THE NEW LEICA M ACCESSORIES

Leica Camera presented several new accessories for the Leica M to increase the potential uses of the camera and go far beyond the classical capabilities of rangefinder photography. These latest additions include the Leica R-Adapter M, the Leica EVF2 electronic viewfinder, the multifunctional handgrip-M with optional finger loops and the Leica Microphone Adapter Set.

The Leica R-Adapter M enables almost all Leica R-Lenses to be mounted on the new Leica M. Users can access a list of 20 dedicated profiles, including calibrated imaging workflows and Exif lens recognition, for a range of R-Lenses covering wide-angles, telephoto, zoom and macro lenses. This comprehensive portfolio of lenses opens up new potential for Leica M photographers, such as video recording with Leica R zooms.

The new high-resolution Leica electronic Visoflex viewfinder (EVF2) has a resolution of 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel action for capturing images from unusual angles. When mounted on the camera it displays all significant exposure parameters and allows precise subject assessment, especially in brightly lit surroundings. In combination with the R-Adapter, R-Lenses and the viewfinder, the Leica M can be used independently from its monitor in the same way as an SLR camera.  This will also allow for virtually unlimited close-up capabilities of the camera.

Accurate focusing is further enhanced  by the ability to magnify the live view on the viewing screen in back of the camera ten times, thus enhancing focusing accuracy beyond what is normally possible with virtually all other cameras.

It is a safe assumption that aftermarket suppliers like Novoflex will offer adapters allowing other manufacturers lenses to be use on the Leica M., which will greatly expand the versatility of the camera.

With the new multifunctional handgrip-M with integrated GPS module, users can save exposure location information in the EXIF image data (geotagging) and later sort and display images according to location. To permit the use of a separate flash unit when an accessory viewfinder is mounted on the camera, the multifunctional handgrip-M also provides a dedicated SCA hot shoe that communicates with the camera in the same way as its own hot shoe. The Leica SCA Adapter Set, comprised of a flash bar and a spiral cable with a hot shoe, is also available for this purpose. The multifunctional handgrip also provides a socket for a remote power supply and a DIN/ISO X-sync socket for studio flash systems. An optional remote power unit (DC Adapter) is also available. The Leica M can also be connected directly to a computer workstation via the handgrip’s integrated USB socket, allowing full remote control of the camera with the ‘Leica Image Shuttle’ software package and the transfer of image files directly to the computer by USB cable. The multifunctional handgrip-M is a valuable aid to safe and steady handling of the camera, particularly when shooting with heavier R-lenses. The optional finger loops (available in sizes S, M and L) further enhance safe and steady handling of the camera and lens system. These can also be used in combination with the handgrip-M without additional functions.

As a special accessory for the 1080p Full HD video capability of the Leica M, the range also includes a Leica Microphone Adapter Set consisting of an adapter and a stereo microphone. The adapter also allows the connection of other microphones.

An additional offering is the ever-ready case, specifically created for the new Leica M. The accessories will be available from Leica dealers in early 2013.

Thus the Leica M has evolved to a true system camera which will favorably compete with virtually all DSLR cameras.