6 January 2022 - New Leica announcement (1 Viewer)

[henry link]

Here's a link to a 2013 thread on the subject of the then new Leica Perger prism rangefinder binoculars, including a link to the US patent application for the Perger prism in post #9. Some claims of extra 3-D were made from the start, apparently based on nothing more than a slightly wider objective baseline for the new Perger Geovids compared to the older Uppendahl Geovids.

19/11/2012 New LEICA GEOVID

Dear friends here in Italy is already November 19th. For this reason, I can publish this preview.:-) Today will be presented the new Leica Geovid. Unfortunately, it characteristics will be published in December. Best Regard from Italy Piergiovanni

www.birdforum.net

As I recall the Perger can be configured for a range off-sets, including zero or almost zero, but I think the aperture between the prisms shrinks at very small offsets restricting the unvignetted FOV.

 

[fazalmajid]

Most likely it is the new M11 rangefinder camera:

Leica M11 “What makes a legend” event scheduled in France for January 7th - Leica Rumors

I already reported that the Leica M11 camera is expected to be officially announced on January 13th, 2022 based on the multiple events organized across the US by Leica Camera (Miami, Boston, Washington, Bellevue, and more). It seems that there is another invitation going around in Europe for a...

leicarumors.com

 

[Renze de Vries]

Here's a link to a 2013 thread on the subject of the then new Leica Perger prism rangefinder binoculars, including a link to the US patent application for the Perger prism in post #9. Some claims of extra 3-D were made from the start, apparently based on nothing more than a slightly wider objective baseline for the new Perger Geovids compared to the older Uppendahl Geovids.

19/11/2012 New LEICA GEOVID

Dear friends here in Italy is already November 19th. For this reason, I can publish this preview.:-) Today will be presented the new Leica Geovid. Unfortunately, it characteristics will be published in December. Best Regard from Italy Piergiovanni

www.birdforum.net

As I recall the Perger can be configured for a range off-sets, including zero or almost zero, but I think the aperture between the prisms shrinks at very small offsets restricting the unvignetted FOV.

Thanks Henry, excellent thread.
Renze

 

[ZDHart]

Most likely it is the new M11 rangefinder camera:

Leica M11 “What makes a legend” event scheduled in France for January 7th - Leica Rumors

I already reported that the Leica M11 camera is expected to be officially announced on January 13th, 2022 based on the multiple events organized across the US by Leica Camera (Miami, Boston, Washington, Bellevue, and more). It seems that there is another invitation going around in Europe for a...

leicarumors.com

Leica Camera is a company with a LOT of great products going on. Legendary indeed.

Perhaps they will reveal more than one new product?

 

[dries1]

The description of "3D" has been corrupted in many places including here on BF.

 

[fazalmajid]

Leica Camera is a company with a LOT of great products going on. Legendary indeed.

Perhaps they will reveal more than one new product?

I don't recall them making multiple announcements in one event, but who knows? The x32 Noctivids are certainly overdue.

 

[PYRTLE]

I agree that was a strange comment, I believe he meant to say something else; in fact he also said that using a Perger prism "you can see what's in front of you ...and also behind".

It's a bit tongue tied in trying to explain a 3D view rather than 2 plane by stating you can see the subject in sharp focus as well as what is immediately behind it.....that starts to incorporate the amount of depth of field.
Always tricky to put in general terms, even with very good English.

 

[Tobias Mennle]

Noctivid 8x32. I keep my fingers crossed I can see the "true greatness" that is painfully absent from the 42mm Noctivids but still plenty enough in my UV8x32HD+. It´s of course an ironic advertising statement - true greatness does not depend on size etc. There is no room and also no need for smaller Perger designs. It can be done with SP prisms today.

But even if they should miss it again with the Noctivid - which I really hope they will not - Leica is now back on track with the Ultravids anyway which are a paradigm of "true greatness". In my view the UV line is already being updated with every new batch. Because I already have an amazing sample in my hands, a 7x42 HD+ from the new batch which I got 4 days ago. Why upgrade: totally new coatings unlike anything I've seen in a Leica, images with absolute colour, absolute contrast (best flare reduction and NL Pure or Habicht crispness). Deepest 3D in SP prisms like predecessor. Mechanically best UV sample I had, both in the focuser and bridge friction. This will probably be my personal Jahrhundertglas. This evolutionary yet significant upgrade cries for a new designation in the UV line of course. It will conquer new customers for Leica because it is just too good to ignore.

Fits with my observation recently in Wetzlar where an 8x50 HDPlus was way ahead the rest of the crowd in absolute image quality.

Great they don't waste all their energy on rather stupid stuff.

 

[dries1]

So the new UVHD+ is improved from one say from 6 months ago?

