Leica M (Typ 240)

35mm MF digital rangefinder camera

Specification

Production details:
Announced:September 2012
Order No.:10770 - black paint
10771 - silver chrome
System: Leica M (1954)
Format:
Maximum format:35mm full frame
Imaging sensor:35.8 × 23.9mm CMOS sensor
Resolution:5976 × 3992 - 24 MP
Sensor-shift image stabilization:-
Mount and Flange focal distance:Leica M [27.8mm]
Shutter:
Type:Focal-plane
Model:Electronically controlled
Speeds:60 - 1/4000 + B
Exposure:
Exposure metering:Through-the-lens (TTL), stop-down
Exposure modes:Aperture-priority Auto
Manual
Rangefinder and Viewfinder:
Rangefinder:Built-in, combined with viewfinder
Viewfinder:Built-in, combined with rangefinder
Finder magnification:0.68x
Actual rangefinder base:69.25mm
Effective rangefinder base:47.09mm
Bright-line frames:35mm & 135mm, 28mm & 90mm, 50mm & 75mm
Parallax compensation:Yes
Physical characteristics:
Weight:680g
Dimensions:138.6x80x42mm
Accessories:
Body cap:14195
14397

Manufacturer description #1

Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presents a groundbreaking milestone in the nearly 60 year history of the Leica rangefinder system: The Leica M. Setting entirely new standards, the Leica M unites the ultimate in rangefinder precision with cutting edge digital technology. As the first camera to implement a newly designed CMOS image sensor and to feature additional focusing methods and functions such as Live View and Full HD video capability, it is the most versatile Leica rangefinder model ever. Remaining true to the legendary values of the M-System, the Leica M not only provides the advantages of rangefinder photography, but also for the first time, offers compatibility with Leica R legacy lenses. As with every innovation and development since the flagship line’s inception, the Leica M was created to capture fleeting moments of time and transform them into living history.

The Leica M also marks the beginning of a new era in the Leica product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasize the enduring and long-term significance of the respective systems.

In every respect, the new Leica M is the most innovative and versatile model the modern M-System has ever created. Looking to the future, the Leica M is the first in a long line of Leica rangefinder cameras to feature a completely new development in sensor technology; the Leica Max CMOS image sensor. This 24 MP, full 35 mm format sensor was designed and constructed in collaboration with CMOSIS especially for the camera and its use with M- and R-Lenses. This new development successfully transfers the characteristic advantages of CCD sensors, such as natural and brilliant color rendition and impressive reproduction of details, to a CMOS sensor.

In combination with the high-performance Leica Maestro processor that is also employed in Leica S cameras, this new full format sensor guarantees maximum imaging quality and speed. Now, all elements in the image creation chain, from the lens to the image file, are under complete control of the Leica engineers. This guarantees the ultimate in imaging performance and quality. An additional highlight is the low power consumption of the components that, in conjunction with the particularly high capacity of the battery, ensures outstanding performance over a long period of use.

In 1954, the launch of the M-System opened new horizons in reportage and artistic photography. Now at the dawn of a new era in the system’s technology, the Leica M offers a multitude of new features. The first of these are Live View and Live View Focus. Image composition can now take place in real time with the view of the subject through the lens. The sharpness, exposure and color content of images can now be precisely assessed on the camera’s large, 3-inch, high-resolution monitor screen with 920,000 pixels. The glass covering plate of the monitor screen is manufactured from particularly tough and scratch-resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass. The new Live View function allows photographers to have access to entirely new opportunities that, in combination with the outstanding performance of Leica M- and R-Lenses, go far beyond the classical capabilities of rangefinder photography. This applies particularly to macro and telephoto photography, but also allows even more discreet shooting. In combination with M- and R-Lenses, the camera’s new 1080p Full HD video capability also opens up further opportunities to record memories as they happen.

Ever in pursuit of capturing Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “Decisive Moment,” the Leica M offers two additional focusing methods that can be activated quickly and easily with the new focus button. M-Photographers now have even more options for capturing outstandingly sharp images. The new ‘Live View Zoom’ option enables up to 10 x magnification for precise assessment of the sharpness of subject details or the close focusing limit. The second aid to focusing is ‘Live View Focus Peaking’. Here, contours in the subject are automatically displayed as red lines to allow simple and convenient focus assessment. Focusing precision can be assessed on the basis of the intensity of the lines displayed.

