If you are not following LeicaRumors, this is what Leica announced today:

• Leica M9-P Hermes limited edition ($50,000)
• Leica M9 Monochrom B&W digital rangefinder ($7,195)
• Leica X2 compact digital camera ($1,995)
• Leica V-Lux 40 point and shoot camera ($699)
• Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M Aspherical lens ($7,195)
• New medium format S lenses and Hasselblad H-system lens adapter

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At the CES 2012 show Fujifilm confirmed the upcoming X-Pro1 adapter for Leica-M lenses. A prototype is currently on display at the CP+ show in Japan:

Source (via LeicaRumors)

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Yesterday B&H started taking pre-orders for the new Ricoh GXR A12 unit for Leica M mount lenses. This is a good indication that a shipment is on its way to the store (B&H won't start taking pre-orders otherwise). Some more pictures of the unit can be seen over at LeicaRumors; Thephoblographer, Outbackphoto and Ricoh have published some sample images taken with the new GRX unit.

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1. Ricoh GXR A12 unit for Leica M mount lens now shipping in the US
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Ricoh (who recently bought Pentax for $124.2 million) officially released the GXR Leica M-mount APS-C module. The price of the unit will be $649. Here are some more images of the unit and the official press release:

Tokyo, Japan, August 5, 2011—Ricoh Co., Ltd. today announced the development and planned September 9, 2011 release of the new product GXR MOUNT A12, a lens mount unit exclusively for the GXR interchangeable unit camera system. The body color will be black only, and the planned monthly production volume is 3,000 units.

Introduced in December 2009, the GXR is a revolutionary interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses can be changed by mounting camera units that integrate lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single unit. In addition, utilizing its unique ability to accommodate interchangeable units other than camera units, the system can be expanded to include a variety of other devices.

The new GXR MOUNT A12 is a lens mount unit made especially for the GXR. Featuring an APS-C size CMOS sensor and a newly developed focal plane shutter, this unit makes it possible to mount lenses such as Leica M lenses, and it provides various types of compensation and correction functions.

Main features of GXR MOUNT A12:

1) The newly adopted APS-C size CMOS sensor expands possibilities for high resolution and imaging power.

• The adoption of a CMOS sensor with an optimized micro lens layout makes it possible to secure sufficient brightness levels even in the peripheral areas of the image.
• The CMOS sensor used is 23.6mm × 15.7mm (APS-C size). It enables the shooting of high-quality images with smooth tone gradations as well as high definition and low noise.

2) Compatibility with a wide variety of lenses, including Leica M mount lenses.

• Compatible with the Leica M mount, GXR MOUNT A12 can, of course, handle M-mount lenses, and if a conversion adapter is used many more types of mounts can also be accommodated.
• A checking device is included for use in confirming whether or not your lenses are physically compatible.

3) Diverse new functions maximize the potential of the lens itself

• In order to accommodate the photographer’s own preferences by adjusting for the distinctive characteristics of many different lenses, GXR MOUNT A12 can independently correct coloring at the corners. Color shading correction is possible in a -4 to +4 range for both R and B.
• Peripheral illumination correction is possible in a -3 to +3 range.
• A distortion correction function is provided to correct for the distortion that tends to occur in the lens periphery. The photographer can select barrel and pincushion distortion and specify “strong,” “medium,” or “weak” for each.
• A glass optical filter was adopted and made as thin as possible. It increases periphery image quality and suppresses field curvature.

4) High-precision focusing

• A focus-assist function has been included in an effort to raise the accuracy of manual focusing. The photographer can select from two modes and check the focus by strengthening outlines and contrast.
• Magnifying the screen image while shooting is an effective technique for focusing. The magnification can be done not only in the center but throughout the image. In addition, the image quality for 4x and 8x magnification has been further enhanced. The area to be magnified can be moved using the directional pad.

