Leica is set to enhance the user experience of its Lux camera app for iPhones by introducing a new filter effect known as “Artist Looks.” This innovative feature aims to elevate mobile photography by allowing users to apply distinct styles inspired by renowned photographers. The inaugural filter, designed in collaboration with celebrity photographer Greg Williams, transforms your photos to reflect his unique aesthetic and artistic approach.
The Artist Looks feature in the Lux app functions similarly to other presets within the app, providing one-click filter options for effortless photo editing. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time that Leica Camera has partnered with a professional photographer to create filters that emulate their personal style. Williams’s Artist Look notably draws inspiration from the classic Kodak Tri-X film, converting vibrant color images into a nostalgic black and white format. The filter subtly adjusts the white point, resulting in slightly off-white tones that deliver a warm, vintage feel to your photographs.
The latest update to the Lux app, now at version 1.7, is available on the iOS App Store. Subscribers of the Lux Pro account can access the Greg Williams filter for a monthly fee of $6.99 or an annual fee of $69.99. Additionally, this exclusive look is included free of charge with the purchase of Leica’s new phone grip, priced at $625 after tariffs. The Lux app provides an avenue for both free and paid users to capture smartphone images enriched with Leica’s signature color science.
The Lux camera app by Leica offers an array of features, including a selection of Leica-tuned photo filters such as Classic, Chrome, and a special filter based on the vintage Leica I Model A camera. Moreover, the app presents various in-app “lenses” that utilize portrait mode processing techniques, emulating renowned Leica lenses like the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux and 35mm f/1.4 Summilux.
In tandem with the Lux app update, Leica is also enhancing its Fotos app. This update allows owners of the Leica Q3, Q3 43, SL3, and SL3-S models to download the Greg Williams look directly to their cameras. Notably, for users without these newer models, the Fotos app can still apply the filter to JPG files captured with any Leica camera equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling broader access to this artistic style.
The introduction of photo filters and film recipes is not a novel concept in the realm of mobile photography. Brands like Fujifilm have successfully utilized their own film stocks in popular models like the X100 line. While other camera manufacturers typically stick to standard options (e.g., vivid, neutral), some, like Panasonic with its Lumix S9, venture into creative territories with custom profiles. Leica’s approach of leveraging a professional photographer’s style is indeed a fresh perspective in the industry, opening up exciting possibilities for future collaborations.
As Leica continues to innovate, it would be intriguing to see more iconic photographers receive their own Artist Looks. Imagine strolling through the streets and capturing moments with an aesthetic reminiscent of legendary figures like Elliott Erwitt. However, it’s worth considering that some professional photographers might demand a premium for such collaborations, reflecting the value of their unique styles.
