Leica World News 1-2006_en

91145 01/2006

LEICA C-LUX 1

Perfect for Fun Photography: Leica’s New Digital Camera _ P. 4 FOUR THIRDS FORUM

Leica Supports the Open Standard for Digital Photography_ P. 8 R ANGEFINDER

The New Rangemaster CRF 1200 – an Experience Report _ P. 10

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10 RANGEMASTER CRF 1200

07 LEICA LENSES in a digital world

04 A life-size view of the LEICA C-LUX 1

Dear friends of Leica, Spring and summer with their fresh, green colors are particularly attractive seasons for photography and nature watching. There are signs of new life at Leica, too. The LEICA DIGITALMODUL-R is now fully available and is being put to excellent use by more and more R photographers. Our digital compact camera LEICA D-LUX 2 was such a success that it was sold out after only a few months. In this issue of Leica World News we are introducing the new LEICA C-LUX 1, the first model in another ultra compact and elegant series of digital compact cameras. Don’t miss it!

There are exciting developments in the legendary Leica M system as well: The eagerly awaited digital Leica M camera is to be launched in the second half of the year. This means a difficult decision for many a Leica M customer: Should I start putting money aside for the new camera or snap up one of the high performance lenses first as they can just as easily be used for digital photography?

Another article in this issue describes our involvement in the so-called Four-Thirds Standard, which will pave the way for furDr. Ralph Nebe, ther attractive digital products from Leica.

International Sales and Leica Sport Optics, used by our nature-loving customers every Marketing Director day, will be catering for hunting enthusiasts in particular this summer. In this issue of Leica World News you can find out all about the new extra powerful LEICA GEOVID 15 x 56 BRF with 15x magnification and our new compact rangefinder LEICA RANGEMASTER CRF 1200.

As the new International Sales and Marketing Director, I am pleased to be playing a part in shaping Leica Camera AG’s bright new future. I am especially looking forward to the dialog with you. Incidentally, we are opening a new website this summer which should make communication even more effective!

With kindest regards,

04 LEICA C-LUX 1 Constant companion: A new extra compact digital camera from Leica

07 LEICA LENSES No mistake: Leica optics are still the best and all ready for digital photography

08 FOUR THIRDS SYSTEM Embracing the future: Leica Camera joins the consortium for the new standard

09 LEICA GEOVID 15 x 56 BRF The first 15 x 56 with an integrated rangefinder: Roland Zeitler put it to the test

10 RANGEMASTER CRF 1200 New laser rangefinder: High performance without the weight – the Rangemaster in everyday use

12

UNIVERSAL LENSES Well equipped: Two ultra compact zoom lenses for the Leica R system cover a wide variety of photographic situations

14

LEICA M SYSTEM Always at your service: Useful accessories for the Leica M

Dr. Ralph Nebe Leica World News 3

LEICA C-LUX 1: AN ELEGANT ALL-ROUNDER In terms of pure enjoyment value, Leica Camera AG’s new ultra compact high-performance digital camera is hard to beat. Equally suitable for everyday use, leisure and sports, the LEICA C-LUX 1 is a high-tech product that’s also exudes fashionable elegance, and makes a statement about its owner.

CONSIDER ITS petite but practical dimen-

sions: 3 11⁄16 inches wide, 2 1⁄8 inches high.

15 ⁄16 inches front to back. A camera like this really does fit into any jacket pocket, briefcase or handbag. And the sartorially sophisticated will even be able to accommodate the new ultra compact digital Leica camera Leica behind their breast pocket handkerchief! In any case, the LEICA C-LUX 1 is the ideal companion at home and on holiday, at social events, or when you suddenly discover something visually memorable while walking to your destination, shopping, or simply strolling down the street. The LEICA C-LUX 1 is always at hand, easy to use, compact and unobtrusive. When we say it’s compact however, we mean that it’s still large enough to hold and operate in comfort. After all, even the trend towards miniaturization has its sensible limits.

This new fun-to-use camera proves its worth in so many different situations that you’ll want to take it everywhere you go.

Incidentally, the new LEICA C-LUX 1 is at the cutting edge of the incredibly rapid technological advances in digital products.

