Leica's new mirrorless compact system camera, the T-1
In-camera Leica T JPEG and DNG RAW file samples gallery
At 2PM UK time today, Leica formally revealed its new T-system camera and lenses. We have had some time with the new camera this morning and the bulk of this initial article is a gallery of hands-on photos from the launch preview today (see below).
The Leica T-1, as widely-expected, is an APS-C sensor mirrorless compact system camera. The body is hewn from a solid block of aluminium (it's not magnesium alloy as some had speculated), of which 92% is discarded. The launch model has a 16 megapixel sensor. There is an optional electronic viewfinder (Visoflex Typ 020 £400) and there is also an optional M-adapter (£300) that will communicate M-series lens profile data if present, although not aperture settings.There are two recessed control dials at the right rear of the top-plate, reminiscent of the Sony NEX-7. One notable button on the top-plate is for video recording. Two lenses are available now, an 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph Vario Elmar-T (£1250) and a 23mm f/2.0 Summicron-T (£1350). The T-1 body is priced £1350). An 11-23mm wide angle zoom and a 35-135mm medium telephoto zoom will follow. Incidentally, the lenses have 'Made in Japan' on them but we were told they are not made by Panasonic, who of course licence the Leica brand name.
The T-1 is typically minimalist and manufactured to high tolerances. Leica say this camera combines cutting edge technology with something rarely found in technology products; craftmanship. Indeed, the aluminium body shells are hand-polished; a 45 minute process. To start with you have a choice of silver or silver (basically bare metal) but a black finish will be available in a few months.
On the technology side, the T-1 boasts a very slick-looking touch screen interface. This camera is nothing like the primitive character of previous M-seris bodies; you even get Wi-Fi connectivity to Apple devices via a sophisticated-looking app. There is no official word yet on support for other smart device platforms.
How does the camera feel? It's surprisingly light compared to an M-series body and even the lenses have a more contemporary 'lightness' about them. The shutter is commendably quiet and refined. Despite the bare metal finish the camera felt secure in the hand. Plastic 'jackets' in a range of colours are also available.
Well have more details and specifications later today. Meanwhile, here's our gallery of images from the launch this morning:
Pictures
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