| Extra
information about new Leica products |
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are pleased
to introduce the Leica M8, the first professional digital rangefinder
camera, Leica Elmarit-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH, a compact wide angle lens, Leica
Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/16-18-21mm ASPH, a super wide angle lens with three focal
lengths and the Universal Viewfinder M for focal lengths from 16 to 28
mm. This memo outlines the performance features, as well as the design
features of these exciting additions to our product line. In addition,
you will receive information about the optional accessories and the scope
of delivery.
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Basic
Information:
- Digital rangefinder camera
- High picture quality even with high ISO settings
- Logical, Leica-typical intuitive functions
- Metal housing made of highly stabile magnesium alloy
- Available in black or silver chrome
High
Resolution:
The minimal noise CCD was optimized for the special needs of the M-lens
system and offers a high resolution of 10.3 mio. pixels. The special adaptation
of the sensor with micro lens offset helps to avoid disturbing vignetting
in the corners of the pictures. A very thin glass covering obstructs unwanted
light by diagonal light.
Full
Light Efficiency:
It is now possible to take much more detailed pictures with high sensitivity
up to 2500 ISO, as never before with analogue film.
Concentrated
and Intuitive:
The M8 features only the most relevant photographical digital possibilities.
The functions such as time automatic and the manual focus in combination
with the preserved rangefinder principal were maintained. A simple and
intuitive menu allows for setting on the 2.5” screen in only a few
steps.
Rangefinder:
The Leica M8 has a bright light frame for the 24 and 35 mm, 28 and 90
mm and 50 and 75 mm lenses. Through the focal length extension factor
of 1.33x, the effective focal length is from 32 to 120 mm. This makes
the use of the APO-TELYT-M 135mm/f3.5 not recommendable. The viewfinder
magnification corresponds to 0.68.
Compatibility:
The M8 deliberately is without the resolution reducing Moire-Filter in
front of the sensor in order to achieve the full performance of the lens.
The high resolution of the M-system lenses produced since 1954 can be
used with the M8.
Creative
Photography:
The electronically steered and very silent metal blades of the focal-plane
shutter can realize exposure times of up to 1/8000 sec. In well-lit surroundings,
a photographer’s creativity is not hindered with the use of selective
sharpness with an open aperture. It is possible to take pictures during
daylight hours with selective sharpness with the short flash synchronization
time of 1/250 second.
Silent
and Discreet:
In order to achieve a silent advance of the shutter, a rubberized silencing
friction wheel was placed in the first gear step. The power is transmitted
over a cam the entire length of the tension arm. This makes for a very
silent noise from the motorized tension of the shutter.
Digital
and Longevity:
The M8 has been designed to deliver professional results over many years.
The closed all metal housing is made of highly stabile magnesium alloy.
The top plate and bottom plate of he camera is milled from massive blocks
of brass and then silver or black chromium-plated. For the future, raw
data formats will implement the DNG technology due to the fact that it
guarantees long archive security.
Raw
Data Converter Capture One LE:
The raw data converter Capture One, which is included in the scope of
delivery, ensures that the raw data delivered to the CCD sensor and saved
in the secure Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) format will “develop”
the best possible quality. The development of even the finest tonal values
delivered from the CCD 16-bit picture makes the comparison with a professional
combination of color slide film and a professional processing lab justified.
Remote
Control Software:
Leica Digital Capture works as a remote control for the camera for academic
use or in a photo studio. Using a USB cable, the camera can be released
through a computer and the picture files can be stored directly on the
computer. All camera settings such as ISO or resolution can be changed
using the software.
Scope
of delivery:
The Leica M8 comes with a neck strap with an anti-slipping device, camera
cap for the MBayonet, Lithium-Ion battery, charger including car adapter
and 3 plug adapters (Euro, UK, & USA), USB cable, software DVD Capture
One LE, Software CD with Leica Digital Capture and instruction manual
in all languages, printed instruction manual Leica M8 and Leica M8 warranty
card
Optional Accessories:
The neoprene
case in black can hold a camera plus a lens of 60/80 mm from
the bayonet
flange. The ever-ready case made of black Nappa leather
is specially designed for the Leica M8 and allows for changing the battery
and SD-card while the camera is in the bag. It can also hold a lens of
up to 70 mm in length from the bayonet flange. The camera-protector
protects the M8 from normal wear and tear. The grip holder makes it more
ergonomic. The hand grip for the M8 comes in black or
silver and allows that M8 to rest more comfortably in the hand during
photography. The Lithium-ion battery was specially designed for the M8
and provides enough power for about 575 pictures. The charger for the
M8 can be used in nearly all countries and it includes a car adapter for
12-24 volts. The charger recognizes the different charging parameters
and reacts accordingly to ensure a long life of the battery.
Neoprene
case |
Ever-ready
case |
Camera-protector |
Hand
grip |
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| Compact
wide angle lens Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm/f2.8 ASPH |
| Basic
Information: |
 |
The Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm/2.8 ASPH lens is the most compact M lens to be developed. The aspherical lens ensures high performance. This lens is practically free of distortion for close up shots of 27.6” (0.7 m) and only slightly projects in the viewfinder of the M-camera. When used on the M8, this lens portrays the picture of a 35 mm lens.
Scope
of Delivery:
The Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm/f2.8 ASPH lens comes with a lens hood, lens
cap E39, cap for MBayonet, Nappa leather case and a warranty card.
Basic
Information: |
 |
The Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm/f4 ASPH through its impressive picture angle of 107°captures the 16 mm super wide angle photography in perfect Leica M quality. There is minimal distortion even at 16 mm and when used on the M8, the picture effect is that of a 21-28 mm and makes extreme wide-angle perspectives possible. The compact form is a result of the two aspherical lenses. The adaptation of a floating element principle greatly improves the quality of close up shooting. In hyper focal photography, depth of field from 12.9” (0.33 m) is usable.
Scope
of Delivery
The Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21 mm/f4 ASPH comes with a lens hood, lens
cap, cap for MBayonet, Nappa leather case and a warranty card.
Optional
Accessory:
A filter adapter (E67) is available.
| Universal
Wide Angle Viewfinder M for Focal Lengths from 16 to 28 mm |
Basic
Information: |
 |
The Universal Wide Angle Viewfinder M makes it possible to use the new Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm/f4 ASPH on analogue M7 & MP models and on the digital M8 with focal length extension.
With this viewfinder, it is possible to determine the picture detail for the five Leica M focal lengths 16, 18, 21, 24 and 28. The parallax compensation allows for individual focusing of the trimmed areas. The use of an aspherical and an achromatic corrected lens make possible that the lens is not sensitive to lens flares, has a high resolution, and is brilliant. The viewfinder has a level with which is responsible for the horizontal leveling of the camera. Diopter compensation of –3 to +3 is possible with the available optional correction lenses.
Scope
of Delivery:
It comes with a Nappa leather case and a warranty card.