Funleader will release a new Artizlab Classic-M 50mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M-mount in November 2026. The lens is inspired by the classic Leica E43 Summilux 50mm f/1.4, featuring a compact vintage-style design and a minimum focusing distance of 0.45 m.

Check the official website for updates. You can find previous coverage of Funleader lenses for M-mount here.

Additional information on the new lens:

Artizlab’s craftsmanship pays homage to the classic Leica E43 (Summilux 50mm f/1.4), capturing the vintage character and rendering of this legendary lens. Visually, it faithfully recreates the original’s compact metal body and iconic hammered-finish lens hood. Optically, it recreates the vintage Leica’s warm color rendition, smooth tonal transitions, and distinctive bokeh. More than a faithful recreation, it brings a closer-focusing experience to the classic design. With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.45 meters, compared with 1 meter on the original, it offers greater flexibility for portraits, street photography, and close-up shots.

Here are some sample photos from the upcoming lens, taken with the Leica M9, Leica M11, and Sony A7 cameras:

The post New Artizlab Classic-M 50mm f/1.4 lens for M-mount coming in November 2026 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Light Lens Lab is teasing a new M-mount lens:

 

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The post Light Lens Lab is teasing a new M-mount lens appeared first on Leica Rumors.

→ Leitz announced iD Mount, which adds a metadata interface for lens identification to Leitz HUGO and Leitz SUMMILUX-C lenses.

→ The next Tamarkin Rare Camera Auction will take place on November 21, 2026.

→ Check out the new Red Dot Photo Workshops website by Leica Store Miami.

→ Dr Ronny Fritsche is leaving Leica Camera.

→ Leica opens its first mainland integrated venue in Shanghai.

→ Everything Happens All the Time street photography documentary (2026).

→ The Art of Leica.

The post Leica digest #251 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

I will be traveling in the next few days and will have limited Internet connectivity. Blog posts on the latest news and rumors could be delayed or non-existent. Responding to emails will take a while. While I am offline, you can check the following Facebook groups for the latest photo gear news:

Leica

• Leica M11 M11P M11D M11M M11V
• Leica M10 M10P M10M M10R M10D
• Leica M EV1
• Leica M12
• Leica Lenses
• L-Mount
• Leica Watches
• Sigma
• Voigtlander
• Zeiss
• PhotoRumors

You can follow LeicaRumors on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Threads | YouTube.

The RSS feed is https://leicarumors.com/feed/.

You can subscribe to email notifications on FeedRabbit for free (you will need to enter the LeicaRumors RSS feed: https://leicarumors.com/feed/).

And of course, thanks for being a reader!

The post Offline for a few days appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Leica released a new silver LUX smartphone grip, LUX app version 2.0, and a new artist look by Steve McCurry. For pricing and availability, check our sponsors:

Additional pictures:

Additional information:

Leica Camera AG Is Expanding Its Ecosystem for iPhone Photography

The post Leica released a silver LUX grip, app v2.0, and a new artist look by Steve McCurry appeared first on Leica Rumors.

The previously reported four new Viltrox AIR lenses for L-mount are now officially announced and available for order (Viltrox already had two L-mount lenses):

• Viltrox online store: use code NIKONRUMORS for 10% off
• Amazon US | Amazon DE
• B&H Photo

Pricing and availability:

• Viltrox AF 14mm F4.0 Air L MSRP – $199 / €229 / £190
• Viltrox AF 20mm F2.8 Air L MSRP – $168 / €189 / £165
• Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5 Air L MSRP – $176 / €189 / £165
• Viltrox AF 50mm F2.0 Air L MSRP – $199 / €229 / £190

Key features:

• Four new compact prime lenses: 14mm F4.0, 20mm F2.8, 40mm F2.5, and 50mm F2.0
• Ultra-lightweight, highly portable designs
• 14-50mm provides a complete range of scene vs subject options
• Excellent minimum focal distances and maximum magnification for their class
• Sharp, clean images with minimal aberration
• Native L-Mount support with in-camera correction

Additional information:

The AF 14mm F4.0 Air L: An Ultra-Wide Perspective in a Compact Design

At just 172 g, the AF 14mm F4.0 Air L combines an expansive 112.6° ultra-wide field of view with a compact, lightweight design. The wide perspective makes it easy to bring more of the environment into frame, while the 0.13 m minimum focusing distance and 0.23x maximum magnification provide added flexibility for closer creative perspectives.

