Re: Could the rumored Leica SL 50 Lux II be M-like in rendering?
1bwana1 wrote:
SlowDriver wrote: 1bwana1 wrote: SlowDriver wrote: 1bwana1 wrote:
We don't really know the financials, sales numbers, or long term vision Leica has regarding the SL line. But judging from the fact that Leica is launching a new camera body, and two new lenses this month there is significant commitment to the line at this time.
In 2017 Leica released 2 APS-C cameras (CL and TL2) and a new APS-C lens.
It was the last thing Leica ever did in the APS-C world, they released what was in the pipeline, flushed their supply chain over a period of 5 years, and exited the market.
Especially with new ownership coming in, the fact that Leica now releases a new body and 2 lenses really means very little in my opinion.
Except that APS-C didn't fit in Leica's core lineup of full frame cameras focused on image quality, using the same sensor, but with different form factors, and use cases.
In London in May, I had a specific conversation with Dr Kaufmann and some LSI members who were advocating for a new APS-C camera. He was adamant that they had never made a profit with an APS-C product, that they saw no way to ever do so in the future. It is Leica managements position that APS-C is best relegated to low priced markets. Leica has no interest at all in competing in that market. I think that is the proper approach for them. The reasons that the APS-C line was dropped is entirely different than with the SL product line. There is no equivalence there.
OK, if APS-C was to cheap for Leica, how about the Leica S system then?
Kaufmann on multiple occasions and even very recently confirmed that a new medium format system was coming and it is also not coming...
My point is that certainly when leadership might be changing, but even without that change, you cannot take anything for granted.
Again it was a corporate financial decision not to pursue a medium format camera. The program existed, but was officially canceled. Leica has a clear vision of where they can profitably go. Dr Kaufmann and Leica are very clear that they beleive the SL system is their technically best system. None of us has a crystal ball. However, from personal conversation with Leica leadership I expect growth and innovation in the SL line, not cancelation.
Seeing the X2D II released for $7.5K USD while knowing Hasselblad had already won over the Leica market for medium format probably had something to do with it. Best they could hope for would be to partner with Hasselblad like they did with Panasonic.
Jun 23, 2026 at 09:06 AM
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