The Leica M’s features are optimally combined with the typical values of the Leica rangefinder system and guarantee the accustomed dependability of the Leica M in all photographic situations, from available light photography to discreet and aesthetic fine-art image composition. In line with the principles of the M-Philosophy, all functions and features are designed and constructed for absolute robustness and a long working life. The top deck and the base plate of the Leica M are machined from solid brass blanks and the full-metal chassis is a completely self-contained diecast element manufactured from high-strength magnesium alloy. Special rubber seals protect the camera body against dust, spray and moisture.

The new rangefinder camera is also a typical M due to its intuitive handling concept with direct manual setting options and fast access to functions. The enhanced layout and particular user-friendliness of the menu interface guarantees a clear and uncomplicated overview of all camera settings at all times. Dedicated button controls have been provided for the Live View and new focusing functions. Live View Zoom and Live View Focus Peaking can be selected with the new focus button on the front of the camera. User profiles can be programmed with any camera and shooting settings, stored under an arbitrary name. They can be accessed quickly whenever required for particular situations and can now also be saved to an SD memory card. For increased comfort in use and harkening to the film advance lever of Leica film cameras, the Leica M now provides an ergonomically formed thumb rest with an integrated setting dial at the top right on the back of the top deck. This ensures that the camera can be held securely in even the most demanding situations.

A wide range of optional accessories is also available for the new Leica M. A particular highlight of the range is a new Leica R-Adapter M that allows almost all R-Lenses ever built to be mounted on the camera. The use of Leica R-System lenses now opens up vast new possibilities for zoom, telephoto and macro photography.

Further accessories are the Leica EVF2, Visoflex electronic viewfinder and a multifunctional handgrip-M with an integrated GPS module that, in combination with optional finger loops in various sizes (S, M and L), helps to ensure safe and steady handling of the camera and lens system. The range also includes a Leica Microphone Adapter set for perfect sound with video recordings.

The Leica M will be available from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, in early 2013 in a choice of black paint or silver chrome finish.

Manufacturer description #2

The Leica M rigorously adheres to the philosophy of the M-System. It is a milestone that points the way to the future. The Leica M reaps the benefits of more than 60 years of experience with the M rangefinder system. At the same time, it exploits forward-looking digital technologies: it features a high-resolution, full-format CMOS sensor that, in combination with its high-performance processor and the legendary M-lenses, delivers outstanding imaging results – typical of M-Cameras. But with Live View, video, and additional focusing methods, it is also the M for photographers that do not want to miss out on any of the benefits of modern digital technology. The M successfully expands the scope of the M-System while remaining true to its fundamental heritage and principles.

The Leica M embodies six decades of experience with the modern M rangefinder system plus the innovative potential of the digital age. It is a superb example of what is currently the world’s most compact, full-frame camera system. And it is one of the most compact full-format system cameras currently available. Moreover, its 24 × 36 mm CMOS sensor delivers the full 35 mm format without compromises. System compatibility has always been a hallmark of the Leica M-System and the M is no exception: it benefits from access to the entire portfolio of M-Lenses, widely acclaimed as the world’s best lens system. Introduced in 1954, it has been continually advanced and improved ever since. And today, almost all M-Lenses ever made are compatible for use with the digital M. But that’s not all: with the Leica R-Adapter, almost all Leica R-Lenses can also be used with the Leica M. And this expands its options into the world of Leica R photography. The successful story of the Leica M-System continues to unfold.

The Leica M features a high-resolution, 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in the full 35 mm format. In combination with the Leica Maestro image processor, already employed in the Leica S-System, the Leica Max 24-MP sensor is responsible for the outstanding imaging quality of the Leica M. For the first time in the history of the digital M-System, all components in the image creation flow, from lens to image file, were developed in-house by Leica. Here, our team of engineers has successfully perfected the entire image creation chain for use with M- and R-Lenses without any compromises, in order to exploit the full potential of these lenses. The consequence of this integration can be seen in images with superior sharpness and the finest reproduction of details. The M delivers extremely low-noise and richly detailed images, even at higher sensitivities of up to ISO 6400. In combination with fast Leica lenses, this low noise capture capability makes the camera an ideal tool for available-light photography. Thanks to the integrated imaging electronics of the Leica Maestro image processor, the Leica M is also distinguished by fast response times and an almost instantaneous wake-up time – ensuring that photographers are always ready to shoot.

