LEICA M – A CLOSER LOOK

The new Leica M is without question one of the most exciting new products shown at this year’s Photokina in Cologne.  As time goes on, we will see tests, comparisons, write-ups and opinions regarding this new camera.  Of course along with all of that there will also be some critical voices, complaining about a variety of things. 

Already the ‘complainers for the sake of complaining’ are making their voices known.  Just this morning I read a slew of them who apparently had nothing else to criticize than the red Leica logo in front of the New M.  Some complained that it is too big, others want it in black and then some want no logo at all.  If those silly comments are all they can come up with, I guess Leica is in very good shape with this new camera.

Of course there are some more serious criticisms as well.  Some don’t like the video function, some don’t think the R adapter is a valid solution to the use of R lenses, and, of course there are the old traditionalists that feel the camera is too overloaded with features, the ones that want a bare bones, basic camera.

Just because the camera has certain features that are of no interest doesn’t mean one has to use them, and for the traditionalists there is always the M-E.  We must not forget that Leica cannot forever rely on their traditional customer base.  In order to remain a viable member of the photographic market, it is necessary to widen the appeal of the camera to photographers that previously have chosen other makes of cameras.  I have never seen any valid criticism regarding the Leica M lenses.  Most people are well aware of their market leading performance.  In many cases it has actually been the camera that has kept many of them from investing in the Leica system. In this respect Leica has taken a giant step forward and I am sure that the new Leica M will be able to build on the success that Leica had with the groundbreaking M9, announced in late 2009.

To get a better insight into the M, please look at the Red Dot Forum.  They published a very informative interview with Leica M product manager Jesko von Oeynhausen.  It offers a closer look at what the Leica M is all about.  The interview can be seen here:

http://www.reddotforum.com/content.php/285-Photokina-2012-Red-Dot-Forum-Interview-with-Jesko-von-Oeynhausen

 For more information on the Leica M, go to:

THE NEW LEICA MAX 24MP CMOS SENSOR

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-new-leica-max-24mp-cmos-sensor.html

UPDATES ON THE NEW LEICA M

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/updates-on-new-leica-m.html

THE NEW LEICA M

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-new-leica-m.html

THE NEW LEICA M ACCESSORIES

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/leica-m-accessories.html

LEICA M vs. LEICA M10 RUMORS

http://gmpphoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/leica-m-vs-leica-m10-rumors.html

LEICA-ZENTRUM NIMMT GESTALT AN

90 Handwerker arbeiten auf der Großbaustelle am Wetzlarer Leitz-Park

Wetzlar. Das neue Leica-Zentrum am Schanzenfeld wächst und nimmt täglich mehr Gestalt an: Drei mächtige Baukräne, Bagger und über 90 Handwerker arbeiten derzeit im Schichtbetrieb auf der Großbaustelle "Leitz-Park".

Das Leica-Zentrum ist eine spektakuläre Konstruktion der Frankfurter Architekten Gruber & Kleine-Kraneburg, die in ihrer Architektur die Marke Leica widerspiegelt. In dem modernen Gebäude, mit den verschachtelten Rundbauten auf der Westseite, wird im Januar 2014 die neue Firmenzentrale der Leica Camera AG ihre Pforten öffnen. Dann kann die Leica nach 25 Jahren wieder zu ihren Wetzlarer Wurzeln zurückkehren, wo Oskar Barnack vor 100 Jahren die Ur-Leica konstruierte. Eine Erfindung, die nicht nur die Fotografie revolutionierte, sie legte auch den Grundstein für ein Produkt mit einer weltweiten Erfolgsgeschichte.

So soll der Neubau im Leitz-Park am Rande der Wetzlarer Spilburg aussehen.  Im Januar 2014 wird die neue Firmenzentrale der Leica AG ihre Pforten öffnen

Für Wolfgang Kisselbach, Geschäftsführer der Leitz-Park GmbH, sind die Fertigstellung des Leitz-Parks und das Leicajubiläum im Frühjahr 2014 zwei historische Ereignisse, die es zu würdigen gilt. Aber noch steht für den Geschäftsführer die termingerechte Fertigstellung des über 55 Millionen Euro teuren Bauwerkes im Vordergrund. "Hoffentlich bekommen wir einen milden Winter, dann haben wir bis März 2013 das Gebäude dicht, und können mit dem Innenausbau beginnen", erklärt Oberbauleiter Günter Pracht und zeigt auf den übersichtlichen Terminplan, der zusammen mit zahlreichen Bauzeichnungen die Wände der Leitstelle ausfüllt. "Die ersten Pläne für den Leitz-Park gab es bereits 2007. Aber im Sommer 2010 stieg Leica in die konkrete Planung ein, dabei war Aufsichtsratschef und Investor Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, die treibende Kraft und ein Gestalter mit Visionen", erzählt Geschäftsführer Kisselbach.

Das hochmoderne Gebäude mit einer Länge von 160 Metern und einer Breite von rund 60 Metern verfügt auf drei Geschossen über rund 30 000 Quadratmeter Nutzfläche und damit Platz für rund 650 Mitarbeiter. Neben der Fertigung, Entwicklung und Verwaltung werden in den Rundgebäuden ein Leica-Shop, das historische Fotomuseum und eine Leica-Galerie ihren Platz haben. Ein Fotostudio und ein Restaurant ergänzen das Angebot für Kunden und Leica-Freunde.

