91145 01/2006

LEICA C-LUX 1

Perfect for Fun Photography:Leica’s New Digital Camera_ P. 4

FOUR THIRDS FORUM

Leica Supports the Open Standard for Digital Photography_ P. 8

RANGEFINDER

The New Rangemaster CRF 1200 – an Experience Report_ P. 10

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Unmistakable

Now your very own personal Leica M camera can look just the way you want it to, and also be equipped

according to your requirements. At your Leica à la carte dealer, you can take a look at the different

options, actually feel the available types of leather, and make your choice for your Leica à la carte. Would

you like to try out the more than 4,000 possible combinations beforehand? See the configurator at

www.leica-a-la-carte.com.

Leica World News 3

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

07 LEICA LENSESNo mistake: Leica optics are still the bestand all ready for digital photography

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

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

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

12 UNIVERSAL LENSESWell equipped: Two ultra compact zoomlenses for the Leica R system cover a widevariety of photographic situations

14 LEICA M SYSTEMAlways at your service: Useful accessories for the Leica M

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

07 LEICA LENSES in a digital world

10 RANGEMASTER CRF 1200

Dear friends of Leica,

Spring and summer with their fresh, green colors are particularly attractive seasons for pho-

tography and nature watching. There are signs of new life at Leica, too. The LEICA DIGITAL-

MODUL-R is now fully available and is being put to excellent use by more and more R pho-

tographers. Our digital compact camera LEICA D-LUX 2 was such a success that it was sold

out after only a few months. In this issue of Leica World News we are introducing the new

LEICA C-LUX 1, the first model in another ultra compact and ele-

gant series of digital compact cameras. Don’t miss it!

There are exciting developments in the legendary Leica M sys-

tem as well: The eagerly awaited digital Leica M camera is to be

launched in the second half of the year. This means a difficult

decision for many a Leica M customer: Should I start putting

money aside for the new camera or snap up one of the high per-

formance lenses first as they can just as easily be used for dig-

ital photography?

Another article in this issue describes our involvement in the

so-called Four-Thirds Standard, which will pave the way for fur-

ther attractive digital products from Leica.

Leica Sport Optics, used by our nature-loving customers every

day, will be catering for hunting enthusiasts in particular this

summer. In this issue of Leica World News you can find out all about the new extra powerful

LEICA GEOVID 15 x 56 BRF with 15x magnification and our new compact rangefinder LEICA

RANGEMASTER CRF 1200.

As the new International Sales and Marketing Director, I am pleased to be playing a part in

shaping Leica Camera AG’s bright new future. I am especially looking forward to the dialog

with you. Incidentally, we are opening a new website this summer which should make com-

munication even more effective!

With kindest regards,

Dr. Ralph Nebe, International Sales andMarketing Director

Dr. Ralph Nebe

4 Leica World News

LEICA C-LUX 1: AN ELEGANT ALL-ROUNDER

In terms of pure enjoyment value, Leica Camera AG’s new ultra compact high-perform-

ance digital camera is hard to beat. Equally suitable for everyday use, leisure and sports,

the LEICA C-LUX 1 is a high-tech product that’s also exudes fashionable elegance, and

makes a statement about its owner.

CONSIDER ITS petite but practical dimen-sions: 3 11⁄16 inches wide, 2 1⁄8 inches high.15⁄16 inches front to back. A camera like thisreally does fit into any jacket pocket, brief-case or handbag. And the sartorially sophis-ticated will even be able to accommodatethe new ultra compact digital Leica cameraLeica behind their breast pocket handker-chief! In any case, the LEICA C-LUX 1 is theideal companion at home and on holiday, atsocial events, or when you suddenly discov-er something visually memorable whilewalking to your destination, shopping, orsimply strolling down the street. The LEICAC-LUX 1 is always at hand, easy to use,compact and unobtrusive. When we sayit’s compact however, we mean that it’sstill large enough to hold and operate incomfort. After all, even the trend towardsminiaturization has its sensible limits. This new fun-to-use camera proves itsworth in so many different situations thatyou’ll want to take it everywhere you go.Incidentally, the new LEICA C-LUX 1 is atthe cutting edge of the incredibly rapidtechnological advances in digital products.Equipped with a 6 megapixel sensor, it fea-tures extremely short shutter delay, preciseautofocus measurement, and an opticalimage stabilizer for carefree photographywhatever the occasion. The exquisite LEICADC-VARIO-ELMARIT lens further enhancesthe camera’s versatility by offering a focallength range equivalent to 28–102 mm in35 mm format, providing an unusuallybroad choice of subjects. It covers typicalwide-angle situations with the focal lengthof 28 mm (a unique feature for this class of camera), but the LEICA C-LUX 1 also has no problem capturing more distantsubjects at the telephoto settings. Asyou’d expect, the cameras optic’s based

