LEICA R-System: Lenses

Fascination and Precision
Space for exciting perspectives: super-wide-angle lenses
Super-wide-angle lenses are fascinating because of their enormous angle of view, which covers a much greater field of view than standard focal lengths do, for instance. They characteristically produce intensified perspectives with monumental foregrounds and rapidly receding backgrounds.

Gnter Bersch

In my experience, the way the human eye sees can best be simulated by short focal lengths. When I take pictures with a wide-angle lens, it is not for suggesting an overview. I seek a descriptive, interpreting and commenting style of expression. Pictures that leave enough room for the viewer to delve in and to discover the clues. Without my 19 mm lens I would be speechless. Gnter Bersch, Germany

19 mm f/2.8 ELMARIT-R

A compact, super-wide-angle lens with an angle of view of 96. Its relatively high speed considerably expands its range of applications, especially in landscape, architectural and fashion photography. But it is also an ideal lens for snapshots and for photojournalism, even wide open. Integrated filter revolver with four filters.
16 mm f/2.8 FISHEYE-ELMARIT-R
An extreme wide-angle lens with barrelshaped distortion for dramatic effects. All straight lines that are not in the center of the image, are reproduced progressively more arched as they are located closer to the edges of the picture. The diagonal angle of view of this lens is 180! It has an integrated filter revolver with four frequently used filters. R-SYSTEM
15 mm f/3.5 Super-Elmar-R
A fast lens with linear focusing and exceptionally low distortion (aberrations corrected by means of floating elements). It is wonderfully suited for landscape, architectural and fashion photography with highly expressive effects. With its diagonal angle of view of 110 and its nearest focusing distance of 16 cm or 6 5/16, it offers extraordinary creative possibilities for picture composition that are not available with other lenses. Built-in filter revolver with four filters.

24 mm f/2.8 ELMARIT-R

A large angle of view, relatively high speed and excellent imaging performance, even at full aperture are a perfect combination to give this lens a special place in dynamic photojournalism in very confined spaces. It creates impressive images with extraordinary perspectives, but without the impression that a superwide-angle lens was used.
Everything in good view: standard wide-angle lenses
Standard wide-angle lenses are very versatile for everyday photography. Compared to normal lenses, they provide a distinctly larger coverage of the subject while still reproducing all size relationships with a relatively natural appearance.
When I take pictures, it is like I am painting, and this is only possible with Leica lenses. The 35 mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-R, for instance, my inseparable companion on my travels around the world, enables me to capture all the colors perfectly. With complete confidence I can vary the various tones of color without distortions and without disturbing reflections. Roberto Dotti, Italy

35 mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-R

An ultra-fast wide-angle lens that was designed for photography under unfavorable light conditions. Superbly suited for photojournalism. It features outstanding imaging quality and exceptionally low distortion for this type of wide-angle lens.

Roberto Dotti

28 mm f/2.8 PC SUPER-ANGULON-R
The PC in the name of this shift lens stands for perspective correction. It is especially suited for architectural photography, because it can straighten out those annoying converging lines. The large usable image circle diameter of 62 mm makes it possible to shift the complete optical system by 11 mm away from the optical axis.

Birgit Amendt

28 mm f/2.8 ELMARIT-R
The 28 ELMARIT is the lightest of the wide-angle lenses in the LEICA R system. Its remarkably compact dimensions, relatively high speed and harmonious wide-angle characteristics make it a very pleasant and universally applicable companion. The angle of view is 76 and the focusing range is from infinity to 30 cm or 11

13/16.

35 mm f/2 SUMMICRON-R
Unquestionably, the 35 mm SUMMICRON-R is one of the very best high-speed wide-angle lenses available today. For lively candid photography, even in low light conditions, it is exactly the right lens. A compact all-purpose lens that belongs in every LEICA R outfit.

It comes

The PC-SUPER-ANGULON-R straightens out converging lines. In the upper picture, the camera had to be tilted in order to include the near part of the roof. This resulted in the converging lines that are so annoying in architectural photography. In the lower picture, the vertical lines are perfectly straight, because the camera was held parallel to the building and the lens was shifted upwards.
with a built-in sliding lens hood.

