In this week’s news round, we look at the Leica M reimagined, a bold take on bringing the rangefinder up to date. There are new venues for two British photographic events, details of a toy camera that could make a fun present for any photographer, and a glimpse of a new collapsible 50mm f/2 lens for M-Mount. Plus, Fujifilm tells us that without the success of the X100, the company could have been in a difficult position. Finally, we look at all the wild rumours of a revolutionary Leica D-Lux 8. Sorry, but we don’t think they are true.
Breaking News: Ricoh “Highlight Diffusion Filter” versions of GR III and GR IIIx
Just when the world was expecting the arrival of a new GR IV, Ricoh enters from left stage with two variants of the existing models. The Ricoh GR III HDF and the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF compact cameras feature a newly developed High Diffusion Filter (HDF). While remaining faithful to the base models in terms of image quality, point-and-shoot operation and portability, the new cameras allow users to access the new filter which is designed to delivery mellow, softened images with diffused highlight areas.
According to the company, the HDF facility “allows the user to add a totally different kind of visual expression to captured images, depending on the subject or creative intention.” By diffusing incoming light, the filter reduces overall image contrast and blurs whites in bright areas, giving the image a soft, fluffy appearance. The HDF replaces the built-in ND filter featured in the two base models.
The shutter button on the new models is coloured in grey/silver and the default setting of Fn button has been changed to act as an on/off switch for the HDF. Other functions can be selected as the default setting, however. In addition, the user can pre-programme up to three white-balance settings as the base white balance. It is also possible to couple the base white balance with the white balance fine adjustment function.
The new models feature Zone Select AF, which automatically sets the focus at the most appropriate point within the frame, after the user shifts the 3×3 focus area to the designated zone. The 3×3 focus area is identical in size to that of the Auto-area AF (centre) mode. These new functions can be added to all models of the RR III and GR IIIx series through a firmware update, which will be announced later.
The Leica M reimagined
Shanghai-based industrial designer, Wencheng Zhang, had reimagined the Leica M for the 21st century. Zhang has gone for the minimalist look in creating his modern digital, a radical makeover which is reminiscent of the futuristic Leica T APS-C camera from 2015. With its angled top plate and recessed dials and buttons, this design is one of those love-it-or-Leica-it concepts that won’t please many traditionalists. But how about you? Would you welcome such a radical new image for the forthcoming M12?
Read this full review by Gregory Han of Design Milk
Photographica London: A new venue in May
Britain’s premier photographic collectors’ fair, Photographica, moves to a new venue in central London this year. It will take place on Sunday, 19 May, at the Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG. The hotel is a three-minute walk from Russell Square Underground station, 15-minutes’ walk from Euston, King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations.
The organisers, the Photographic Collectors Club of Great Britain, hope that the new venue will attract more visitors in comparison with the traditional venue in Victoria. The event will feature everything from Daguerreotypes and images, to brass and mahogany field cameras and classic makes such as Leica and Nikon, through to old and new photographic books, collectible photographic accessories and supplies and tools for restoration.
Alongside the traditional camera types and marques, visitors will find more recent areas of collecting interest, including Lomography items, pinhole cameras, modern stereo equipment and publications and plenty of brand-new film emulsions for all camera types and formats.
Photography & Video Show comes to London in 2025
The Photography & Video Show, Britain’s leading photo exhibition, is moving from the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre to the London venue, ExCeL in Docklands. It will take place from March 8 to 11. It will return to the NEC in 2026 and will then alternate between the two venues in the future. The organisers believe the move will best meet the needs and preferences of the show’s exhibitors and audiences.
The Show is organised by Future plc, a global multi-platform media company that incorporates brands such as TechRadar, T3 Magazine, Digital Camera, Digital Photographer and Digital Camera World. ExCeL is a state-of-the-Art exhibition centre and is home to numerous events. It is now more accessible following the opening of the Elizabeth Line. It can be accessed from central London in 15 minutes and from Heathrow Airport in 30 minutes.
Leica D-Lux: Fancy runs free
Persistent rumours of a new D-Lux have tantalisingly proposed that the replacement for the D-Lux 7 will be a Leica-only camera with no Panasonic sibling, as has always been the case in the past. Some commentators, including Andrea Pizzini are convinced that the new camera will be a major upgrade, with APS-C sensor and fixed lens. He believes it will be a serious competitor to the Fujifilm X100VI and will have a prime lens instead of the traditional zoom. See his video here.
Joining the fray, Fuji Rumours, under the optimistic heading of “Leica D-Lux 8 Specs Leaked” suggests that this newcomer from Leica will indeed boast an APS-C sensor but will have a zoom lens. This is altogether a less attractive idea than Andrea’s bold prediction.
