Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder of Leica Camera AG, has acquired a 25.1% stake in the Internet platform “I-shot-it”. For a small fee, www.i-shot-it.com enables photo-enthusiasts—from amateurs to professionals—to take part in photographic competitions. An independent jury of internationally acclaimed photographers selects the prizewinners and in the open competitions, members of the “I-shot-it” community select the prizewinners by direct online voting.

“Many amateur photographers, and professionals, too, think our platform is great, because this is where their work finds the recognition they would otherwise often never find”, explains “I-shot-it” founder Hartmut Hennige. “The majority of photo competitions are so restrictive or have such strict rules that many photo enthusiasts are barred from entering right from the start. We let everybody try their luck. The jury members, all independent, acclaimed photographers, know nothing about the entrants or the camera they used to take the pictures.” According to Hartmut Hennige, around five million pictures have been uploaded so far. Around one half of these were submitted as competition entries.

Winners of the online photography competitions receive cash prizes –financed by the charges due for uploading image material—and a Leica camera. The current thirteen categories include genres such as wildlife, landscapes, black and white, cars, transport, flowers, street photography, sports, food and more.

The majority of visitors to the “I-shot-it” Web site come from the USA with more than 132,000 visits and 1.85 million page views. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann from ACM in Salzburg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Leica Camera AG, reckons with high growth rates in the coming months. “There has been a tremendous upswing of interest in photography over the past few years. The wish to be able to present your own photos to a virtually unlimited number of people in competitions is widespread”, says Dr. Kaufmann. “The growing numbers of fans and users shows just how enormous the demand is amongst photographers around the world. We intend to satisfy this demand.”

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A new book called Leica Myself is currently available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Japan:

Additional images from the book:

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Leica Camera will open a new, two story store in Los Angeles on June 20th. Few days ago a new Leica Boutique was open in Bergen County Camera:

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•  With a $45 adapter from eBay you can mount Nikon G lenses on the Leica M 240 rangefinder camera and have full aperture control. More information and sample images are available here.

• New Leica accessory: Tap&Dye leather wrist camera strap ($42).

• New Leica M review by Kristian Dowling with some M vs. M9 comparisons:

"Most importantly, in the field, even with all new features, the M240 works much faster than previous M digital cameras and never once got in the way of what I was doing. With the new enhancements, it not only provides more ways to operate the camera, but allows the user more creative flexibility as it can be framed and composed differently thanks to the EVF and Live View. While many M9/M9-P/M-E users are perfectly happy with what they have, there's no disputing the M240's superior abilities as a flexible tool, capable of working in any kind of rough environment, especially ones with beautiful models."

• Erwin Puts compares the new Leica M with the Monochrom:

"On all counts (except of course the color reproduction) the MM is the better choice when one looks at the classical parameters of performance as one would do when analyzing AgX emulsions. The M is preferable when the Live View option is required. The LV is a must-have-feature for a scientific study of what happens on the sensor surface and when using wide-angle lenses (exact framing) and tele-lenses (easy focusing)."

• Leica M 240 review by Sam Hurd:
  

"So many people have asked me why I spent so much money on a piece of kit that will largely create images on par with a camera I've already got and my answers always seem to drift back to the emotional experience of shooting with leica equipment. Much like Apple products tend to trigger an emotional connection with their users Leica products do too. The simplicity and and elegance of the camera just plain makes it fun to use."

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Solms (ots) - Till Bronner is true not only in Germany but also in international comparison as one of the best jazz trumpeter. That the musicians but also for years dealing intensively with photography, is less known.The Leica Gallery Salzburg is now 17 May to 06 July 2013 Brönners work in the exhibition "Faces of talent," in Bronner, a series of black-and-white portraits of famous personalities from the show business presents.The selection shows including images of U.S. singer Beth Ditto and Ms. Maad Moiselle, the German jazz musician Roger Cicero and the actor Armin Mueller-Stahl. On the evening of 16 May 2013 Till Bronner is "Faces of talent" and personally, to open along with the head of the Leica Gallery in Salzburg, Karin Rehn-Kaufmann.

"Till Bronner is one of those exceptional talents, artistic not only succeeded in one of the genre," says Karin Rehn-Kaufmann. "The expressive character portraits that Till has made of actor friends and fellow musicians to show the potential that lies in the photographer Bronner. We are pleased to offer this largely unknown Photography talent a platform." During the exhibition, Leica Camera AG Leica opened a new boutique in the gallery space.

For more information, see www.leica-camera.com or under www.leica-gallery-salzburg.at.

