Leica S2 to cost £16,000 body only
Leica has published the suggested retail prices for its new Leica S-System and confirmed October 2009 as the first month for UK availability. The S-System, which sits at the very top end of the digital photography spectrum, will be offered at a ‘very competitive starting price’ (say Leica) of £15,996 (SRP, body only).
The Leica S-System has been well documented since its launch at Photokina in 2008, and now the release of pricing and availability information brings the world’s high end photo community another important step closer to one of the most significant photo developments in the digital era.
Leica has also confirmed that it will be marketing a series of specialised camera and lens user support/service packages for the S-System and further details will be released soon.
Jon Sareen, UK commercial manager, Leica S-System, commented, “The eagerly-anticipated Leica S-System is a very new and different challenge for Leica Camera Ltd, in comparison to other products in our range. We have engaged new experts, and arrangements regarding leasing and rental facilities are well under way. Service and support will be very hot topics for Leica S-System users, and we can confirm that we are planning a rapid third party UK solution, to work in conjunction with our head office in Germany.”
First announced in September last year, the Leica S-System redefines the professional DSLR class with a custom 37.5-megapixel, 30 x 45 mm sensor built into a 35mm-sized body.
Leica S-System: 2009 range pricing details
LEICA S2 Black £15,996.00
LEICA S2-P Black* £19,092.00
SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/70 ASPH £3,096.00
SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/70 ASPH CS £4,025.00
APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 1:3.5/180 £4,541.00
APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 1:3.5/180 CS £5,160.00
APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/120 £4,541.00
APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/120 CS £5,160.00
SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/35 ASPH £3,612.00
SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/35 ASPH CS £4,231.00
Multifunction handgrip S £851.00
Professional battery charger S £258.00
* includes Sapphire Glass monitor screen and S-Body Platinum Service (more details to be announced)
CS = Central Shutter Lens
Prices include VAT at 15%, 30 July 2009
Leica to open Mayfair store in London
Leica is joining many other premium brands and launching its own store in September 2009.
The Leica facility will comprise a ground floor retail store showcasing and selling the full Leica range of products, first floor offices, a ‘Leica Akademie’ training and demonstration centre and a Leica S-System studio. The location will be in Bruton Place, Mayfair, situated between Old Bond Street and Berkeley Square, London W1.
John Barron, Leica Store commercial manager, said, “Bruton Place is a unique and discreet location surrounded by galleries, restaurants, offices, boutiques and residential properties, and attracts an eclectic mix of customers. We are particularly pleased to be opening here, as the atmosphere will be perfect for Leica enthusiasts, professional photographers and new customers alike.
“The Leica Store Mayfair and the first floor facilities are set to complement other Leica Dealers and grow the brand in the UK. In particular, the S-System studio will be fundamental to the launch of our first ultra high-end digital system developed for the professional market.”
Opening hours of the store will be 10.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday, and 10.00 to 15.00 on Saturdays. Office, training facilities and studio will be by appointment only.
Editor’s Note: the description of the facilities closely resembles the old Minolta Mayfair showroom, office and training suite on Regent Street. It is some time since any camera maker moved into this area with its high property rents.