While these suggestions are entertaining, they are sadly unlikely to be true and will not worry Leica. In our review of possible upcoming Leica products on February 5, we also predicted a D-Lux 8 for release this year, but we assumed it would be an incremental upgrade, similar to the existing Panasonic cooperative camera rather than a mini Q3.
L² Technology
Some Panasonic input through the L² Technology partnership is a given. But the odds are that the D-Lux 8 (if that is its name), far from being a revolutionary design, will continue with the four-thirds sensor (although it will probably be upgraded, perhaps from 17MP to 25MP). We think, also, that it will sport a zoom lens rather than a fixed optic.
Interestingly, Panasonic’s decision not to continue the LX100 does give Leica scope for some cosmetic changes to establish this entry-level camera as a true Leica. In some ways, the old D-Lux 7 looked more Leica than Leica, a veritable chip off the old Barnack block. But it could now make sense to adopt a more modern design to integrate with the existing Q, M and SL ranges. This provides two major advantages for Leica. It draws a line between the fellow-traveller reputation of the D-lux models, and allows the new camera to be established as a genuine, stand-alone Leica product.
If this proves to be correct, the company might be tempted to go with an entirely new name for the camera to draw away from past associations and prejudice. Sometimes looked down upon in Leicaphile circles, the D-Lux and V-Lux were often unfairly dismissed as Panasonic cameras in a new coat.
A compact Leica, unencumbered by association with another manufacturer, will definitely appeal to Leica enthusiasts and win over those who previously hadn’t considered the model. It will also succeed in bringing more customers into the fold.
What do you think? Let us have your thoughts. Are you expecting a relatively minor D-Lux facelift, or would you prefer a scaled-down single-focal-length Leica Q3, whether four-thirds or APS-C? Please let us know in the comments below.
More D-Lux reviews and coverage
Thypoch 50mm f/2 announced
A new retro 50mm f/2 collapsible lens for M-Mount has been announced by Thypoch. It has six elements in four groups, a 12-blade aperture, infinity focus and is constructed from aluminium alloy. The lens is reminiscent of the Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 Collapsible and the old Reid Taylor-Hobson Anastigmat 2in f/2 50mm screw mount. A sample of the new lens seen at the Photography and Video Show in Birmingham earlier this month, as reported here in Amateur Photographer.
More on Thypoch lenses
Lining up the dot: The British creation that changed the face of Leica lenses
Thypoch M lens with automatic depth-of-field scale
Read more on all the new lens manufacturers from China here
Kenko Toy Camera
The well-known Japanese camera and accessory manufacturer, Kenko, has introduced an addition to its range of miniature digital cameras. The new Kenko Toy Camera Pieni M features classic looks and, unlike other models in the range, boasts an LCD monitor. It’s capable of both still and video photography and features built-in colour filters, accessible through the monitor button. Users can experiment with various creative effects, such as monochrome, orange, blue, or green filters.
The Pieni M comes in black or a bluish grey. It even has an LCD monitor, whatever next. And, perhaps, this is a camera best supped with a long strap. Apparently, Pieni means “small” in Finnish
According to the manufacturer, “images captured with the Pieni M have a dreamy, painterly quality reminiscent of watercolours or oil paintings. While the camera may not produce the crisp, high-resolution images of modern digital cameras or smartphones, its soft, atmospheric renderings offer a refreshing change in today’s word of ultra-sharp digital photography.” So now you know. No news on price, but check the Kenko-Tokina website for updated information.
Arca-Swiss compatible QD plate with AirTag slot
Kiorafoto has launched an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release place which incorporates a slot for an Apple AirTag and is compatible with most cameras featuring a standard tripod-mount thread. It provides a practical way of hiding the tracking device, while enabling quick attachment to any Arca-Swiss compatible tripod or accessory.
The plate retails on Amazon for just £26.99. If ordering, please consider using this link, which ensures that Macfilos receives a tiny commission to help with running costs. Every penny counts…
You might also be interested in the Oberwerth TagCase for the Leica Q3, which hides an Apple AirTag in the base.
Fuji: We wouldn’t be here without the X100
Fujifilm’s Yuji Igarashi has candidly stated that without the X100, Fujifilm would be in a very difficult position. Speaking to DPReview’s Richard Butler at the launch of the X100VI, Mr Igarashi, discussed the importance of the compact 35mm camera and the future role of the industry as AI begins to play an important role.
The X100 “was the first camera when we stepped up from selling point-and-shoot, entry-level compact cameras”, said Mr Igarashi. “Smartphones were becoming popular and demand for point-and-shoot cameras was declining so fast. But we were determined to continue and to grow this industry, so we thought very hard, how we can change our business model. This was our first attempt to do that, using the APS-C sized sensor. X100 was a huge success, which gave us confidence”.
Read more on the Fuji X100 series
Want to contribute an article to Macfilos? It’s easy. Just click the “Write for Us” button. We’ll help with the writing and guide you through the process.
