Leica Matte Black M Monochrom ‘Stealth Edition’ that Glows in the Dark

Leica Camera and Marcus Wainwright of rag & bone Collaborate for Special Edition M Monochrom (Typ 246)

The new ‘Stealth Edition’ set underscores Wainwright’s quest for purity and perfection with a sleek, matte black version of the distinctive Leica M Monochrom

March 8, 2018 – Today, Leica announced an unprecedented special edition of its unique digital rangefinder camera with a black-and-white sensor: the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) ‘Stealth Edition.’ Limited to just 125 sets worldwide and designed by Marcus Wainwright, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of the New York-based fashion brand rag & bone, the special edition camera and accompanying Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. lens matches Leica’s high standard for quality and craftsmanship, with a new twist. With the M Monochrom camera, Wainwright, a longtime Leica photographer and enthusiast of black-and-white photography, has intensified the highly coveted unobtrusive nature of the camera with a unique matte black look and glow-in-the-dark accents for added functionality.

“For me the Leica M system personifies the pursuit of perfection in an object designed for a singular purpose. Inspired by that, I was aiming to try and further refine and perfect the M Monochrom – an almost impossible task – by distilling it to its purest form and highlighting the stealth nature of the camera and lens,” Wainwright said.

Staying true to Leica’s integrity and his focus on the essentials, Wainwright sought to perfect the iconic design of the Leica M camera with an aesthetic that marries purity with function. The ‘Stealth Edition’ of the Leica M Monochrom is quite possibly the most discreet camera on the market today, with both camera and lens dressed in an unassuming black matte finish and minimal branding to eliminate any distractions from the purity and integrity of the design. Only the most important engravings for photographic settings are highlighted on both the camera and lens, each crafted with a with a striking glow in dark fluorescent paint for optimal use in low-light situations. A jet-black, extremely smooth cowhide leather trim adds a layer of texture to the camera and excellent grip for the on-the-go photographer.

The ‘Stealth Edition’ set maintains all the hallmark features of the original M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. lens. The sensor of the Leica M Monochrom is liberated from color filters, recording only luminance values to capture light with unparalleled sharpness and integrity, even at high ISO ranges. Along with its low susceptibility to image noise, bright viewfinder and rangefinder, ultra-quiet shutter release, and unique design, the ‘Stealth Edition’ set enhances the pursuit to “see in the dark” by broadening horizons for available-light photography and the creation of dynamic atmospheric images.

Meanwhile, the lens has the classic street photographer’s focal length of 35 mm and impresses with high imaging performance and uniquely pleasing bokeh. Despite its high speed and exceptional image quality, its dimensions are astoundingly compact. Paired with this lens, the Leica M cameras become extremely compact, versatile and elegant photographic tools.

The Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) ‘Stealth Edition’ will be on sale from March 20, 2018. The edition is strictly limited to only 125 camera sets worldwide, each of which bears a distinctive serial number. The set also includes a comfortable, black fabric carrying strap, a metal front cap for the lens and a certificate of authenticity.

45% Leica Share is Up for Sale!

Reuters is reporting that investment group Blackstone is “in talks with potential buyers” in an attempt to sell its 45% stake in Leica Camera, possibly to Zeiss. The other 55% of the company is owned by the Kaufmann family, who brought in Blackstone as a co-investor in 2011.

The report cites “people close to the matter,” who claim the investor has already teamed up with an investment bank and “held talks” with potential buyers, although the process hasn’t entered the bidding stage yet. Potential buyers include Zeiss and, more speculatively, Huawei, neither of whom would comment on the matter. However, Reuters’ sources said Zeiss would only be interested if it could acquire a majority stake in the company, something the Kaufmann family might not go for.

Speaking with Reuters, Leica chairman Andreas Kaufmann said his family “has long-term goals with Leica Camera,” long term meaning a 100-year timeline.

Last year, there was some talk of Chinese investor CDH buying out Blackstone’s stake in Leica, but no deal was struck. But it’s a new year, and Blackstone could earn a pretty penny for selling its stake in Leica. According to Reuters, the iconic camera brand is expected to report earnings “of roughly 70 million euros” this year at a valuation of around 700 million euros, or approximately $828 million USD.

You can read the full report at this link.

Leica Announced New TL2 Mirrorless Camera (24MP, APS-C Sensor, 20fps, 4K/30p Video)

LEICA CAMERA PRESENTS THE LEICA TL2: PERFECTED FEATURES AND PERSUASIVE PERFORMANCE MEET UNIQUE DESIGN

Based on the Leica TL-System, which has been continuously advanced in terms of speed, ease of handling and flexibility since its market launch, the new Leica TL2 embraces all the perfected features and leads the innovative camera concept into a new generation with additional innovations and new design aspects. The particular hallmark of the Leica TL2 is the unusual design of its compact body. Each camera body is precisely machined from a single block of aluminium in the Leica factory. The use of premium materials and their engineering in an elaborate manufacturing process are unique in the history of camera construction and lend the Leica TL2 an unmistakeable look, feel and solidity.

Brilliant still pictures and video footage

The Leica TL2 is equipped with a newly developed, 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in APS-C format that, in combination with an equally new, Maestro II series high-performance image processor, guarantees outstanding picture quality with impressive dynamic range, excellent contrast and colour rendition, exceptional sharpness and finest resolution of details. However, the Leica TL2 impresses not only with its still picture performance, but also with its video capabilities. The camera’s various video recording modes, such as 4K (3840 x 2160p at 30 frames per second), full HD (1920 x 1080p at 60 frames per second), HD (1280 x 720p at 60 frames per second or slow motion [SLOMO] captured at 120 frames per second), leave absolutely nothing to be desired.

