New Leica S2 ----> 37 Million Pixels!

[NIKON KIU]

Strangely, Nikon does not have a press date set!!

This is the perfect definition of an EVIL SLR:



Kiu

[Ben Z]

I wish Leica all the success in the world on each new product they sell, and I wouldn't presume to judge who might or might not want such a camera as this. I can only say, it isn't me. At different times I lusted after and bought (used) Nikon F5, Canon 1VHS, Leica R8, Pentax 67, and Hasselblad setups, but when I had them in the bag I hated the bulk and weight. I am so over the camera-lust phase. I just can't lug around anything bigger or heavier than an M and 3-4 lenses when I travel, and that's when I do 90% of my photography. After 15 years I've got all the shots of winter wading birds and various flowers that I can stand, so for the little shooting I do involving macro or telephoto, my 20D is more than up to the task. I don't think the camera looks ugly though (not that how a camera looks makes any difference to me).

[gchao]

Confirmed that the S2 will have AF lenses and priced around $23,000USD.

[Ronald_H]

Originally Posted by photomoof

Wait until you see the prices on this puppy, and I can almost guarantee that is is NOT autofocus.

Wanna bet?

Read The D*mn Text!

On another note, I see severe rejection symptoms by the M-crowd for this system. As for myself, my flabber is ghasted. If they can do this, digital R10's and FF M9's suddenly seem possible.

Whatever happens, this will take the industry sit up and take notice. Look at what a stir it causes already!

And, just to be a bit mean, will this need IR filters too?

*Ducks and runs*

[peter_n]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

The way a camera body looks doesn't matter it's the images it produces. Have you ever seen Josef Sudek's camera?

Indeed. What an incredible man. He more-or-less made his own panoramic too, from the remains of an old Kodak plate camera from the 1800's. All with one arm. He was truly a giant, and at last recognition is happening in the west. Two new books will be published next month!

[jmarcus]

I just want Leica to make money, so they can continue to build better digital rangefinders

[HuubL]

Originally Posted by jmarcus

I just want Leica to make money, so they can continue to build better digital rangefinders

...Right!!

[cole]

I think this is a fantastic move on Leica's part - someone down there is finally thinking out of the box.

I'm a passionate M user, but I also work with 4x5" for fashion and portrait work, and from the initial look at this camera, it would easily sway me to move into digital photography again - if the price isn't astronomical. As has been previously pointed out, this isn't a direct competitor for the H3DII or similar cameras - it's aimed at something in-between. Hopefully the price can reflect an 'in-between' stance as well.

To be honest, I'm salivating.

Congratulations, Leica.

[tmfabian]

this is a spectacular move. This is going to sell, and that bodes well for leica. I'm quite happy with this announcement, it's about time leica brought in some diversity to their line...this lil puppy should open up a whole new market for them.

[John Shriver]

The sensor size is the same as all the "medium format" digital backs, which are all a crop from 4.5x6cm. Heck, this is the same 37mp Kodak sensor several of them use.

What it doesn't have is all the baggage of being strapped onto a large camera originally designed for 4.5x6cm or 6x6cm.

[John Shriver]

Looking at the picture, no aperture ring. Obviously an electronic mount. Presumably USM focusing motor. The leaf shutters are probably also electronically controlled.

Gutsy move, shows that they are willing to invest a lot of capital.

[Ray Nalley]

Has anyone determined whether it is a real camera or just a prototype. That isn't really clear.

[padraigm]

I hear the ISO noise above 640 is terrible......LOL

[kevin m]

More pics from another site: http://www.1854.eu/2008/09/leica_s2_...f_the_new.html

[Bobfrance]

Anyone else think it looks like Darth Vader?

[urban_alchemist]

It looks great... I want bad. And I haven't said that about any SLR since...

Well, I can't actually remember...

[HuubL]

Originally Posted by kevin m

More pics from another site: http://www.1854.eu/2008/09/leica_s2_...f_the_new.html

It's starting to grow on me....

Us M-users got to love that little red dot on the lenses

[Double Negative]

What a unique design... Darth Vader, heh. Yeah - I can see that.

[JonasYip]

More details here:
http://www.bjp-online.com/public/sho...ml?page=816234

[totifoto]

I kinda like this. Leica is in the medium format market now, and this camera is more portable that any medium format digital camera on the market.

[raid]

Maybe this really is another major breakthrough for Leica marketing. Ugly the camera is, but it is smaller than any of of the clumsy looking large cousins that use the large sized sensor. If I had an extra $35,000 to spend, would I spend the money on this camera? Food for thought.

[HuubL]

Ohh...., I want one in chrome!

[cam]

but to show it off with a Summarit lens?

i know, i'm probably being a terrible snob here, but i wish they had put a Cron or a Lux on it...

[Ray Nalley]

One dial on the top. Must be totally menu controlled.

[jarski]

I never have afford this camera, but to me it has specs of a winner for what its meant for. yes, result of out of the box thinking that not many would have expected from Leica lets see now will e.g. Canon muscle something similar in short while.