S4 speculations

[irenedp]

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On 9/1/2025 at 3:55 AM, frame-it said:

the people who love the S "interface" and rendering of its lenses will pay whatever for the S series, they might bitch and complain about the price compared to X2D/GFX etc but they're getting that look from the lenses. and if they're totally used to leica or hasselblad colors, they will never even learn how to use/manipulate fuji GFx files properly.

 

the problem these days it people compare completely different systems [interface, sensor size, look, rendering, lens family], only because the price is similar

which is ridiculous

eg the SL3/GFX100 or X2D thread and even this one.

some people will argue forever that sensor size doesn't matter, its almost the same megapixel

some people will argue forever that one doesnt need high mp for huge billboards, maybe in their region.. but in far east Asia,Ive seen 60ft billboards at street level that one can stand right next to and the quality is incredible, many clients demand super high quality prints

 

some people will argue forever and create multiple threads that one doesnt need a high megapixel large sensor camera, then later reveal they have an S3

to each his own

 

 

 

 

 

whilst I agree with you on the size point (it depends on the user... but for my large printed work I use a 150 MP IQ4 back), I don't get your point about the "how to manipulate GFX files". I've had successively a GFX50s -the first one- and the first GFX100 and never had difficulty in manipulating the files. I liked the color renderings of the 100 significantly less than those of the 50, but there were a number of other circumstances that made me move on. If they had launched their t/s lenses earlier, I might have kept it as a backup camera. 

The "color" of a camera is something that is very easy to change. It is a nuisance if you don't like it as it comes and you keep having to work on it on every batch of files, but just that. When you work with more than one camera, matching colours is a must. But doable.

[Einst_Stein]

48 minutes ago, irenedp said:

The "color" of a camera is something that is very easy to change. It is a nuisance if you don't like it as it comes and you keep having to work on it on every batch of files, but just that. When you work with more than one camera, matching colours is a must. But doable.

I got this way back since my darkroom lessons, that you can match any B&W films and any developer (excel the resolution and fine grain?) but I have never got it, even after the digital PS.

Edited September 2 by Einst_Stein

[frame-it]

8 hours ago, irenedp said:

I've had successively a GFX50s -the first one- and the first GFX100 and never had difficulty in manipulating the files.

You didn't, i don't, but others DO and they grumble and complain instead of learning how to do it

 

 

[helged]

A monthly 'update' frequency for a mirrorless S-house is in order, I think. Anything to report, out there?

[Stef63]

I’ve got an AI agent running weekly searches across English and non-English sources for any Leica S4 or mirrorless S updates. Nothing new to report so far — it’s been quiet.

[LocalHero1953]

49 minutes ago, Stef63 said:

I’ve got an AI agent running weekly searches across English and non-English sources for any Leica S4 or mirrorless S updates. Nothing new to report so far — it’s been quiet.

(Since there's nothing S4 to report.....)

If you mean that seriously, how do you do run an AI agent? Is it something you have coded or customised from specialised knowledge, or is it an AI app anyone can use e.g. for other similar tasks?

[helged]

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1 hour ago, Stef63 said:

I’ve got an AI agent running weekly searches across English and non-English sources for any Leica S4 or mirrorless S updates. Nothing new to report so far — it’s been quiet.

Weekly searches, only? On the other hand, limiting the search frequency saves electricity, if nothing else...

[Stef63]

7 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

If you mean that seriously, how do you do run an AI agent? Is it something you have coded or customised from specialised knowledge, or is it an AI app anyone can use e.g. for other similar tasks?

It is quite simple.  I used ChatGPT for this.  I have the Plus paid version so i do not know if automation or creating agents is also available in the free version.

I submitted this prompt : 

Do a deep-dive investigation into the not-yet-announced Leica S4 medium-format camera. Search for what Leica officials have said on and off the record. Read enthusiast sites but take everything said with a grain of salt. Write a summary of what is almost certain, what can be expected, etc. Please take your time and dig deep.

I receive a fairly complete report and at the end I got the question from ChatGPT :

If you want, I can keep this “S4 watch” updated for you with only new, confirmed items (new interview quotes, trademarks, mount specs, lens roadmap).

I politely answered "Yes please" and he created me a S4 Watch bulletin, suggesting providing me this weekly via email.

So I guess if you add the request to create a weekly report at the end of my initial prompt here above, ChatGPT will create an agent right away. Later on, I asked to refine the weekly search by also including non-English sources.

 

And even more simple... if you do not know how to do it... just ask ChatGPT.  He will explain how to create such a scheduled watch 😇

Edited October 8 by Stef63

[LocalHero1953]

5 minutes ago, Stef63 said:

It is quite simple.  I used ChatGPT for this.  I have the Plus paid version so i do not know if automation or creating agents is also available in the free version.

I submitted this prompt : 

Do a deep-dive investigation into the not-yet-announced Leica S4 medium-format camera. Search for what Leica officials have said on and off the record. Read enthusiast sites but take everything said with a grain of salt. Write a summary of what is almost certain, what can be expected, etc. Please take your time and dig deep.

