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| Leica M Lens Digital Coding System |
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 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 image optimization in the camera. 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. “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 (AUD$161.00) 95 euros at the Customer Service of Leica Camera AG in Solms or the Leica agencies of other countries. Many of the lenses made from 1963 onwards can be converted. A list of such models is available on the following pages or from the Leica Info-Service. 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. |
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About
Oskar Barnack's genius idea of creating the small format 35mm camera
created a revolution in photography in 1925, paving the way for the
birth of the Leica Legend. His diminutive, lightweight LEICA A offered
a new, undreamed-of freedom in reportage and artistic photography. From
that point to the present day, Leica has had a profound influence on our
view of the world we live in.
What was started in 1914 with the Ur-Leica quickly turned into a lasting
success. In 1932, around 90,000 cameras were already in use. By 1961, the
number had increased to a million. Milestones in the development include
the rangefinder cameras such as the legendary LEICA M3 in 1954 and the M6
in 1984. The R-System commenced in 1976 with the LEICA R3 - the first
electronic Leica. In 1989, the first compact point-and-shoot model entered
the market. 1998 also saw the launch of the first digital camera - the
LEICA DIGILUX. Without exception, all developments are focused on the
requirements of the user and are characterized by the highest quality,
focus on essential functions, and comfortable user-friendly controls.
