Leica Camera AG has released Leica LUX, an iOS app that enables smartphone shooters to experience prominent aspects of Leica photography. Dubbed LUX, the new app is available in both free and subscription versions with features divided accordingly. No additional accessories are required, and it’s available from the Apple store now.

Promising to bring the “iconic Leica Look to the iPhone,” Leica LUX is a result of collaboration with Fjorden Electra AS which Leica acquired as of December 1, 2023.

Using the subscription version of the app in Aperture Priority mode, iPhone photographers can capture images that emulate shots taken with certain classic Leica lenses including the Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. Lens options are limited  to the 28mm f/1.4 for users of the free version of the app.

Additionally, Leica LUX provides a selection of “Leica Looks” which currently includes  Leica Classic, Leica Contemporary, Leica Black and White, and several others. The Leica Standard Look displays colors and contrast differently than the onboard iPhone camera app.

Leica LUX features an Automatic Photo mode, Aperture Priority mode, and a Manual mode that allows users to adjust exposure compensation and shutter speeds. Leica stated that they plan regular updates with new lens profiles, Leica Looks and functions.

The free version of Leica LUX includes Automatic Photo mode and Aperture Priority mode, emulation of the Leica Summilux-M 28 mm f/1.4 ASPH, and five Leica Looks.

Leica LUX Pro is available as a subscription with prices starting at $6.99 monthly. Leica LUX Pro adds the ability to manually control exposure, focus and white balance, plus 11 Leica Looks and five Leica lens emulations.

The app is available now and supports the iPhone SE (iOS 17) or newer. Later iPhone models offer better performance. Check Leica’s website for up-to-date system requirements, updated features and other information. Leica made no mention of Android plans.

—Jon Sienkiewicz

Panasonic has always been known for their focus on hybrid mirrorless cameras that have both video and photo features. And their micro four-thirds GH cameras are essentially video-first, with stronger and more innovative features not available in typical hybrid cameras. This tradition continues with the newly-announced Panasonic GH7. This 25 megapixel micro four-thirds camera breaks new ground for the GH series and looks especially strong for video.

Canon has just announced their widest mirrorless L-series prime lens yet, the RF 35mm f/1.4 L. The lens has an impressively small form factor and comes with some nice video-oriented features – namely an aperture ring and minimal focus breathing. It ships later this month for $1500.

Choosing the proper aperture setting is a fundamental aspect of all genres of photography, especially when shooting landscapes with both near and far elements in the scene. The f/stop in use has a major impact on depth of field, which is why many outdoor photographers prefer leaving their Mode dial set to Aperture Priority.

Today’s comprehensive tutorial breaks down and explains what aperture is all about and reveals which f/stop settings are best for different situations. You’ll also learn why the sharpness of an image depends upon aperture, and the various effects you can create with different settings.

Instructor Mads Peter Iversen is a Danish pro who regularly shares shooting and editing tutorials with eye-opening secrets to the stunning images in his portfolio. This episode is a behind-the-scenes video where you’ll watch Iversen to his thing, and along the way he discusses everything you need to know about aperture and how it enables you to capture different images of the same scene with a totally different look.

This lesson runs almost 19 minutes and covers a lot of ground, so we suggest taking a few notes for future reference. As you’ll see, Iversen has some great advice for doing things right, as well as several warnings about common mistakes.

Aperture is one of the three components in the familiar Exposure Triangle and that’s where Iversen begins. You’ll see how the f/stop in use interacts with the other two variable (shutter speed and ISO) to arrive and a correct exposure with exactly the look you want. He also discusses the critical concept of depth of field and how aperture factors into the equation.

Proper focus is another key consideration, and in some cases the goal is to have maximum sharpness throughout a landscape scene. Since the smaller the aperture the greater the zone of sharpness you may wonder why it’s a mistake to always shoot at f/22 when light levels permit.

This is Iversen’s answer: “It comes down to an optical phenomenon called diffraction which explains why the more you stop down the aperture the more light is scattered through the smaller and smaller hole.” In essence, this results in softer images with compromised optical quality.

Other topics of interest include the relationship between aperture and vignetting, along with a variety of optical mistakes to avoid. You’ll also learn what to do when f/22 is absolutely necessary, an editing solution known as focus stacking, and the impact of aperture on creative effects like sun stars and others.

Be sure to pay a visit to Iversen’s robust YouTube channel, especially if landscape photography is your thing. And check out the tutorial we featured from another accomplished pro, with a beginners guide to using fill-flash to brighten shadows in outdoor photographs.