Leica will launch a completely new Full Frame Mirrorless System Cameras (made with Panasonic tech)

As you know Leica used a lot of Panasonic knowledge and tech to realize their new Leica Q camera. Well, that collaboration is going to be strengthened with a launch of a completely new interchangeable Full Frame mirrorless camera in October! This is what Mirrorlessrumors reports:

Coming soon: An interchangeable lens version of the Leica Q, with AF lenses. Due out in time for Photo Plus, in October.

This will not be the replacement to the M240 but rather a new system with new AF lenses, bulkier than the Q or M lines, with an EVF and lighter build despite the bulk. Sensor will be similar, if not the same, as the Q’s sensor. Anticipate that it will come bundled with a 50 mm f/2 Summicron lens and retail around $8,000 USD. Build quality will be comparable to the M line and Q line…much of the Q’s tech, including in body image stabilization, electronic shutter, and built in high res EVF, will be included. The camera may harken in design to Leicaflex bodies of years gone by…like a bulkier XT-1 with more simplified layout. This may end up being called the new “R” camera and may well take old R lenses via adapter, along with new AF R lenses. Not sure that it will take M lenses.

Anticipate that Leica will begin to simplify options, but canceling the T line and possibly the X-line. What will remain are the DLux, VLux, M, Q, S lines…

This is a complete new Leica camera system! And Panasonic is rumored to share their tech like they did with the Leica Q. Now this still may sound unlikely but Panasonic could really one day join the Leica system with their own cameras and lenses. I can see that work. Leica focusing on the luxury segment and Panasonic on the premium market. Why not?