Outdoors Photos - iPhone App by Florian Wagner - Leica S2 Ambassador

The latest discovery for your device that you should not miss, is from Leica S2 and M series ambassador Florian Wagner. In his Outdoor gallery, he displays a selection from 20 years of Adventure Photography. You can save those photos and use them for free as a wallpaper, background picture or send it to friends. In addition, you can also take a look at "Making of Trailer" a horseback safari through the magnificent Massai Mara in Kenia. Enjoy.

Sample screen grabs

Download the app for free: Download. For more information and to visit Florian Wagner's site, please click here - our apologies to readers for missing the link and our thanks to Sarah (Florian's Assistant) for the heads up.

Full frame Leica M9 brochure leaked

After weeks of speculation the details of full-frame 18-megapixel Leica M9 has leaked, prior to the launch on the 09 September. A pdf of the M9 brochure leaked onto the net detailing the complete specification. The M9 uses a 23.9x 35.8mm CCD with an image size of 5270 x 3516 pixels; 18-megapixels in total. The LCD remains the same at 2.5-inches (230k pixel resolution), as does sensitivity, ranging from ISO80-2500, but it's now selectable in 0.3 ISO increments.

Interestingly, apart from the sensor and steel-grey paint option very little has changed between the M8.2 and the new model. Viewfinder magnification is also the same as the previous model at just 0.68x, however a Leica spokesperson told me to expect the M9 to be correspondingly more expensive (if this is for real, that is). For confirmation of the price and availability, we'll have to wait for the official announcement on Wednesday.

Read our recent review of the Leica M8.2

Amended: I've slept on this overnight, and I think it's real enough, but what have the designers done to the right of the camera body (from camera front)? There appears to be a ridge, from the top (to the right of the viewfinder) to the bottom plate! All it needed was a slant on the top-plate, where the film rewind knob would have sat if it were analogue, and a modest Leica script on the top-plate. Oh, and what happened to the frame counter?

Leica M8 White Edition

The new LEICA M8 White Edition




Better late than never, so they say, Leica's PR company finally forwarded the details of the limited edition White M8.2. No word on quantities, but it's thought to be in the region of 250-275 units. Start saving.

Update 21/5/09: 275 units in total.

Leica UK press release


Following the success of the recent LEICA C-LUX 3 in white, Leica Camera decided to see what the LEICA M8 would look
like in white. They liked it, and have decided to launch a very limited run.

The camera will be finished in the smoothest white nappa cowhide and white lacquer, and with chrome controls and all the technical specifications of the renowned LEICA M8.2, Leica is expecting the camera to be in high demand when it’s released.

It will come as a complete package including a LEICA ELMARIT-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH lens with “White Edition” silver anodized finish, and matching metal lens hood, a filter E39 UV/IR in silver, a genuine leather white carrying strap, a Certificate of Leica Authenticity and an individual engraved serial number on each camera.

Priced in the region of £5,990, and available in very limited quantities from premium Leica dealers soon. See www.leica-camera.co.uk

Military M-series Leica on eBay

Olive drab Leica M models were made specifically for the military, and not always for the German army (Bundeswehr). I saw an auction on eBay recently for one, an M4.2 made for the Italian army - Tank division. This one, with matching olive finish lens, currently on eBay is said to have been made for the Israeli army, but is without factory documentation.

Of course, spending $6,000 or more on a camera only to put it on display, in a private collection, isn't what it's all about, to my mind. If I had one, I would want to use it. And that goes for the latest iterations, now limited editions; the olive M8.2 Safari and the forthcoming white version. While the new pimped models might not have the same appeal, if you're fortunate enough to have the money to buy one, go take some pictures with it.

Cosina announce Voigtlander VM Micro FourThirds lens adaptor

It's not the first I've seen, but welcome nonetheless, Cosina has announced a Micro FourThirds lens adaptor for the Panasonic Lumix G1 and recently introduced GH1.

That means you can marry those gorgeous VM series lenses, as well those superb Leica M and Zeiss ZM lenses with those little Lumix hybrids. L series require a converter, but with one or two exceptions can be used.

More information, albeit in Japanese (though you'll get the gist) can be found here.

The price is 19,800 Yen or around $200 (£140 + VAT), using a straight currency conversion.

For a list and link of the official worldwide distributors, please take a look here.

Leica M8.2 Safari

Known as a military M by collectors, the distinctive khaki green Leica M is hard to find secondhand. Most are usually heavily used, bullet holes not withstanding. However, the digital Leica M8.2 is available new as a limited edition Safari model. Just 500 of these will be made available to civilians. Check this (shameless) link out to order yours.

UPDATE: 11/6/09

According to B&H this little beauty is now discontinued, presumably sold out. Guess I'll have to start saving for the M9 Safari.