"Wir haben bereits Mitte Mai mit den Bauarbeiten begonnen, aber in der Erde. Bis wir in sieben Meter Tiefe auf baufähigen Grund kamen, waren bereits 12 000 Kubikmeter Aushub bewegt", erläuterte Bauleiter Pracht. Auch das Ausbetonieren der Bodenplatte und der beiden Kellergeschosse war sehr zeitraubend, zumal starke Regenfälle die Arbeiten behinderten. Derzeit werden die letzten der 80 freistehenden Betonsäulen gefertigt, zwischen denen dann die Betonwände und großflächigen Fenster montiert werden. "Wenn das mit einer 24 Zentimeter starken Dämmung unterlegte Flachdach fertig ist, sind an dem Bau rund 13000 Kubikmeter Fertigbeton verarbeitet, so die Schätzungen der Bauleute.

Zwar gibt es derzeit keine Probleme, aber bei der Errichtung eines so komplexen Bauwerkes seien Verzögerungen nie auszuschließen, so Kisselbach, der die Besonderheiten an dem nach neuesten energetischen Standards geplanten Gebäude erläuterte. "Thermische Bauteilaktivierung" ist dabei die Bezeichnung für ein modernes System der Klimatechnik, das in dem neuen Firmensitz für eine gleichmäßige Temperatur sorgen soll.

Dafür werden in den Decken und Wänden Kühlschlangen verlegt, durch die Wasser als Heiz- oder Kühlmedium fließt. 80 Rohrleitungen werden die Erdwärme aus 120 Meter Tiefe in das System leiten. "Die Probebohrungen hierzu sind erfolgreich verlaufen und versprechen gute wärmespezifische Werte", so der Geschäftsführer. Zwei kleine Blockheizwerke werden die Stromversorgung übernehmen und bei Bedarf Wärme spenden.

Auch für die Stadt werde durch den Leitz-Park, in dem bereits die aus der Leica Camera hervorgegangenen Firmen Weller Feinwerktechnik und Viaoptik angesiedelt sind, ein enormer Schub ausgehen. Denn die drei Betriebe verbindet ein 15000 Quadratmeter großer Platz. Der öffentliche Campus mit Grünanlagen und einem Cafe, soll zum Treffpunkt für Mitarbeiter, Kunden und Bürger werden.

UPDATES ON THE NEW LEICA M

David Farkas of the Red dot Forum (www.reddotforum.com) writes:

Obviously, there has been a great deal of interest in the new Leica M. Many people that I talk to here in Cologne think that the M is the standout product of this Photokina. Essentially, it is everything that M9 users have been asking for. Offering faster operation, longer battery life, well-implemented live view with focus peaking, a high resolution scratch-resistant LCD, optional EVF and keeping the time-tested optical rangefinder, LED illuminated frame lines, expanded ISO range with lower noise, improved menu interface, built-in virtual horizon, SDXC support, 50% faster continuous shooting, bigger buffer, ability to use with PC sync cord (via grip), ability to power camera externally (via grip), weather sealing, and more. Leica also saw fit to offer users features they didn’t ask for like full HD video capability and GPS (also with grip). It’s quite an extensive punch list and I think that Leica should be commended on offering all these new features and improvements, all the while keeping the camera true to its heritage. The design is classic, yet modern and the ergonomics are just perfect. Leica engineers actually worked with Audi design specifically for styling and ergonomics.

That is definitely a plethora of new features which should quiet many of the criticisms that have been made about the Leica M9.  But it has also opened a new wave of criticisms which suggest that Leica has put too much into the Leica M, that it removes the camera far from the original Leica rangefinder concept.  While I can understand that some would rather see the Leica M line of cameras continue as a bare bones, no frills camera as it used to be, we must also understand that this approach satisfies hardly anyone other than old time Leica users.  It certainly doesn’t do much of anything to convince people outside of Leica to reconsider the Leica as a viable choice.  The ultra conservative approach that some are asking for almost brought Leica to its knees not too long ago.  It was the serious attempt to offer a serious, M based digital camera which greatly increased sales, including the sale of lenses.  This was the Leica M9.  Yet it proved to be not enough and thus garnered many of the criticisms listed by David Farkas, the ones answered by the new Leica M.

Let’s take a closer look at how these answers manifest themselves in the Leica M.

Is image quality of the new CMOS sensor the same as with the former CCD sensor?  

The short answer is yes.  Leica would never sacrifice performance just to gain any features.  That is much too far removed from the philosophy of the company.

What about noise and dynamic range?

The camera will also offer greatly improved noise of about two stops and an improvement of dynamic range.

Does the new M use a different battery than the M9?

The answer is yes.  The new M battery is essentially two M9 battery cells combined.  This led to double the voltage and along with it live view.  Since the sensor, Maestro ASIC processor and electronics are all more power efficient than the M9, users should at least expect the same amount of pictures as with the M9, even with live view.  Without live view, using only the rangefinder, you can expect more than three times more images.

Are there any other differences between the new Leica M-E and the M9 besides the missing frame preview selector and the USB port?

