Leica fanatics might wish to brace themselves: it now seems unlikely that the following technology of the enduring Leica M‑collection will bear the a lot‑anticipated “M12” title. Current protection from Leica Rumors reveals that the corporate has seemingly deserted its efforts to register the M12 trademark in the US.
Though the USPTO nonetheless lists the trademark standing as “lively,” the path means that Leica merely ceased pursuing approval after encountering hurdles within the registration course of.
Including additional nuance to the image, Leica Rumors clarifies that the M12 and the upcoming M11‑V – rumored to incorporate an digital viewfinder (EVF) – are separate fashions.
The M12, if it arrives in any respect, is predicted to be a traditional digital rangefinder, preserving the timeless, analog‐model Leica expertise. The EVF‑outfitted mannequin, in distinction, indicators a extra fashionable route for the model – however doesn’t essentially mark the top of the optical rangefinder period.
On the subject of timing, the M12 stays shrouded in uncertainty. Based on present hypothesis, it gained’t make an look in both 2025 or presumably even 2026. In the meantime Leica continues to promote the M11, whose firmware updates have stabilized its efficiency, and has already launched restricted editions of that mannequin towards the top of its product cycle.
On the alternative entrance, the Leica M11‑V – that includes the EVF – is predicted to reach sooner, with some sources pointing to a doable launch earlier than the top of 2025. This mannequin is believed to streamline the design, eliminating the attention‑stage viewfinder window and embracing hybrid performance that blends optical and digital suggestions.
Leica’s hesitance – or incapability – to safe “M12” as a trademark within the US raises fascinating questions on its naming technique. Will the corporate proceed with the M12 label regardless of the authorized ambiguity, maybe appending an additional character or launching underneath a unique moniker? Or will the following flagship digital camera tackle a completely new identification?
As at all times with Leica, the thriller solely provides to the attract.
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