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Leica Announces Summilux-M 50, M11 Monochrom
13 April 2023
Leica has announced its Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH. with 11 aperture blades and a shorter minimum focusing distance as well as technical and optical refinements. Designed for M cameras, the new lens can also be mounted on the Leica SL2 and the SL2-S with an M-Adapter L.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the new 50mm lens include:
- Full-Frame
- f1.4 to f16
- Fast normal prime
- Improved sharpness and bokeh
- Manual focus
- 1.5 foot minimum focus
- One aspherical element
- 11-blade diaphragm
- Built-in retractable lens hood
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the new prime include:
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 f1.4 ASPH. LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Leica M Focal Length 50mm Aperture f1.4 to f16
11 diaphragm bladesAngle of View 45.4° Minimum Focus 17.72 inches Magnification 0.15x Optical Design 8 elements in 5 groups
1 aspherical elementAutofocus No Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 46mm Dimensions 2.32 x 2.32 inches Weight 11.79 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Leica said the Leica Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH. is available now. The retail price is $4,495 for the black version and $4,795 for the silver version. B&H is taking orders now for the black and silver versions.
M11 MONOCHROM
At the same time, the company announced the Leica M11 Monochrom, a monochrome version of its M11 digital rangefinder featuring a dedicated monochrome multi-resolution full-frame BSI sensor.
Available today, the M11 Monochrom is $9,195.
For more information see the news release below.
Leica Camera Announces the New Leica Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH.
Pushing the boundaries of German optical design for even greater versatility and flexibility
TEANECK, N.J. -- Since its origins in 1849, Leica Camera AG has revolutionized the world of photography more than once. One of these innovations was the introduction of the Leica M series in 1954, which has been making history through M cameras and lenses up to the present day. One of these legendary M lenses has now been refined and presents itself with the latest high-end technology while keeping its compact and lightweight design: the Leica Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH. -- for even more flexibility and freedom when taking pictures.
With its standard focal length of 50mm, the new Summilux-M is suited for almost every photographic situation. Like all M lenses, it is characterized by an unmistakably high image quality. The new Summilux-M exploits the full performance potential of new camera sensors and offers exceptionally high-contrast and detailed results even in difficult light conditions. Moreover, 11 instead of 9 aperture blades ensure a visibly rounder bokeh.
The closest focusing distance has also been extended, from 70 cm to 45 cm. This was only made possible by the double cam gear specially developed by Leica engineers. As a result, the rotation angle of the distance ring could be greatly expanded compared to the previous model so that focusing has become even more precise over the entire setting range. At the same time, neither the frame size nor the sensitivity of the focus has been changed, which makes the lens particularly comfortable to handle even when focusing within the extended close-up range. Up to 70 centimeters, focusing is done, as usual, via the rangefinder of the digital and analogue M cameras. For focusing within the extended close-up range between 70 and 45 centimeters, it is necessary to use Live View on the screen, the Visoflex or the Leica FOTOS app.
Additionally, the Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH. has now been refined technically and optically. Directly integrated in the lens, the new round lens hood can be accessed at any time with only a flick of the wrist. The new Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH. is available in the silver or black anodized version.
The focal length classic is suited for all current and for all future M cameras. In combination with the Leica M-Adapter L, this new lens also enables photographing and filming with the Leica SL2 and the SL2-S. This is system compatibility "Made by Leica."
The Leica Summilux-M 50 f1.4 ASPH. is available globally at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorized dealers starting on April 13. The retail price of the M lens is $4,495 for the black version and $4,795 for the silver version.
Leica Camera Unveils the M11 Monochrom
A commitment to the timeless art of black & white photography, the Leica M11 Monochrom delivers exceptional images in a symphony of light and shadows
TEANECK, N.J., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Leica Camera, a brand that has challenged the status quo in pursuit of chasing light for authentic visual stories, announces the launch of the Leica M11 Monochrom, demonstrating the brand's commitment to exceptional black & white photography. Featuring a dedicated monochrome multi-resolution full-frame BSI sensor, this camera is a masterstroke in engineering, capturing images solely through the interplay of light and shadow. By focusing on these fundamental elements, Leica empowers visual storytellers to create images that engage the viewer's imagination and creative prowess through a newly designed sensor which sees only variations in luminosity.
Leica's commitment to innovation is further underscored by its previous forays into minimalist design, such as releasing a digital camera without an LCD screen and introducing the first camera featuring a monochrome sensor in 2012, the Leica M Monochrom. These unconventional decisions exemplify the brand's unyielding dedication to providing photographers with tools that inspire creativity, while eliminating distractions.
The Leica M11 Monochrom is more than just a camera -- it is an artistic instrument crafted with unparalleled precision. The all-metal body, high-quality aluminum top plate, sapphire glass display, leatherette covering and scratch-resistant black finish contribute to the camera's timeless appeal. Details such as the omission of the Leica logo and dark chrome-plated coating of the optical viewfinder accentuate the camera's understated, iconic design.
The technical advancements of the Leica M11 Monochrom deliver Raw files in the DNG format or JPEGs with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 megapixels. In combination with the expanded ISO range of 125 to 200,000, the camera unlocks creative freedom beyond the rise and fall of the sun. As a result, creators are able to capture images with an unprecedented rendition of even the finest details, an exceptionally natural-looking definition even in difficult light conditions and an extremely low noise even in the high ISO range.
Additionally, the internal memory has been extended to 256-GB. This expansion not only increases the total number of images that can be recorded in combination with the photographer's own memory cards, but also provides back up opportunities with larger memory card sizes. Via Bluetooth or the USB-C port, pictures can be quickly and easily transferred to the Leica FOTOS app and processed further from there. The Leica M11 Monochrom is a certified Apple "Made for iPhone and iPad" accessory and offers unique options with the included Leica FOTOS cable.
The Leica M11 Monochrom is built on a tradition of excellence, from a legacy of exquisite craftsmanship, innovation and iconic design to the ethos of the Leica M family: "Made in Germany" with a focus on the essentials: Das Wesentliche.
The Leica M11 Monochrom, is priced at USD $9,195 and is available starting today at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorized dealers worldwide.