Equipped with a 6 megapixel sensor, it features extremely short shutter delay, precise autofocus measurement, and an optical image stabilizer for carefree photography whatever the occasion. The exquisite LEICA DC-VARIO-ELMARIT lens further enhances the camera’s versatility by offering a focal length range equivalent to 28–102 mm in 35 mm format, providing an unusually broad choice of subjects. It covers typical wide-angle situations with the focal length of 28 mm (a unique feature for this class of camera), but the LEICA C-LUX 1 also has no problem capturing more distant subjects at the telephoto settings. As you’d expect, the cameras optic’s based

4 Leica World News

on state-of-the-art aspherical technology.

In short, if you choose the new LEICA C-LUX 1, you know you’re benefiting from the legendary optical expertise of Leica Camera AG. And that’s not all. The longlife battery is supported by the outstanding Venus Plus processor, renowned for high performance and low energy consumption. The high-resolution 2.5-inch 207,000-pixel display provides a brilliant, high-resolution viewing image. High-sensitivity settings of up to ISO 1600 combined with the optical image sta-

bilizer guarantee sharply focused, blur-free photos even in dim light. A candlelight dinner is just as easy for the LEICA C-LUX 1 to handle as the fast-moving subjects encountered in sports, games and other leisure activities. For all those unexpected encounters and photo oppourtunities, the C-LUX 1 is instantly ready for action. It can even capture exciting video movies in VGA quality. To sum it up, this little digital Leica is a true all-rounder for taking an incredible variety of photographs, for hobbies or work, at home or away.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE LEICA C-LUX 1 Photography type/format

1:1/2.5" CCD sensor with 6.37 m effective pixels (for aspect ratio 4:3)

Dimensions (WxHxD)

approx. 94 x 51 x 24 mm (3 11⁄16 x 2 1⁄8 x 15⁄16 in)

Weight

approx. 160 g/5.6 oz (with battery and SD card)

Lens

LEICA DC VARIO ELMARIT f/2.8-5.6/4.6-16.8 ASPH. (corresponds to 28–102 mm for the 35 mm system)

Film speed setting

Automatic or manual ISO 80, 100, 200 or 400 (in high-sensitivity mode 800–1600)

Scene modes

Simple mode, normal image, macro, SCN modes (portrait, soft skin, landscape, sport, night portrait, self-portrait, food, party, candlelight, fireworks, starry sky, snow, baby1, baby2, high sensitivity), moving image, replay

Monitor

2.5" polycrystalline TFT color display with 207,000 pixels

Storage medium

SD memory card, MultiMedia card (still pictures only)

Scope of delivery

Battery charger, battery, 64 MB SD memory card, AV cable, USB cable, AC cable, wrist strap, CD-ROM with software (Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0, Quicktime Movie Player)

Warranty

2 years

A life-size view of the LEICA C-LUX 1

Leica World News 5

The attractively colored leather case is perfect for keeping the LEICA C-LUX 1 safe wherever you take it.

Happily, the camera’s intrinsic value is expressed on the outside as well, with sound craftsmanship and a modern design that is both stylish and practical and makes this new model instantly recognizable as a

6 Leica World News

member of the prestigious Leica family. It’s easy to hold, caresses the senses – whether in the black or silver chrome version – or to put it simply: It looks great. With its slightly rounded sides, uncluttered front and large

LCD monitor on the back, the LEICA C-LUX 1 is a real eyecatcher. And it’s a camera that will give you pleasure for years to come.

L E I C A L E N S E S : S T I L L T H E B E S T I N A D I G I TA L W O R L D What happens to my prized Leica lenses in the brave new digital world? It’s a question posed by many Leica customers. The answer: Leica optics are still the best and, without exception, fully equal to the demands of today’s digital technology.

WE ALL KNOW what photography is: light

passes through a lens and enables the image formed to be recorded either on a film or a sensor. This admittedly simplified description of a complicated process makes one thing abundantly clear: Every photograph begins at the lens. That’s why Lens quality is a decisive factor in determing the quality of the resulting photo. If a lens is merely mediocre, it is impossible to produce a top-quality photo, however sophisticated the downstream factors (film quality, number of pixels, etc.) may be. In other words, a superlative lens is just as important in digital photography as it is in analog photography for achieving first-class results – maybe even more so!

Optically and mechanically, Leica lenses represent the absolute state of the art.

