Curiosity: Leica Returns to In-House Sensor Development, Hinting at a Shift from Sony

Dr. Andreas Kaufmann confirms Leica in-house image sensor for future M12 and SL4 cameras
Leica is developing a proprietary in-house image sensor; typical development cycles span about five years.

Leica’s chairman Dr. Andreas Kaufmann confirmed the company is once again developing its own image sensor. After using AMS sensors through the M10 and switching to Sony sensors for the M11 generation, Leica appears set to return to an in-house solution—a process that typically takes around five years and is reportedly already well underway.

Going in-house could give Leica tighter control over color science, microlens designs optimized for rangefinder optics, and greater supply-chain independence. It may also enable feature trade-offs that better match Leica’s priorities for the M and SL systems.It’s notable to see Leica chart its own path while Sony continues to set sensor benchmarks—for example, the partially stacked architecture in the A7V and recent global-shutter advances across the Alpha 9 line. For more context on Sony’s latest camera tech, see our A7V video series coverage, and watch for updates at the Sony CES press conference.It’s likely this new sensor will find its way into future Leica M12 and SL4 cameras.

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Would you keep a Sony 16–35 f/2.8 GM II purchased on Amazon that has so many scratches on the packaging?

Seabasse writes:

I ordered a new Sony 16–35 f/2.8 GM II on Amazon (possibly a bad decision), and the box arrived pretty beat up, like a raccoon went at it. The lens itself looks new and in good condition, but it didn’t come wrapped in bubble wrap. Some lenses I’ve bought in the past did, so I’m unsure whether this box had been opened before.

Can anyone confirm whether these lenses normally ship with bubble wrap inside the box when new?

Would you send it back just for peace of mind?

I think it’s ok to keep it…and you?