Photographers working for the renowned agency Magnum Photos will be handed Leica camera gear to test before new products hit the market.

The move is part of an agreement on ?technological and photographic co-operation?.

Stefan Daniel, head of product management at Leica Camera AG said: ?The collaboration between Magnum and Leica will help us to develop and construct better and better equipment to meet the needs of professional photographers.

?This applies to field reports on the practical use of our products currently available, as well as to the testing of future products in the fields.’

Daniel added: ‘Just how do our cameras and lenses stand up to difficult working conditions? This knowledge is an extremely welcome and important addition to our in-factory testing procedures and is eminently suitable as a further tool for ensuring that our products are always perfectly capable of matching any demands set by the tough everyday work of professional photographers.?