Although this in itself is nothing new, it’s definitely worth remembering in a digital context. Whereas average-quality lenses in analog photography still produce average results, high-resolution digital sensors mercilessly expose the weaknesses of a lens.

Strictly speaking, every lens is something like the squaring of the circle. After all, every optical element has various inherent aberrations that impede the process of achieving a high-resoultion, natural-looking image. Despite these obstacles, an experienced design engineer may be able,

by applying cutting-edge simulation and optimization software, to select and arrange the individual elements in a lens in such a way that their individual aberration errors cancel each other out. This is no easy task considering the different radii and glass materials with widely varying refraction indices, plus the fact that some of the elements need to move in relation to each other as the lens is focused or zoomed. But this is just what Leica aims at – backed by a wealth of experience However, the design of the optical system is only one aspect in the production of a good lens. Ultra high manufacturing standards are just as important. Traditionally, the optical manufacturing specifications at Leica have always been substantially tighter than the industry norm. They have to be, because the tolerances of the various components may add up to a total tolerance that far exceeds our extremely stringent performance standards. Sometimes even experienced craftsman find extreme tolerances demanded to achieve with automatic machining techniques, and that’s why certain lenses are finished individually by hand.

It is a well-known fact that Leica lenses meet the most extreme precision-mechanical specifications. Not so many people know that the sensors made for Leica are specially matched to the demands of the

Leica lenses as well. An ultra-thin protective filter in front of the sensor ensures that the performance of the lenses is not impaired by using a thicker filter glass, which often results in unwanted reflections.

And whereas the majority of Leica’s competitors use physical low-pass filters when moiré filtering is required, Leica’s low-pass filter is integrated on the basis of software so optimum resulition is maintained This is the only way to fully exploit the definition potential of each Leica lens. To state it succinctly, it not only makes excellent sense to choose Leica lenses in digital photography, it also wise to choose a Leica digital camera or Digital Modul R back to complement them. Leica: The best in quality and performance, now and always.

MK

Leica lenses: Cutting-edge technology with digital compatibility

Leica World News 7

F O U R T H I R D S SYST E M : Leica on Board

T H E S O - C A L L E D ‘Four Thirds’ system was initiated by Olympus and Kodak at the end of 2002 as an open standard that is optimized for digital capture and future development, and is designed to overcome some of the the technical limitations imposed by using a format with its roots in analog camera technology. Basically, the new standard simplifies the development

of lenses that are compatible with cameras made by a variety of manufacturers and is perfectly matched to the size and characteristics of digital image sensors. Once the type and size of the bayonet mount of the ‘Four Thirds’ forum was standardized as well, it became e possible to combine products of different manufacturers going forward. Besides Panasonic – a strategic part-

ner of Leica Camera AG – Leica itself has now joined the ‘Four Thirds’ consortium and regards the new standard as a welcome complement to the successful Leica M and Leica R system with their wide ranges of lenses and compact cameras. Moreover, Leica sees the ‘Four Thirds’ standard as an opportunity to reach a wider customer audience for its renowned high-performance lenses in the rapidly expanding digital SLR sector.

As a first step toward this end, Leica, in cooperation with Panasonic, designed its first D lens in 4/3 mount, the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8 – 3.5/14 – 50 mm ASPH. As you would expect, this lens meets the exceptionally stringent inspection and quality control specifications of Leica Camera AG and it provides outstanding performance. And of course the thought of using this lens on a future digital SLR of our own was never far from our mind The new Leica D Vario-Elmarit is indeed a first step on the way to our eventual goal of offering a high-quality lens line for the 4/3 standard. There are also plans for developing a complete camera together with Panasonic. Leica’s long-term aim in joining the ‘Four Thirds’ consortium is simple and direct: to carve out a niche with innovative high-performance lenses aimed at conoisseurs and professionals in the repidly growing digital SLR market.

N E W S U M M I L U X : It’s available in silver I T I S N O C oincidence that the 50 mm

lens is often called the standard focal length for 35mm photography. It has proven immensely useful in so many different situations that for this reason alone it deserves a place in the basic outfit of every photographer. In mid 2004, Leica Camera announced a completely new design of its high-speed standard lens – the Summilux-M f/1.4/50 mm ASPH. The outstanding features of this timeless classic for the Leica M range are enhanced imaging performance through the use of an aspherical element, outstanding quality in the close-up range

8 Leica World News

resulting from its floating-element design (the last element changes position with respect to the other optics during focusing) plus consistently high imaging performance due to the use of high-refraction glass and elements with partial dispersion.

