Here is a recap of the latest Leica Camera Group 2025/26 financial results:

Key Financials & Market Challenges

• Total Revenue: Reached €573 million (approx. $665.8 million).
• Year-over-Year Shift: Experienced a slight dip of 3.8% compared to the previous year’s all-time record high of €596 million.
• Market Headwinds: The slight decline was attributed to challenging conditions, including geopolitical uncertainty, unfavorable exchange rates, and stricter customs regulations.

Performance by Division

• Photo Division: Remained the primary driver of the company’s overall revenue.
• Mobile Division: Continued to record strong growth, bolstered by the ongoing smartphone partnership with Xiaomi and developments like the Leica LUX iPhone app.
• Sports Optics: Demand in this sector remained stable.
• Other Segments: Watches, accessories, home cinema projectors (Smart Projection), and spectacle lenses (Eyecare) all demonstrated positive developments and growth.

Regional Growth & Sales Strategy

• Top Market: Leica experienced its strongest growth in its domestic market of Germany.
• E-commerce: Online business contributed around 5% to the group’s year-on-year revenue growth.
• Expansion: The company continued to expand its physical store network into previously unserved regions.

Leica Camera Group Reports Robust Business Performance for the 2025/26 Financial Year

The post Leica Camera Group 2025/26 financial report: revenue down to €573 million (-3.8%) appeared first on Leica Rumors.

The previously reported Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art and 20-60mm f/2.8-4 DG Contemporary lenses for L-mount are now officially announced:

• Pre-order: B&H Photo | Foto Erhardt
• Additional information
• Impressions
• Previous coverage

The post Two new L-mount lenses announced: Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art and 20-60mm f/2.8-4 DG Contemporary appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Here is a recap of the latest production and design updates for the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 “Apochromatic” lens for Leica M-mount (as of September 6, 2026):

1. Design & Engraving Updates

• Revised Front-Ring Engraving: The front-ring design has been updated to better fit manufacturing requirements.
• Custom Engravings: A new front ring version allows for custom engravings. This is available upon request and is subject to production capacity.

2. Transition to Close-Focus Knurling

• Due to popular community demand, Light Lens Lab is shifting production to feature close-focus knurling.
• The final batch of the smooth (non-knurled) Black Paint lenses will ship in September 2026.
• All future orders will default to the knurled configuration, and lenses shipping after September 30, 2026, will feature this new design. (Customers can still request the non-knurled version on a first-come, first-served basis, but it depends on production capacity).

3. Titanium Grey Limited Edition Upgrades

• The production model will feature new position-centering pins on the body and a corresponding notch on the lens hood for perfect alignment and a secure fit.
• A new magnetic front retaining ring is included to protect the barrel and increase dust and moisture resistance.

4. Aluminum Finish Upgrades

• The standard Black Paint and Silver Chrome versions will get a new screw-on front retaining ring for the lens hood thread mount, which also improves dust and moisture resistance.

5. Updated Shipping Schedule
Because manufacturing this lens is exceptionally demanding, schedules are subject to change. The current timeline is:

• Black Paint (Without Knurling): September 2026
• Titanium Grey Limited Edition (With Knurling): October–November 2026
• Black Paint (With Knurling): November–December 2026
• Silver Chrome (With Knurling): December 2026–February 2027

• Use coupon code RUMORS for 5% off LLL lenses (order from this link)
• The full line of LLL M-mount lenses is available here.
• See previous coverage of LLL lenses here.
• Additional informtion on the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 Apochromatic lens:

The new Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 “Apochromatic” lens for Leica M-mount is now available for order

Additional information on the new Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 “Apochromatic” lens for Leica M-mount

Additional information on the upcoming Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 “Apochromatic” lens for Leica M-mount

The post Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 “Apochromatic” M-mount lens production and design update appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Leica released a new firmware update, version 1.2.1, for the Sofort 2 hybrid instant camera. Here is what’s new:

• Fully compliant with Article 3.3 of the EU Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU)
• Bluetooth: Encrypted Bluetooth communication. As part of the security update, the device must be paired again
• Bug fixes in the firmware

You can download the new firmware from this page.

