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Leica Sofort Release Date Set For November, Debut At Photokina 2016 This Week

By Venus Montalbo
Published on: 21:32 PST, Sep 18, 2016

The fancy camera company Leica is offering something new to its consumers – a “versatile instant picture camera” called the Leica Sofort. The release date is set for November, according to Leica Camera AG.

But ahead of the camera’s official market release, photography fans will be able to have a first look at the Leica Sofort this week. The newest competitor to the instant camera products from Polaroid, Lomography, Fujifilm and the Impossible Project is getting a debut appearance at Photokina 2016, which is set to begin tomorrow, September 20, in Cologne, Germany. The leading photo and video trade fair will run until Sunday, September 25.

The company has not yet provided a specific release date for Leica Sofort, but it noted that the camera and its consumables will be available from November 2016. The instant camera will be available in three color variants – mint, orange, and white. Meanwhile, the Leica Sofort consumables set for release in November are two variants of color film – one with 10 exposures and the other with 20 exposures. For those fond of black-and-white photography, Leica is also producing a monochrome film for Sofort and it will come with 10 exposures.

However, those who do not want to spend money on Leica-branded films have the option to use the Fujifilm Instax Mini film. Wired reported that the more commonly used film is also compatible with the Leica Sofort.

As for Leica Sofort’s pricing, compared to the $100 Polaroid Snap and much cheaper Fujifilm Instax Mini, the upcoming instant camera is getting a much more luxurious price tag. It will be available for $300, reports noted.

The description for Leica Sofort revealed that it boasts “a unique Leica design and special features, offers quick and easy access to photography and the fascination and unique experience of spontaneous photos that can be seen and shared in seconds.”

“At the same time, Leica brings its photographic expertise and commitment to creativity, ease of handling and quality to the world of Instax instant photography. The creative scope offered by the Leica SOFORT provides opportunities to rediscover instant photography and create small, haptic works of art and lasting memories.”

Compared to the Fujifilm Instax Mini, Leica Sofort is equipped with a “smaller, more compact frame,” PC Mag noted. Upon its release, selfie lovers will be able to enjoy Leica Sofort’s Self-Portrait mode. On the front part of the instant camera is a small rectangular mirror to aid the users when framing their selfie. Leica Sofort also features a self-timer as well as two delay settings.

Leica Sofort also offers an Automatic mode, which “takes advantage of available natural light for as long as possible without triggering the integrated flash,” the press release explained, adding that it results in photos showing a “much more authentic and natural look.” Other presets consumers can enjoy in the Leica Sofort come its release date are Party & People, Sports & Action, and for close-up photography, the Macro mode.

For those curious to know about Leica Sofort’s specs, the camera is equipped with an optical viewfinder and a 60mm f/12.7 lens. Its shutter speed ranges from 1/8 to 1/400. The camera can take about 100 shots before the battery runs out, Wired shared.

Various Leica Sofort accessories will also be available. For instance, Leica Sofort Straps, for safe and easy handling of the camera, will be offered in orange, black, and mint. Meanwhile, the camera will be well-protected by Leica Sofort cases to be available in black or brown. To present the photos, there will be Leica Sofort Postcards, the Leica Sofort Photo Presenter, The Leica Sofort Photo Album and Leica Sofort Storage Boxes.

[Featured Image by 360b / Shutterstock.com]

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