Whether it’s used for selective focus in the macro range, high-contrast available light photography, or landscapes with impressive depth of field, the new 50mm Summilux delivers convincing performance whatever the situation. For all those owners of a classic M outfit in silver who have hesitated buying one until now, this is your chance:

To match the camera: the 50 mm Summilux with silver chrome finish

The LEICA SUMMILUX-M f/1.4/50 mm ASPH. is finally available in a matching silver chrome version. Ask your authorized Leica dealer for details.

L E I C A G E OV I D 15 X 5 6 B R F Seeing more implies recognizing fine details, discerning more and ultimately, knowing more about what is being observed. That is exactly what the new LEICA GEOVID15 x 56 BRF binocular delivers. In addition to providing high magnification, it also offers the observer the benefits of an integrated laser rangefinder. A test report by Roland Zeitler.

W E I G H I N G O N LY 1300 g (46 oz), the

15x56BRF has a very balanced and steady feel. Thanks to its excellent weight distribution, handheld observation is supremely comfortable. For prolonged observation, the use of a tripod and the Leica Binocular Adapter is recommended. Because of its large 56 mm objective, the binocular can also be used very effectively at twilight.

The optics are treated with an abrasion resistant Leica HDC coating. This yields a razor-sharp image with superb color fidelity and rich contrast. It is precisely the high image brilliance with good contrast that makes it possible to discern fine details at this high magnification that would otherwise remain hidden. Furthermore, the binocular offers the possibility of laser rangefinding from 10 m (10.9 yd) to approximately 1200 m (1312 yd). To this end, a laser beam is emitted along the main axis of the lens, the reflected light is gathered by the lens and directed to the measuring cell by means of a beamsplitter prism.

The distance is shown immediately by means of a red LED display in the right ocular. An outline of the measuring field is also shown in the same ocular. The intensity of the LED display automatically adjusts itself to the ambient brightness. There is no flare. By pressing the key on the top of the binocular continuously, the measurement shifts to a scanning mode. This is ideal when one wishes to measure the distance to different or rapidly moving subjects in rapid succession. The large focusing drum is positioned conveniently at the central shaft. The diopter compensation can be set at the left ocular and parallax compensation is provided for the LED display at the right ocular. The LED display can thus be adjusted for optimal focus. The oculars are optimized for eyeglass-wearers with rotating eyecups with two click positions.

Thanks to the use of roof prisms with phase correction (P40 coating), the binocular is very slender, but 210 mm (8.4 inches) high. The very sturdy aluminum die-casting is completely coated with a soft, grippable rubber armoring. The Geovid easily withstood rough handling and several strong impacts. It remained watertight when

Top class optics, dependable measurements thanks to the high performance laser: Roland Zeitler tests the new Leica Geovid.

immersed in a 50 cm (nearly 20 inches) deep water container. It is also filled with nitrogen to prevent the interior from steaming up.

The new 15x56 can be used for numerous applications. During a hunt, a ram can still be viewed very clearly at 100 or 150 m (109 or 164 yd). Strong roebuck antlers can easily be discerned at great distances without alarming the game. I especially appreciated the powerful magnification while hunting in a field where game was standing in the open at a great distance – or when a fox was moving under the cover of a distant hedge. Mounted on a tripod, it is simply perfect for hunting varmints such as prairie dogs or woodchucks. Being able to ascertain the measured distance to the game is most important for a successful hunt. It is probably also ideal for hunting on horseback, in the wilds of the Yukon, or in Montana. It can be used equally very effectively for hunting rams or mountain goats or for stalking wapiti or moose. In such situations, observation and shooting must, of necessity be performed at great distances.

When a wapiti buck is standing in the shade of a tree during the early hours of the morning, the bright optics reveal the details of its antlers. It enables you to decide whether it is legal for shooting or whether it is to be spared.

In practice, the very quick rangefinding and the LED distance display were most impressive. The binocular performed dependably and accurately. Game could readily be ranged up to approximately 1150 m (1258 yd), highly reflective subjects like houses even up to 1368 m (1496 yd). The high-performance laser also permits distance measurements under difficult conditions.