R-SYSTEM

Carsten Lerp
Versatile companions: standard lenses
Standard lenses from Leica are small and lightweight lenses with high performance. They combine high speed with outstanding imaging capabilities. And they are especially versatile, because their angle of view of 45 comes closest to the visual coverage of the human eye.

50 mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-R

Conveying the visualized picture idea is best done with a 50 mm focal length. Quick, spontaneous and contrasty. Carsten Lerp, Germany A handy and extremely fast lens for on-site reporting. Its largest aperture of f/1.4 with the correspondingly very shallow depth of field, provides exceptional opportunities for very creative compositions. The 50 mm SUMMILUX-R stands out for an extraordinarily high and contrasty imaging performance for such a fast lens. R-SYSTEM

50 mm f/2 SUMMICRON-R

A universal lens with outstanding imaging quality, even in the nearfocusing range. Ideally suited for travel photography, because its 41 mm length (1 5/8 ) and 300 gram weight (10 1/2 ounces) make it unusually compact and handy. The shortest focusing distance is 50 cm or 3/4. In spite of its high speed, it distinguishes itself by its outstanding sharpness, high contrast and excellent detail resolution, even at full aperture.

60 mm f/2.8 MACRO-ELMARIT-R
A 60 mm lens with an especially broad range of applications. If you can forego extreme high speeds in this range of focal lengths in order to gain the great advantage of a focusing range, from infinity all the way down to a mere 27 cm or 10 5/8 (a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2), then this is the perfect lens for you. Together with the MACRO-ADAPTER-R, a reproduction ratio of 1:1 can be achieved (also see page 65).
Bridging distances: short telephoto lenses
To photograph from greater distances, discreetly and inconspicuously. Or to bring subjects closer that are situated too far from the camera position: Those are the great advantages of telephoto lenses. And the main subject can be emphasized by means of an unsharp fore- and background.

Helmut Hien

Even when photographic interpretations change with the passing of time, the beginning is always a clear idea, that conjures a picture in ones mind. Sometimes a photograph is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, and sometimes it is the quick reaction to a decisive moment that results in a special picture. Helmut Hien, Germany

80 mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-R

The exquisite advantages of this highspeed, high-performance lens become clearly evident. In portrait and landscape photography, and especially in available light photography. Even at full aperture, it stands out because of its freedom from reflections and the fine nuances of its tone reproduction.
With a short telephoto lens you can take photographs inconspicuously from a distance.

90 mm f/2 SUMMICRON-R

Very good contrast and sharpness rendition, high speed and outstanding resolving power: they make the 90 mm SUMMICRON-R an ideal lens for portrait photography, quick snapshots, and reportage photography. Its compact length makes it easy to take along everywhere.
100 mm f/2.8 APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R
A fast macro lens with apochromatic correction. It is equally as good for format-filling pictures from somewhat greater distances as it is for portraits from medium range. This exceptional lens delivers outstanding imaging performance over its entire focusing range, from infinity to 45 cm or 17 3/4 inches.
Reaching into the distance: medium telephoto lenses
Medium telephoto lenses visibly compress the depth of space and they make everything seem closer together. Distant things appear to be within reach, and it draws the observer right into the action. Thats why these lenses are very often used for sports- and animalphotography.

Miroslav Zajic

180 mm f/2 APO-SUMMICRON-R
This very fast telephoto lens with apochromatic correction produces flawless image quality all the way to the edges of the picture. From infinity to 1.5 m or 411. Even at full aperture, you can be confident of achieving photographs with maximum contrast, highest resolution and delicately differentiated color rendition. Internal focusing makes the overall length of the lens remain constant during focusing, and it always feels well balanced in your hand. The optical system includes a protective filter for the front element and a series 6 filter for the filter drawer. It has a rotating and locking mount for tripod attachment.
Why do I take pictures with a Leica? Henri Cartier-Bresson once said that the Leica is an extension of the arm, and I once said that the Leica is the only camera that has a soul. And that Leica. Miroslav Zajic, Czech Republic R-SYSTEM is the reason why I work wit the
180 mm f/2.8 APO-ELMARIT-R
The overall optical performance of this new, apochromatically corrected 180 mm lens makes even the most critical photographers become enthusiastic. At full aperture it already has outstanding image quality that can hardly be improved by stopping the lens down. Coma, vignetting, astigmatism and curvature of field are practically nonexistent. It is remarkably compact and elegant for a lens with this focal length. It is an excellent choice for portraiture, fashion-, sports- and landscapephotography even when you are working without a tripod. All in all, a fast high-performance telephoto lens that satisfies the highest expectations, even under difficult conditions.

