• Today, Leica Camera has announced the new M (Typ 262), a streamlined version of the M (Typ 240) with no live view or video, lighter weight care of a new aluminum top plate, a quieter shutter, and a simpler menu. […]

  • In the latest updates from Adobe, Lightroom CC 2015.3  and 6.3 for those on standalone versions, official support for Leica SL (Typ 601) DNG files has been added. Photoshop Camera Raw 9.3 is also available for u […]

    • That is strange. What version of LR do you have installed?

    • The only indications that the camera is fully supported are the proper display of camera metadata, showing there is an Adobe Standard camera profile and that the lens profile was automatically applied.

      Are you seeing these in your Develop module with SL files loaded?

    • Ah. Unfortunately, Lightroom doesn't yet support direct tethering in LR yet. In the meantime, you could use Leica Image Shuttle to put DNG files from the camera into a folder on your computer, then enable Auto Import in Lightroom, setting the watched folder to the same one you selected as output in Image Shuttle.

  • Today, Leica Camera has introduced a new version of it's popular D-LUX (Typ 109) camera, in a solid gray finish. The camera's technical specifications are identical to the black D-LUX (Typ 109) which means it […]

    • I was considering this, but instead I swapped it out to a photographer for other gear, and bought an Omega Grey Side of the Moon wristwatch. I'm still waiting for another photographer to test my Leica X-U underwater camera, under water. In the meantime, waiting to see what Leica will introduce next.

  • Today, Leica Camera has announced a new sub-brand: 0.95, with a collection of new products and boutique items. The first batch of new 0.95 Collection items includes three unique pens, a key ring pendant and a […]

    • Leica is continuing to develop and release truly excellent photographic tools. The M240, M246 Monochrom, S007, Q, and now the SL are all phenomenal.

      Coming out with a line of lifestyle products doesn't hurt this main goal any more than Porsche or BMW selling tote bags and golf shirts.

    • Leica is continuing to develop and release truly excellent photographic tools. The M240, M246 Monochrom, S007, Q, and now the SL are all phenomenal.

      Coming out with a line of lifestyle products doesn’t hurt this main goal any more than Porsche or BMW selling tote bags and golf shirts.

  • At the SL Launch event in Wetzlar last week, many wondered why Leica showed a graphic promoting the use of 6 T/TL lenses when only four currently exist. While nothing was officially announced at the time, I saw T […]

    • Hi David, thanks for the report. For what number of lines per mm are S lenses being calculated/produced? Thanks!

      • The published MTFs show data for 10, 20 and 40 lp/mm. Internally, Leica is now testing for 60 lp/mm as well.

    • To my knowledge, the TL lenses are not weather sealed. I would have no issue using it in a light drizzle though, same as I might with an M lens.

  • Leica has released a new version of firmware for the T (Typ 701). This update focuses on two areas. The first is speed. The new firmware promises to deliver much faster autofocus with T lenses, displays live view […]

  • Leica Camera USA has announced that the Exchange Rate Savings Program, which has lowered the prices of nearly all Leica photographic products* has been extended until November 30, 2015. The full details of the […]

  • When I received my invitation to the latest Das Wesentliche event to be held at the factory in Wetlzar, Germany a couple months ago, I had a fairly good idea what was coming. In fact, I think a lot of people did. […]

  • Today, Leica Camera has released a groundbreaking new product: the Leica SL (Typ 601) mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. With a full frame, 24 megapixel self-cleaning CMOS sensor, the SL (Typ 601) is packed […]

  • In July, I had a unique opportunity to test out the new Leica S (Typ 007). During brainstorming about where to go to try out the new camera, the universe kept pushing me to go to Iceland. So, with some degree of […]

    • great article on the new BEAST

    • David,

      I really enjoyed your writings on your Iceland trip. It brought back many old and good memories. When I was there I had only a Leicaflex SL and a Leica and a series of lenses 19 to 400mm. but I got great shots. I also lugged around my Linhof Master Technika on which i used mostly my 6X7 super Rollex backs. It was just too hard to work with 4X5 plate holders in the cold and dampness. Golfuss (sp) has changed a lot since I was there, for it was much more dramatic in its cascades, but that is what happens with waterfalls and the subsequent erosion of the cliff face from which it fell. By chance, did you get to hike up behind Golfuss (sp), the vista is just breath taking?

