Introduction
This week’s round-up covers just about every aspect of camera gear. Whether it’s cameras themselves, new lens options, camera cases, or camera accessories, there’s something for all budgets. Voigtländer is introducing a couple of tasty new lenses for M-Mount, and Amazon is offering a considerable discount to get you started in the L-Mount world. Anyone who has been considering a Panasonic Lumix S5II might want to raid their piggy-bank right now. If you require a case for your Leica Sofort, Oberwerth has just the thing for you. And if your thumb grip is always poking you in the chest, a Hong Kong-based company has a neat solution.
Leica Sofort 2 Mini Bag
For the person who has everything, including a Leica Sofort 2: Oberwerth introduces a Leica Sofort 2 Micro Bag, claimed to be the ideal companion for Leica’s instant shooter. It is made from “tumbled cowhide” and incorporates a removable lining. When using the camera without a strap, the padding supports the camera so it can be grabbed directly from the bag.
On the other hand, the lining is removed when using a camera strap so that there is room for the strap to be folded inside. The Oberwerth Micro Bag Red Dot Edition costs a reasonable £115 or US$159 before tax. In Europe, the €140 price includes Value Added Tax. Order your Sofort companion here.
High-end Lumix cameras coming, complementing the Panasonic Lumix S5II
With the new Leica SL3 expected early in March, we predict a revised Lumix S model soon. Panasonic introduced the S1 in 2019, shortly after the announcement of the L-Mount Alliance which has done so much to inject life into the standard shared by Leica, Panasonic, Sigma and several other manufacturers. There are many under-the-hood similarities between the two ranges, not the least being the 47 megapixel sensor for the S1R and SL2, with a lower-resolution sensor for the S1 and SL2-S.
A replacement for the S1 series is now overdue, and we expect an announcement in the next month or so. One thing for sure: The Lumix models will sport a similar 60MP sensor to that rumoured to be part of the SL3 when it arrives.
Panasonic Lumix S5II discounts at Amazon
The Macfilos team are big fans of the Panasonic Lumix S5II camera. We also rate the nifty 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. If you have been considering buying the latest S5II version, now would be a great time to do it. Amazon USA is offering a considerable discount on a Lumix S5II, paired with an excellent Lumix 85mm f/1.8 portrait lens. They have reduced the price from $2,599 to $1,799. Or, you could buy the camera, 20-60mm zoom, and 85mm lens for $2,097. It was originally $2,899, so that’s an $800 saving.
Similar savings are showing on Amazon UK. And the earlier S5 model represents an even better bargain. For just £1,409 you can buy the original S5 camera in a kit with 20-60mm zoom and 50mm f/1.8 lenses. If you are in the market, use this Amazon link. Macfilos could receive a modest commission on the sale.
Price Busters
Again, in the UK, the useful Camera Price Buster site lists all the latest street prices for Panasonic and most other cameras on the market. Here are some of the S5-family prices which are available at various retailers:
| Model | Lens kit | Price (inc. tax) |
| S5 body | £899.00 | |
| S5 kit | 20-60 | £1,199.00 |
| S5 II body | £1,499.00 | |
| S5 II kit | 14-28 | £1,999.00 |
| S5 II kit | 20-60 and 50 f/1.8 | £1,899.00 |
| S5 II kit | 24-105 | £1,899.00 |
| S5 IIX body | £1,999.00 | |
| S5 IIX kit | 14-28 | £1,899.00 |
| S5 IIX kit | 20-60 and 50 f/1.8 | £2,199.00 |
| S5 IIX kit | 20-60 | £2,099.00 |
All these prices are keen, and represent excellent value for money, especially when the lenses are added to the mix.
The Lumix 85mm f/1.8 is no slouch. We have put it through its paces, confirming it delivers beautifully sharp images and lovely bokeh. It is a great choice for portraiture, or achieving effective subject separation from background in general. And the 20-60mm zoom is a great all-round travel lens, which we will be reviewing in a forthcoming article.
Hack your Leica — upgrading internal memory
Did you know that the internal memory on a Leica T is actually based on a standard 16GB MicroSD card? According to this article in Digital Camera World, a T owner prised open a plastic cover next to the SD-card slot and found the MicroSD.
While 16GB was pretty impressive back in 2014/15 when the T was born, it doesn’t cut the mustard ten years later. So the ingenious owner replaced the original 16GB card with a 128GB version and reports that it works a treat. I wonder how many other internal storage solutions use an SD card, which could possibly be replaced if you could get at it. If you embark on this modification, however, do it at your peril.
IDS folding thumb grips for Leica M10/11
A novel folding thumb grip made from black-painted brass with “ageing process” is now available to match the black Leica M10 and M11 models. A silver version is also available, but made from stainless steel. The grip, manufactured by Initial Design Studio in Hong Kong, is unusual in that it incorporates a folding lever. It is reminiscent of a film-camera transport or the faux lever seen on the Leica M10-D.
We favour a folding grip because it can be retracted when not needed. Occasionally, fixed thumb grips can be uncomfortable when the camera is hanging from a neck strap. Both versions cost $190 US, plus shipping. View options and order here.
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The Leica T’s internal Micro SD Card 128GB upgrade appeals – but the Leica T (Type 701) is already compatible with regular 128GB SDXC cards – thus little point in modifying the internal memory. My T (Type 701) has a new lease of life following full spectrum sensor conversion – enabling use as e.g., a 720nm infrared and 320-380nm UVA (ultraviolet) camera – when the necessary blocking filters are fitted to suitable lenses. It’s still a great camera but in common with other Leica APS-C compacts (especially the X Vario) suffered unnecessarily from negative and unwarranted criticism from those who’d likely never used, or understood them.