280 mm f/4 APO-TELYT-R

Apochromatically corrected lens with internal focusing. Completely distortionfree, it performs extremely well across its entire focusing range with highest resolving power, precise color rendition and optimal contrast reproduction even at full aperture. It can focus down to 1.7 m or 67 inches, covering an object field of 120 x 180 mm or 4 3/4 x 7 1/8. Barely 21 cm or 8 1/4 long, you can still use it for excellent hand-held photography. It is, of course, also equipped with a tripod mount.

Ingeniously flexible combinations: super telephoto lenses
The LEICA APO-TELYT-R modular system offers you extremely well-thought-out combination possibilities. It covers the full range of super telephoto lenses with five component elements. In part even with different speeds for the same focal length. And all that with outstanding Leica APO quality!

Franz Bagyi

In my work as a wildlife photographer, every minute earlier in the morning and longer in the evening during which I can take pictures is very important to me. This is best accomplished with the high-aperture modular lens system. Never have I seen lenses that were sharper and more contrasty at full aperture. Another enormous advantage is the quick, simple, space- and weight-saving focal length changing method by means of the various modules. Franz Bagyi, Germany We are offering this flexible modular system especially to sports and nature photographers as an interesting alternative to conventional telephoto lenses. All you need to do, is to join an APO-TELYT-R lens head and an appropriate focusing module to obtain the desired focal length to suit a particular photographic task. Thanks to a special bayonet and the large locking ring, this can be done quickly and easily. The advantage of this intelligent system: you dont have to carry along many large and heavy individual telephoto lenses.
Instead, you simply combine modules as you need them. And you always have telephoto lenses with focal lengths from 280 mm to 800 mm at your disposal. With a twist of the wrist, six different APO-lenses are created from two lens heads and three focus modules each one with unexcelled optical quality.
An additional plus point for the LEICA APO-TELYT-R Modular System: the remarkably short near-focusing distances of 2.0 to 3.9 meters or 66 to 129 expand their creative possibilities significantly.
With this single focusing mount, the two lens heads can be converted into a: 280 mm f/2.8 or a 400 mm f/2.8 APO-TELYT-R APO-TELYT-R 280/400/560 mm Depending on which FOCUS MODULE is attached, this lens head becomes a: 280 mm f/2.8 APO-TELYT-R, 400 mm f/4 APO-TELYT-R, or 560 mm f/5.6 APO-TELYT-R

With this single focusing mount, the two lens heads can be converted into a 400 mm f/4 or a 560 mm f/4 APO-TELYT-R
With this single focusing mount, the two lens head can be converted into a 560 mm f/5.6 or an 800 mm f/5.6 APO-TELYT-R
280/400 f/2.8 FOCUS MODULE
400/500 mm f/4 FOCUS MODULE
560/800 mm f/5.6 FOCUS MODULE
280/400/560 mm APO-TELYT-R

280 mm f/2.8 APO-TELYT-R

400 mm f/4 APO-TELYT-R

560 mm f/5.6 APO-TELYT-R

400/560/800 mm APO-TELYT-R 400/560/800 mm APO-TELYT-R Depending on which FOCUS MODULE is attached, this lens head becomes a: 400 mm f/2.8 APO-TELYT-R, 560 mm f/4 APO-TELYT-R, or an 800 mm f/5.6 APO-TELYT-R