The post Leica released a new firmware update, version 1.2.1, for the Sofort 2 hybrid instant camera appeared first on Leica Rumors.

NiSi released a new JetMag Pro 49MAG magnetic filter system that locks (compatible with M, Q, and D-Lux lenses). The new system is a slim ring that lives on the camera; filters snap on magnetically, and a short twist locks them so they cannot be knocked off. Orders are now open at:

• B&H Photo
• NiSi website (use code RUMORS for 10% off)

Additional information is available here:

Leica Q series compatibility

If you shoot with a Leica Q3, Q3 43, or Q3 Monochrom, this system is completely plug-and-play. Because the Summilux and APO-Summicron lenses on the Q series already feature a native E49 thread, you simply screw on the slim 49mm-to-49MAG adapter ring once, and your camera is immediately integrated into the magnetic ecosystem.

Leica M-mount compatibility

While the system is named 49MAG, it’s actually fed by a series of five adapter rings. In addition to the native 49mm ring, NiSi offers adapters for 39mm, 40.5mm, 43mm, and 46mm threads. This means a single set of 49MAG glass can seamlessly serve an entire shelf of classic M-mount lenses.

The Twist-Lock Mechanism

The most common complaint with magnetic filters is that they walk off the front of your lens the second they catch on a strap or brush against a bag. The JetMag Pro system solves this with a patented locking mechanism. The filter snaps on magnetically, but a short, deliberate twist locks the internal handle. Once locked, it cannot be knocked off. It takes about one second to swap a filter with one hand, without taking your eye off the EVF.

The NiSi JetMag Pro 49MAG magnetic filters also work with the Leica D-Lux 8 43mm thread via the 43mm-49 MAG ring.

The 49MAG range includes all of NiSi’s premium glass options:

• True Color CPL – glare control on water, glass, wet roads, foliage; no yellow cast
• FS ND8 / ND64 / ND1000 – 3, 6, and 10-stop Full Spectrum NDs
• True Color Variable ND (1–5 Stops) – variable ND for video or changing light
• Mist and Diffusion filters 1/8 and 1/4, Pure Mist 1/4, Film Glow 1/4, HDF – diffusion/glow (ideal for taking the clinical digital edge off high-resolution sensors)
• Yellow / Orange / Red – classic contrast filters for the Q3 Monochrom
• NC UV – clear protection filter
• Cross Screen 4x – four-point star effect on point lights

The post New: NiSi JetMag Pro 49MAG magnetic filter system that locks (compatible with Leica M, Q, and D-Lux lenses) appeared first on Leica Rumors.

→ “What camera belongs to your zodiac sign?” by Aftershoot.

→ The Leica SL2 camera is now listed for $3,643 on Amazon.

→ DxO released PhotoLab 10 (you can get a DxO discount with promo code RUMORS – for new customers only). Additional information is available here and here.

→ Freewell launched a new ultra-slim locking filter system for 49-95mm lenses.

→ The Artra Camera One photography-inspired watch has been updated with a new movement – see this post for more informtion, including a discount coupon code.

→ Leica M EV1: top tips and tricks.

→ The Leica Akademie at Tamarkin Camera: Narrative Portraits workshop with Mark DePaola (October 16 – 18).

→ Leica Gallery New York presents Steve McCurry: Adagio

→ Mandler 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH E46 lens review (check the official website for updates).

→ The new Leica APO Macro Elmarit SL 100mm f/2.8 lens.

→ Two Leica M4 black-painted cameras: early vs. later.

→ Leica’s secret 66mm lens re-released.

→ Repairing a 100-year-old Leica camera.

The post Leica digest #248 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Different customized M-mount metal rear lens caps are now listed for sale on eBay:

More M-mount metal rear lens cap options are available on Amazon, B&H Photo, and eBay.

