for instance, can be inserted in the camera’s accessory shoe and ensures a clear view without unnecessary power drain. If required, the camera display can be switched off when an accessory finder is used. In this case, a prominently placed LED indicates successful automatic focusing. In addition to this, there is an accessory handgrip that aids the safe and secure handling of the camera. A comprehensive range of camera cases is also available: the ever-ready case offers sufficient room for the camera with an attached handgrip and includes a small case attached to the carrying strap to hold the accessory finder. The high-quality transport case offers perfect protection for the camera, while the attractively designed system case has space for the camera and all its accessories.

The LEICA X1 features a retractable flash that can do much more than simply replace other sources of light. It also serves as a fill-in flash and can even be synchronised to the second shutter curtain. If more power and flexibility is required, the Leica SF 24D and SF 58 system flash units are also compatible with the X1.

The LEICA X1 is supplied with a battery charger and a high-performance battery, and also includes a comprehensive software package. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows, is available as an online download for all registered LEICA X1 customers. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom offers a vast range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital images, whether in JPEG or DNG format. If the images from the X1 are saved as raw data in Adobe Digital Negative format (DNG), Adobe Photoshop Lightroom guarantees direct and extremely high-quality image processing.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA X1 will be available in the UK from January 2010. Pricing will be available nearer to date of launch. For further details and a list of authorised dealers including the new Leica Store Mayfair, please visit www.leica-camera.co.uk.

Leica launches Super-Elmar-M 18 mm lens

With the LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH., Leica Camera AG, Solms, expands their range of short focal-length lenses for the Leica M System, adding another compact wide-angle lens. This newly developed lens is characterized by its outstanding image quality and compact size. Another addition to the Leica rangefinder system accessories range is a new finder, the LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm.

The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. is ideal for a wide range of applications – from expansive reportage images to landscapes and architectural photography. When used on digital Leica M models, the LEICA M8 and LEICA M8.2, the slightly smaller format of the sensor increases the effective focal length to the 35 mm format equivalent of 24 mm.

This means that the new lens is also a particularly practical and useful wide-angle lens for digital M photography. In addition, the lens can also be used on all analog Leica M camera models, and it’s extremely short focal length of 18 mm opens up numerous new opportunities for composition and creative expression.

The fundamental parameters of vignetting and distortion traditionally encountered in super-wide-angle lenses have been effectively corrected in the case of the LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH., so that they play no role at all in practice. This results in extremely sharp, crystal-clear and uniformly exposed images from corner to corner. Due to the outstanding contrast and reproduction of details, the initial aperture of 3.8 can be used without any limitations.

Even wide open, the depth of field extends from infinity to 3.93 feet. Stopping down is only necessary as a means to further increase the depth of field.

The LEICA ELMAR-M 1:3.8/18 mm ASPH. is constructed with eight lenses in seven groups. Due to the use of one aspherical element, aberrations were reduced to a minimum.

The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. also features a patented, screw-on rectangular lens hood that contributes to its compact size. The lens will be available at authorized Leica dealers in March 2009.

A matching LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm is also available for the new LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. lens. Used in conjunction with the new lens, it highlights the precise framing of the field of view and is distinguished by its vibrant, high-contrast image. Due to a concave mirror in the optics (hence the term ‘mirror viewfinder’), part of the incoming light is used to brightly illuminate the frame for the field of view – in the same way as in the viewfinder of Leica M cameras.

The finder has parallax compensation markings for close-up distances below 6.6 feet, yet also has markings for the slightly smaller image field of LEICA M8 models. It is, therefore, equally suitable for use with film (24 x 36 mm) and for digital photography (18 x 27 mm).

The entire optical system of the finder has a high-quality multi-layer coating to guarantee optimal viewing under all conditions. Its high-quality metal body is finished in the classic look of its predecessors of the fifties and sixties, but are milled from solid brass with the latest technology, and then finished in silver-chrome or black paint to match the cameras. The eyepiece is rubberized to reliably protect eyeglasses against scratching.

The LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm will also be available at authorized Leica dealers in March 2009.

Leica announces SF 58 flash unit

Leica Camera AG, Solms, presents a new flash unit combining the highest performance and system compatibility in one high-end flash unit – the LEICA SF 58. The maximum guide number of 58 (ISO 100/21°) enables high light output and, due to its fully swivelling reflector, offers ideal opportunities for indirect flash illumination.

Its integrated, system-controlled secondary reflector maintains image brilliance and simultaneously lightens shadows and highlights. For photographers, this means more creative freedom in the use of light and more flexibility, even under difficult lighting conditions. A diffuser, particularly recommended for portrait photography and softer illumination, is available as an optional accessory.

The LEICA SF 58 is suitable for use with all Leica rangefinder and SLR cameras and can also be used with the new Leica S-system. The LEICA SF 58 is equipped with an integrated USB port to allow convenient uploading of firmware updates, ensuring absolute compatibility with future generations of Leica cameras.

The LEICA SF 58 flash unit features a wide zoom range of 24–105 mm and an integrated wide-angle diffuser to extend the field of view by 18 mm. Depending on the focal length of the lens in use and the sensor format, the flash reflector setting is automatically controlled yet also features a manual adjustment option.

Thanks to its numerous technical features, the LEICA SF 58 enables photographers to capture professionally exposed images independent of any existing lighting conditions. For instance, the unit features automatic functions such as TTL or automatic flash mode, as well as automatic fill-in flash. In addition, the new LEICA SF 58 offers a choice of two lighting profiles (Standard and Soft) that allow optimal adaptation to various lighting situations. High-performance energy management guarantees flash photography at the highest speed and constancy, and at the same time an overheating protection function regulates the flash frequency when necessary.

Intuitive controls and a user-friendly operating concept ensure simple handling of the LEICA SF 58, including easily set parameters with the four soft keys of the unit. The clearly structured, illuminated dot-matrix display allows photographers to concentrate on the essentials.

The LEICA SF 58 will be available at authorized Leica dealers in March 2009.

Leica offers World's fastest Aspherical lens

Breaking the optical “sound barrier” of lens speed 1.1 has been the Holy Grail of lens design for many years. Notably, the Canon 0.95 “Dream lens” was a bold attempt; however this was prior to modern aspherical lens technology.

Following the renowned LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f / 1, Leica is to now launch the world’s first aspherical f / 0.95 prime lens the new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f / 0.95 ASPH.

Comparing vignetting and distortion values in a head to head comparison, with both lenses at full aperture, the new lens will be a clear winner and is faster.

Not only this, but the new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f / 0.95 ASPH also performs comparably with the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f / 1.4 ASPH (regarded as the best standard lens ever produced) when stopped down.

At the new 0.95 full aperture, depth of field is so shallow as to allow the most esthetic portraits or detailed studies. Low light becomes even less of a barrier, with the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f / 0.95 ASPH, surpassing the speed of the human eye even more so than its predecessor.

Hand assembled in Solms Germany, this lens is designed to retain its value and usability for decades.

Available from February 2009, the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f / 0.95 ASPH is £6290 (inc VAT) SRP.

You can read the full press release and full spec here.