Its 12-element, 9-group optical design, incorporating 4 ED, 2 HR, and 2 aspherical elements, is designed to deliver sharp, clean images, while also controlling chromatic aberration and other optical aberrations.

The AF 20mm F2.8 Air L: Wide, Versatile, and Easy to Carry

The AF 20mm F2.8 Air L offers a versatile wide-angle perspective in a compact form, providing a broader view while maintaining a natural sense of space. At 159 g, it is designed for creators who want the flexibility of a wide, portable lens while still drawing the frame to a subject.

With a 0.19 m minimum focusing distance and 0.17x maximum magnification, the lens still provides the capacity for closer compositions. Its optical design consists of 10 elements in 8 groups (2ED, 1HR, and 2 aspherical elements), which ensures sharp images across a wide range of shooting conditions.

The AF 40mm F2.5 Air L: A Natural Perspective for Everyday Creativity

The AF 40mm F2.5 Air L offers a balanced perspective that draws a natural subject focus while retaining a view of the surrounding environment. Weighing just 169 g, it provides a compact option for everyday photography, street shooting, travel, and visual storytelling.

Its 0.34 m minimum focusing distance and 0.14x maximum magnification add flexibility for closer subjects, while the 10 elements in 6 groups optical design (1ED, 3HR, and 1 aspherical element) supports clean, detailed image rendering.

The AF 50mm F2.0 Air L: A Lightweight Standard Prime for Everyday Creativity

Weighing just 205 g, the AF 50mm F2.0 Air L brings a classic perspective to the Air Series in a compact, lightweight form. Its F2.0 aperture offers greater flexibility for portraits, lifestyle photography, and everyday shooting, while providing additional versatility when working in lower-light conditions.

With a 0.51 m minimum focusing distance and 0.11x maximum magnification, the lens offers the capability for closer compositions. Its optical design consisting of 13 elements in 9 groups (3 ED, 4 HR, and 1 aspherical element) is designed to deliver sharp, clean images while controlling optical aberrations.

Viltrox roadmap: four new lenses for L-mount and more

Viltrox to announce four new L-mount lenses next week

Viltrox unveiled new lenses at IBC 2026

The latest new and upcoming lenses from Meike, Viltrox, 7Artisans, TTartisan, Laowa, Sirui, and SG-image

The post Viltrox announced four new AIR lenses for L-mount: 14mm f/4, 20mm f/2.8, 40mm f/2.5, and 50mm f/2 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

In addition to the Lailens 35mm f/3.5, the Lailens 50mm f/1.5 Kino Plasmat‌ lens for M-mount is now also finally available for sale on eBay:

• Black version
• Silver version

Previous coverage and additional information on the Lailens 50mm f/1.5 lens can be found here:

A new limited-edition Lailens LTM 50mm f/1.1 KP lens for M-mount released in Japan

New Lailens 50mm f/1.1 (M-mount) and 35mm f/1.9 (L39 mount) lenses from China

The post Also now available: Lailens 50mm f/1.5 Kino Plasmat‌ lens for M-mount appeared first on Leica Rumors.

The new Mandler 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH E46 lens for Leica M-mount is now open for orders (previous coverage | product page | additional information). Here are the details on the new lens:

• 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.

The post Now available for order: the new Mandler 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH E46 lens for Leica M-mount appeared first on Leica Rumors.

→ Viltrox will announce four new L-mount lenses next week (previously reported here; Viltrox currently has two L-mount lenses; use code NIKONRUMORS for 10% off):

• Viltrox AF 14mm f/4
• Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8
• Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5
• Viltrox AF 50mm f/2

→ Insta360 and Leica bring creators together for an exclusive Luna Series experience in New York.

