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Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has released the M (Typ 240) Edition “Leica 60” Set which includes a unique Leica M-P (Typ 240) made from stainless steel that has no LCD screen and a stainless steel Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE. Instead of the usual collection of buttons and menu settings, the camera has a simple ISO dial on the back similar to Leica's film M cameras and shoots an uncompressed DNG file. The official press release from Leica:

This year, Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, is celebrating two special anniversaries. At Photokina 2014, the focus of the celebrations will not be exclusively on 100 years of Leica photography, but also on the 60th anniversary of the legendary Leica M rangefinder system. 

The first Leica M-Camera to possess the unique characteristics of the Leica M-System was the Leica M3, presented in 1954. A camera distinguished by absolute mechanical and optical precision and a focus on the essential parameters needed for photography. A camera with functions that clearly placed the skills of the photographer in the foreground rather than any special features the camera offered. Continuously perfected over six decades, these unique characteristics, today in combination with the latest technological innovations, still differentiate the current Leica M models from other cameras. 

And now, on the 60th anniversary of this legendary camera, Leica Camera AG presents a commemorative limited edition: the Leica M Edition 60. The set consists of a Leica M-P digital camera (Typ 240) and the fast Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, both in special versions created by Audi Design that pay homage to the essence of photography and carry it back to its origins. 

Reduced to only the essential camera features, the Leica M Edition 60 is the first digital camera to concentrate exclusively on the bare functions required for digital photography – shutter speed, aperture, focusing and ISO sensitivity. This is also the reason for the replacement of the camera’s display with an ISO selector dial. For reasons of quality, exposures are saved as raw data in DNG format. Working with the Leica M Edition 60 intentionally demands the same care and attention as working with an analogue model. Only the sensor and the entire electronics reflect the state of the art of contemporary camera technology. 

With the Leica M Edition 60, photographers compose and frame each subject in the viewfinder, set the aperture and shutter speed and press the shutter release at the decisive moment. Instead of the constant distraction of technical features and the checking of menu settings and controls, they enjoy the freedom to concentrate completely on their subjects. With this concept, Leica is once again the synonym for an art in which technology plays a role subordinate to the essentially creative aspects of photography. 

In addition to these unusual features, above all the exceptional finish of the products is an outstanding aspect of the Leica M Edition 60. Here, stainless steel – a material that is extremely difficult to work with – has been employed for the visible metallic elements of the camera and lens. Resistant and durable in equal measure, this material guarantees enduring value preservation and lends the products a refined character with a silky sheen. The premium look is further complemented by special anthracite-colored genuine-leather trim applied to the camera body. 

Strictly limited to 600 examples worldwide, the cameras and lenses of the Leica M Edition 60 feature unique matching numbers between 001/600 and 600/600. The M-Cameras also bear the engravings ‘Leica 60’ and ‘Leica Camera Wetzlar’. The special edition includes a camera protector, also created by Audi Design. 

The Leica M Edition 60 will be available starting October 2014.

To learn more about the Leica M Edition 60 set, visit Leica Store Miami's website, give us a call, or email us. This is a limited edition set and will sell out fast!

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has released silver anodized versions of two of their most popular M-System lenses: the Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE Silver Anodized and the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH  Silver Anodized. Unlike some of Leica's previous silver chrome lenses which were made from brass and quite a bit heavier than their black chrome counterparts, these two new lenses are made from aluminum and do not weigh any more than the black versions. Optically they are identical to their counterparts in black chrome as well. The official press release from Leica:

Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar now offers two of the fastest Leica M-Lenses, the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH and the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, in an alternative silver anodized finish. The technical specifications of both lenses are identical to those of their serially produced counterparts. Whether in classic black or elegant silver, the two lenses offer exceptional imaging performance and enormous versatility, particularly when shooting in available light. 

As the world’s fastest aspherical lens, the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH represents a milestone in lens construction and possesses a unique performance spectrum. At its maximum aperture, its extremely shallow depth of field enables the creation of portraits and detail studies characterized by inimitable aesthetic qualities. When used for available-light photography, the lens actually exceeds the perceptive capabilities of the human eye and delivers outstanding imaging results. Due to the very natural reproduction of perspectives and proportions by its 50mm focal length, it is also an ideal universal lens that allows true-to-life rendition of subjects under normal lighting conditions. 

The Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH combines a moderate wide-angle character with natural reproduction of proportions and is therefore also an extremely versatile lens. Regardless of whether it’s a matter of selective focus in the close-up range, high-contrast available-light applications or landscape shots with immense depth of field, the lens delivers persuasive arguments in any situation. Its focal length of 35mm, the classic for reportage photography, makes it ideal as the first lens for newcomers to Leica M-Cameras, while its low weight and particularly compact size make it perfect as part of a lightweight M-System for travel photography. 

As is the case for all Leica lenses, the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH and the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH are designed and constructed by Leica optical specialists and combine the best of optical and mechanical expertise. As particularly reliable products with enduring value, they are made in Germany from only the finest materials and assembled in an elaborate process entirely by hand. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and painstaking manufacturing procedures guarantees consistently excellent quality.

Both lenses in silver anodized finish will be available from the end of October 2014.

To see more images, tech specs, and to place an order you can see the lenses on Leica Store Miami's website. Feel free to give us a call or email us anytime with questions.

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has released a full range of new Summarit-M lenses, available in black or silver chrome. The official press release from Leica:

Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a new generation of Leica Summarit-M-Lenses. In comparison with the previous models, these new lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.4 offer improved performance characteristics and new lens design. The range of focal lengths available in the Leica Summarit-M-Lens family remains the same, with 35, 50, 75 and 90mm. For the first time, they are now available in a choice of black and silver anodized finishes. 

