Leica Announces $329 'LUX Grip' Camera Accessory for iPhone

[MacRumors]

Leica today introduced the Leica LUX Grip, a MagSafe-compatible iPhone camera grip designed to provide photographers with a more tactile and precise shooting experience, incorporating physical controls and modes inspired by classic Leica cameras.

Leica is best known for its high-end cameras and optics. The LUX Grip is its first dedicated photography product for the iPhone. It attaches to compatible iPhones via MagSafe in both portrait and landscape, and integrates with the Leica LUX app via Bluetooth. Unlike the native iPhone camera app, Leica LUX offers advanced manual controls, lens simulations, and color science based on Leica's photographic heritage.

The LUX Grip aims to recreate the tactile experience of a traditional Leica camera. It features a mechanical two-stage shutter button, a control dial, and two customizable function buttons. The two-stage shutter allows photographers to half-press for focusing before fully pressing to capture an image. The dial can be assigned to adjust key settings such as zoom, shutter speed, aperture, or exposure compensation, while the customizable buttons can be configured for frequently used functions within the Leica LUX app.

A built-in battery provides up to 1,000 shots and recharges via USB-C in approximately two hours. The grip is made of aluminum and weighs 130 grams (4.6 ounces), with Leica emphasizing its durability and usability for both left- and right-handed photographers. A tripod thread is integrated into the base.

The latest version of the LUX app introduces additional Leica lens simulations and a new black-and-white film preset. According to Leica, this update is part of the company's ongoing efforts to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the first mass-produced 35mm camera. Among the new features is a 50mm lens simulation, as well as a monochrome preset designed to replicate the look of early 20th-century photography. Leica LUX users can also now apply film grain effects to their images for a more analog aesthetic.

In 2023, Leica acquired Fjorden, a Norwegian company known for its iPhone camera grip. Fjorden's grip featured similar physical controls and concepts that have now been incorporated into the LUX ecosystem.

The LUX Grip is available now for $329, with an optional leather case with an AirTag holder available for $50. The Leica LUX app is free, but full access requires a subscription priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually. Users who purchase the LUX Grip receive a complimentary Pro subscription for one year.

Article Link: Leica Announces $329 'LUX Grip' Camera Accessory for iPhone

 

[turbineseaplane]

Wait - it's just a grip ... no additional lens..
For $329?

And there's a "film simulation" App ... that requires a subscription, even after you paid $329 for the grip?

Who on Earth would want any part of this product?

I think the business world is literally drunk
🙃

 

[miric]

The useless accessory for the useless app.

 

[thefrost]

Who in their right mind is going to want this?

 

[jjudson]

Who in their right mind is going to want this?

Anyone who thinks a Leica logo will help them get dates...

 

[EUnifiedMemory]

Wait a minute... so this is the "camera button" version of camera control on the iPhone 16.. Stop me if you've already seen this

 

[rikki_t]

Jesus, get a grip, what next a bird seed holder for nature lovers ?

 

[gsmornot]

This will be a tough sell. With other similar products on the market for much less expense I would not buy one of those either. Maybe it's a camera snob thing but my iPhone is not my main camera when I want better shots. It's my everyday always with me camera to capture snapshots. It does a fine job but investing in a device just so I can use my phone camera is a no go. The money would be better spent on a lens for my mirrorless but I get what they are trying to do. Not everyone wants to haul around a separate device.

 

[zorinlynx]

$329 just for a grip, and the app that it uses requires a subscription.

Yeah, I'll just hold up the biggest middle finger in the history of humanity, and move on with my life.

 

[jml12286]

Seems interesting and kind of cool..., but maybe like max $50 cool with no subscription crap.
Almost like a slightly more usefull pop socket situation.

 

[miric]

Anyone who thinks a Leica logo will help them get dates...

How is it possible to get dates with a Leica logo if:
1. It is covered by fingers during the shooting.
2. It is not red.

 

[cpnotebook80]

Ha! they are just selling stuff now with their brand on it hoping it will stick with whatever it throws out onto phones. Not practical enough to warrant a purchase. Must be a slow year for innovation for them.

 

[axantas]

You almost got me, dear Leica, I kind of like the idea and the grip, but stopped being interested after discovering, that you get a - kind of - mandatory subscription with it to use it 100%.

With subscription, you have made it easy for me, to drop the idea of that grip.
...additional 70 bucks/year, if I had a look at the correct app from Leica.

 

[neptuna]

Wait - it's just a grip ... no additional lens..
For $329?

And there's a "film simulation" App ... that requires a subscription, even after you paid $329 for the grip?

Who on Earth would want any part of this product?

I think the business world is literally drunk
🙃

I came to make this same comment, but happy to see this was the first comment on the thread. The pricing on both of these products is crazy!

 

[Donstil-nl]

$5,- on Temu if you buy a really good one.

 

[orbital~debris]

Seems like a cool accessory.
Would be keen to try it, although will likely need to wait until it's priced/discounted to around £120. I can see it being particularly helpful with iPhone Pro Max models.

 

[turbineseaplane]

$5,- on Temu if you buy a really good one.

Can probably buy the exact same one Leica is hawking for an additional $324

$324 is a lot to pay for a Leica sticker

 

[zpjet]

It's a great accessory for $39 (but somebody had fat fingers)

 

[CheffyDude]

Getting you locked into a subscription just to use this thing is diabolical.

 

[BenGoren]

Folks, it’s Leica.

Yes, they make really good stuff.

No, what they make isn’t perfect.

Yes, they charge waaaaaay more than anybody else does.

Think Lamborghini, or brand-name fashion.

… or, for that matter, Apple when it comes to gold Apple Watches and polishing cloths for Pro displays …

Basically, this is for those who either have more money than sense, or who want the world to think they have more money than sense.

b&

 

[Thymio]

I’ll diverge from the common theme in these replies.
I actually think it is nice provided it is made as well as an M camera.
Luckily I no longer have a modern iPhone or I would be seriously tempted with the free 12 months of the Pro app and the wonderful lenses that come with it. I’d have a full year to see if it would be worth it to continue to subscribe.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Folks, it’s Leica.

Yes, they make really good stuff.

No, what they make isn’t perfect.

Yes, they charge waaaaaay more than anybody else does.

Think Lamborghini, or brand-name fashion.

… or, for that matter, Apple when it comes to gold Apple Watches and polishing cloths for Pro displays …

Basically, this is for those who either have more money than sense, or who want the world to think they have more money than sense.

b&

Yeah, but this isn't even a lens

(the part someone might want to pay up for and get a Leica)

 

[Thymio]

You can watch the marketing video here

Leica LUX Grip | Leica Camera AG

leica-camera.com

 

[Mr_Ed]

How is it possible to get dates with a Leica logo if:
1. It is covered by fingers during the shooting.
2. It is not red.

3. Your dating pool has no idea what “Leica” is. 😁

 

[burgman]

I have no use for this product, here just to read the entertaining comments from the worker bees...