→ Lexar and Leica present Threads of Time: a journey through silk and lens at Leica Gallery Amsterdam.

→ New Leica Store in River Oaks District, Houston location officially announced.

→ Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8.

→ Leicas of the CEO: Leica M7 Titanium, Black M7 & MP.

→ Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10th 2026.

→ Repairing a 100-year-old Leica camera.

The post Leica digest #250 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

You don’t have to be a paying member of a website in order to get discounts from certain brands – here is an updated list of photo gear promo codes you can use. Most of the coupon codes require the purchase to be made from the provided links:

Lenses

• Viltrox 10% off code: NIKONRUMORS
• Light Lens Lab 5% off code: RUMORS
• TTartisan 5% off code: RUMORS
• 7artisans 5% off code: RUMORS
• BrightinStar 5% off code: RUMORS
• Funleader 5% off code: LEICARUMORS
• Sirui 5% off code: RUMORS
• Thypoch 5% off code: THYPOCH
• Mr. Ding Studio 5% off code: 2025YLSZMRAE
• DK-Optic lenses $100 off code: DKOPTIC202607

Software

• Luminar 10% off code: RUMORS (use code RUMOR20 for 20% off promo code until September 20th)
• Aftershoot 15% off code: RUMORS
• DxO 15% off code: RUMORS
• ON1 20% off code: NIKONRUMORS20
• AlexOnRAW 10% off code: RUMORS
• MyBoook 3 months for free: PHOTORUMORS

Accessories

• FieldMade 10% off code: RUMORS10
• Gura Gear discount code: RUMORS
• IDSworks 5% off code: RUMORS
• AkaraLabs 5% off code: LEICARUMORS
• SmallRig 12% off code: RUMORS
• Artra CameraOne watch $25 off code: LEICARUMORS
• NiSi lenses and filters 10% off: RUMORS

Camera bags

• Gura Gear 10% off code: RUMORS
• Oberwerth 10% off code: RUMORS

Other

• Insta360 code: INRPWDO
• Lifepixel $35 off priority processing: RUMORS

Via PhotoRumors

The post You don’t have to be a paying member to get discounts from those brands appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Panasonic announced a new LUMIX S 20mm f/2.5 compact prime lens for Leica L-mount:

• B&H Photo
• WEX Photo
• Foto Erhardt

Additional information on the new lens:

• Full-Frame | f/2.5 to f/22
• Ultracompact Prime Lens
• Strong Low-Light Performance, Soft Bokeh
• Supports Crop Zoom
• Minimum Focusing Distance:7.1″
• 7-Blade Circular Diaphragm
• Dust-, Splash- & Freeze-Resistant Design
• 62mm Filter Size

This ultra-compact Panasonic LUMIX S 20mm f/2.5 Lens is precisely engineered for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators. Designed to maintain a small footprint while delivering full-frame image quality that excels in low light via its wide f/2.5 aperture, this fast prime excels in multiple scenarios. Machined to produce consistently sharp images, this fast prime offers a robust focusing system with quick, smooth, and silent operation.

• Ultra-Compact Full Frame Prime Lens
• Bright maximum f/2.5 aperture helps maintain faster shutter speeds in low light and keeps images clear without overpushing ISO values.
• Optimize your workflow by assigning custom functions such as Crop Zoom to the lens function button or control ring.
• Lightweight and compact, the lens weighs 0.31 lb and measures 1.6″ in length.
• This hybrid photo and video lens provides a natural, ultrawide angle of view ideal for architecture, landscapes, interiors, street scenes, and environmental portraits.
• The circular 7-blade diaphragm produces a pleasing bokeh quality for strong subject separation in portraits, between the in-focus and out-of-focus regions of the image.
• Equipped with a 62mm front lens thread to accommodate additional lens filters.
• Front lens element is coated with fluorine, making it easy to remove dirt and oil from the surface.
  Splash-, dust-, and freeze-proof design enables working in inclement weather conditions down to -14°F.