In conjunction with the sensor, the Leica Maestro processor enables the Leica M to set new standards in terms of image-processing speed. It processes the image data arriving from the sensor and transforms them into visible images at lightning speed. But this elaborately designed and developed sensor doesn’t only make the M an incredibly fast camera, it also enables even greater capabilities. The Maestro processor contains several independently active, functional segments that allow it, for example, to process an incoming image while it is still writing the data of the previous image to the memory card. It can also perform complex processing steps at extremely high speed. At the same time, its extremely low power consumption has a positive effect on battery life. Due to its powerful image processor working in tandem with its high-resolution sensor, the Leica M can generate a high-quality JPEG file in the camera – simultaneously with a DNG raw data file destined for final optimization on a computer, if required.

The Leica M is the first M ever to feature Live View and Live View Focusing. This means that now, for the first time, M-System images can be composed using the actual image produced by the lens – with complete control of depth of field, exposure, precise framing, and focusing. Its large, high-resolution 3" monitor with 920,000 pixels allows precise assessment of each potential or captured image with regard to sharpness, exposure accuracy, and color. This opens up entirely new opportunities for M-Photographers that previously were far beyond the limitations of viewfinder- controlled photography. This applies particularly to macro and telephoto exposures, but also allows even more discreet photography by using the monitor instead of the sometimes too obvious technique of glancing through the viewfinder. The Live View function can be used to its full extent with both M- and R-Lenses. Indirectly, the Live View option offers an additional attractive benefit for R-Lens owners. It enables the use of an optional Visoflex EVF 2 electronic viewfinder with Live View. This means that a Leica M with an R-Adapter, R-Lenses, and a viewfinder can be used exactly like an SLR, that is, without using the LCD monitor.

Leica lenses are famous for their superior resolution, high speeds, and attractive bokeh. The unique quality of Leica lenses can also be exploited with the Full HD 1080 pixel video recording function of the Leica M. Recording can be initiated directly with a separate dedicated release button. Complete control over exposure and capture settings enables photographers to complement their still images with professional caliber video recordings. And with the same well known look and quality that characterizes Leica M still images. The Leica M offers the option of recording images as Motion JPEGs, i. e. as true, individual full frames, which brings enormous advantages for video editing. In the same manner as with still images, the Leica R-Adapter also allows video recording with R- Lenses that can be mounted on the Leica M without any loss of functionality. Perfect sound is ensured by using an optional Leica microphone adapter set, comprising an adapter and a stereo microphone. Another practical touch: other microphones can be attached with the adapter.

The classic M rangefinder system guarantees fast, precise, and crystal-clear focusing along with superior accuracy irrespective of the lens in use, particularly with wide-angle lenses. The Leica M offers two additional focusing methods that can be activated quickly and easily with the focus button.

The Live View Zoom enables up to 10-fold magnification of the Live View display for complete control over precise focusing on fine details or assessing sharpness at the close focusing limit. Another highlight is Live View Focus Peaking: here, automatic highlighting of contours in red provides convenient focus control. This contour display enables more precise assessment of focusing accuracy. Depending on the situation or the photographer’s preferences, M-Users can now choose from several effective options for achieving exquisitely sharp images.

Robust and enduring, it is not rare for a Leica to become its owner’s lifelong companion. This applies especially in the case of the M. Thanks to the many years of experience gathered by our engineers in the construction of camera bodies, not only the M-System, but also the R- and S- Systems are built without compromise for maximum stability and perfect weather sealing. Its top deck and base plate are machined from solid brass blanks and its full-metal body is manufactured from a single piece of high-strength magnesium alloy. The glass cover plate of its high-resolution LCD monitor screen is manufactured from especially tough and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass. Specially designed rubber seals protect its body against splashes, moisture, and dust. And this means that taking a Leica M wherever you go is a distinct pleasure in any weather.

The lithium-ion battery (1,800 mAh) in the Leica M means that even extremely long photo sessions can be captured without having to look for a power socket. Thanks to this high-performance rechargeable battery, energy-saving exposure metering electronics, and the energy-saving imaging electronics of the Leica Maestro image processor and the sensor, a single charge guarantees an enormous number of exposures. This also makes photography far from the beaten track an extended and enjoyable experience.

