leica world news 2-2006_en

LEICA DIGILUX 3

Unique Leica digital camera system_ p. 16

LEICA V-LUX 1

New all-in-one class in the Leica portfolio_ p. 22

LEICA D-LUX 3

Digital compact camera for creativephotography_ p. 26

LEICA LENSES

New M high-performance lensesfor wide-angle applications_ p. 14/15

91505 02/2006

LEICA M8

A dream comes true:the digital M is here_ p. 8

LWN 2006-02 E U1-U4 14.09.2006 16:55 Uhr Seite u1

04 INTERVIEWLeica goes digital: Dr. Ralph Nebe and Stefan Daniel

on the Leica product strategy

06 DIGITAL CAMERASAt a glance: All Leica digital cameras – their strengths,

their areas of application, their features

08 LEICA M8 A big hit: At photokina, Leica presents the first digital

ranging viewfinder camera

12 INTERVIEWNew from the ground up: Project Manager Otto Domes

on the challenge of designing the digital M

14 LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm/f2.8 ASPH.New wide-angle lens: the super-compact Elmarit

as a versatile high-performance lens

15 LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M16–18–21 mm/f4 ASPH.Super wide-angle: a new lens with three fixed focal

lengths for super wide-angle applications

16 LEICA DIGILUX 3 Tomorrow’s classic: the Digilux 3 as the foundation

of a free-standing digital camera system

Dear Leica friends,

These are the most exciting days for Leica sincethe introduction of the landmark Leica M seriesover half a century ago. We are unveiling anentire range of unique new products, each aclassic in its own right. The new LEICA M8, thecenterpiece of the world’s first professionaldigital rangefinder system, is a bold statementdestined to redefine the digital age. The newLEICA DIGILUX 3, our first stand-alone digitalSLR and the first based on the optically effi-cient four-thirds format and interchangeablelens system is also a superb creative tool. Thecool new LEICA D-LUX 3 is the connoisseur’s

compact, an elegant, high-performance 10-megapixel compact capable ofoutstanding performance. Finally, the new LEICA V-LUX 1, an amazinglycompact all-in-one 10-megapixel marvel with a 12x zoom that gets out to420 mm, is sure to appeal to birdwatchers, nature shooters and travellersworldwide. Is the message here ‘Leica goes digital’. Emphatically yes, butwe’re also committed to supporting (or even extend) analog photographywhile bringing the esteemed Leica virtues of quality, durability, and valueinto the digital realm. You might say that we’re remaining true to our roots,but branching out. In any event, this is great news for legions of loyal Leicafans who now have a wider range of enticing choices than ever – all in theLeica tradition of excellence.

Yours faithfully, Ralph Nebe

26 LEICA D-LUX 3 Versatile digital compact camera

22 LEICA V-LUX 1 New class in the Leica camera sector

Dr. Ralph Nebe, DirectorMarketing & Sales


Leica World News 3

20 LEICA R SYSTEM Camera, back part, lens: the Leica R system and its

superb possibilities

22 LEICA V-LUX 1All-in-One: the V-Lux 1 enriches the Leica product

portfolio with a new camera type

26 LEICA D-LUX 3A camera for all seasons: the D-Lux 3 is a compact

camera with the characteristics of a much larger camera

28 GLOSSARYDigital technical terms: a guide to new terms

from the digital Leica world

29 RELAUNCHAttractive appearance: Leica with a new product

website and a new advertising campaign

30 BIRDWATCHINGPerfect double act: Steve Dudley on is experience

with the V-Lux 1 and digiscoping

16 LEICA DIGILUX 3 Unique Leica camera system

08 LEICA M8 Leica’s famous camera system

LWN 2006-02 E innen 06-09-14 15.09.2006 8:31 Uhr Seite 3

4 Leica World News

BREAK THROUGH INTO THE DIGITAL WORLD

Their names are M8, Digilux 3, V-Lux 1 and D-Lux 3: Leica Camera is currently bringing

no fewer than four new high-performance digital cameras to the market. A well-thought-

out range with something to offer for everyone. The question arises: has Leica gone

completely digital? Dr. Ralph Nebe and Stefan Daniel give us an insight into the strategy

of Leica Camera AG.

Dr. Nebe, the LEICA DIGITAL MODULE Ris completely ready to ship, the longawaited LEICA M8 will be launched atphotokina together with a series of inno-vative digital cameras in the compactrange. – Leica appears to have gone com-pletely digital: is that fair comment?Dr. Ralph Nebe: The dominant market trend

is certainly towards digital photography. It’s

also a fair comment to say that Leica is fully

committed to advancing digital photogra-

phy, without however neglecting analog

photography. Our over-arching objective is

to offer fascinating, and supremely compe-

tent digital products in every s category that

Leica enters.

Some critics have said that Leica did notrespond to the digital challenge quicklyor aggressively enough. What has hap-pened lately to change that perception?Dr. Ralph Nebe: Leica Camera has in fact

been through a difficult phase. We have

often been accused of being too late in rec-

ognizing the trend towards digital photogra-

phy. In fact a small company such as Leica

does not have sufficicent capacity to devel-

op all the necessary core technologies

itself, in the way that larger companies in

our sector have done. Now that digital pho-

tography is past its infancy, these core tech-

nologies are available on the world market in

the quality demanded by our customers and

we are now in the active process of incor-

porating them into our products.

In recent years the market for digitalcameras has expanded at breakneck pace,but many potential Leica offerings in thisfield are still being considered, or areeventually released on a conservativetimetable. What good reasons are therefor choosing Leica in the digital field?Stefan Daniel: It’s well known that Leica’s

trademark is better pictures. Leica lenses,

which stand up to any test in analog photog-

raphy, can now for the first time show what

they can do in digital applications. At Leica

it’s true of all our optics that we make no

distinction between lenses ‘suitable for dig-

ital’ and ‘only for analog’. Every Leica lens

delivers outstanding results, irrespective of

whether or not it is used for taking pictures

electronically. Furthermore, in focusing on

better pictures, Leica products address not

what is technically possible but what makes

technical sense.

In addition to the Digital-Modul-R that wehave mentioned, and the forthcomingLeica M8, Leica is also launching theLEICA V-LUX 1, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 andthe LEICA D-LUX 3 at photokina. Anotherexciting new development is the ultra-compact LEICA C-LUX 1 that has alreadybeen launched. New products, newnames – is there a system to this newrange of cameras?Dr. Ralph Nebe: Certainly. We have set our-

selves the ultimate objective of addressing a

wider range of customers than ever before!

The Leica C-Lux class stands for ultra-com-

pact cameras with intelligent automatic

functions, that simply make great pictures –

an optical notebook in effect. The Leica D-

Lux class offers manual controls similar to

those used to in larger cameras, to stimulate

the creativity of the photographer; but it is

still compact enough to be handy in all cir-

cumstances. The V-Lux class offers a great

deal of camera in a pure single-lens reflex

configuation and is thus ideal for ambitious

photography when travelling or whenever

there is a need to minimize the amount of

equipment one is carrying. Finally, the

LEICA DIGILUX 3 is the continuation of the

successful Digilux class, which stands for

creative photography at the highest level. It

is the foundation model for a new exclusive-

ly digital camera system, that positively rais-

es itself above its competitors in this prod-

uct class by virtue of its traditional,

well-proven operating concept and its out-

standing picture quality.

A highlight of this year’s photokina willbe the market launch of the long-awaitedLEICA M8 – the first digital M camera.Why has this designation been chosen?Isn’t the digital M really a completely newproduct?Dr. Ralph Nebe: The LEICA M8 is indeed a

completely new development, but it’s also

very important to realize that it is an emi-

nently logical extension of the long tradition

of M series Leica cameras which began in

1954. Basically for us the method of record-

ing the picture – analog or digital – is of sec-

ondary importance. The primary reality is

that this camera incorporates the core val-

ues of M series photography: the unique and

superlative rangeviewfinder system, the ex-

quisitely compact dimensions, discreet, qui-

et operation and cameras constructed of the

best materials that deliver the very highest

picture quality. To honor that tradition we

have therefore quite deliberately decided

against the designation ‘D’ or ‘digital’.

In discussion: Dr. Ralph Nebe (left) and Stefan Daniel


The market for digital cameras movesextraordinarily quickly. To what extentdoes the digital M incorporate traditionalLeica values such as long operating lifeand holding its value?Stefan Daniel: We have already noted that

digital photography has now emerged from

its infancy. We foresee that product life

cycles will now be significantly longer than

before--, say two to three years for top-tier

products. In fact a professional digital cam-

era has everything to allow it to deliver good

results even a few years from now. I would

say that the LEICA M8 is, like its predeces-

sors, ‘timeless’ and in a very real sense, the

first digital camera that merits this distinc-

tion. Its constructionuality amd perform-

ance are unsurpassed, it is designed to last

many years. We have chosen a CCD sensor

that will withstand deterioration over time

and its DNG standardized raw data format

will allowss open access to new operating

systems in the future. Above all there is the

consideration of system compatibility: any-

one who invests in LEICA M lenses knows

that this purchase will remain useful for many

years to come – maybe even generations.

What about the range of lenses: can I usemy existing M lenses in the new digitalworld of the Leica M8, without loss ofquality?Stefan Daniel: Leica has always placed

great value on ensuring that the years of

investment by our customer in their prized

lenses should not be compromised by obso-

lescence. Therefore we have adapted the

CCD sensor employing a whole set of meas-

ures such as the microlens offset, a set of

microlenses in front of the pixels that dis-

place the angle of incidence to accord with

that of M system lenses. For some months

now we have offered in addition the 6-bit

coding, which optimizes the performance of

current M lenses and can be added to most

previous M lenses. It also offers additional

advantages such as automatic compensa-

tion for vignetting, which was extremely dif-

ficult to combat when photographing with

film.

As well as the R and M series, Leica hasadded a third line to the the digital rangewith the Leica D system. How would youdescribe this system in distinction withthe other Leica lens systems for digitalcameras?Dr. Ralph Nebe: We see the well-proven R

and M systems as the tools of the working

professional photographer. The new LEICA

D system allow us to offer our know-how in

delivering superlative optical performance

for the highest picture quality to a wider

group of customers. Just as during the1970s

we launched the successful LEICA CL, now

the Digilux 3 offers the knowledgeable ama-

Leica World News 5

teur enthusiast photographer a route into

the world of LEICA system cameras.

How have the special lenses for the Dsystem been developed? Or to put itanother way: can Leica here once againshowcase its world class optical compe-tence?Stefan Daniel: The requirements for the

imaging performance of the D lenses and

also the tolerances for manufacture of these

lenses are subject to the usual Leica criteria

that apply also to M and R lenses. This has

enabled us to combine in an ideal fashion

the Panasonic know-how, for instance in the

area of optical image stabilization, with our

optics technology. This synergy has helped

generate very exciting new products, as you

can see by examining the first D lens, the

D 14–50mm.

