觀景窗

LEICA的觀景器又大又亮，這是非常大的優勢，特別對於手動對焦與低光度下，可達成準確對焦的要求。
關於本問題詢問『尺寸的問題』請恕我也沒有相關資料，僅就一些基本的東西做論述。

首先，關於觀景器本身，要讓人看得舒服（通常就是比較大），就決定於接目鏡的口徑（其實跟望遠鏡道理一樣），就個人使用不同相機，從早年的CANON的手 動相機、NIKON FM2這兩台，為了手動對焦的要求，接目鏡比較大，而容易觀景，就RF相機，高級的LEICA M或是ZEISS IKON也都較大，這當然帶給攝影者容易手動對焦的優點；而後來的自動對焦相機便宜的EOS500N還是近年便宜數位機，明顯的小很多，這當然有成本的考 量，而高檔的自動對焦相機，如NIKON F5一樣能做得很大，帶給使用者許多方便（畢竟它也設計給裝載手動對焦鏡頭使用）。這實在取決於廠商對於機身功能的要求，不過一昧的將接目鏡做大，並不會 帶來優勢，因為相對地要解決視野變大後維持影像品質與亮度的問題。

再來，就觀景器的亮度而言，SLR的光線經由鏡頭，再進入反光鏡與五稜鏡折射後進入眼睛，若要達成高亮度的要求，必須追求上述過程中，光線的損失最小的目 標，此時光學設計就非常重要，若仔細的觀察LEICA R6.2（或R8/R9）的反光版，就會發現，它是個半透明的鏡子，有趣的是，有部分的光線（印象中是30%）穿透供測光表使用，剩下才供作觀景，如此還 能夠這麼亮，實在是廠商的秘密了，另外日系廠商的頂級機身一樣很亮，如此可以推論，觀景器亮度成本不低。

另外，現在有些數位機身的配件有『觀景器放大鏡片』，說真的，不要期待太高，因為就算把影像放大了，也不會放大亮度，在光線較差的情況下，恐怕效果有限。

R6.2
觀景窗範圍：23x34.6 (垂直 96%，水平 96% 整體為 96% x 96% = 92%)
觀景窗倍率：0.80 (無視力矯正，搭配 50mm 鏡頭)
至於反光鏡：17層鍍膜，70%反射(觀景窗)；30%穿透(測光)

R8/9
觀景窗範圍：23x35 (垂直 96%，水平 97% 整體為 96% x 97% = 93%)
觀景窗倍率：0.75 (無視力矯正，搭配 50mm 鏡頭)
至於反光鏡：17層鍍膜，70%反射(觀景窗)；30%穿透(測光)

以上，請參考。

Three Prime lenses launched by Leica

Pre-Photokina 2008: Leica has, amongst its latest announcments, launched three new prime lenses - the SUMMILUX-M 21 mm f / 1.4 ASPH, SUMMILUX-M 24 mm f / 1.4 ASPH and Elmar-M 24 MM F / 3.8 ASPH Lens. Ideal with the M8/8.2, the all three lenses are specifically designed to keep vignetting and distortion to a minimum.

Super fast, compact, with sensational performance even at full aperture, these lenses will enable users to redefine wide angle low light photography. The 21 mm is in fact a world first for 35 mm digital and film photography.

Great care has been taken in the optical designs of the lenses. Despite their pronounced wide–angle characteristics, these lenses can feature extremely shallow field depth. This allows for creative and expressive photography not usually available when shooting wide. Stopped down to medium f values the depth of field can be so great that an entire landscape can be depicted in sharp focus.

Vignetting and distortion, the parameters traditionally difficult to control in fast wide angle lenses, have been corrected to such a high degree in these new Summilux-M lenses that they are hardly noticeable in practice.

The combination of lens speed and width has now become possible by using leading edge lens blank-pressing techniques for aspherical elements. Hand assembled in Solms Germany, the lenses also combine meticulous craftsmanship ensuring life long reliability even in challenging user conditions.Two new metal body view finders (21 mm and 24 mm) will be available as accessories. These new viewfinders will have markings to enable use on Leica M digital and film bodies.

Available from December 2008, the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 21 mm f / 1.4 ASPH and the LEICA
SUMMILUX-M 24 mm f / 1.4 ASPH are £3990 each (inc VAT) SRP.

New Compact Leica Elmar-M 24 MM F / 3.8 ASPH Lens

Leica continues its strategy of producing a range of ultra compact high performance prime lenses.

Ideal for M8 users, this lens is equally at home with M film models. At full aperture, contrast and detail rendering are excellent. Stopping down to medium f values gives such great depth of field, that precise focusing is not required resulting in your M combination outperforming any camera with auto focus in the speed stakes.

Additionally, the new LEICA ELMAR-M 24 mm f / 3.8 ASPH lens is a perfect companion to a faster lens, particularly for day time travel or photography in risk environments. All focal lengths detailed above are based on 35 mm film camera photography. For use on M8/M8.2 camera bodies, all focal lengths should be multiplied by 1.33.

Available from November 2008, the LEICA ELMAR-M 24 mm f / 3.8 ASPH lens is £1380 (inc
VAT) SRP

R 鏡頭的單刀、雙刀、三刀(1 cam, 2 cams & 3 cams)和 ROM 版本

想著手進入 Leica R 系列，除了選擇機身外，首先面臨的便是 R 鏡頭的單刀、雙刀、三刀(1 cam, 2 cams & 3 cams)和 ROM 版本（尤其是想接二手之鏡頭）。

參考過去網路上前輩的意見和國外幾個網頁（較具代表性的為：http://members.lycos.co.uk/JemK/Pic-A- Week/cams.htm 和 http://www.nemeng.com/leica/001c.shtml），整理出以下資料供大家參考。（由於沒有LEICAFLEX、SL和 SL2的操作經驗，以下相關資料，均來自以上相關網頁，所以若有誤，請不吝賜教，謝謝！）

