Becoming a serious photographer is not a cheap endeavor. If you want something along the lines of Leica’s lower-end D-Lux 8, you’ll be spending around $1,600 (the cheapest model besides the $400 Polaroid-style instant Sofort cameras). However, with Leica’s latest Lux Grip, you can now turn your iPhone into a Leica camera for $329.
From App to Grip
It all started with the Leica Lux iPhone app that the iconic German photography brand debuted last year, which leveraged your smartphone’s camera app to produce Leica-simulated images. Completely customizable, the app features a 35mm film effect and other Leica presets, along with simulations for classic Leica lenses like the Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. You also can put personalized widgets on your lock screen.
Parlaying the Leica Lux app into a full-blown Leica camera, the company now introduces the Lux Grip, which attaches to any iPhone (models 12 and later) via MagSafe attachment in either horizontal or vertical orientation, and connects via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to harness the app.
Weighing just 4.2oz, the Lux Grip has a two-stage shutter for precision shooting and another button that lets you change shooting modes. You can also program a button to whichever camera function you desire via the app. On the front, there’s a control dial so you can toggle between different camera settings. You can charge the device after 1,000 clicks via a USB-C port.
But Who Is This For?
A serious question to ask is: Will the budding enthusiast be okay with “settling” for Leica’s add-on instead of just investing in a good digital camera, Leica or otherwise?
Well, the Lux Grip can allow you to practice and hone your shooting skills as you await a larger investment. However, it’s more likely that the attachment will instead appeal to people who simply don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars on a camera yet still consider themselves a photographer — say, people who already operate their own photography Instagram page and are looking to level it up quite a bit.
You then get into the debate of whether it’s the equipment that’s the real driving force of artistry or the artist himself. There are certainly people out there who believe that you can accomplish just as much with an iPhone camera as a mirrorless camera. But also, there are people talented enough to produce iPhone images that might seem to be equal to that of an expensive camera to the untrained eye.
Spec Sheet
Weight: 4.2oz
Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy
Runtime: 1,000 clicks
Power Connection: USB-C
Pricing & Availability
Costing $329, the Lux Grip won’t be the cheapest phone camera grip option but it does feature some interesting features, especially for those wanting a more premium experience. It also comes with a free one-year subscription to the Leica Lux app — a $70 value. Head over to Leica’s website to learn more.
Recap
Leica Lux Grip
German brand Leica made an iPhone grip that leverages its premium app to turn your phone into a Leica camera.
