The highlight of last weekend’s 47th Leitz Photographica auction in Vienna was the winning €6.5 million bid for a special white commemorative Leica M-A and Noctilux-M lens. The camera had been presented to Pope Francis shortly before his death, and proceeds will be donated to his favourite charity. Both the camera and lens bear the serial number, 5000000.
Elemental: Leica Vietnam’s campaign for the M EV1
I am sure some of you will have seen the “Elemental” campaign for the newly announced Leica M EV1. I was struck by how effective this campaign was in highlighting the key benefits of Leica M EV1. It demonstrates the ability to achieve critical focus with a variety of wide and long lenses, coupled with the fabulous colour science delivered by the Leica M11 platform.
Leica Q3 Monochrom Long-term Review: Key features and upgrades
The Q system was a big risk for Leica. When they introduced the original Q in 2015, it was a time when most other manufacturers were abandoning ‘compact’ cameras. Fortunately for Leica it proved to be a phenomenal success, both critically, and in terms of sales.
Unveiling the Leica Q3 Monochrom: Features and pricing
The Leica Q3 Monochrom was announced in Wetzlar this afternoon at 3 pm CET, almost 30 months after the arrival of the colour version of the 28mm camera. It follows the basic design and specification of the original Q3 but adds Content Credentials, pioneered on the Leica M11 and later extended to the SL3 model. However, the monochrome treatment is limited to the 28mm Q3 and is not yet available on the Q3 43.
Ricoh GR IV Monochrome to arrive in Spring 2026
The latest Ricoh GR IV compact camera will receive a monochrome makeover early next year. Ricoh has already announced the development of the camera and issued a provisional specification, although it is subject to change. We expect the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome to be similar in outward appearance to the latest GR IV model, which was introduced in August this year.
Leica M EV1 Hands-on: Where the M without M makes sense
A Leica M without a rangefinder? Purists shudder. Isn’t that an attack on… “das Wesentliche” that Leica otherwise advocates so strongly? Is the M EV1, lacking the rangefinder, an M at all? M stands for Messsucher (rangefinder) after all. Or does this camera fill an important gap, and could it become crucial for the future of this traditional brand? Either way, it has recently arrived in Leica stores, so it’s time for a Leica M EV1 hands-on.
Sigma 20-200mm Review: The ultimate travel zoom for L-Mount
First impressions are important, though often misleading. But in the case of the new Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 | Contemporary lens for L-Mount, the initial take is extremely positive. It is so light, narrow, and compact that it immediately ticks the carry-all-day box. The construction material is of excellent quality and the lens has a premium feel about it. As a 28-200mm, or, even, a 24-200, its profile would be impressive. However, squeezing a x10 zoom staring at only 20mm into this svelte body is a major achievement.
Review: New version of the Light Lens Lab 35 f/1.4 Double Aspheric Replica
Two years ago, I reviewed a replica of the famed Leitz Double Aspheric 35/1.4 lens (11873). Although I was very satisfied overall with the lens, issues with chromatic aberration and lens flare prevented Light Lens Lab from issuing it commercially. But now, they seem to have succeeded with their second attempt.
Shooting from the sHip: The compact Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm F4-7.1 Macro zoom is a winner
Sometimes, getting closer to your subject by zooming with your feet is out of the question. For example, when you are on a boat and your subject is on the shore. It’s then time to attach a lens with a longer reach. Anticipating exactly this scenario, I recently splashed out on a Panasonic Lumix 28-200mm f/4-7.1 Macro zoom. It was a winning move.
Leitz Auction No 47: Rare cameras and unique provenance from the Pope to Communism
The 47th Leitz Auction, which takes place on 22nd November 2025, contains ‘all kinds of everything’, including items from the Pope and the dreaded Stasi (Staatssicherheitsdienst) in the former Communist East Germany — which is probably as wide a provenance gap as one might imagine.
Leica Q3 43 on Elba: The essence of rosemary, iron and light
Confining oneself to one-lens-one-camera is always a good exercise for self-discipline. After all, there is a certain freedom in the self-imposed limitation. No having to decide which focal lengths are absolutely necessary. No tedious swapping of lenses, and no associated risk of dust on the sensor. Best of all, there is the convenience of low weight and bulk — just one camera and lens to pack. I chose the Leica Q3 43.
Explore Leica’s SL3 Reporter: Precision meets unique design
Today, Leica announced the launch of the SL3 Reporter, a robust design variant of its mirrorless full-frame camera system, geared to meeting the most exacting of photographic challenges.
According to Leica, the Leica SL3 Reporter is equipped with features specifically designed for the harsh conditions of reportage and press photography. It thus enables maximum precision even under the most adverse shooting conditions. The result combines maximum functionality and reliability with a unique camera design that is both understated and striking.
The Leica SL3 Reporter features a particularly scratch-resistant dark green finish and an aramid fabric cover. This provides additional protection for the camera body against abrasion and environmental influences. Leica says the special trim, with its unique texture, also offers significantly improved grip. As a result, it ensures enhanced stability when taking photographs and filming.
Over time, Leica expects the trim to develop a unique patina, reflecting its photographic journey and the character of a true reportage camera. The distinctive design is characterised by a combination of dark-green paintwork with black control elements. According to the company, the absence of the red Leica logo serves to emphasise the SL3 Reporter’s suitability for challenging working environments.
In terms of technical specifications, the SL3 Reporter corresponds to the standard SL3 series model. The SL3 combines state-of-the-art technology with outstanding image quality of up to 60 megapixels, precise autofocus, the best materials and ‘Made in Germany’ manufacturing quality.
The Leica SL3 Reporter is now available worldwide in all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and specialist retailers. Sample prices are $7,995 before tax | £6,200 | €7,200 including VAT.
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A postcard from the Leica Society International conference and annual meeting in Montréal
I am what may be described as a late arrival to LSI (that’s Leica Society International.) I joined up under a year ago, in part because I have owned “lesser” Leicas until fairly recently, so never felt I belonged. But also because working for Macfilos has introduced me to people who have kindly written for us. The LSI meeting in Montreal was too good an opportunity to miss and finally put faces to names.
Leica’s new M EV1 and in-house competition from the M11 and SL3
It is difficult to imagine there ever being a more anticipated camera than the new Leica M EV1. The idea of a Leica M with electronic viewfinder has been around for more than a decade, but most advocates imagined a body with a hybrid finder — incorporating a fully functional rangefinder.
Hasselblad X2D II and 35-100E: Probably, the best camera-lens combination in the world
Readers familiar with Carlsberg Lager adverts from the 1990s, voiced in hushed tones by Orson Welles, might recognise the style of the title’s assertion: a hint of ambiguity concealing a belief that the statement is actually true. I think it’s the perfect way of describing the Hasselblad X2D II and 35-100E zoom lens.