Hi there Bart
If this is true then it sounds like a brilliant move. A full frame sustem with all those excellent Sigma ART lenses together with Panasonic expertise in AF and Video. All with Leica L mount. Fantastic!
Speculation alert ...How will this affect Leica s product plans ?
Sensor technology ...if the rumors are solid ..Leica will introduce the S3 at 64MP and a premium price above $25K . This will then open up the SL product line to adopt a NEW SENSOR in the 40MP . Again rumors have this as being a Photokina 2019 product introduction .
Next generation cameras ....shared R&D ,sensor technology etc ..would be possible to have both Leica and Panasonic bodies built from the same framework ...This has less appeal for Leica IF the Panasonic can be viewed as a viable alternative to the SL.
Not sure where another product would fit for Leica ..maybe the elusive M mini that is discussed each year ...a lower cost ..but full frame ICL body with AF .
What makes little sense on the surface (quick look on my part ) .......
Why would Leica want to OPEN the L mount to Panasonic and Sigma ??????? Who buys a Panasonic to use Leica SL lenses which are all $5K or more . Yes maybe for video but Leica will not achieve much in new lens sale . Why would they want to facilitate competition from the Sigma lenses .
I could see some small amount of joint development of new lenses similar to what Leica did with Minolta in the 80 s .
Appears to be a very complex partnership to manage will be very interesting to see how this develops .