The launch of the iPhone 16 series showed that Apple wanted to give consumers even more in-depth features – both in terms of hardware and software – when it came to mobile camera use. New Photographic Styles and editing features combined with a dedicated shutter button (while not anything new) give Apple and iPhone fans something new in the way of on-the-go casual photography, although folks who want a bit more technicality with their photo sessions might want to invest in third-party hardware.
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In this instance, we’re talking about Leica’s new LUX Grip accessory. Leica is one of the most renowned camera brands in the world among enthusiasts and critics, and it’s interesting to see the veteran company come up with more “modern” takes on photography accessories. With that in mind, the Leica LUX Grip is specially designed for the iPhone, giving users some additional hardware that’s made with a more “hands-on” approach to mobile photography in mind.
In terms of aesthetics, the Leica LUX Grip is rather minimalist – it’s actually smaller than your average iPhone case, consisting of just the internals, a set of controls, and the main panel that houses the MagSafe locking mechanism. In fact, the only thing that stands out is the cylindrical compartment that contains the electronics and battery inside, making it very travel-friendly and light on the pocket. Leica says that it’s designed the grip based on the look and feel of its own cameras, despite the very slim profile, which interestingly weighs at just 130 grams overall. It also works when held in portrait orientation.
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This sense of familiarity extends to how the grip is controlled. There’s a two-stage shutter release that works essentially the same way as on an actual camera, allowing for focus with a light press and capturing images with a full press. Also present is a dedicated button that enables quick mode switching, and two customizable controls which are configurable through the Leica LUX app. There’s also a built-in control dial that allows precise adjustments to settings like zoom, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.
Users can also use the grip with the Leica LUX app for iOS, which comes with Leica-designed effects lenses for mobile devices. For example, users can choose from a wide variety of effects of lenses such as bokeh and the Summilux-M or Noctilux-M filters while maintaining full control over exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. Other signature Leica Looks, such as Vivid to classic Black & White make for a bit of added functionality. As for pricing, the Lecia LUX Grip is priced at 300 EUR and is available via Leica’s official website and through participating retailers.