The LEICA DIGILUX 2 is well loved by thetechnical press and customers alike.Which features would you particularlydraw attention to in its successor model?Stefan Daniel: The Digilux 3, successor to

the Digilux 2, incorporates a major feature

earnestly requested by a large number of

our customers, namely interchangeable

lenses!. This capability is is certainly unique

in this class of cameras that retains the tra-

ditional ‘analog’ operating concept that

appeals to many users. In addition the new

model offers very useful functions, for

era in the range whose focal length extends

up 420 mm in 35 mm format and which

delivers the same magnification as 8.4-pow-

er binoculars. In this respect this is an out-

standing alternative to the first mentioned

solution. Leica is indeed the only manufac-

turer who can offer such a wide spectrum of

equipment for dedicated birdwatchers.

How would you describe the advantagesof the LEICA V-LUX 1 – or, put anotherway – what are the special features ofthis camera?Stefan Daniel: The LEICA V-LUX 1 is a very

‘serious’ digital camera. It exploits the

advantages of digital technology in very spe-

cial ways. A small image sensor, which,

thanks to particularly ingenious image pro-

cessing system, nevertheless delivers very

good results, permits use of a 12 times Vario

lens, which would be inconceivable for ana-

log photography in such as compact cam-

era. This camera is an entire set of photo-

graphic equipment in one amazingly com-

pact package. Users that place particular

value on convenience but do not want to

abandon a broad usage spectrum will find

this camera eminently suited to their taste.

The impressiveness of the LEICA D-LUX 2is due at least in part to its in its elegantand functional design. At photokina thecompany will present its successor, theD-Lux 3. For whom is this new camera

instance the LCD monitor – very unusual in

a single-lens reflex camera – which can also

be used to preview the image. Ultrasonic

sensor cleaning is another key feature that

meets the demands of today’s market.

The Leica high technological competencealso finds expression in sport optics and‘Digiscoping’, a technique used by manyfor bird watchers. Photography that com-bines a scope, adapter and digital cam-era is a major trend here. How suitable isthe new camera for digiscoping?Dr. Ralph Nebe: In recent years we have

created a wide range of solutions for nature

documentation photography. Especially note-

worthy of course are the LEICA D-LUX 3

with the DIGITAL ADAPTER 2 on the TELE-

VID scope, which is pretty much the ‘clas-

sic’ digiscoping solution. Furthermore the

LEICA R system and also the new LEICA

DIGILUX 3 can be used on scopes, by

employing a the photo adapter. Also consid-

er that in the LEICA V-LUX 1 we have a cam-

intended? Or, what are its most impres-sive technical features?Dr. Ralph Nebe: We have found that many

dedicated photographers have assimilated

the many manual control features of the

D-Lux 2. Its successor, the D-Lux 3 is there-

fore a wonderful follow-up compact camera

that one can always have ready to hand,

even when one is simply travelling and has

not set out deliberately with the intention of

taking pictures. Neither should the unique

choice of picture formats offered by this

model be overlooked, above all the 16:9 for-

mat, which in the networked work of multi-

media is more and more in demand.

Finally: Can we now say that Leica withits traditional values of quality, valueretention, reliability, and long service lifehas now found its place in the digitalworld?Dr. Ralph Nebe: Emphatically yes, I’m con-

vinced that it has. Such enduring values

never go out of fashion.

“Leica is fully committed to digital, without however neglecting

analog photography. Our objective is to offer interesting and capable

digital products in every segment that Leica covers.”Dr. Ralph Nebe


6 Leica World News

R System : LEICA DIGITAL MODULE R M System : LEICA M8 D System : LEICA DIGILUX 3

CA

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PP

LIC

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SP

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Travel and reportage

Available light

• Nature and macro

• Studio and portrait

• Landscape

Fine art photography

Leisure time, candid photography

The analog digital system - a hybrid mirror

reflex system unique in the world, for

optionally analog or digital photography.

Well-engineered mirror reflex technology in

combination with digital technology.

Specially-designed sensor with 10 million

pixels. Comprehensive palette of 26 Leica

high-performance lenses for the widest

diversity of challenges.

With the Leica R system the customer obtains

a particularly robust camera system. ‘Made in

Germany’, it holds its value well. High-quality

materials such as aluminium or magnesium

ensure a long service life and reliability even

under extreme conditions of use. As a univer-

sal and flexible camera system with relevant

functions which concentrate on the essen-

tials, the Leica R is entirely at the disposal of

creative photographers.

The LEICA M8 is the digital interpretation of a

well-proven camera system. A professional

craft tool for quick-reaction discreet photo-

graphy – and distinctive pictures. The photo-

grapher can see his subject throughout the

exposure time. And even in poor available

light the bright high-contrast viewfinder per-

mits quick and precise focussing. No other

professional camera is as compact as the

Leica M – or as quick.

The new Leica D system opens up unique

new possibilities for ambitious amateur

photographers. Exposure time, focal length,

aperture and depth of focus can be adjust-

ed as quickly, precisely and creatively as

with conventional digital SLR cameras. In

combination with the Leica Vario-Elmarit

14–50 f/2.8–3.5 ASPH. high-performance

lens the customer obtains a photographic

tool that concentrates on the essentials for

pin-sharp, shake-free pictures even under

the most difficult conditions.

The first digital Leica ranging viewfinder

camera – carrying over a classic concept into

the digital world. Specially-designed sensor

for the M8, with 10 million pixels. Bright-line

ranging viewfinder for determining the exact

extent of the picture and for precise focusing.

Clean design with no fussy embellishments.

Wide range of lenses, suitable for digital appli-

cations.

New Leica digital camera system –

the first Leica digital system camera for

exchangeable lenses to the four-thirds

standard. 7.5 megapixel LiveMOS sensor,

optical image stabiliser, quick and precise

autofocus, lightning-fast image process-

ing, classic operating concept.

• Travel and reportage

• Available light

Nature and macro

Studio and portrait

Landscape

• Fine art photography



Available light

Nature and macro

Studio and portrait

Landscape


• Leisure time, candid photography

AD

VA

NTA

GE

S

LEICA SETS ON DIGITAL: THE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO AT A GLANCE


Leica World News 7

V-Lux Line : LEICA V-LUX 1 D-Lux Line : LEICA D-LUX 3 C-Lux Line : LEICA C-LUX 1

As a bridge camera the LEICA V-LUX 1

offers high-tech at an attractive price.

Its compact dimensions and low weight

combined with its key technical data make

it a high-performance all-rounder camera.

It combines the highest picture quality with

handiness and comfort. The swing-out

2 inch display with its high resolution of

207,000 pixels permits convenient photo-

graphy even from the worm’s eye or bird’s

eye perspectives. Ideal also for nature

photography and bird photography.

The manual setting facilities of the D-Lux line

offer a compositional freedom unusual in this

class. Additional features are the high-quality

machining and clean, timeless design. Small

and elegant, the LEICA D-LUX 3 is ready at

any time to crystallise the photographer’s

personal view of the world into concrete

form.

The camera’s particularly compact dimen-

sions are captivating. It is also equipped

with a high-quality Leica lens, in this case

the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.6–16.8

ASPH. f/2.8–5.6. With its extremely short

response time and precise autofocus

metering, it catches those wonderful

moments quickly and reliably. In short: a

camera that is both high quality and robust,

a high-tech piece of chic design, that you

always want to have with you - on your trav-

els, when watching sport, on holiday or at

your work.

Compact, high-performance digital

camera – the new class in the Leica prod-

uct portfolio. High-performance ‘all-in-

one’ camera for demanding photography.

12 times zoom up to 420 mm (35 mm for-

mat), 10 megapixel sensor, integral image

stabiliser, quick and precise autofocus,

swing-out display.

Compact digital camera for creative

picture composition – very high picture

quality thanks to high-performance 10

megapixel sensor, integral image stabiliser,

variable lens for 28 –112 mm (35 mm for-

mat), 3 selectable picture formats: 16:9,

3:2 and 4:3, brilliant 2.8 inch display, built-

in flash.

Particularly compact digital camera as

your constant companion – high-quality

digital camera with particularly compact

dimensions. Equipped with 6 megapixel

sensor, optical image stabiliser, auto

focus and variable lens for a focal length

range conversion of 28–102 mm.


Available light

• Nature and macro

Studio and portrait

• Landscape




Available light

Nature and macro

Studio and portrait

Landscape



Travel and reportage

Available light

Nature and macro

Studio and Portrait

Landscape




Leica World News 9

THE M SYSTEM was launched in 1954and has proven itself with dazzling distinc-tion ever since. From the start it was thevery embodiment of high tech ‘Made inGermany’ and accompanied by a ranges oflenses brilliant in every sense of the word -it quickly won the hearts of most of thegreat photographers of the second half ofthe 20th century. A workhorse, and at thesame time a much beloved friend, no othercamera system has touched the emotionsas deeply as the Leica M, which in the formof the current LEICA MP and LEICA M7,has held a special place even in this ageof new technology. In recent days theworld has become incontrovertibly ‘digital’,and it was just a question of time beforethe Leica M was also available in a digitalversion. The term ‘just’ is however some-thing of an understatement, since thedesign of a camera worthy of the title ‘dig-ital M’ demanded an enormous amount ofresearch and development. – DevelopmentManager Otto Domes permitted us aglance behind the scenes, which we cannow recount in these pages. To put itanother way: the LEICA M8 is not just thecontinuation of a proven principle. Whatwas really required was identifying andassimilating the essence of a great ideaand translating it into a different techno-logical modality - all while maintainingproven parameters. And of course, it wasalso essential to preserve the timelessdesign, maintain the full compatibility ofthe lenses, the much admired compact-ness of the camera, and it’s superb han-dling and and user-friendliness. Last butnot least, its unique charisma could not becompromised or diluted. As a renownedphotographer once said: ‘The Leica is theonly camera with a soul’.

