ISSUE 125
8 / NEWS
Leica strips out the colour Leica has unveiled the brand- new Q3 Monochrom, the second dedicated black & white model in its compact Q-series and the latest
evolution of the brand’s commitment to the history of photography. The full- frame Q3 Monochrom is built around a newly developed 60-megapixel monochrome sensor that is designed to capture only luminance, not hue. The result is extraordinary sharpness, tonal depth and clarity unobtainable from colour-filter-based sensors. The sensor employs Leica’s Triple Resolution Technology, enabling 60, 36 or 18-megapixel capture while also maintaining very high dynamic range. With an ISO range from 100 to 200,000 and the fast Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, the camera excels in low light. It is built to produce rich, low-
Holy grail of cameras brings £5.7m A papal Leica smashed its modest estimate of £55–65K to bring €6.5 million – around £5.7 million – in the annual Leitz Photographica Auction. It’s a Leica M-A paired with a Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH lens gifted to and owned by the late Pope Francis, with the entire sum donated to charity. Other notable lots included a rare Leica M3, produced as a backup for the identical model presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany. It exceeded its €90-120K estimate.
noise images with the nuanced textures and micro-contrast monochrome that photographers prize. Videographers can also record black & white footage at up to 8K resolution. The £5800 Q3 Monochrom stays true to the Q-series silhouette but takes on a darker, more minimalist aesthetic. Its body is made of matte-black metal and has monochrome engravings and a leatherette cover with no Leica red dot. It also features a 5.76-megapixel OLED viewfinder, tilting touch display and fast hybrid AF system. With weather sealing to IP52, a digital zoom reaching 90mm, macro
capability down to 17cm and integration with the Leica Fotos app, the Q3 Monochrom is the first Q-camera that incorporates Content Credentials. These are digital signatures that verify image authenticity in line with the Content Authenticity Initiative. Leica has also released firmware updates for its SL mirrorless system as well as its Q3 compact cameras. The Q3 gets a new user interface and improved autofocus while the SL3 and SL3-S get an AF boost and Frame.io compatibility. leica-camera.com
MONO MINDED If the ultimate in black & white photography is your goal, Leica's latest Q3 is made for you
FLARE ENOUGH Anamorphic lenses are often used in sci-fi films due to their unique flaring and bokeh Sony E-mount, Nikon Z mount and Leica L-Mount in either classic blue or neutral streak flare options. sirui.com performance, but also enables an ultra- shallow depth-of-field rarely seen in lenses this portable. Weighing just 620– 700g, the lenses are small enough for gimbals, travel rigs and handheld work and costing starts at $799 each. UK prices are yet to be set. The Astra lenses are available in Sirui is set to bring the cinematic widescreen look of anamorphic lenses to your images with the launch of the Astra Series, the world’s first full-frame 1.33x AF anamorphics to feature a constant T1.8 aperture. Following last year’s Super 35 AF anamorphics for crop-sensor cameras, the new 50, 75 and 100mm lenses suit full-frame mirrorless systems while remaining compact, light and affordable. Each lens produces the hallmark widescreen look, horizontal flares and oval bokeh associated with big-budget cinema. The constant T1.8 aperture is significant as it unlocks low-light Sci-fi look for your images
Storm proof your camera
You don’t have to be a Sony owner to use the brand’s new all-weather rain covers or soft carrying cases for super-telephoto lenses, even though they are built for Alpha cameras. The rain cover shields cameras and lenses from rain and snow while allowing full operation. Made from breathable, high-performance fabric to prevent condensation
during long shoots. It has a quick-fastening strap and folds into its integrated pouch. Available in black or white, the cover is £150 for both small and large. The new soft carrying cases for super-telephoto lenses have a conical shape, anti-drop internal strap, large zip opening and multiple carrying options. Three sizes cost £150-170. sony.com
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