Leica LUX Photo App for the iPhone Released

Smartphone Filmmaking

by Jeff LochJune 12^th, 2024

German iconic photography manufacturer Leica recently released their newest camera app for the iPhone: Leica LUX. This app allows you to replicate the look of specific prime lenses, including the Summilux-M 28 mm F/1.4 ASPH and the Noctilux-M 50 mm F/1.2 ASPH. Also, the app can emulate famous Leica film presets and color renderings with eleven built-in Leica Looks. So, let’s take a closer look at it!

In December 2023, Leica bought Norwegian company Fjorden, which developed the Fjorden Grip and iPhone app. Leica had a plan in mind and bought Fjorden to try to enter the smartphone market. After six months of hard work and commitment, both teams are finally ready to launch their freemium app on the App Store: Leica LUX.

Leica LUX – features

The Leica LUX is an iOS-only camera app with one clear goal: emulate and replicate what could’ve been created by a Leica camera. As with any camera app with such a claim, you’ll find an Auto mode, but you can also have complete manual control over your camera settings. However, the significant benefit of the LUX app lies in the Aperture Mode.

According to Leica, the Aperture Mode allows you to “take pictures with the characteristic signatures of a range of classic Leica lenses.” At the moment, you have the choice between four lenses, including the Summilux-M 28mm and 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, the Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH, and the Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1,25 ASPH. Leica claims that with their “proprietary image processing engine, which is based on machine learning and computer-aided photography, these lens simulations reproduce the unmistakable look for which these lenses are famed, including, of course, the characteristic bokeh effect.”

After capturing images in the Aperture Mode, which can be taken as JPG, HEIF, or Apple ProRAW, you can apply a Leica Look to it. The LUX app has eleven color and black-and-white looks from which you can choose. The app uses Leica’s color science to replicate color gradations, and film presets to emulate the look of select cameras.

Price and availability

The Leica LUX app is free to download in the Apple App Store. It includes access to the Automatic Photo mode and the Aperture Mode, including emulation of the Leica Summilux-M 28 mm f/1.4 ASPH and five Leica Looks. If you want to unlock all of the features, the LUX Pro subscription starts at €7.99/$6.99 per month or €79.99/$69.99 per year.

I haven’t tried the app, but at the time of writing, the reviews online are not very flattering. I’ll let you judge for yourself.

For more information, please visit Leica’s website here.

What do you think about this Leica app? Do you use a third-party app to shoot pictures on your iPhone? What is your favorite camera app? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!