The Leica S (Typ 007) boasts a burst rate of up to 3.5 frames per second and ‘exceptional image quality at all ISO settings’.
The Leica S – a prototype of which was first unveiled at the Photokina photography fair in 2014 – also features a 2GB buffer memory and faster AF for moving subjects, according to Leica.
Armoury also includes built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 3in, 921,600-dot display offering increased contrast and brightness.
The Leica S houses a 30x45mm Leica Pro Format imaging sensor, a Maestro II image processor and is due out now priced £12,900.
See AP’s first look at the new camera, due to follow shortly.
Press release
Leica Camera AG has announced that the Leica S (Typ 007) medium format camera system is now available. The camera, which builds on the extensive features of its predecessor, boasts a wealth of brand new components and brings together maximum burst rate, exceptional sensor sensitivity and an extensive range of capture modes for photos and – for the first time – video footage. All this is complemented by new features that dramatically speed up and simplify photographic workflows. With its compact format, the Leica S (Typ 007) redefines medium format photography and opens the door to new applications.
The technical features of the Leica S (Typ 007) have been enhanced since the first prototype was unveiled at Photokina 2014. Sensitivity, for example, can now be increased to ISO 12,500, making the camera even more versatile. The Leica S (Typ 007) is available from authorised Leica S dealers at a recommended retail price of £12,900 including VAT.
Leica S (Typ 007) features at a glance:
New image sensor and new processor for improved image quality and higher speed
The Leica MAX CMOS image sensor and the Leica Maestro II image processor deliver lightning-fast speeds and increase the versatility of the Leica S (Typ 007) significantly. With a burst frequency of up to 3.5 frames per second, full-HD video in full-frame medium format sensor size, 4K video recording in Super 35 format, fast Live View mode and exceptional image quality at all ISO settings, the Leica S (Typ 007) reinforces its status as the benchmark in the medium format category. The 2GB buffer memory ensures smooth shooting of rapid sequences and, despite the burst rate capability, which has more than doubled, the new focal plane shutter in the camera offers a further significantly increased service life of at least 150,000 cycles.
Faster autofocus for subjects in motion
The revised autofocus system brings both higher speed and more reliable and precise focusing. To ensure optimum sharpness and accurate tracking of moving subjects, the Leica S (Typ 007) features a predictive autofocus mode: the camera registers the motion of the subject and determines the distance to it at the moment of exposure. With its outstanding image quality and high-speed burst rate, the Leica S (Typ 007) sets entirely new standards for dynamic medium format photography.
Integrated Wi-Fi, GPS system and position sensor for precision and straightforward workflow
The Leica S (Typ 007) features an integrated GPS module that can record the geographic positioning information of its current location in the EXIF data of the image file whenever needed. It can also automatically set the local system time. Based on the GPS coordinates, software such as Adobe® Photoshop® and Lightroom®, can display the precise location of each image on a map and register the corresponding place names as search keys for archived photos. The new dual-axis position sensor displays the precise horizontal and vertical orientation in the viewfinder to allow photographers to align the subject with absolute precision, and without the need for external accessories. In combination with the Leica S app for iPhones and iPads with the latest version of iOS, the camera’s integrated Wi-Fi module enables remote control of the camera and remote image assessment in Live View mode to provide simple and intuitive workflows.
Even more control
With a resolution of 921,600 pixels, a 3in diagonal, full sRGB colour space and increased contrast and brightness, the display allows optimum assessment of subjects and images in every situation. It’s made from tough, scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass, enabling it to withstand tough conditions. The new transflective display on the top-plate of the Leica S (Typ 007) ensures perfect control, even in bright sunlight. With its enlarged surface area, it offers optimum legibility and enhanced information content. Two new control elements on the top deck enable direct selection of Live View mode and the activation of video recording.
Lifespan
Leica S-Cameras are designed and constructed for many years of daily use. The new stainless-steel bayonet on the Leica S (Typ 007) guarantees even greater durability, under even the toughest conditions. The new camera also possesses all the proven quality characteristics of the S-System. These include the large 30×45 mm Leica Pro Format sensor and its micro-lens layer that guarantees maximum light output. The camera and S-Lenses are exceptionally ruggedly built and sealed against environmental influences, such as dust and rain. The system’s unique dual-shutter concept offers photographers the choice of using the camera’s fast focal plane shutter with speeds of up to 1/4000 s or the electronically controlled central shutter of the CS lenses that allows flash sync at all shutter speeds up to 1/1000 s. The ten currently available Leica S-System lenses, six of which are also available with a central shutter, offer photographers all important focal lengths and a first-class tilt-and-shift lens.
At the same time, numerous third-party medium-format lenses are compatible using Leica S (Typ 007) adapters. For example, the Leica S-Adapter H for Hasselblad H lenses and the Leica S-Adapter C for Contax 645 lenses, both provide full compatibility – including autofocus, central shutter control and automatic aperture control.
The Leica S (Typ 007) is built for maximum dependability in use and also features details such as cable connections with strain relief, separate slots for CompactFlash and SD memory cards, and further optimised energy efficiency. It can therefore be relied upon to achieve maximum-quality results in the studio and on location, even under the most challenging or unfavourable conditions.
Further information can be found at uk.leica-camera.com
Availability and pricing
The Leica S (Typ 007) is available in the UK from selected Leica stockists, at a suggested retail price of £12,900 including VAT.
Pricing for accessories: Battery S BP-Pro 1 – £108.00 inc VAT AC adapter S 007 – £228.00 inc VAT Audio adapter S 007 – £108.00 inc VAT USB 3.0 cable – £216.00 inc VAT