A user concept with intuitive handling, direct manual control options, and rapid access to all important photographic functions was an essential part of the digital M-System philosophy right from the start. The attractive features of the Leica M have changed nothing in this respect. In addition to manual focusing and direct setting options for the aperture and shutter speeds, the combination of an ergonomically positioned control wheel on the top deck and intuitive menu navigation make up the heart of its operating concept. The supremely user-friendly menu interface displayed on the large rear monitor guarantees a clear overview of all camera settings at all times. And this assures that M-Camera owners can always concentrate on what’s essential – their pictures.

True to the principles of the M-philosophy, the video and Live View functions and the focus functions each have their own buttons. The focus button on the front of the camera allows not only the selection of Live View Zoom and Live View Focus Peaking, but also fast and easy exposure corrections with the conveniently placed control wheel. ISO sensitivity settings can also be controlled with a dedicated button. The Set button provides direct access to white balance, image file compression, resolution, exposure compensation, bracketing, and user profiles. In user profiles, any camera and exposure settings can be saved under a user-selected name and rapidly accessed whenever required. These profiles can even be saved to an SD card. For increased handling comfort, the Leica M also features an ergonomically formed thumb rest at the top-right end of the top deck. This ensures an ideal grip and stability even under the most demanding shooting situations. In addition, the generously dimensioned high-resolution 3" monitor guarantees maximum ease of image assessment.

The Leica R-Adapter allows almost all Leica R-Lenses to be mounted on the Leica M. The extensive range of R-Lenses, from various wide-angles, telephoto, and macro lenses to a selection of zooms, offers almost limitless opportunities for expanding the capabilities of the Leica M-System. Additional support for the use of R-Lenses is provided by the optional Visoflex EVF 2 electronic accessory viewfinder.

In conjunction with the high-performance Leica Maestro processor, the Leica Max 24-MP high- resolution, full-format (35 mm) sensor ensures the maximum imaging quality and speed of the Leica M. The sensor is an innovative, high-tech product developed by Leica in collaboration with CMOSIS especially for the Leica M, and for use with M- and R-Lenses. This development has successfully transferred the characteristic advantages of CCD sensors to a CMOS sensor, and preserves the natural, brilliant color rendition and impressive detail resolution characteristic of CCD sensors. But that is by no means the only impressive feature of this energy-saving sensor. Its particularly flat pixel architecture enables the positioning of the light-sensitive area of each pixel much further forward. This means that each individual pixel can capture light from all directions and at larger angles of incidence than a conventional sensor. An additional microlens array gathers even more light. Thanks to smart, innovative sensor design, more space is also available for each individual pixel. The end result of this intensive sensor development process is an impressive dynamic range and excellent contrast rendition that ensures noise-free and brilliant imaging results.

Fast and simple focusing is also offered by the Live View Focus Peaking function. It automatically highlights all contours in the focused image in red. This linear display indicates when a subject is sharply focused and whether a focusing adjustment should be applied. In addition to Live View Zoom and classical focusing method using the rangefinder, this means that the camera offers users a further alternative option for enhanced focusing precision.

Special limited editions (3)

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Copy this code

and paste it here *

0 comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Copyright © 2012-2024 Evgenii Artemov. All rights reserved. Translation and/or reproduction of website materials in any form, including the Internet, is prohibited without the express written permission of the website owner.

Chromatic aberration

There are two kinds of chromatic aberration: longitudinal and lateral. Longitudinal chromatic aberration is a variation in location of the image plane with changes in wave lengths. It produces the image point surrounded by different colors which result in a blurred image in black-and-white pictures. Lateral chromatic aberration is a variation in image size or magnification with wave length. This aberration does not appear at axial image points but toward the surrounding area, proportional to the distance from the center of the image field. Stopping down the lens has only a limited effect on these aberrations.

Spherical aberration

Spherical aberration is caused because the lens is round and the film or image sensor is flat. Light entering the edge of the lens is more severely refracted than light entering the center of the lens. This results in a blurred image, and also causes flare (non-image forming internal reflections). Stopping down the lens minimizes spherical aberration and flare, but introduces diffraction.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism in a lens causes a point in the subject to be reproduced as a line in the image. The effect becomes worse towards the corner of the image. Stopping down the lens has very little effect.