Over Till Bronner

Born in 1971 in Viersen and raised in Rome, Bronner studied classical trumpet and jazz trumpet, gave concerts with jazz greats such as Dave Brubeck, Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett or Klaus Doldinger before his 1998 debut album "Love" was released. To date, he has released twelve albums under his own name. The last two albums reached the top ten placings in the German charts have been published in over 40 countries and brought Broenner the fourth and fifth ECHO music award in a row. The passionate Leica fan also joined for Leica Camera AG on several occasions, including in 2012 for Photography photokina and together with Twelve Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. His passion for portrait photography discovered Till Bronner with a Leica Digilux 3 His portraits are created in part with a Leica S2 medium format camera. More information about Till Bronner see www.tillbroenner.com.

(Google translation)

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The Leica M rangefinder camera still sets the standard of acceptable shutter noise in many US courtrooms today. Here is a quote from Minnesota court’s General Rules of Practice document:

And another quote from Vermont court’s “tiquette for Media document:

Not more than one still photographer, utilizing not more than two still cameras with not more than two lenses for each camera and related equipment for print purposes shall be permitted in any court proceeding. Such cameras shall produce no greater sound than a 35mm Leica “M” Series rangefinder camera.

Similar rules exists also in other states.

Via Theonlinephotographer & Petapixel

Those are the top 10 most visited LeicaRumors posts for April 2013:

1. Another Leica price increase coming on May 1st
   
2. Leica M type 240 reviews, Canon lens adapter, T-shirts and more
3. You can now add Leica M-mount to Sigma DP cameras for $300
4. Sylvester Stallone’s Leica M9 used in the movie Expendables II is for sale on eBay
5. Precautionary check for all Leica M type 240 cameras delivered before April 5, 2013
6. Leica camera icons for Mac OS
7. Camera MX adapter modification adds autofocus to Leica M lenses
8. Two new Leica M cases
9. List of stolen equipment from the Leica store in Mayfair London
10. JnK and Arte di Mano leather cases for Leica cameras

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RRS released new base, L-plate and a grip for the Leica M 240 camera:

Remove the base of your Leica M240 and completely replace it with our elegant base that is CNC machined from T6061 aluminum. With integral dovetails, this base allows you to mount your camera directly into a Really Right Stuff quick-release clamp. Far more robust than the stock base, our replacement base delivers a better fit with tighter tolerances. And since you need to remove the base to access the battery and card on this model, we've developed a completely new attachment system that is tool-less. Just turn the built in wingnut closure to secure the base in place (base attaches to camera's integral tripod socket).

Match Technical has developed a new Thumbs Up EP-10S for he Leica M 240:

More info on the new HRR Manufaktur soft release buttons:

New Luigi cases for Leica M 240:

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According to this LinkedIn job listing Leica is planning a new store and gallery in Los Angeles and is currently looking for a general manager. Since the job opening is directly from Leica Camera Inc, this most likely will be a corporate owned stored (similar to the one in Washington D.C.). The official opening is scheduled for next month (May, 2013).

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Leica just issued this statement regarding loose carrying strap eyelets for some of the Leica M type 240 cameras delivered before April 5, 2013:

We are aware that a few of the new Leica M (Typ 240) cameras shipped prior to April 5th 2013 have loose carrying strap eyelets. We have identified that these cases were caused by an assembly fault that occurred in the Leica M (Typ 240) production line. Products potentially affected only concern Leica M (Typ 240) cameras shipped prior to 5 April 2013. After identifying what happened, we fixed the production issue immediately. Rest assured that the issue has been completely resolved and corrected. We are deeply sorry that this occurred.

What to do now?
For not registered owners:
If you have not yet registered your camera at owners.leica-camera.com we suggest you do so, as it is the quickest means of contact. Alternatively, you may call our helpline at +49 6442 208 638 (available 24h) or send an email to typ240@leica-camera.com.

For registered owners:
If you have already registered your Leica M (Typ 240) in the "Leica Owners Area", you will be contacted via email in the coming days and informed whether your camera needs to be checked or not.

What's next?
Leica will contact you with detailed information on the next steps within the next few days.

Please do not send your camera in unless you have been in contact with us or with your local Leica distributor first.
If you have any further questions, we have addressed some of them on the next page and we also have an open FAQ on the Leica User Forum http://www.l-camera-forum.com/short/faqlug where we will be responding to any additional questions.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Leica Camera AG

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Precautionary Check for all LEICA M (Typ 240) Cameras Delivered before April 5 2013: Loose Carrying Strap Eyelets

How do I know if my camera was affected?
This issue only affects specific Leica M (Typ 240) cameras shipped prior to 5 April 2013. Those cameras shipped after that date are not affected by this issue. No other Leica Camera models are affected. If you are unsure whether or not your camera has this fault, you can call our helpline at +49 6442 208 638 (available 24h) or send an email to typ240@leica-camera.com with the camera's serial number. The best and quickest way to find out if your camera was affected is to register it and we will contact you.

