Member Kirsten Vignes

As part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has introduced a range of new camera bags and straps, some produced in partnership with high-end manufacturers all over the world. The first new item is the Leica System Case by Schedoni, a well-known Italian leather goods maker. The official press release and images:

At Photokina 2014, Schedoni, the Italian leather-goods manufacturer from Modena, and Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, will be presenting the first accessory created in a collaboration between the two companies: a premium leather bag that, thanks to its ingenious design, may be used both as a classic camera bag and as a business bag for discerning owners. 

Each Schedoni for Leica bag is painstakingly handcrafted from north Italian cowhide saddle leather by highly skilled and experienced leather workers. The production of a single bag using these traditional craft principles takes approximately 18 hours and involves the precise sewing of exactly 112 individual pieces of leather. The cognac-colored leather is tanned in a traditional, purely organic process. This process is particularly environmentally friendly, as it involves no chemicals or other toxic substances. 

The inside of the bag is manufactured from selected, lightly sanded nubuck leather and lends the bag its inimitably velvety character. The dividing elements inside the bag can be easily exchanged and flexibly configured to create customized compartments for holding cameras, lenses and other photographic accessories. With these dividing elements removed, the bag is ideal for carrying documents and other business paraphernalia. A special sleeve compartment for a laptop computer and an integrated leather pocket for fountain pens and writing utensils increase the versatility of the bag and make it a perfect and stylish companion for everyday business use. 

All metal fittings are made of the finest brass, refined by palladium plating. The threads for the eye-catching contrast stitching are sourced from Germany. The bag will be available in a strictly limited edition of only 100 units and will bear a discreetly placed edition number on the inside. 

The next item is a pair of bags by the French company Aneas. The press release and images:

Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents the Aneas Edition for Leica, a premium camera bag in a strictly limited edition. This accessory was produced in collaboration with Aneas, the French artisan workshop well known for their use of the finest leathers and elaborate finishing. The portfolio of this prestigious company embraces an extensive collection of bags of all kinds: for example for travelling, business and hunting. 

Handcrafted in brown organically tanned leather, the Aneas Edition for Leica is distinguished by its discreet, yet equally elegant, premium design. It also features an ingeniously designed compartment concept for which suggestions provided by photographers were taken into account. Thanks to a cleverly designed sliding wall system, compartments can be customized to meet individual needs. The bag also features a convincingly simple closure concept.

The Aneas Edition for Leica is available in the sizes S and M in a limited edition of 500 examples of each. In the smaller, more compact version, the bag offers sufficient space for a Leica camera (M, T or X), up to two lenses and various accessories. A camera, up to three lenses, a flash unit and accessories find ideal stowage space in the larger version. 

The Aneas Edition for Leica bags will be available from the end of October 2014.

Finally, Leica has worked with the Japanese company Artisan & Artist for a new bag and two new straps:

With the Artisan & Artist Edition for Leica, Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a system bag that unites superior material qualities and finishing in a perfectly designed product concept. Just like Leica, the Japanese manufacturer of premium camera accessories Artisan & Artist has a passion for handcrafted excellence, attention to detail and painstakingly selected materials. The result is a compact and exceptionally high-quality bag that is ideal for short trips and city travel with only the essential camera equipment. It provides sufficient space for basic camera gear: for instance, for safe and convenient stowage of a Leica M with a lens attached, an alternative lens, batteries and SD cards. 

The use of the finest leather together with hard-wearing weatherproof nylon in the manufacture of the Artisan & Artist Edition for Leica bag lends it an especially stylish look. Hand-sewn stitching and contrasting elements in red define its classically elegant design. Inside, the bag offers an ingeniously designed soft inlay that offers ideal protection and adaptability. When the inlay is removed, the camera system bag becomes a discreetly elegant shoulder bag for everyday use. The sewn-in inner pocket offers space for carrying additional film, memory cards or a spare battery. 

A hand strap and a carrying strap in plaited green-brown silk are available separately as optional camera accessories to match the Artisan & Artist Edition for Leica system bag. The elaborate plaiting process makes them exceptionally strong and tear-resistant. Protective tabs for the hand-sewn leather end pieces protect the camera body and prevent scratching. 

The Artisan & Artist Edition for Leica system bag will be available from November 2014.

To learn more about the new bags and straps, you can visit Leica Store Miami's website, give us a call, or email us anytime. Links for each item:

• Leica System Case, Schedoni
• Leica System Case by ANEAS, Small, Brown
• Leica System Case by ANEAS, Medium, brown
• Leica System Case, Artisan & Artist
• Neck Strap, Artisan & Artist, Silk Green
• Wrist Strap, Artisan & Artist, Silk Green

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has introduced new Ultravid HD Plus Binoculars. The new models are the Ultravid 7×42 HD – Plus, Ultravid 8×42 HD – Plus, and the Ultravid 10×42 HD – Plus. The new Ultravids are brighter, have more contrast, and better color rendition thanks to a new glass coating process. The official press release:

Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a new generation of the Leica Ultravid HD 42 binoculars. In comparison with earlier models, the optical performance of the new Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 42 with respect to light transmission has been significantly improved again. 

