Frame the moment: Leica launches a new instant camera
The German manufacturer, known for its highly technical products, raised a few eyebrows with the announcement of its first instant model
The new Leica Sofort – its name derived from the German word for "immediately" – invites users to capture the more spontaneous moments in life. Available in classic white, orange and a beautifully vintage mint green, the Sofort merges the fun and creative nature of instant photography with Leica's renowned technical prowess and distinct retro style. It's a surprising move for a brand famous for distinctive, handmade cameras and precision lenses (with consequent sky-high price points).
Due for release in November, the Sofort will retail at £215 (excluding various film packages and accessories), making it a more affordable luxury for both Leica devotees looking to expand their collection and a younger generation attracted by more traditional forms of photography.
The launch is accompanied by a "frame the moment" campaign, big on youthful exuberance and the thrill of acting on impulse. The camera is compact enough to take on your travels, yet it produces satisfyingly sizeable prints of excellent quality – something not often associated with instant photography.
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Quality, however, is inherent in the Leica name, and the characteristics of the Sofort won't disappoint fans. The camera is equipped with a 2.3ins (60mm) lens, Leica-brand film, an inbuilt flash and multiple exposure settings, making it eminently usable and adaptable to any situation. Settings include Automatic, Party & People, Sport & Action and Macro, while a clever little mirror on the front of the camera makes lining up the obligatory selfie (dubbed "Self-Portrait" in Leica terminology) a cinch.
A unique combination of nostalgia and modern sensibility, the new Sofort is definitely Leica, but not quite as you know it.
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