Now here it is at last. After so many ready-made digital meals, a fine dining experi-ence is about to arrive. The first impres-sion? The M8 is perfect, a masterpiece ofintegration and down to the last detail,beautiful and reassuringly solid. Doubtlessthe enclosed solid metal body has some-thing to do with that. The top panel andbottom cover are brass. That feels goodand solid. The design bespeaks the leg-endary Leica characteristics of stabilityand solidity, creating – as it were a –strong, durable protective overcoat for thesensor, which has been specially config-ured for the M8 with an effective resolutionof 10.3 million pixels. The sensor measuresa generous 18 x 27 mm, yielding a multi-plication factor – compared to the markedfocal length – of only 1.33 (compared tothe more usual 1.5 to 1.6) and a classicaspect ratio of 3 : 2. Thus the focal lengthof 35 mm focal length beloved by manyphotojournalists is converted into a stan-dard focal length of about 50mm. Telelenses enlarge the image slightly morethan their focal length would indicate, forthe same reason. For the first time, theoverall thickness of the cover glass for the

image sensor is kept to a mere 0.5 mm,which together with the optimization of theedge areas of the image leads to outstand-ing picture results. The micro lensesarranged over the light-sensitive sensorlayer are offset by an amount correspon-ding to the distance to the optical axis. Thisyields digital pictures free of vignettingwith a maximum colour correction at theimage edges. To fully exploit the high reso-lution of the Leica M lenses, the typicalMoiré filter was discarded because of theinevitable loss of resolution that it entailed.Instead, electronics in the image-process-ing circuitry eliminate distortion of the sig-nal within the camera. In this way picture noise is optimallyreduced in the available light ranges sovital to M-photographers and high picture-taking performance is maintained even atspeed settings of ISO 2500. Exposuretimes range from as long as 32 sec plus ‘B’at the slow end, up to a top shutter speedof 1/8000 sec at the top end (with, ofcourse, a full range of intermediate shutterspeeds available). The metal bladed focalshutter offers additionally very short flashsynchronization times to 1/250 second,

LEICA M8: THE DIGITAL M

At photokina, Leica will present the M8, the world’s first professional digital range/

viewfinder camera. With its well thought-out technology this landmark camera rigorously

carries forward the acknowledged excellence of the M system into the new age.

Photo

: R

onald

Schm

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10 Leica World News

which is very useful for fill-in flash an mini-mizes ghost images. A choice is offeredbetween first or second shutter curtainsynchronization is also provided. In addi-tion, the LEICA M8 for the first time usesthe new M-TTL flash technology which firesan initial ranging burst immediately beforethe actual flash exposure. The camerauses this metering flash to calculate theamount of light required and combines thisinformation with the available ambientbrightness reading to achieve a natural-looking result that preserves the mood ofthe scene.The picture data are loaded to the com-puter using the quick USB 2.0 interface.The robust, secure connection is locatedon the left side of the camera next to theLCD monitor. The LCD itself is an impres-sively large 2.5 inches with a resolution of230,000 pixels, which allows precise andeasy checking of detailed subjects. It isalso easy to verify illumination levels andaccurate exposure of the subject by usingthe RGB tonal value histogram which pro-vides a clear overexposure warning identi-fication for the respective subject areas.The magnification using the zooming dis-play function is performed in four stagesusing an adjustment wheel that allowsassessment of even the finest details in therecorded image, including a clipping warn-ing. Once the dust-proof battery and memorycard compartments are closed by fittingthe bottom plate, the camera can be acti-vated. The power supply is provided by aspecially designed lithium ion recharge-able battery with 3.7 V voltage capacityand 1900 mAh power capacity. An SD cardof up to 4 GB is used as the data storagemedium. This must be inserted into thecompartment, otherwise, for safety rea-sons, the M8 will not operate. The digital Mis turned on using the main switch (whichhas settings for individual and continuousframing plus self-timer). The shutterrelease is activated in 3 stages and has astandard tapped socket for attachment ofa conventional mechanical cable release. The view through the extremely bright pro-jected frame-line viewfinder shows therangefinder focusing images distinctlyeven at twilight, and the frames them-selves are compensated for parallax errorso they show the true borders of the pic-ture area for focal lengths 24 and 35, 28and 90, or 50 and 75 mm. The shutter speed (manual and automatic)is set using the milled shutter-speed wheelwhile all other functions are activatedusing the menu on the rear LCD. The photographer by simply rotating thedials and pressing the buttons can make all

the necessary settings instantly within thetwo clear and simply structured menus. Byselecting ‘Set’ the picture parameters suchas speed settings, picture data, format andwhite balance can be adjusted. By pressingthe ‘Menu’ button you can easily access allthe required basic settings. You will searchin vain for multiple-loaded function keysand submenus on the new M8.The digital Leica M saves its data in thefuture-secure Adobe® DNG or JPEG for-

mats. There are four colour range settings:Adobe RGB, sRGB or ECI RGB). Leica hascooperated with the Danish manufacturerPhase One to perform the laborious workof camera profiling and the necessary soft-ware configuration. The result is a set ofquality-optimized algorithms for digitalcolour processing which deliver imageswith particularly low-noise levels while atthe same time maintaining astonishingimage resolution. The professional RAW

Compact digital range/viewfinder system camera for professional use with fullrange of Leica M lenses. Microprocessor-controlled metal blade focal-plane shutter.

Image sensor: Resolution 10.3 million, pixels, Physical Dimensions: 18 mmx27 mm,

Focal-length extension factor: 1.33x, Aspect ratio 3:2.

Image resolutions: DNG: 3916x2634 pixels (10.31 MP); JPG: 3936x2630 pixels (10.35 MP),

2952 x1972 pixels (5.8 MP), 1968x1315 pixels (2.6 MP),

1312x876 pixels (1.15 MP).

Data formats: Adobe® DNG (camera manufacturer-independent Digital Negative

Format), two different stages of JPEG compression, 16-bit colour

resolution, 10.2 MB file size per image

Sensor speed: ISO 160/23° to ISO 2500/35°

White balance: Automatic, six pre-set levels s, manual white balance, manual colour

temperature settings from 2,000K to 13,100K.

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

Color monitor : 2.5" large bright LC-Display with a resolution of approx. 230.000 pixels

Exposure metering: Heavily center-weighted TTL exposure metering with at working aperture.

Metering range EV0 to EV20 at 20°C ambient temperature, aperture 1.0

and ISO 160/23°. M-TTL Guide Number Control with metered pre-flash

using accessory shoe SCA 3502 (from version M4) or with LEICA SF 24D

Viewfinder: Large bright, projected frame line viewfinder with automatic parallax

compensation showing precise border of the recorded image viewfinder

optics with reduced sensitivity to stray light and optimum visibility of all

bright line frames under all illumination conditions. Borders Magnifica-

tion 0.68x (for all lenses). Rangefinder uses both split-image and super-

imposed-image distance-measuring for maximum precision combination.

Effective measurement base 47.1 mm (mechanical measurement base

69.25mm x viewfinder magnification 0.68x).

Lens mount : Leica M bayonet with additional optical reader for identification of all

6 bit-coded lenses.

Exposure control: Automatic (Auto) and aperture-priority with corresponding viewfinder

display. Manual exposure with adjustment by means of illuminated light

balance LEDs in the viewfinder.

Shutter speeds : When in automatic mode (A), step less from 32 s to 1/8000 s. In manual

mode, setting from 4 s to 1/8000 s in half stop increments plus B for

open exposures of any duration. Flash synchronisation times from B

(bulb) to 1/250 sec.

Storage medium: SD cards up to 4 GB

Power supply: Lithium ion rechargeable battery with a voltage of 3.7 V and 1900mAh.

Interface: 5-pin standard mini-USB socket USB 2.0. LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE

allows the camera to be operated by software using a USB 2.0 connec-

tion.

Size (W x H x D): approx. 51⁄2 in x 31⁄7 in x 11⁄2 in,

Weight without rechargeable battery: approx. 191⁄4 oz

TECHNICAL DATA LEICA M8


Leica World News 11

A special camera for special pictures: photo professionals are happy to acknowledge the uniqueness of the Leica M system. With the new M8 Leicahas successfully transferred a timeless camera concept into the digital world. Photos: Ronald Schmidt


12 Leica World News

Mr. Domes, the new LEICA M8 is a com-plete technological reinterpretation of aproven camera system: is that a fair sum-mary?Otto Domes: Certainly the M8 has been

newly developed from the ground up. The

most challenging aspect of its design how-

ever was retaining the the essential charac-

ter so widely admired in the in the Leica M

character.

A completely new system such as theLEICA M8 has in many ways a long ges-tation period: what technical, operatingand logistical preparations did Leicahave to make in order to be able to man-ufacture the M8 in Solms?Otto Domes: A whole range of adjustment,

calibration and test equipment had to be

developed and made from scratch so that

the M8 could be manufactured in Solms.

For instance the sensor must be adjusted

within the camera to tolerances of a few μm,

and then checked again to verify that it is in

exactly the correct position. Moreover, the

increased cleanliness demands of manufac-

turing the digital M8 made it essential to

assemble it in a clean room. In a relatively

short time we have created ideal conditions

for assembly, which satisfy the technical

and also the logistical requirements for a

flexible manufacturing program.

It’s nothing new to say that the Leicaengineers are well-known for their leg-endary precision and mechanical know-how. Is the same true for the digital com-petence of the Leica staff in terms ofcamera development and manufacture?Otto Domes: We found we had to add new

knowledge to our existing know-how, to in-

crease our knowledge base in all areas, in

particular in digital technology and image

processing. Based on our experience with

the Digital-Modul-R we have recently

attained a high level of competence in these

respects.

How would you describe your goals inreference to the technical specificationsof the M8?

Otto Domes: One major challenge we faced

was keeping the camera unchanged in its

external dimensions. This caused us many

headaches in camera design: for instance

we had to bring the bayonet mount forward

by 2 mm from the camera body, to keep the

camera itself as thin as possible. This seem-

ingly small change meant that the exposure

meter drive had to completely redeveloped.

A key innovation in the M camera is the met-

al blade slot shutter used on the M8. This

incorporates a white blade for exposure

metering and a specially developed quiet

motorized movement. The white blade in

turn meant that a completely new exposure

meter was required.

What specific characteristics of the Msystem could be retained in the digitalworld:, or, put another way – to whatextent is the M8 really an M?Otto Domes: The viewfinder is essentially

the same as for all M cameras, it has only

been modified somewhat in the M8. A fur-

ther typical M feature also used in the M8 is

LEICA M8: A NEW CONCEPT DEVELOPED FROM THE GROUND UP

The LEICA M8 opens a completely new chapter in the history of cameras,

being the first professional digital camera that is ‘Made in Germany‘.