The colored anodized aluminum Leica M-mount rear lens caps are available again

Red anodized aluminum body caps for L-mount cameras

The post Customized M-mount metal rear lens cap now available appeared first on Leica Rumors.

The UK-based PPP Cameras added new leatherette color options for Leica cameras (M2, M3, M6, MP, M240, and X1):

PPP Cameras also sells custom leatherettes for other brands. Check their online store for cameras, lenses, and accessories.

Previous PPP Cameras coverage:

The custom Casio M-Edition watch inspired by Leica M cameras is now in stock

New: Leica M-mount body and lens caps with AirTag

PPP Cameras released a new Leica M10/M10-P V2 screen cover with an integrated thumb grip

New Leica M10 / M11 thumb grip from PPPcameras

The post New leatherette color options for Leica cameras added at PPP Cameras appeared first on Leica Rumors.

The next Wetzlar Camera Auctions will take place on October 10th, 2026, in Wetzlar, Germany:

• Online catalog (virtual | printed)
• Bidding form

Here are the Leica highlights:

Leica 0 series (1923)
Estimated price: €1,500,000 – €2,000,000.
Two years before the market launch of the Leica, 22 to 25 cameras of what is now known as the Leica 0 series were produced for testing purposes, of which 16 examples are currently known to exist worldwide. The Leica 0 series represents the prototypes of all Leica 35mm cameras to date. The Leica 0 series cameras are indeed the most significant Leica cameras after the original Leica, and no major collection can be considered complete without at least one example.

Leica IA with Anastigmat – The Schäfer Handmuster (1923/24)
Estimated price €150,000 – €200,000.
The first handcrafted Leica IA, which served as the template for the final artwork by Barnack’s colleague Wilhelm Schäfer. A unique piece of immense historical significance.

Leica IC Luxus (1931)
Estimated price €300,000 – €400,000.
Original Leica IC Luxus with “0” calibration and light brown leatherette in exceptionally beautiful condition. To the best of our knowledge, only two examples of this model were ever produced.

Leitz prototype camera 24×24 mm (approx. 1947-50)
Estimated price €12,000–15,000.
Experimental Leica camera for the 24×24 mm format, circa 1946–48 – with central shutter and separate rangefinder, this example seems to embody the idea for an affordable entry-level model. From the estate of Barnack’s employee Wilhelm Schäfer.

Leica M3 black lacquered (1958)
Estimated price €200,000 – €250,000.
One of the very early Leica M3 cameras, specially ordered by Leitz Wetzlar and delivered in a black lacquered finish. Only about 90 of these unique examples were produced, even before the first officially black-lacquered Leica M3 series. An extremely rare find, with a double-spring winding mechanism and a black frame counter.

Leica MP black lacquered (1957)
Estimated price €300,000 – €350,000.
A camera in beautiful condition, restored at the factory in the 1970s. Typical MP repair body shell with round, chrome-plated carrying lugs.
With Leicavit MP and matching black lacquered Summicron 1:2/50 mm.

Leica M4 Prototype (ca. 1965)
Estimated price €200,000 – €250,000.
The Leica M4, released in 1968, combined the advantages of the M3 and M2, and additionally featured a 4-frame viewfinder, a rapid-loading spool, and, for the first time, an angled rewind crank with a fold-out handle. The prototype offered here still clearly shows certain hand-crafted details in its workmanship.

Leica MP grey lacquered (ca. 2015)
Estimated price €10,000 – €15,000.
Blue-grey lacquered prototype, very likely a parallel design for an analog camera to the digital Leica MP (Type 240) “Grey” Edition for the Leica Store Frankfurt. One of the most beautiful versions among modern Leica cameras.

The post Reminder: the next Wetzlar Camera Auctions is on October 10th – here are the Leica highlights appeared first on Leica Rumors.

