What about the Leica T !

24 APRIL 2014 is the date of the BIG event from Leica

Leica T and the Competition

With the CSC competition becoming tougher, from Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and others, Leica decided to enter the game … Will they play it right this time ? And how will they compete with other excellent and cheaper systems like the M43 and X systems ?

As we know so far, the Leica T is a one shell hard aluminum structure, like the Apple MacBooks … Actually it looks like an Apple cam more than a Leica cam if we remove the red dot ! And it looks really compact !

My Expectations

I believe we will be reading and hearing lots of negative comments about the T before and after the launch .. as we did when the X Vario was introduced … And Honestly, I was one of those who didn’t like the Vario before it was officially announced … But, After trying it, I can say that it delivers excellent IQ and it is a very well built and complete cam … It’s overpriced, Yes… but this is expected from Leica !  Why it is expected ? this needs a long discussion !

If Leica T has a similar (or better) sensor than the X Vario, and has a fast (if not faster) AF than the Vario, and has a similar if not better High ISO performance than the Vario, it will sure be a great CSC ! and I personally believe that it will sell very well for two reasons: first, many Leica fans will look in the T as a cheaper Leica system for them. Second, Many Leica fans would love to use their m lenses on a more compact and modern body : Not everybody likes Rangefinders !

Some T specifications 

Here is what we know so far before less than 24 hours of the Official launch :

• 16 MP APS-C sensor with interchangeable lenses
• Lenses designed by Leica (no surprise here)
• All autofocus lenses
• Held to be competition for Fuji, Olympus and Sony …so much so it’s code-named “Typhoon”
• Will cost $3k USD for body only … And $4k+ USD with lens…
• Consumer/prosumer – not enthusiast class
• WiFi enabled
• Mount M lenses (with adapter, supports 6-bit coding)
• Swiveling camera strap and lugs
• Leica “T” for Touchscreen
• Battery BP-DC13
• Visoflex (Type 020) EVF w/GPS

Everything so far looks good if not better than expected … except 1 very important thing : The lenses have not Aperture Rings …

When we see today almost all the manufacturers going the retro look and function ( lately with the Fuji X-T1- you can read my preview HERE – and the Nikon Dƒ – you can read my review HERE ) , Leica seems to have chosen a ultra modern approach, for a change.

Let’s wait for tomorrow for the final product specs, before we judge …