Development Engineer Otto Domes talks about the hurdles that had to

be surmounted on the road to the digital M – and the capability and

dedication of the design that made it possible.

data converter Capture One LE ensuresthat the data supplied by the CCD sensorand stored in the future-secure Adobe®Digital Negative Format (DNG) are pro-cessed to yield the best possible quality. All in all, the 16 bit-image data generateastonishing image resolution, an extendeddynamics range and an amazingly widerange of tonal values. The exposure meter-ing allows newcomers to the M family tooperate in a reassuringly familiar way, withprecise, heavily center-weighted TTL expo-sure metering and pre-set working expo-sure. In automatic mode the extremely

important technique of controlling and lim-iting depth of field can be easily employedas an image creative tool when taking pic-tures. An unobtrusive twist of the aperturesetting ring on the M lens is all it takes togive a range of different impressions of thesubject.To sum it all up, it can be authoritativelystated that : the new LEICA M8 seamless-ly integrates the state-of-the art digitaltechnology with the much admired attrib-utes of the M family in a spectacularly suc-cessful synthesis. In a most impressiveway, the M8 concentrates on the essential

functions and thereby proves itself to be atruly professional rangefinder camera in adigital world. The interaction of classic anddigital components mesh together so har-moniously that once again the creative ele-ment that is the picture itself—comes tothe fore, in uncompromising quality. Anddue to the miracle of digital technology,that image is now immediately available forviewing after taking the picture.

M I C H A E L N I S C H K E


Leica World News 13

the detachable bottom cover. Perhaps even

more important the materials used in the

M8 are those that have been employed since

the early days, such as the solid chrome-

plated brass for the top panel and bottom

cover. However this question can really only

be answered when you take the M8 in your

hands and use it the first time. Then you

have the best answer to your question.

Since the introduction of the M3 theLeica M system has demonstrated trail-blazing technological innovations overand over again. What innovations, devel-opment and inventions are particularlystriking about the M8?Otto Domes: Firstly the patented 6-bit cod-

ing of the lenses should be mentioned; this

leads directly to optimization of the picture

results and enables various additional func-

tions. Also, Leica is one of the very few

camera manufacturers that has not taken

an image sensor ‘off the peg’ so to speak.

Instead we have optimized the sensor to the

performance characteristics of M lenses in

a variety of ways such as a special microlens

design with suitable optical displacement at

the edges of the image field, so that despite

their especially short back focus a compar-

atively small focal length extension factor of

only 1.33 can be achieved.

The Leica M has adopted the classic for-mula ‘Form follows Function’ and by thismeans has evolved a virtually timelessdesign, which is impressive in both itselegance and ergonomic shape but alsoits compactness. To what extent coulddesign and dimensions be retained forthe digital M?Otto Domes: The height and width of the

camera are the same as for the M7, only

regarding the depth was it necessary to

make the camera about 3 mm thicker to

accommodate the CCD sensor, the digital

hardware, and the LCD monitor and its pro-

tective glass. By using magnesium alloy for

the body on the other hand we have been

able to keep the overall weight unchanged.

To what extent does the new cameramaintain that tradition – in particularregarding shutter release delay?Otto Domes: For a digital camera the shut-

ter release delay is extraordinarily short.

Indeed, we have achieved a shutter release

delay that is shorter than that of any digital

SLR camera on the market. In practice how-

ever this difference is virtually immaterial.

The speed of the M8 is primarily due to par-

allel processing of the image signals that

results from the simultaneous storage and

reproduction of the image. A good compari-

son is with multi-tasking in the world of

computers. We also regarded it as of major

importance to develop a camera that was

extremely quiet. The new shutter mecha-

nism certainly has a new sound, but the

hard work that has been put into it to

achieve noise linearization has made it prac-

tically as quiet as a traditional cloth focal-

plane shutter.

Where do you see the absolute strengthsof the LEICA M8, and which technicalfeatures would you particularly drawattention to?Otto Domes: Perhaps the basic design phi-

losophy of the M8 is that we didn’t simply

intend to doesn’t pursue the use of the largest

range of high technology functions for their

own sake. Instead we were motivated by the

Otto Domes: Our first users have compli-

mented us on the small number of buttons

and the simple menus. It now appears as if

everything is quite intuitive and simple, but

our development staff assures me it really

made their brains hurt when they were actu-

ally thinking out how to accomplish these

things.

During the development of the M8 youworked with Kodak as a partner. To whatextent is the M8 really a Leica ‘Made inGermany’?Otto Domes: Kodak is our approved suppli-

er for image sensors. The entire camera was

A special camera for special pictures: photo professionals arehappy to acknowledge the uniqueness of the Leica M system.With the new M8 Leica has successfully transferred a timelesscamera concept into the digital world. Photos: Ronald Schmidt

“We are one of the very few camera manufacturers that have

also not taken an image sensor ‘off the peg’, instead we have

optimised the sensor to the M lenses .”Otto Domes

overall concept of a quiet, discreet and com-

pact camera, which simply produces out-

standing pictures, and gives the feeling that

the camera in your hand is a true M.

Are all M lenses compatible with the dig-ital M, with no loss of quality?Otto Domes: With very few exceptions all M

lenses can be used on the M8. As men-

tioned previously, we have adapted the sen-

sor to suit these lenses so that there is no

loss of quality. Of course, modern M lenses

are now supplied with 6-bit coding, aspheri-

cal technology or achromatic correction for

the best results.

The Leica M system always stood for theultimate in user-friendliness and quick,intuitive handling. What do the initialusers say about the digital M?

however developed, designed and planned

for manufacture in Germany. The vast

majority of parts that we do not make our-

selves come from German suppliers. And of

course the camera is built and adjusted by

us in Solms in the clean room set up spe-

cially for the purpose.

We really are quite proud to be able to say

that the M8 is the first professional digital

camera that is ‘Made in Germany’.

Otto Domes is a Technical Project Man-ager at Leica Camera and as suchresponsible for the development of theLEICA M8. The interview was managedby Hans-Michael Koetzle.


14 Leica World News

WIDE- ANGLE LENSES are more or lessstandard equipment for Leica M photogra-phers. In reportage photography, shortfocal lengths are indispensable. They letyou get close to events, so they stand forauthenticity and guarantee pictures whosevisual language is lively and exciting, inwhich the elements come together pictori-ally in a way that transcends what is visibleby the naked eye.To put another way, wide-angle lenses lead almost automatically to

an injection of dynamism to the picture,supported by a camera system that is flex-ible, lightweight and inconspicuous – theLeica M.Leica has now extended the rich palette ofM series lenses by the addition of anextremely compact wide-angle lens, whichat 180 grams is downright lightweight. TheLEICA ELMARIT-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH. isa completely new design with an overalllength of only 30 mm it is also the mostcompact M lens of all. The very high imageresolution combined with the astonishing-ly low weight is achieved by the use ofaspherical lens surfaces. Leica remainsthe leader in this technology, a fact thatshould be of special interest to photogra-phers who aspire to the new LEICA M8.Here the Elmarit yields an equivalent focallength of about 35 mm, which is generallyregarded as the ideal focal length for live-event or reportage photography. The LEICAELMARIT-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH. yields

WIDE ANGLE: NEW CL ASS FOR THE M

The introduction of a new lightweight, compact, high-performance wide-angle lens

underlines yet again the high optical achievements of Leica engineers – especially

in the critical field of aspherical technology.

virtually distortion-free images down to itsminimum focusing distance of 0.7 m.The new Elmarit-M 28 mm is comprised ofeight elements in six groups. The classicquick-change bayonet is affixed with a 6-bit code lens identification to optimize itsperformance on the digital LEICA M8. TheLEICA ELMARIT-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH. isavailable beginning in October in a blackanodized finish. The range of accessoriesavailable includes the lens hood with itscover, a metal front lens cap, a rear coverand a napa leather tubular case. All in allthe new LEICA ELMARIT-M 1:2.8/28 mmASPH. represents a notable achievementas a versatile high-performance lens. Itcombines the all the elements of high opti-cal competence for which Leica Cameraengineers are renowned, and it can bestrongly recommended as the first ‘stan-dard optic’ both to seasoned professionalsand entry-level users of the M system.H M K

Photo

: B

rian B

ow

er


Leica World News 15

THREE F IXED FOCAL LENGTHS in asingle lens? As far back as 1998 Leicaintroduced the LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 1:4/28–35–50 mm ASPH., a highly unusual butvery successful lens solution developed bythe Leica optical engineers. Well, thosesame engineers have now taken this con-cept one logical step further with the newLEICA-TRI-ELMAR-M 1:4/16–18–21 mmASPH. Whereas the Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/28–35–50 mm incorporated three of the focallengths most favored by 35 mm formatusers, the new Tri-Elmar opens up thesuper wide-angle field right down to focallengths of 16 und 18 mm, previously un-available in the Leica system, and thus pos-ing an attractive challenge to creativeLeica M photographers.The first thing that strikes you about thenew Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/16–18–21 mm ASPH.is its extraordinarily compact design, amere 63 mm length, a direct result of thespecial mastery of aspherical technologyat Leica Camera. Two of the total of ten ele-ments (in seven groups) incorporateaspherical surfaces. Also the future-orient-ed principle of internal focusing has beenimplemented in the new Tri-Elmar. Thismeans that a floating element is used toensure significantly improved quality,especially for close-up applications. Forhyperfocal photography a depth of fieldranging from 0.5 m to infinity can be used.Due to its minimal distortion and virtuallyimperceptible field curvature, the LEICATRI-ELMAR-M 1:4/16-18-21 mm ASPH. isrecommended even in the demanding fieldof architectural photography. Of coursethe Tri-Elmar is fitted with 6-bit codingand thus is suitable for use on the newLEICA M8, where with an effective focal-length range of 21–28 mm, extreme wide-angle perspectives can also be achieved.At the market launch time in December,Leica Camera will also have a new univer-sal wide-angle viewfinder in its range,which will permit the use of the new TRI-ELMAR-M 1:4/16-18-21 mm ASPH. withanalog M7 and MP models and also withthe digital M8 with focal length multiplica-

tion factored in. Using this viewfinderattachment the photographer can precise-ly determine the picture field for any of atotal of five Leica focal lengths – namely16, 18, 21, 24 and 28 mm. The parallaxcompensation control allows the trueextent of the picture to be displayed at anyfocusing distance. One aspherical and oneachromatically corrected lens here ensurea very low stray light susceptibility, whiledelivering high resolution and brilliance.Furthermore, the viewfinder includes aspirit level with fluorescent illumination forexact leveling of the camera, which is par-ticularly useful for landscape photographyand when using a tripod. Correction lensesfor diopter adjustment from –3 to +3 areavailable as optional accessoriesThe compact viewfinder for universal appli-cations will also be offered as a set withthe LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 1:4/16–18–21mm ASPH. lens at an especially attractiveprice. The viewfinder is supplied in a napa

leather tubular case. Accessories for thenew TRI-ELMAR-M lens include the lenshood with its cover, a metal front lens cap,a rear cover, a napa leather tubular case,and filter holder. Available at your author-ized Leica dealer from December. H M K

LEICA LENSES WIDE- ANGLE TO THE THIRD POWER!

