There are many reasons why people pine after the iconic red circle on their camera; a symbol of heritage, style and above all performance. Past Leica models have been first and foremost centred around facilitating the taking of great photographs; the same can be said for their latest model, but this time the design aspect is very much at the forefront.
This is in part due to the collaboration with AUDI design to create the outer casing cut from one block of aluminium; making for a sensuous elegant, modern aesthetic while ensuring that none of the excess material goes to waste.
In collaboration with AUDI Design, the typical design language of Leica cameras was revisited and reinterpreted. With its timeless and sleek design, the Leica T picks up the unmistakeable attributes of Leica product design and develops them systematically.
This camera is an homage to Leica’s past, while embracing Leica’s future; it does take magnificent photographs yes, but also introduces a whole host of features that are set to make the Leica T a future classic.
While much will be made of the mould-breaking elegant design of the camera, the advancement in usability and technology is not to be overlooked. Offering a new user experience, integrating function with design; the touchscreen display is generously dimensioned and generates a bright and clear images, allowing precise assessment during image composition and in playback mode. In tune with modern portable devices, most functions can be controlled simply by touching the screen. Combining the ‘mechanical’ with the tactile, four ergonomically positioned haptic control elements are intuitive in their operation and – true to Leica heritage – garnish the top of the Leica T, familiarly accessible via the right thumb.
The first system camera from Leica to feature an integrated Wi-Fi module, the Leica T can transfer pictures and videos straight from the camera to a smartphone, tablet or computer – wirelessly – and can then be shared by email, or on Facebook or other social media. With the arrival of the Leica T also comes with new app for iOS devices which lets users wirelessly connect their smartphone or tablet to the camera and furthermore use it as a remote electronic viewfinder for the Leica T. Other functions of the app, include remote setting of the shutter speed and aperture values – useful when using the self-timer function or when shooting from unusual angles.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Two lenses will initially be available for the market launch of the Leica T-System. The Leica Vario-Elmar-T 18–6 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH. is ideal for creative experimentation with various perspectives and focal lengths. For expansive landscapes, documentary pictures or portraits – whatever the genre, this standard zoom lens offers exceptional flexibility in every situation. With a focal length equivalent to 35 mm in full-frame format, the fast and compact Leica Summicron-T 23mm f/2 ASPH. offers a truly classic Leica focal length that is ideal for reportage photography. The Super-Vario-Elmar-T 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH. wide-angle zoom and the Vario-Elmar-T 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH. telephoto zoom are scheduled to appear in time for presentation at Photokina 2014. Developed by Leica optical designers as precision tools, all Leica T lenses offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are famed.
The combination of a newly designed high-performance processor and sensor ensures outstanding picture quality in every situation. The Leica T features a large, APS-C-format, CMOS image sensor with over 16.5 megapixels (effective 16.2 MP) that, due to its size, performance and imaging characteristics, represents the ideal solution in the compact class of the Leica T. It ensures brilliant pictures with outstanding contrast, finest detail resolution and natural colour rendition – even in unfavourable lighting conditions.
ACCESSORIES
The Leica T-System also offers a multitude of accessories. Developed especially for the Leica T-System, and perfectly harmonised with the camera, is the high-resolution electronic viewfinder with a selectable, integrated GPS feature. Its tilt and swivel function makes it particularly practical for creative photography and enables shooting from different viewpoints and unusual angles. Also available is the new Leica SF 26 flash unit, which provides additional opportunities for flash exposures or fill-in flash for brightening subjects. The angle of the flash reflector is adjustable. Whenever needed, the unit can even be used as an LED light source for video recording. Another practical accessory is the Leica M-Adapter T, which allows users to mount and use Leica M-Lenses on a Leica T body. The adapter features a sensor for 6-bit coded M-Lenses. This fully supports Leica T functions such as exposure metering, aperture priority mode and manual setting capability.
Further camera accessories in four colours – melon yellow, orange-red, black and white – and an extensive range of premium bags and cases, all of them courtesy of AUDI Design, systematically continue the Leica system concept. Individual accessories build on and complement one another, and some offer unique options for personalised combination.
With its materials mix of hard plastic and elastic silicone, the Leica T-Snap for the front of the camera provides optimum protection against scratches and inadvertent knocks.
Its unique design lends the camera an eye-catching and personalised look. The soft silicone T-Flap is the ideal complement to the T-Snap. It clicks easily into the T-Snap to protect the back of the camera with the display screen and controls when the Leica T is not in use. The design and colours of the carrying strap and wrist strap are perfectly matched to the modern T-Snap and T-Flap accessories. Both can be attached to the Leica T by Easy-Click, a system for connecting accessories to cameras that is unique throughout the world. True to the clean and uncluttered design concept of the camera, protruding strap lugs have been omitted. Carrying straps and the wrist strap now fuse with the camera to create a single entity and can be detached in a flash. The range of accessories for the Leica T also offers a leather holster, a leather protector and a system bag.
Leica T-System is priced at £1350.00 RRP with the lens sold separately; Leica Vario Elmar-T 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 ASP £1250.00 (RRP) and Leica Summicron-T 23mm f/2 ASPH £1350.00 (RRP).
The Leica T is available May 26th, 2014 from Leica Store Mayfair and authorised Leica dealers. The range of accessories will be available following the launch of the camera.