on state-of-the-art aspherical technology.In short, if you choose the new LEICA C-LUX 1, you know you’re benefiting fromthe legendary optical expertise of LeicaCamera AG. And that’s not all. The longlife battery issupported by the outstanding Venus Plusprocessor, renowned for high performanceand low energy consumption. The high-res-olution 2.5-inch 207,000-pixel display pro-vides a brilliant, high-resolution viewingimage. High-sensitivity settings of up to ISO1600 combined with the optical image sta-

Photography type/format 1:1/2.5" CCD sensor with 6.37 m effective pixels

(for aspect ratio 4:3)

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

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

Lens LEICA DC VARIO ELMARIT f/2.8-5.6/4.6-16.8 ASPH.

(corresponds to 28–102 mm for the 35 mm system)

Film speed setting Automatic or manual ISO 80, 100, 200 or 400

(in high-sensitivity mode 800–1600)

Scene modes Simple mode, normal image, macro, SCN modes (portrait,

soft skin, landscape, sport, night portrait, self-portrait, food,

party, candlelight, fireworks, starry sky, snow, baby1, baby2,

high sensitivity), moving image, replay

Monitor 2.5" polycrystalline TFT color display with 207,000 pixels

Storage medium SD memory card, MultiMedia card (still pictures only)

Scope of delivery Battery charger, battery, 64 MB SD memory card, AV cable,

USB cable, AC cable, wrist strap, CD-ROM with software

(Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0, Quicktime Movie Player)

Warranty 2 years

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE LEICA C-LUX 1

bilizer guarantee sharply focused, blur-freephotos even in dim light. A candlelight din-ner is just as easy for the LEICA C-LUX 1 tohandle as the fast-moving subjects en-countered in sports, games and otherleisure activities. For all those unexpectedencounters and photo oppourtunities, theC-LUX 1 is instantly ready for action. It caneven capture exciting video movies in VGAquality. To sum it up, this little digital Leicais a true all-rounder for taking an incrediblevariety of photographs, for hobbies or work,at home or away.

Leica World News 5

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

6 Leica World News

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

Happily, the camera’s intrinsic value isexpressed on the outside as well, withsound craftsmanship and a modern designthat is both stylish and practical and makesthis new model instantly recognizable as a

member of the prestigious Leica family. It’seasy to hold, caresses the senses – whetherin the black or silver chrome version – or toput it simply: It looks great. With its slightlyrounded sides, uncluttered front and large

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

Leica World News 7

Leica lenses: Cutting-edge technology with digital compatibility

LEICA LENSES: STILL THE BEST IN A DIGITAL WORLD

What happens to my prized Leica lenses in the brave new digital world? It’s a question

posed by many Leica customers. The answer: Leica optics are still the best and, without

exception, fully equal to the demands of today’s digital technology.

WE ALL KNOW what photography is: lightpasses through a lens and enables theimage formed to be recorded either on afilm or a sensor. This admittedly simplifieddescription of a complicated process makesone thing abundantly clear: Every photo-graph begins at the lens. That’s why Lensquality is a decisive factor in determing thequality of the resulting photo. If a lens ismerely mediocre, it is impossible to pro-duce a top-quality photo, however sophisti-cated the downstream factors (film quality,number of pixels, etc.) may be. In otherwords, a superlative lens is just as impor-tant in digital photography as it is in analogphotography for achieving first-class results– maybe even more so!Optically and mechanically, Leica lensesrepresent the absolute state of the art.Although this in itself is nothing new, it’sdefinitely worth remembering in a digitalcontext. Whereas average-quality lenses inanalog photography still produce averageresults, high-resolution digital sensors mer-cilessly expose the weaknesses of a lens.Strictly speaking, every lens is somethinglike the squaring of the circle. After all,every optical element has various inherentaberrations that impede the process ofachieving a high-resoultion, natural-look-ing image. Despite these obstacles, anexperienced design engineer may be able,