Fast and almost silent

One of the highlights of the Leica TL2 is its enormously improved AF speed and precision. For instance, the camera focuses sharply on subjects in around only 165 milliseconds (CIPA standard; Leica standard zoom lens at its wide-angle setting), and thus focuses up to three times faster than the previous model. The new Leica Maestro II series image processor not only plays a significant role in its faster autofocus, but also to the considerably shorter start-up time. Another new development is an electronically controlled shutter that enables silent exposures at shutter speeds up to 1/40,000 s and an increase in the continuous shooting rate from 7 to a maximum of 20 frames per second.

Connectivity with and without a cable

Thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi module of the Leica TL2 and the function for setting up a mobile hotspot, pictures and video can be conveniently transferred by wireless to smartphones, tablets and desktop PCs from anywhere and then, for example, be shared by email, on Facebook, Instagram or other social media. Data can also be transferred lightning fast by cable with the camera’s integrated HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. The USB port also enables recharging of the Leica TL2 without a battery charger – for example from a laptop computer or an external power bank.

With the TL App available for both iOS and Android devices, smartphones or tablets are transformed into electronic viewfinders and offer remote control of various exposure-relevant parameters such as the shutter speed and aperture. The TL App also makes it much easier to capture photos and video from unusual angles, with a self-timer or with longer shutter speeds.

Modern, intuitive and versatile

By grouping menu items according to related functions, the menu of the Leica TL2 is now more clearly and logically structured and makes camera handling easier and even more intuitive than before. With the MyCamera menu, the user interface can be further personalised to meet the photographer’s preferences or particular needs. This means that the photographer always has fast access to all frequently used features and presets. Thanks to significantly increased reactivity and up to eight times faster response when using the touchscreen, camera handling is now even more efficient and intuitive. At the heart of this is a bright and clearly laid-out 3.7″ LCD touchscreen display that enables both composition and reliable and convenient assessment of subjects before and after exposure. The only other controls are four ergonomically positioned haptic control elements that are intuitive in their operation. This ensures that camera users can concentrate fully on composing their pictures – without any unnecessary distractions.

The best in its class

The comprehensive portfolio of lenses in the Leica TL-System offers an ideal range of focal lengths for all situations and types of photography. The system currently comprises six lenses – three prime lenses and three zooms – that meet the needs of every photographic situation. The two fast prime lenses, the Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., are classic focal lengths for reportage photography, and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. complements them ideally as a lens for finely detailed close-up photography. The three compact zoom lenses, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH. and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., cover an entire range of focal lengths equivalent to 17 to 200 mm (equiv. in 35 mm format) and deliver exposures with rich contrast from corner to corner of each frame.

All Leica TL-Lenses impress with exceptional imaging performance at all distances from closest focusing distance to infinity and deliver pictures with the inimitable ‘Leica look’ and unique bokeh. Developed by optical design specialists in Wetzlar (Germany), they offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are famed. The combination of optical and precision engineering expertise and the use of finest materials in their construction ensures their constant quality and reliability in use.

Sustainability guaranteed by cross-system compatibility

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL and SL cameras, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the Leica TL2. With this, Leica once again carries forward its fundamental principles of cross-system compatibility and sustainability, which is now also reflected in a uniform product designation. Dedicated adapters are available for using Leica M and R lenses on TL-Cameras – the Leica M-Adapter is available in a choice of black or silver finish.

New design in two colour options

The Leica TL2 will be offered in a choice of two different colours from the start. The design of both the silver and black versions of the camera has been slightly revised in comparison with its predecessor. In addition to chamfered edges the body also features redesigned control elements that have been modified not only in visual style, but also provide a new haptic experience.

Functional camera accessories, such as high-quality protectors in Nappa leather, which can stay on the camera when changing the battery, and colour-coordinated carrying straps in stone-grey, black, red, yellow and cemento, are ideal complements to the TL system portfolio.

Leica TL2 specifications

Price
MSRP $1950 (body only)
Body type
Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Body material Aluminum
Sensor
Max resolution 6016 x 4014
Other resolutions 6000 x 4000, 4272 x 2856, 3024 x 2016
Image ratio w:h 3:2
Effective pixels 24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-50000
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes (2 slots)
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Superfine, fine
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
  • Raw (DNG)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 49
Lens mount Leica L
Focal length multiplier 1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed
Screen size 3.7
Screen dots 1,230,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic (optional)
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/40000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Shutter priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • sport
  • portrait
  • landscape
  • night portrait
  • snow/beach
  • fireworks
  • candlelight
  • sunset
  • digiscoping
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes
Flash X sync speed 1/180 sec
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format MPEG-4
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1280 x 720 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1280 x 720 @ 120p, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types Internal + SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage included 32GB
Connectivity
USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
HDMI Yes
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description BP-DC13 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 250
Weight (inc. batteries) 399 g (0.88 lb / 14.07 oz)
Dimensions 134 x 69 x 33 mm (5.28 x 2.72 x 1.3)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS Optional
GPS notes requires EVF

CCD Sensors of Leica M9 Generation – New Goodwill Arrangement

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
We like to inform you about a change in regards to the terms of the goodwill arrangement for the exchange of corroded CCD Sensors (Leica M9 Generation).
This change will take place from August 16, 2017.
 
Please be aware that the communication to our end customers will start on May 15, 2017, 3:00 PM (CET).
 
In case of further questions please get in touch with us.
 
Thank you. 
 
Best Regards,
Eklavya Bakshi
Leica Camera Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
Business Manager / South East Asia
Mobile: +65 97733657
600 North Bridge Road #11-09/10 Parkview Square
Singapore 188778