Just recently, Hongkong-based lens manufacturer SLR Magic, best known for their affordable alternative manual lens options for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX, have announced production of a new super fast 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M mount. The lens is thus a direct competitor to the crazy expensive yet legendary Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.
 The new SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M The “T” designation means that the lens’ actual maximum light transmission is that of a theoretical f/0.95 aperture opening with now light loss. In a typical photographic lens, the number of lens elements and glass-air-surfaces as well as the quality of the coatings has an effect of how much light is actually being transmitted. The “f” designation in these lenses simply states the physical size of the maximum aperture opening. “T” designations have so far been reserved for cinema lenses, where the actual light transmission capability of the lens is more important than its factual aperture size.
Steve Huff, Leica aficionado and passionate gearhead has now obtained one of the first samples of the lens, and wrote a short article about his first impressions. Attendants of his January Los Angeles workshop will also have the opportunity to try the lens first hand.
I am aware that you are in the middle of restructuring and expanding your business. Mr Kaufmann put a lot of money into you, and I do not believe he did so without expecting compensation. Lisa Holding Germany has acquired most of your stocks by now, and just recently Blackstone started investing in your company. On the other hand, you are about to expand your production facilities, building a completely new complex in your old home, Wetzlar.
Being a big fan of your products and your philosophy, I welcome all this. I welcome the fact that Mr Kaufmann saved you from imminent bankruptcy several years back, and that since then you have been thriving, acquiring a lot of new fans and customers, introducing a lot of interesting new products, upscaling your production. The company is doing good, as are its stocks.
Early 2009, Leica stocks were at an all-time low of ~ 3 €. Back in the nineties, owning a part of Leica Camera AG would set you back almost twenty times as much! But then again, at that time digital photography was not yet established. Only the introduction of the M9 made your stock prices rise again, and up until today they have gained 500 % to ~ 25 €, give or take. You have been doing very well the past two years.
I bought shares of your company back in 2010 when they were around 12 €. So my win until today is 100 %. This is very very good. All the more am I frustrated to hear that you desire to squeeze out small shareholders like me, so that Lisa Holding can hold 100 % of your stocks. I realise that this will facilitate decision-making for you. But do you know why I bought Leica stocks? Because I believe in the success of your company. I gave you my money — admittedly not very much — to help you be successful. And just like Mr Kaufmann, who put a lot of money into you, I expect to partake in your success. This is why I bought Leica stocks. As a long-term investment not only for myself, but also for the company. And now you want me to give up my investment.
Well, I can’t complain. Leica stock value rised by 100 % since I bought my shares, so I would’ve doubled my money, were I to sell today. Which is what you want me to do. Okay, let’s say I agree to selling you back my shares, because I believe it’s the best decision for the company. So here’s my question: Do you seriously think I will sell you my shares for 22 € (as I have just been officially asked!) when the current stock price is over 25 €? I find this offer rude and insulting. You should at least have the decency to offer me the current stock value, and not some bad compromise.
Here’s an idea: offer me 30 €, and I’ll sell today. Think about it. You want your shares back, and I have them. So make me an offer I can agree to.
Sincerely yours.
UPDATE: It seems like Lisa Holding’s first offer was merely a test to see whether they could get hold of the remaining stocks for less than they’re worth. It’s now official that the compensation for the remaining stockholders will be € 30.18 (see here).
Only a quick update, as I’m currently at work and don’t have time to write a full article. Two interesting new cameras have just been announced, one that has long been rumored, another one that comes as a surprise. Also, Sigma has announced two interesting new lenses.
Canon G1 X
 The Canon G1 X The Can0n G1 X is the latest iteration of Canons acclaimed G-series enthusiast’s compacts that started with the G1 back in 2000. Traditionally, the G-series models have been advanced point-and-shoot cameras with small sensors, medium-fast lenses, a complete range of knobs and dials for fully manual operation as well as integrated optical viewfinders. The G1 X continues in that tradition, with one major exception: it features a completely new, almost DSLR-sized 14 megapixel sensor that measures 18.7 x 14 mm and is thus slightly larger than even (Micro) Four Thirds sensors.
You can find the complete press release as well as all relevant information on the new G1 X at Imaging Resource. A preview of the camera can be found on dpreview. Continue reading Camera news: Canon G1X, Fuji X-Pro1, Sigma lenses
These days I’ve been thinking a lot about stuff I’d like to treat myself with for christmas. Alas, the budget for new toys roughly equals zero this year. Still, being the gearhead that I am, here’s a list of what I would have Santa bring me 
- M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 — Olympus’ latest Micro Four Thirds lens offering, equivalent to a 90mm portrait lens / short tele in 35mm terms. Being raved about by everyone who has it, and generally getting quite favourable reviews. This would complement my Lumix 20/1.7 nicely for a two-lens kit.
- Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.4 — The fastest 40mm lens for 35mm photography, and conviniently this comes in M-mount. Since its über-fast sibling, the Nokton 35/1.2, is not only two to three times as expensive, but also two to three times as large and heavy, this would make for a nice carry-anywhere 50mm-equivalent available-light lens on my M8.
- Leica CL 35mm rangefinder camera — the camera that almost killed the M series. Much smaller and lighter than its M siblings, the CL was manufactured by Minolta and features 40, 50 and 90mm framelines. It’s one of the smallest M-mount cameras, has an integrated light meter and would nicely lend itself at being used with the 40mm Nokton. Also, it’s beautiful!
- Leica M Thumbie — a less expensive and less obtrusive alternative to the Thumbs Up grip by Match Technical. The Thumbie is attached to the back of your Leica M by adhesive tape, and thus keeps the hot shoe free for accessories. It’s also smaller than the Thumbs Up and only half the price.
- Leather half case for the Leica M8 — there are many varieties of this very useful and very good-looking accessory. I would want one in light brown (“cognac”) with an integrated grip, preferrably the Mr. Zhou version. Protects the camera, makes it look nice and provides grip.
What would you like Santa to bring you for christmas?
Leica Camera AG have released firmware version 1.174 for the Leica M9, claiming to have solved the issue that would render certain SD cards unusable, as well as corrupt their contents. You can find an official statement, a link to the new firmware as well as a recap of the original story over at Leica Rumors. Certain SanDisk cards still remain problematic in use with the M9, though, so make sure your card is compatible before using it.
The new firmware is being discussed in the German and English sections of L-Camera Forum.
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January 24th, 2012, 10:12 am | 