5) Two shutter methods are featured: newly developed focal plane shutter and electronic shutter

• With the focal plane shutter, settings of 1/4000 sec. to 180 sec. are possible.
• With the electronic shutter, settings of 1/8000 sec. to 1 sec. are possible, and the  photographer can shoot without worrying about shutter noise and vibration

6) The wide range of functionality that characterizes the GXR series

• My Settings enables a wide range of shooting functions to be specified in an instant. For the setting information storage, six patterns can now be stored in the body’s My Settings Box and six patterns can be stored in the SD card. This, along with the ability to change shooting conditions, further expands the photographer’s world of photo expression.
• In manual exposure mode, the shutter speeds B (bulb) and T (time) can be selected. With B, the exposure continues while the shutter release button is pressed, and with T, the shutter release button is pressed to start and end the exposure. For both B and T, the exposure is automatically ended when 180 seconds have elapsed.
• Information on the lens used can be put in the EXIF information. In the editing of My Settings information, lens name, focal length, and F value can be entered.
• New scene mode options have been added for the easy enjoyment of a wide range of photo expression. The five new options are soft focus, cross process, toy camera, miniaturize, and high contrast B&W. The photographer can create a unique image by just pressing the shutter release button.
• An electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor.
• An image flag function to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. Up to 20 images can be flagged.
• For the exterior, we utilized die cast magnesium, which has a strong track record in the GR series, and we covered the surface with a corrosion-resistant "pear-skin" coating. The end result is a body with durability, light weight, and a superior feel in hand.
• It is possible to shoot 1280 × 720 pixel HD movies.

* Note: When shooting movies of 1280×720 size, the use of an SD/SDHC memory card with an SD speed class of Class 6 or higher is recommended.

7) New options added

• We have created the new soft cases SC-75B and SC-75T, which are easy to open and close. With SC-75B, it is possible to shoot with the case attached to the GXR body.

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1. Ricoh confirms the Leica mount module for GXR
2. Ricoh GXR Leica M-mount APS-C module coming on September 9th, detailed specs are out
3. Ricoh GXR Mount A12 for Leica M mount lens to be released soon

The Ricoh GXR Leica M-mount cartridge will be available on September 9th, 2011. The price is still unknown but you can find detailed features description and full technical specs at Fotointern:

Thanks Dan!

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SLRMagic confirmed to Photorumors that the full frame Noktor HyperPrime 50mm f/0.95 lens will come with a Leica M mount. Here is a picture of the actual prototype on a M9 body:

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I was busy with my Fuji X100 vs. Leica X1 review today and still have some catching up to do: in an interview today, Panasonic UK confirmed that they are working on a new, Leica branded, 25mm f/1.4 lens for Micro Four Thirds:

"Q: And there's a new lens to go with the G3 isn't there?

A: Yes, here's the first working sample of the 25mm f/1.4; really eagerly anticipated and not planned for launch until the second half of this year. It will be Leica approved and branded."

In addition to the Lumix G3 camera, Panasonic also announced another point and shoot model and a new 14MP MOS sensor for compact cameras (1/2.33 in.). The new MOS image sensor has the following features:

1. The fine process technologies provide a sensitivity of 3050 el/lx/sec/μm², the industry's highest^*1 as a MOS image sensor.
2. The new light-focusing structure significantly expands the incident light angle, ensuring uniform and high picture quality, as well as produces a slimmer camera.
3. The simple manufacturing process is based on the current MOS image sensor structure, ensuring a stable supply.

1. The 32 and 45 nm (nanometers) leading-edge semiconductor process technologies lower the wiring layer profile, expand the opening area, and increase the photo diode volume.
2. The low color-mixing characteristics are enhanced by light-focusing structure design technologies that use a three-dimensional wave optics design to minimize light leakage at the structural boundaries.
3. Image sensor mass-production technologies allow stable production of MOS image sensors with high picture-quality.

The new sensor will start being produced in December 2011.

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Hoya (Pentax):

"Net sales were up 1.5% to 108,449 million yen year-on-year, and operating income rose 4.7% to19,897 million yen. Net income was up 12.0% to 13,210 million yen, and earnings per share were 30.62 yen compared with27.24 yen in the same period last year.

The profit of the camera business also exceeded our expectations this quarter due to the channel consolidation and focused promotion of new SLR cameras; K-5 and K-r."

Samsung:

"Samsung’s Digital Media businesses, which encompass Visual Display, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging, posted quarterly revenues of 15.97 trillion won for the October to December period, up 3 percent year-on-year. The businesses registered a loss of 0.17 trillion won despite improved performance in TV and IT products. For the full year 2010, the Digital Media businesses’ combined revenue totaled 57.26 trillion, up 12 percent from 2009, with an operating profit of 0.49 trillion won."