MyBoook is a website builder for photographers built around Adobe Lightroom. You connect your Adobe account, choose which albums you want public, and they become live galleries on your own website – no manual upload, no re-export. Edit or add a photo in Lightroom and the site follows. On top of the portfolio, you get a print shop with Stripe payments, private client galleries, an Instagram feed, a custom domain, and multilingual pages. The plan starts at $9.9/month.

One of the themes, RedPoint, is built in the spirit of the Leica M, with viewfinder frame lines, a depth-of-field scale, and mechanical numerals.

  
WHY IT IS DIFFERENT

Most portfolio platforms ask you to export, resize, and re-upload your photos, then do it all over again when you re-edit. MyBoook plugs into the Lightroom cloud instead: your catalog stays the single source of truth, and the website is just a view of it. The integration runs on Adobe’s official partner API and went through Adobe’s review process.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Adobe Lightroom sync: albums become galleries automatically
• 16 themes, customizable fonts and colors
• Unlimited private client galleries
• Print shop with secure Stripe payments (the money goes to the photographer’s own Stripe account)
• Instagram feed pulled into the site
• Custom domain (or a free name.myboook.com subdomain)
• Multilingual sites and a full back office
• Google/SEO settings built in
• Free-form page composer, reusable layouts, and the Community, where photographers share and sell their own themes.

PRICING

• One MyBoook plan, everything included: $9.90/month or $99/year (the annual plan includes 2 months free). No commitment, cancel in one click.

COUPON CODE

You can use coupon code LEICARUMORS for 3 months free, one per person, on monthly or annual – see the details on this page:

• Monthly: the first 3 months are $0, then $9.90/month.
• Annual: 3 months free instead of 2, so the first year is $89.10, then the normal annual price.

You can also just type LEICARUMORS in the promo field at signup.

LINKS

• Main site: myboook.com
• Interactive demo (read-only, no signup – you can click through both the public site and the back office):
• Real example sites – for example, you can check this real live site patrick-sitbon.myboook.com:

The post MyBoook.com is a new website & gallery builder that automatically syncs with Adobe Lightroom (coupon code included) appeared first on Leica Rumors.

“The Girl with the Leica” book is now available as a biographical drama film screened at the 2026 Venice Film Festival. It is based on Helena Janeczek’s novel, which tells the true story of the woman behind the name Robert Capa. The Girl with the Leica reconstructs the brief, intense life of Gerda Taro (born Gerta Pohorylle) through the memories of three people who loved her, and at its center is the compact 35mm Leica that turned a German-Jewish refugee and anti-fascist activist into a war photographer. In 1930s Paris, her lover Endre Friedmann, soon to become Robert Capa, taught her to use the Leica. Together they invented the glamorous “Robert Capa” alias so newspapers would buy pictures from two penniless Central European Jews.

While Endre Friedmann/Robert Capa was a dedicated Leica (and later Contax) shooter, Gerda Taro actually shot many of her most famous early Spanish Civil War images on a medium-format Rolleiflex Standard (shooting square format). She didn’t switch to primarily using a 35mm Leica II (Model D) until roughly February 1937.

The post “The Girl with the Leica” film screened at the 2026 Venice Film Festival appeared first on Leica Rumors.

The previously rumored Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 limited edition lens is now officially announced. For pricing and availability, check our sponsors:

Additional information from Reddotforum:

• Modern reinterpretation of the rare Elcan 66mm f/2 developed by Dr. Walter Mandler
• Unique 66mm focal length, available to photographers for the first time
• Limited edition of 660 individually numbered lenses worldwide
• Part of the Leica Classic Line
• Distinctive rendering with high contrast and soft, harmonious bokeh at wide apertures
• Exceptional resolving power and fine detail when stopped down
• Natural perspective with subtle image compression, particularly well suited to portrait photography
• Aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction to standard Leica M lenses
• Meter and feet focusing scales arranged according to the original military specification
• Historic-style engravings including optical calculation number, internal material number and individual edition number
• “Leitz Wetzlar” engraving inspired by the original Elcan
• Compact six-element, five-group optical design
• Screw-on lens hood
• Made in Germany

