Previous Newsletters
March 2007
 
Montreal. May 27th 2005 Version Française

Dear Classic photographers and leica enthusiasts,

Thank you for allowing me to share news, upcoming events, and some of my own thoughts.

First some hard news.
The long-awaited Summicron 75mm ASPH has arrived. 75mm is just a bit longer than my beloved 50mm focal length. It is great for intimate portraits, and more. Although a well-proportioned lens, I had hoped for a 46mm filter size. Oh well. With Leica, our expectations are exceeded in the field of quality. We accept that in order to attain excellence, difficult design decisions are necessary. There’s also the small item of sticker shock: it costs C$44.79 per millimetre (C$3359.00), or US$2675.00!

 

Back in stock.
The new (relatively speaking) Summilux 50mm ASPH is back. After one year of being relegated to back-order status due to very high demand, it is finally available! This lens is touted to be the finest 50mm ever produced with matching reproduction quality for B & W as well as Color photography.

 

The road ahead.
Well-informed sources inside the company tell me the upcoming announcement at the end of May will be positive. Dr. Josef Spichtig (the new “turn-around” chairman) has already taken positive steps that have been welcomed by the majority owners and the banks.

Speaking of troubles, people waiting for the Digital R Module were disappointed by yet-another delay. This time it’s a software issue. If there is an MD in the works, it will surely benefit from the Module R’s prolonged gestation.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye…!
For photographers using M-series cameras: announcing the first of what I hope will become a continuing series of Photo Ateliers (French for workshops) entitled M Vision, My Vision.

Coaching and inspiration will be provided by working pros. The first gathering features Leica luminaries Peter Martin and Steve Simon. (Short biographies and information will be included in the upcoming official invitation.)

The atelier is scheduled for autumn and is not a for-profit endeavour. Fees cover film, photofinishing, equipment rental, meals, and our instructors’ remuneration.

  • Date: Friday, September 16th through Sunday, September 18th.
  • Number of attendees: 15 to 20.
  • Fee: approximately C$250.

A detailed, complete schedule will be e-mailed in the next months.

Wishing you a great spring,

Jean Bardaji
Leicaboutique.com & Camtec Photo