Precise rangefinding ability paired with top-class, sharp and brilliant optics made it a genuine pleasure to use this new Geovid binocular.

The slender Geovid was easy to carry and it readily made excellent handheld observation possible. All in all, it is a truly practical observation instrument for specialized fields of application, for which it is supremely suitable.

ROLAND ZEITLER

Leica World News 9

L E I C A R A N G E M A S T E R C R F 12 0 0 Hunters will really appreciate it: The new Leica Laser Rangefinder CRF 1200 delivers the same high performance, yet it is even smaller and lighter than its illustrious predecessor.

Roland Zeitler tested the new Rangemaster, at times even under extreme cold weather conditions.

Small, lightweight, high-performance: The new Rangefinder in practical use.

T H E N E W Leica Laser Rangefinder CRF

1200, while maintaining the very same high standard of performance, is now much smaller and handier than its popular pred-

ecessor. The new Rangemaster 1200 is just about palm-size. Weighing only 220 g (7.8 oz) with the battery, it practically disappears in your hand! Its small size even allows it to be stowed in a purse or a pocket.

Of course it also fits in any pocket of a hunting jacket. It even fits well in a Napoleon pocket. That is especially useful in regions with cold climates like the Arctic, because then it benefits from the warmth of the body, so the performance capability of the battery (3 Volt CR2 Lithium) is maintained in such frigid areas.

I used the predecessor of this new model at full capacity in the Canadian Arctic at minus 40 degrees Celsius (which is also minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit). The small laser rangefinder can, of course, also be carried in its convenient Cordura belt case,

TECHNICAL DATA AT A GLANCE Front lens diameter

24 mm

Magnification

7x

Exit pupil

3.4 mm

Twilight factor

13

Field of view at 1000 m

115 m

Field of view at 1000 yds 347 ft Diopter compensation

+/- 3.5 diopters

Prism system

Roof prism system with P40 phase-correcting layer

Dimensions (W x H x D)

113 x 74 x 34 mm (4 7⁄16 x13⁄8 x 3 inches)

Weight

approximately 220 g (7,8 oz) including the battery

Watertightness

Up to 1 m (3.2 ft) water depth (0.1 bar)

Body

Carbon-fibre-reinforced synthetic material with soft lacquering

Range

From 10 m to approximately 1100 m (11 to 1203 yd)

Measurement accuracy

+/- 1m up to 366 m, +/- 2 m up to 732 m, +/- 0.5% beyond 732 m +/- 1.1 up to 400 yd, +/- 2.2 up to 800 yd, +/- 0.5% beyond 800 yd

Display

LED display 4 digits, automatic brightness adjustment

Maximal measuring time approximately 0.9 s Laser

Eye-safe, invisible laser in accordance with EN and FDA Class 1

Laser beam divergence

2.5 x 0.5 mrad

Advantages

Very reliable distance measurement, large measurement range, Very small, lightweight and handy, one-hand operation, robust and watertight, high-grade optics (monocular), flare-free display

Disadvantages

None

10 Leica World News

which is tear-proof and virtually impervious to climate changes. The case has a quick closure that can be opened quietly for fast removal of the new Rangemaster from the belt case. An eyelet even makes it possible to carry it on a cord around the neck. In spite of its reduced overall size, the lens diameter has been increased from 21 to 24 mm, which further enhances its optical performance by approximately 15%.

The body of the new Rangemaster consists of a sturdy, impact-resistant and fibre-reinforced synthetic material. It protects the optics and the electronics perfectly, even against rough handling. The threaded battery compartment cover, with its star-textured surface and a central slot for a coin, is also pleasantly convenient. As a result, the cover can easily be unscrewed by hand without any tools, for quick and comfortable battery replacement wherever you happen to be. The black soft lacquer surface of the body has a velvety matte finish that is slip-proof and has a ‘warm feel’ even in very cold temperatures. The flat lower part has a tubular housing for the optics and the 7x24 monocular.

The upper portion has a molded grip recess and a button for activating the laser.

The rangefinder can be held very comfortably at eye level. The index finger comes to rest practically automatically on the activating button. This very ergonomic shape is combined with attractive styling. The vertical positioning in the hand results in an optimal alignment during observation.

The new rangefinder is virtually predestined for one-hand operation. The ocular has a steep thread for quick diopter adjustment (+/- 3.5 diopters) that turns uniformly and smoothly even in cold temperatures.

