I have a Leica M6, and a Canon RP with various lenses. And I can tell that you have no real idea what you're talking about.
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Leica Announces $329 'LUX Grip' Camera Accessory for iPhone
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I have a Leica M6, and a Canon RP with various lenses. And I can tell that you have no real idea what you're talking about.
I do. Because I do want a better camera controls that are physical.
Although wished it would work with Halide app which is much better than what Leica has to offer.
I think the film simulations or filters in their app look really good but having to pay a yearly subscription for them is an instant no.
I use a Leica camera (like, actually use it…not sit it on the shelf like a trophy display)and I’ll be the first to tell you lately Leica has been doing cash grab stuff to stay relevant. They’re caught in the middle of trying to remain a premium brand, but somehow branching out to other photography formats at an ‘attractive’ price without cheapening their name. This is no different than Apple. We’ve seen discounts on their products in recent years but they still command a premium and will never drop below a certain pricing standard as to not cheapen their name and reputation. I’ve used the Leica LUX app and yes it’s cool and it definitely has some close looks to the real thing, but it’s subscription based and a lot of people just aren’t interested in that. They want to purchase the app outright. I can’t say this Leica product or the LUX app is something I’d recommend to anyone at all.
Leica has exceptional brand loyalty because of its reputation for precision craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. Leica was "The Name" when film cameras were king. There are still a lot of Boomers and maybe early Gen-Xers who used Leicas and love the Leica name. Would love one myself.
It is just a shutter button, with no programmable control wheel or exposure compensation. I know that most people don't know what these missing things are and don't need them...Different target audience.
(I still agree that the
I agree that THIS product does not come close to the ergonomics of a real camera. But it COULD. What if the "grip" had a hinge and opened up and you place the iPhone inside, then the ergonomic is identical to (say) a Nikon dSLR. But doing that is pointless because then it would be the same size and eight as a Nikon dSLR so you'd be better off with the actual dSLR.
A grip like this has to be a compromise. I see this one by Leica going maybe 20% of the way while that $49 device is about 5% of the way to a real camera
Yes, I do have some cameras and I'm looking at buying another soon. But cell phones are really good even for some kinds of serious photos and videos. The quality can be very good if you get the right kind of light on the subject.
Leica grip is over priced and not as good as they could have made it. It needs to be a true one hand grip that keeps the hand off the rear motor and has at leat two wheels. It should sell for no more than what Nikon sells SLR vertical grips for
I get your points, but even a grip like you describe wouldn't overcome the most serious limitation, the iPhone's lens. Adding all those Nells and whistles you describe would just make it confusing to most users.
If you're using dSLR or M series, you're in a different world in terms of glass and capability. Of course, most of us don't carry around our kit all the time so the old adage the best solution is the camera you have with you still applies.
The price is insane. I could literally buy a whole entry-level used mirrorless that takes much better photos for that price.
"But it's Leica so it's made really well"
Yeah, right
More like made in the same factory as all the $10 ones on AliExpress but they put a Leica logo and a nicer packaging box together for it..
That's...how this works in the globalized world of 2025 folks
Leica technicians aren't hand crafting a MagSafe mounted Bluetooth button
Well, actually, you get 12 months free for the app, if you register the grip. Bargain ;-).
Maybe if the $329 price included lifetime subscription to the app... Also, as noted above, Mag Safe doesn’t strike me as particularly safe for a camera grip.
Always loved Leica products because we use them for microscopy in our labs, the price point for this seems to be high by a factor of 10.
Always loved Leica products because we use them for microscopy in our labs, the price point for this seems to be high by a factor of 10.
Leica M cameras are expensive, but unique, holds their value and give a different and special experience to use [plus the images are superb]. I don't have more money than sense and I also don't care what anyone thinks about me.
However yes I 100% agree, this grip is a rip off and certainly wouldnt buy it.
Maybe, there will be a Panasonic version for 1/3 the price.
Since I've had an L-mount Panasonic camera body, I've been looking at the Leica lenses that are compatible. The Panasonic 50mm f/1.8 is about US$500. The Panasonic 50mm f/1.4 Pro is about $2000, and the Leica 50mm f/1.4 is around $6600 with "4 Anomalous Partial Dispersion Elements".
$329 for a puffed up "shoot" button. The capitalists are losing their minds.
For $329, if I want a proper camera experience, that means a viewfinder like on my regular camera. Don't think anyone makes one.
Come on Leica. You make a cool product. Even if priced high, I could see many use cases for this.
And then you destroy the concept with the subscription requirement. Don’t you know the subscription is going to make this item radioactive for a huge percentage of your target demographic?
And then you destroy the concept with the subscription requirement. Don’t you know the subscription is going to make this item radioactive for a huge percentage of your target demographic?