The post Panasonic announced a new LUMIX S 20mm f/2.5 compact prime lens for Leica L-mount appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Lailens has a new 35mm f/3.5 lens for the Leica M-mount, nicknamed “The White Queen,” that pays homage to the classic British Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 optical design. This is a limited edition of 299 pieces.

The lens is now available for order on eBay for $599.

Here are the details on the new lenses:

Lailens 35mm f/3.5 lens for Leica M/L39 mount

Lailens pays tribute to the classic 35mm f/3.5 “White Beauty” lens. The team at Lailens disassembled two original lenses and replicated the optical structure and imaging essence at a 1:1 ratio:

ANASTIGMAT Anamorphic Optics
Built on the classic anamorphic lens design, this retro optical product is revitalized with modern precision manufacturing, delivering a unique vintage aesthetic.

Silver metallic body with a gold aperture ring
Silver metal body with a gold aperture ring, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Every detail is refined for a unique vintage aesthetic. The precision mechanical focus ring offers a smooth, durable feel.

• Compatible mount: Leica M
• Compatible sensor size: 35mm full-frame
• Manual focusing lens
• Focal length: 35mm
• Aperture: f/3.5-f/22
• Anastigmat lens design
• Minimum distance: 0.6 meters
• Filter diameter: 23.5mm
• Price: $599

See the eBay description for additional information.

Previous coverage of Lailens is available here:

A new limited-edition Lailens LTM 50mm f/1.1 KP lens for M-mount released in Japan

New Lailens 50mm f/1.1 (M-mount) and 35mm f/1.9 (L39 mount) lenses from China

The post You can now buy the new Lailens 35mm f/3.5 lens for Leica M-mount appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Leica released several new firmware updates for M10/M11 cameras:

• Leica M11/M11-P/M11-D/M11 Monochrom/M EV1 firmware update 2.6.4
• Leica M10-P firmware update 5.26.35.51
• Leica M10-D firmware update 3.25.50.34
• Leica M10/M10 Monochrom/M10-P/M10-P ASC/M10-R – firmware update XX.26.35.51

The release notes are available here.

The post Leica released new firmware updates for M10/M11 cameras appeared first on Leica Rumors.

→ Insta360 today announced the previously reported Luna Pro gimbal camera – the newest addition to the Luna series, co-engineered with Leica (pre-orders: Amazon | B&H Photo | Insta360 store).

→ Duracell is selling batteries for Leica M8/M9 cameras in the UK. The battery is also listed on Amazon Germany. For US readers, check this post.

→ The 50mm battle royale: Summilux M vs. APO Lanthar vs. The Undisputed SL King.

→ 3 Legged Thing launched a new modular, tactical tripod system on Kickstarter (additional information).

→ Viltrox officially unveiled several new L-mount lenses at the 2026 IBC show (previously reported here).

→ Here are some of the new products announced at the 2026 IBC show (see the full list here and this blog post).

→ Pre-orders for the new ON1 Photo RAW 2027 are now open. Use coupon code NIKONRUMORS20 for an additional discount when ordering from this link (additional information).

→ New Leica Store coming to Houston, Texas – it will be located inside the West Loop on Westheimer.

→ The Leitzphone is being re-released in a limited run of 200 units in Japan.

→ Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 limited edition lens first look.

The post Leica digest #249 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

I don’t remember the last time we saw savings on the Leica M system. You can now save up to $1,250 when you buy the M EV1 with a lens in the US:

Leica M EV1 + Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 lens kit

• Leica M EV1: $9,290
• Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4: $4,600
• Total: $13,890, listed for $12,890 ($1,000 savings)

Leica M EV1 + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 lens kit

• Leica M EV1: $9,290
• Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4: $7,200
• Total: $16,490, listed for $15,240 ($1,250 savings)

Update – the offer is also available at Leica Store Miami:

The post Rare Leica M discount: you can now save up to $1,250 when you buy M EV1 with a lens in the US appeared first on Leica Rumors.

You can now buy Leica logo LED light-up signs for $30 on eBay. Several different models and sizes are available:

The post You can now buy a Leica logo LED light-up sign for $30 appeared first on Leica Rumors.

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.