Lens

We've heard some rumblings through the grapevine and are working to get additional confirmation and details... Which are sketchy, but from what we've heard, it is believed that something related to the manufacture of the Central Shutter (CS) in Leica's S-System CS lenses... Has been seriously affected. As a side-note, Copal was known since March to be ceasing production with their last run "late this year" - so the timing is right, but we don't believe at this time that they're connected. Read more below for details.

Once again, we were the first to break the news!

On Monday (November 25, 2013) Leica Camera AG has finalized the takeover (in German) of the Swiss professional camera manufacturer Sinar Photography AG, Zurich, the Swiss manufacturer of view cameras. Both companies have agreed that the details of the transaction will not be disclosed. Sinar Photography AG is the leading manufacturer of equipment for professional view camera photography and the only provider in this segment to offer complete digital solutions for view camera photographers. The Sinar product portfolio offers everything from cameras and lenses to digital backs, shutter systems and workflow software. Marketing, product management, support, development and production will remain in the hands of Sinar in Switzerland. Sales and distribution of the product portfolio will be handled by Leica Camera AG and the worldwide dealer network of Sinar Photography AG. Read more below for additional details.

Coming up soon, on January 1, 2014 - the price on many Leica M (and two S) lenses will increase. This is practically an annual occurrence and shouldn't really come as a surprise. Price increases range from $55 to an eye watering $500. On the bright side, the lenses you already own have just gained value... Read more below for the full list of lenses and prices:

Leica is expanding its professional support and provides a complete portfolio of the digital medium format Leica S-System at three locations in Germany, ready for rental. Leica partners in the Hamburg region are Knackscharf GmbH & Co KG and the Delight Rental Services GmbH in Berlin, Stuttgart and Marbella. Both rental firms have years of experience and offer the rentals on all current products from the Leica S-System. Read more below for details!

We don't really want to get caught up in the Sony A7/A7R frenzy, but be that as it may - a lot of Leica shooters might be looking at them keenly. Some are even suggesting they are Leica's nightmare (to which we don't subscribe). Ron Scheffler has given us a Sony a7 torture test with Leica, Zeiss, Voigtlander rangefinder lenses - long and short of it - you can forget the A7.

You may recall that on Tuesday we brought you the story, Leica (RED) M Revealed! (which we've also updated) about the collaboration between Apple designer Sir Jonathan Ive and Marc Newson to produce the Leica (RED) M camera, set to auction on November 23, 2013 via Sotheby's. The pair have selected or made more than 40 objects for an auction to benefit Bono’s (of U2 fame) Product (RED) anti-H.I.V. campaign. Meeting with Newson and Ive, Paul Goldberger explores the shared obsession and philosophy behind everything from iPhones to jumbo-jet interiors in Vanity Fair's "Designing Men" article.