光圈連動

在談到上述鏡頭差異之前，先談一下單眼相機 （SLR）的工作方式。平時SLR會將鏡頭切至光圈最大處（若光圈不連動者不會如此）使進光量最大以方便構圖和對焦。即使改變光圈設定至較小值，鏡頭仍會 保持在最大光圈處。直到攝影者按下快門後，光圈縮至設定的較小光圈處，接著反光鏡上掀、快門簾開啟、底片曝光、快門簾關閉、反光鏡彈下，最後鏡頭的光圈又 回 到最大光圈處，等待下次快門按下。為達成此光圈連動之功能，Leica R 鏡頭有一光圈連動機構，如圖一右下方紅色圓圈內的突起物。有些鏡頭的光圈連動機構是三角形，如圖一和圖五；但也有些是方形的，如圖二和圖三。

附註：
為了讓大家比對方便，文中鏡頭的紅點都置於右上方的位置。

光圈設定值回饋

在進行測光時，如前述，鏡頭會一直保持在最 大光圈處，鏡頭必須要有一特定的機構告知機身設定之光圈，機身再依當時設定的快門光圈組合與其測光表測出值的差 異提出建議，進而達到正確的曝光組合。Leica SLR 的特定機構便是單刀、雙刀和三刀。 但由於 Leica 生產的 SLR 大致可分為三大階段，其鏡頭與機身溝通光圈設定值的機構略有不同： 1. LEICAFLEX （1968 停產） 2. SL和SL2（1974/1976 停產） 3. Leica R （R3~R9） 圖一為 Leica 三刀（3 Cams）鏡頭，可見其三刀的分布。 1. 第一刀是給 LEICAFLEX 使用 2. 第二刀是給 SL 和 SL2 使用 3. 第三刀是給 Leica R 使用
	圖 一：Leica 三刀（3 Cams）鏡頭

Leica SLR 鏡頭可分為以下幾種版本：
1. 單刀鏡（1 cam lens）（1965~1968）只有第一刀；支援 LEICAFLEX
2. 雙刀鏡（2 cams lens）（1968~1976）有第一刀和第二刀；支援 LEICAFLEX、SL 和 SL2
3. 三刀鏡（3 cams lens）（1976~）有第一刀、第二刀和第三刀；支援 LEICAFLEX、SL、SL2 和 LEICA R
4. R 刀鏡（R cam only lens）（1986~）只有第三刀；支援 LEICA R
5. ROM 鏡（ROM lens） 有第三刀和 ROM 電子接點（如同 R 刀鏡加了電子接點）；支援 LEICA R（若非 R8/R9，ROM 無作用）

Leica R SLR 配單刀鏡和雙刀鏡

此類搭配仍可行，只是會比較麻煩操作。由於鏡頭始終保持在最大光圈，測光表建議修正值是架構在最大光圈和機身設定之快門組合之上而非實際設定光圈快門組 合，因此所有的修正要依最大光圈為起始。例如：使用 f2.8 鏡頭，當測光表告知要減光三格時（此時光圈假若已定在 f5.6），在快門不變的狀況下，應將光 圈定 在 f8，而非 f16。

R 刀鏡（R cam only lens）

由於生產三刀鏡需要較高的精確度來設定三刀之位置，影響到其生產的良率。因此 Leica 於 1986 年（此時 LEICAFLEX 已停產十八年；SL2已 停產十年）推出單單支援 Leica R SLR 的 R 刀鏡。為避免 R 刀鏡（含 ROM 鏡）裝上 LEICAFLEX、SL 和 SL2，造成不必要的困擾，大部分的 R 刀鏡的接環底部會有一圈凸起環（如 圖三和圖五）（圖二為 Summicron 50mm）。可惜是同時也無法將 R 刀鏡頭配上早期的接寫環和蛇腹（可參考“ 接寫環改裝“一文）。

圖 二：Leica R 刀鏡 (Summicron-R 50 加拿大版)	圖 三：Leica R 刀鏡 (接環底部有一圈凸起環)

第三刀﹝Cam 3﹞的功能

第三刀﹝Cam 3﹞為黑色階梯狀，目的在對應機身上的兩個獨立的連桿﹝為了避免混淆，在文中稱為機身的第三連桿和機身的歸零連桿。請參考圖四﹞。機身的第三連桿主要功能 是得知鏡頭上預設的光圈值﹝如同早先鏡頭第一刀/第二刀的功能相同﹞。若撥動此連桿，機身依序會顯示 1.4、1.7、2.0、2.4、2.8、3.4、4.0、4.8、5.6、6.8、8.0、9.5、11、13、16、19 和 22﹝由此推論：藉由 第三刀是無法搭配光圈大於 1.4 或小於 22 的鏡頭﹞。然而藉由這兩個獨立的連桿，R 機身可獲得較先前機種更多的鏡頭資料。 例如： 1. 鏡頭的最大光圈值。主要是靠機身的第三連桿和機身的歸零連桿相對應的距離﹝M﹞。光圈大者，M 比較短；光圈小者，M 比較長。 2. 機身在獲得先前資訊後會進一步判定光圈的範圍：若是 Summilux (f1.4)或 Summicron (f2.0) 的鏡頭，最小光圈是 16；若是 Elmarit (f2.8) 或最大光圈更小的鏡頭，最小光圈是 22。 3. 如此，可避免鏡頭未接妥，系統誤判鏡頭上預設的光圈值，導致曝光不足﹝因為未至定位時，相機得知的光圈值會較實際大﹞。 4. 在一些無法獲知鏡頭狀況時﹝如鏡頭搭配加倍鏡，因為無法預料搭配鏡頭的最大光圈﹞，加倍鏡第三刀﹝Cam 3﹞會設計成一階黑色階梯狀﹝相較於右圖的兩階﹞。如此機身的第三連桿和機身的歸零連桿會靠在一起﹝M = 0﹞，此時，機身不會顯示預設的光圈值，機身測光表還是會提供正確的建議值。

圖 四：Leica R 鏡第三刀﹝Cam 3﹞對應機身連桿

ROM鏡（ROM lens）

於九零年代初期，Leica 推出 ROM 鏡，如圖五。於 http://www.nemeng.com/leica/001c.shtml 一文中，Pascal Heyman 提及主要功能有二：自動切換閃光燈反射版的焦段和另一較耐人尋味的是使攝影更方便。