This remarkable new lens that combines three popular fixed focal lengths opens up a new

super wide-angle field to the Leica M photographer. To complement it, we’ve launched an

equally amazing new compact universal viewfinder – an exquisite piece of precision optical

equipment in its own right!

The new wide-angle viewfinder for 16, 18, 21,24 and 28 mm. In combination with the newTri-Elmar you secure yourselves interestingprice advantage.


16 Leica World News

more advanced, user-friendly alternative tothe fast-moving, trendy models that nowdominate digital camera design.One of the principal attractions of theLEICA DIGILUX 3 is that features and over-all concept exemplify the clear tradition ofconcentration on the essentials, with func-tional yet timeless design. The shutter-speed dial and the quick and precise con-trol rings for aperture, zoom and focusingare all there where the knowledgeable pho-tographer expects to find them. Overall thecamera fits very comfortably in the hands.With its slightly raised grip on the right sideit is perhaps even slightly better than itspredecessor in this respect. Even in thedigital domain the name of Leica stillstands for the highest quality materials(such as magnesium) and best precisionmachining, which not only ensures a longservice life but also guarantees secure andreliable operation even under difficult con-ditions. In short: even at first glance it’sclear that this is a robust reportage cameraoptimized for individual and creative pho-tography.Leica – the name also stands for high-per-formance optics: a parameter often forgot-ten when counting the pixels. It’s aninescapable fact that high-performancelenses are indispensable even in the digitalworld. Lenses are the most fundamentallink in the imaging chain, standing, as itwere, at the gateway leading to technicallybrilliant pictures. The new camera breaksnew ground as the first Leica model to usethe new Leica D system, a bayonet mountcompatible with the four-thirds standard,so that lenses are easily interchangeable.In this way Leica Camera has laid the foun-dation of a stand-alone Leica digital cam-era system.The standard lens for the Digilux 3 is theLeica designed and developed LEICA DVARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8–3.5/14–50 mm

ASPH. lens, which, coupled with state-of-the-art optical image stabilization and the7.5 megapixel LiveMOS sensor, ensuresoutstanding picture quality. The lens itselfis comprised of 16 elements in twelvegroups, of which three are aspherical – atechnology, by the way, in which Leica isthe world leader. One can also make thepoint that the characteristics that Leicaenthusiasts have always prized have beentransferred into the world of digital lenses.In other words, the Leica D Vario-Elmaritalso reproduces the finest details andnuances clearly and distinctly. Even at theshortest focal lengths, distortion andvignetting are minimal. Accurate colorreproduction – especially of skin tones –ensures naturalistic pictures that capturethe mood of the moment. Added to this isa wide maximum aperture of 1:2.8, which,in combination with a very wide range of

equivalent) opens up an expanded field ofcreative opportunities – from portraitureto spacious landscape photography.Another important innovation: Here, forthe first time, Leica has combined an inter-changeable lens of outstanding high-per-formance optics with optical image stabi-lization. It’s well known that movement ofthe hand is a common cause of fuzzy orblurry pictures. It’s practically impossibleto eliminate such movements, so Leicahave overcome the problem by compen-sating for them using MEGA O.I.S. opticalimage stabilization, that delivers sharp andbrilliant pictures even under extreme con-ditions – photos taken indoors, at twilight,on the spur of the moment or at the tele-photo settings of a zoom lens. This isachieved using an integral processor. Thistechnological module evaluates the datathat are delivered 4,000 times per secondby the movement detector, and applies theresult to effectively minimize the effects of

BEING A SUCCESSFUL professionalphotographer means being able to respondquickly and intuitively in critical situations.But the design philosophy of many newgenerations of cameras is based on areadiness to abandon traditional paths andto opt for control layouts that require asteep learning curve. In many cases theoperational elements are no longerarranged in the way to which one is accus-tomed as an experienced photographer.What is especially disagreeable is if suc-cessive models switch back and forthbetween alternative systems. The Leicasystem philosophy is quite different. Weaim to refine the proven elements withcaution and develop them further, eventhough most of the worlds the cameradesigners are emphasizing completelynovel approaches. The sector in generaland our customers in particular appreciatethis conservative developmental approachthat makes the camera-user interfacemore pleasurable and reduces frustration.For these reasons, it is no accident thatwhen the LEICA DIGILUX 2 was introducedin 2004 it won many major prizes and theundying affection of countless photogra-phers. Finally there was a digital reportagecamera available that came up with a tra-ditional operating concept that includedoptions for creative work familiar from ana-log photography. Right on time for photo-kina Leica Camera AG is now presentingthe LEICA DIGILUX 3 as its successormodel, to build upon the unprecedentedacceptancer of the Digilux 2 and provide a

LEICA DIGILUX 3 TODAY’S BREAK THROUGH, TOMORROW’S CL ASSIC!

When the Digilux 2 was introduced in 2004 it attracted considerable enthusiasm for its

technical features and its well-thought-out operating concept. Now the LEICA DIGILUX 3

continues the success story and takes it to a brilliant new level by laying the foundation

of a new stand-alone Leica digital SLR system.


focal lengths from 28 to 100 mm (35 mm

Leica World News 17


18 Leica World News

camera shake. In addition the Leica DVario-Elmarit image stabilization operatesin two different modes: in mode 1 theimage stabilization is activated and thusyields blur-free viewing and sharp images.In mode 2 the image stabilization is acti-vated only for the picture itself, and is thusable to achieve maximum blur reduction.This is yet another case where the photog-rapher himself can decide which operatingmode to use according to the situation.With its unique live picture function, whichnot only shows the viewing image on themonitor before taking the picture but alsopermits comprehensive checking of expo-sure and white balance before the pictureis taken, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 also occu-pies a unique place among digital single-lens reflex cameras. It offers advantagesthat until now – due to system restrictions– only compact cameras could provide,such as checking the white balance beforetaking the picture, or checking the expo-sure correction. This capability can ofcourse be very valuable when shooting inthe studio or in photographic situationswhere a tripod is required. The new image signal processor was spe-cially matched to the outstanding repro-duction performance of the Leica D lensand the interaction with the new LiveMOStechnology. In this way the high demandsof single-lens reflex photography withregard to performance and picture qualitywere completely satisfied. The processoralso guarantees excellent color reproduc-tion as well as outstanding resolution andperfect tonal gradation along with very fastprocessing speeds and very little shutterdelay. In combination with the energy-sav-ing LiveMOS sensor the Digilux 3 is capa-ble of taking more than 450 pictures on asingle charge of the battery.A much-discussed irritation of digital sin-gle-lens reflex photography concerns thedust particles which can easily enter thecamera when the lens in being changedand settle on the sensor, thus noticeably

impairing the resulting pictures. The LEICADIGILUX 3 combats this problem withinnovative technology. A newly developedfilter is positioned in front of the imagesensor between the low-pass filter and theshutter. When the camera is switched onthe protective filter is subjected to an ultra-sonic frequency vibration impulse of30,000 Hz. Any dust particles lying on theprotective filter are thereby shaken off. Thechamber between the filter and the sensoris hermetically sealed, thus preventing theingress of dust particles behind the filter.All in all, the new LEICA DIGILUX 3 ispoised to prove itself as a high-perform-ance reportage camera, which perfectlycombines the technological progress in thedigital field and the traditional Leicavirtues. Its auto focus operates at lightningspeed to allow quick-reaction photography,

while its manual setting facilities still pro-vide photographers with freedom for indi-vidual expression. Integral image stabili-zation, LiveMOS sensor and real-time livepicture function also mark a quantumleap in digital technology, as does thenew LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8–3.5/14–50 mm ASPH. lens which opens up awide range of subjects to the photographerand at the same time lays the foundation ofa stand-alone Leica digital SLR system. Inshort: with the LEICA DIGILUX 3 the cus-tomer will receive an outwardly unchangedcamera, as beautiful as it is robust. Butinwardly it is as powerful as it is technical-ly innovative – a system camera for cre-ative photography which that quickly find alegion of loyal fans among professionals aswell as dedicated amateur enthusiasts. H J K

With the Digilux 3 Leica Camera have laid the foundation for their own system to the four-thirds standard. Photos: Florian Wagner

Image type/format Digital single-lens reflexsy stem camera with interchangeable lenses

complying with Four Thirds standard.

File formats RAW, JPEG (based on Exif 2.21 standard), DPOF

Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 (3:2, 16:9 only in Live View mode)

Image sensor LiveMOS sensor size : 17.3 x13.0 mm with pixels 7.9 million total pixels

and 7.5 million effective pixels. Aspect ratio 4:3. Color filter RGB

primary color filter. Dust reduction system ultrasonic protective filter.

Viewfinder Optical

Color display 2.5” TFT LCD monitor with 207,000 pixels, image field approx. 100%

in Live View mode, depth of field controlled via depth of field lever.

(only with Live View via monitor). Menu languages German, English,

French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Japanese.

ISO speeds Auto/100/200/400/800/1600

Lens LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14–50mm f/2.8–3.5 ASPH.

Lens bayonet Four Thirds bayonet

Dimensions (WxHxD) 145.8 x86.9x80 mm (5.7 x 3.4 x 3.1 inch)

Weight approx. 530 g (18.7 oz) (housing)

Scope of delivery 1 GB SD card, power supply unit/charger, battery pack, eyepiece

cover, housing cover, video cable, USB cable, power cord, carrying

strap, CD-ROM with software Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 (WIN)

and 3.0 (MAC), Quick Time.

TECHNICAL DATA LEICA DIGILUX 3


Leica World News 19

The new LEICA DIGILUX 3 reflects how digital technology has progressed. As a modern, high-capability reportage camera, it has proven itself in a verywide variety of photographic situations. Its lightning-fast autofocus enables quick-reaction photography, whilst the manual setting capabilities still leavescope for individual composition. Photo: Florian Wagner


THE LEICA R -SYSTEM AT A GL ANCE

LEICA SUPER-ELMARIT-R15 mm f/2.8 ASPH.

LEICA ELMARIT-R19 mm f/2.8

LEICA ELMARIT-R28 mm f/2.8

LEICA PC-SUPER-ANGULON-R28 mm f/2.8

LEICA SUMMILUX-R50 mm f/1.4

LEICA SUMMICRON-R50 mm f/2

LEICA MACRO-ELMARIT-R60 mm f/2.8



LEICA SUMMICRON-R35 mm f/2

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R90 mm f/2 ASPH.

LEICA APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R 100 mm f/2.8

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R180 mm f/2

LEICA APO-ELMARIT-R180 mm f/2.8

LEICA APO-TELYT-R280 mm f/4

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R21-35 mm f/3.5–4 ASPH.