Fuji:

Sony:

"Operating profit at the main Consumer, Professional and Devices Group, the division that makes TVs, Cyber-shot cameras and semiconductors, fell 47 percent to 26.8 billion yen, about a third less than the median analyst estimate. Revenue gained 4.2 percent to 1.09 trillion yen."

After Kodak's fourth quarter profit dropped 95% there are rumors that Kodak may completely pull out of the camera manufacturing business.

Leica reported record profits sales in third quarter of fiscal year 2010/2011.

Nikon's sales are up, income is down - they sold more cameras and lenses than initially expected.

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Today Ricoh Japan confirmed the upcoming Leica mount module for the GXR system:

• 23.6mm × 15.7mm, APS-C size, 12.9MP, CMOS sensor
• Newly developed focal plane shutter
• No model name yet for the module
• Expected Release Fall 2011
• A prototype will be displayed at the CP+ show in Japan (February 9-12, 2011)

No other details were provided, but according to this roadmap, Ricoh is expected to release "Expansion units" in 2011:

Rumors for a new Micro Four Thirds module for GXR have been floating around and there is a very good chance that such unit will be announced later in 2011. At that point Ricoh is not part of the Micro Four Thirds supporting companies.

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Photokina is the biggest show for photography equipment that takes place every 2 years in Cologne, Germany. This year Photokina will be between September 21- 26. Here is a summary of all rumors, predictions and expectations for the main players in the industry:

• Canon: Canon G12 is a given, based on previous release patterns (they release a new version every year in September). Low chance for a new small/compact DSLR. Pictures of the Canon 60D are already available online, so you know that one is coming. There could be more PowerShots cameras like the S95, SX30 and SX130. I am sure that Canon will also release new lenses as well but I have not idea what exactly.

• Sony: no new Sony full frame camera for Photokina but plenty of APS-C cameras: at least three, maybe even four - A33, A55, A560 and A580. Lenses: new set of Zeiss lenses for the NEX system and maybe a new set of Alpha prime lenses (some of them could be Zeiss).

• Pentax: full frame camera from Pentax probably won't happen this year. There is a very good chance that there will be a new Pentax EVIL camera at Photokina. On the DSLR front Pentax will release new K-5 and K-r models.

• Samsung: a new NX100 mirrorless camera, new 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 and 20mm pancake lenses are expected. A 60mm macro lens is also a possibility.

• Panasonic: a new GH (probably called GH2) and a new GF cameras (the GF1 was announced in September, 2009). New m4/3 lenses are also expected: 14mm f/2.5 and the 100-300mm lens.

• Olympus: Olympus E-3 successor is certain and probably a new PEN, since they are on a 6 months refresh cycle: the E-P2 was released in November 2009, the E-PL1 was released in May, 2010 - you do the math.

• Ricoh: the rumor is that Ricoh will release a Micro Four Thirds module for their GXR system.

• Sinar: new digital back.

• Metz: will probably release the Mecablitz 58 AF-2 flash.

• Nikon: see the complete Nikon report here.

• Leica: see the complete Leica report here.

Lenses manufacturers after the break:

• Sigma: Sigma will probably join the  EVIL world and will show at least a prototype of a mirrorless camera at Photokina. Besides that, the only other rumor I have is about a new Sigma 300-800mm F/5.6 lens.

• Samyang: a new 35mm f/1.4 lens will be announced at Photokina.

• Tamron: there were some reprots that Tamron will release lenses for the Sony NEX and Samsung NX mirrorless systems: 24-50mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, 75-200mm f/4.5-6.3 VR and a 90mm f/3.5 VR macro lenses. Another rumor indicated Tamron could start producing m4/3 lenses.

• Zeiss: a new Zeiss Distagon ZF 1.4/35 already showed up in some online catalogs.

• Tokina: a new Tokina 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ATX840 D zoom lens was rumored a while back.

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Rayqual to offer Sony E mount adapters for Nikon, Pentax, Canon and Leica lenses. The adapters are expected to be available in July, 2010. For more details visit DC.watch. This will make the Sony NEX cameras comparable to the m4/3 system cameras that already have all kinds of adapters available.