by applying cutting-edge simulation andoptimization software, to select and arrangethe individual elements in a lens in such away that their individual aberration errorscancel each other out. This is no easy taskconsidering the different radii and glassmaterials with widely varying refractionindices, plus the fact that some of the ele-ments need to move in relation to eachother as the lens is focused or zoomed. Butthis is just what Leica aims at – backed bya wealth of experienceHowever, the design of the optical systemis only one aspect in the production of agood lens. Ultra high manufacturing stan-dards are just as important. Traditionally,the optical manufacturing specifications atLeica have always been substantially tighterthan the industry norm. They have to be,because the tolerances of the various com-ponents may add up to a total tolerancethat far exceeds our extremely stringentperformance standards. Sometimes evenexperienced craftsman find extreme toler-ances demanded to achieve with automaticmachining techniques, and that’s why cer-tain lenses are finished individually by hand.It is a well-known fact that Leica lensesmeet the most extreme precision-mechan-ical specifications. Not so many peopleknow that the sensors made for Leica arespecially matched to the demands of the

Leica lenses as well. An ultra-thin protec-tive filter in front of the sensor ensures thatthe performance of the lenses is notimpaired by using a thicker filter glass,which often results in unwanted reflections.And whereas the majority of Leica’s com-petitors use physical low-pass filters whenmoiré filtering is required, Leica’s low-passfilter is integrated on the basis of softwareso optimum resulition is maintained This isthe only way to fully exploit the definitionpotential of each Leica lens. To state it suc-cinctly, it not only makes excellent senseto choose Leica lenses in digital photogra-phy, it also wise to choose a Leica digitalcamera or Digital Modul R back to comple-ment them. Leica: The best in quality andperformance, now and always.M K

8 Leica World News

To match the camera: the 50 mm Summiluxwith silver chrome finish

FOUR THIRDS SYSTEM: Leica on Board

THE SO-CALLED ‘Four Thirds’ systemwas initiated by Olympus and Kodak at theend of 2002 as an open standard that isoptimized for digital capture and futuredevelopment, and is designed to overcomesome of the the technical limitationsimposed by using a format with its roots inanalog camera technology. Basically, thenew standard simplifies the development

of lenses that are compatible with camerasmade by a variety of manufacturers and isperfectly matched to the size and charac-teristics of digital image sensors. Once thetype and size of the bayonet mount of the‘Four Thirds’ forum was standardized aswell, it became e possible to combine prod-ucts of different manufacturers going for-ward. Besides Panasonic – a strategic part-

ner of Leica Camera AG – Leica itself hasnow joined the ‘Four Thirds’ consortium andregards the new standard as a welcomecomplement to the successful Leica M andLeica R system with their wide ranges oflenses and compact cameras. Moreover,Leica sees the ‘Four Thirds’ standard as anopportunity to reach a wider customeraudience for its renowned high-perform-ance lenses in the rapidly expanding digitalSLR sector. As a first step toward this end, Leica, incooperation with Panasonic, designed itsfirst D lens in 4/3 mount, the LEICA DVARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8 – 3.5/14 – 50 mmASPH. As you would expect, this lensmeets the exceptionally stringent inspec-tion and quality control specifications ofLeica Camera AG and it provides outstand-ing performance. And of course the thoughtof using this lens on a future digital SLR ofour own was never far from our mind Thenew Leica D Vario-Elmarit is indeed a firststep on the way to our eventual goal ofoffering a high-quality lens line for the 4/3standard. There are also plans for develop-ing a complete camera together with Pana-sonic. Leica’s long-term aim in joining the‘Four Thirds’ consortium is simple anddirect: to carve out a niche with innovativehigh-performance lenses aimed at conois-seurs and professionals in the repidly grow-ing digital SLR market.

