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.
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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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