Coma

Coma in a lens causes a circular shape in the subject to be reproduced as an oval shape in the image. Stopping down the lens has almost no effect.

Curvature of field

Curvature of field is the inability of a lens to produce a flat image of a flat subject. The image is formed instead on a curved surface. If the center of the image is in focus, the edges are out of focus and vice versa. Stopping down the lens has a limited effect.

Distortion

Distortion is the inability of a lens to capture lines as straight across the entire image area. Barrel distortion causes straight lines at the edges of the frame to bow toward the center of the image, producing a barrel shape. Pincushion distortion causes straight lines at the edges of the frame to curve in toward the lens axis. Distortion, whether barrel or pincushion type, is caused by differences in magnification; stopping down the lens has no effect at all.

The term "distortion" is also sometimes used instead of the term "aberration". In this case, other types of optical aberrations may also be meant, not necessarily geometric distortion.

Diffraction

Classically, light is thought of as always traveling in straight lines, but in reality, light waves tend to bend around nearby barriers, spreading out in the process. This phenomenon is known as diffraction and occurs when a light wave passes by a corner or through an opening. Diffraction plays a paramount role in limiting the resolving power of any lens.

Doublet

Doublet is a lens design comprised of two elements grouped together. Sometimes the two elements are cemented together, and other times they are separated by an air gap. Examples of this type of lens include achromatic close-up lenses.

Dynamic range

Dynamic range is the maximum range of tones, from darkest shadows to brightest highlights, that can be produced by a device or perceived in an image. Also called tonal range.

Resolving power

Resolving power is the ability of a lens, photographic emulsion or imaging sensor to distinguish fine detail. Resolving power is expressed in terms of lines per millimeter that are distinctly recorded in the final image.

Vignetting

Vignetting is the darkening of the corners of an image relative to the center of the image. There are three types of vignetting: optical, mechanical, and natural vignetting.

Optical vignetting is caused by the physical dimensions of a multi-element lens. Rear elements are shaded by elements in front of them, which reduces the effective lens opening for off-axis incident light. The result is a gradual decrease of the light intensity towards the image periphery. Optical vignetting is sensitive to the aperture and can be completely cured by stopping down the lens. Two or three stops are usually sufficient.

Mechanical vignetting occurs when light beams are partially blocked by external objects such as thick or stacked filters, secondary lenses, and improper lens hoods.

Natural vignetting (also known as natural illumination falloff) is not due to the blocking of light rays. The falloff is approximated by the "cosine fourth" law of illumination falloff. Wide-angle rangefinder designs are particularly prone to natural vignetting. Stopping down the lens cannot cure it.

Flare

Bright shapes or lack of contrast caused when light is scattered by the surface of the lens or reflected off the interior surfaces of the lens barrel. This is most often seen when the lens is pointed toward the sun or another bright light source. Flare can be minimized by using anti-reflection coatings, light baffles, or a lens hood.

Ghosting

Glowing patches of light that appear in a photograph due to lens flare.

Retrofocus design

Design with negative lens group(s) positioned in front of the diaphragm and positive lens group(s) positioned at the rear of the diaphragm. This provides a short focal length with a long back focus or lens-to-film distance, allowing for movement of the reflex mirror in SLR cameras. Sometimes called an inverted telephoto lens.

Rectilinear design

Design that does not introduce significant distortion, especially ultra-wide angle lenses that preserve straight lines and do not curve them (unlike a fisheye lens, for instance).

Focus shift

A change in the position of the plane of optimal focus, generally due to a change in focal length when using a zoom lens, and in some lenses, with a change in aperture.

Transmittance

The amount of light that passes through a lens without being either absorbed by the glass or being reflected by glass/air surfaces.

Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

When optical designers attempt to compare the performance of optical systems, a commonly used measure is the modulation transfer function (MTF).

The components of MTF are:

The MTF of a lens is a measurement of its ability to transfer contrast at a particular resolution from the object to the image. In other words, MTF is a way to incorporate resolution and contrast into a single specification.

Knowing the MTF curves of each photographic lens and camera sensor within a system allows a designer to make the appropriate selection when optimizing for a particular resolution.