Its rather tight movement prevented unintentional setting changes during field use.

The ocular is, of course, optimized for eyeglass wearers and covers the complete field of view of 115 m at 1000 m (126 yd at 1094 yd). The ocular is equipped with a collapsible eyecup.

The optics deliver a brilliant, bright and razor-sharp image. The very high contour sharpness is extraordinary, as is the clear, dimensional image, which has very good contrast. Resolution is also remarkably high.

Smart appearance: The new Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200 – Shown actual size

There were no unpleasant reflections in backlit situations or with in viewing snow scenes. The high-grade multi-coated optics delivered superb performance even under difficult lighting conditions. That also applies to its use at twilight. The monocular with its phase-corrected roof prism delivers an undistorted image, even in dim light or in backlit situations. The phase correction prevents interference effects.

Therefore the new Rangemaster 1200 is useful not only for measuring distances, but also for monocular observation. The exterior lens surfaces of the objective and the ocular are equipped with a very hard, scratchproof coating. Rubbing them with my coarse gloves did not affect the coating in the least.

The laser beam is emitted through a lens in the lower part of the body and the reflected laser light is captured by the objective lens of the monocular and conveyed to a receptor cell. Sophisticated short-time measurement technology is used to compute the distance in meters (in yards for Anglo-American regions), based on the time elapsed between the emission and the return of the laser signal. An LED display in the monocular shows the measured distance. During the measurement process, a square red target area is also outlined in the monocular.

The brightness of the red display is automatically adjusted to the ambient brightness. It is thus very easy to see in all kinds of lighting conditions, without flare or excessive brightness. It does not employ a lower quality liquid crystal display. A blink-

ing signal indicates insufficient battery power. The electronics independently recognize different measurement conditions and automatically set the appropriate mode – for example, during rain or snow, so that the rangefinder will not be fooled by raindrops or snowflakes. Only fog creates problems for all laser rangefinders. But the view is very limited in such cases anyway. In practical use, the laser functioned extremely dependably and accurately: +/- 1 m at distances of up to 366 m (+/- 1.09 yd at distances of up to 400 yd).

Holding the button in activates the scanning mode, which displays the measurement results continuously. That enables hunters to measure the distances to migrating game. The very rapid display of different distances is truly remarkable. Distances to subjects with good reflectance, such as the sides of a house, can be measured from as far away as approximately 1300 m (1422 yd). A dark spruce forest was ranged at exactly 1147 m (1254 yd).

Even under very difficult reflecting conditions, it was always possible to obtain reliable measurements of distances of up to 900 m (984 yd). It was no problem at all to measure the distance of game situated 500 or 600 m (547 or 646 yd) away. A roebuck, for example, was ranged at 558 m (610 yd), a stag at 783 m (856 yd) and a goose was found to be 657 m (719 yd) away. No measurements can be made at distances less than 10 m (10.9 yd).

Game can thus be ranged from camouflaged positions, and branches or other vegeta-

tion within the field of view will not affect the measurement results. In difficult rangefinding situations, the scanning mode still makes it possible to measure the distances to objects adjacent to the actual subject very quickly – the rock, for example, on which a mountain goat is standing.

The new Rangemaster is eminently versatile for uses ranging from playing golf to hunting.

It measures distances very accurately even under the most difficult conditions. The specified measuring range is 10 to 1100 m (11 to 1203 yd).

Only 113 mm long, 34 mm wide and 75 mm high (47⁄16 x 13⁄8 x 3 inches) and weighing only 220 g (7,8 oz), it is supremely handy and quick to use. Its brilliant optics make it very easy to distinguish fine details and to observe the subject accurately. For distant shots beyond the calibrated shooting distance, the hunter is compelled to rely on accurate distance measurements in order for the shot to achieve the desired success. Only the laser rangefinder can provide this distance information dependably.

The Leica Rangemaster 1200 is no burden, even in extreme terrain, yet it provides invaluable assistance for a successful shot.

I appreciate it for hunting deer and foxes in my home range just as much as I value it for hunting mountain goats or snow goats in remote high mountain regions of the Rocky Mountains.

ROLAND ZEITLER

Leica World News 11

U N I V E R SA L L E N S E S Ideal for traveling. Zoom lenses make photography easier and reduce the amount of equipment to the essential. Two lenses for the R series that make a perfect team.

