LEICA T
Here’s a Leica back up body that some digital M users have been waiting for. $1850 will give you a 16 MP sensor with a 1.5X APS-C crop factor. It has a new T mount that will accept Leica M lenses with an adaptor (for an additional $400) and EVF viewing with another adapter (about $600). That’s more than the cost of a used 10.3 megapixel Leica M8.2 APS-C body. Comparatively, the T doesn’t need an IR filter, it’s smaller, and half the weight. There’s no rangefinder and no focus peaking or image stabilization. But it has AF with the two rather expensive Japanese made T lenses introduced so far.
The Leica T will be available in black or silver with white, orange or yellow covers. Technology for Leica’s APS-C cameras has certainly improved, thanks to Audi design, Sony video sensors, and Apple touch screens. Yes, the obvious market for the Leica T is younger new customers, not old guys that want a back up body. Are there cheaper alternatives with built in EVF and focus peaking? Yes, but they don’t all take Leica M lenses. Those that do have their own drawbacks. Will this succeed for Leica? I hope so, because I want the company to continue for another century. Happy 100th birthday Leica!