Veiling glare

Lens flare that causes loss of contrast over part or all of the image.

Anti-reflection coating

When light enters or exits an uncoated lens approximately 5% of the light is reflected back at each lens-air boundary due to the difference in refractive index. This reflected light causes flare and ghosting, which results in deterioration of image quality. To counter this, a vapor-deposited coating that reduces light reflection is applied to the lens surface. Early coatings consisted of a single thin film with the correct refractive index differences to cancel out reflections. Multi-layer coatings, introduced in the early 1970s, are made up of several such films.

Benefits of anti-reflection coating:

Circular fisheye

Produces a 180° angle of view in all directions (horizontal, vertical and diagonal).

The image circle of the lens is inscribed in the image frame.

Diagonal (full-frame) fisheye

Covers the entire image frame. For this reason diagonal fisheye lenses are often called full-frame fisheyes.

Extension ring

Extension rings can be used singly or in combination to vary the reproduction ratio of lenses. They are mounted between the camera body and the lens. As a rule, the effect becomes stronger the shorter the focal length of the lens in use, and the longer the focal length of the extension ring.

View camera

A large-format camera with a ground-glass viewfinder at the image plane for viewing and focusing. The photographer must stick his head under a cloth hood in order to see the image projected on the ground glass. Because of their 4x5-inch (or larger) negatives, these cameras can produce extremely high-quality results. View cameras also usually support movements.

135 cartridge-loaded film

43.27 24 36
  • Introduced: 1934
  • Frame size: 36 × 24mm
  • Aspect ratio: 3:2
  • Diagonal: 43.27mm
  • Area: 864mm2
  • Double perforated
  • 8 perforations per frame

120 roll film

71.22 44 56
  • Introduced: 1901
  • Frame size: 56 × 44mm
  • Aspect ratio: 11:14
  • Diagonal: 71.22mm
  • Area: 2464mm2
  • Unperforated

120 roll film

79.2 56 56
  • Introduced: 1901
  • Frame size: 56 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 1:1
  • Diagonal: 79.2mm
  • Area: 3136mm2
  • Unperforated

120 roll film

89.64 56 70
  • Introduced: 1901
  • Frame size: 70 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 5:4
  • Diagonal: 89.64mm
  • Area: 3920mm2
  • Unperforated

220 roll film

71.22 44 56
  • Introduced: 1965
  • Frame size: 56 × 44mm
  • Aspect ratio: 11:14
  • Diagonal: 71.22mm
  • Area: 2464mm2
  • Unperforated
  • Double the length of 120 roll film

220 roll film

79.2 56 56
  • Introduced: 1965
  • Frame size: 56 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 1:1
  • Diagonal: 79.2mm
  • Area: 3136mm2
  • Unperforated
  • Double the length of 120 roll film

220 roll film

89.64 56 70
  • Introduced: 1965
  • Frame size: 70 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 5:4
  • Diagonal: 89.64mm
  • Area: 3920mm2
  • Unperforated
  • Double the length of 120 roll film

Shutter speed ring with "F" setting

The "F" setting disengages the leaf shutter and is set when using only the focal plane shutter in the camera body.

Catch for disengaging cross-coupling

The shutter and diaphragm settings are cross-coupled so that the diaphragm opens to a corresponding degree when faster shutter speeds are selected. The cross-coupling can be disengaged at the press of a catch.

Cross-coupling button

With the cross-coupling button depressed speed/aperture combinations can be altered without changing the Exposure Value setting.

M & X sync

The shutter is fully synchronized for M- and X-settings so that you can work with flash at all shutter speeds.

In M-sync, the shutter closes the flash-firing circuit slightly before it is fully open to catch the flash at maximum intensity. The M-setting is used for Class M flash bulbs.

In X-sync, the flash takes place when the shutter is fully opened. The X-setting is used for electronic flash.

X sync

The shutter is fully synchronized for X-setting so that you can work with flash at all shutter speeds.

In X-sync, the flash takes place when the shutter is fully opened. The X-setting is used for electronic flash.

14195

Protection cap, for camera body with LEICA M bayonet mount.

14397

Protection cap, for camera body with LEICA M bayonet mount.

Unable to follow the link

You are already on the page dedicated to this lens.

Cannot perform comparison

Cannot compare the lens to itself.

