Leica to launch new compact system in 2012 [update]
Leica will unveil a new compact camera system at Photokina 2012, the company's chairman and CEO have revealed today
Author: Olivier Laurent in Paris
22 Jun 2011 Tags: Leica
Speaking to BJP and other representatives of the UK press at a Paris-event, Leica's chairman Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and CEO Alfred Schopf have confirmed that the German company is developing a new compact camera system.
Leica's goal is to create a new market in the Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens segment.
"It's more than an idea," says Schopf. "You will see something at the next Photokina [trade show in Cologne]." The new system will use an "APS-C sized sensor at least," says Schopf.
But, Leica says that the camera will differ from what other manufacturers, such as Panasonic, Olympus, Samsung and Sony, are doing in the EVIL market. "We will always do things differently," says Kaufmann. "And we always take our time."
Both executives declined to provide more details about the new system, but hinted that the electronic viewfinder used will depend on the sensor selected.
The new camera would become Leica's fourth system of cameras. Currently, the German company offers the M-system, the S-System and the X1 compact, fixed-lens camera.
Leica used to produce the R-system of cameras, and, in fact, had plans to release a R10 digital model two years ago. However, says Kaufmann, Leica was, at that time, also developing the S-system and "it would not have made sense [to split resources on both]." The R10 has since been scrapped.
Now, as Leica is benefiting from renewed success thanks to its M9, S2 and X1 line-up, "we're in a position to do what we want." The company says that its success is the result of the restructuring it went through more than five years ago, which led to the launch, two years ago of Leica's first full-frame rangefinder - the M9. "We still have a backlog," says Schopf. "We have ramped up production significantly, but you can do that only to a certain extent. The demand is still high and we continue [to have] customers complain about delivery time." But, they don't complain about the quality of the final product, Schopf adds. "We won't make any compromises about quality. We want the customer to get what he anticipates. We want it to be worth to wait."
Leica also revealed that it has already sold more than 1500 M9-P cameras, which was announced yesterday. "We have another 1500 being produced now," says Schopf.
Asked whether Leica ever considered outsourcing the production of its cameras to Asia, Schopf says that the German company had been approached several times about this, but had always declined. "We have specialised people [working on our cameras]," he says. "When they look inside a lens, they know what corrections are needed right away. That's the result of 25 years of experience for our people. It's impossible to teach people about that in six months. It would take at least four or five years, and in that time, what products do you release?"
Kaufmann has also revealed that he plans to launch, later this year, a new company that will be tasked with the publication of photobooks. The company, which will act as an intermediary between Leica and photographers, will feature the work of famous, as well as unknow Leica photographers. Kaufmann hinted that the first book could come in the Autumn featuring Seal's photography. The English singer is renowned for being a Leica ambassador.
Comments
"Asked whether Leica ever considered outsourcing the production of its cameras to Asia, Schopf says that the German company had been approached several times about this, but had always declined."
Then the Minolta-sourced Leica CL rangefinder camera and Leica R3 SLR were just figments of our imaginations?
Then the Minolta-sourced Leica CL rangefinder camera and Leica R3 SLR were just figments of our imaginations?
You have to assume that the question posed refers to TODAY and not what the company had done decades ago!
The outsourcing comment had only to do with Leica-made cameras, not Minoltas and Panasonics that are modified and sold by Leica.
As I understand it he meant that Leica do things differently ( design wise ) to other companies. eg: M series, S2 are unique.
As usual the same old pedantic complainers who simply can't afford Leica quality are here to mindlessly attack Leica. They can't make enough cameras to keep up with demand so they must be doing something right. They aren't for everyone - so don't be jealous if you can't afford one - just move on.
29-june-2011 I have tested the M9 P and the Fuji X 100 like the images of the FX 100 are better, it is true the Leica is robuster but 1 Leica is 5 x a X 100 and the next one is a X 100 with same lens but than a full frame sensor so 23 mm f 2
Leica/rangefinders are in a league of their own. As for the Fuji X100, it is a camera I really wanted to like, but with the fly-by-wire manual focus and slight delay, I opted against it. To my eye, I haven't seen an image from the X100 that draws me in. There's loads of lousy Leica shots too, but there's a load of winners too.
I don't own a Leica, but I can understand the appeal. Those who find them comfortable to use have found something very special - an elegant camera that can do the job.
How negative some of these comments are.
One should not criticise Leica for supposedly being backward in technology and innovation. Who says so?
The fact thay have a six months backlog in production is very good news. It says that they are doing the right thing for their customer base. And they deserve a medal for acknowledging the need for backwards and fowards compatibility of the M mount. It addresses the main gripe about digital cameras...obsolescence and depreciation. Good on them.
I am waiting for Leica to produce a movie camera that could be called
the DIGITAL LEICINA.
PLEASE!!
I am waiting for Leica to produce a movie camera that could be called
the DIGITAL LEICINA.
PLEASE!!
I have handled the recent Fuji £1000 aps-c machine, which would be great if only it were full-frame and had an interchangeable Leica M mount.
It does not, and is so small that the lens can be seen in the viewfinder, more so with the lens hood.
I suspect Leitz will repeat this, desperate to maintain what our trade unions used the call, "the differential": that sickening class based idea that certain people are entitled to more and better than others.
If Leitz want to sell a compact M digital machine will they do so if it is half-frame and double or treble its competitors in price? and will it even improve at all on the Sony R1 at any price, except in modern noise reduction, unless its sensor is at least 16MP, for which full-frame is still preferable?
Fingers crossed!
What do we need a new system????
Leica is superior craftsmanship with hopeless technique for overpriced!
I prefer Fuji X100!
1500 a month is what falls off the back of a truck for nikon etc. No wonder they have a backlog. Do us a favor - ramp up production and hire someone under the age of 60 - there are a lot of angry dentists out there and that's something we don't need.
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