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During the week of December 6-11, Leica brought its famed Leica Akademie workshop series to Miami Beach. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the two workshops held (David went to the other) at The Hotel of South Beach. The workshop was oriented around using the M9 in the target-rich environment of South Beach which features a unique blend of Art Deco architecture, sun burnt tourists, and colorful locals.

The three-day workshop began with an evening presentation by Leica Akademie Director Tom Smith and photographer Craig Semetko. This also gave everyone the opportunity to introduce themselves and show samples of their past work.

Taking a moment to relax on Lincoln Road in South Beach. Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux-M, 1/250 sec at f/2.0, ISO1250

The next morning, both Tom and Craig presented; Tom discussed some of the finer points and techniques for mastering the M9 and Craig gave everyone some street photography tips. Tom gave everyone the assignment to photograph a fellow workshop attendee, encouraging us to get “as close as possible” to familiarize ourselves with the minimum focus distances of various Leica M lenses. Leica had plenty of lenses and M9 bodies on hand for participants to check out for the weekend including the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux. We were then let loose on the streets of South Beach to shoot for the rest of the day.

A close-focus portrait of fellow Leica Akademie attendee Stu Bazerman Leica M9 with 75mm Summicron-M, 1/250 sec at f/2.0, ISO500

I brought along three M lenses to accompany an M9, (with my trusty Thumbs Up attached): the new 35mm f/1.4 Summilux FLE, the 50mm f/2.0 Summicron, and the 75mm f/2.0 Summicron. All three lenses and the body fit perfectly in an Artisan & Artist ACAM-7100 (along with a few extras like a viewfinder magnifier, extra battery, and a few memory cards).

A couple shares a moment and a light. Leica M9 with 50mm Summicron-M, 1/1500 sec at f/8.0, ISO500

By far my most used lens was the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux FLE; this was my first opportunity to put the lens through its paces in a real shooting environment. Needless to say I was very impressed. This might not be an easy lens to find, but it is worth every penny. The 50mm was useful for some mid-range photos, but I found myself reaching for the 75mm when I was unable to get physically closer to my subject. Using that lens wide open at f/2.0 is addicting!

A woman finds time for a quick nap on the patio of a hotel near the beach. Leica M9 with 75mm Summicron-M, 1/125 sec at f/2.0, ISO1250

On the third and final day of the workshop, we had the morning to shoot, with files for critique due around 2pm that day. After a few hours to shoot and finish editing, we had a group critique which gave everyone the opportunity to share some of the work they did over the past few days. It was a lot of fun to see everyone's unique perspective on what South Beach had to offer, especially since we were all shooting around the same area, at the same time, with similar gear, sometimes within a few feet of each other.

One of the more attractive locals in South Beach. Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux-M, 1/90 sec at f/8.0, ISO1250

Overall, my experience at the Leica Akademie was both entertaining and educational. Spending time with both the instructors and my fellow participants brought me back to my days as a photography student in Rochester, completely immersed in shooting and learning. From a beginner to a seasoned enthusiast, I would recommend the Leica Akademie as a chance not only to learn about maximizing the potential of your Leica camera, but also to meet fellow Leica photographers (and see some really cool Leica gear).

Do you envy your kids? Leica M9 with 50mm Summicron-M, 1/1500 sec at f/2.0, ISO1600

If you are interested in attending an upcoming Leica Akademie workshop in the South Florida area, check out this recent post here on Red Dot Forum for more details.

Just another day in Miami. Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux-M, 1/60 sec at f/1.4, ISO1600

Anyone that knows me knows that my passion for cameras and photography is equaled only by my passion for fast cars. Fortunately, I live in South Florida, the exotic car capital of the world. Year-round beautiful weather and salt-free roads bring together car enthusiasts from all parts of the country. As a photographer attending many car shows, my objective is more than just enjoying the opportunity to appreciate a beautiful automobile; I want to capture it for posterity.

The Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach brings together some of the world's rarest Ferraris and other exotics. Leica S2 with 35mm Summarit-S, 1/1000 sec at f/5.6, ISO320

A 700 horsepower Lamborghini Aventador shows its true colors. Leica S2 with 35mm Summarit-S, 1/500 sec at f/5.6, ISO320

My previous “go-to” camera for general walk-around photography has been the venerable Leica D-Lux 5. While that camera is no slouch, I have found it unable to capture the true detail, richness, and tonal range of the cars and locations I have been traveling to. The prospect of taking a medium format digital camera to a car show would have been almost laughable to me just a few years ago. However, at the last few events I have taken the Leica S2 with the 35mm and 70mm lenses, and have taken this casual photography to a new level.

The typical car show environment, in this case the Cars on Fifth show in downtown Naples, Florida. More than 30,000 people attended the show, which featured over 450 exotic cars. Leica S2 with 35mm Summarit-S, 1/500 sec at f/5.6, ISO320

A day spent in the Florida heat walking around with a camera can be a challenge, especially if you need to carry a flash or a tripod. I knew that I desired none of these items in my bag when out shooting. Using the S2, I set my ISO to 320, shooting mode to aperture priority, and set out to make pictures. Any normal amount of daylight allows me to set my aperture to about f/5.6 and shoot hand held without any issues, keeping my shutter speed 1/125th or faster.

A trio of rare supercars: the Ferrari F40, Ferrari Enzo, and Noble M400. While you cannot see this in the photo, I am surrounded by iPhone photographers. Leica S2 with 35mm Summarit-S, 1/250 sec at f/6.8, ISO320

All day I see hundreds of Canon and Nikon SLR's (and dozens of iPhones), many with basic kit lenses, struggling to capture sparkling chrome and flamboyant paint colors. Snapping away with the S2 I look like another guy with a DSLR. Aperture priority and autofocus work extraordinarily well with the well lit, high contrast subjects before me, and the massive optical viewfinder of the S2 makes composition a breeze compared to the D-Lux 5's LCD screen.

A real treat, the Aston Martin One-77 is a $2 million exotic rarely seen outside of private collections. Leica S2 with 70mm Summarit-S, 1/350 sec at f/5.6, ISO320

Should I feel compelled to point my camera at something that isn't the price of a moderately sized family home, I take the S2 back to familiar territory. This is the ultimate landscape camera, and fitting for my first experience on the Gulf coast of Florida. A cold, windy day did not deter at least one family determined to make the most of their vacation.

The Gulf of Mexico on a cool Florida day, in Naples, Florida. Leica S2 with 35mm Summarit-S, 1/1000 sec at f/6.8, ISO320

Replacing my standard “point and shoot” camera with the Leica S2 has been an absolute pleasure, and a bit of a surprise that the S2 can handle itself so well as a hand-holdable camera to carry around for a day or more. Lately I have been leaving the 70mm at home and just using the 35mm, given the frequently difficult task of getting a photo of a rare car without my fellow gawkers in the frame.

A number of race-ready Porsches are lined up along Fifth Avenue in Naples, Florida. Leica S2 with 35mm Summarit-S, 1/250 sec at f/6.8, ISO320

Often I am asked what people are shooting with the S2, as many assume it is only designed as a studio camera to be permanently affixed to a tripod. If my experiences show anything, that just the opposite is true. The Leica S2 will be my travel camera for the foreseeable future. With a 2,000+ shot battery life and rock-solid auto focus system I can concentrate on taking pictures instead of fiddling with equipment. The weather sealing is a nice perk as well; a quick rain shower or some ocean spray do not bother the camera one bit.

A Ferrari F430 Spider's interior is almost as nice as its exterior. Leica S2 with 70mm Summarit-S, 1/500sec at f/5.6, ISO320

I would encourage anyone currently using the S2 to bring the body with a 35mm lens out somewhere you might normally bring a compact camera, set your ISO to 320 and shoot away!

The Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. The gentleman in pink was kind enough to pose for me even though he did not know it. Leica S2 with 35mm Summarit-S, 1/1000 sec at f/8.0, ISO320

Leica is doing a great job with the Leica Akademie North America program. I attended the M9 Weekend with Craig Semetko in December and had a fantastic time. This time around, Leica is offering two one-day […]

As the new Leica S-Camera Microprism Screen begins to ship in the United States, and with the Leica S-Camera Screen with Grid currently available, we have created a handy instructional video that demonstrates […]

Leica Camera just announced that they will be changing the Leica M camera leatherette cladding for several M cameras. The
following M cameras will soon have a leatherette cladding as opposed to the previous […]

A frequent companion when I am out shooting with the Leica S2 on a tripod is the Leica S-Camera Remote Release Cable. As with most electronic cable releases, this 24 inch (61 centimeters) long release allows the […]

Today, Leica has announced firmware update version 1.0.2.0 for the Leica S2. This update adds support for the new Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. Below is the official press release:

Solms, Germany […]

Today, Leica has announced Firmware Update Version 2.0 for the D-Lux 5 camera:

Solms, Germany (December 16, 2011) – Leica Camera AG announces the release of a new firmware update for the Leica D-Lux 5. […]

During Photo Plus Expo in New York I had the opportunity to sit down with Leica S2 product managers Stephan Schulz and Toni Felsner at the Leica S-Studio to chat about the S System. I had a few product questions, […]

Today, Leica Camera introduced firmware version 1.176 for the Leica M9. This new firmware includes the following updates:

1. Bug fixes:

• Fix of a seldom-occurring error when initializing the SD-card.
<br […]

Here's the latest news from Leica on the progress of the new corporate headquarters and factory to be built at Leitz Park in Wetzlar. I saw these same renderings last month when Dr. Kaufmann spoke at the LHSA […]

Last year, we posted our Leica S2 Instructional Video series on YouTube and they were a big hit. We received a lot of requests for more videos, and we are pleased to announce that we have completed our next video […]

Today, Leica Camera introduced firmware version 1.174 for the Leica M9. This new firmware includes the following updates:

1. Bug fixes:
Leica Camera has become aware of customers experiencing […]

Kodak announced today that it has sold its Image Sensor Solution division (ISS) to Platinum Equity for an undisclosed amount. Hopefully, under Platinum's new ownership, ISS will continue to produce its excellent sensors, which are used in both the Leica M9 and the Leica S2.

Press release:

ROCHESTER, N.Y., November 07 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced today that it has completed the sale of its Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) business to Platinum Equity in a move that will sharpen Kodak’s operational focus and strengthen its financial position.

While the financial details were not disclosed, Kodak will have continuing access to the image sensor technology involved in this transaction for use in its own products. Kodak has previously communicated that it would sell assets that are not central to its transformation to a profitable, sustainable digital company. This sale is aligned with that strategy to generate cash to complete the transformation.

Included in the sale is a 263,000 square foot facility in Eastman Business Park in Rochester, N.Y., that houses manufacturing and research facilities.

The ISS business develops, manufactures, and markets the world’s highest performance solid state image sensor devices. Over the past 30 years, Kodak’s image sensors have delivered unrivaled image quality and innovative features for use in a broad range of demanding imaging applications. From precision manufacturing inspection to digital radiography, from earth imaging satellites to traffic monitoring, from the world’s highest performing studio photography cameras to DNA sequencing systems, customers around the world rely on high-performance products from ISS in the most mission-critical applications.

Platinum Equity is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets.

“Image Sensor Solutions is a business that is well-positioned in the high-performance imaging markets in which it participates,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Digital Imaging Group, and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “This sale maximizes shareholder value by obtaining a full and fair valuation for this business, and allows Kodak to increase its financial flexibility.”
Jotwani noted that Platinum Equity brings significant financial and operational resources to the ISS business and a comprehensive plan to ensure its continued success.

“Platinum Equity is an ideal acquirer of Kodak’s ISS business because they are committed to the success of the business for the benefit of customers and employees,” Jotwani said. “I’m very pleased that we have such a favorable outcome for all of our constituents.”

Platinum Equity focuses on acquiring businesses that can benefit from the firm’s extensive in-house capability and expertise in transition, integration and operations.

“This is a great opportunity to acquire a business with an impressive record for delivering innovative solutions to customers around the world,” said Brian Wall, the partner at Platinum Equity who led the team pursuing the acquisition. “The ISS business has a strong management team with the right vision for leading the company into the future. We share their commitment to product development and customer service and are committed to helping the business realize its full potential.”

Wall said Platinum Equity’s experience managing complex transitions from corporate parent companies will benefit employees, customers and other partners.

