Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

[DPNow]

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:



Leica's new mirrorless compact system camera, the T-1

At 2PM UK time today, Leica formally revealed it's new T-system camera and lenses. We have had some time with the new camera this morning and the bulk of this initial article is a gallery of hands-on photos from the launch preview today (see below).

Click here to read the whole article...

[Ian]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

I'm still not used to all this high-tech in a Leica

http://dpnow.com/imagelib/html/9486/product_views/t1_11.jpg

So what do you all think of the T-1?

Ian

[Ian]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

The new Leica T lenses are made in Japan... but not by Panasonic!

Ian

[mike_j]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

The new Leica T lenses are made in Japan... but not by Panasonic!

Ian

Have they joined Zeiss on the Cosina production line?

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

Ultimately it all comes down to Image Quality. Followed quickly by how easy it is to use.
Many cameras have become so complex that unless you leave it set to fully automatic, the "out-of-the-bag" grab shot is so often missed.

I expect we will see many "reviews" of this, all extolling the qualities of the marque, but very few examples of the real world pictures that a camera of this type will produce.

There will of course be those who love the red spot and will buy one for the look alone. Being virtually bare metal, I doubt it will be long before we see a Gold one

For a centenary edition it certainly seems to have links to the whole 100 years of evolution. Starting with a solid block of alloy, finished off by hand has a certain appeal.
The full adoption of "touch screen" technology rounds off the whole 21st century style.

Rarely do I like things on first impressions, but this I do. I look forward to getting hold of one and seeing just how good it is.

[Ian]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

Have they joined Zeiss on the Cosina production line?

Good question! I know Sigma does OEM work... I think of Cosina as more of a camera body maker.

Unedited sample images (RAW DNG and JPG) coming up later this evening.

Ian

[Ian]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

Here are some shots taken this afternoon - these are not straight out of the camera but creatively adjusted in Lightroom 5.4:



23mm prime @ f/2.8



18-56 zoom @56mm f/5.6



18-56 zoom @56mm f/5.6



18-56 zoom @56mm f/5.6 - this last one is actually from an unadjusted camera JPEG.

Ian

[mike_j]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

Good question! I know Sigma does OEM work... I think of Cosina as more of a camera body maker.

Unedited sample images (RAW DNG and JPG) coming up later this evening.

Ian

Well they make the highly regarded Voigtlander lenses and the Zeiss ZM range so they do know a bit about the business.

As to the the T camera range, pure Leica nonsense. Obviously their one off camera designed with Apple designer Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson has gone to their heads. Overpriced, too basic, doesn't even look like a professional camera -

I WANT one!

[Bob Ross]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

Classy, but I already have something to fill that slot. I am a Leica guy from way back but this one doesn't grab me in ant particular way.....
Bob

[Ian]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

Classy, but I already have something to fill that slot. I am a Leica guy from way back but this one doesn't grab me in ant particular way.....
Bob

From what we were told the target market is for 30-somethings

Ian

[Bob Ross]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

From what we were told the target market is for 30-somethings

Ian

That would certainly explain why a 70-something isn't charmed
My M-mount Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 doesn't show Cosina anywhere on it. though that is who made it. I think the AF feature of the lense wouldn't be Cosina's cup-a. We'll have to look for other clues.
In your article, the list of missing features is a really important consideration. Which sells a solid block of aluminum or IBIS or even stabilized lenses.
Bob

[Ian]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

Yes and I missed the availability of a tilting screen.

Ian

[mike_j]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

This report, it's not a review, by Jono Slack is interesting. http://www.slack.co.uk/slack/Taifun.html

[Barr1e]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

From what we were told the target market is for 30-somethings

Ian

I have sent this to Anne (Ann1e) as a nudge - oh to be young again.
who wouldn't be at my age!

with the camera too - well the bits and pieces that are left over from the block.

Thanks for the review Ian.

Regards. Barr1e

[Bob Ross]

Re: Leica T-1 launch and hands-on review

This report, it's not a review, by Jono Slack is interesting. http://www.slack.co.uk/slack/Taifun.html

Thanks MIke. I just new that Jono had one. He gets sort of quiet-evasive when the new stuff is brought up on the forums where he posts. After reading the report I can tell he likes the construction of the lenses
His remarks about how well the M lenses do is the other bright spot. It makes you wonder if there are off-set microlenses on the sensor and that the system(T- mount) lenses are designed to them.
Bob