      When you spoke of you counter clockwise planned trip of 9 days, I am sorry to say, and sat back and chuckled to myself, saying, there is no way he is going to do that trip in 9 days. j used my Leicas a lot while I was there. It is too bad you did make it to, or knew of Thorsmark (a beautiful island in the middle of huge, hard running glacier river on the south coast of the country. I was there for a year stationed at the NATO air base in Keflivik. When I was there in the towns the homes were mostly just white washed, but ever home had beautifully strong colored door and window boxes. The contrasts were remarkable. My pics of the Icelandic ponies were during a late summer in an early blizzard. Did you try and get any pics of the geysers while you were there????

      In any event, thanks for the trip through Iceland again with the S-007.

      Tom

    • Thanks for sharing. Iceland has come a long way from my days there in 1979-82. The waterfalls appear to have not changed in the slightest. What? No Blue Lagoon shots?

  • It’s official. Leica has just started delivering the world’s fastest medium format digital camera, and perhaps the most advanced. When I met with the product managers for the new S (Typ 007) at Photokina, I was […]

    • Great review! Does it have a maximum exposure time? I found the maximum on the S006 limiting for nighttime/tripod photography.

      • Currently, the maximum exposure time is 60 seconds, but this might get longer in future firmware releases. I never had any issue with the limit during my testing. I think my longest exposure in 5,000 images was 32 seconds. I also went to a place where it doesn't really get dark in July. So, there's that. 🙂

        • On the 006, the max exposure time was reduced as you upped the ISO, which made 1 min/ISO100 maximum exposure. Does the 007 keep 60 seconds even on higher ISO? Is there any reason you cannot have Bulb on CMOS?

          • The times break down as follows:

            ISO100: 60 Seconds
            ISO200: 60 Seconds
            ISO400: 32 Seconds
            ISO800: 16 Seconds
            ISO1600: 8 Seconds
            ISO3200: 8 Seconds
            ISO6400: 4 seconds
            ISO12500: 2 Seconds

            Judging from this, I'd say that the best bet would be to use ISO 200, as it will be equivalent to ISO 100 @ 2 min, with very little trade-off in image quality. Going to a higher ISO nets you nothing. I'm still expecting Leica to come out with some longer exposure times in upcoming firmware releases.

    • Great pictures.
      After doing the New England trip this fall, you should schedule a group trip to Iceland.

      Thanks for your good work on the review. You have previously put the sensor resolution question to bed. This time to put the removable back issue to bed too.

      The DOF readout was good news for me.
      Jack

    • The review was terrific. I would like to see a comparison with the 006 in terms of rendering, etc. like you did with the M9 and M240.

      • Thanks. Carrying around two S cameras is a bit more effort than two Ms, so I'm not sure that I'll be doing the same kind of comparison. I did, however, take some portraits of my daughter with both cameras, as well as do some table top controlled comparisons, which I will be publishing in the near future.

    • Great review. I second Peter's request above, for a comparison between 006 and 007 — not can they be made the same, but how are the starting points different?

      But I had to laugh when I saw the map of your intended route around Iceland. I did that route two summers ago, staying indoors, with family of four and less time devoted to photography (except where there are puffins, which we all joined in to do). It took us 14 days, and we had to skip a few things.

      scott

    • Great Review David! Always enjoy hearing what your thoughts are…

    • Thanks for the comprehensive review!
      Sounds like a great camera, truly an upgrade to the 006.
      And now I want a 45mm lens…

    • Thanks for the interesting review! Great images!

    • A great report, David. Many thanks.

      I'm contemplating a similar trip and like your accommodation solution. How did the Land Rover Discovery space work out for gear stowage, sleeping and eating ? I'm 6 ft and had doubted that a comfortable nights sleep could be had. Be great to hear your views on this.

      Where did you hire the LR4 from ?

