Leica To Develop Its Own Image Sensors Again

credits: Leica

Leica is apparently getting back into image sensor development, which is an interesting move in a market where most camera brands rely on the same handful of suppliers. The news comes from comments by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of Leica Camera AG’s Supervisory Board, during a recent appearance on the German-language Leica Enthusiast Podcast. While the conversation touched on everything from Leica’s 100th anniversary to recent products, the most notable takeaway was Kaufmann confirming that Leica is once again working on its own sensors, particularly for future M-system cameras.

He didn’t go into specifics, and that is not too surprising. Kaufmann emphasised that sensor development takes a long time and that this is not a quick or simple process. What is still unclear is how far along Leica actually is, or how deep this “in-house” development goes. In the past, Leica has taken different approaches, the M11 uses a Sony sensor, while the earlier M10 was developed in collaboration with AMS OSRAM, with manufacturing handled in Europe. Given how few companies can actually fabricate modern sensors today, it is likely Leica would again work closely with an established manufacturer while keeping control over design, tuning, and colour response.

Kaufmann also shared a few broader insights about where Leica is headed. He noted that the U.S. is now Leica’s largest market, followed by China, with Japan likely to move into third place ahead of Germany. He also addressed concerns around the Leica M EV1, making it clear that the classic rangefinder isn’t going anywhere. Instead, Leica sees the M system splitting into two parallel paths, one built around electronic viewfinders, and another that continues the traditional rangefinder experience that long-time Leica photographers care about.