NEW SUMMILUX: It’s available in silver

IT IS NO Coincidence that the 50 mmlens is often called the standard focal lengthfor 35mm photography. It has proven im-mensely useful in so many different situa-tions that for this reason alone it deservesa place in the basic outfit of every photo-grapher. In mid 2004, Leica Camera an-nounced a completely new design of itshigh-speed standard lens – the Summilux-Mf/1.4/50 mm ASPH. The outstanding fea-tures of this timeless classic for the Leica Mrange are enhanced imaging performancethrough the use of an aspherical element,outstanding quality in the close-up range

resulting from its floating-element design(the last element changes position withrespect to the other optics during focusing)plus consistently high imaging perform-ance due to the use of high-refraction glassand elements with partial dispersion.Whether it’s used for selective focus in themacro range, high-contrast available lightphotography, or landscapes with impres-sive depth of field, the new 50mm Summiluxdelivers convincing performance whateverthe situation. For all those owners of aclassic M outfit in silver who have hesitatedbuying one until now, this is your chance:

The LEICA SUMMILUX-M f/1.4/50 mmASPH. is finally available in a matching sil-ver chrome version. Ask your authorizedLeica dealer for details.

Leica World News 9

LE ICA GEOVID 15X56 BRF

Seeing more implies recognizing fine details, discerning more and ultimately, knowing

more about what is being observed. That is exactly what the new LEICA GEOVID15 x 56 BRF

binocular delivers. In addition to providing high magnification, it also offers the observer

the benefits of an integrated laser rangefinder. A test report by Roland Zeitler.

WEIGHING ONLY 1300 g (46 oz), the15x56BRF has a very balanced and steadyfeel. Thanks to its excellent weight distri-bution, handheld observation is supremelycomfortable. For prolonged observation,the use of a tripod and the Leica BinocularAdapter is recommended. Because of itslarge 56 mm objective, the binocular canalso be used very effectively at twilight.The optics are treated with an abrasionresistant Leica HDC coating. This yields a razor-sharp image with superb colorfidelity and rich contrast. It is precisely thehigh image brilliance with good contrastthat makes it possible to discern finedetails at this high magnification that wouldotherwise remain hidden. Furthermore,the binocular offers the possibility of laserrangefinding from 10 m (10.9 yd) to approx-imately 1200 m (1312 yd). To this end, alaser beam is emitted along the main axisof the lens, the reflected light is gatheredby the lens and directed to the measuringcell by means of a beamsplitter prism. The distance is shown immediately bymeans of a red LED display in the right ocu-lar. An outline of the measuring field is alsoshown in the same ocular. The intensity ofthe LED display automatically adjusts itselfto the ambient brightness. There is noflare. By pressing the key on the top of thebinocular continuously, the measurementshifts to a scanning mode. This is idealwhen one wishes to measure the distanceto different or rapidly moving subjects inrapid succession. The large focusing drumis positioned conveniently at the centralshaft. The diopter compensation can beset at the left ocular and parallax compen-sation is provided for the LED display at theright ocular. The LED display can thus beadjusted for optimal focus. The oculars areoptimized for eyeglass-wearers with rotat-ing eyecups with two click positions.Thanks to the use of roof prisms withphase correction (P40 coating), the binoc-ular is very slender, but 210 mm (8.4 inches)high. The very sturdy aluminum die-castingis completely coated with a soft, grippablerubber armoring. The Geovid easily with-stood rough handling and several strongimpacts. It remained watertight when

immersed in a 50 cm (nearly 20 inches)deep water container. It is also filled withnitrogen to prevent the interior from steam-ing up. The new 15x56 can be used for numerousapplications. During a hunt, a ram can stillbe viewed very clearly at 100 or 150 m(109 or 164 yd). Strong roebuck antlerscan easily be discerned at great distanceswithout alarming the game. I especiallyappreciated the powerful magnificationwhile hunting in a field where game wasstanding in the open at a great distance –or when a fox was moving under the coverof a distant hedge. Mounted on a tripod, itis simply perfect for hunting varmints suchas prairie dogs or woodchucks. Being ableto ascertain the measured distance to thegame is most important for a successfulhunt. It is probably also ideal for hunting onhorseback, in the wilds of the Yukon, or inMontana. It can be used equally very effec-tively for hunting rams or mountain goatsor for stalking wapiti or moose. In such sit-uations, observation and shooting must, ofnecessity be performed at great distances.

