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8 / NEWS
The German brand won’t just focus on luxury goods and is working on a bespoke sensor for its next generation of cameras LEICA LATEST New Leica CEO to push innovation
production, while pushing forward with digital transformation. Leica has announced a collaboration with image sensor manufacturer Gpixel to develop bespoke sensors for future cameras. Currently, Leica utilises a Sony-made 60-megapixel sensor in many of its high-end cameras. To coincide with the change in leadership, Freefly has been revealed as a member of the L-Mount Alliance, making it the 11th imaging company to join since the announcement of the L-Mount standard in 2018. The alliance consists of founding members Leica, Sigma and Panasonic, as well as Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, DJI, Astrodesign, Sirui, Samyang, Blackmagic Design and Viltrox. This collaboration lets Freefly develop its high-speed video cameras with the L-Mount.
Leica has a new boss after appointing Andreas Voll as
its CEO, a move claimed to signal a focus on digital imaging technologies. He succeeds Matthias Harsch, who led Leica since 2017 and oversaw expansion beyond photography into high-end watches, home cinema and luxury leather goods. The new CEO brings great experience in premium technology and brand development. The key shift lies in Leica’s plans to expand digital and imaging solutions, alongside development of its premium optical and camera systems. Leica intends to deepen partnerships in mobile imaging and advanced optics, areas increasingly relevant to hybrid shooters and video workflows. Leica says it will maintain its focus on precision engineering and high-end
ALL ABOUT THAT BASSMAN The work of Lillian Bassman (left) and Brian Duffy (below) are going to be on show in the capital
Bassman heads London exhibits will complement Bassman’s images, alongside a selection of special prints from famed Leica photographers such as Bruce Davidson, Terry O’Neill and Henri Cartier-Bresson. At the same time, Leica Gallery London will show works from famed
Previously unseen Lillian Bassman works as well as vintage Brian Duffy portraits will go on show in London to celebrate 50 years of Leica Galleries. The exhibition is at Photo London’s Kensington Olympia home until 9 July, showing works from US photographer and painter Bassman, whose oversized fashion portraits were rediscovered by photography curator and art historian Martin Harrison. A small group of vintage lith prints by Deborah Turbeville shot in 1975
Irish photographer Brian Duffy, showcasing his vintage prints from as early as the sixties, with portraits of people such as Michael Caine, David Hockney and Grace Coddington. leica.com
VOLL STRENGTH Leica’s new boss will push imaging innovation, starting with an exciting sensor update
Harsch words on the phone
The news about the Leica boss comes as the brand reveals the Leitzphone, a premium smartphone, made by Chinese tech giant Xiaomi but commissioned by outgoing CEO Harsch. “It brings our imaging expertise, design principles and photographic intent into everyday moments, while staying true to the passion that has defined Leica for generations,” said Harsch. The £1700 Leitzphone is aimed to bring a more authentic photographic experience to mobile imaging. At its core is an advanced triple-camera system built around a Vario-APO-Summilux 14-
boost dynamic range by managing highlight detail directly at pixel level. This helps retain detail in high- contrast scenes, making it effective for landscapes, architecture and portraits. A 200-megapixel periscope telephoto module extends the system’s reach, offering 75-100mm optical zoom with stabilisation and autofocus. The custom user interface and camera app reflect the brand’s minimalist philosophy, with Leica Looks, bokeh simulations and a dedicated Essential Mode that recreates classic colour and monochrome styles inspired by cameras like the Leica M9.
100mm f/1.67-2.9 ASPH lens, delivering Leica’s emphasis on optical precision and image quality. The main camera has a large one-inch sensor with technology designed to
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