Two versatile lenses are sufficient as the basic outfit for R cameras: the LEICA VARIO-ELMAR f/3.5 – 4/21– 35 ASPH. and the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8 – 4.5/28 – 90 mm ASPH.

T H E R E ’ S A LOT to be learned from pro-

fessionals. Press photographers have to get in close to the action if their pictures are to tell exciting stories. That’s why they prefer to use short focal lengths. The results are densely packed, powerful photos that make you feel as if you are part of the action. It is the wide-angle view in particular that creates a sense of immediacy and therefore a certain authenticity. The photo becomes the “truth”, and, because the lens only has to be stopped down slightly for the depth of field to reach from the foreground to infinity, it has a lot to tell. A successfully composed wide-angle photo is like a wellwritten essay.

One of Leica’s lenses for its R SLR system is an ideal tool. The LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R f/3.5 – 4/21 – 35 mm ASPH. embraces the most common wide-angle focal lengths of 21, 24, 28 and 35 mm while measuring a mere 66 mm. Yet due to the complex design, the imaging performance is comparable with that of fixed focal length lenses.

If you have to take photos in a large crowd where you hardly have room to move, you

12 Leica World News

can track moving objects, zoom in at the right moment and take a frame-filling photo.

For the reporter, who has little time to react to what is happening, this is a big help. And because the Vario-Elmar-R is designed as a dual-ring zoom with the focus set by the first ring and the focal length by the second, there’s no risk of making the wrong adjustment when in a hurry. But what is it that determines the success of a feature on a specific subject?

Certain parts of the picture need highlighting without losing the sense of the whole.

The portrait of an artist in the middle of his studio, for example. This is where the wideangle zoom comes into its own, allowing the photographer to get close to the person and make him or her stand out from the width and depth of the surrounding space. The contrasts of the fore- and background have the same priority, no information is lost. What, for example, would a family or club celebration be without the group photo to remember it by? Indoor group portraits in particular are the domain of the wide-angle zoom. Just imagine travel pho-

tography – impossible without a wide-angle.

The dune landscapes of the Sahara, the dramatic canyons in the west of the USA, the towering mountain panoramas of the Alps – only a wide-angle lens can create the epic effect of depth stretching into infinity. And in contrast to this, of course, the narrow ravines of Bryce Canyon with its eroded bends as in our illustration. It can only be accessed in a few places, so certain views can only be chosen and determined with a wide-angle zoom. The optical quality of the lens is particularly noticeable at the edges of the photo. Which naturally makes it ideal for interior architectural shots, too.

If you add another zoom lens to your camera outfit, you’ll be equipped for (almost) everything. From the medium wide-angle to the slight telephoto range, the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R f/2.8 – 4.5/28 – 90 mm ASPH. is a virtually universal lens that photographers will particularly appreciate when traveling. Because it combines all common focal lengths in terms of focal length spread in one lens, it can be used as a standard lens that doesn’t need changing on the move. You can choose from a wide shot all the way through to a picture of a child’s laughing face by simply zooming the required frame. In portrait photography the lens is unbeatable. Combining a large aperture with a long focal length setting, you can separate people from the back-

Photos: Franz Bagyi

top: In the narrow ravines of Bryce Canyon in the USA, a wide-angle zoom lens comes into its own: Left: It is the unfocused movements of the water that turn this photograph into an idyllic still life. Right: A telephoto setting with a large aperture makes people stand out against the action.

ground which is then defocused. Or highlight them against the crowds at a large event, as the photo of the couple from the Carnival in Venice clearly shows. This works equally well with objects in nature:

look how the blurred swathes of water set the stage for a solitary pine cone on a mossy stone. Often enough, it is the details that make a subject interesting: a window cross, a door handle, a weathered poster, a

person’s hands. It is the selective view of the longer focal length that captures the essence of a scene.

HANS-EBERHARD HESS

Leica World News 13

A LWAYS AT YO U R S E R V I C E : U S E F U L AC C E S S O R I E S F O R T H E L E I C A M H A N D G R I P M : Secure handling, and more era’s tripod thread and allows you to fire the shutter. Another advantage is that the Handgrip M has its own tripod thread located directly beneath the lens axis, providing much better balance with a tripod-mounted camera. This practical handgrip fits all Leica M models with the exception of the LEICA M5.

