Photography News issue 26

Photography News Issue 26 absolutephoto.com

23 Interview

Profile JasonHeward Iconic company Leica has been supplying legendary photographic products for over 100 years. We got in touch with Leica UK’s managing director to discuss the recent release of several new and exciting products

Leica has been very active recently with the launch of several new products. It must be the most exciting time for you as managing director of Leica UK? It’s a hugely exciting time. With the launch of its recent products, Leica has cemented its position as the vanguard of photography. It will always be a privilege to be MD of such an iconic company, but never more so than at this time. How is business generally, especially from your Mayfair store’s perspective? Business is good, both in our flagship store and for our authorised dealers. The breadth of our camera portfolio means we can cover almost every field of photography. More and more people are coming to our brand to experience our exceptional products. The Leica Q has been getting good reviews, especially with respect to its noise performance. You must be pleased, but how has it been received by customers? The Q is quite the phenomenon! “The best fixed‑lens, full-frame compact ever made,” according to many. I have yet to see a bad review and this is reflected in the waiting list. It is the perfect combination of what is technically possible and what makes sense photographically. Customers are genuinely excited about how it can extend their creativity. The Leica M Monochrom can only shoot black & white pictures. Leica is the only manufacturer to take this innovative and niche approach. What was Leica’s thinking behind the concept and how has it been received? The Leica M Monochrom is quite brilliant and I think it perfectly represents the brand. Would any other camera manufacturer create a camera purely on the basis of helping customers express their creativity through the aesthetics of black & white photography? The M has legendary status and the Monochrom adds to this. Even we are a little surprised by howmany customers are using it! The SL (right) is a very lovely camera and is beautifully made, but what was the thinking behind the new SL system? After all, in the M-system you effectively have a quality full‑frame product, so was there a specific need for a new system? What does the new lens mount offer that an existing one doesn’t offer? TheSLreallyisanewmilestoneintheprofessional camera segment. It’s a cutting-edge mirrorless system camera, with many innovations that result in outstanding quality. The SL has closed the gap between our professional S series and the legendary M series. M customers love to use the optical rangefinder system, but for some situations they require more speed and video capability. All our systems have specific advantages and user benefits, and are an integral part of our long-term product strategy. The Leica SL lens mount expands the camera’s range of options and brings even more creative freedom. The SL (TL) mount permits the use of more than 100 Leica lenses on the Leica SL, including Leica S and M lenses.

How long has the SL been in development? Sorry, but we don’t disclose details regarding development times! From a technical perspective, what was the biggest challenge in developing the SL? When you are creating the future, the challenge is always to keep things focused on the essentials, or as we like to say – ‘Das Wesentliche’. We know that often the things that appear simple can be the most difficult to attain, particularly when you are creating something with so many innovations. What sort of photographer do you expect to buy the SL? I know you are aiming it at professionals but are you expecting good take‑up from M owners? This camera is designed to the high specification demanded by professional photographers – from its robust and resilient build quality to the speed and excellent image quality. Anyone who appreciates a highly innovative, cutting-edge camera will be interested in this. Image quality, speed, cinematic-quality video – I can think of many M owners who will be interested. The SL will bring many new customers to Leica as well, particularly film and video makers. Does the SL feature the same sensor and processor as the Q? Does the sensor come from the same source as the Monochrom, ie. your Belgian supplier? The SL has a 24-megapixel sensor that is based on the sensor architecture used in the Leica Q, but with modifications to ensure outstanding imaging performance when using LeicaM lenses, and for ultrasonic sensor cleaning. The sensor is used exclusively in Leica cameras and has no special name. Leica is using different sources and manufacturers in this field, but supplier details are subject to confidentiality.   Was there any idea to go for a higher resolution, ie. 50 megapixels, with the SL system? The new camera was developed together with professional photographers. We came to the conclusion that speed and image quality are the two most important requirements and priorities for this target group.

SL speed means to provide a high frame rate of up to 11 frames per second, which leads to an extended scope of photographic applications — for example, sports and photojournalism. Our philosophy is that the highest image quality is achieved by larger pixels, especially with shadow and highlight reproduction, and a higher ISO up to 50,000. Our goal was to create a camera that offers maximum flexibility in order to adapt to every situation or photographic condition. Do you have a roadmap of SL lenses and accessories, so buyers can be confident they are investing in a full system? Leica will release three SL lenses in the first year. However, we will extend our lens portfolio on a regular basis. Because of the SL mount, photographers will have access to almost all Leica lenses ever made. For instance, all lenses for the Leica T camera can be used without an adapter. In addition, appropriate adapters allow Leica S, M, R and cine lenses to be mounted on the Leica SL. The adapter for Leica M is already available, and R, S and cine lens adapters are currently under development.   The SL’s design is minimalist to the extent that very few controls are marked. Has this approach come from consumer research or just Leica’s designers (or a design agency) going for a cool look? As mentioned previously, the SL was developed in collaborationwithprofessional photographers. Leica has always been synonymous with great design. It has the characteristic profile of a Leica camera at a glance and is a true Leica design – timeless, classic and unique in its craftsmanship. What aspect or feature of the SL excites you most personally? There are many aspects of the SL that excite me and I am still discovering innovations and new potentials. The aspect that excites me most, personally, is its video-recording capability. Even in full HD, the Leica SL sets new standards, it records video at up to 120 frames per second and makes use of the entire sensor area. Video filming is possible with almost every Leica lens ever built, including our award-winning Leica cine lenses.

Biography

Years in the photo industry? Three Current location Kent Last picture taken I took some shots of some beau- tiful horses in a field near to my home on the Leica M Monochrom When youwere younger, what did youwant to bewhen you grewup? Archaeologist Dogs or cats? Grew up with, and still have, both. Toast or cereal? Toast Email or phone call? My inbox is full, so I’m reverting to calls!

When you are creating the future, the challenge is always to keep this focused on the essentials, or as we like to say – ‘Das Wesentliche’