Leica’s newest camera, bridging the gap between full frame SLR and Medium Format. It packs 37.5 megapixels on a CCD sensor 56% larger than full frame 35mm, but the camera body itself is a bit smaller than most “professional” series digital SLRs. Leica also left off the low-pass (AA) filter to maximize image sharpness and states all images are true 16 bit color depth.

Leica states its Maestro image processor provides twice the speed of most medium format backs and produces in-camera JPGs as well as DNG RAW files at 1.5 frames per second. (DNG files average about 75 MB each.) The S2 has shutter speeds up to 1/4000 second and flash sync at 1/125 second with non-leaf shutters. While thought of primarily as an ultra-high quality studio camera, the S2 is water- and dust-resistant. It has two card slots: one CF and one SD. The Leica S lenses have a microprocessor that is calibrated at the factory, which should provide more precise autofocus than other cameras.

Since none of you, at this point at least, have any S lenses lying around, and only two are being released with the camera, we’re shipping the S2 in kit form: camera and the Summarit 70mm f/2.5. When more lens selection is available we will ‘unbundle’ the kit.

The Summarit 70mm is equivalent to a 56mm lens on a full-frame SLR. It is composed of 8 elements (2 aspherical) in 6 groups and has an aperture range of f/2.5 to f/22. It is threaded for 82 mm filters and weighs 1.6 pounds.

We stock one other lens (the only other one right now), the 180mm APO Tele-Elmar, is equivalent to 144mm on a full-frame SLR. It is composed of 9 elements in 7 groups and has an aperture range of f/2.5 to f/22. It is threaded for 77mm filters and weighs 2.5 pounds.

A certificate of insurance is required to rent the Leica S2 kit. Alternatively a deposit for the value of the equipment will be required. If you have not rented from us before it will take approximately 48 hours to approve your rental.