No, that is it.  Otherwise the two cameras are identical.

Why is there no frame preview in the Leica M?

For cost savings.  Actually few were using it and it adds to the complexity of the camera and to manufacturing costs.

Can you see the image review in the electronic viewfinder?

Yes, it is possible.

Will there be an electronic shutter release available?

No.  This not necessary since the camera has a conventional cable release socket.

Did any of the dimensions of the Leica M increase over its predecessors?

There are some slight differences.  For instance, the baseplate is less than a millimeter wider from front to back.  This has no practical implications since it is very doubtful than anyone would ever notice it while holding or using the camera.

Is the Leica M a valid answer to owners of Leica R lenses?

One major question that is answered by this camera is the quest of previous Leica R owners for a serious, full frame, digital camera to use their Leica R lenses on.  With the new R adapter, any of the previous R lenses can be used on the Leica M, from 15mm to 800mm.  Not only does this greatly widen the versatility of the Leica M, it also offers a previously missing convenience factor in form of the many R zoom lenses.

What about Leica R extension tubes and teleconverters?

All of them can be used without limitations.

Does the new R adapter offer any connection to the auto diaphragm of the R lenses?

No.  Just as with the M lenses, the R lenses are used as preset lenses.  The light loss with smaller apertures is compensated for by automatically increasing the brightness (gain) of both the electronic viewfinder and the live view of the LCD screen.  This also offers the advantage of not having to focus wide open and then closing to the working aperture before shooting.

WESTLICHT PHOTO AUCTION

WestLicht reports:

Our upcoming auctions will for the first time take place on two consecutive days:

the Photo Auction on November 23rd and

the Camera Auction on November 24th.

Here are some of the Leica cameras offered:

I Mod.A Anastigmat no. 195 (1925)

The first model Leica is one of the most rare cameras if it is in original condition, the offered camera is one of the very few existing with all original early features, it comes with expertise by Ottmar Michaely from Wetzlar.

Opening Bid: 40,000 EUR

Estimate: 70,000-90,000 EUR

Leica I Mod.A Elmar Luxus no. 28692 (1929)

The very first 'Luxus' (see 'Hahne' list) in 100% original and fine condition. The camera with gold plated metal parts and lizard skin body was never restored and has the typical and original patina. Only 95 'Luxus' cameras were produced from 1929 to 1931, some were converted, very very few exist in this original condition.

Opening Bid: 70,000 EUR

Estimate: 120,000-140,000 EUR

Leica II Mod.D 'Robert Capa' no. 90023 (1930)

A historic sensation is the discovery of Robert Capa's first Leica (given to him by Mr.Guttmann, owner of the Hungarian Agency Dephot)- from the estate of Capa's mother Julie Friedman ('Mother Goose'), it comes with Elmar 3.5/5cm no.133594, case and original letters between Mother Goose and the Austrian in New York based photographer Lisl Steiner (she received the camera from Capa's mother in early 1960s. Magnum photographer Robert Capa was born 1913 in Budapest and died in Thai Binh, Vietnam on May 25th,1954.

Opening Bid: 8,000 EUR

Estimate: 15,000-18,000 EUR

Leica 250 GG “Aeronautica” no.353679 (1943)

Extremely rare Leica 250 for the Italian Air force in WWII, motor coupled, in very good original condition, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.545390 (cap), delivered on 28th May, 1943 to Cattaneo (delivery number 1452), engraved 'E. Aeronautica' and 'M' next to the serial number.

Opening Bid: 15,000 EUR

Estimate: 25,000-30,000 EUR

Leica IIIc K grey 'Heer' no. 389960 K (1943)

100% authentic and very rare camera in extremely fine condition, engraved 'Heer' on top plate, white K on shutter blind, grey leather covering, delivered to Berlin (Bln) on August 23rd, 1943 (delivery number 9921), matching Summitar 2/5cm no.560125 (cap) engraved 'Heer', delivered to Berlin (Bln) on June 3rd, 1941 (delivery number 25483) - a similar camera and lens is illustrated in Lager Vol.I p.88+89.

Opening Bid: 6,000 EUR

Estimate: 12,000-14,000 EUR

Leica Standard 'New York' outfit no. 355148 (1949)

Rare post-war chrome 'New York' Standard in fine condition with 3 matching Wollensack lenses and matching accessories: Velostigmat 3.5/50mm no.499514 (cap), Velostigmat 4.5/90mm no.501090 (caps), rare Leica Anastigmat 4.5/127mm no.439031 (caps), with red E.Leitz Inc., N.Y. presentations box for camera, E.Leitz Inc. New York display stand with red velvet top, IMARECT viewfinder (in box), black FISON hood, 2 filters (SL and polariser), brown leather case in maker's box, 3 leather keepers (two in maker's boxes), strap in packaging, focusing stage with chrome 5x magnifier and instructions in maker's box, adjustable Micrometer extension tube in maker's box and very rare 16476 21.5mm extension ring in maker's box - the most complete New York outfit we have ever seen!

Opening Bid: 9,000 EUR

Estimate: 16,000-20,000 EUR

Leica M3 Prototype Cut-Away (1952)

one of only 2 original cut-away of the prototype M3, in perfect condition, this camera is illustrated in Lager Vol.1 pg.176.

