Leica 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5

This lens is combination hydbrid technology from 3 companies.Leica,Panasonic and Olympus.For now its just available for the panasonic L1.

This innovative digital SLR lens was achieved by a combination of Leica's rich abundance of lens know-how and Panasonic's extraordinary optical and digital technologies.

The result is an entirely new kind of digital SLR camera - a tool capable of capturing all the beauty around you in clear, vivid, expressive images that are rich with emotion.

Introducing the LUMIX L1, with the new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH. lens. It's a lens that renders images of exquisite beauty in a digital SLR camera that offers comfortable, analog-like controls and easy, intuitive operation.
The Leica D lens and LUMIX L1. Two superb technologies, one exciting camera, countless possibilities.

Today's most advanced optical technologies...
Because it's the first-ever D lens

The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH. comprises 16 elements in 12 groups, with two glass molded aspherical lenses that feature large diameters and high dimensional precision. The D lens' many other advanced features include a carefully applied multi-coating to prevent flare and a circular aperture that produces a beautiful dimensional ambience. The focusing system is entirely internal, so the external length of the lens doesn't change during focusing.

The 14-50mm focal length is equivalent to 28-100mm on a 35mm film format. From wide angle to zoom, this lens does it all. You can take incredible beautiful portraits and expansive landscape photos. The minimum focusing distance is just 29 cm over the entire zoom range, so you can capture 0.32x close-ups (35mm equivalent).

An image-rendering performance with magnificent beauty and depth

While carrying over the renowned ability of Leica D lenses to express the "ambience" of air, smooth gradation and rich, vibrant color, this advanced new lens also features a state-of-the-art design that brings overall performance to new heights.

The D lens provides exceptional contrast all the way to the fully open 2.8 F-stop. Distortion and peripheral vignetting at the wide end are minimal. Image definition is superb, and there is no color bleeding. Particularly impressive is the D lens' ability to capture the subject three-dimensionally against a background with a shallow depth of field. This is the kind of lens that makes photography such a satisfying creative pursuit.

Review popfoto

Leica MP

This is such wonderful article regarding Leica MP and the reason why Leica so expensive.

Link Pete Myers at Luminous Landscape

More review
Link Frank Van Riper at Washington Post
Link Allen Perkins at photographyreview.com

Leica Announce Fixes for M8

The summary for this action is
- send Leica back for repairs
- Leica M8 got 2 IR Filter for the lens

Some advantages for those who like to take IR photography this could be an option.But who would buy such pricey camera just to take infrared pictures

Upgrade for the LEICA M8 available
Since delivery of the LEICA M8 started as of the end of October 2006 we have received the endorsement of many happy users. Nevertheless, in some fairly rare situations, some annoying effects may occasionally occur. Even though these artifacts neither happen often nor to everyone we want to eliminate the effects by providing the following solution.

Issues reported as “Banding” and “Mirror/Ghost images”
Our engineering teams thoroughly investigated the root causes of these effects. They have developed and tested a robust remedy - an upgrade for the M8 - to eliminate any re-occurrence. We have taken extra precautions to not only make sure that the problem does not surface again, but that this remedy will enable every M8 to meet and exceed Leica performance standards.

Cameras shipped from our factory as of November 27th, 2006 will be equipped with the upgrade. Therefore, and because they will be tested thoroughly, we are confident that they will be defect-free.

All customers having received their LEICA M8 before this delivery date will be offered an upgrade free of charge in Leica Camera AG’s Customer Service in Solms. To upgrade your camera please, register yourself on our website as of December 6th, 2006. After you have registered you will be contacted by Customer Service to make an appointment to send in your LEICA M8.
Please note that even without this upgrade all cameras delivered before this date are in working order and can be used normally. Even so, we recommend you to have the upgrade performed.

Above-average sensitivity for infrared light (synthetic fabrics are rendered with a slight magenta offset)
During the development of the LEICA M8, we made important design choices to insure that the camera delivers the quality in images the Leica M System is known for. Keeping the protective glass cover on the sensor as thin as possible on the one hand has the benefit of allowing the full potential of Leica lenses on the LEICA M8 to be utilized with respect to their sharpness and contrast rendition, but it also absorbs less of the infrared light. In everyday photographical use the resulting above-average sensitivity for infrared light may lead to a faulty color rendition, especially in the case of synthetic fabrics which - depending on the ambient light - cannot be rendered fully black but only with a slight magenta offset.