I receive a fairly complete report and at the end I got the question from ChatGPT :

If you want, I can keep this “S4 watch” updated for you with only new, confirmed items (new interview quotes, trademarks, mount specs, lens roadmap).

I politely answered "Yes please" and he created me a S4 Watch bulletin, suggesting providing me this weekly via email.

So I guess if you add the request to create a weekly report at the end of my initial prompt here above, ChatGPT will create an agent right away. Later on, I asked to refine the weekly search by also including non-English sources.

Thank you - useful to know! I don't have a subscription, but I will investigate.

Edited October 8 by LocalHero1953

[sincurves]

This is taking longer than I expected… I’ve held off on new gear in anticipation of the S4, but now I’m starting to look at other options while waiting (a short dalliance with the new X2D did not last).

Wanting medium format I see few options. S3? One of the GFX models? 

[BernardC]

1 hour ago, sincurves said:

This is taking longer than I expected… I’ve held off on new gear in anticipation of the S4, but now I’m starting to look at other options while waiting (a short dalliance with the new X2D did not last).

The earliest we could reasonably expect it is 2026, based on Leica telling us that it should be "out in two years," back in 2024.

 

[davidmknoble]

On 8/31/2025 at 9:55 PM, frame-it said:

he problem these days it people compare completely different systems [interface, sensor size, look, rendering, lens family], only because the price is similar

which is ridiculous

 

Interesting statement.  I recall a time not long ago when we all used to discuss 35mm films and how they had different grains, saturations, contrast ranges, etc.  Yet, each film had its place depending on what you were photographing.  It was just cheaper to change a roll of film compared to a sensor.

In reality the camera companies have got it right. They match lenses so well to their camera, that you have to buy the system.  Color laser printers are like that now - inexpensive laser printer and really expensive cartridges!

[Stuart Richardson]

On 10/8/2025 at 5:25 PM, BernardC said:

The earliest we could reasonably expect it is 2026, based on Leica telling us that it should be "out in two years," back in 2024.

 

Also 2026 probably means the end of the year. Leica seems to release big camera releases in the autumn, at least if my memory serves me right. Suffice to say, you probably will not be able to get one until almost 2027, unless you put yourself on a waiting list and of course assuming they still make one (fingers crossed). 

 

Edited October 16 by Stuart Richardson

[Stef63]

44 minutes ago, Stuart Richardson said:

Also 2026 probably means the end of the year. Leica seems to release big camera releases in the autumn, at least if my memory serves me right. 

 

Many Leica cameras used to debut around Photokina in early fall, but recent history shows a more unpredictable release schedule — M10 and M11 both in January, and the SL3  in March. But in the end, they’ll launch it when it’s ready and hopefully this time with deliveries following soon after, and without a repeat of the S3 saga.

[helged]

What to expect - a mirrorless S in 2026, or at least to be officially announced in 2026? (I hope so...)

[Jeff S]

On 10/8/2025 at 9:29 PM, davidmknoble said:

 Color laser printers are like that now - inexpensive laser printer and really expensive cartridges!

Inkjet printers, typically used for photo prints, have a lower initial cost, but a much higher running cost due to smaller and lower volume ink cartridges.  This marketing strategy is most often compared to razors and blades, where the former act as loss leaders to lock buyers into the latter, where the profits are.  Companies like Leica sell both expensive cameras and lenses, making profits on both.  Native lenses are key, but some cameras, like the SL system, market the ability to adapt all sorts of lenses, even third party. The current S system also has greater ability to adapt lenses than Hasselblad, due to its capability for both in-camera and leaf shutters.  Brands differ in their approaches.

[Stuart Richardson]

6 hours ago, helged said:

What to expect - a mirrorless S in 2026, or at least to be officially announced in 2026? (I hope so...)

I think they are waiting for all the existing S users to die, so they can start fresh. 

[helged]

25 minutes ago, Stuart Richardson said:

I think they are waiting for all the existing S users to die, so they can start fresh. 

Just a little more patience, in that case... 👍🏻

If Leica S4 materialise, not only the body, but also a suite of mirrorless, medium format lenses, should be ready/ready to be announced. Plus a first set of adapters. So quite a system to be developed for a relatively small company. In parallell, the M- and SL-system need to be maintained & developed. 

Well, time will tell.

[Stuart Richardson]

I think if it is released in the end, it will be an easier launch than they have had for many of their products. The existing lenses will surely be adaptable and hopefully along with them any of the older adapters for other MF cameras, and if they have figured out some way to use L mount lenses as well, they would be available too. There may be an opportunity to use many or most of the SL accessories, depending on the battery size requirements. They could probably launch credibly with just one to three lenses and that would satisfy most users' needs for adoption. 

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[LeicaR10]

As the long ago American TV western series kung fu star would say:   Patience grasshoppers...patience....the S4 is coming....    r/ Master Mark