Leica has launched a new iOS app called LUX that allows iPhones to mimic one of its cameras. The app achieves this in two main ways.
First, LUX has a feature called “Aperture Mode,” which simulates the “characteristic signatures” of a handful of Leica lenses. These include the Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
The software houses the company's “proprietary image processing engine,” which leverages AI to mimic the performance of a lens. This also includes replicating your bokeh effect or how a camera reproduces parts of a photograph that are out of focus.
It is important to note that you cannot alter the opening of an iPhone as it is a fixed component. Still, LUX gives you the freedom to control the amount of light the device's camera takes in through software.
Notable Features
The other imitation method is Leica Looks. This is a series of filters that can emulate photographs taken by one of the brand's cameras. These range from different color gradations to film presets.
For example, Vivid Look shows vibrant colors, Natural Look goes in the other direction by muting the tones, and the Eternal filter saturates them. There are even several grayscale options. BW Natural is your standard black and white filter, while Blue removes all colors and applies a bluish tint throughout.
Additionally, LUX has different shooting modes. You can opt for Automatic if you want to take all the guesswork out of photography. Or you can opt for manual controls to adjust important functions, from shutter speeds to white balance. Other notable features include the ability to save photos in ProRAW format and “various focus options.”
LUX can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. The so-called “Freemium” model offers free access to Auto Photo mode, aperture mode and five Leica Looks filters.
However, you can purchase a monthly subscription to unlock more features. For
For $6.99/€7.99/AU$9.99 per month, users get the manual control feature, five lens simulations, and all 11 look filters. You can also purchase an annual subscription for $69.99/AU$99.99.
Quality Concerns
As The Verge points out, and through images shared, there are some concerns regarding the quality of LUX. You'll notice strange artifacts in the images if you look closely.
A drinking straw has jagged edges and a cat has lost its whiskers. They also point out that certain edits on some shots cannot be undone. In fact, users can apply Apple's own image effects to LUX photos, which TheVerge refers to as a “bizarre anachronism… guaranteed to ruin any photo.”
Of course, they only had access to a beta version of LUX, so the problems may no longer exist. The company plans to periodically update its software with new filters and features, so perhaps the problem was fixed quickly. We've reached out to Leica for clarification on the artifacts and will update this story if we hear back.
If you want to know how to improve your image, check out TechRadar's list of the best photo editors for 2024.