When a wapiti buck is standing in theshade of a tree during the early hours ofthe morning, the bright optics reveal thedetails of its antlers. It enables you todecide whether it is legal for shooting orwhether it is to be spared.In practice, the very quick rangefinding andthe LED distance display were most impres-sive. The binocular performed dependablyand accurately. Game could readily beranged up to approximately 1150 m (1258yd), highly reflective subjects like houseseven up to 1368 m (1496 yd). The high-per-formance laser also permits distancemeasurements under difficult conditions.Precise rangefinding ability paired withtop-class, sharp and brilliant optics made ita genuine pleasure to use this new Geovidbinocular. The slender Geovid was easy to carry andit readily made excellent handheld obser-vation possible. All in all, it is a truly practi-cal observation instrument for specializedfields of application, for which it is supreme-ly suitable. R O L A N D Z E I T L E R

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

THE NEW Leica Laser Rangefinder CRF1200, while maintaining the very samehigh standard of performance, is now muchsmaller and handier than its popular pred-

ecessor. The new Rangemaster 1200 is justabout palm-size. Weighing only 220 g (7.8 oz) with the battery, it practically dis-appears in your hand! Its small size evenallows it to be stowed in a purse or a pocket.Of course it also fits in any pocket of ahunting jacket. It even fits well in a Napoleonpocket. That is especially useful in regionswith cold climates like the Arctic, becausethen it benefits from the warmth of thebody, so the performance capability of thebattery (3 Volt CR2 Lithium) is maintainedin such frigid areas. I used the predecessor of this new modelat full capacity in the Canadian Arctic atminus 40 degrees Celsius (which is alsominus 40 degrees Fahrenheit). The smalllaser rangefinder can, of course, also becarried in its convenient Cordura belt case,

which is tear-proof and virtually imperviousto climate changes. The case has a quickclosure that can be opened quietly for fastremoval of the new Rangemaster from thebelt case. An eyelet even makes it possibleto carry it on a cord around the neck. Inspite of its reduced overall size, the lensdiameter has been increased from 21 to 24mm, which further enhances its optical per-formance by approximately 15%. The body of the new Rangemaster consistsof a sturdy, impact-resistant and fibre-rein-forced synthetic material. It protects theoptics and the electronics perfectly, evenagainst rough handling. The threaded bat-tery compartment cover, with its star-tex-tured surface and a central slot for a coin,is also pleasantly convenient. As a result,the cover can easily be unscrewed by handwithout any tools, for quick and comfort-able battery replacement wherever youhappen to be. The black soft lacquer sur-face of the body has a velvety matte finishthat is slip-proof and has a ‘warm feel’even in very cold temperatures. The flatlower part has a tubular housing for theoptics and the 7x24 monocular. The upper portion has a molded griprecess and a button for activating the laser.The rangefinder can be held very comfort-ably at eye level. The index finger comes torest practically automatically on the acti-vating button. This very ergonomic shapeis combined with attractive styling. Thevertical positioning in the hand results inan optimal alignment during observation.The new rangefinder is virtually predes-tined for one-hand operation. The ocularhas a steep thread for quick diopter adjust-ment (+/- 3.5 diopters) that turns uniform-ly and smoothly even in cold temperatures.Its rather tight movement prevented unin-tentional setting changes during field use.The ocular is, of course, optimized for eye-glass wearers and covers the completefield of view of 115 m at 1000 m (126 yd at1094 yd). The ocular is equipped with acollapsible eyecup. The optics deliver a brilliant, bright andrazor-sharp image. The very high contoursharpness is extraordinary, as is the clear,dimensional image, which has very goodcontrast. Resolution is also remarkably high.

10 Leica World News

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

LEICA R ANGEMASTER CRF 1200

Hunters will really appreciate it: The new Leica Laser Rangefinder CRF 1200 delivers the

same high performance, yet it is even smaller and lighter than its illustrious predecessor.

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

conditions.