Our solution: We will offer special screw-on type UV/IR filters for all Leica M lenses. With respect to the Leica M’s compact build the combination of a thin absorption filter on the sensor and a screw-on interference filter on the lens represents the best technical solution. It completely eliminates the color offset caused by infrared light. When using lenses from 16 to 35mm, we suggest opting for the 6-bit coded ones, in order to prevent a color offset towards the edges. No disadvantages must be expected for the images when the LEICA M8 is equipped with the latest firmware (from 1.10; available as of early December 2006).

Leica Camera AG offers every LEICA M8 customer a basic kit of two UV/IR filters with diameters of her/his choice and free of charge. Delivery will commence as of early February 2007. In order to receive the two free IR/UV filters, please register yourself as of December 6th, 2006, including your name and address as well as the camera’s serial number. After your registration you can order two filters of choice which will be delivered to your address. Additional filters will be available from your Leica dealer.

Continuing improvements through firmware updates
As is common with digital products, Leica Camera AG is constantly working on improving firmware details such as in the case of the automatic white balance. All improvements will be made available for our customers as downloadable firmware updates.

We are confident these corrective technical measures will fulfil every expectation of even the most demanding customers.
Source: Leica Press Release

Leica Booth at Photokina 2006

Picture of Leica booth during Photokina 2006

Kodak Image Sensor Powers LEICA M8

ROCHESTER NY and COLOGNE GERMANY, September 26 -- Eastman Kodak Company is extending its partnership with Leica Camera AG to provide image sensors for the newly announced LEICA M8. The new KODAK KAF-10500 image sensor was developed specifically for use with the M8, and marks Kodak’s second collaboration with Leica, building on the success of Kodak’s interaction with Leica on the LEICA DIGITAL-MODULE-R.

The first digital camera to use the Leica viewfinder system, the LEICA M8 extends the Leica M series into the digital world. By working closely with Leica, Kodak designed and optimized the new image sensor to meet the demanding needs of Leica photographers.

With a resolution of over 10 million pixels, the KAF-10500 continues Kodak’s legacy of offering high performance imaging devices that leverage Kodak’s Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) technology for low noise, high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. Utilizing a 6.8µm pixel architecture, the sensor uses an optimized microlens configuration to maximize center to corner uniformity for improved image quality, particularly important for the broad incident light angles associated with M series lenses. The sensor also includes anti-blooming protection to prevent against image corruption during high light level conditions.

“We are excited to be broadening our relationship with Leica by supplying sensors for the M8 digital camera – the newest member of the Leica M system,” said Chris McNiffe, General Manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions group. “Kodak will continue to work with camera manufacturers such as Leica to provide industry leading imaging technology that meets the evolving demands of today’s photographers -- from professionals who demand the highest in resolution and performance, to consumers looking for advanced imaging devices such as digital still cameras and camera phones.”

Kodak delivers the core technology that drives the most advanced developments in digital imaging applications. A pioneer in image sensing, Kodak develops, manufactures, and markets both CCD and CMOS image sensors for applications ranging from satellite and medical imaging applications to digital cameras and machine vision products.

User frustation with Canon flash

I found one forum on DPreview that some users of canon flash that is so frustrated with the 580ex and 430ex flash.The flash tend to be underexposed and have unconsistent flash exposure.
More at:
Forum on DPreview

Photo.net review

Metz 58-AF-1 - The worlds first USB TTL flashgun

The 58 AF-1 will be available in dedicated form for both Canon ETTL-II and Nikon iTTL users from early November. Pentax and Sony/Minolta models are to follow next year.I just wondering when it will produced the dedicated model for other camera such as Leica


Mecablitz 58 AF-1
New Star in the compact flash sky
It looks sleek, meters the flash lighting every which way, is intuitive to use and tremendously powerful. Designed by one of the leading industrial designers for technical products in Germany – equipped with innovative developments - the Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital provides state-of-the-art secondary reflector technology, high-performance power management, newest-generation multi-zone AF metering flash, full vertical tilt reflector system, the latest special functions, USB interface for software updates via Internet, and lots more. The new Metz premium model is the ideal complement to Canon (58 AF-1 C digital) or Nikon cameras (58 AF-1 N digital).