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R35–70 mm f/4

LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R28–90 mm f/2.8–4.5

LEICA VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R70–180 mm f/2.8

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R80–200 mm f/4

LE

NS

ES

Ready for the future : With the Leica R system you have all the advantages of analog photography and with justone flick of the wrist the possibilities of the digital world. A broad array of high performance lenses and versatileaccessories pave the way in both cases.


Table-top tripod

Right-angle finder

uniform ground glass screen, microprism focusingscreen, uniform ground glass screen with grid divisions,clear glass screen with cross lines.

Large eyecup

Electric cable releaseLEICA R8/R9

Ever-ready cases

LEICA APO-TELYT-R280 mm f/2.8





LEICAMACRO-ADAPTER-R

LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R2x

LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R1,4x


Large ball-and-socket head

Remote Control R8/R9

Cable release, 25 cm(10") long

Charger for LEICA POWER PACK

Electric release switchLEICA R8/R9

Neoprenecarrying strap

LEICA MOTOR-DRIVE R8/R9 LEICA MOTOR-WINDER R8/R9 LEICA SF 24D flashL

EN

S A

CC

ES

SO

RIE

SA

CC

ES

SO

RIE

SA

PO

LE

NS

ES

LEICA ELPROClose-focusingattachment

LEICAPOLARIZA-TION FILTER

LEICA ELPRO 1:2–1:1 for APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R100 mm f/2.8

LEICA PHOTAR lenses andLEICA PHOTAR-ADAPTER-R Focusing bellows R BR 2


22 Leica World News

IF CONSUMMATE photographic versa-tility, comfortable handling, plus the com-pact size and light weight of an ideal travelcompanion seem to be an unattainable listof requirements in a single digital camera,consider the new LEICA V-LUX 1. It’s theperfect answer to all of them. Of course it’snot the first bridge camera to appear onthe market. But The V-Lux 1 takes intoaccount all of these expectations withoutlosing sight of Leica’s longstanding com-mitment to picture quality. It does this byincorporating a lens of outstanding qualityfor this class of camera, a 1:1.8 CCD sen-sor with 10 megapixels (which the com-pact design can accommodate) and by

incorporating state-of-the-art image-pro-cessing electronics and image stabiliza-tion. A robust, almost masculine handgrip is thefirst sign that this is a serious camera: thecompact V-Lux 1 fits very comfortably andsecurely in your hands. The clean top paneland rear of the camera give an unclutteredimpression. The buttons have a pleasantpositive feel to them, as does the naviga-tion control. The wide focusing ring and itsprecise, backlash-free movement through-out its range will light up the eyes of pho-tographers who like to work with their high-tech camera in classic style, without autofocus. On the other hand the camera

comes with an electronic viewfinder (EVF)that boasts 235,000 pixels and so fine aresolution that it can be reliably used toassess manual focusing or depth of field.And because it projects so far to the rear,you won’t bump your nose on the TFT dis-play! On digital cameras however most photo-graphers use the LCD display. Here too theLEICA V-LUX 1 leaves nothing to bedesired. The brilliant 2" monitor with237,000 pixels can be rotated and twisted180°. Whether you need a worm’s-eyeview close to the ground or an overheadshot – perhaps at a pop concert or a streetfestival – this monitor makes it just as con-

ATTRACTIVE ALL-ROUNDER: THE LEICA V-LUX 1

The LEICA V-LUX 1 is what is known as a bridge camera, and as such it introduces a new

class into the Leica product portfolio. With a 12 times zoom and new image stabilization,

the high-tech all-in-one concept comes astonishingly close to the capabilities of digital

SLR with interchangeable lenses and impresses additionally by having the dimensions,

weight and price of a compact camera.


Leica World News 23

venient as photographing conventionally.All in all, from the first time you cradle thiscamera in your hands and bring it to youreye, this surprisingly lightweight modelconveys the impression of an extremelysolid, serious machine.Now to the lens, the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8–3.7/7.4–88.8 mm ASPH.This 12 times zoom provides a 35 mm equi-valent focal-length range of 35–420 mm.The painstaking construction includes 14elements in 10 groups, including one EDand three aspherical elements to ensurelow distortion and high optical perform-ance within a compact layout. This meansthat the V-Lux-1 photographer has general-ly more telepower at hand than his DSLR-shooting colleagues, whose zooms mostlyrun out at 300 mm. The 400 mm setting isreally in the super-tele league, which iswhat you need for wild animal photographyand above all for photographing birds.However, typical travel subjects fromwater sports to harbor views or cityscapesare also fields in which a super-tele lensopens up breathtaking options. It is equi-valent to binoculars with 10 times magnifi-cation. At the other end of the focal lengthscale the classic 35 mm wide-angle coversthe majority of requirements for landscapephotography, reportage and indoor shots.The DC Vario-Elmarit is thus a highly capa-

ble but compact all-rounder, which makeslaborious lens changing superfluous andthereby precludes the risk of contaminat-ing the sensor with dust or sand. The easy-to-grip rubber coating on the twist ringmakes zooming a precision pleasure, andthe physical external length of the lensdoes not change when zooming or whenfocusing so good balance is maintained. Inthe macro range you can get down to 5 cmat 35 mm and to 50 cm at 420 mm, whichallows the smallest details to completelyfill the frame.So that the pleasure at telephoto work(and generally under difficult lighting con-ditions) is not compromised by camerashake, the OIS optical image stabilizereffectively filters out the visible results ofany handheld camera shake. The systemhas been further refined to monitor move-ment 4,000 times a second, and a move-able lens element compensates shake inreal time. This gains the user at least twoand maybe three to four exposure stops (orISO speed values). Whether your’re wan-dering around town or on an enjoyable tripyou can leave your tripod at home. OIS hasits own activation button on the cameratop panel – there is no need to scrollthrough a menu.In an all-in-one camera like the V-Lux 1 thelens, sensor, electronics and software can

be optimally matched to each other. Thismatching can have a major effect on thepicture. In the case of the V-Lux 1, whatdoes ‘optimum’ mean? In relation to thematching the color reproduction, contrastand the picture definition, Leica CameraAG have developed their own ‘Image Set-tings’ profile, which is based on a standardcorresponding to the picture characteris-tics of a Leica system camera using pro-fessional film developed by a custom labo-ratory. Leica customers can also expect


24 Leica World News

true-to-life color reproduction of skintones, a realistic color palette and a natu-ral-looking contrast range from the V-Lux1.A new image signal processor processesthe data extremely quickly, which is onereason why the camera readiness time is(0.7 seconds) including image saving. Thisreduces power consumption, since thenew image processor requires less energyeven though it is working faster. Improvednoise reduction also permits higher speedsettings up to ISO 3200.Precision and security are also provided bythe AF system. The system moves swiftlyand decisively to the focus point and stopsthere – there’s no tendency to ‘hunt.’Options from multi-field AF to spot AFare calculated for different subjects andsituations. The same applies to the expo-sure metering, which offers multi-zone,center-weighted and spot, plus exposurelock, so that no useful mode is omitted.There is also a precise volume controlfor all signal sounds and for the syn-thetic shutter-release noise. Of coursethe LEICA V-LUX 1 can also prowl aroundvirtually silently. It is supplied with a 512MB SD card, Photoshop Elements 4 and

Image type/format 1:1.8" CCD sensor with 10.4 million total pixels and 10.1 million

effective pixels.

Data recording File formats Still : RAW, JPEG (Fine/Standard), Movie : QuickTime

Motion JPEG.

Storage media SD memory card (also SDHC cards) and multimedia card (512 MB SD

card included in scope of supply).

Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 7.4–88.8 mm f/2.8–3.7 ASPH. (equiva-

lent to 35–420 millimeters for 35 mm format), 12x optical zoom.

Sensitivity setting Choice between automatic or manual ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800,

1600, 3200 (in high-sensitivity mode).

Motif programs Portraits, sport, night scenes, night portraits, fireworks, parties, snow,

self-portraits, food, high-sensitivity mode, Baby 1, Baby 2, soft skin,

candlelight, starry skies, landscapes.

Monitor/EVF Swiveling 2.0” TFT color display with 207,000 pixels, electronic

viewfinder with 235,000 pixels.

Dimensions (WxHxD) 141 mm x 85 mm x 142 mm (5.5 x 3.3 x 5.6 inch)

Weight 668 g/734 g (23.6/25.9 oz) (without/with battery, memory card

and lens cap)

Scope of delivery Camera with lens cap, carrying strap, lens hood, 512 MB SD card,

charger, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, A/V cable, USB cable,

extensive software package (Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 (PC)/

3.0 (Mac),Quicktime Movie Player).

TECHNICAL DATA LEICA V-LUX 1


Leica World News 25

what particularly engenders confidence, atwo-year full guarantee (not just a war-ranty).Summary: The bold step taken by LeicaCamera AG of including this camera type inits lineup is fully justified by the excellenceof the camera itself. It is a high-tech prod-uct that easily enables you to take superpictures on the fly in automatic mode.High-performance optics and electronicsensure outstanding picture quality. Themonitor can be adjusted to almost anyviewing angle – even crazy ones. The cam-era can also mold itself to the character ofthe photographer, because it can be usedin fully manual mode. With the extremelywide-range zoom capability, it can take theplace of a DSLR camera in many applica-tions. It is thus suitable both for theyounger generation of photographers andalso for ‘old foxes’ who are seeking a com-pact camera that makes no compromises.In short: never was the uncompromisingapproach of the Leica company more allur-ing or offered at a better price. H J K