A decisive role in this is played by new coating methods that deposit thin films of special substances on the lens surfaces under ultra-high vacuum in a so-called high temperature plasma process. In addition to this, the prisms of the new binoculars are made from specially formulated SCHOTT glasses with exceptional transmission characteristics (SCHOTT HT glasses). The significantly increased light transmission, particularly in the blue-violet band, ensures not only higher image brightness, but also better color transmission and considerably improved twilight vision. 

In addition to a brighter viewing image, the Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 42 binoculars therefore also offer increased contrast performance in all viewing situations, and particularly in unfavorable light. 

The Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 42 models are available with 7×, 8× and 10× magnification and are identified by an engraved ‘HD’ in red on the strap lugs of the binoculars. 

Otherwise, all the proven features of the Leica Ultravid HD family remain unchanged in the new HD-Plus 42 binoculars – first and foremost, high-quality optics, mechanical excellence and user-friendly design. The binoculars feature exceptionally high-quality lenses that reduce flare to an absolute minimum. This guarantees excellent colours and contrast, outstanding image brightness, clarity and optimum resolution of details. Here, innovative AquaDura® coating ensures a crystal-clear view in all weathers and protects the lenses against scratching and abrasion. In terms of handling, the binoculars are ideally matched to their users’ needs and frequent use under even the most extreme viewing conditions. The shock-absorbent armoring protects the binoculars against damage while also providing excellent grip for safe and steady handling. 

The new Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 42 binoculars will be available from November 2014. Each model is supplied complete with a padded, high-quality Cordura case for optimum product protection. Also included are front lens and eyepiece caps and a contoured neoprene carrying strap.

To see the full tech specs of these new binoculars, you can check them out on the Leica Store Miami website. If you have any questions or wish to place an order, don't hesitate to call or email us.

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has introduced a number of new sport optics accessories including a new tripod, two tripod heads, and a range of digiscoping adapters. The full list of new items:
Leica Tripod C-170
Leica Video Head VH1
Leica Video Head VH2
Leica Digi-Adapter X (Typ 113)
Leica Digi-Adapter T2 for M
Leica Digi-Adapter T2 for T
The official press release for the tripod and heads:

Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, has expanded its range of additional equipment for wildlife and nature observation. Now new to the portfolio are the Leica 170 C tripod and two video tripod heads in different sizes, the Leica VH1 und VH2. The new products are ideal in combination with Leica spotting scopes, binoculars and Leica cameras and are optimised for outdoor use. The use of high-quality materials guarantees absolute reliability in even the toughest conditions. With this Leica equipment, users have ideal additions to their gear to help them experience and capture the wonders of nature in almost any situation. 

The robust Leica 170 C tripod is a durable and lightweight piece of equipment manufactured from premium magnesium and carbon and offers maximum stability. Its compact dimensions make it easy to carry and an ideal addition to any user’s equipment without the burden of unnecessary weight. The tripod is supplied complete with a 32-centimetre centre column that extends the height of the tripod to 195 centimetres (without a tripod head). 

The two Leica video tripod heads, the Leica VH1 and VH2, are distinguished by their compact design and ease of use. The smaller video tripod head, the VH1, is particularly light and is ideal for observation with a spotting scope or binoculars, or for photography with cameras like the Leica M and the Leica compact cameras. Despite its small size, it guarantees shake-free observation and unique insights into the natural world. The VH2 video tripod head is only slightly larger and provides a stable and secure platform for digiscoping and photography with larger lenses. Its smooth and fluid action with a panning handle makes panorama filming jerk-free and ensures smoothly flowing video recordings. Both Leica video tripod heads are designed in a way that enables users to bring their equipment into precisely the desired position and perform adjustments with a minimum of effort. At the same time, the video tripod heads exert an enormous locking power that ensures that the equipment is always safely secured and can be brought easily and effortlessly into any desired position. 

This new equipment, the Leica 170 C tripod and the Leica VH1 und VH2, is also fully compatible with other Leica photographic accessories. This means not only that the new tripod can be used in combination with the Leica 24/38 ball heads, but also that the Leica video tripod heads can be mounted on the Leica travel tripod. 

The accessories will be available from Ocotber 2014.

To learn more about these new sport optics accessories, visit Leica Store Miami's website, give us a call, or email us anytime.

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica Camera has announced a firmware update for the Leica T (Typ 701): version 1.2. The firmware includes new features that simplify overall handling for users and offers new creative possibilities.

