In just a few days, Leica will make good on their highly-publicized plans and announce “a whole range of products” on May 10th. These “products” have been rumored to be any from the long-awaited M10, to something completely unexpected in the release of the Leica Monochrome M – a digital rangefinder only capable of capturing black-and-white images.
Back on the 15th of March, 2012, formal invitations were sent to a few industry fellows, asking for their attendance to a press-event set to be held in Berlin on May 10th. Since the announcement revelation, the speculative tides have gradually turned from talk solely landing on a successor to the M9, to now, the expected announcement of the Monochrome M, X2, and 50mm F/2 Summicron-M Update.
As always, Leica Rumors has been on the forefront of deciphering all the loose talk surrounding the event, as well as compiling information from trusted sources close to Leica. With this in mind, LR believes we will see the following this week:
The Leica M9-M Monochrome rangefinder:
- All black camera body with no red dot or any other markings on the front, there will only be a Leica Monochrome engraving on the top plate (similar to the M9-P). The M9-M will basically be a M9-P but with a monochrome sensor.
- The price of the new M9-M will be slightly higher than the M9-P ($8000) – my guess is $8,500 or $9,000.
The Leica X2 and V-Lux 40:
- Probably with a new 16MP or 18MP sensor (APS-C)
- The new X2 is rumored to have a Summilux 35mm f/1.4 lens (the X1 had a 24mm Elmarit f/2.8 lens).
- The price is expected to be $1000 more than the current X1 (or around $3000).
- Update: the Leica X2 may have an optional EVF. Expected also: improved AF and better LCD screen.
- V-Lux 40: Leica may also announce the V-Lux 40 which will replace the current V-Lux 30 point and shoot model. My only concern is that a point and shoot camera introduction will not fit with the other three new products.
The Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M lens:
- The new lens is expected to cost $1000 more than its predecessor (or around $3,300.00).
If the information above, with has remained rather consistent for the last month, continues to hold true, Leica will most likely be leaving the M10 and their rumored mirrorless offering for Photokina 2012.
Be sure to head over to Leica Rumors for their backlog of reports leading up to today’s latest update.
What do you think of Leica’s presumed choice to release the Monochrome M? Share your thoughts with us below or in our Forums!
Via: LR
