Leica has announced a new S (Typ 007) camera at Photokina 2014 along with the S-E entry level model.
The Leica S (Type 007) is the new top model of the Leica S-System. With a burst frequency of up to 3.5 frames per second, full-HD video in full-frame medium-format sensor size and 4K video recording, fast Live View mode and exceptional imaging quality at all ISO settings, the Leica S (Type 007) once again documents its status as the benchmark in the medium-format segment.
The Leica S-E is the entry-level model in the Leica S medium-format system. The Leica S-E provides practically all technical advantages of the Leica S (Type 006) and presents an attractive alternative within the Leica S-System.
Leica S (Typ 007) and S-E Announced At Photokina 2014
LEICA S (Type 007) – More Speed and Medium Format HD Video
New: LEICA S High speed, video recording and optimum image quality – combined with perfect handling
With the Leica S (Type 007), Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents the new top model of the Leica S-System. As a logical development of its predecessors, the new Leica S features a multitude of radically new components – like the Leica CMOS sensor and the Leica Maestro II image processor – and now opens up new dimensions in the field of medium-format photography.
New image sensor and new processor for increased quality and higher speed
Amongst the most remarkable innovations in the Leica S are the new Leica CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor. Thanks to these, it has been possible to enormously increase the speed and versatility of the S-System and raise it to a level that was previously unheard of in the medium-format segment. With a burst frequency of up to 3.5 frames per second, full-HD video in full-frame medium-format sensor size and 4K video recording, fast Live View mode and exceptional imaging quality at all ISO settings, the Leica S (Type 007) once again documents its status as the benchmark in the medium-format segment. The 2 GB buffer memory ensures smooth shooting of rapid sequences and, despite its more than doubled burst rate capability, the new focal plane shutter in the camera offers a further significantly increased service life of at least 150,000 cycles.
Fast, predictive autofocus module for subjects in motion
The revised autofocus system brings not only higher speed, but also more reliable and more precise focusing. To ensure optimum sharpness and precise tracking of moving subjects, the Leica S (Type 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. In combination with its fascinating imaging quality and high burst rate, the Leica S sets entirely new standards for professional medium-format action photography.
Integrated Wlan, GPS system and levelling aid for precision and uncomplicated workflows
The Leica S is currently the only professional camera to feature an integrated GPS module that can record the geographical positioning data of the momentary location in the Exif data of the image file whenever needed, as well as automatically set the local system time. On the basis of the coordinates, appropriate software installed on a computer, for instance the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® package supplied with the camera, 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 levelling aid (spirit level) displays the precise horizontal and vertical orientation of thecamera in the viewfinder to allow photographers to align the subject with absolute precision and without any need for external aids. In combination with an app for smartphones and tablets, the camera’s integrated Wlan module enables remote control of the camera and remote image assessment in Live View mode to provide simpler and intuitive workflows.
Optimised handling
With a resolution of 921,600 pixels, a 3″ diagonal, full sRGB colour space and increased contrast and brightness, the display allows optimum assessment of subjects and images in every situation. The glass plate protecting the monitor is manufactured from tough and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass®
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The panel on the top deck of the Leica S has been redesigned as a trans-reflective display with a larger area and optimised information content to ensure optimum legibility – even in bright sunlight. Two new control elements on the top deck enable direct selection of Live View mode and the activation of video recording.
The Leica S is uncompromisingly built for maximum dependability in use and also features details like cable connections with strain relief, separate slots for CompactFlash and SD memory cards, further optimised energyefficiency and a scratch-resistant display. The Leica S therefore stands alone as an ideal and extremely reliable tool for achieving maximum quality results in the studio and on location under even the most unfavourable conditions.
The Leica S is supplied complete with the Leica Protection Plan. The LPP offers photographers an extended warranty for a period of three years, a replacement camera to cover repair times and numerous other benefits.
The launch of the Leica S (Type 007) is planned for spring 2015; priced at £18,720 RRP.
New: LEICA S-E The entry-level model for the Leica S medium-format system
With the new Leica S-E, Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, offers an ideal entry-level model for Leica S medium-format system. The camera provides practically all technical advantages of the Leica S (Type 006) and presents an attractive alternative within the Leica S-System. The new colour scheme, with a top deck in anthracite grey paint and a silver anodised shutter speed dial, adds even more to its attraction.
The S-E (Type 006) offers photographers access to the entire portfolio of lenses, technical equipment and accessories available for the Leica S-System. Owners of a Leica S-E can also enjoy the benefits of S-System service and extend the warranty for the camera body to three years with the optional Leica Protection Plan.
Proven advantages of the S-System
The Leica S-E possesses all 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 consistently uniform brightness from corner to corner. The camera is extremely ruggedly built and sealed against environmental influences like dust and rain – just like all S-Lenses. The system’s unique dual-shutter concept offers photographers the choice of using the camera’s fast focal plane shutter with speeds up to 1/4000 s or the electronically controlled central shutter of the CS lenses that allows flash sync at 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/shift lens.
The latest member of the family to be launched by Leica is the Summicron-S 100 mm f/2 ASPH., a lens particularly suitable for portrait photography. At the same time, numerous third-party medium-format lenses can be mounted on the Leica S-E by means of adapters. For instance, the Leica S-Adapter C allows the use of Contax 645 lenses and the Leica S-Adapter H provides full compatibility for all functions of Hasselblad H lenses, including autofocus, central shutter control and automatic aperture control.
Further details, like secure cable connections, optimised energy efficiency or the scratch-resistant display, ensure that photographers never compromise when they choose a Leica S-E. The Leica S-E therefore stands as an ideal and extremely reliable tool for achieving the best possible results in the studio and on location – under even the most unfavourable conditions.
The Leica S-E will retail at £12,480 RRP and will be available from September 2014 from Leica Store Mayfair, Leica Store Burlington and selected Leica dealers.
For more information, take a look at the Leica website.