Opening Bid: 70,000 EUR

Estimate: 140,000-160,000 EUR

Leica M3 'Prototyp' no. 0024 (c. 1952)

Extremely rare M3 prototype (pre-series, produced as test cameras in 1952/53). The camera is in beautiful and perfect working condition with all original features including film advance lever, external frame counter, early speed dial, shape of selftimer, backdoor with film marker punch and ceramic pressure plate (see Lager vol.I, p.173-175). It comes with dual-lever prototype Summicron 2/5cm no.920056 in perfect condition. Rare opportunity to acquire one of the most important cameras in Leica's history in fantastic condition, the camera was never offered in auction before. Illustrated in Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck 'Leica A History every Model and Accessory' p.105

Opening Bid: 90,000 EUR

Estimate: 160,000-180,000 EUR

Leica M3 chrome Double Stroke no. 700001 (1953)

This is the very first production Leica M3 with prototype dual-lever Summicron 2/5cm no.922006. Leitz company reserved the numbers from 700000 for the new M3 in 1953, but serial number 700000 was kept for a special reason (the serial number was used 2 years later for the presentation camera to Prof. Kruckenhauser). The real first production camera 700001 (finished in September/October 1953 - see the list of Arthur Dauber from the developing department of Leitz company) was given to Willi Stein, chief designer of Leitz company, in 1975 it was acquired by Theo Kisselbach (see 'Vidom 87' pg.16), since 1984 it is in possession of his son Günter Kisselbach. During its possession by Willi Stein the camera received a different body shell with grey leather, now Ottmar Michaely from Wetzlar mounted again the original body with 4 screws to secure the top plate. The prototype Summicron no. 922006 is described in 'Vidom 92 pg.9. This most important Leica camera is in perfect working and near mint condition!

Opening Bid: 80,000 EUR

Estimate: 160,000-200,000 EUR

Leica M3D Black Paint no. M3D-2 (1955)

Famous forerunner of all MP cameras specially designed and built for the famous photographer David Douglas Duncan. Only 4 cameras (M3D-1 to 4) were produced almost 2 years before the MP reached the market. It was used for many years by Duncan. The offered black paint camera is still in very good condition with black Leicavit (engraved 'Leicavit' without 'MP') and black paint Summilux 1.4/50mm no.2028874 with special focusing lever (this lens is illustrated in Lager I pg.185 with M3D-4). The camera complete with special crank on rewind knob and Duncan's original strap - from a private collection, the camera was owned until 2007 by David Douglas Duncan.

Opening Bid: 150,000 EUR

Estimate: 250,000-350,000 EUR

Leica MP Black Paint no. MP-21 (1958)

Very early and fully original black paint MP (the camera has never been modified and comes with the black Leicavit MP, the typical rewind crank used by Magnum photographer, and a Elmarit 2.8/28mm no.2062373) used for many years by it's first owner, Magnum photographer Paul Fusco (born 1930), who started his work for Look. He became an associate of Magnum Photos in 1973 and a full member a year later. Over the years, Fusco also contributed to such publications as Life, Mother Jones, the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, Psychology Today and Time. His photography often documented social issues and injustices, such as poverty, ghetto life, and cultural experimentation across America. He also worked internationally covering events in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. In the late 1990s he spent two months documenting the legacy of the Chernobyl meltdown in Belarus. Fusco moved to Mill Valley, California in the 1980s but is now based in New York City. Many of his photographs are in the Magnum Photos archive currently held at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin. For all his work he used this and the 2 other Leica MP cameras (MP-46, MP-228) offered in this auction.

('Peter, it is very interesting and pleasurable to be involved with you in this kind of

mythical adventure about these truly beautiful cameras'), included photographs showing Paul Fusco with his cameras and letter of confirmation by Paul Fusco.

Opening Bid: 40,000 EUR

Estimate: 80,000-100,000 EUR

Leica MP Schwarz Lackiert no. MP-43 (1958)

rare black paint MP in unbelievable, almost new condition, according to Leica expert Ottmar Michaely all parts are vintage and original, the camera is in perfect working order, with Leicavit MP and Summarit 1.5/5cm no.1517150, XOONS hood, special and original case, instructions.

Opening Bid: 70,000 EUR

Estimate: 120,000-150,000 EUR

Leica MP Black Paint no. 138 (1958)

Beautiful black MP with Leicavit MP and black Summicron 2/5cm no.1474857. According to the original Leitz invoices and documentary (all enclosed) the previous owner got the camera restored by Leitz in 1972. The original correspondence between Leitz and the owner shows all works done and completed. One of very few restored cameras with the fully documentation by Leitz.

Opening Bid: 30,000 EUR

Estimate: 50,000-60,000 EUR

Leica M3 black paint no. 1157591 (1966)

Beautiful camera in almost mint, fully original and good working condition, one of the latest black paint M3 produced in 1966 from an official batch.