Front lens diameter 24 mm

Magnification 7x

Exit pupil 3.4 mm

Twilight factor 13

Field of view at 1000 m 115 m

Field of view at 1000 yds 347 ft

Diopter compensation +/- 3.5 diopters

Prism system Roof prism system with P40 phase-correcting layer

Dimensions (W x H x D) 113 x 74 x 34 mm (4 7⁄16 x13⁄8 x 3 inches)

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

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

Body Carbon-fibre-reinforced synthetic material with soft lacquering

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

Measurement accuracy +/- 1m up to 366 m, +/- 2 m up to 732 m, +/- 0.5% beyond 732 m

+/- 1.1 up to 400 yd, +/- 2.2 up to 800 yd, +/- 0.5% beyond 800 yd

Display LED display 4 digits, automatic brightness adjustment

Maximal measuring time approximately 0.9 s

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

Laser beam divergence 2.5 x 0.5 mrad

Advantages Very reliable distance measurement, large measurement range,

Very small, lightweight and handy, one-hand operation, robust and

watertight, high-grade optics (monocular), flare-free display

Disadvantages None

TECHNICAL DATA AT A GLANCE

Leica World News 11

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

There were no unpleasant reflections inbacklit situations or with in viewing snowscenes. The high-grade multi-coated opticsdelivered superb performance even underdifficult lighting conditions. That alsoapplies to its use at twilight. The monocu-lar with its phase-corrected roof prismdelivers an undistorted image, even in dimlight or in backlit situations. The phase correction prevents interference effects.Therefore the new Rangemaster 1200 isuseful not only for measuring distances,but also for monocular observation. Theexterior lens surfaces of the objective andthe ocular are equipped with a very hard,scratchproof coating. Rubbing them withmy coarse gloves did not affect the coatingin the least. The laser beam is emitted through a lens inthe lower part of the body and the reflectedlaser light is captured by the objective lensof the monocular and conveyed to a recep-tor cell. Sophisticated short-time measure-ment technology is used to compute thedistance in meters (in yards for Anglo-Amer-ican regions), based on the time elapsedbetween the emission and the return of thelaser signal. An LED display in the monoc-ular shows the measured distance. Duringthe measurement process, a square redtarget area is also outlined in the monocular.The brightness of the red display is auto-matically adjusted to the ambient bright-ness. It is thus very easy to see in all kindsof lighting conditions, without flare orexcessive brightness. It does not employ alower quality liquid crystal display. A blink-

ing signal indicates insufficient batterypower. The electronics independently rec-ognize different measurement conditionsand automatically set the appropriatemode – for example, during rain or snow,so that the rangefinder will not be fooled byraindrops or snowflakes. Only fog createsproblems for all laser rangefinders. But theview is very limited in such cases anyway. Inpractical use, the laser functioned extreme-ly dependably and accurately: +/- 1 m atdistances of up to 366 m (+/- 1.09 yd atdistances of up to 400 yd).Holding the button in activates the scan-ning mode, which displays the measure-ment results continuously. That enableshunters to measure the distances to migrat-ing game. The very rapid display of differ-ent distances is truly remarkable. Dis-tances to subjects with good reflectance,such as the sides of a house, can be meas-ured from as far away as approximately1300 m (1422 yd). A dark spruce forestwas ranged at exactly 1147 m (1254 yd).Even under very difficult reflecting condi-tions, it was always possible to obtain reli-able measurements of distances of up to900 m (984 yd). It was no problem at all tomeasure the distance of game situated500 or 600 m (547 or 646 yd) away. A roe-buck, for example, was ranged at 558 m(610 yd), a stag at 783 m (856 yd) and agoose was found to be 657 m (719 yd)away. No measurements can be made atdistances less than 10 m (10.9 yd). Game can thus be ranged from camouflagedpositions, and branches or other vegeta-

tion within the field of view will not affectthe measurement results. In difficult range-finding situations, the scanning mode stillmakes it possible to measure the distancesto objects adjacent to the actual subjectvery quickly – the rock, for example, onwhich a mountain goat is standing. The new Rangemaster is eminently versa-tile for uses ranging from playing golf tohunting. It measures distances very accurately evenunder the most difficult conditions. Thespecified measuring range is 10 to 1100 m(11 to 1203 yd). Only 113 mm long, 34 mm wide and 75 mmhigh (47⁄16 x 13⁄8 x 3 inches) and weighingonly 220 g (7,8 oz), it is supremely handyand quick to use. Its brilliant optics make itvery easy to distinguish fine details and toobserve the subject accurately. For distantshots beyond the calibrated shooting dis-tance, the hunter is compelled to rely onaccurate distance measurements in orderfor the shot to achieve the desired suc-cess. Only the laser rangefinder can pro-vide this distance information dependably.The Leica Rangemaster 1200 is no burden,even in extreme terrain, yet it providesinvaluable assistance for a successful shot.I appreciate it for hunting deer and foxes inmy home range just as much as I value itfor hunting mountain goats or snow goatsin remote high mountain regions of theRocky Mountains.R O L A N D Z E I T L E R

12 Leica World News

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

UNIVERSAL LENSES

Ideal for traveling. Zoom lenses make photography easier and reduce the amount

of equipment to the essential. Two lenses for the R series that make a perfect team.