先談一：讓一些可自動調整焦段（其燈旁之反射 板）的閃光燈（如 Metz 54MZ-3/4、40MZ-2/3、32MZ-3 搭配 SCA3501 或 SCA3502 座）做自動調整之動作。也就是說，裝 50mm 的鏡頭，閃光燈會自動調整到 50mm；裝 28mm 的鏡頭便到 28mm。但一般閃光燈望遠端能切到 105mm 者已經很了不起，如裝 180mm 的鏡頭可能只能到閃光燈的上限 105mm or 85mm。因此說：此功能對使用標準變焦鏡者, 如 R28-70、R35-70 和 R28-90 最方便。如用 R28-70 的鏡頭，當鏡頭在 28mm 端時，閃光燈會自動調整到 28mm；當鏡頭在 70mm 端時，閃光燈會自動切到 70mm（其實此類閃光燈同時具備手動調整功能）。但若您的閃光燈無法自動調整，如 32 Z-2，那閃光燈上有調整的部份，可讓您用手調至 50mm、28mm 或其他。此時，即使是搭配 ROM 鏡，ROM 鏡也無用武之地。回過頭來，若可自動調整的閃光燈接上非 ROM 鏡，閃光燈上仍有可調整的部份，可讓您用手調至 50mm、28mm 或其他。 附註：上述的功能以閃光燈直射被攝物為主。若是跳燈，不見得一定要將閃光燈切到鏡頭對應的焦段。若將閃光燈切到較鏡頭對應稍長的焦段﹝視狀況﹞，閃光燈可 以打較遠的距離。

圖五：Leica ROM 鏡

鏡頭	閃光燈	R3、R4/R4s、 R5/RE、R6/R6.2 & R7	R8 & R9
ROM 鏡	54MZ、44MZ、40MZ、32MZ 等加 SCA3501/3502 腳座	手動調整	自 動調整
	其他可調整反光板，如 32 Z-2	手動調整	手動調整
R刀鏡和三刀鏡	54MZ、44MZ、40MZ、32MZ等加SCA350x腳座	手動調整	手動調整
	其他可調整反光板，如 32 Z-2	手動調整	手動調整

再談二：今年九月承蒙 rocaf 前輩於攝影家手札 Leica 版指點和 ycr 兄提供的使用資料，可確定“使攝影更方便”的功能是傳遞預設的光圈值、鏡頭的最大光圈值等與先前所述第三刀﹝Cam 3﹞相當的功能。當使用 ROM 鏡時，機身會獲得兩組相當的資料﹝ROM 和第三刀﹞，機身會優先取用 ROM 的資訊。在一般狀況，兩組資料會相同，以致於會讓人覺得是不是 ROM 鏡差異不大。但是，ROM可突破第三刀有限的功能，使 ROM 鏡推出之後有更多的發展空間。

例如：
1. 非定光圈的變焦鏡，ROM 可回饋正確的光圈值。如使用 R28-70 時，機身會顯示出 3.6、4.5 和 27 等光圈值
2. 使用 ROM 鏡加 ROM 加倍鏡，機身可顯示正確的光圈值。如鏡頭設定光圈 f5.6 加兩倍鏡時，機身會顯示 11
3. 或是將來 Leica 會推出 Noctilux-R

附註：
1. R8/R9搭配 ROM 鏡、R刀鏡和三刀鏡，其M/A/T/P/F模式均能正常動作。
2. ROM 鏡唯有搭配 R8/R9 方有 ROM 鏡的功能；搭配其他 R 機身是藉由第三刀傳遞資訊，並無搭配問題。R

摄影师的七级分类［转］

一. 藝術家:最高等級(相當於基督神話中的\"天堂\"
這是最高等級。
一個藝術家用一種叫照片的確實形式把他的想像固定下來。
在這照片裏他捕獲事物的靈魂，無論是真實的或是想像的，
而觀眾則對此作出反應。

一個藝術家會善加利用他的工具。當藝術家在創作時，
他的靈魂亦迎向他正擷取的東西，而這超越了常理的存在。
當他不創作時，他會學習使用他的工具；但只要當他開始創作，
照相機會成為他心智的延伸。足稱攝影大師的他，
在技術方面不作有意識的思考。

這跟音樂蠻相似的；一個音樂家也許會練習音階，
但當他演奏時，他甚至不會想到他的手指 他忘情於那一刻的激情中。

正如一個專業衝浪者擁有一打的浪板，或者一個吉它手有二十三條軸線，一個藝術家可能會有很多相機，每一台有不同的用途。同樣地，別的藝術家也許只有一台相機，或者根本沒有，但這無關緊要。

藝術家們有時穿著好笑，而且常常熬夜。
沒有人見過他們的作品，因為他們在推銷自我的能力上十分拙劣。
那些善於推銷的人，只會把自己降級為靈魂出賣者。
不幸的是，這意味著除非你認識一個真正的藝術家，
否則你不可能見到他們的作品。
好的藝術家們通常覺得把作品展示給別人看是一件十分尷尬的事情，

除非你和他們十分類似，因為作品是他們的靈魂。

藝術家們用各種相機，包括針孔相機、拍立得、或者8x10相機。
他們使用任何器材，只要它可以創造出他們所想要的。

二. 靈魂出賣者:第六級

一個靈魂出賣者是一個以靈魂換取金錢或毒品的藝術家。
一個藝術家若將自己降到這個等級，他的眼界可能已經被遺棄了。

為什麼？因為他靠出賣自己的靈魂買所需的食物，
他壓低自己的聲音以求不違悖這一體系，
這意味著他不可能嘗試新的風格。

如果一個靈魂出賣者多年來以他的工作換取錢財，
那麼只要他還需要麵包，他就不可能嘗試新的風格。
一個有經紀人的藝術家(畫廊或其他代理；如同拉皮條的)
如果改變他的風格，他就可能失去他的經紀人。

因此，商業藝術工作者從來不會有所長進或改變。
一個有商機的風格就是拉皮條的想要看到的風格。
看看Barnbaum的關於藝術性的書，他說明了對於一個成功的靈魂出賣者，
要改變已被眾人接受的風格是十分困難的。