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• Tomorrow is Sony's day: the new NEX3 and NEX5 EVIL Alpha cameras will be unveiled.

• New Samsung HZ50W ( model WB5500 in Europe) point and shoot camera is coming soon. The rumored specs are:
  • Samsung CMOS sensor
  • Sensor size: 1/2.33″
  • Resolution: 14.5MPx (4400×3300)
  • Pixel: 1.10um
  • Transfer rate: 15fps

Maybe the Samsung NX5 will be announced at the same time.

• Leica is preparing a new new Leica 35 Summilux-M f/1.4 lens.

• Rumored picture of Canon EOS 60D surfaced on nphoto.net:

• Nikon is quiet like never before

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Tomorrow Leica will announce their new V-Lux 20 p&s camera:

The camera is based on the Panasonic ZS-7 (model TZ-10 in Europe). More details available on LeicaRumors.com.

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• "Flip Slide HD" camcorder coming soon.

• Samsung laptop webcams will shoot 1080p video - CMOS sensor can now record 1080p video at 30fps.

• Samyang 8mm f/3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fisheye lens for Olympus (4/3 bayonet mount) now available for sale on eBay. Samyang also announced some new lenses (source):

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED IF Aspherical MC with fastenings for all systems.

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 IF UMC AE version of the Nikon mount - this is a new generation of portrait lens, with a new type of anti-reflective coating and built-in chip transmitting data to the camera focal length, aperture and other parameters. Other parameters remain unchanged.

Samyang MC 85mm f/1.4 IF-mount version of the Olympus 4/3.

• The latest from LeicaRumors.com: Leica Cinema lenses now official and a new Leica C-Lux 20 point and shoot camera to be released soon.

• Sell of mirrorless cameras in the UK jumps 170% in February compared to previous year. True that last February there were not so many models available, but this is still an imp-ressive stats: "More than one in ten interchangeable lens cameras sold in February were of the mirrorless variety".

• Chase Jarvis and others launched creativelive.com where you can watch free photography related classes. They also offer other training sessions (programming, etc).

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DC Watch has multiple pictures of different Ricoh GXR prototypes shown on the CP+ Camera and Imaging Show 2010 in Japan. One of them is the previously rumored 28-300mm GXR cartridge:

On display was also a Ricoh GXR A12 28mm f/2.5 cartridge and Ricoh GXR Leica mount cartridge:

as well as Ricoh GXR Hasselblad cartridge:

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PMA 2010 is one of the major photography related shows in the US. This year the event will take place in Anaheim, California from February 21-23.

Many new photography products will be announced prior and during PMA. Here is a brief recap on what to expect based on previously reported rumors (click on each link for the corresponding article):

Panasonic: two point and shoot models and a Lumix G replacement.

Olympus: multiple point and shoot cameras, nothing else.

Pentax: three new compact cameras with some interesting design.

Sony: series of point and shoot cameras and α700 replacement.

Ricoh: new CX2 camera and a new 28-300 GXR lens.

Samsung: a new k-mount for the Samsung NX-10 is expected, don't have any other information at that point.

Tamron: maybe two new lenses ("maybe" because the announcement could be after PMA).

Hasselblad: a new service for photographers should be announced.

Fuji: maybe a new m4/3 EVIL model, otherwise some new digital and maybe film cameras.

Leica: nothing for PMA, but expect a new 35mm Summilux M lens in March and some new compact cameras (fyi: Leica is not attending PMA 2010).

Canon: 1Ds4 and 60D and maybe three new lenses. Canon should have an announcement on February 9th.

Nikon: well, I have a whole blog for that - too much to mentioned it all here, but Coolpix S8000, Coolpix P100, Coolpix S3000 and Coolpix S8000 are expected.

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M9

If you don't follow LeicaRumors that's ok. Here is what you need to know: Leica M9 to be released on September 9th (09.09.09 at 09:09am). The M9 will have an 18MP, full frame sensor (probably from Kodak).

But wait, there is more: another unknown and "interesting" Leica camera is also expected to be announced (probably on the same date).

Fore more Leica M9 rumors click here.

Via Leica Rumors

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