Leica’s revolutionary “super camera”
Posted in This Just In... on July 30th, 2009 by gkrakow
Leica claims their new S2 ultra-super-luxury, autofocus, digital SLR camera is in a class by itself. I just checked it out for myself. They’re right.
We’re talking about a feature-filled device housed inside a physically large camera body (think in terms of a full-figured, medium-format film camera). It’s a mind-warping, 37.5-megapixel monster with a giant 30 by 45 mm light sensor (more than 50% larger than one you would find in a full-sized 35mm camera).
Also think in terms of shelling out more than $26,000 for just the camera body. Famous Leica Summarit and Elmar S-lenses range from $5000 to more than $8,000.
Lucikly, I’m happy to tell you that accessories are somewhat less expensive. It’s reported that a spare battery charger will set you back $425.
Leica provides a simple explanation for the new design:
“With the S2, Leica has created an entirely new class of camera – technically innovative but incredibly flexible thanks to a wide selection of accessories.
The Leica S System is specifically designed with the needs of professional photographers in mind. This embraces not only a camera concept that fits seamlessly into the professional digital workflow, but also applies to a range of exclusive services that concentrates on the support of professional photographers.”
And for super-professionals there’s an even more exclusive model, the S2-P, which comes with a 3-inch, sapphire glass screen and what Leica calls their “Platinum Service” (which includes loaner cameras when yours need tweaking). Add an extra $5K or so for the “P”.
The S2 system will be available starting in October.
It should make a lovely holiday gift. I wouldn’t refuse one.