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Leica lenses update for better image quality
Nic Rossmüller : June 17th 2006 - 21:05 CET
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 Leica lenses update for better image quality : Leica Camera AG, Solms will be giving the lenses of the Leica rangefinder system a new code on the bayonet ring in future to enable the planned digital Leica M camera to recognize the lens type. The information on the lens that is being used helps the camera to optimize image quality. All Leica lenses leaving the factory from July 1st, 2006 onwards will have the new coding, although they can still be fully used with the current analog cameras Leica MP and Leica M7 as well as classic models built after 1954. Lenses in the current range as well as many earlier models can be retrofitted at the cost of the owner to benefit from the optimization in the digital and classic camera.
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 Leica digital M camera - Quality
The lenses are compatible with the planned digital M camera even without retrofitting, except that the additional features cannot be used. The lens coding is called ‘6-bit coding‘ because six fields in the bayonet ring are marked in black or white to represent a number from 1 to 64 in binary code. The planned digital M camera reads this information optically and can identify the lens on the basis of this code. Apart from the improvement in image quality, this information is also written into the EXIF image file.
Rainer Bültert about 6 bit coding
“On account of their legendary quality, nearly all Leica M lenses are ideal for digital use. However, the new 6-bit coding also uses the performance reserves in the image processing of the camera to give our customers the excellent image result they expect from Leica,“ says Rainer Bültert, product manager for the M system at Leica Camera AG. Lenses bought in the past will be converted at the request of the customer for 95 euros at the Customer Service of Leica Camera AG in Solms or the Leica agencies of other countries.
Leica M digital rangefinder camera
Many of the lenses made from 1963 onwards can be converted. The only lens in the current range that will not be given a 6-bit coding is the Leica APO-TELYT-M 135 mm f/3.4. It is not codable later, either, as its extension factor of 1.33 makes it unsuitable for use on the planned digital M camera. The launch of the digital Leica rangefinder camera is planned for the second half of 2006.
Leica lenses update - Current models
Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 ASPH. Black
Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Black
Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. Black
Leica Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH. Black
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Black
Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. Black
Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. Silver
Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.0 Black
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Black
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Silver
Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black
Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver
Leica Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 Black
Leica Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 Silver
Leica Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black
Leica Apo-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. Black
Leica Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH. Black
Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black
Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Black
Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Silver
Leica Macro-Adapter M Black
Leica lenses update - Discontinued models
Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 Black
Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 ASPH. Silver
Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Silver
Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 Black
Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 Black
Leica Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH. Black
Leica Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH. Silver
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Silver
Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 Black
Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 Silver
Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.0 Black
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Black
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Silver
Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black
Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black
Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver
Leica Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black
Leica Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black
Leica Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Black
Leica Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Silver
Leica Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH. Silver
Leica Tele-Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black
Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Silver
Leica Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 Black
About Leica Camera
Leica Camera AG creates precision optical products for work and leisure. The superlative photographic results brought about by the precision optics and mechanics, the brilliant image in the slide projection or in nature as observed through binoculars or spotting scopes all bring enjoyment to their users. A sense of achievement arises when intense involvement with the products leads users to discover and perfect new capabilities and new ways of seeing, whether in photography or, using our binoculars and scopes, in the field of sports.
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