Fotos: Klaus-Peter Kappest


26 Leica World News

LET ’S START with the outer aspect of thenew LEICA D-LUX 3. The front section isuncluttered and concentrates on theessentials, namely the high performancelens, wide-aperture lens and of course thered Leica logo that traditionally signifiesboth timelessness and uncompromisedimage quality. The rear of the camera con-tains an LCD that displays the image in‘wide-screen’ format, which means thatpictures can be shown in the future-orient-ed 16:9 HDTV format. With 207,000 pixels,the huge 2.8" display provides a really bril-liant image and thus enables precise eval-uation, both of the picture compositionand of the reproduction. You can also viewthe display at slightly reduced brightnessby selecting the low-energy mode. Thisextends the capacity rechargeable batterywithout losing any of the outstandingimage quality of the display.As a compact high-grade digital camera,the LEICA D-LUX 3 has a high-perform-ance 10 megapixel sensor, which togetherwith the new image processing systemdelivers quicker image processing andsaves time in executing various in-camerafunctions. Responsiveness in capturingfleeting moments is assured by the quick,decisive operation of the auto-focus sys-tem. Security and protection against cam-era shake are also assured by an integral

optical image stabiliser (O.I.S.), which canbe switched on or off at any time. Itensures sharp pictures whether you’reshooting at twilight, indoors in dim light,taking quick snapshots or operating at thetelephoto end of the zoom range. Becauseof the efficient power management in theLEICA D-LUX 3, the camera will operate forlong periods or many shots without need-ing battery charging. Ingenious image-pro-cessing algorithms ensure crisp, low-noisepictures.The lens is of course essential as it servesas the gateway on the road to good pic-tures. It follows that as a discerning cus-tomer one should always pay particularattention to the quality of the lenses – theyare first requirement for the successfulrealization of your ideas as outstandingimages. The D-Lux 3 lens is impressiveindeed: the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT1:2.8-4.9/6.3-25.2 ASPH., offers both afast maximum aperture of 1:2.8 for effi-cient light gathering and an attractive focallength range of 28–112 mm (35 mm equi-valent). This range covers practically everycommon photographic application. In thisrespect also the LEICA D-LUX 3 showsitself to be a high-performance all-rounder,since due to its compact and flat designyou can always keep it with you, and youcan master an amazingly diverse range ofchallenges with no further ado. The lensitself consists of 9 high-quality elementsin 8 groups. By using a joystick on the rearof the camera, manual focusing is alsoavailable.The camera offers the classic Leica photo-graphic format of 3:2. It also offers thefacility to work in the popular 4:3 or thenew wide-view 16:9 HDTV format at the fullresolution of more than 10 megapixels. Bysupporting the ever more popular attrac-tive aspect ratio of 16:9 used in TV andvideo applications along with two otherclassic formats the LEICA D-LUX 3 proves

itself to be equipped for the future. Itscompactness has already been highlight-ed. The chic 185 gram (61⁄2 oz) lightweightcamera is easy and comfortable to hand-hold and thanks to its simple operatingconrtols it’s quick and reliable to use forbeginners and experts alike. The joystickmentioned above makes menu navigationeasy and permits manual focussing. All inall the LEICA D-LUX 3 combines the advan-tages of a compact digital camera foreveryday use with the sophisticated image-control capabilities of a professional cam-era. It can be recommended as an attrac-tive everyday companion while remaininguncompromising in its performance andquality.The shooting range of the D-Lux 3 can befurther extended using the Digital Adapter2. In connection with a scope, this opensup the field of digiscoping – photographythrough a scope. This fulfilling leisure pur-suit is enjoyed internationally by a growingnumber of nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Here again the LEICA D-LUX 3plays to its strengths. The large 2.8" dis-play has proven to be ideal for bird watch-ing. The optical image stabilization guaran-tees shake-free pictures even under themost extreme conditions. And the quick,responsive, delay-free shutter releaseensures that nature photography’s pre-cious moments are not missed. The acces-sories included with the LEICA D-LUX 3include a 64 MB SD card, a battery charg-er, a high-power rechargeable battery, acomprehensive software package and aUSB cable, an AV cable and a DC cable.Recommended optional accessoriesinclude a sporty Cordura case, or betteryet, the classic leather case – eye-catchingprotection for your camera at all times andin all places.H M K

LEICA D-LUX 3 : A CAMERA FOR ALL SEASONS

This is a camera for every day – it’s cool, quick, compact and high-performance. With

the new D-Lux 3 Leica offers its customers a pocket-sized digital camera with the

characteristics of a much larger camera – from a 10 megapixel sensor all the way to the

facility for creative picture control using manual focusing.


Leica World News 27

It’s sensational how this camera performs and what possibilities it offers: die D-Lux 3 is a real all-rounder, and a head-turner too. Photo: Gaël Turine


28 Leica World News

GLOSSARY

With the digital technology an abundance of new terms and unusual contractions comes

to customers. In the following – as service not only for new risers into the digital Leica

world – small encyclopedia of the most important abbreviations and technical terms.

PICTURE NOISE: A pattern of differentbrightness areas, blotches or grainy tex-tures in the recorded image that is notpresent in the original subject. Digitalnoise is sometimes manifested as inappro-priately colored pixels or a pattern of col-ored dots that appear only in the recordedimage. Without noise suppression, thelonger the exposure the more intense thepicture noise. Picture noise is also general-ly worse at higher ISO speeds than at lowerISO speeds.

IMAGE SENSOR: The image sensor con-verts light that passes through the lensinto electrical signals that vary with itsintensity. The most widely used image sen-sors are CCD and CMOS image sensors.

CCD: Abbreviation for ‘Charged-CoupledDevice’. Comprises a multiplicity of CCDelements packed closely together on a sili-con substrate. The greater the number ofCCD elements the higher the achievableresolution. So that the chip can also recog-nise colors, various electronic filteringtechniques are used. Color filters can alsobe applied to the individual elements, or aprism can split the incident light into itsconstituent colours and direct these on tothe respective elements.

CMOS: Abbreviation for ‘ComplementaryMetal Oxide Semiconductor’. CMOS semi-conductors are comparable to CCD imagesensors. They are characterised by highsignal reading speed and comparativelylow energy consumption. Further advan-tages are their compact dimensions andlow production costs.

LIVE MOS SENSOR: Live MOS sensorsoffer image quality comparable to the FullFrame Transfer (FFT) CCD, but with the lowpower consumption of a CMOS; the stabil-ity reproduction capability over times isregarded as a valuable asset. Simplified

circuitry reduces the distance from thephotodiodes to the respective micro lens-es on the chip and contributes to betterimage quality and higher sensitivity evenwhen the incidence angle of the incominglight is not optimum.

IMAGE STABILIZATION – OIS (OPTI -CAL IMAGE STABILIZER) : Opticalimage stabilizers use an additional lenselement or group that is moveable. Thisoptically compensates for high frequencycamera shake imparted by the user’s hand,without incurring any loss in resolutionas a consequence. Mega OIS providesadditional stabilisation in photo reviewmode.

REAL-T IME L IVE IMAGE: Thanks to thelive image signal from the Live-MOS sen-sor, the Digilux 3 is able to continuouslycheck the image on the LCD monitor as itcomes from the sensor. This operatesequally well with manual and with auto-matic focusing.

EFFECTIVE NUMBER OF PIXELS: Theactual number of pixels used for recordingan image, called the effective number ofpixels, is generally somewhat lower thanthe number of pixels with which the imagesensor (CCD, CMOS etc.) actually con-tains.

DUST PROTECTION FILTER: To pro-tect cameras with interchangeable lensesfrom the dreaded contamination of theimage sensor by ingress of dust and dirtparticles, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is equippedwith an ultrasonic protective filter in frontof the sensor, which totally eliminates thisproblem.

WHITE BAL ANCE: Denotes the com-pensation in the camera for light waveswhose composition differs from the nor-mal RGB daylight balance.

This function allows correction of the colortemperature (under different daylight, dif-ferent types of artificial light, etc.) to bemade, so that the resulting picture appearsin natural-looking colours. Every digitalcamera is fitted with this function, andsome allow a choice between manual andautomatic white balance.

RAW : RAW format means that the datataken directly from the CCD image sensoris in the raw (unprocessed) form, beingsimply converted from analog to digitalform. In other words, the data output is inits original unmodified condition, i.e. with-out internal processing within the digitalcamera.

DNG: Professional, and to an increasingextent semi-professional digital cameras,support photography in RAW format.Depending on the manufacturer, differentfile suffixes are used. These raw data for-mats can be read only by highly specificsoftware applications – any exchange withother software is problematic, and toarchive these proprietary formats is risky.To overcome the disadvantages of convert-ing non-native RAW data, Adobe offers anopen archiving format – ‘Digital Negative’(DNG) – for the raw data generated by dig-ital cameras.

EXIF : Abbreviation for ’ExchangeableImage File’. In this digital camera file for-mat the relevant information about the pic-ture stored in the header is saved. This pic-ture information contains data on time anddate when the photo was taken, the makeand type of the camera, the focus distance,aperture, exposure time, flash, white bal-ance and other particulars. This informa-tion can later be read and displayed by spe-cific types of ‘exif-aware’ image processingprograms.


Leica World News 29

EVEN IN THE 21 ST CENTURY, Leica stands for traditionalvalues that can be described in terms of concepts such as quali-ty, lasting value, innovation and concentration on the essentials.Allowing these terms to be conveyed over the global Internetcommunications medium and at the same time pointing thecustomer directly to his Leica dealer are the objectives of ourthoroughgoing Internet relaunch. This worldwide relaunch is intwo languages, English and German, and has been preparedby the Leica Internet team in cooperation with the WiesbadenInternet agency Scholz & Volkmer. In the near future the productsite will be available also in Italian, French and Japanese.We also have plans for an online magazine and for an individualLeica Newsletter service, which will regularly report the latest

news about Leica. The clear and simple website design commu-nicates brand values and products at both the emotional and theinformational levels. Both the magazine and the Newsletter willalso focus on three different themes – photography, studying thenatural world, and hunting.Each customer will thus have a quick and uncomplicatedmeans of accessing information and products relevant to him.Furthermore, all brochures and user manuals will be available fordownloading. In addition, local contact addresses (sales agen-cies, repair service, spares service, press office, professionalsupport service, info line) can be called up from anywhere in theworld. Finally, Leica Camera has, effective immediately, opened anew, clearly-structured, user-friendly customer forum underwww.leica-camera-user.com, where Leica customers and friendsof the brand have the opportunity to discuss matters of interestand exchange information. Our open invitation: Meet you on theInternet.

Leica – part of youLeica stands for concentration on the essentials, the best optics,long service life and lasting value. Leica products create for theuser totally individual and emotional experiences by creating andpreserving precious moments, becoming in the process lifelongcompanions.That’s why Leica users develop a personal relationship with thecamera. Henri Cartier-Bresson spoke of the Leica as being anextension of his eye. Leica customers have consistently echoedthe same sentiments, telling us time and time again that the Leicacamera or Leica binoculars have become an integral part of them.The new institutional Leica campaign seeks to communicate allthis at an international level. The campaign has been prepared bythe San Francisco-based team of the famous advertising agencyTBWA/Chiat/Day. This team has also worked for Apple and Adi-das, and was chosen in a competition among three leading agen-cies. In the end the decisive factor was the capability of the win-ning agency to devise very highly compressed and concentratedcampaigns that were truly memorable, and in creating compellingand simple messages that convey the essence of technicallydemanding products. It goes without saying that the new cam-paign will address the entire Leica product palette. The subjectshave been photographed by the famous photographer TobyMcFarland Pond. The campaign is starting in Germany, GreatBritain, France, the USA, Italy and Japan. Further countries areplanned. In addition the campaign will feature prominently on theLeica stand at photokina, and of course it will be featured on thenew Internet Leica homepage.

