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Leica's S2 digital SLR. Courtesy of Leica, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Leica S2: availability postponed to 2010
By
(Monday, October 19, 2009 - 14:08 EDT)

Leica Camera AG has announced a delay in delivery of its upcoming Leica S2 digital SLR, a camera the company first described back at the Photokina tradeshow in Cologne, Germany some thirteen months ago.

The Leica S2 is based around a 3:2 aspect ratio Kodak KAF-37500 CCD image sensor with dimensions of 30 x 45mm - 56% greater surface area than that of a 35mm full-frame image sensor, but about 22% less than the 36 x 48mm imagers used in medium format DSLRs from the likes of Phase One and Hasselblad. This sensor resides in a weather-sealed single-lens reflex body with dimensions of 6.3" x 4.7" x 3.1" - somewhat larger than mid-range 35mm full-frame DSLRs like Canon's EOS 5D series and Nikon's D700, but a fair bit smaller than professional full-frame cameras from both companies.

Priced at US$23,000 for the least expensive body-only variant, the Leica S2 was intended to commence shipping from the end of September 2009, according to a press release issued by the company in mid-August. That date has now been rolled back some three and a half months, to mid-January 2010. Leica states that the delay is due to higher than expected demand for the S2, whose most expensive body-only variant will cost around $28,000 with an extended two-year warranty and uprated LCD display cover.

More details on the S2 including full product specifications can be found in our earlier news coverage, as well as our Leica S2 preview.

Original Source Press Release:

Press announcement

The Leica S-System has attracted tremendous attention among photographers since it was first introduced at Photokina 2008. Since the announcement, incoming orders have been much higher than expected.

Leica’s commitment to perfection is unwavering and attention to detail is ever-present. In order to manage the higher demand, Leica AG has therefore decided to adapt the S-System production lines to a higher daily output without compromising quality. However, this cannot be done during a running production and this intricate process calls for further testing and optimization at various stages. Therefore, Leica AG will postpone the start of serial production the S-System.

First deliveries will be made in the 2nd week of January 2010.

First samples of the S2 with final firmware will be showcased in New York during the Photo Plus East show (October 22 - 24, 2009). Interested parties are invited to experience a hands-on demonstration of the S2 during the trade show at the Leica booth (#636).

About Leica Camera AG:
Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, technology and experience. It is at once an extension of art, knowledge and philosophy, providing a state-of-the-art optical experience in a precision, hand-made photographic instrument. Leica Camera has a simple mission: to provide users with an incomparable experience, an instrument that defines an unsurpassed heritage and sets a standard of excellence for the industry to meet.

Throughout the world, Leica enjoys recognition and customer loyalty, because of its achievements in the photography industry and its uncompromising pursuit of high-quality standards. Leica products are appreciated by discerning clientele; the hand-crafted designs are fabricated with unmatched mechanical and optical precision and yet they have an extraordinary aura that can evoke feelings and emotions. For more than 150 years, Leica has maintained a tradition of precision manufacturing and consistent innovation, which have steadily reinforced its preeminent worldwide reputation.
For additional information, please visit the company’s website (www.leica-camera.com).

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