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Today, Leica has announced a new camera: the Leica X Vario (Typ 107). Leica has been slowly teasing the market with this camera for a few weeks now, branding it as the “Mini M.” Now that we have the camera in hand, I can see exactly where the logic comes from. The Leica X Vario is more than just an X2 with a zoom, it handles and operates very much like the new Leica M (typ 240).

The Leica X Vario features a Leica Elmar lens with an equivalent focal length of 28-70mm and aperture range of f/3.5-6.4. This lens is mated to a new APS-C CMOS sensor with 16.1 megapixels. The X Vario, made in Germany, is solid; in hand it feels much like the new M. The rear LCD is another similarity, boasting 920,000 pixels over 3 inches diagonal. The camera fits perfectly in between the Leica X2 and the M:

The official press release, from Leica:

Leica Camera proudly presents the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) -a groundbreaking compact camera which combines a large APS-C format with a zoom lens to offer customers the best possible quality and versatility in a compact camera.

The Leica X Vario (Type 107) features several significant technical, design and handling characteristics of the Leica M. With the AF Leica Vario Lens offering an equivalent zoom range covering 28 to 70 mm and full-HD video recording, the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) expands the creative options for the user while offering easy and automatic operation.

Benefits at a Glance:

• Newly developed Vario Lens: Leica Elmar 1:3.5-6.4 (28-70 mm equivalent)
• Newly developed APS-C CMOS Sensor with an effective resolution of 16.1 Megapixels
• Iconic design using high quality materials (milled aluminum top cover)
• Simple operations including manual adjustment options
• Precise and fast Auto Focus
• Best in class image quality and full HD video
• Connection for high resolution electronic viewfinder for new photographic perspectives
• Versatile accessories
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, the comprehensive solution for modern digital photography
• Made in Germany

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR LENS & APS-C CMOS SENSOR
The Leica Vario-Elmar 28-70 mm f/3.5 -6.4 ASPH (35 mm equivalent) and the APS-C CMOS sensor ensures images of unsurpassed brilliance. The size and quality of the sensor means low image noise, high dynamic range and accurate color differentiation. The wide-angle to telephoto zoom range of the Leica X Vario (Type 107) offers photographers the options for many more creative compositions: indoor scenes, impressive landscapes or intimate portraits. The Leica X
Vario (Typ 107) allows users to change focal length easily and quickly to spontaneously capture the perfect moment. In addition, the autofocus is fast, extremely precise and virtually silent while the switch from autofocus to manual focusing is intuitive -simply move the focusing ring on the lens from MF to AF mode.

INTUITIVE HANDLING
The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) offers a simple handling concept which allows the photographer to concentrate on the picture. All functions and controls are clearly laid out, and settings can be changed in an instant to meet the needs of any photographic situation. The user-friendly menu interface displayed on the high-resolution 3” monitor provides a
clear overview of all settings at a glance.

FULL-HD VIDEO
The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) offers a full-HD video recording option with a 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 full frames per second. A video can be made by simply starting and stopping a single button on the camera’s top plate. The full-HD videos can be saved using the MP4 format and uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any conversion. An integrated wind-cut filter ensures outstanding audio clarity.

THE ART OF ENGINEERING -MADE IN GERMANY
The design and finish of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) reflects the ultimate in the art of engineering with attention to detail and the use of the finest materials. The top plate is machined from solid aluminum while the magnesium and aluminum body is trimmed with soft leather. The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) provides the user with a visual and tactile experience which is synonymous with a Leica made in Germany.

In addition to the camera, Leica is also introducing a number of new accessories:

[U]HANDGRIP[/U]
The optional handgrip allows the photographer to hold the camera with one-hand and provides a better grip and steady handling of the camera. The handgrip can be used with finger loops similar to those used with the Leica M (Typ 240). The finger loops are available in three sizes.

LENS HOOD
The lens hood is screwed on the front lens thread of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and improves the contrast by minimizing stray light. The lens hood comes with a traditional full metal front lens cap.

EVER READY CASE
The ever ready case is made from high quality leather. Available in either black or cognac,
the simple and elegant design offers a perfect fit while protecting the camera.

PROTECTOR
The X Vario Protector is designed for optimal protection when housing the camera. Made of high-quality soft leather, it features striking grips on the back and front for ergonomic handling. The protector is available either in black or cognac.


WRIST AND NECK STRAPS
The wrist and neck straps combine quality and ergonomics and can be used with the Leica X or M cameras. With its integrated protection flap, the camera is secured from scratches. The wrist and neck straps are available in black and cognac.

A few more photos of the X Vario (Typ 107):

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) is available for immediate delivery. For pricing and detailed specifications, see: Leica X Vario at Dale Photo & Digital. Email us or call with questions.
 

Leica has released their first firmware update for the Leica M Monochrom, version 1.002. The firmware update offers the following improvements:

• Bugfix to improve stability in “Discreet-Mode
• Linguistic improvements in French, Italian
• Improved stability when the camera is connected to USB

The firmware is available for download on the Monochrom Downloads Page on Leica's website.

Instructions for updating the Leica M Monochrom Firmware