Opening Bid: 9,000 EUR

Estimate: 18,000-20,000 EUR

Leica UW Underwater housing no. 240-0044 (c.1970)

extremely rare, red-painted underwater housing for the US Army, Elcan 90°/2.8, the device is in almost new condition, with the original Leitz Canada user manual, special Samsonite case marked 'KG-24 UNDERWATER 35mm FORMAT CAMERA LEICA UW F42600-80-C-0278'

Opening Bid: 25,000 EUR

Estimate: 50,000-60,000 EUR

M6 'Queen Elisabeth' (1986)

chrome M6, topplate engraved 'E II R 1986', according to the letter of authenticy by Lars Netopil Classic Cameras from Wetzlar this camera is the original sample by Leica company of M6 no.1682800 delivered to her Majesty the Queen Elisabeth II in 1986, the unnumbered camera is in perfect condition and comes with a dummy Summicron 2/50mm

Opening Bid: 18,000 EUR

Estimate: 35,000-40,000 EUR


For a listing of other items, go to:

http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=174750

http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=184424

THE NEW LEICA MAX 24MP CMOS SENSOR

It is interesting to see that Leica AG decided to forego the industry standard manufacturers of digital image sensors and go with a relatively unknown, European company instead.  The new sensor is made by CMOSIS, a renowned European specialist for advanced CMOS image sensors. They developed a high-resolution, high-dynamic-range CMOS image sensor exclusively for Leica Camera AG.  The new “Leica M” digital camera launched at Photokina 2012 incorporates the full-custom CMOSIS “Leica MAX 24MP CMOS Sensor” featuring 24 Megapixels across an active sensor area of 36 x 24 mm, corresponding to the full-frame 35mm format. The sensor is the first milestone in a long term, strategic cooperation between Leica Camera AG and CMOSIS.

Guy Meynants, CTO at CMOSIS, Antwerp, Belgium, said "This is the first time that a CMOS image sensor for a 35mm high-end camera was designed, and is manufactured, in Europe for a European customer.  Apart from the ceramic IC package the Leica MAX 24MP CMOS Sensor is a 100-percent European product."

The new custom-designed sensor chip is made by STMicroelectronics (STM) in Grenoble, France, using 300mm wafers in their IMG175 CIS technology.  The pixel count is 6,000 x 4,000 pixels on a 6 x 6 µm² grid across the active area of 36 x 24 mm. 

The sensor for the “Leica M” is based on a 6 x 6 µm² pixel size, resulting in an impressive linear dynamic range close to 76dB.  Pixel data are digitized by patented low-power, high-speed 14-bit column AD converters. The sensor features an electronic rolling shutter with global reset and noise cancellation through both analog as well as digital correlated double sampling (CDS) resulting in low temporal and spatial noise and non-uniformities.

STMicroelectronics took special care to reduce crosstalk between neighboring pixels for a wide range of incident light angles. The sensor reduces spatial crosstalk by its very small distance between color filters and photodiodes.  Microlenses with a strong curvature and high top height focus the incoming light rays in the center of each pixel's photodiode. This allows the “Leica M” to accept the full range of high-quality lenses in the camera system.

The pixel size of 6x6µm² and a full frame rate of 5fps are state of the art.  The 24MP CMOS Sensor also allows Leica to offer full HDTV video recording and a live preview on an M-model camera.

Leica CEO Alfred Schopf said “With CMOSIS, we are very pleased to have found a partner who made it possible for us to design and construct a sensor especially for Leica. Thanks to the special sensor technology and wide pixel aperture from CMOSIS, we can now, and for the first time, offer a digital system camera that is perfectly optimized for use with both M- and R-Lenses”, said Alfred Schopf, Chairman of the Executive Board of Leica Camera AG. Leica is particularly proud of the fact that the “Leica M” employs a sensor “Made in Europe”, as a large proportion of the sensor is manufactured in France and Germany. “At the same time, the extremely low power consumption of the sensor brings added benefits for both image quality and battery life.”

THE NEW LEICA LENSES

Leica SUPER-ELMAR-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH lens

New super-wide lens with outstanding optical properties

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) – Leica Camera has expanded the Leica S medium format system with the addition of a new lens, the Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. Corresponding to a focal length of 19 mm in terms of 35 mm photography, this super-wide-angle lens guarantees excellent imaging quality. Ideal for not only landscape and architectural photography but also for indoor photography and many other applications, the lens shows very high contrast rendition and maximum resolution at the highest aperture.

As the result of the unusually complex construction of its focusing system, the Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH offers superior imaging performance from the point of closest focus to infinity throughout the entire focusing range. During focusing, only the middle group of three lenses is moved. Concurrently, one of the lenses is moved independently as a floating element and guarantees optimum ray paths at every setting.

With an optical system comprising 12 lenses in ten groups, Leica’s optical design engineers have achieved extraordinarily high freedom from distortion for such a wide-angle lens. Five of the lenses are manufactured from glasses with anomalous partial dispersion to prevent negative effects, such as chromatic aberration. Two aspherical lenses located behind the iris and the aspherical surface of the front lens minimize monochromatic aberrations.

The Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. is distinguished by rugged, enduring design and construction that guarantees years of dependability, even with frequent use. Featuring an extremely robust bayonet mount and fully sealed against dust and spray, the new release ensures maximum dependability even under the harshest shooting conditions.

With the addition of the Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH., the current S-System lens portfolio offers a total of eight lenses (five of which will also be available in CS versions with a central shutter), ensuring superior imaging quality for all areas of photography.