三. 業餘愛好者:第五級

這種人從攝影獲得的收入低於總收入的一半，
但這和他們攝影的品質沒有關係。

這纇人喜愛拍照，一個擁有純潔靈魂的業餘愛好者可能超越其他等級，直接成為一個藝術家。

一個在週末拍攝婚禮以補充日常工作收入的人依舊是一個業餘愛好者；他們只是為他們的照片收費。

業餘愛好者若認為好的相機會提高他的作品水平，
他就有可能會被降級成為最低等級的器材測量員。
太多的業餘愛好者被相機生產商誤導，
以至於相信他們需要好的相機來拍出好的圖片，這種想法毒殺藝術創作。

一個業餘愛好者若能在創造不朽圖片的努力中釋放自己，
他就步入了一條領悟的道路。

作為一個業餘愛好者是一件好事，他們比較容易成為藝術家。
業餘愛好者們幾乎總是用佳能單眼相機。
（奇怪，作者對CANNON很有意見耶）

四．拍快照的：第四級

我的媽媽和大部分人屬於這一級。相對於照片或相機，他們更重視記憶。
快照者常常是圖形藝術家或者視覺工作者，他們常常拍出非同尋常的照片，而這些照片常常給人留下深刻的印象。這些快照者是藝術家，但他們並不認為如此。他們通常穿得比自認為是藝術家的人體面。
他們相信：拍出照片的是攝影師，不是相機。

快照者用傻瓜機或即可拍相機，拍出別人用萊卡、尼康、佳能和康泰克斯所拍出的效果。

五．專業攝影師：第三級
專業攝影師是一個以攝影賺取所有生活費的人。

專業攝影師不為生活而創造藝術，他們為商業而製造圖片。
他們通常比較熟悉器材，能拍出不錯的圖片，
但是他們並不一定擁有捕獲想像的能力。
當然，專業攝影師可以在一定時間內拍攝出不錯的照片。

除非當相機需要修理，專業攝影師很少會去擔心它們。
他們幾乎用所有的時間找活幹，或者抱怨城裏的其他攝影師又在降價了。

專業攝影師每個月在膠捲和沖印上花的錢比他們每年在器材上花的錢還多。
沒有專業自然攝影師，他們要麼白天有工作、或者由妻子供養。

專業攝影師用尼康單眼相機，瑪米亞中幅，和Calumet 4x5。
他們買不起大部分嚴肅的業餘愛好者所使用的器材。

專業攝影師沒有網站，而且不出版技術分析的刊物。
他們通常是業餘愛好者。

六．富有的業餘愛好者：第二級

這些業餘愛好者們太有錢了，他們買很多器材，
而這些東西禁錮了他們表達的自由。
這些人通常是男性，其中很多是年老的或退休的。

這些富有的業餘愛好者用Leica、Contax、Alpas、Hasselblad，和Linhof4x5相機。這些都是很好的相機，但是他們拍出來的效果和
用Zenit、Pentax、Bronica和Tachihara拍出來的差不多。
稍微窮一點的用Nikon，甚至Canon。（？？）

最近這些白癡們開始用專為報社設計的單眼相機，
例如Canon EOS-1D和 Nikon D1x，
而這些相機的品質比拍快照的所用的相機還差。
最愚蠢的那些人則等待要價$7000的Contax N數位相機，
這台相機比Nikon和Canon的是數位單眼相機還不如。
而這些人還是只能拍出比用便宜的膠片單眼相機還差的照片。
糟糕的富有業餘愛好者們則把模糊的黑白窮人照當成是藝術。

一些富有業餘愛好者很容易墮落到最低的精神等級，
因為他們太擔心他們的器材。而其他的人則直接進入到創造偉大藝術的殿堂，
他們並不擔心他們的器材，因為他們相信他所擁有的器材是最好的。
奇怪的是，富有的業餘愛好者很少拍出一般的照片；他們不是成功便是失敗。

七. 器材測量意淫者: 最低級

這些男性(他們的確都是男的)對於藝術和攝影沒有興趣，因為他們沒有靈魂。
靈魂的缺乏使得他們無法表達想像力和感覺，
這也就是為什麼即使他們拍了一些照片，也全都是廢物。

絕大多數人擁有技術方面的愛好，比如工程、電腦和科學。
這些人過於在乎用數字評分，他們完全忘記相機或測試表的良窳與照片的靈魂並沒有任何關聯。
因為他們太在乎測量器材的性能，所以我們給予他們"測量意淫者"的綽號。
不幸的是，他們之中的許多人到KenRockwell.com來尋找關於器材性能的資訊。

他們也玩音響，電腦或車子。正如他們看待他們的相機，
他們把這些當玩具，而很少把它們用到原本該用的途徑上。
年輕一點的玩遊戲、上網或聊天。年紀大一點的則加入"相機/器材"俱樂部。
(你應當加入"攝影"俱樂部，而不是相機俱樂部、或任何試圖給藝術評分的俱樂部 因為藝術完全是主觀的，不能用數字評分。)
同樣地，這些人從來不用他們的器材創造出引人注目的東西。但是他們肯定會為擁有、獲得或與你談論這些器材而感到興奮。

這些人忽視的一種工具是唯一的有用的工具:光線。

為了他們自己的緣故，他們只對器材感興趣。
如果你讓著他們，他們會講得你耳朵生繭。
但是一旦你想看看他們的作品，他們的聲勢一下子就消失了，
或者他們會以為你想看看他們的器材。

一個有不錯的作品集的人不是器材意淫者。
擁有器材比好作品多的人、有成堆的技術文章而幾乎沒有有趣照片網站的人大概就是器材意淫者了。

在任何情況下都不要和這些人交往、與他們聊天、或者看他們的網站。
對於單純的人來說他們像是知識庫，但是他們病態而缺乏活力的靈魂特別喜歡把你扯入到他們自己的地獄去，讓你的靈魂一輩子困於擔心鏡頭銳利度的泥沼。
一旦你開始擔心這個，除了磚牆和測試表外，你將再也不會拍任何別的東西。

這些人很容易辨別。如果你已經讀到這裏，你大概已經看過他們的網站了。
他們經常有很多關於器材的資訊，但是幾乎沒有真正的攝影作品。
如果一個網站沒有你崇拜的照片，你得當心它提供的資訊。

Leica to offer M8 shutter upgrade

LEICA M8 – an Investment in the Future
Leica Presents Innovative Concept for Lifelong Value Retention of Digital Cameras

Leica photographers know what they can rely on: superb picture quality, a special handling experience and a camera they can use for years and spans generations. It is the aim of Leica Camera AG to keep on meeting these high expectations in the age of digital technology, and therefore the company is introducing an innovative concept for the lifelong value retention of the digital LEICA M8 at the PMA tradeshow from January 31st to February 2nd 2008 in Las Vegas.