First high-performance compact flash unit with USB socket
With the two mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital versions, there are two new flash units with high-performance power management available that set new standards in form and function. This is the first compact flash unit with a USB socket! Thanks to the popular PC interface, updates can be made via Internet at any time, for example from home. Due to its high guide number 58 at ISO 100/21° and 105 mm focal length, the 58 AF-1 digital is not only powerful, but can also be used for excellent indirect flash lighting. Marking a first at Metz, a foldaway reflector card was integrated for its vertical and horizontal swivel-and-tilt reflector. Furthermore, the “reflex screen 54-23“ is available as an optional accessory. Using the secondary reflector, additional brilliance in the close-up range can be achieved with this flash technology. At the same time, a particularly complex reflector technology enables even partial light output without additional filters! For off-camera situations, the 58 AF-1 digital can also be used with the Canon E-TTL and the Nikon i-TTL remote systems, thanks to the integrated servo-flash release. Incidentally: Using the integrated wide-angle diffuser, the new premium model is suitable even for illuminating wide-angle focal lengths from 18 mm (135 format).

Special functions from Canon and Nikon
Naturally, all the improved flash lighting techniques of the respective camera manufacturer can be used with the 58 AF-1 digital, besides many other special functions such as high-speed synchronisation. The 58 AF 1 C digital supports E-TTL and E-TTL II flash control from Canon – the 58 AF 1 N digital supports i-TTL and D-TTL from Nikon.

Attractive accessories
The high-performance Power Pack P 76 is available for the new Metz professional flash units and the 58-AF 1 digital as well. It allows a substantially higher number of flashes with reduced flash recovery time (rapid flash) when used in conjunction with the V 58-50 cable.

Source< Metz AG >

LEICA AG Germany aqquire SINAR AG Swiss

I think for the becomming years Leica M or R series will be produced using SINAR digital back.Its such a wonderful news that two great camera company can syncronized their technology together.

Press Release:
Leica Camera AG, Solms, takes over 51% of the
shares of Sinar AG

Leica Camera AG, Solms, takes over 51% of the shares of Sinar AG, Feuerthalen /Switzerland, from JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, SystemeGmbH, Jena ("JENOPTIK"). JENOPTIK and Leica Camera AG have signed corresponding acquisition and transfer contracts on September 25, 2006. Confidentiality was agreed concerning the transfer price.

The existing technical cooperation between JENOPTIK and Sinar AG concerning digital camera backs will be continued.

Sinar AG serves professional photographers with leading solutions in medium and large format cameras, both with analogue and digital technology. Leica Camera AG will continue and develop the Sinar business with the Sinar brand and company structure, based on the shared values of excellence and innovation.

Both companies will benefit from synergies in technical collaboration as well as marketing and sales. Leica Camera AG is confident that the acquisition will bring positive developments for customers, employees as well as shareholders of both companies. This is a first step on the strategic path towards growing the business of Leica Camera AG.

Leica M8 have issues

Some of the new Leica M8 issues

-IR color casts on certain fabrics and occasional banding issued by early owner of Leica M8

Leica statement:

Dear Friends of Leica,

Customer feedback to us following the start of shipment of the LEICA M8 points to a performance under certain conditions that does not meet the expectations in the Leica brand. Our technical and engineering teams have isolated the source of these concerns and have identified definitive solutions. Over the next two weeks we will communicate a plan to further assure you of your investment in the LEICA M8.

We hope for your understanding and support. Please accept that I will not be able to answer all messages in the forum personally.

Kind regards

Leica Camera AG
Stefan Daniel

Product Management



< dpreview >Source
<letsgodigital> Leica review by letsgodigital.com
<Kodak sensor on Leica>Kodak KAF-10500 image sensor for Leica M8

Old manuals for new user

If someone wish to have old camera manuals.You can do so by clicking this site.Just wish for some old stuff to be alive again.

Leica M8 during PhotoKina

I´ve tried the camera itself and it is thicker than the previous leica M series.

Fotokina at Leica booth

Fotokina at Leica booth
Originally uploaded by yabokz.

X ray effect with Leica mural