The Leica Super-Elmar S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. is supplied complete with a lens hood specially optimized for its optical system. It will be available from selected Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, beginning in November 2012.

ELPRO-S 180

Accessory close-up lens extends the working range of the LEICA APO-ELMAR-S 180 mm f/3.5

The Leica Elpro-S 180 close-up lens is a specially calculated accessory lens for the Leica APO-Elmar-S 180 mm f/3.5 that reduces the close focusing distance to 1.1 meters (approximately 3 feet, 7 inches / 43 inches). Attaching this accessory lens achieves a significant increase, approximately 30 percent, of the reproduction ratio of up to 1:4.5.

Elpro S 180 attached to the Leica APO-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5

In contrast to the majority of apochromatic accessory lenses, the Leica Elpro-S 180 is dedicated to one particular lens. Additionally, this new release avoids lateral chromatic aberrations and ensures that there are no detrimental effects on the excellent imaging qualities of the lens.

The Leica Elpro-S 180 is attached to the threaded filter mount of the lens, in the same manner as a filter. Autofocus, exposure metering and all other camera and lens handling functions are fully maintained when using the Leica Elpro-S 180.

Beginning in October 2012, the Leica Elpro-S 180 close-up lens accessory will be available at select Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC.

Leica VARIO-ELMAR-S 30-90 MM F/3.5-5.6 ASPH lens

The first zoom lens for the S-System with exceptional imaging quality and low weight

Leica Camera also presented the first zoom lens for the Leica S medium format system with the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. The range of focal lengths covered is equivalent to that of a 24-72 mm zoom for 35 mm format, providing S-System users access to a lens that possesses the flexibility to cover the majority of photographic needs and simultaneously delivering the outstanding performance of prime lenses. Photographers can now avoid time-consuming lens changes in many areas of photography, from landscape to portrait. The lens provides the opportunity to concentrate more on subjects when time is a critical factor.

Presenting elaborate mechanical and optical construction, the new Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. is also extremely compact and light, with a weight of only 1,345 grams / 3 lbs. (with lens hood).

The lens construction is based on 14 lenses assembled in four groups. For a zoom construction, the lens achieves extraordinarily high contrast rendition and maximum resolution wide open thanks to the use of nine lenses manufactured from glasses with anomalous partial dispersion, three of which are fluoride lenses with particularly low dispersion. Two aspherical surfaces on the rearmost lens element and one on the front lens of the second group reduce monochromatic aberrations to a minimum and ensure that imaging performance constantly remains high at close focusing distances.

As with the prime lenses of the Leica S-System, the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. is distinguished by rugged, enduring design and construction that guarantees years of dependability, even with frequent use. The lens features an extremely robust bayonet mount and is fully sealed against dust and spray, ensuring maximum dependability even under the harshest shooting conditions.

Guaranteeing uncompromising imaging quality for all areas of photography, the current S-System portfolio offers a total of eight lenses (five of which will also be available in CS versions with a central shutter).

The lens is supplied complete with a dedicated lens hood specially optimized for its optical system. The Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. will be available from selected Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, beginning in November 2012.

Leica TS-APO-ELMAR-S 120mm f/5.6 ASPH tilt-shift lens

Enables control of perspectives while maintaining the highest possible imaging quality and optimum handling

The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH is the first fully-adjustable tilt/shift lens for the Leica S medium format system. This apochromatically corrected lens provides options for parallel shifting and tilting according to Scheimpflug and offers photographers the full range of adjustment options traditionally found in field cameras. Additionally, the new lens guarantees the greatest possible imaging quality, easy handling and universal applicability of the Leica S-System.

The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. is ideal for product and object photography where perfect perspectives and maximum depth of field are required. Consisting of six individual lens elements, the lens’ optical system allows parallel shifts (shift) of up to 12 mm in all directions as well as tilting of the plane of focus (tilt) by up to 8°. Its apochromatically corrected lenses ensure that the familiar superior quality delivered by the S-System is maintained, even when fully exploiting the limits of creative freedom.

Tilting the plane of focus allows photographers to place it at any chosen point within the image. As such, the optimum depth of field can be achieved without stopping down sharply and without having to accept the qualitative disadvantages of a closed aperture. The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. also allows photographers to adjust the location of the plane of sharpest focus.

Parallel shifting enables precise correction of converging or diverging verticals without the loss of resolution generally encountered when applying corrections with post-processing software. This simultaneously ensures that the performance and capabilities of the S-System are preserved and that photographers have complete control over all lines within the image frame. As a result of its large image circle, the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. allows the combination of tilting and shifting for maximum artistic flexibility.

As a result of its special construction and external form, the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. differs to some extent from the remainder of the S-System lens portfolio. For instance, it features an integrated lens hood specially optimized for its optical system. Shifting and tilting movements are controlled by a total of four rings and two additional rings manually control the aperture and distance settings.

As with the entire Leica S-System, the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. is distinguished by ruggedly enduring design and construction that guarantees years of dependability, even with frequent use. Including the new Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH., the current S-System range offers a total of eight lenses (five of which will also be available in CS versions with a central shutter), guaranteeing uncompromising imaging quality for all areas of photography.

The lens is supplied complete with a tripod mounting plate with 1/4" and 3/8" bushes that allows the lens to be fixed securely in any position. The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. will be available through select Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, beginning in January 2013.