The development of a perpetual upgrade program makes the LEICA M8 a high-quality digital camera in which today’s and tomorrow’s users will always be able to incorporate the latest refinements and developments in handling ease and technology. “While other digital cameras quickly become outdated and are replaced by newer models, our new concept extends the value retention that stands for the Leica brand. Over time, we will gradually offer new product features and developments as upgrade options,“ declares Steven K. Lee, CEO of Leica Camera AG. “Our customers can therefore still invest in the photographic tools they need without worrying that they will miss out on improvements and technological developments along the way. We are confident that this is the right approach for ensuring customer satisfaction and allowing them to continue to sharpen their vision and refine their skills with the new digital LEICA M8. Our efforts will be focused constantly on giving them the best that the world of photography has to offer.“

Over 54 years of research and development have made the Leica M system an almost perfect instrument. With its extensive portfolio of compatible lenses and accessories, it is able to master the most challenging photographic situations. It is the picture quality and the handling experience that make using a Leica M special. Thanks to its durability, it is in many cases an investment for life: it is a photographer’s constant companion and a key to his or her creativity.

Our upgrade concept comprises much more than the usual firmware updates, offering each M8 owner the option of keeping the camera state-of-the-art by integrating new technological developments. The first upgrade package contains the fitting of a scratch-resistant sapphire glass LCD screen cover, as well as, a shutter that is quieter, one that is closer to a well-tuned classic analog Leica M. With the upgrade the customer also gains an all-inclusive worry-free logistic package: Wherever the M8 owner lives in the world, he or she can ask for the M8 to be collected and returned. In addition, all camera functions will be inspected and adjusted by Leica technicians, who will also install the latest firmware. After the upgrade, a LEICA M8 is given a new two-year factory warranty with coverage equivalent to that of a new camera. Further upgrade packages are being planned.

From a technical point of view, all LEICA M8 rangefinder cameras that have ever been built are suitable for the upgrade. The upgrade process is simple: the LEICA M8 user registers for this service on the www.leica-camera.com website. From March 2008, upgrade certificates will be issued for a price of € 1200.- incl. VAT. As the upgrade capacity of Leica Camera AG is limited, the certificates are only available in limited quantities and for a limited period. The camera owner always keeps his or her own M8, the serial no. is not changed.

The benefits of the upgrade in detail:

For this option, scratch-resistant sapphire glass will be used as a cover for the LCD screen. Sapphire glass is the hardest and most scratch-resistant glass there is. This is the reason why it has been used in high-quality watches for many years. Leica is the first camera manufacturer to succeed in using this material for the coverglass of the LCD screen, which is exposed to extreme mechanical wear. Only diamond glass is harder than the sapphire glass used by Leica. Due to its excellent scratch and abrasion resistance, sapphire glass is completely immune to contact with metal, stone or sand. The advantages are obvious: an undisturbed, brilliant view of the display and an LCD screen that looks like new even after years of use.

The new electronically controlled metal-blade slotted shutter offers the benefits of less noise and vibration, allowing the photographer to work even more inconspicuously than before. In spite of the significant noise reduction, it was possible to retain the fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and maximum flash synchronization time of 1/180 sec.
Leica has also managed to reduce vibrations during exposure even further by reducing the kinetic forces. As a result, hand-held exposures with slow shutter speeds are even more sharply defined, enabling the photographer to make even more of the quality of his high-performance Leica lenses.

New firmware version download

In tune with the overall sustainability concept of the rangefinder camera system, Leica Camera AG is now offering all LEICA M8 users an updated version of the camera firmware, which can be downloaded free of charge from the www.leica-camera.com website. Among other things, the new firmware version contains new, substantially improved automatic white balance algorithms for natural color rendering in nearly all light conditions.

The LEICA M8 is the first digital camera in the Leica rangefinder system. It has all the main features of Leica‘s famous analog camera such as the compact design, the remarkable image quality in combination with Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition with the Leica rangefinder. Due to their high performance standards, almost all Leica M lenses produced since 1954 can be used for digital photography. The combination of lens, sensor and powerful image processing produces excellent picture quality with 10.5 million pixel resolution.

FAQ LEICA M8 Upgrade Concept

Status January 31th, 2008

1. Can all the LEICA M8 cameras in the market now be upgraded, or are there exceptions?
   Any LEICA M8 ever built is suitable for this upgrade.
2. Are there beside the noise reduction other advantages of the new shutter?
   The reduced kinetic energy also leads to a further reduction of vibrations during the exposure, which in turn results in noticeably sharper pictures in the case of hand-held shots with longer shutter speeds. This allows the extremely high imaging potential of Leica lenses to be exploited even more than before.
3. Where and when can I have the upgrade performed?
   As an owner of an LEICA M8, you can book and pay the upgrade directly through the Leica Camera homepage. Booking will be possible as of March 2008. You will then receive a certificate with your M8‘s serial number, which you thereupon send us along with your camera. If so desired, we will have your M8 picked up from your home and delivered directly back after the upgrade. The upgrades will probably be possible as of August 2008. You can still acquire a new LEICA M8 at your dealer as before, if you wish, she/he can initiate the upgrade for you.
4. What advantages does the sapphire glass cover have for the LCD monitor?
   Sapphire glass has a unique scratch-resistance; after all it is the hardest glass of all. It is therefore
   employed for valuable watches and is well-proven in this area. Leica is the first camera manufacturer who has succeeded in using this material for the mechanically very demanding glass
   cover on the LCD monitor. Thanks to its tremendous scratch- and wear-resistance it does not take any damage when coming in contact with metal or stone objects or sand. The advantage is an undisturbed view of the monitor image and a camera whose LCD monitor can look almost new even after years of intensive use.
5. Which guaranties does Leica offer after an upgrade?
   During the upgrade, Leica will test and adjust your camera in all functions including the download of the newest firmware. After that, Leica will grant a new warranty period of two years which encompasses every service a brand-new camera just leaving the company has.
6. Does Leica intend to pursue this system in the future?
   The LEICA M8 Upgrade Program is designed to provide our customers with a long-term assurance of their investment, since you can always bring your camera up to date. We are presently investigating the possibility of further upgrade steps including the camera’s complete digital section, even including the sensor itself.
7. Can I have the upgrades for the shutter and the sapphire glass performed separately?
   This will not be available. Since the camera will have to be nearly totally dismantled, reassembled, and adjusted for each upgrade – a very extensive process, it is more economical to offer both upgrades in one package.
8. Why should I acquire a certificate for an upgrade now, even though the modifications can only be performed as of August 2008?
   The capacities in the Leica plant in Solms are limited, because the modifications can only be performed by experienced experts. Generally speaking, the upgrades will be done in the order of the incoming certificate acquisitions. Depending on the demand, we are expecting longer waiting
   periods, especially during the beginning of the program. So, it is well worth booking your upgrade as soon as possible.

