Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has introduced two new X cameras: the Leica X (Typ 113) and the Leica X-E (Typ 102). The new X (Typ 113) takes design cues from the X Vario and features a 23mm f/1.7 lens equivalent to a 36mm f/1.4 lens (on a full frame 35mm camera), and comes in two colors: black and silver chrome. The Leica X-E (Typ 102) replaces the Leica X2, retaining all of the technical features of the X2 but comes with a new body finish and leather covering. The official press release for the X (Typ 113):
Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a further model in the Leica X line: the new Leica X – made in Germany. Featuring a new Leica Summilux 23 mm f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens and a sensor that is particularly large for this camera class, it captures exceptionally brilliant pictures. Its versatility is further expanded by a video function for moving pictures in full-HD quality. Together with an extensive range of setting options and an intuitively simple handling concept, the Leica X unites everything that defines the art of photography in an iconic Leica design statement: the joy of seeing unforgettable moments in a particularly personal way.
As is the case with all cameras in the Leica X line, the Leica X features a professional APS-C-format CMOS sensor with over 16.5 megapixels (effective 16.2 megapixels) that, in combination with its fast Leica Summilux 23 mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, ensures maximum imaging quality and pictures with natural color rendition and the finest reproduction of details. The crop factor of the sensor is 1.5 in comparison with 35 mm film format. The angle of view of the lens of the Leica X is therefore equivalent to that of a 35 mm in full-frame format – one of the classic prime lenses – and makes it extremely versatile and ideal for reportage photography. Thanks to a very fast initial aperture of f/1.7, the Leica Summilux 23 mm f/1.7 ASPH. creates exceptionally beautiful bokeh. It is almost completely insensitive to flare and ghosting effects and delivers bright, clear and incredibly sharp photos – from infinity to its closest focusing distance of 0.2 meters.
The Leica X is distinguished by timeless elegance, a clarity of design that is tightly focused on the essential as well as the highest quality with regard to the materials and finish of even the tiniest details. Everything is in high-quality metal – from the body and the control elements to the optimized thumb switch and the lens cap. The front and rear body shells are made of magnesium and the top deck and base plate from anodized aluminum. In combination with its premium leather trim, the Leica X is a true Leica in both look and feel. The camera is available as a discreet black version with color-matched leather trim or as an elegant silver version with brown leather trim.
Thanks to its clearly laid-out functions and simple operating concept, intuitive handling is a key feature of the Leica X. At the same time, it offers an impressive range of automatic and versatile manual setting options. Thanks to the ease of switching between manual and automatic control, photographers can concentrate completely on composing their subjects and choosing the decisive instant to shoot in any situation. In live-view mode, its large, high-resolution display offers photographers complete control in every situation.
The features offered by the Leica X open up new creative horizons and a broad spectrum of options, ranging from spontaneous snapshots to available-light photography. The fast, precise, and almost-silent autofocus of the Leica X is ideal for spontaneous and discreet photography. The camera shutter is released as soon as the autofocus locks on to the subject – with no lag at all. The opportunities offered by manual focusing with the focusing ring on the lens guarantee an ideal symbiosis of technical capabilities and imaginative creativity. In addition, the new Leica X features a video function for capturing moving pictures in full-HD quality. The videos are recorded at a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels and 30 full frames per second and saved in the popular MP4 format.
An extensive range of technical equipment, bags and cases is also available for the Leica X (visit www.leica-camera.com for more information). Also new is the Leica Digiscoping Adapter. This allows the use of the X camera on the Leica APO-Televid 82 and APO-Televid 65 spotting scopes. No other connector between a spotting scope and a camera is as stable and simultaneously easy to use. Combined as a set, this gives wildlife watchers and photographers an opportunity to take photographs with a variable focal length from 850 to 3100 mm.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom®, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac® OS X and Microsoft Windows®, is also included in the X package. This image-processing software offers a wide range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital images. Leica X customers can download the software free from the Leica website after registering their camera.
The Leica X (Typ 114) will be available from September 2014.
And the press release for the X-E (Typ 102):
With the Leica X-E, Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, is expanding the Leica X family with a new camera model made in Germany. The particularly compact and lightweight X-E has all the features that characterize a Leica camera: an outstanding fast lens, the best materials and a premium finish. The camera also features an unmistakable design that, in the case of the X-E, is further emphasized by special details – like the titanium look of its body and control elements matched to its silver lens. Leather trim in the color metallic rounds off its elegant looks.
With technical specifications based on the X2, the Leica X-E has a professional APS-C-format CMOS sensor with over 16.5 megapixels (effective 16.2 megapixels) that ensures maximum picture quality, natural color rendition and richly detailed pictures. Its CMOS image sensor is unusually large for a camera in this class. Despite its high resolution of over 16 megapixels, each individual pixel on the sensor is very large and therefore gathers more light. The benefit of this is low image noise, a high dynamic range and accurate color differentiation. The crop factor of the sensor is 1.5 in comparison with 35 mm film format. This means that the Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens of the LEICA X-E becomes a universal reportage lens with an effective equivalent focal length of 35 mm in 35 mm film format. This is considered to be a classic focal length among prime lenses and has captured innumerable iconic images. The moderate wide-angle character and natural rendition of dimensions by the high-performance lens of the X-E open up a broad spectrum of different options for capturing those decisive moments in outstanding authentic and richly detailed picture quality.
Thanks to its simple operating concept, the Leica X-E offers clearly laid-out functions and intuitive handling. At the same time, it offers an impressive range of automatic and versatile manual setting options. Thanks to the ease of switching between manual and automatic control, photographers can concentrate completely on composing their subjects and choosing the decisive instant to shoot in any situation. What’s more, its fast autofocus enables exceptionally precise and nearly inaudible focusing. All this makes the Leica X-E an ideal companion for capturing fantastic pictures with sparkling quality in even the most spontaneous situations. In live-view mode, its generously sized, high-contrast 2.7″ monitor offers photographers constant control of composition, framing and exposure.
The elegant design of the Leica X-E is dedicated to compact ergonomics and ease of use. At the same time, its lightweight but rigid full-metal body lends it particular robustness. The use of premium materials in its construction and its finishing with a passion for details make it a genuine Leica camera in both look and feel.
The Leica X-E will be available from September 2014.
To learn more about Leica's new X cameras, you can visit Leica Store Miami's website, give us a call, or email us anytime.
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