Screenshot

This reinterpretation of the historic spy lens extends the Leica Classic Line by adding the unique 66 mm focal length

Dr Walter Mandler developed the Elcan 66 mm f/2 at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s. Designed for use by the US Navy, only around 200 units were produced. This makes the lens one of the rarest in the Leica M-System, giving it special optical and historical significance. To honour this lens, Leica Camera AG is presenting a reinterpretation of it by expanding its Classic Line with the new Summicron-M 66 f/2.

Dr Mandler was already regarded as a leading authority in optical design back then. He developed a bespoke lens for covert reconnaissance photography in response to a US Navy commission. According to Dr Mandler, Head of Development and Vice-President of Ernst Leitz (Canada) Ltd. in Midland, Ontario, at the time: “The Naval Intelligence Service wanted a lens that looked like any other but delivered an unparalleled level of resolution.” The unusual focal length of 66 mm was no coincidence, but rather the result of striking a precise balance between maximum resolution, fine contrast rendition and a compact design. This extraordinary, rare spy lens, with a purely military history, embodies one of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of the Leica M.

Historical accounts also suggest that equipment of this type found use beyond its original US Navy commission, among Western allied partners during the Cold War. Many Elcan 66 mm f/2 lenses are also associated with the Leica KE-7A, the special military variant of the Leica M4. Together, camera and lens formed compact sets for discreet photography in situations where exceptional detail was essential.

The original sets were supplied with an instruction manual that explained how to destroy the camera and lens in the event of capture. Striking in retrospect, this detail reflects the sensitivity of the assignments for which the equipment was created, while the lens itself remains remarkable for the optical performance that made such use possible.

The new Summicron-M 66 f/2 continues this story and represents the first time that Leica is making this focal length available to all photography enthusiasts. While the optical design  is based on the original, it has been optimised and adapted to meet today’s standards, just like the lens body. As with the Elcan, the Summicron-M 66 f/2 differs mechanically from standard Leica models: its aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction to that of standard M-Lenses, and the distance scale arrangement follows military specifications. The engravings are reminiscent of the original design and have been reinterpreted for the Summicron-M 66 f/2. Thanks to a visibly finer typeface, the new 66 mm focal length stands out from current Leica lenses.

The post Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 limited edition lens officially announced appeared first on Leica Rumors.

After the Leica SL and Metal Gray announcements, here is an updated list/recap of expected/rumored Leica cameras and lenses (see all previous reports here):

• Leica M11-P Hammertone limited edition
• Leica M11-R camera
• Leica M12 (rumored for 2027)
• Leica Q3 43 Monochrom
• Leica SL3 Reporter metal gray
• Leica mirrorless medium format camera
• Leica M-mount lens rumors:
  • Leica APO-Summicron M 50mm f/2 with close focusing
  • Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 (expected tomorrow)
• Leica L-mount lens rumors:
  • Leica SL APO 135mm
  • Leica SL 85mm f/1.4 (probably based on Sigma design)
  • Leica SL 18-50mm
  • Leica SL APO-Summicron-SL 24mm f/2 ASPH
  • Leica SL 28-105mm or 24-105mm f/4

The post What’s next for Leica? (September 2026 update) appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Tomorrow, Leica is rumored to announce a new Summicron-M 66 f/2 limited edition lens – here is what to expect:

• Based on one of the rarest and most historically significant lenses in the Leica M-System: the Elcan 66 mm f/2 (never released for public sale)
• A spy lens originally developed by Dr. Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s for the US Navy
• Only around 200 units of the original Elcan 66 mm f/2 were ever produced (strong collector appeal)
• Limited edition to 660 pieces (why not 666?:)
• Announcement rumored for September 3rd (Thursday)
• Part of the vintage/historical/heritage/classic collection
• Price is expected to be around 9,000 dollars/euros
• Additional information on the original Elcan 2/66mm can be found here:

Leica rumored to announce a new Elcan 66mm f/2 limited edition lens next week on September 3rd

For pre-order options, check our sponsors:

The post Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 limited edition lens announcement rumored for tomorrow – here is what to expect appeared first on Leica Rumors.

