Hello everybody! I’m back, christmas is over and I have (partially) recovered from the festivity hassles … I’m still on vacation until new year, but couldn’t resists writing a short update on the latest news. So here’s something to feed your Leica addiction!

Panasonic/Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 for Micro Four Thirds

PhotographyBLOG have reviewed the only currently available macro lens for Micro Four Thirds, the Panasonic/Leica Macro-Elmarit 45/2.8, which is being built by Panasonic in Japan, whereas the optical formula has been developed in cooperation with Leica. The lens has a 90mm-equivalent focal lenght and is capable of true 1:1 magnification. With its aperture rating of f/2.8 it is rather fast for a macro lens. PhotographyBLOG rate its optical performance very highly. The only drawback seems to be its mediocre sharpness at f/2.8. But for macros shots you will want to stop down anyways in order not to get too shallow depth-of-field, and at f/4 the lens is as sharp as it gets.
For next year, another Micro Four Thirds macro lens is to be expected from Olympus — it’ll be interesting to see how the two lenses will compare.

Leica M9 silver chrome limited edition

Finally, the Leica M9 is available with a silver chrome body as well! So far, the M9 was available in black or silver paint, which is prone to wear with time and expose the bare brass body. The chrome finish however, which was standard with the M8, won’t wear off as quickly. This limited edition also sports the sapphire glass display covering which was introduced with the M8.2, but dropped for the standard M9. This edition of the M9 is limited to 50 pieces, so be quick if you want one!
For more information, have a  look at Leica Rumors’ announcement.

Leica M8 vs. Sony NEX-5 comparison

And here’s one for those crazy about crazy comparisons: Steve Huff wrote an article on how the Leica M8 and Sony NEX-5 compare. This is a question regularly asked in forums: Should I get a Leica M8, or will a Sony NEX-5 with M-mount adapter do? Well, Steve’s got the answer!