Leica has had a successful 2024. The German company made a historic profit last year, with their Leica Q3 being one of the driving factors for their growth. This year, as the company celebrates the 100-year anniversary of Leica I, the first 35mm range-finder camera that was created for consumers, they also announced the launch of new equipment for their users. However, while we enjoy their official announcements, the rumor mill, on the other hand, is churning out more news. This year, it appears we will get not only one camera but also three lenses.
A New Leica M?
According to Leica Rumors, a new Leica M is on the horizon for a 2025 launch. The article states that this one will be different, as it will feature an electric viewfinder instead of an optical viewfinder. This comes after a survey conducted by the company, and the EVF is one of the few design changes Leica may adopt. In addition, the post adds that this is not the Leica M12, which many fans have been waiting for. The M12, the other hand, will retain its “classic” rangefinder but will introduce a new “modern” option with several of the said changes, including an EVF. The latter, per the report, is supposed to help people with low vision or older photographers who work with extremely shallow depth of field. There is also the challenge of using them with “long focal lengths” as “the frame lines become very small.” The downfall of the EVF has also been noted: there may be lags and issues in bright light, and they are challenging to pair with polarized sunglasses.
The last two Leica models to be launched were the Leica M11 in 2022 and the Leica M Edition 70 for the 70th anniversary of the first M camera. The M11 truly is a piece of art and innovation, as it allows one to shoot with three different sensor sizes. The M Edition, on the other hand, revived the iconic M series camera with no LCD. Considering this, an EVF seems to be the next step in the evolution of the creation of an electronic Leica to meet varying needs. And, of course, the M will maintain its classic range at the same time.
A New Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
Leica Rumors also reveals that in addition to the camera, we will also see a new version of the iconic 50mm f1.4. Per reports, this one will be a silver lens, which is just as revered as the black edition. Leica launched the black edition of this lens, which was announced in 2015, and the line was discontinued in 2024. Perhaps, understanding the demand, the company may work on a silver edition, but details of the same are scarce. We don’t know if it will be an entirely new lens or a limited edition. There is also no report on whether “it will be silver anodized or silver chrome.”
Leica has wonderful lens quality, and the f1.4 is perfect for anyone who wants a creamy bokeh with perfect sharpness. However, it remains to be seen whether Leica chooses to make it a limited edition or not, as that would invariably affect its price.
7Artisans to Launch Something for Leica
Last but not least, 7Artisans will launch two new L-mount variants at CP+ 2025, which will be hosted at the end of this month. These will be 50mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.8, reports L-Rumors, which are already available for the Sony E and Nikon Z mount. Currently, the company already has a 50mm f1.1 for Leica M-mount, and in our review, we shared how great it is when paired with the camera. However, the only issue we faced was the empty screw holes on the focusing ring, which may lead collection of dust and dirt.
Having an f1.8 edition could result in a somewhat more cost-effective lens with better ergonomics. The original 50mm f1.1 was for about $369. However, with a higher aperture range, they may help create a lens that can be used as an additional gear.
Realistically, though, we’re not sure that we’d see an f1.8 lens from Leica officially.