Amazing Concept Turns iPhone Into a Leica Camera

The Leica i9 Concept is a dream project by BLACK Design Associates that addresses a desire to combine two great products, the iPhone and the Leica.

FEATURES:
INDEPENDENT CAMERA BODY - doesn't depend on the iPhone4 processor, making the i9 a true ready-to-shoot camera.


COMPACT OPTICAL ZOOM - offers true optical zoom with a greater number of focal lengths in a compact size.

LEICA RANGEFINDER - allows for faster uninterrupted shooting.

CASE FORM FACTOR - makes the i9 ultra-compact and protects your iPhone4 in a rugged and stylish case.

CAMERA BACK DOCK - loads your iPhone4 reminiscent to traditional 35mm film and takes full advantage of the iPhone4's superior Retina Touch-Screen Display.


INTERCHANGEABLE CAMERA BACK - ensures the i9 is compatible with future generation iPhones.

CAMERA/iPHONE TOGGLE - turns on your camera with an instant start-up time of 0.3sec., while simultaneously loading the Leica app on your iPhone4.

ZOOM/VOLUME CONTROL - adjusts Tight and Wide when your camera is on, and adjusts volume Up and Down when your camera is off.

DEDICATED APERTURE AND SHUTTER DIALS - offers fast and easy option for manual operation.

PASS-THROUGHS AND ACTUATORS - gives you full access to your iPhone4 controls and headphone jack.

FLASH AND LIGHT METER - offers higher quality photos and videos in low-light conditions.

BLACK Design Associates estimates that the LEICA i9 for iPhone 4 would cost around $900-$1200 and have a 5-10 year life cycle. While that price sounds high it is considerably less than the $7000+ for a LEICA M9.

Take a look below...

[via Matt]