The Leica M system is now open for professional digital photography. Breaking completely new ground, the Leica M8 doesn't only look like an M - it utilizes all the benefits of the analog Leica M system for sophisticated and creative digital photography. It is the only digital camera for professionals to incorporate the rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision. And the no-compromise quality criteria of the M system continue to apply to the M8. Full compatibility with nearly all M lenses means that their unique imaging performance is now available for digital photography, too. The low-noise CCD image sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels has been specifically matched to the compact lens design to guarantee superlative photographic quality. The controls and functions of the digital M still concentrate on the essentials. The proven M concept is complemented by the intelligent extra functions that digital technology has to offer.
Features:
- Digital and long-lasting
The M8 is designed to deliver professional
results over many years. The solid metal
housing is manufactured from a highly stable
magnesium alloy. The cover plate and base
plate are milled out of solid brass blocks
and then chrome-plated either silver or
black. DNG technology has been chosen
as the future-proof raw data format as it
guarantees safe archiving for the long term.
- Compatibility as the principle
The lenses recognized as being some of the best in
the world also demonstrate their full performance
with the Leica M8. The superb resolution
offered by all lenses in the M system
since 1954 makes them predestined for digital
photography as well. The M8 has intentionally
dispensed with a resolution-reducing
moiré filter before the sensor to ensure full
lens performance.
- Concentrated and intuitive
When developing the M8, only the photographically
relevant digital options were
consistently incorporated in the operating
concept. The fundamental scope of functions
such as automatic mode and manual focus
in combination with the tried and tested
viewfinder/rangefinder principle have been
retained. Simple and intuitive menu prompting
allows settings to be changed via the
2.5" monitor using just a few buttons.
- Maximum resolution
The low-noise CCD image sensor has been
consistently optimized for the special features
of the M lens system and offers a high
resolution of 10.3 million pixels. Specific
coordination of the sensor to microlens
misalignment avoids annoying vignetting in
the corners of pictures. An especially thin
cover glass prevents undesirable refraction
with oblique light.
- Full light efficiency
The maximum sensitivity settings of up to
ISO 2500 now provide much more detailed
images than was ever possible with analog
films. The M8 is thus opening up a new
chapter in available-light photography.
- Creative photography
The electronic metal-blade slotted shutter
provides for exposure times of up to 1/8000
second. Even in the brightest environments
the photographer has full freedom in image
creation thanks to the use of selective
sharpness at open aperture. The short flash
sync time of 1/250 second now also makes
daylight flash photography possible with
selective sharpness.
- Quiet and discreet
To ensure activation of the shutter is as
silent as possible, a rubberized quiet-action
friction gear is used in the first speedincreasing
gear stage. The force is transmitted
with constant torque via a cam over the
entire path of the activation arm. This results
in a pleasantly quiet sound with electromotive
shutter activation.
Item includes:
- Carrying strap with anti-slip guard
- Camera cover for M bayonet
- Lithium ion battery
- Charger includes car and 3 mains plug adapters (Euro, UK, USA)
- USB connecting lead
- Operating manual
- Software CD Capture One LE
- Software CD with LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE
- Operating manual
- Warranty card