The new Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8 lens is now available for pre-order:

• Additional information
• Previous coverage
• Press release:

Announced: Leica SL3-P, Summilux SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, and APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8

The post The new Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8 lens is now available for pre-order appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Here is the final official information on the upcoming Mandler 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH E46 lens for Leica M-mount (previous coverage | product page | additional information):

• Pricing
  • Black aluminum (290g): $368
  • Silver gray chrome-plated brass (385g): $548
• Announcement time:
  • London time: September 20th, 2026, 3 pm
  • NYC time: September 20th, 2026, 10 am
• For most destinations worldwide, Mandler covers shipping costs and applicable taxes.
• Every lens comes with a one-year warranty and dedicated after-sales support
• The LTM version will be available later
• The new Mandler 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH E46 lens combines modern craftsmanship with new-generation materials and is refined through multiple rounds of development.
• Technical specifications, MTF chart, lens design and additional pictures:

• Modern refinement/recreation of the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH E46 (Leica’s final pure-spherical f/1.4 50mm from the 1990s, the last spherical version before the ASPH design).
• Leica M-mount with built-in 6-bit coding; full-frame coverage.
• Optical design: 7 elements in 5 groups, pure spherical double-Gauss structure (no aspherical elements).
• Incorporates ED low-dispersion and HRI high-refractive-index glass for significantly improved chromatic aberration control.
• Claimed strong performance wide open: sharp at f/1.4 with solid edges; central resolution comparable to (or better than) many mainstream aspherical lenses and the original E46.
• Soft, creamy, smooth bokeh with gentle transitions and distinctive 3D subject separation character typical of pure spherical designs.
• Custom (amethyst/gold-style) coatings intended to recreate warm, rich 1990s-era color rendition with a classical oil-painting-like tonal quality.
• Minimum focus distance: 0.5 m (improved from the original E46’s 0.7 m), with relatively short focus throw.
• Built-in/integrated retractable lens hood.
• 12 aperture blades; aperture range f/1.4–f/16.
• Filter size: 46 mm (E46).
• Compact size: approximately 34 mm long × 52 mm diameter.

“In the world of Leica’s 50mm lenses, one optic has been the subject of conversation for more than half a century—the SUMMILUX‑M 1:1.4/50 PRE‑ASPH.

Back in the 1960s, when computers had yet to enter the realm of optical design and aspherical elements were still a rarity, a lens was born purely from the designer’s hand calculations and a deep, intuitive feel for glass. Such was the genesis of the Summilux‑M 1:1.4/50 E43.

As the gears of time turned into the 1990s, computer technology had become ubiquitous in optical design, and multi‑coating techniques had matured considerably. Through optimisation and refinement of the E43, Leica delivered its ultimate spherical answer to the standard 50mm Summilux: the 1:1.4/50 E46.

It carried forward the classic optical framework of the E43, yet introduced numerous thoughtful enhancements. In many ways, it struck a perfect equilibrium between sheer optical quality and distinctive character—achieving near‑aspherical resolution with a spherical construction, while retaining the uniquely alluring bokeh that spherical lenses are celebrated for.

To bring this legacy back to the hands of today’s photographers, we have meticulously refined it through four optical revisions and five rounds of prototyping, polishing every element until it sang.

Coming soon: Mandler 50mm f/1.4 E46 PRE-ASPH lens for Leica M-mount price and specifications revealed

The post Mandler 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH E46 lens for Leica M-mount: final official information, release date, and pricing appeared first on Leica Rumors.