Leica 'R' CAMS Explained

Shows Black Tab on Right (Cam) but both Chrome Cams are missing

Two Cam Lens (Left) One Cam Lens (Right)

Three Cam Lens, Third Cam is the Black Tab above the Chrome Second Cam

One Cam - Leica R lenses for Leicaflex cameras with external meter are single-cam lenses (one axial cam.)

Two Cam - Leica R lenses for TTL meter Leicaflex cameras are two-cam lenses (two axial cams.)

Three Cam - Leica R lenses for Leica-R cameras (R3 - R8) are three-cam lenses (two axial & one rotational cam.)

R Only - Leica R series lens for use on the Leica R series only. This lens clearly states this on the side of the lens.

You may use any 1, 2 or 3 Cam lens on any SLR body without worry of damaging your camera or lens.

There are four lens versions:

One axial cam for use with the original Leicaflex (external metering).

Two axial cams for all Leicaflex cameras.

Two axial & one rotational cam for use on all Leicaflex and Leica R cameras.

R Cam Only with only the rotational cam, for use on the Leica R only.

However, all reflex lenses will work on any Leicaflex or Leica R camera body. If you use a one or two cam lens on a Leica R body, you must stop down the lens to take a meter reading. Otherwise the reading will be wrong. Likewise using a one cam lens on a Leicaflex with TTL metering.

If an R lens without rotational cam is used accidently on a Leica R camera, it will produce incorrect exposure. But it does not cause any physical damage to camera or lens. Simply stop down to take a correct exposure reading. A Leica R lens without a rotational cam is a Leicaflex lens.

CONVERSION OF LEICAFLEX LENSES FOR USE ON LEICA R MODELS

Existing LEICAFLEX lenses can be fitted with an additional cam for the full utilization of the LEICA R exposure facilities. The use of modified lenses on all LEICAFLEX models remains unrestricted. Modification can be made through Leica or third party Leica service facility.

CONVERSION OF LEICA R LENSES FOR ADDITIONAL USE IN LEICAFLEX MODELS

From the stated serial numbers onwards, the following lenses fit on all LEICA R models but no longer on the LEICAFLEX models. Most of these lenses can be equipped with the control cams necessary for use on the LEICAFLEX models by the Technical Service of Ernst Leitz GmbH or in authorized workshops.

CAN BE EQUIPPED FOR LEICAFLEX MODELS:

28 mm ELMARIT-R f/2.8 from 3367501

35 mm ELMARIT-R f/2.8 from 3332801

50 mm SUMMILUX-R f/1.4 from 3291801

60 mm MACRO-ELMAR-R f/2.8 from 3335501 for SL/SL2 models

80 mm SUMMILUX R f/1.4 from 3267301

90 mm SUMMICRON-R f/2 before 3381677

90 mm ELMARIT-R f/2.8 from 3384201 for SL/SL2 models only

Leica 135mm F2.8 Elmarit-R

The 135mm Elmarit-R has a reputation for oustanding Sharpness & Contrast, even wide open. At F4 the lens is performing already at its maximum. It is perfect for portraits and for close up photography. Its flat field and ability to work well with the Elpro attachments allows this lens to become a stellar performer, even at 1:3 magnification. It was produced in two versions with two different optical formulas. Both versions utilized 5 elements in 5 groups, but the later version had a completely different optical formula. Another Great Leica lens when you need the extended reach of the 135mm focal length.

Leica 100mm F2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R

This lens is recognized as the Finest lens ever created by Leica or any Manufacturer. As many manufacturers these days are throwing around the word APO in the marketing of their lenses, Leica takes this designation very seriously. The APO-Macro-Elmarit 100mm is corrected completely through the Infrared range, allowing you to shoot Infrared film without re-adjusting the lens focus. Therefore, Infrared markings on the lens have been done away with. The lens is characterized by evenness of field, absolute film sharpness from edge to edge and No Loss of quality when used wide open at F2.8. The color balance of the lens is perfectly neutral. The lens is somewhat large and heavy but is easy to handle and perfectly balanced on the SL or R body cameras. Flare reduction is top notch as the front element is deeply recessed within the lens barrel and the built in Hood allows convenient added protection against flare when you need it. The focusing mechanism is internal and as such, the front of the lens does not rotate allowing easy use of 60mm Polarizing filters. The lens focuses to 1/2 lifesize and to 1:1 (lifesize) with the optional Leica APO-Elpro Adapter for this lens. The minimum focusing distance is 45cm, allowing you ample room between yourself and subject. The lens was made in both R and ROM mounts. The std. R mount is no longer available, but Leica will convert this lens for use on the Leicaflex SL series cameras for a reasonable fee. Nothing wiggles or feels flimsy on this lens. It is the Landcruiser of lenses.