“Our operations group will work hand-in-hand with the management team to ensure a seamless transition while allowing the organization to stay focused on delivering world class imaging products and solutions,” said Wall. “We are proud to have forged a unique divestiture solution in partnership with Kodak that serves the best interests of everyone involved.”

At Photo Plus Expo in New York City, Leica introduced the new Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH wide angle lens for the S2. I received a lot of questions as to why Leica would come out with a lens so similar in focal length to the existing and already quite amazing Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5 ASPH. For the Leica S2 Pro Format, a 30mm is equivalent to a 24mm FOV (field of view) on the 135 format. This actually compliments the 35mm Summarit-S quite nicely, which has an equivalent FOV of 28mm. For decades, 24mm and 28mm have been important and distinct wide-angle focal lengths in the Leica stable of lenses. And, when the 24mm f/3.5 lens is released next year, the S-System will have an incredible wide-angle line-up of 19, 24 and 28 equivalent focal lengths.

With this new S lens, Leica had an opportunity to build upon the basic optical design of the 35 and make the changes necessary to widen the angle of view without sacrificing optical quality. This certainly isn’t the first time that Leica optical designers have modified existing designs to other focal lengths. In the M system, this is now the norm. Examples of this can be found in the 18 and 24 Elmar, 50 Lux and 75 APO, 21 and 24 Lux. In order to maintain the same 82mm front diameter, a 1/2 stop slower maximum aperture of f/2.8 was employed.

I had the opportunity to do some quick and dirty test shots with the new Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH lens at Leica’s demo studio. My first casual hand-held shots inside the studio showed that the 30mm was right in line with the other four S lenses quality-wise, which is what I’d expect. So, instead of trying to do extensive testing of the lens itself when time was limited, I decided that it might be interesting to put the 30mm and 35mm head-to-head. This would demonstrate the differences as well as the similarities between these wide-angle brethren.

Handling of the lenses is, for all practical purposes, identical. Their weight, size and balance are pretty much indistinguishable. They even share the exact same lens shade. Looking through the viewfinder, though, it’s clear which is the wider lens.

I ventured out onto the small balcony of the 10th floor studio to get some shots of the city. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a straight-on skyline shot, as the balcony was only on one side of the building – the one with a large building right next-door. So, I used the lovely chain link fence on the balcony’s edge to show variation in perspective and also test the difference in depth of field. I did my best to figure out the hyperfocal distance on the new lens by bracketing my focus from infinity to 1m and selecting the image with the most foreground DOF while retaining crisp details at infinity. And, even though I am familiar with getting the most usable DOF out of the 35, I used the same method in order to have an optimal result for comparison. Both were shot at f/13, which I’ve found to offer the sweet spot for maximizing DOF without losing sharpness to diffraction.

Leica S2 with Elmarit-S 30mm, 1/30th @ f/13, ISO 160, tripod Crop 1 | Crop 2

Leica S2 with Summarit-S 35mm, 1/30th @ f/13, ISO 160, tripod Crop 1 | Crop 2

For the second image, I wanted to show detail from different sections of the image without worrying about carrying DOF. The other end of the balcony offered a view of the Hudson River with a lot of details. Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid that pesky (and ugly) brown pyramidal building next-door from showing up in the lower right hand corner of the images.

Leica S2 with Elmarit-S 30mm, 1/45th @ f/11, ISO 160, tripod Crop 1 | Crop 2 | Crop 3

Leica S2 with Summarit-S 35mm, 1/45th @ f/11, ISO 160, tripod Crop 1 | Crop 2 | Crop 3

Again, the additional coverage of the 30mm shows a larger field of view. Here, I’ve provided a few 100% crops. Crop 1 shows the very lower left corner, Crop 2 shows center left and Crop 3 shows the bottom edge. Both lenses show excellent detail and sharpness across the entire frame.
From what I’ve seen so far, the 30mm doesn’t disappoint. Leica has delivered a one-two punch for the two most commonly used wide angle focal lengths, both stellar lenses in their own rights. When the 24mm starts shipping next year, Leica should have the undisputed best wide-angle lens lineup for medium format. With low distortion, sharpness from center to edge and extremely fast apertures, these lenses push the limits of optical design and demonstrate that Leica knows a thing or two about making great lenses.
The 30mm is now available for pre-order from Dale Photo & Digital at a cost of $7,495. The lens should start shipping by the end of 2011.
Feel free to add to the existing discussion thread in the Forum section, here.

