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Leica-fy Your Beloved iPhone 4 with Black Design's i9... Concept

By Ray Hu - April 26, 2011

in Object Culture

Los Angeles-based consultancy Black Design Associates, LLC, have just announced a concept (I repeat, concept) for a hybrid iPhone / Leica. The i9 is essentially a fully-featured iPhone 4 accessory, intended to elevate a smartphone to the ultimate prosumer toy.

And lest the i9 comes off as a glorified protective case, Black Design have retooled Leica's CMOS image sensor and lens, with effective 12.1 MP lens, 8× optical zoom, 35 equivalent focal lengths and ready-to-shoot operation (including 0.3s start-up). I gotta say, the shared battery capability—either one of the devices can power the other as necessary—is also a nice touch.

More details here.

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Mike Farnham

13 years ago

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Form over function it seems, aren't you just paying for the name? It reminds me of the counterfeit Ferraris in the last Wired, they looked great on the outside.

I could see it being useful for weddings and events, where the second shooter is getting photos and they upload immediately to Facebook...

But unless you're using specific apps with your shooting I don't see the point, let a camera be a camera. The iphone will quickly become outdated but I suppose they would update the case? I respect the concept and design, and hey of course I would shoot with it if I had it. Then I'd call my friend and brag about talking on a Leica...iLeica. Do you think they will make this happen?
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