When will my camera be checked?
Registered customers will be contacted with a proposed timeframe for the check. If the proposed timeframe does not fit with your personal schedule, individual appointments can be arranged.

Are all Leica M (Typ 240) cameras affected?
No, we have identified individual cases of faulty assembly for those Leica M (Typ 240) cameras shipped prior to 5 April 2013 only.

Do the eyelets fall off suddenly or is it possible that they will become progressively looser?
The eyelets should not budge within the camera body. If you notice any movement, caution is necessary. If you are unsure then it is best to contact us.

The eyelets on my camera seem to be fine right now, but can they loosen over time?
Yes, it is possible that the movement and jolting of daily use may lead to the loosening of unsecured eyelets. Again, it is best to contact us to confirm if your camera was affected.

Can I just fasten the eyelets myself?
No, the eyelets are secured from inside the camera body. You should not attempt to fix them yourself.

What happens if my Leica M (Typ 240) is damaged due to loose eyelets?
If your camera and/or lens were damaged due to this fault we will replace them free of charge.

Does my camera need to be serviced immediately or can it be done at a later date?
You can have your camera serviced at a later date, but we strongly suggest having it done as soon as possible to prevent any further potential damage.

How long will I be without my camera?
We will be working extremely hard to get the affected cameras fixed and returned to their owners as quickly as possible. To ensure this and prevent any delays we will be processing the cameras successively. Once we receive the camera, the necessary repairs will be made within a 24-48 hour period. Please note that depending on the distance from the factory in Germany, the return shipment of cameras may take some time.

I need my camera back by a certain date, can I request to have it fixed before then?
Of course we will do our best to have your camera fixed and returned to you by the date you request. We will keep you informed of the anticipated service date.

Can I bring my camera in to a Leica repair centre closer to my home instead of sending it back to Germany?
Presently, these repairs can only be done by the Customer Care department in Solms, Germany.

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The upcoming 23rd WestLicht Photographica Camera Auction that will take place on May 25th 2013 will have another interesting item up for auction: Alfred Eisenstaedt's Leica camera (starting bid: EUR 12,000/ over $15,000) and his famous signed photograph “Kiss in Times Square” (starting bid: EUR 9,000/over $11,000):

The expected selling price for the photograph is $23,500, the Leica camera is estimated to go for USD$32,780.

Via Imaging-resource

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Fastandprime introduced a new Leica M camera bag called Agent 86 (prices starting at £650, around $1,000). The dimensions are: width 8", height 6" and depth 3.5".

After the MCube, Luxnco released a new M-Insert case (159€, around $200) that is customized to the shape of a Leica M and can be inserted into a regular photo bag.

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Leica Camera announced several new workshops that will take place in Canada as a part of the Leica Akademie North America program:

Additional information can be found here.

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Leica Camera AG partners with the Nordic Light International Festival of Photography:

Solms (ots) - Leica Camera AG is an official partner of the 2013 at the Nordic Light International Festival of Photography in Kristiansund Norway (23 to 27 April 2013). During the weeklong festival, internationally renowned top photographers meet with locals, students, amateurs and students in a number of exhibitions, workshops and cultural events. The aim is to photography as an art form in a mixture of exhibitions and cultural events make for a wider public experienceable and experience and thereby to raise the understanding of good photography.

In the previous year some 70,000 visitors have underlining the international importance of the festival again. Leica has been involved since the beginning of the Nordic Light Festival 2006 with exhibitions of renowned photographers. This year for the first time Leica has the status of an official partner. Confessing Leica photographers such as the Dane Jacob Aue Sobol and other Leica enthusiasts make the festival from their works and give workshops and portfolio reviews insights into their work. Product presentations, workshops and a Leica Evening with Leica staff complement, the festival offered by the company.

"Nordic Light has in recent years become one of the most important and highest quality festival for contemporary photography in Europe developed, "explains Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Artistic Director of the Leica Gallery in Salzburg. "Through its unique concept allows a very special closeness of the exhibiting photographers to festival-goers."