 

[Tobias Mennle]

The Youtube is intriguing for several reasons. I suppose these are Leica reps discussing the Perger prism, right? Well, the left guy says he would be very interested in a non-rangefinder model, i.e. a conventional binocular having the Perger prisms on board. Could this be an indication that Leica is entertaining this option seriously?
Then the disapointment: when discussing the advantages of the Perger, two aspects are mentioned, relatively better light transmission and better 3D experience. I have no doubts the Perger prism, which is essentially a porro 1 type, is a superb component to achieve optical excellence, I even think it should be the first choice because it's theoretically better than any roof prism (NB. optically, not counting ergonomic aspects). But more threedimensionality? This is the first time I've heard someone state that prism types as such, i.e. on their own, would differ in the way they handle depth and space. Of course most porro binoculars as we know them show this property, and we know why. But on their own, as a component?

Renze

Regarding the 3D, given the same stereo basis, the optical correction does influence the perceived 3D in so many ways, field curvature is obviously one important thing, as well as contrast. I´d leave the details to the optical designers because in the end it is rocket science. It does matter in practice though if you are striving for the best 3D pop which is half the fun IMO in using a binocular and not wanting to resort to a porro.

Within SP prism designs, I´d easily rate recently used glasses from great to less great 3D: UV 7x42 new batch (of course, it is also a 7x), UV 8x50 and SLC 8x42, UV 8x32 (strong edge aberrations including field curvature, strong 3D), Noctivid 8x42, UV 8x42. All with same stereo base.

The Noctivid was explicitly advertised by Leica as "a view almost like in 3D", which is such hilarious bullshit because obviously it is a 3D device. It was also untrue if one looks at the perceived depth/3D which is a weak part of the NV, at least compared to most Ultravids, but then again somewhat true if compared to Swarovision.

 

[Tobias Mennle]

So the new UVHD+ is improved from one say from 6 months ago?

I can say for sure the 7x42 is massively improved compared with my ex 7x42 from 5 years ago which I loved, using my one year old SLC8x42 as a reference line. Most UVs in Wetzlar were a bit weaker than the SLC under the observation conditions, except the phenomenal 8x50. The new 7x42 is much better than the SLC.

I think the new coatings, easily distinguishable by their new colour range, and then maybe serial numbers will be good markers to explore this in detail. I might post more in a couple of days with pics. The 7x42 was unavailable at my dealer and at Leica Wetzlar for at least 5 weeks, that is when I started to look to buy one, it could have been a couple of months even. I assume a new batch 7x42 came in around 22nd of December to German dealers.

The Wetzlar Leica shop had surprisingly few UVs in stock in November, so it might be a couple of new batches coming in. They had no 10x32, no 7x42, no 10x42, 10x50 if I remember correctly. Almost no Retrovids, absolutely no Trinovids. The 8x50 at Wetzlar was very suspicious in hindsight as it was so amazingly good.

Looking back at HD turning HD+, and trying to explain why some people saw little to no difference and others (myself included) saw considerable differences, it could well be that a late HD sample already had HD+ technology except the red splash of colour. It would be a much better way to upgrade than to introduce a new line and then committing fraud by selling the old line or at least older parts with the new designation. I mean, Leica would not want to end up with loads of old batches when they are ready to upgrade, neither Leica nor the dealers. So now might be a good time, with a bottleneck in production due to Covid and old batches being smallish.

On the other hand, Leica might just want to feature their Noctivids as the top product and stay silent about the Ultravid evolution. The 7x42 remains their best glass though. But the whole Ultravid line will become more competitive again.

 

[Mike F]

But even if they should miss it again with the Noctivid - which I really hope they will not - Leica is now back on track with the Ultravids anyway which are a paradigm of "true greatness". In my view the UV line is already being updated with every new batch. Because I already have an amazing sample in my hands, a 7x42 HD+ from the new batch which I got 4 days ago. Why upgrade: totally new coatings unlike anything I've seen in a Leica, images with absolute colour, absolute contrast (best flare reduction and NL Pure or Habicht crispness). Deepest 3D in SP prisms like predecessor. Mechanically best UV sample I had, both in the focuser and bridge friction. This will probably be my personal Jahrhundertglas. This evolutionary yet significant upgrade cries for a new designation in the UV line of course. It will conquer new customers for Leica because it is just too good to ignore.

Great that you have a sample with superior mechanics - there's always been sample variation in this respect in my experience, and from what I've read on BF. I would be grateful if you would be able to explain and expand on the highlighted part in the above quote though.......

 

[ZDHart]

With regard to Leica's Ultravid HD+ mechanics, this is my direct experience.