THERE’S A LOT to be learned from pro-fessionals. Press photographers have toget in close to the action if their picturesare to tell exciting stories. That’s why theyprefer to use short focal lengths. The resultsare densely packed, powerful photos thatmake you feel as if you are part of theaction. It is the wide-angle view in particu-lar that creates a sense of immediacy andtherefore a certain authenticity. The photobecomes the “truth”, and, because the lensonly has to be stopped down slightly for thedepth of field to reach from the foregroundto infinity, it has a lot to tell. A successfullycomposed wide-angle photo is like a well-written essay.One of Leica’s lenses for its R SLR systemis an ideal tool. The LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-Rf/3.5–4/21–35 mm ASPH. embraces themost common wide-angle focal lengths of21, 24, 28 and 35 mm while measuring amere 66 mm. Yet due to the complex design,the imaging performance is comparablewith that of fixed focal length lenses.If you have to take photos in a large crowdwhere you hardly have room to move, you

can track moving objects, zoom in at theright moment and take a frame-filling photo.For the reporter, who has little time toreact to what is happening, this is a bighelp. And because the Vario-Elmar-R isdesigned as a dual-ring zoom with thefocus set by the first ring and the focallength by the second, there’s no risk ofmaking the wrong adjustment when in ahurry. But what is it that determines thesuccess of a feature on a specific subject?Certain parts of the picture need highlight-ing without losing the sense of the whole.The portrait of an artist in the middle of hisstudio, for example. This is where the wide-angle zoom comes into its own, allowingthe photographer to get close to the per-son and make him or her stand out fromthe width and depth of the surroundingspace. The contrasts of the fore- and back-ground have the same priority, no informa-tion is lost. What, for example, would a fam-ily or club celebration be without the groupphoto to remember it by? Indoor group por-traits in particular are the domain of thewide-angle zoom. Just imagine travel pho-

tography – impossible without a wide-angle.The dune landscapes of the Sahara, thedramatic canyons in the west of the USA,the towering mountain panoramas of theAlps – only a wide-angle lens can createthe epic effect of depth stretching intoinfinity. And in contrast to this, of course,the narrow ravines of Bryce Canyon with itseroded bends as in our illustration. It canonly be accessed in a few places, so cer-tain views can only be chosen and deter-mined with a wide-angle zoom. The opticalquality of the lens is particularly noticeableat the edges of the photo. Which naturallymakes it ideal for interior architecturalshots, too. If you add another zoom lens to your cam-era outfit, you’ll be equipped for (almost)everything. From the medium wide-angleto the slight telephoto range, the LEICAVARIO-ELMARIT-R f/2.8–4.5/28–90 mmASPH. is a virtually universal lens that pho-tographers will particularly appreciate whentraveling. Because it combines all commonfocal lengths in terms of focal length spreadin one lens, it can be used as a standardlens that doesn’t need changing on themove. You can choose from a wide shot allthe way through to a picture of a child’slaughing face by simply zooming therequired frame. In portrait photography thelens is unbeatable. Combining a large aperture with a long focal length setting,you can separate people from the back-

Leica World News 13

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

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ground which is then defocused. Or high-light them against the crowds at a largeevent, as the photo of the couple from theCarnival in Venice clearly shows. Thisworks equally well with objects in nature:

look how the blurred swathes of water setthe stage for a solitary pine cone on amossy stone. Often enough, it is the detailsthat make a subject interesting: a windowcross, a door handle, a weathered poster, a

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

H A N S - E B E R H A R D H E S S

14 Leica World News

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ALSO WORKING ON THIS ISSUE

Team Leica Distribution Germany, Team Product Management,Team Product Communication, Team Leica Akademie, Roland Zeitler, Hans-Eberhard Hess

ART DIRECTION

Lucie Schmid / Horst Moser, independent Medien-Design,Widenmayerstraße 16, D-80538 Munich,Tel.+ 49 (0) 89-29 00 15-0