Manufactured using cutting-edge technologies, the Leica Summarit-M-Lenses provide exceptional imaging quality in all photographic situations. As is the case for all Leica lenses, they are designed and constructed by Leica optical specialists and combine the best of optical and mechanical expertise. As particularly reliable products with enduring value, they are made in Germany from only the finest materials and assembled in an elaborate process entirely by hand. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and painstaking manufacturing procedur

es guarantees consistently excellent quality. In summary, in the Leica lens portfolio, the Leica Summarit lenses represent an ideal compromise between lens speed and compact size. 

The Leica Summarit-M 35mm f/2.4 ASPH is the smallest and lightest 35mm lens in the Leica rangefinder system. It is the only lens of the new generation of Leica Summarit-M-Lenses to feature an aspherical lens element. 

Its high performance, light weight and easy handling make the Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 a particularly versatile lens. The angle of view of this lens corresponds to the field of view and normal vision of the human eye and offers impressively neutral and natural perspectives and proportions. It delivers high contrast, perfect image field flatness and impressive color correction. 

The Summarit-M 75mm f/2.4 is significantly more compact than other M-Lenses with similar focal lengths and achieves outstanding imaging performance. In comparison to its predecessor, the new lens now has a closest focusing distance of only 0.7 meters. In combination with the 35mm Summarit-M, it makes up an ideal pair of lenses for exploring the fascinating world of creative image composition. 

The Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 rounds off the family of Summarit-M-Lenses with an extremely versatile telephoto lens. This particularly compact lens offers ideal handling and is characterized by exceptional optical and mechanical quality. The closest focusing distance was reduced for this lens, too, to 0.9 meters 

The 75 and 90mm Leica Summarit-M-Lenses will be available from September on and will be followed by the 35 and 50 mm lenses from October. The lenses are sold complete with a lens hood and a metal lens cap.

This is an especially exciting announcement from Leica and gives M-System users many new choices for lenses to use. The silver lenses especially would work beautifully on a silver Leica T with the M-Adapter-T. The Leica Summarit-M 35mm f/2.4 ASPH could prove to be a popular new lens, as it combines Leica's legendary aspherical lens image quality with a compact size and reasonable price. To see the full tech specs of these lenses, check them out on Leica Store Miami's website and don't hesitate to email us with any questions.  Links for the individual lenses are below:

Leica Summarit-M 35mm f/2.4 ASPH Black Anodized Finish

Leica Summarit-M 35mm f/2.4 ASPH Silver Anodized Finish

Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 Black Anodized Finish

Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 Silver Anodized Finish

Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.4 Black Anodized Finish

Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.4 Silver Anodized Finish

Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 Black Anodized Finish

Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 Silver Anodized Finish

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has introduced the new Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) digital camera, which replaces the venerable Leica D-Lux 6. The new D-LUX features a large 4/3 image sensor with a 12.8 megpixel resolution, built in Wi-Fi, 4K video, an integrated electronic viewfinder and a number of mechanical manual controls including a shutter speed dial and aperture ring. The official press release from Leica:

Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a new model in the Leica D-Lux line. The high-performance Leica D-Lux compact camera features a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9–34 mm f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. zoom lens with a very fast initial aperture and an extremely practical zoom range equivalent to 24 to 75 mm in 35 mm format. In comparison to the previous model, it offers a larger Four Thirds sensor that, in combination with its lens ensures superior picture quality in all shooting situations. The familiar, extensive package of features, with automatic mode, manual setting options and improved video capability, now includes an integrated electronic viewfinder with 2.8 MP resolution and a Wi-Fi module. Together with its intuitive handling concept, the Leica D-Lux in classically elegant camera design is an ideal companion for capturing unique moments in pictures of impressive quality with a high level of creative freedom. 

The Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9–34 mm f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. zoom lens of the Leica D-Lux is perfectly matched to the camera’s large sensor. With an impressive maximum ISO sensitivity of 25600, the D-Lux guarantees pictures with natural colours and exceptional quality above all when used for available-light photography. In addition to this, its versatile zoom lens makes it an ideal camera for almost all genres of photography – from portraits to landscapes, architecture to macro, and reportage photography, the classical domain of Leica cameras. 

The camera’s video capability adds even greater versatility and allows the recording of moving pictures in 4K, the high-definition, digital video format with four times higher resolution than full HD.

The Leica D-Lux is also the first camera of the D-Lux line to offer an integrated Wi-Fi module that allows remote control of the camera from a smartphone or tablet – a particularly useful feature, for example, for shots with the self-timer function. The Leica Image Shuttle app required for this function can be downloaded free of charge and installed on iOS or Android devices. The camera can also transfer still pictures and videos via a WLAN connection. An integrated NFC (Near Field Communication) module quickly and easily sets up a Wi-Fi connection with an NFC-compatible smartphone when the phone is held close to the camera. 

The Leica D-Lux is distinguished by classically elegant, timelessly beautiful design with particular attention to simple and intuitive handling. As the prime consideration is always the picture, and distractions must be kept to a minimum, the change between automatic and manual modes is also particularly simple. The sharp, high-contrast image in the camera’s integrated electronic viewfinder displays the same exposure settings as shown on the monitor screen and ensures that the ideal composition of every subject is quickly found. Pictures can be viewed directly and reliably assessed on the high-resolution 3″ LCD monitor screen – even in bright sunlight. 

An extensive range of technical equipment and premium bags and cases is also available for the Leica D-Lux: for example, a leather case, a leather protector and the Leica Twist D-Lux. 

The Leica D-Lux will be available  from November 2014. The camera comes complete with a Leica CF D flash unit. The camera package also includes Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, the professional workflow solution for still picture and video processing, available as a free download after product registration.

To learn more about the new Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) you can check out the camera on Leica Store Miami's website. Give us a call or email us anytime with questions.