I purchased five new UVHD+ models this year, beginning in summer 2021:

8x32 UVHD+ (marked Made in Germany)
10x42 UVHD+ (marked Made in Germany)
10x32 UVHD+ (marked Made in Germany)
7x42 UVHD+ (marked Made in Germany)
8x32 UVHD+ (marked Made in Portugal)

Every one of these copies exhibit flawless performance, in optically quality, mechanical function, materials, fit, and finish.

Of course, with binoculars from any manufacturer, you may encounter a random issue. But in my experience this year, Leica is hitting them "out of the park".

 

[dries1]

Tobias,

Thanks for the background re the UVHD+7X42 (I just cannot get over that small APOV for my taste, nevertheless), Just curious how long did you go without the UV 7X42 when you were using the SLC 8X42, it sounded like there was a gap of time without a UVHD+ 7X42 until your new one.

 

[Boogieshrew]

It’s a 7x32 Noctivid - that’s my story and I’m sticking with it!

Bring it on 😂

 

[Renze de Vries]

Noctivid 8x32. I keep my fingers crossed I can see the "true greatness" that is painfully absent from the 42mm Noctivids but still plenty enough in my UV8x32HD+. It´s of course an ironic advertising statement - true greatness does not depend on size etc. There is no room and also no need for smaller Perger designs. It can be done with SP prisms today.

But even if they should miss it again with the Noctivid - which I really hope they will not - Leica is now back on track with the Ultravids anyway which are a paradigm of "true greatness". In my view the UV line is already being updated with every new batch. Because I already have an amazing sample in my hands, a 7x42 HD+ from the new batch which I got 4 days ago. Why upgrade: totally new coatings unlike anything I've seen in a Leica, images with absolute colour, absolute contrast (best flare reduction and NL Pure or Habicht crispness). Deepest 3D in SP prisms like predecessor. Mechanically best UV sample I had, both in the focuser and bridge friction. This will probably be my personal Jahrhundertglas. This evolutionary yet significant upgrade cries for a new designation in the UV line of course. It will conquer new customers for Leica because it is just too good to ignore.

Fits with my observation recently in Wetzlar where an 8x50 HDPlus was way ahead the rest of the crowd in absolute image quality.

Great they don't waste all their energy on rather stupid stuff.

So according to your observation, Leica improved their Ultravid line considerably, without advertising the fact? Just by suddenly making improved batches with no further notice. This doesn't sound good to me at all. I think it's alarming. Think about it. What would this practice mean for the reputation of the company?

Renze

 

[Renze de Vries]

Noctivid 8x32. I keep my fingers crossed I can see the "true greatness" that is painfully absent from the 42mm Noctivids but still plenty enough in my UV8x32HD+. It´s of course an ironic advertising statement - true greatness does not depend on size etc. There is no room and also no need for smaller Perger designs. It can be done with SP prisms today.

But even if they should miss it again with the Noctivid - which I really hope they will not - Leica is now back on track with the Ultravids anyway which are a paradigm of "true greatness". In my view the UV line is already being updated with every new batch. Because I already have an amazing sample in my hands, a 7x42 HD+ from the new batch which I got 4 days ago. Why upgrade: totally new coatings unlike anything I've seen in a Leica, images with absolute colour, absolute contrast (best flare reduction and NL Pure or Habicht crispness). Deepest 3D in SP prisms like predecessor. Mechanically best UV sample I had, both in the focuser and bridge friction. This will probably be my personal Jahrhundertglas. This evolutionary yet significant upgrade cries for a new designation in the UV line of course. It will conquer new customers for Leica because it is just too good to ignore.

Fits with my observation recently in Wetzlar where an 8x50 HDPlus was way ahead the rest of the crowd in absolute image quality.

Great they don't waste all their energy on rather stupid stuff.

Tobias, what do you mean by 'stupid stuff'? The Noctivid? Because it doesn't meet your demands, like '3D pop' and complete absence of flare? Or because of seriously considering a porro prism like the Perger?

Renze

 

[PYRTLE]

Tobias, what do you mean by 'stupid stuff'? The Noctivid? Because it doesn't meet your demands, like '3D pop' and complete absence of flare? Or because of seriously considering a porro prism like the Perger?

Renze

Renze,
I cannot see where Tobias has said the words you marked with single quotation marks, am I going blind or is that your interpretation?
Thank you.

 

[GrampaTom]

Renze,
I cannot see where Tobias has said the words you marked with single quotation marks, am I going blind or is that your interpretation?
Thank you.

#28 last line

 

[PYRTLE]

#28 last line

Thank you GT, my apologies Renze, even after rereading your posts three times, I missed that. It's early morning here. Goodnight all.