Image stabilizer

A technology used for reducing or even eliminating the effects of camera shake. Gyro sensors inside the lens detect camera shake and pass the data to a microcomputer. Then an image stabilization group of elements controlled by the microcomputer moves inside the lens and compensates camera shake in order to keep the image static on the imaging sensor or film.

The technology allows to increase the shutter speed by several stops and shoot handheld in such lighting conditions and at such focal lengths where without image stabilizer you have to use tripod, decrease the shutter speed and/or increase the ISO setting which can lead to blurry and noisy images.

Original name

Lens name as indicated on the lens barrel (usually on the front ring). With lenses from film era, may vary slightly from batch to batch.

Format

Format refers to the shape and size of film or image sensor.

35mm is the common name of the 36x24mm film format or image sensor format. It has an aspect ratio of 3:2, and a diagonal measurement of approximately 43mm. The name originates with the total width of the 135 film which was the primary medium of the format prior to the invention of the full frame digital SLR. Historically the 35mm format was sometimes called small format to distinguish it from the medium and large formats.

APS-C is an image sensor format approximately equivalent in size to the film negatives of 25.1x16.7mm with an aspect ratio of 3:2.

Medium format is a film format or image sensor format larger than 36x24mm (35mm) but smaller than 4x5in (large format).

Angle of view

Angle of view describes the angular extent of a given scene that is imaged by a camera. It is used interchangeably with the more general term field of view.

As the focal length changes, the angle of view also changes. The shorter the focal length (eg 18mm), the wider the angle of view. Conversely, the longer the focal length (eg 55mm), the smaller the angle of view.

A camera's angle of view depends not only on the lens, but also on the sensor. Imaging sensors are sometimes smaller than 35mm film frame, and this causes the lens to have a narrower angle of view than with 35mm film, by a certain factor for each sensor (called the crop factor).

This website does not use the angles of view provided by lens manufacturers, but calculates them automatically by the following formula: 114.6 * arctan (21.622 / CF * FL),

where:

CF – crop-factor of a sensor,
FL – focal length of a lens.

Mount

A lens mount is an interface — mechanical and often also electrical — between a camera body and a lens.

A lens mount may be a screw-threaded type, a bayonet-type, or a breech-lock type. Modern camera lens mounts are of the bayonet type, because the bayonet mechanism precisely aligns mechanical and electrical features between lens and body, unlike screw-threaded mounts.

Lens mounts of competing manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony etc.) are always incompatible. In addition to the mechanical and electrical interface variations, the flange focal distance can also be different.

The flange focal distance (FFD) is the distance from the mechanical rear end surface of the lens mount to the focal plane.

Lens construction

Lens construction – a specific arrangement of elements and groups that make up the optical design, including type and size of elements, type of used materials etc.

Element - an individual piece of glass which makes up one component of a photographic lens. Photographic lenses are nearly always built up of multiple such elements.

Group – a cemented together pieces of glass which form a single unit or an individual piece of glass. The advantage is that there is no glass-air surfaces between cemented together pieces of glass, which reduces reflections.

Focal length

The focal length is the factor that determines the size of the image reproduced on the focal plane, picture angle which covers the area of the subject to be photographed, depth of field, etc.

Speed

The largest opening or stop at which a lens can be used is referred to as the speed of the lens. The larger the maximum aperture is, the faster the lens is considered to be. Lenses that offer a large maximum aperture are commonly referred to as fast lenses, and lenses with smaller maximum aperture are regarded as slow.

In low-light situations, having a wider maximum aperture means that you can shoot at a faster shutter speed or work at a lower ISO, or both.

Closest focusing distance

The minimum distance from the focal plane (film or sensor) to the subject where the lens is still able to focus.

Closest working distance

The distance from the front edge of the lens to the subject at the maximum magnification.

Magnification ratio

Determines how large the subject will appear in the final image. Magnification is expressed as a ratio. For example, a magnification ratio of 1:1 means that the image of the subject formed on the film or sensor will be the same size as the subject in real life. For this reason, a 1:1 ratio is often called "life-size".

Manual focus override in autofocus mode

Allows to perform final focusing manually after the camera has locked the focus automatically. Note that you don't have to switch camera and/or lens to manual focus mode.

