Leica Gray

Leica Product Page showing new product finish in grey for their cameras.

So last Thursday I posted no new products likely from Leica and then they announce a range of new colours; so I suppose I was kind of correct.

Topless redhead sat outdoors in an alcove. She has a pink skirt and her arms cover her breasts.
Leica M10, 50mm Summilux and Ivory Flame modeling

The new gray looks nice and it’s not unusual for Leica to release special colour releases. People critique Leica for their expensive special editions but they are a small company and releases like these help pay for product development and new releases.

No new Cameras from Leica this year

Young model in a green dress stood by an apple tree, holding an apple.
Leica M10

It seems we have reached update time for Sony and Canon with new releases over the last few months but a few rumour sites are going: what about Leica.

It seems nothing is expected this year from Leica but we while we have had the mid cycle refresh of the Leica M already with the Leica M11-P we have not had the P version of the Leica SL3 yet.

So if there is to be a release expect a P version of the SL.

The upgrade train

Young blond model sat on the grass in a graveyard.  She is wearing a sunhat and pretty print dress looking towards the camera.

I noticed a few comments that Leica apart from a few special editions will not be releasing any new models this year.

With the release of the recent Canon’s and Sony’s Nikon users are asking where are the new cameras.

Too many photographers seem stuck in upgrade cycles forever buying the latest gear, sometimes switching systems to the latest and most modern.

Model in corset and stockings laid on couch.
Leica M8 sample – Boudoir

But looking through my library is there really a difference between photographs I took over ten years ago to those I took in the last three years with my current cameras.

Not really. New cameras can make somethings easier, and a new camera can inspire you to go out and take pictures but essentially its you taking the shot.

The megapixel race continues but somewhat slower

The Sony A7RVI is the latest high megapixel camera to be released and now we are at 66.8 megapixels, not a huge increase from the previous 50 megapixels that most manufacturers have reached now but still another jump.

model in black bra and pants on the floor nearing looking towards the camera, one arm stretched out.

There are some in the landscape and studio field who will welcome the increase though many of these photographers will be reaching for a Fuji, Hasselblad or Phase medium format at 50mp, 100mp or higher.

More megapixels can bring benefits but sharpness and diffraction become issues on the smaller 35mm format. I doubt anyone will be going beyond f/8 if not even keeping it at f/5.6.

I would hope successors to the Nikon Z9 and Z8 stay around 50mp but a future Z7 might use a variation of this technology.

Walking to the coffee shop

Woman walking past modern shop front.

Mondays and Tuesdays will often find me in Lincoln.

Street in Lincoln, with a woman leaning against a wall looking at her phone.

Each lunch time I will likely grab my Lecia M and walk past the Braford Pool and into Lincoln.

Old vintage shop with people walking past.

There is usually time to take a few street photographs.

Stonebow in Lincoln with people walking through.

I’ll wonder the high street and a few side streets before heading to my favourite independent coffee shop.

Old coffee shop in Lincoln.  There are a couple of tables out front with people enjoying a beverage.

Are High End Compacts Back

Product photo of the Panasonic Lumix L10

Ricoh brought us the GR, Fuji the X100, Sony had the RX1. In fact most manufacturers have released at least one high end large censored compact.

Today Panasonic announce a MicroFourThirds sensor in a decent body paired with a quality Leica zoom lens. This has for me the all important viewfinder and looks a lot like the old classic L100.

Caernarfon Harbour in Wales, looking out to sea into the setting sun.  The island of Anglesey can be seen in the background.
Golden Light, Nikon S3 6mp compact, jpeg

I keep hearing rumours of Nikon high end compacts, there last bunch were pulled from release at the last moment, but the may be the start of something again.

Leica have proved with the Leica Q people will pay for a high end compact, and each Fuji X100 gets harder and harder to buy as they sell out despite higher and higher prices.

If you get the product right people will purchase.