TYPESET/LAYOUT-FINISH

independent Medien-Design: Peter Oberressl

PROJECT COORDINATION

Leica Camera AG: Alexandra Althofindependent Medien-Design: Stephanie Wiesner

LITHO

Zehentner & Partner, Munich

TRANSLATION

Rolf Fricke

PRINT

Dönges Druck und Medien, Dillenburg, Germany

LEICA WORLD NEWS

Is published twice a year in spring and autumn

PUBLISHER

Leica Camera AG, Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11,D-35606 Solms, GermanyTel. +49 (0) 6442 208-111

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Hans-Michael Koetzle DGPh

HANDGRIP M: Secure handling, and more

Photographers trying to create special light-ing effects (for example by holding the flashoff camera) often come up against a stickyproblem: they have to hold the camera inthe other hand and press the shutter re-lease at the same time! The Handgrip forthe Leica M guarantees comfortable andsecure camera handling in such situations.It is quickly and easily screwed into the cam-

era’s tripod thread and allows you to firethe shutter. Another advantage is that theHandgrip M has its own tripod thread locat-ed directly beneath the lens axis, providingmuch better balance with a tripod-mountedcamera. This practical handgrip fits allLeica M models with the exception of theLEICA M5.

ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE: USEFULACCESSORIES FOR THE LEICA M

TABLETOP TRIPOD: Always at the ready

The Leica’s ergonomic design is legendary,and many great Leica photgographs havebeen shot hendheld at shutter speeds asslow as 1⁄15 sec or so. When using evenslower shutter speeds, however, a tripod isindispensable – and the best tripod isalways the one you take with you; in otherwords a tripod as compact and lightweightas possible. This is the idea behind Leica’stabletop tripod and the reason for itsdecades of success. With three folding legsthat can be locked in any position, thisspace-saving accessory gives you the extra

stability required to prevent camera shake.The combination of tripod and ball-and-socket head allows the photographer toswitch from landscape to portrait format ina matter of seconds, providing a compactand flexible tool that guarantees sharp pic-tures whatever the situation. The Leicatabletop tripod can also be used vertically,for instance when pressed against a wall. Ifthe legs are pulled apart so that they areopposite each other, it can even be heldagainst your shoulder or chest to providethe extra support you need.

LENS CARRIER M: Well equipped and versatile

This classic lens carrier for rangefinderLeicas has served many of the great namesnames in Leica M photography. It screwsinto the tripod socket and holds a secondlens while the first is in shooting positionon the camera. This kills three birds withone stone, so to speak. First, it is an exceed-ingly compact and tidy way of carrying asmall camera outfit around on a neck strap.

Second, the lens on the carrier can also beused as a hand grip to stabilize the camerafor hendheld photography at slow shutterspeeds. And third, it can even serve as amini tripod. Incidentally, the lens carrier Mdoes not hamper film changing in any way— the T-screw on the baseplate is still freelyaccessible. The lens carrier M fits onto allLEICA M models except for the LEICA M5.

LEICA ULTRAVID 8 x 20 BRLEICA ULTRAVID 10 x 32 BR

“For me, it’s indispensable !” Extreme free climber

Stefan Glowacz uses a Leica Ultravid 32 to plan his route up the face of a

mountain. But the ultra-light and ultra-rugged Ultravids are ideal companions

not only in the toughest climbs, but also for nature and animal observation.

With meticulously selected materials and highest quality optics, they provide

fascinating visual experiences that will remain unforgettable. Experience the

Leica Ultravids at your local dealer or conveniently on the internet.Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms / Telephone +49 (0) 6442-208-111 / www.leica-camera.com

Fast, stylish, compact :LEICA C-LUX 1

www.leica-camera.com

Elegance that’s more than skin deep

The LEICA C-LUX 1 is an attractive com-

panion : be it in black or silver finish and

thanks to its metal body measuring a

mere 5 x10 cm, you’ll want to take it with

you wherever you go. And the camera

features more than just a flashy appear-

ance. Its Leica wideangle-to-tele zoom

lens, 6 megapixel resolution, ultra short

shutter delay, precise autofocus measure-

ment, and the selection of scene modes

will make it easy to capture those pre-

cious moments. See for yourself at your

local Leica dealer or now on the internet.