 
→ The 26.4MP Leica S1 medium format digital camera was introduced 30 years ago at the 1996 Photokina show in Cologne, Germany. Only about 150 cameras were sold, and the price new was €17,000. Additional information is available here (see also history of Leica cameras).

→ New wooden Leica Q3 model 1:1 replica camera with wooden display box now available for sale on eBay.

→ Panasonic releases four new Lumix S and G series lenses featuring a new fluorine coating and anti-reflective design.

→ Owlkrown released several new limited editions Flex Cases for Leica M11 & M EV1 cameras:

• Hot Lava
• Python Brass
• Emerald Gloss
• Taupe Gloss
• Ruby Gloss
• Buffalo Hide

→ First hands-on pictures of the Leica M-A “Leica Historica” 50th anniversary limited edition set with a matching APO-Summicron-M 1:2/35 ASPH lens.

→ Gura Gear camera back sale ends tomorrow.

→ Leica zooms vs primes: Which is right for you?

→ Wetzlar Camera Auctions: Leitz Summilux 50mm f/1.4 black paint lens.

→ Europe’s biggest camera vault.

The post Leica digest #247 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

I recently toured Owlkrown’s facility in Miami, expecting a boutique operation (their slogan is “Made in Miami”). What I found was a working machine shop.

The equipment is the part I keep thinking about. Mazak Integrex multitasking centers, plus Haas, Doosan, and Tsugami Swiss machines: capital equipment that usually earns its keep on aerospace and medical parts, running instead on camera grips, base plates, adapters, eyecups, and shutter toppers. Aluminum, solid brass, and 17-4 stainless go in as bar stock, and then each part takes coolant-on cuts, roughly a dozen tool changes, dimensional QC, and polishing before anyone will let it out.

Put plainly, that is an absurd amount of machine for an object this small. It is also the only way to hold the tolerances a Leica body demands, because the part either indexes to the camera or it does not, and no finishing step can rescue a plate cut loose.

The other half of the building is quieter. Leather cut and assembled by hand for the strap side of the catalog. One room measures tolerance in microns; another measures it by eye and feel, and the same product line comes out of both.

Previous coverage of Owlkrown products can be found here (some Owlkrown products are also sold at B&H Photo).

Here are some of the prototypes of their new modular FlexPlate for Leica SL3/S/P cameras with dual memory card & Airtag pockets:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (LR) (@leicarumors)

Owlkrown announced a new modular FlexPlate for Leica SL3/S/P cameras with dual memory card & Airtag pockets

Owlkrown released a new accessories for Leica M11/MEV1/Q2/Q3 cameras

The latest Owlkrown accessories for Leica cameras

The post A look inside Owlkrown’s Miami manufacturing facility appeared first on Leica Rumors.

I can now confirm the rumored Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 limited edition lens – here are the updated details:

• Based on one of the rarest and most historically significant lenses in the Leica M-System: the Elcan 66 mm f/2 (never released for public sale)
• A spy lens originally developed by Dr. Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s for the US Navy
• Only around 200 units of the original Elcan 66 mm f/2 were ever produced (strong collector appeal)
• Limited edition to 660 pieces (why not 666?:)
• Announcement rumored for September 3rd (Thursday)
• Part of the vintage/historical/heritage/classic collection
• Price is expected to be around 9,000 dollars/euros
• Additional information on the original Elcan 2/66mm:

Leica rumored to announce a new Elcan 66mm f/2 limited edition lens next week on September 3rd

The post New Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 lens confirmed: leaked picture and details appeared first on Leica Rumors.

 
I am not 100% sure yet, but I think Leica could also announce a new SL3 Reporter camera in metal gray or a similar color like the existing Q3, M11-P, and D-Lux 8 versions:

All three new Leica metal gray cameras are now in stock: Q3, M11-P, and D-Lux 8

The post Leica could also announce an SL3 Reporter camera in metal gray appeared first on Leica Rumors.