      Regards

      • The LR4 worked out great for me. I'm 5'10” and had plenty of space. I was even able to keep my boots at the foot of my sleeping bag without bumping into them while I slept. I'd say you would be fine at 6′. My camera bag was on the rear seat on the passenger side and behind that I stacked my duffel bags with clothes and food. Water bottles and butane canisters went on the floor in the back seat. I usually ate behind the wheel or sitting up in the back area, unless it was nice out. My sleeping area extended from the back of the driver's seat to the tailgate. In the LR4, you can fold everything completely flat in this space, so there are no weird bumps.

        I rented the LR4 from Geysir Car rental. They were great.

        Good luck!

        • Many thanks, David.

          It's on my bucket list. It seems very popular, but driving your accommodation is a great way to go.

          Cheers

    • Thanks David. This is a fantastic review, and wow the pictures! It seemed most photos were taken last September in Iceland, am I right? I was there in the same time frame. I compared my M9 photos with yours, it seemed the S typ7's colors were more vivid and saturated. How much PS have you done with yours? And if so, what?

      • Thanks Maurice.

        I was in Iceland in July, so the days were definitely longer than when you went in September.

        I didn't do any Photoshop work to the files. All edits were done completely in Lightroom, then exported to JPG for web. So, no layers, no blending modes, no compositing. All single shots. The S007 DNGs are the most malleable and luscious files I have ever processed. 15.5 stops of DR really helps for landscape shooting.

    • For working professionals, tools of the trade are offset by income. For amateurs, we all have our passions and priorities. Many people will spend much more than this on cars, motorcycles, musical instruments, cruises, ski vacations, fishing boats, etc. For those who love photography and appreciate top quality gear, the Leica S is an amazing tool that produces incredible results.

  • In early October, Josh Lehrer and I are heading to New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont to lead a series of Fall Foliage workshops with Leica Store Miami. With the new Leica S (Typ 007) starting to ship, we are happy […]

  • Seems the wait was worth it. While Leica may have just barely made their Summer 2015 delivery estimate, they have given S users cause for celebration. The new S (Typ 007) was originally priced at $25,400 when it […]

  • If you're one of the lucky 1500 people to have nabbed a Leica M-P (Typ 240) Safari Set but have wished that you could have a matching Thumbs Up and soft release for your safari green picture making machine, the […]

  • Match Technical Services, the manufacturer behind the extremely popular Thumbs Up line of camera accessories, has released a unique new model that fits the Leica M (Typ 240), M-P (Typ 240), and M Monochrom (Typ […]

  • Following up to their recently released Leica Q Screen Protector, this month Leica has released similar screen protectors for the Leica M (Typ 240) and the Leica T (Typ 701). The official statement, from […]

  • Today, Leica Camera USA has announced that the Exchange Rate Savings Program, which has lowered the prices of nearly all Leica photographic products* has been extended until August 31, 2015. The full details of […]

  • Today, Leica Camera has announced a new firmware version for the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240) cameras: firmware version 2.0.2.5. The new firmware adds a major (and incredibly useful) new feature that gives users of […]

  • With the new Leica S (Typ 007) on the horizon, Leica has introduced two new promotional bundles in order to clear existing stock.  When combined, this is a fantastic opportunity to get a brand new S 006 or S-E […]

  • Well, this is certainly good news. Following through on exactly what they said they would do, Leica has announced a more permanent fix for the CCD sensor corrosion issue that affects M9, M9-P, M Monochrom […]

    • David,
      I am one of the people who have an M9 with corrosion sitting in NJ and just got off the phone with Leia.
      I was told it could take up to 3 months to have my CCD replaced and it will not be with the newly announced CCD, I would have to ship my M9 back to them again when they start receiving the new sensors and they have no ETA on availability. He also mentioned that the current CCD replacement comes with a 3 year warranty.

      Oh well looks like I may must bite the bullet and go for there M240 /M-P upgrade program. I was really hoping on getting back my M9 sooner, selling it and then purchase a Leica “QM2” M240 / M-P at a reduced cost.

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