Today, Leica introduces the fifth S lens to the S-System, the Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. With a 35mm equivalent of 24mm, this lens will offer an option for those looking for something a bit wider than the 35mm […]

Last week I was in Pittsburgh, PA for the LHSA Annual Meeting. We had the unique opportunity to shoot pictures inside Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Fallingwater at Bear Run, which is about an hour and a half drive […]

Breaking news this morning: ACM Project Management has sold a 44% minority stake in Leica Camera AG. ACM previously owned approximately 98% of the shares of Leica Camera AG and has, on several occasions over the last several years, attempted to take the company private with 100% ownership. I believe that one of the reasons for Leica's current success is Dr. Kaufmann/ACM's long-term strategy in the face of the global economic meltdown. While others companies were concerned with maintaining short-term shareholder value by laying off workers and slashing R&D budgets, Leica grew its workforce by more than 10% and double-downed on R&D. Indeed, looking in hindsight, this was a logical and extremely smart move, but at the time, I'm sure it was deemed very risky. My hope is that Blackstone Group allows Kaufmann and the Board to continue running Leica with its current strategy for continued success, and that the extra infusion of capital provides for much-needed expansion to manufacturing.

The press release follows:

Leica Camera gains strategic investor in Blackstone, ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH will remain the majority shareholder

London, Solms: The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX) and ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH today announced they have agreed a strategic partnership whereby investment funds advised by Blackstone will acquire, indirectly through a holding company, a 44% minority stake in Leica Camera AG (“Leica”), to support Leica’s international growth plans. ACM and Blackstone have agreed that the value of the transaction will not be disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q4/2011.

Headquartered in Solms, Germany, with 1,150 employees, Leica has a long tradition of manufacturing premium-segment cameras and sport optics products. Over the past sixty years, Leica has grown to become a leading German brand and is seen as the epitome of German engineering excellence and an ambassador of the “Made in Germany” quality seal. Leica has become synonymous with the best tools of the trade, blending hand-crafted quality with a dedication to precision mechanics and producing the best optics the industry has to offer.
Building from this highly successful market position, Leica now endeavours to expand the business into new markets. Blackstone is seen as the right partner to support Leica management to achieve these goals in light of its global footprint, in particular with significant operations in Asia, and its development capital and strategic expertise.

Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica commented on the transaction: “With Blackstone we have gained an experienced and internationally established strategic partner, which also understands and appreciates the established brand philosophy and business model of Leica. Following the successful turnaround of the business and record sales last year, we are now focused on the continued development of the brand, its products and our growth plans into new markets such as Asia, South America and the Middle East. ACM has no plans to sell more shares in Leica Camera AG. Our long term strategy is to accompany Leica Camera in its continued expansion worldwide.”

Axel Herberg, Blackstone Senior Managing Director, said: “Leica is deeply rooted in Germany’s history and we would like to help grow the business in a manner that is true to this heritage, ensuring that the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Leica unique is preserved. We are very excited about supporting Leica to secure long-term commercial relationships, specifically in emerging markets, and help strengthen the company’s operational and retailing capabilities globally.”

Leica Camera AG concluded the 2010/2011 financial year with record sales of € 248.8m. The Hessen-based traditional manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products increased turnover by 57.2 % compared to the previous year (€ 158.2 m). The operating result (EBIT) increased almost six fold: it rose from € 7.4 m in 2009/2010 to € 41.6m. The consolidated surplus also took a positive turn: at € 36.3 m it is more than eleven times the previous year’s figure (€ 3.2m). The sales increase is attributed above all to the strong demand for the two camera systems, Leica M and Leica S.

This morning, Leica announced a Titanium Limited Edition Set of the extremely popular D-Lux 5. Besides the anodized titanium-look finish, a matching titanium-colored calf leather case is included. Initial […]

One of the most frequent wish-list requests we get from S2 users is to have a really good long telephoto. The Leica APO-Tele-Elmar 180mm f/3.5 is an amazingly good lens, but sometimes it just isn’t long enough. S […]