↑Photo courtesy Leica.
No, I wasn’t given the newly-released Leica T Type 701 to review. And no, I haven’t tried it.
But I’m getting emails asking me about it, so I’ll make a few comments.
The sensor is excellent (they’re using a tried-and-tested sensor), and the new lenses (only two have been announced so far) will perform in the typical Leica fashion — wonderfully. And, of course, they released an M adapter for M lenses. Nice.
I’m too biased towards optical viewfinders and larger sensors to be tempted by it.
However, I’m quite impressed with Leica‘s execution on this release. They got the marketing right, and the design (minimalistic — read: excellent). They even got the right reviewers on board, and were careful to educate them on the product beforehand.
Most impressively, they out-Appled Apple with the interface.
I like what they’ve done.
—Peter.
Prosophos 
I too agree with you Peter. I think Leica has done well with this new model. I have chuckle when I’ve already heard complaints about the old sensor technology used. But if it works to their specs why change?
Of course I too am not interested as I am not going to give up my OVF or FF CCD “old tech” sensor. But it is a breath of fresh air to see a company challenge the norm.
Regarding chuckling about the “complaints about the old sensor technology” — I hear you. It must kill camera companies when they announce a new model (that won’t be released for a while) and people are already looking towards the “next” iteration!
I had to smile when you mentioned they did not give you one to review, you know I suspect you may have been mentioned but they may have been a little nervous. I also agree a important step for Leica to get into the middle and innovative market which could go on to bringing folks to their M systems.
They needn’t worry about my comments on this release. They deserve to be congratulated.
I think this camera has the potential to make Leica a great deal of money. It’s really quite a nice design and the user experience appears to be very good. From the several reviews I’ve read and watched, the iq appears to be excellent as are the new lenses.
Honestly, Leica should have held off on the X-Vario and simply waited to release this camera. This new T will essentially be nailing the lid on the X-Vario’s coffin.
That too is very Apple-like: introducing a new model that’s not just new in incremental ways but represents a paradigm shift, even if it makes existing products (or product lines) obsolete. Apple believed it was better that they did it to themselves vs. somebody else doing it to them.
In the case of Leica, the timing is right since most X-Vario sales will have already occurred.
To me it came as a surprise that Leica uses a Sony sensor in the T camera. I expected them to use a CMOSIS sensor due to their partnership with this firm. Maybe the M240 was a one time thing which gives hope they might also use a Sony sensor in the next M model? What do you guys think?
I agree Peter. Interesting release and at least it’s something a bit new even if it is APSC and CMOS, etc…..different design, interface and looks to be…..dare I say it…..a photographers camera!! Simply two dials on the top (aperture and shutter speed) and shutter release…..
Kristian can make most things look good with a box brownie so they certainly did the right thing there choosing him!
I was just watching Steve’s video. He predicts that the next M may well have the same touch screen interface as this camera!! Interesting….