THE NEW LEICA S

The synthesis of optimum imaging quality, perfect handling and outstanding speed

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presented a new camera in the Leica S-System portfolio, a revolutionary digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. This is the successor to the Leica S2.  Just as with the Leica M cameras, Leica decided to eliminate the numerical designation.  The next generation in the successful line, the Leica S offers increased imaging quality and sensor sensitivity, predictive autofocus, higher speed and improved handling. Numerous enhanced functions contribute to the camera’s further acceleration and greater security of the professional photographic workflow. In addition to the new camera body, three lenses have been added to the S-System portfolio, significantly expanding the capabilities of the system: the Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. super-wide, the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. and the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. tilt/shift lens.

“This expansion of the system is further confirmation that the dedicated digital concept of the S-System sets new standards in the world of medium format photography while providing the speed and handling of a 35 mm SLR,” said Stephan Schulz, Head of Professional Imaging at Leica Camera AG. “In terms of its rugged resilience, reliability and versatility, the new Leica S is the first choice for photographers who refuse to make compromises.”

New Image And Sensor Board For More Quality And Higher Speed

One of the most remarkable innovations in the Leica S is its new image and sensor board. The upgrade of these electronic components has led to the increased imaging quality of the Leica S, as well as the improvement of noise characteristics, natural color rendition and the precision of its white balance. The latter function has now been extended to include a ‘Grey Card’ option that allows photographers to shoot a subject with a neutral grey area, such as a grey card, and define the white balance determined as a reference for all following photos to ensure a consistently precise color mood from beginning to end of a shoot. The extended sensitivity range of the sensor at both ends gives photographers more freedom of choice in the selection of exposure parameters. For example, the lower basic ISO setting of 100 allows longer working at maximum aperture in extremely bright conditions, while the maximum sensitivity of ISO 1600 enables them to capture noise-free images even under difficult lighting conditions. In addition, the double buffer memory of 2 GB and support of transfer rates up to 166 MB/s enables photographers to shoot continuous sequences of more than twice as many (up to 32) consecutive images in RAW format, at a full resolution of 37.5 MP. There is no limit to the number of consecutive images that may be captured in JPEG format. Images can be

saved parallel to the original files in a choice of 37.5, 9.3 and 2.3 megapixels to provide photographers with a preview of the work in progress straight from the camera at the desired resolution.

Fast, Predictive Autofocus Module for Subjects In Motion

The upgraded autofocus module not only increases the speed, but also enhances focusing precision. In combination with its fascinating imaging quality, the Leica S sets new standards for professional action photography. To ensure that moving subjects remain sharp and can be swiftly tracked, the Leica S features a predictive autofocus. The camera compares past movements of the subject and computes the location of the subject at the time of exposure. The autofocus locks on to this computed point before the shutter release is pressed.

GPS System And Leveling Aid For Precision And Uncomplicated Workflows

The Leica S is the only professional camera to feature an integrated GPS module that can add the geographical positioning data of the exposure location to the Exif data of an image whenever necessary. This function allows the precise synchronization of the system time (internal clock) for any worldwide location where satellite signals can be received. With software (the professional image administration and processing tool, Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 4 is supplied with the camera), every image can be shown on a map and tagged with a location name that can be used to locate the image in the future. The new dual-axis leveling aid (spirit level) displays its readout in the viewfinder to allow photographers to align the subject with absolute precision in the horizontal and vertical plane without the need for external aids.

Optimized Handling

The monitor screen offers a resolution of 920,000 pixels, a 3" diagonal and full sRGB color space, as well as increased contrast and brightness to allow for greater precision when assessing images. The glass covering plate of the monitor screen is manufactured from tough, scratch-resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass. The increased viewfinder coverage of 98 percent, additional information displayed in the viewfinder, optimization of the camera menu and a softer rubber coating for better grip all make the new camera easy to handle. Significantly faster navigation in the camera menu is now possible with the new integrated joystick control located on the back. Greater security in the control of studio flash systems is afforded by the new LEMO flash sync socket.

Advantages Of The S-System

The new Leica S possesses all the standard quality characteristics of the S-System including the large (30 x 45 mm) Leica Pro Format sensor and its microlens layer that guarantees consistently uniform brightness from corner to corner. Resembling all S-Lenses, the camera is extremely rugged and sealed against environmental influences such as dust and rain. The unique dual shutter concept offers photographers the choice of using the camera’s fast focal plane shutter or the central shutter of CS-version lenses that allows flash sync at shutter speeds up to 1/1000th of a second. The eight Leica S-System lenses currently available (five of which will also be available with a central shutter) offer photographers all focal lengths and a first-class tilt/shift lens. Furthermore, a wide range of medium format lenses from a number of other manufacturers can easily be mounted on the Leica S using adapters such as the S-Adapter H, which allows the use of Hasselblad H-Lenses with full support of all functions including autofocus, central shutter control and automatic aperture control.

Photographers never face compromises when they choose a Leica S due to details such as secure cable connections, multifunctional memory card slots, further improved energy efficiency and scratch resistant monitor glass. The Leica S stands alone as an ideal and extremely reliable tool for achieving maximum quality results both in the studio and on location, under even the most unfavorable conditions.