Leica 90mm F2.8 Elmarit-R

This is the most popular Telephoto lens for the Leica R system. The Lens is small, easy to carry & handle, very sharp & contrasty and Fast enough for most situations. The 90mm Elmarit has an outstanding reputation and is perfect for portraits as well as scenics when you want to get in a little closer to fill the frame. It was produced in two versions with two different optical formulas. The first version utilized 5 elements in 4 groups, while the later version utilized 4 elements in 4 groups. This lens is also great for close ups. With the addition of the Elpro, a magnification of 1:3 is produced which will fill the frame with most subjects. The lens also has a flat field by design, lending itself well to macro photography. This is a very verstile lens.

Leica 60mm F2.8 Macro-Elmarit-R

Two versions of this lens were produced, but only the cosmetics changed as the optical group was identical. The first version can be used with All Leicaflex and R models, whereas the second version can only be used on the R series cameras. The deeply recessed lens elements greatly reduced flare and the use of a hood is generally not needed. The lens formula has been optimized for near range photography, but you will find that this lens also produces fantastic results at infinity. The primary difference between Macro lenses and ordinary lenses is Flatness of field and the optical formula that is changed for optimum close distance photography. The lens will focus to 1:2 lifesize and with the Macro extension will focus down to 1:1. The second version utilized the Macro-Adapter-R in place of the extension of the earlier model and therefore can only be used with the R series cameras. Working distance is tight when getting close to the 1:2-1:1 ratios, but the extra depth of field as opposed to the 100mm Macro lens is a very welcome addition. This lens is capable of first class results and along with the 100mm Macro creates a perfect kit for exploring the world of close up photography.

Leica 50mm F2 Summicron-R

The 50mm Summicron is the Swiss Army Knife of lenses. You can it for almost any subject. Allowing you to fill a frame easier than with the 35mm lens, the 50mm lens is easier to use and a cinch to get great results. The optical design of the Summicron 50mm is absolutely legendary, and the performance of this lens is unmatched. Sharp from edge to edge, a total absence of distortion, and superb contrast at any aperture set this lens apart from all other 50mm lenses. The 50mm Summicron was produced in three versions. The optical design was changed with the second version. Note the beautiful golden coatings in the early 50mm Summicron pictured above. For most people, the 50mm Summicron is the first step into the Leica system. Once this lens is put to use, you to will become like the rest of us and only shoot Leica. This is why there is always an abundance of used Nikon and Canon gear on the market! This is your starting point, but luck is on your side because prices on used Leica R system lenses are very reasonable. So count your blessings and join the Leicaphiles. As someone once said "I'll see you on the other side".

Leica 35mm F2 Summicron-R

The 35mm Summicron is the most widely used lens of any Leica system. The slightly wide perspective lends itself well to most subject matter. The Leica Summicron is legendary among lenses, an the R version of this lens is no exception. There were basically two versions of this lens. The early version was substantially heavier and incorporated two extra elements when compared to the later/current version of this lens. The early version also had a wider focusing ring than the second version allowing for a better and more secure grip. It can be argued as to which one is better, but let me assure you that either one of these lenses will perform way beyond the limitations of any other 35mm lens. Once again, using the lens wide open at F2 yields perfectly sharp and contrasty pictures. Apertures are only used for creative control, not to make the image quality better as is the case with all other manufacturers lenses. The Leica R system is todays best bargain, and the 35mm Summicron is a good place to start along with a nice Leicaflex SL. Soon the prices will go up on Leica SLR equipment as people come to realize how fantastic this system really is.

Leica 28mm Elmarit-R

Two versions of this lens were produced, and the optical formula was finally changed 1994. The hood on the first version was supplied with a small thumbwheel screw on the side to provide a means for rotating a polarizing filter while the hood was attached. When the 35mm Summicron is not quite wide enough, the 28mm Elmarit fills the gap. Considered to be the most useful true wide angle lens, the 28mm Elmarit should be a part of every persons kit. The lens is very compact and with the use of Leica adapter 22228, the lens can also be used on your M system camera bodies. This lens is an excellent performer producing very sharp and contrasty negatives as can be expected from all Leica designed lenses. The close focusing range of only 30cm makes this lens very useful for a variety of subjects when out in the field with tremendous depth of field at your fingertips.

Why do R lenses come in 2/3-CAM or ROM mounts?

Single cam

The original Leicaflex Standard camera, released in 1964, used a cam arrangement inside the lens mount to mechanically communicate the aperture information from each lens to the camera body (similar to the way the Nikon AI mount does it). As there was only one cam, ergo… "single cam".

2-cam

When the Leicaflex SL, with its integrated TTL light meter, was introduced in 1968, a new lens cam was added for aperture indexing. To maintain backward compatibility with older Leicaflex cameras, new lenses were released with two cams, so they could aperture-index on both old and new Leicaflex bodies.

3-cam

In 1976 Leica released the R3, the first of its R series SLR cameras designed in collaboration with Minolta. Because the new camera(s) had auto exposure features, this meant adding another cam, bringing the total to three. This third cam is a black stepped affair, located next to and just inside the chrome 2nd cam.

R-only

An added complication is that some newer R lenses are sold as 3rd cam only. These will only mount on R bodies and are easy to distinguish as they have a collar around the base of the stainless steel lens mount flange, to prevent you from mounting them onto older Leicaflex bodies.

Leica Lens Serial Numbers -> Production Year

Leica Bruger Information -> Objektiv serienr. If you have a serial number of a Leica lens, this list will tell you when it was produced (1933-2000). This list covers lenses from the Leica R series (SLR), the Leica M and the screw mount series (Rangefinder).If you furthermore wish to determine which the model or generation you have of that particular vintage Elmar, Elmarit, Summicron ... or perhaps which hood is designed for your particular leica lens - then look at the pointers at the bottom of this page.
If you are looking to determine the age of your vintage Leica camera based on serial number, you may find some of the references on the Link page useful. [Danish] Liste over Leica objektivers produktionsår med udgangspunkt i serienummeret (1933 and 2000).