REL AUNCH: LEICA ON THE INTERNET AND IN ADVERTISEMENTS

Effective immediately, Leica Camera AG presents a new product website under the

address www.leica-camera.de. In parallel, the renowned optics specialist is starting

a new advertising campaign to communicate the philosophy of the company and its

products in a contemporary way.


30 Leica World News

LIKE MOST BIRDWATCHERS, my firstexperience was with single-lens reflex sys-tems and telephoto lenses. Then and nowI’m at home with these systems as a naturewatcher. Against this background youwould not expect that the internationalbirdwatcher scene would take much of aninterest in the subject of digiscoping. Sur-

CAMERAS THAT COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER PERFECTLY

Steve Dudley was an early convert to the possibilities of digiscoping. With the new V-Lux1

and the D-Lux, Leica now offers two fine cameras that complement each other perfectly

for his hobby of capturing the work of nature in pictures. Steve Dudley tested them both.

prisingly however, that’s exactly what didhappen. In short: it wasn’t long beforemost of us had added extended our equip-ment to include a digital camera.So, around the year 2000, when digitalcameras, let us say, had not yet becomevery compact, and the dominance of 35mm SLR systems was still evident, it prob-

ably first occurred to us birdwatchers thatthe new digital cameras could be attachedto the eyepiece of a scope. This simpletrick combined the optical magnification ofthe camera lens with the eyepiece magnifi-cation of the scope. The results were sim-ply sensational! While the classic mirrorreflex adapter converted a scope into an


Leica World News 31

800 mm lens, the new combinationallowed focal lengths as long as 2000 to3000 mm to be achieved – depending onthe zoom range of the camera and themagnification of the eyepiece used. Thiswas really something else! This really was anew dimension in bird photography! And itwas the birth of an idea that lately we havecome to call digiscoping.Since I began digiscoping at the beginningof 2002, I have probably taken some125,000 pictures. Before I started, thingshad already moved on a bit, and certaincameras had proven themselves particu-larly well suited to digiscoping. Specialadapters such as the digital adapter fromLeica which connects the camera to theeyepiece of the scope were already on themarket. Since I like to keep things simple, I

chose this very simple adapter so that Icould connect the eyepiece to the filterthread of my camera. And I was on my way!My two LEICA APO-TELEVID 77 and 62scopes were now quite differently con-nected to optimize their performance inphotographing the range birds that I waswatching.In recent years digital compact camerashave sprung up everywhere like mush-rooms. The models have become succes-sively smaller, their features constantlyimproved, the number of megapixelsincreased, and image stabilization hasbecome available. Fantastic! The innova-tive path beaten by Leica in the develop-ment of digital compact cameras led final-ly to the LEICA D-LUX 2. This cameraincorporated both the current trends in thedigital world generally and the trends indigiscoping in particular. Compact enoughto fit in your pocket, lightweight, 8 mega-pixels, image stabilized, with a large LCDdisplay, and superlatively easy to operate.The image stabilization meant the camerabehaved very well when attached to theeyepiece of a scope. Combined with theDigital Adapter 2 the effects of shake couldbe even further reduced – an essentialrequirement for digiscoping in poor light atlong range.Because birdwatchers always have theircamera with them, this leads as a by-prod-uct to their developing an interest in otherkinds of animals as well, in particular aninterest in insects that fly by day, such asladybird beetles and butterflies. The newLeica D-Lux class has proven itself ideal forphotographing insects, both for digiscop-ing and also for conventional photographyat macro settings.With continual progress in the develop-ment of digital image capture, the per-formances of digital compact cameras anddigital single-lens reflex cameras (D-SLRs)are converging ever more closely. Fromthis have arisen extremely high perform-ance hybrid systems, which, because oftheir extended zoom capabilities, aredubbed ‘super-zooms’. One of the latestdevelopments in this segment is the LEICAV-LUX 1. Models such as the V-Lux 1,which in appearance resemble smaller ver-sions of single-lens reflex cameras, openup a whole new world of possibilities for

birdwatching and nature photography.Anyone who took up digiscoping in the ear-ly days has long since explored the fullextent of what is possible using that sys-tem. Even with the camera permanentlycoupled to the eyepiece of the scope andmounted on a sturdy tripod you still needsome time to set up the equipment and toprepare the shot – at least 30 seconds. Aperiod during which – as every observer ofthe natural world knows full well – the‘quarry’ can easily have vanished.Looked at in this way, cameras such as thenew Leica V-Lux 1 are not simply an addi-tion to our existing battery of field equip-ment. They fill a photographic gap. Mydigiscoping camera delivers outstandingphotographs of birds and nature subjectswhen used in conjunction with the scope.Without the scope it is outstanding whenused for macro photography and land-scape shots – it also takes excellent holi-day snapshots! But the V-Lux 1 fills the gapin the close-up to middle-focal-lengthrange. If a little warbler appears in a bushjust 3 meters from me, it’s too close for adigiscoping shot (and it would take toolong to assemble the equipment in anycase) but it’s ideal for the V-Lux 1 which Ialso keep close by me and I use to followthe bird as it makes its way through thebushes. On a hot day, a butterfly seekingnectar lands on a flower only 1.5 metersaway. The insect is too active for me toapproach it more closely, and to take adigiscoping shot I would have to retreatsome 6 meters away. Once again thehandy, ergonomic V-Lux 1 saves the day.These two examples show probably best ofall how the new LEICA V-LUX 1 perfectlycomplements my digiscoping equipment. S T E V E D U D L E Y

Giant kingfisher, Gambia, February 2006 (superzoom). – We were crowded togetherin a hide with a view over a tropical forest lake. This giant kingfisher landed less thanten feet from us. My digiscoping colleagues had no chance in this case. Whilst thetwo D-SLR photographers hastily attempted to remove their teleconverters from thetelescopic lenses. I was the only one that was able to seize the moment as the giantkingfisher looked inquisitively at the group of overheated birdwatchers.


Black-tailed godwit, Cambridgeshire, England, May 2003 (digiscoping). – Black-tailed godwits nest in open grassland. Here the male bird is watchingover his sitting mate from his perch on a fencepost. I tried to move carefully and take advantage of the existing tall vegetation for concealment, whilst I brought my scope and camera into position to take the picture. The bird is still relaxed. His open bill shows that he is ready to signal anypossible dangers to his mate.


Leica World News 33

Puffins, Shetland Isles, Scotland, June 2003 (digiscoping / superzoom). – Puffins enjoy great popularity – and not just amongst birdwatchers. HereI show four pictures that represent both different equipment (digiscoping and superzoom) and different methods. Pictures 1 and 2 (digiscoping) origi-nate from the time when I had yet to acquire a superzoom camera, so digiscoping was the only option. Picture 1 shows one of the great strengths ofdigiscoping – zooming in on a bird in the foreground. This puffin was only 8 metres away, but he didn’t move. At such a close range and such a tightzoom the focal length was reduced. That meant that the rough cliffs were reduced to a soft out-of-focus background, which reinforces the intimacy ofthe photo. Picture 2 shows a bird at a very much greater distance (about 80 metres). Picture 3 (superzoom) arose whilst I was sitting on a rocky out-crop eating my lunch. I put down my sandwich, picked up my camera, carefully lay down on my stomach, crawled to 2 metres from the bird and wasable to take a series of good portraits, with the sea as background. Picture 4 (superzoom) shows the same bird as he started to clean himself. Remem-bering my successful digiscoping picture of 2003, I now hoped to capture the full shaking movement. The trick for this is to try to focus on at least onepart of the bird, whilst the rest shows the shaking movement.

“Models such as the V-Lux 1, which in looks resembles a smaller

version of a mirror reflex camera, open up a whole new world of

possibilities for birdwatching and nature photography.”Steve Dudley


34 Leica World News

Imprint

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Hans-Michael Koetzle DGPh

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LEICA WORLD NEWS

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CALENDARS: With Leica through the year

LEICA WALL AND DESK CALENDARS are highly popular,and not only with Leica photographers. For twelve months theyprovide orientation, decorating desk or wall and in addition in-spiring your own photographic creativity. In their usual excellentprint quality and elegant design the calendars present selectedexamples of international Leica photography. The attractive deskcalendar offers works from the range of the Leica Gallery inSolms. The large-format Leica wall calendar celebrates ten yearsof the ‘Leica World’ with twelve selected cover subjects takenfrom the multi-award-winning Leica Camera AG customer maga-zine. Not only do these black and white and colour pictures provethe quality of this ambitious semi-annual magazine, but above allthey document international Leica photographers’ pleasure inexperimentation and rich variety of ideas, including Leica classicssuch as Henri Cartier-Bresson, top photographers of the presentday such as Bruce Gilden or Paolo Roversi, and new names suchas Elinor Carucci or Narelle Autio. Available through your autho-rised Leica dealer.

TEN YEARS OF LEICA WORLD: only the simply

HOW SHOULD a magazine look, which corresponds to the traditional values of the Leica brandand at the same time looks to the future; which presents itself seriously, but in a modern way? Tenyears ago the first issue of ‘Leica World’ appeared. Since then the Leica Camera AG customermagazine has won many prizes, including international awards, and has secured a considerableworldwide readership. Leica Camera celebrates the 10-year anniversary of ‘Leica World’ with apacked special edition, expanded to 16 pages. The contents include: photo town New York, inter-view with MoMA photo curator Peter Galassi – the printed page: photography in magazines andbooks – Leica pioneer Stefan Kruckenhauser – Houston photo festival – Rencontres d’Arles – LeicaOskar-Barnack prize – portfolios from Heidi Bradner, Andrew Z. Glickman, Tomás Munita, JamesWhitlow Delano, Andreas Meichsner and Pierre Witt – new Leica products at photokina – pros-pects for the photo year 2007 – and much more besides! Make sure you receive the attractiveanniversary issue.


Leica Digiscoping Capture close-up views of the fascinating

spectacles of nature in pictures. To do so, simply combine a LEICA TELEVID

spotting scope with a compact digital camera – for example with the new

LEICA D-LUX 3 – or a mobile phone, and you will have a photographic outfit

with a super-telephoto lens ! Digiscoping will greatly expand your ability to

observe the grandeur of nature. Let your local Leica specialist inform you or

find out for yourself right now on the internet.Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms / Telephone +49 (0) 6442-208-111 / www.leica-camera.com

LEICA APO-TELEVID 77 with LEICA DIGITALADAPTER 2 and LEICA D-LUX 3


my LeicaA Leica is not just a camera.It is an instrument you create with.It is your hands and your eyes.It is a part of you.

The d ig i ta l LEICA M8 rangef inder camera.

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leica world news 2-2006_en

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