Together with the new Leica M, the Leica S marks the beginning of a new era in Leica’s product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasize the long-term significance and enduring value of the respective systems.

Purchase of the Leica S includes the Leica Protection Plan, offering photographers an extended warranty for a period of three years, as well as a replacement camera during repair. The Leica S will be available from select Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, beginning in December 2012.

Technical Data:

Camera type: Digital medium-format single lens reflex camera for use with Leica S-Lenses.

Image sensor Type: Low Noise CCD-Sensor with microlenses and microlens shift Size: 30 . 45 mm (Leica Pro Format) Aspect ratio: 2:3 Resolution: 37.5 megapixels

Pixel pitch: 6 μm Dynamic range: 12 stops Color depth: 16 bits per pixel

Color spaces: sRGB, Adobe RGB, ECI RGB 2.0.

White balance: Presets: Daylight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, HMI, fluorescent warm, fluorescent cool, flash, grey card (determined from image) / automatic / color temperature (Kelvin)

Low-pass filter / IR filter: No / on sensor

Moiré suppression: In external image processing software (e.g. with the Adobe® Lightroom® software provided with the camera)

Sensitivity range: ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (manually or automatically controlled)

Lenses Lens mount: Leica S-Bayonet for Leica S-Lenses

Focal length: Dependent on Leica S-Lens attached, conversion factor to 35 mm film equivalent 0.8.

Focusing Type: Predictive AF with center cross-sensor defined by cross-hairs on the focusing screen, focusing drive integrated in lenses

AF modes: Selectable modes AF s (single) = focus priority, AF c (continuous) = release priority, MF (manual), manual override of AF settings possible at all times

AF memory: Second resistance point hold on shutter release, lock for single exposure or constant by setting with 5-way control

Manual focus: With lens focusing ring

Exposure setting Exposure metering: Exposure metering through the lens (TTL) Metering modes: Multi-segment metering (5 fields), center-weighted integral metering, selective (spot) metering (3.5% of image frame)

AE lock: Second resistance point hold on shutter release, lock for single exposure or constant by setting with 5-way control

THE NEW LEICA V-LUX 4

Compact Camera for travel, wildlife and sport photography

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presented the Leica V-Lux 4, a digital compact camera that unites a high-performance lens, outstanding imaging quality and superior speed in a compact format. With its wide range of video functions and an impressive list of features, as well as its enormous versatility and very low weight, the new model is an serious alternative to comparable SLR systems. The V-Lux 4 is ideal for shooting landscapes, architecture, sport, travel, portraits or wildlife.

The Leica V-Lux 4 features a newly designed Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.5–108 mm f/2.8 ASPH 24-fold super-telephoto zoom lens with an enormous range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35 mm format, ideal for all photographic situations. The constant maximum aperture of f2.8 throughout the entire zoom range distinguishes it from other cameras in this particular class. These features also make it possible to capture pin-sharp images at greater distances even under unfavorable lighting conditions. Its high speed and integrated optical image stabilizer allow the use of shorter shutter speeds that ensure fewer shots with camera shake when shooting handheld. In combination with longer focal lengths, the large initial aperture of f2.8 allows a high degree of creative freedom for experimentation with planes of focus and depth of field.

A maximum ISO sensitivity of 6400 and a new 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor ensure outstanding imaging results in all photographic situations, including unfavorable lighting conditions. Still pictures and video recordings captured by the V-Lux 4 are characterized by high dynamic range and natural, perfectly saturated colors. The camera delivers up to 12 frames per second at full resolution and captures even fast-moving subjects in richly-detailed and pin-sharp focus. The autofocus of the Leica V-Lux 4 reacts to changes within the image frame in less than a tenth of a second and makes it possible to reliably capture fast-moving subjects, making it ideal for sport photography and for shooting continuous sequences.

The new Leica V-Lux 4 features an extensive range of video functions, such as full HD video in AVCHD format with 1920 . 1080 pixels and 60 full frames per second. The entire 24-fold zoom range is available during video recording, while an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack. Video data can be saved in Internet-compatible MP4 format and can be uploaded to social media or mobile devices without any need for conversion.

A reliable aid for assessing subject framing and exposure settings, the new electronic viewfinder of the V-Lux 4 has a resolution of 1.4 megapixels and a 100" field of view. The new zoom function is particularly convenient, making it possible to magnify the subject. The viewfinder features dioptre correction and is a very attractive and practical alternative to assessing images on the camera monitor screen, particularly when shooting in bright light.

The 3" LCD display with 460,000 pixel resolution delivers an extremely bright, clear view and is a reliable aid to photographers in the precise composition and assessment of images. As a further aid to creative photography, the monitor screen can be freely rotated in almost any direction and lets users shoot from even the most unusual angles. Whether shooting stills or video from above their head or down close to the ground, photographers always have complete control of image assessment.

Its compact size and light weight allows for extremely easy handling of the Leica V-Lux 4 and its integrated handgrip keeps it steady at all times, even when shooting one-handed. All of its controls are clearly laid out and simple to use, such as video recording, which can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top deck of the camera.

The Leica V-Lux 4 is supplied complete with the professional still picture and video processing software Adobe® Photoshop Lightroom® 4. It will be available from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, beginning in November 2012.