This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the first 35mm camera to be mass-produced by the company. As part of the massive celebration under the theme of 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century, the company has launched M11 in different editions, as well as organized several events to mark this significant milestone. Now, the company is set to push more boundaries by introducing a new grip for mobile photographers. How exactly does it work? Scroll below to know more.
Called the Leica LUX Grip, this new accessory has been designed to help Apple iPhone photographers elevate their photography. The grip has been constructed to provide a seamless experience while ensuring photographers can capture accurate images. It has also been designed to resemble Leica cameras, which have earned their name for an ergonomic and user-friendly interface.
The Leica LUX Grip can be attached to iPhones with MagSafe technology, which gives users a stable connection. With Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the grip can communicate with the phone, and the Leica LUX app further complements a photographer’s workflow. The most interesting aspect is that one can get Leica’s patented color aesthetics, as well as the bokeh effect, which will look similar to the quality seen on Summilux-M and Noctilux-M. Furthermore, one will also get a chance to recreate Leica Looks, such as vivid and classic Black and White.
Here are some specifications:
- Material: Full metal housing, aluminum
- Battery: 3.7V, 300 mAh lithium-ion
- Weight: Approx. 130g (including battery)
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- Charging Conditions: 10°C to +45°C
- Operating Conditions: -10°C to +60°C
- Storage Conditions: 0°C to +45°C
- Compatibility: iPhones with MagSafe technology
- Warranty: 24 months
In addition, the Leica LUX Grip comes with a two-stage shutter release: when you press lightly, it will set the focus, and when you press it fully, it will capture the image. There is also a button that allows users to switch between shooting models. For those who like customization, they can do so through the control elements in the LUX app. This will allow users to get easy access to frequently used functions and control over camera settings such as zoom, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.
What we do like is that the grip can be used for both left and right users. This way, users will get better ease of use, especially left-hand shooters, who have been struggling with their phones. Furthermore, the grip has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers up to 1,000 shots per charge, with a 2-hour USB-C charging time. One can use the Leica grip with all iPhones that are equipped with MagSafe technology.
As someone who has been shooting with a phone for a long time, I know that a grip can be handy and make the lives of photographers easy. For instance, when you are shooting high-paced action on the street. There have been instances where my phone almost slipped. In addition, phone users getting Leica-like quality on iPhones is certainly quite exciting. In fact, we reviewed the Leica LUX app and thought it was good for those who want relief from their phone aesthetics. Our editor wrote, “So truly, I don’t think Leica LUX will replace a dedicated camera and lens. But it’s a cool way to get Leica looks on your phone if anything.”
The Leica LUX Grip is available at $329 and includes one year of free access to the full version of the Leica LUX app upon registration. For more information, visit Leica’s website.