One of the most expensive camera systems is pricey no matter how much you slice it, but sometimes there are ways to indulge without spending up a fortune.
Take Leica, which makes absolutely lovely cameras and lenses, but does tend to come with the caveat of “provided you can afford them”. Nearly everything Leica makes is priced quite high, at least comparatively to other gear, though usually because both the brand and the quality are significantly up there.
Compact cameras above the $5K mark and models with interchangeable lenses that go for at least double that. You get the vibe. It’s the gear you dream to buy, usually when that dream involves making more than you might normally have.
Mobile releases can help ease some of that burden, such as the Leica Leitzphone, a Xiaomi collaboration which saw Leica’s name, approach to lenses, and film simulations land on a variation of another Xiaomi flagship phone. Much like with Leica’s older collaborations with Huawei from back in the day, the mobile efforts tend to see Leica gear priced so that everyone else can find their way to a Leica.
But not everyone wants an Android phone, and not everyone wants to buy a phone just to get a little Leica in their life.
With that in mind, Leica also offers something for iPhone owners in the form of the “Lux Grip”, a battery built with MagSafe in mind that includes a two-stage shutter release allowing you to autofocus and then fire a shot, just like a conventional camera would.
The grip isn’t anything new, but this year’s model comes in a silver finish and is supported by an update to Leica’s app, also named “Lux”. It’s also now designed to fit the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max properly, as well.
Now in version 2, the app includes a look made famous by photographer Steve McCurry, converting that look into a colour profile you can apply to your photos in the app. You’d certainly know McCurry’s work if you came across it, with the look now applicable also to your work.
Leica’s app does come with a subscription cost in the pro edition, but that’s something Leica is waiving for one year with the cost of the Leica Lux Grip, though that isn’t inexpensive either.
While it’s clearly not as expensive as a Leica mirrorless camera, the $495 cost for the grip isn’t inexpensive, and that’s without a $170 case.
You’ll find both in select stockists shortly, however, possibly next to someone trying to work out whether they should spend near-$500 for the privilege, or maybe consider going for the less expensive and similar option from Belkin, which shaves nearly $400 off the price.