Photo: Alexander Göhr

Photographers trying to create special lighting effects (for example by holding the flash off camera) often come up against a sticky problem: they have to hold the camera in the other hand and press the shutter release at the same time! The Handgrip for the Leica M guarantees comfortable and secure camera handling in such situations.

It is quickly and easily screwed into the cam-

TA B L E TO P T R I P O D : Always at the ready

Photo: Alexander Göhr

The Leica’s ergonomic design is legendary, and many great Leica photgographs have been shot hendheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1⁄15 sec or so. When using even slower shutter speeds, however, a tripod is indispensable – and the best tripod is always the one you take with you; in other words a tripod as compact and lightweight as possible. This is the idea behind Leica’s tabletop tripod and the reason for its decades of success. With three folding legs that can be locked in any position, this space-saving accessory gives you the extra

stability required to prevent camera shake.

The combination of tripod and ball-andsocket head allows the photographer to switch from landscape to portrait format in a matter of seconds, providing a compact and flexible tool that guarantees sharp pictures whatever the situation. The Leica tabletop tripod can also be used vertically, for instance when pressed against a wall. If the legs are pulled apart so that they are opposite each other, it can even be held against your shoulder or chest to provide the extra support you need.

L E N S CA R R I E R M : Well equipped and versatile Second, the lens on the carrier can also be used as a hand grip to stabilize the camera for hendheld photography at slow shutter speeds. And third, it can even serve as a mini tripod. Incidentally, the lens carrier M does not hamper film changing in any way — the T-screw on the baseplate is still freely accessible. The lens carrier M fits onto all LEICA M models except for the LEICA M5.

Photo: Alexander Göhr

This classic lens carrier for rangefinder Leicas has served many of the great names names in Leica M photography. It screws into the tripod socket and holds a second lens while the first is in shooting position on the camera. This kills three birds with one stone, so to speak. First, it is an exceedingly compact and tidy way of carrying a small camera outfit around on a neck strap.

Imprint LEICA WORLD NEWS Is published twice a year in spring and autumn PUBLISHER Leica Camera AG, Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11, D-35606 Solms, Germany Tel. +49 (0) 6442 208-111 EDITOR IN CHIEF Hans-Michael Koetzle DGPh

ALSO WORKING ON THIS ISSUE Team Leica Distribution Germany, Team Product Management, Team Product Communication, Team Leica Akademie, Roland Zeitler, Hans-Eberhard Hess ART DIRECTION Lucie Schmid / Horst Moser, independent Medien-Design, Widenmayerstraße 16, D-80538 Munich, Tel.+ 49 (0) 89-29 00 15-0 T YPESET/L AYOUT-FINISH independent Medien-Design: Peter Oberressl

14 Leica World News

PROJECT COORDINATION Leica Camera AG: Alexandra Althof independent Medien-Design: Stephanie Wiesner LITHO Zehentner & Partner, Munich TR ANSL ATION Rolf Fricke PRINT Dönges Druck und Medien, Dillenburg, Germany

“For me, it’s indispensable !” Extreme free climber Stefan Glowacz uses a Leica Ultravid 32 to plan his route up the face of a mountain. But the ultra-light and ultra-rugged Ultravids are ideal companions not only in the toughest climbs, but also for nature and animal observation.

With meticulously selected materials and highest quality optics, they provide fascinating visual experiences that will remain unforgettable. Experience the Leica Ultravids at your local dealer or conveniently on the internet.

Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms / Telephone +49 (0) 6442-208-111 / www.leica-camera.com

LEICA ULTRAVID 10 x 32 BR

LEICA ULTRAVID 8 x 20 BR

Fast, stylish, compact : LEICA C-LUX 1 Elegance that’s more than skin deep The LEICA C-LUX 1 is an attractive companion : be it in black or silver finish and thanks to its metal body measuring a mere 5 x10 cm, you’ll want to take it with you wherever you go. And the camera features more than just a flashy appearance. Its Leica wideangle-to-tele zoom lens, 6 megapixel resolution, ultra short shutter delay, precise autofocus measurement, and the selection of scene modes will make it easy to capture those precious moments. See for yourself at your local Leica dealer or now on the internet.

www.leica-camera.com