Any rumors about new M lenses ?

[Guest Olof]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

...I don't know if APO correction and floating lens elements in a small size are possible in a f/1.4 design...

 

The current 50mm 1.4 ASPH has at least a floating element and the 75mm 1.4 was developed from the old 50mm 1.4mm, so there could be a chance to see a 75mm 1.4 ASPH soon.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[norbertnl]

... the current Elmarit is due for replacement.

Would be a pity if it got replaced too soon. It is an almost perfect lens, way sharp already at f2,8, and with a more pleasing transition from sharp to unsharp than the 'cron 90 AA.

 

BTW as to new lenses: considering Leica alone there is now a choice of 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135 mm, some of the ASPH designs even supplemented by 'classical' designs. I am asking myself if the development of another new lens is actually necessary at the moment.

 

Best regards,

Norbert

[ericperlberg]

I probably know less about the weaker areas of Leica glass than most of you so my comment is based more on my business sense than the ins and outs of the current lens lineup.

 

I think Leica is likely to be looking at producing less expensive (and relatively less durable but still high visual quality) lenses that make the M system more affordable to more people. If they could bring the system price down, they could potentially grow their market size in an effort to find sustainable profitability. Finding the right price point vs compromises will be a challenge but the new 28 2.8 must point the way, no? Leica currently have nothing competitive at the voigtlander level or the Zeiss level so there are 2 price points to go after. Leica's Panasonic experience must have taught them something about producing good lenses at different (ie, lower) price points. Might we see some less expensive, relatively small and light weight wide angles (21, 24) maybe even up to f4.5 as well as a similar 35 and 50 or even 40mm lenses which compete with Voigtlander offerings? Personally I'm doubtful about 1.33 crop lenses for economic reasons rather than technical ones.

[Guest Olof]

Would be a pity if it got replaced too soon. It is an almost perfect lens, way sharp already at f2,8, and with a more pleasing transition from sharp to unsharp than the 'cron 90 AA.

 

BTW as to new lenses: considering Leica alone there is now a choice of 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135 mm, some of the ASPH designs even supplemented by 'classical' designs. I am asking myself if the development of another new lens is actually necessary at the moment.

 

Best regards,

Norbert

 

Leica only can earn money if they sell new lenses.... so i think there is really a option for a single 16mm a Noctilux ASPH, 75mm 1.4 ASPH ,90mm ASPH

[hankg]

OK and when the fullframe M9 comes in 4 years, you can buy new lenses....

We are talking about one lens not a lens line. IF there is a full frame M9 in 4 years (and there is no guarantee there will be) will you throw your M8 in the trash? No, if you decide to upgrade you would sell it in the used market, or keep it as a backup. All those 1.33 24's will be a perfect match for all those used M8's. There is a legion of Leica photographers who rely on used equipment as the new stuff is priced way out of their reach.

 

Should someone pass on the 1.33 M8 today because there might be a full frame M sometime in the future? No. Should M8 photographers do without a fast wide lens because there might be a full frame M sometime in the future? You can't take pictures with products that might or might not exist years from now. If you have an M8 it alters the lens purchase decisions you make already. You might never use something as wide as a 28 on a film M but becuse of the 1.33 crop factor you buy a 28/2.

 

The only question is do the cost and size savings going from the 24x36 image circle to 1.33 make enough difference. If the lens wound up costing $3,000+. Then I would agree with you (unless Leica knows that 1.33 is here for the foreseeable future). The Leica 25mm/1.4 for the 4/3 system I believe will be retailing for around $1,400 but that's a smaller image circle.

[rosuna]

I am asking myself if the development of another new lens is actually necessary at the moment.

 

Well, it would be good for Leica to have several cheaper models, like the Elmarits 28 and 50, for "entry-sets" at more affordable prices.

[Woody Campbell]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Not a rumor but a wish: a 50-75-90 T-E.

[rosuna]

A redesiged 50mm Elmar for a safe colapsing into the M8.

A new supercompact 35mm Elmarit ASPH. This lens could be offered with the M8 in an entry set.

A new Supercompact 75 Elmarit ASPH.

 

That will round the M lens line, if the prices are more afordable. Many young people has Caanon 5D cameras and a Canon L zoom. This is an expensive set, but the Leica's gear is much more expensive (M8 a two lenses). They are different alternatives for the aficionado, but the prices of a basic set shouldn't differ too much.

[jaapv]

A redesiged 50mm Elmar for a safe colapsing into the M8.

This one is easy. They only have to put a small addendum leaflet in the camera manual allowing the use. It has actualy 2mm play in length and over 1mm top and bottom when fully collapsed. Safe enough.

[rwfreund]

I wouldn't mind seeing a new line, pretty much like the current with two exceptions

1) a 28mm 1.4

2) the entire line with an ir blocking front element coating and a better anti-reflection coating on the rear element.

-bob