Speed Concerns
Erhardt noted that while the S2's enormous mirror and shutter prevent it from competing with true 35mm-style digital SLRs in terms of speed, it's the "fastest medium format digital solution" out there right now. To maintain this speed, the camera is driven by a new dual-core image processor designed by Fujitsu called "Maestro."

"Speed was a primary concern when we designed this product," he said. "We believe we will have the fastest autofocus in the medium format category, the fastest frame rate, and the fastest image processing."

(While there have been other medium format digital cameras that have claimed 1.5 fps shooting speed, in our testing, these models have not been able to consistently achieve that speed.)

Erhardt added that unlike other medium-format cameras, the S2 is completely weather-resistant with over 35 weather seals built into the camera.

Other features of the S2 he felt justified the $22,995 price tag include the camera's ability to convert RAW (DNG) images instantly into JPEGs in the camera; a full version of Adobe Lightroom that will ship with the camera; and new tethered shooting software which will allow you to shoot images right into Lightroom.

Responding to questions why Leica choose not to offer a lens package with the Leica S2, Erhardt said: "It's Leica's policy to keep all the options open to the consumer rather than just bundle an entry-level lens with the S2."

One specification that Erhardt verified for the first time was the S2's maximum flash sync speed. The S2 uses a unique Dual Shutter System with both a Focal Plane Shutter in the camera and a Central Shutter in the lens system. Using the Focal Plane Shutter, the maximum sync speed on the S2 is 1/125th of a second; while the Central Shutter can achieve 1/500th of second sync speed, Erhardt confirmed. Maximum shutter speed overall is 1/4000th of a second using the Focal Plane Shutter.

A more rugged version of the S2 that uses a sapphire glass cover on the LCD and comes with Leica's premium Platinum service package will sell for $27,995.

For a full U.S. price list on the new Leica S-Series camera and lenses, see below.


10801    LEICA S2 black    $22,995
10802    LEICA S2-P black    $27,995
11055    SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5/70 ASPH    $4,495
11051    SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5/70 ASPH CS    $5,995
11071    APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 1:3,5/ 180    $6,495
11053    APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 1:3,5/ 180 CS    $7,495
11070    APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5/120    $6,495
11052    APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5/120 CS    $7,495
11064    SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5/35 ASPH    $5,295
11050    SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5/35 ASPH CS    $5,995
16003    Multi function handgrip S    $1,295
16011    Professional battery charger S    $399
P8763    S-Body Premium Service    $1,495
P8764    S-Body Platinum Service    $3,795
P8765    S-Lens Premium Service    $495
P8766    S-Lens Platinum Service    $995