Manual focus override in autofocus mode

Allows to perform final focusing manually after the camera has locked the focus automatically. Note that you don't have to switch camera and/or lens to manual focus mode.

Electronic manual focus override is performed in the following way: half-press the shutter button, wait until the camera has finished the autofocusing and then focus manually without releasing the shutter button using the focusing ring.

Manual diaphragm

The diaphragm must be stopped down manually by rotating the detent aperture ring.

Preset diaphragm

The lens has two rings, one is for pre-setting, while the other is for normal diaphragm adjustment. The first ring must be set at the desired aperture, the second ring then should be fully opened for focusing, and turned back for stop down to the pre-set value.

Semi-automatic diaphragm

The lens features spring mechanism in the diaphragm, triggered by the shutter release, which stops down the diaphragm to the pre-set value. The spring needs to be reset manually after each exposure to re-open diaphragm to its maximum value.

Automatic diaphragm

The camera automatically closes the diaphragm down during the shutter operation. On completion of the exposure, the diaphragm re-opens to its maximum value.

Fixed diaphragm

The aperture setting is fixed at F/ on this lens, and cannot be adjusted.

Number of blades

As a general rule, the more blades that are used to create the aperture opening in the lens, the rounder the out-of-focus highlights will be.

Some lenses are designed with curved diaphragm blades, so the roundness of the aperture comes not from the number of blades, but from their shape. However, the fewer blades the diaphragm has, the more difficult it is to form a circle, regardless of rounded edges.

At maximum aperture, the opening will be circular regardless of the number of blades.

Weight

Excluding case or pouch, caps and other detachable accessories (lens hood, close-up adapter, tripod adapter etc.).

Maximum diameter x Length

Excluding case or pouch, caps and other detachable accessories (lens hood, close-up adapter, tripod adapter etc.).

For lenses with collapsible design, the length is indicated for the working (retracted) state.

Weather sealing

A rubber material which is inserted in between each externally exposed part (manual focus and zoom rings, buttons, switch panels etc.) to ensure it is properly sealed against dust and moisture.

Lenses that accept front mounted filters typically do not have gaskets behind the filter mount. It is recommended to use a filter for complete weather resistance when desired.

Fluorine coating

Helps keep lenses clean by reducing the possibility of dust and dirt adhering to the lens and by facilitating cleaning should the need arise. Applied to the outer surface of the front and/or rear lens elements over multi-coatings.

Filters

Lens filters are accessories that can protect lenses from dirt and damage, enhance colors, minimize glare and reflections, and add creative effects to images.

Lens hood

A lens hood or lens shade is a device used on the end of a lens to block the sun or other light source in order to prevent glare and lens flare. Flare occurs when stray light strikes the front element of a lens and then bounces around within the lens. This stray light often comes from very bright light sources, such as the sun, bright studio lights, or a bright white background.

The geometry of the lens hood can vary from a plain cylindrical or conical section to a more complex shape, sometimes called a petal, tulip, or flower hood. This allows the lens hood to block stray light with the higher portions of the lens hood, while allowing more light into the corners of the image through the lowered portions of the hood.

Lens hoods are more prominent in long focus lenses because they have a smaller viewing angle than that of wide-angle lenses. For wide angle lenses, the length of the hood cannot be as long as those for telephoto lenses, as a longer hood would enter the wider field of view of the lens.

Lens hoods are often designed to fit onto the matching lens facing either forward, for normal use, or backwards, so that the hood may be stored with the lens without occupying much additional space. In addition, lens hoods can offer some degree of physical protection for the lens due to the hood extending farther than the lens itself.

Teleconverters

Teleconverters increase the effective focal length of lenses. They also usually maintain the closest focusing distance of lenses, thus increasing the magnification significantly. A lens combined with a teleconverter is normally smaller, lighter and cheaper than a "direct" telephoto lens of the same focal length and speed.

Teleconverters are a convenient way of enhancing telephoto capability, but it comes at a cost − reduced maximum aperture. Also, since teleconverters magnify every detail in the image, they logically also magnify residual aberrations of the lens.

Lens caps

Scratched lens surfaces can spoil the definition and contrast of even the finest lenses. Lens covers are the best and most inexpensive protection available against dust, moisture and abrasion. Safeguard lens elements - both front and rear - whenever the lens is not in use.