The new firmware will offer the following features & improvements :

• Dial Lock – the soft dials can be locked and unlocked by a long tap gesture on the respective dial icon.
• Switch Live View Still & Video – the video recording live view can now be shown prior to recording by swiping horizontally over the live view display.
• Playback in EVF – the playback mode is now available in the EVF. It shows the still images in playback mode and also flipping through the single images is possible. Zoom and playback of video is unavailable.
• Digiscoping scene menu – the newly available Digiscoping Adapter for the Leica T allows the Leica T to be used for digiscoping.  There is a dedicated scene mode for this application.
• Auto Review – an “Off” functionality is added to the “Auto Review” function.  (The playback time is reduced to a minimum but cannot be removed completely removed.)
• Zoom function playback – in playback, the zoom in zoom out function is simplified. A simple double tap on the image triggers a 30% zoom in while a further double tap zooms back to full screen again.
• Reset – the current Wi-Fi settings & user profiles can be kept even after reset.
• Wi-Fi – the reconnection time to know Wi-fi networks has been shortened
• Keyboard – typing handling has been improved by re-adjusting and scaling the keyboard design.
• Soft dial indication – the indication of the adjusted soft dial is improved via new icon design.
• Exposure compensation indication – the neutral EVO setting is now indicated also in the info bar.
• Flash indication – with short shutter speed time, the flash cannot be released even though it is set to forced on, the “flash not possible” icon is shown while half pressing the shutter release button for indication.
• Automatic monitor brightness – the steps within the brightness adjustment of the “Automatic Monitor Brightness’ have been minimized, making the transitions more smooth to the viewer’s eye
• Bug fixes and general performance improvements.

This is a major update for the Leica T and includes many user-requested changes. The ability to lock the dials is very handy, as is adding an “off” setting to Auto Review. The firmware can be downloaded here: Leica T Firmware 1.2

You can find a step-by-step visual guide to updating the firmware on the Leica T (Typ 107) here: How to Update the Firmware on the Leica T

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica has released the Leica M-A (Typ 127) 35mm film rangefinder camera in black and silver chrome finishes. The Leica M-A is a fully mechanical film camera that, unlike the Leica MP, features no light meter and does not use a battery. The black chrome model has a finish similar to the Leica M Monochrom, instead of the black paint finish on the Leica MP. A roll of Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film is included in the box! The official press release from Leica:

With the Leica M-System, Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, is one of the few manufacturers still producing both analogue and digital cameras. In this, the company can draw from decades of experience in the construction of the finest precision-engineered cameras. Now – 60 years after the first Leica M rangefinder camera, the M3, left the factory to significantly change the world of photography – we have chosen the occasion of this anniversary to present a new analogue model: the Leica M-A. 

As a purely mechanical rangefinder camera, the Leica M-A stands for a return to photography in its most original form. Without reliance on a monitor, exposure metering or batteries, photographers can explore entirely new creative horizons. Because, with a camera reduced to only essential camera functions, users of the M-A can now concentrate entirely on the essential parameters of subject composition – namely focal length, aperture and shutter speed – and on capturing the decisive moment. 

From its shutter-speed dial and the aperture ring on the lens to the characteristic rangefinder focusing principle – the technical specifications of the Leica M-A are essentially based on the currently available analogue Leica MP. All of its precision-engineered components and functions are designed and constructed for absolute robustness and a long working life, and are housed in a painstakingly hand-built metal body. This ensures that the Leica M-A, as a product with particularly enduring value, brushes aside every challenge with absolute dependability. 

The visible elements of the Leica M-A are as timeless as the precision-engineered principles employed inside it. For example, the Leica red dot was omitted to emphasise the classical simplicity of its design. Seen from the side, the Leica M-A is significantly slimmer than its digital counterparts. 

The camera can be supplied in a choice of two different finishes: the classic appearance of the silver chrome version carries forward the traditions of 60 years of Leica M design. In the black chrome alternative, the M-A is reminiscent of the style of the M Monochrom and sets new standards in unobtrusiveness and discretion. While the silver chrome version of the M-A displays its origins in the engraving on its top plate, only much closer scrutiny of its completely matt black counterpart reveals the discreetly engraved Leica script on its accessory shoe. 

Each Leica M-A is supplied complete with Kodak Tri-X 400 black-and-white film, which is also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Since its appearance on the market in 1954, its unmistakeable look, exceptional sharpness and tonal gradation, extremely broad exposure latitude and very good shadow detail made this black-and-white film a firm favourite and the classic medium for art and reportage photography. 

The Leica M-A will be available starting October 2014.

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

Today, as part of their Photokina announcements, Leica Camera has announced a firmware update for the Leica X Vario (Typ 107): version 1.1. The new firmware update takes into consideration suggestions by customers and includes mainly operational changes in addition to fixing minor bugs.

The firmware includes the following operational improvements:

• Direct exposure correction – in ‘A’ mode and ‘T’ mode the Exposure Value compensation functionality is in direct access on the scroll wheel
• Info button – the info button confirms menu selections in the same way the menu/set button confirms them. It also starts the playback function in video playback mode.
• Flash button – the flash button is now only activated when either the internal flash is opened up or an external Leica flash is attached.
• Audio Volume – video playback mode the volume is adjustable via the top and bottom button on thumb pad
• New functionality item ‘Auto ISO’: – selection of shutter speed times is extended to the range of 1s to 1/1000s. If ‘Auto ISO’ is selected, it stays active in M mode too.

These updates are welcome and users of the X Vario will especially be happy to have the extended range of shutter speeds available for Auto ISO mode. The firmware can be downloaded here: Leica X Vario Firmware 1.1