Leica M/R/SM Serialnumbers
Start - End: Production year
156 001-195 000: 1933
195 001-236 000: 1934
236 001-284 600: 1935
284 601-345 000: 1936
345 001-416 500: 1937
416 501-490 000: 1938
490 001-538 500: 1939
538 501-565 000: 1940
565 001-582 294: 1941
582 295-593 000: 1942
593 001-594 880: 1943
594 881-595 000: 1944
595 001-601 000: 1945
601 001-633 000: 1946
633 001-647 000: 1947
647 001-682 000: 1948
682 001-756 000: 1949
756 001-840 000: 1950
840 001-950 000: 1951
950 001-1 051 000: 1952
1 051 000-1 124 000: 1953
1 124 001-1 236 000: 1954
1 236 001-1 333 000: 1955
1 333 001-1 459 000: 1956
1 459 001-1 548 000: 1957
1 548 001-1 645 300: 1958
1 645 301-1 717 000: 1959
1 717 001-1 827 000: 1960
1 827 001-1 913 000: 1961
1 913 001-1 967 100: 1962
1 967 101-2 015 700: 1963
2 015 701-2 077 500: 1964
2 077 501-2 156 300: 1965
2 156 301-2 236 500: 1966
2 236 501-2 254 400: 1967
2 254 401-2 312 750: 1968
2 312 751-2 384 700: 1969
2 384 701-2 468 500: 1970
2 468 501-2 503 100: 1971
2 503 101-2 556 500: 1972
2 556 501-2 663 400: 1973
2 663 401-2 731 900: 1974
2 731 901-2 761 100: 1975
2 761 101-2 809 400: 1976
2 809 401-2 880 600: 1977
2 880 601-2 967 250: 1978
2 967 251-3 013 650: 1979
3 013 651-3 087 000: 1980
3 087 001-3 160 500: 1981
3 160 501-3 249 100: 1982
3 249 101-3 294 900: 1983
3 294 901-3 346 200: 1984
3 346 201-3 383 200: 1985
3 383 201-3 422 890: 1986
3 422 891-3 455 870: 1987
3 455 871-3 478 900: 1988
3 478 901-3 503 150: 1989
3 503 151-3 540 467: 1990
3 540 468-3 583 830: 1991
3 585 831-3 610 680: 1992
3 610 381-3 644 475: 1993
3 644 476-3 677 030: 1994
3 677 031-3 730 290: 1995
3 730 291-3 770 920: 1996
3 770 930-3 818 624: 1997
3 818 625-3 857 849: 1998
3 857 850-3 882 996: 1999
3 882 997 ->: 2000 ->

Leica R Mount SLR Lenses

While the Leica screw-mount and M bayonet

mount rangefinder lenses are familiar to most camera collectors, Leitz also produced a wide range of lenses for its single lens reflex cameras. These cameras have a long history, starting out with the original Leicaflex , the auto-exposure R3, the famous all-mechanical R6, and continuing on to the current Leica R9 which accommodates an 11-megapixel digital back.

With the exception of auto-focus, the Leica SLR system is just as advanced as their equivalents from Canon or Nikon. However, because Leica always stood for precision, ruggedness, reliability, and mechanical perfection above everything, they never went towards the lightweight plastics and looser focusing tolerances that auto-focus cameras entailed. Thus, all Leica R lenses are manual focus only. For the same reasons, Leica has not produced as many zoom lenses as its Japanese competitors. In fact, a couple of Leitz's SLR zooms are actually Minolta designs. Ask around, it's easy to find out which.

Leica R Lenses

For the most part, R lenses are interchangeable with any age Leica SLRs. Except for the newest ROM lenses which should not be used on Leicaflex cameras, at most you lose the ability to matrix meter, or to meter at full aperture (stop-down metering only).

There are some series variations in Leica R-Mount lenses:

• One-cam (Original Leicaflex). This is the silver-chrome triangular cam marked (1) on the photograph right. Leica doesn't recommend using 1-cam or 2-cam lenses on the R8 or R9.
• Two-cam (Leicaflex SL/SL2). This is the silver-chrome triangular cam at the top-left (11 o'clock) position in Exhibit A (behind the 3rd cam in the Exhibit B). Leica doesn't recommend using 1-cam or 2-cam lenses on the R8 or R9 because the cam may damage the ROM contacts if it's out of spec.
• Three-cam (Leica R series). The 'R-cam' or third cam is the stepped black metal cam barely visible in Exhibit A, right next to the silver wedge-shaped 2nd cam. The third or R-cam is used on R-series cameras (R3-R7). Three-cam lenses are the most compatible as they can be used on any Leica SLR ever made. In response to my lousy photo, reader Ken O'Kelley sent me a much better photo (Exhibit B) of the 3rd cam.
• R-only (Leica R series only). These lenses only have the stepped R-cam and cannot be used on the older Leicaflex cameras. Leica changed the mount slightly so they will not even mount on a Leicaflex. You need to make sure that you can see cams 1 and 2 if you want to use newerlenses on older bodies.
• ROM lenses: the latest lenses designed for use with the Leica R8 and R9 cameras which had electronic contacts between the camera body and lens. This allows the lens to transmit additional data to the camera. ROM lenses cannot be used on the original Leicaflex series as they will not even mount due to a slight bayonet change. They have the R-cam so they can be used on any R series Leica.

Upgrading older lenses / Using adapters

Although older lenses were originally made with 1- or 2-cams, Leica offered an upgrade service to bring them up to 3-cams (you can also modify a R-only or ROM-only lens backwards to 3-cam as well, although you lose the ROM contacts if you do this). So just because a lens has 3-cams doesn't mean that it is a second-generation lens. You have to use other factors in determining the lens version such as the distinct profile of each version, the serial number, the presence or absence of a built-in lens hood; or the weight.

Many people use their Leica R lenses on Canon SLRs (including digital SLRs such as the Canon EOS 20D) with an adapter that is widely available (see CameraQuest.com for a source in the USA). I use mine with the Hansa adapter which I bought in Japan (picture right). If you have an adapter, it does not matter if you have 1, 2, 3, or ROM cams on your R lens if you are using it on another camera system since you will always be shooting using open-aperture metering. The system works fantastically well. I have some photographs using the 180mm Elmarit on my gallery page.

In order for an adapter to work, there are two factors. The first is the body "lens registration" distance or the distance from the lens mount to the film surface. The second is the mount "throat size" or the diameter of the mount. For an adapter to slip in between the body and lens of differing manufacturers, the registration distance of the lens must be greater than the registration distance of the body; and the throat-size of the lens must be smaller than the throat size of the body mount.