Alfred Schopf, CEO of Leica Camera AG: "The Festival and Leica are complementary in their objectives: create an understanding of good photography and allow the technologically better picture The partnership with Nordic Light was as logical consequence.". Leica wishes to establish a long-term partnership with the Nordic Light Festival, the Crested further. (Google translation)

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JnK is another manufacturer of high end leather cases for Leica cameras and accessories located in Korea (see also their Arte di Mano collection). I had the chance to try one of the Arte di Mano cases in the Leica Store in Miami and it's one of the best cases I have ever seen. Of course the price is also very high - the case I tried was $390 (with embedded tripod mount). Some other models cost over $1000.

JnK and Arte di Mano cases can be purchased at Dale Photo and Digital and eBay.

More JnK Leica cases:

The making of a JnK Leica X1 half case:

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Lego-made Leica cameras are nothing new. Chris McVeigh used 114 Lego pieces to recreate the Leica M9-P Hermes camera. You can get all the details on how to build it yourself from this PDF file. There is also a Leica M8 Lego version:

Via Petapixel

• Leica M 240 review by Tom Grill (incl. high resolution images):

"In terms of resolution, dynamic range, capability in low light, and expanded features, the M (240) has reached a pinnacle of digital perfection that is exceptional in the tests I have done so far. Keep in mind this is a system camera and gains in strength when coupled with its superb optical support. That support has now been expanded to include R-lenses -- something that adds to the convenience of the M as a full system camera. It will be interesting to see if Leica will now expand and improve upon its R lens series."

• Leica M 240 review by Tim Ashley:

"There is so very much to like in the latest digital M. IQ that almost catches up with the best and beats a lot of the competition. Access to amazing lenses from the M range and now, via adaptors, the R range and beyond. Live view and an EVF. A new, larger and longer-lived battery (though it does give the camera a bigger booty). Better high ISO performance and improved dynamic range. A noticeably better rangefinder mechanism. There is a long, long list of improvements here, and most of the niggles I have identified will likely be sorted out in firmware."

• Leica M 240 review at Luminous-Landscape:

"The new Leica M is not a camera for everybody.  For example, if you are the type of person that wants or needs to shoot thousands of images a day with autofocus at 8 frames per second or faster with very long lenses, etc., this is obviously not the camera for you. The Leica M has a number of limitations that I will not bother to restate as they have been discussed and published ad nauseum for many years.  The type 240 has less limitations versus prior M models since it will work with Leica R lenses. This means that zooms and long lenses are now usable with this camera."

• Sample images from the Leica M type 240 with Canon lens adapter - this is one way to get a fisheye lens on your Leica M.
• Comparison on flickr between the Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95, Summicron 50mm f/2 and Summilux 50mm f/1.4 lenses on a Leica M 240.

• Leica M 240 T-shirt available in different colors.
• Leica M9 vs. M resolution comparison by Lensrentals (MTF measured in line pairs / image height):

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The Leica store in Mayfair London was burgled again last Sunday. Above is the list of the stolen equipment with serial numbers. If you have any information or if you come across any of the stolen items, please call Ellie Imison at  07772 676029 (UK phone number).

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The Chinese company Camera MX (deo-tech.com) modified an E-mount lens adapter for Leica M lenses and made it to support autofocus. They first fitted a Leica Summicron lens into a  Contax G Biogon 28mm f/2.8 body and then they used a standard Contax G – NEX AF adapter. The company is planning to modify and sell 35mm and 50mm Summicron lenses in the future. Here is a demo video on how a Leica Summicron lens autofocuses on a Sony NEX mirrorless camera:

Via Sonyalpharumors

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Red Bull partnered again with Leica Camera AG for their 2013 photo contest for action and adventure sports. Leica S and X2 cameras will be awarded to the winners. More details in the press release (Google translated):

Solms (ots) - Leica Camera AG is again this year partner of the Red Bull Illume 2013, the world's largest photo contest for action and adventure sports. The launch of the new tender was fired on 1 December 2012. Interested parties may continue until 30 April 2013 participate and their recordings under www.redbullillume.com submit.

The international jury of the Red Bull Illume 2013 selected from the entries and awarded a total of 50 finalists ten category winners and the overall winner. This gets a medium format camera Leica S. The best entries from each category will be awarded with a digital compact camera Leica X2. Among the categories of competition include lifestyle , playground, energy, spirit, close up, wings, sequence, New Creativity, experimental and illumination. The announcement of the finalists at the awards ceremony takes place in late August 2013 in Hong Kong. There are presented the TOP 50 pictures and shown after the world in a unique photo exhibition.

The Red Bull Illume photo contest was announced for the first time the 2007th After a further announcement in 2010 of the prestigious contest runs now for the third time, the participation of Leica Camera AG on the current competition was at Photokina 2012, where known. In previous years, convinced tens of thousands, world-class submissions, the jury.

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