400 mm f/2.8 APO-TELYT-R

560 mm f/4 APO-TELYT-R

800 mm f/5.6 APO-TELYT-R

Pleasant companions: standard zoom lenses
Leica zoom lenses are a perfect combination of versatility and high optical performance. This makes them welcome travel companions for demanding photographers. And a zoom lens is simply indispensable in those fleeting moments when there is no time to change lenses.
Nicole Progin, Hans Peter Luchs
Zoom lenses are ideal companions on our numerous travels, mostly to Africa. Whether they are used at markets, at cultural events or for landscape photography, we especially value the ability to select just the right cropping quickly and without complicated technical manipulations. And all that with wonderful picture sharpness all the way into the four corners of the image, already at full aperture. Simply super. Nicole Progin, Hans Peter Luchs, Switzerland
3570 mm f/2.8 VARIO-ELMARIT-R ASPH.
The new fast 3570 mm f/2.8 VARIO-ELMARIT-R ASPH. is a highperformance zoom lens with constant aperture. Excellent imaging performance and great ease of operation are the highlights of this outstanding lens. Its macro setting permits close-ups as near as 30 cm or 11 3/4, at a reproduction ratio of 1:2.8. The smallest subject area it covers is 67 x 101 mm or 2 5/8 x 4. The lens head does not rotate during focusing or zooming, so that polarizing filters can be used without restrictions. A novel precision mechanism also provides smoother shifting of the various lens groups. The use of an aspheric glass lens surface keeps distortion very low.

Available as of summer 1999.
3570 mm f/4 VARIO-ELMAR-R
A handy two-ring zoom lens with normal speed that offers very good imaging qualities as well as great ease of operation. Its high optical performance is achieved by means of a built-in aspherical lens element and other refinements. In the macro range, close-up pictures can be made at distances as near as 26 cm or 10
The versatile LEICA-R zoom lenses are particularly practical while traveling. Then you immediately have exactly the right cropping available at your fingertips.

That corresponds to a

2870 mm f/3.54.5 VARIO-ELMAR-R
Thanks to the extended focal length range, you can master everything with flying colors from landscape and group photographs all the way to staged single portraits. Easy and pleasant to use. And many photographers also appreciate the separate control rings for focus and aperture.
reproduction ratio of 1:2.8. That in turn permits format-filling photographs of very small subjects.
Always the right camera position: telephoto zoom lenses
With a telephoto zoom lens, you are able to select an optimal cropping of your subject from a distance, without having to change your camera position. Thus it is an ideal complement for every camera outfit. Leica telephoto zoom lenses are as pleasant to handle as they are outstanding in their imaging characteristics.
70180 mm f/2.8 VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R
This revolutionary lens is a recognized milestone in the development of lenses with adjustable focal lengths. With this lens it was possible to design an apochromatically corrected zoom lens with an optical performance that stands any comparison with lenses with fixed focal lengths and that at high apertures! Even at full aperture, it is impressive because of its outstanding definition across its entire focal length range. Coma and astigmatism are practically non-existent. The two separate setting rings for focus and focal length make it especially easy to select the right cropping of your subject. The lens is also equipped with a rotating and locking tripod mount.
80200 mm f/4 VARIO-ELMAR-R
The performance of this rotating zoom lens is quite comparable to that of firstclass lenses with fixed focal lengths. It offers good to very good imaging quality with high resolving power and outstanding contrast rendition and this over the full image area and over the entire focal length range. And it is quite compact and rests comfortably in the palm of ones hand. Its extraordinary near-focusing distance of only 1.1 m or 37 1/4 makes a smallest object field of

105280 mm f/4.2 VARIO-ELMAR-R
A telephoto zoom lens with an especially large range of focal lengths that enables you to make large images even of far away details. This zoom lens too, is absolutely comparable to fixed focal length lenses of the highest quality. At every setting, its high-speed optical system delivers high contrast rendition and outstanding resolving power. Like the VARIO-APO-ELMARIT, it has two separate setting rings for focal length and focus, as well as a rotating and locking tripod mount that is especially useful with the longer focal lengths.
94 x 140 mm or 3 possible.
Well equipped for near and far: lens accessories
You can expand your creative freedom considerably with high-grade accessories for your LEICA R lenses. They provide ideal conditions for absolutely first-class close-up photographs. Or you can expand the focal length of your lens economically by using a LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R.
In the close-up range, this magnificent lens focuses down to 45 cm or 15 3/4 for a reproduction ratio of 1:2. With the ELPRO 1:2 1:1 close-up attachment, which was especially designed for this lens, reproduction ratios down to 1.1:1 are possible. Lens Order-No. 11352 ELPRO 1:2 1:1 Order-No. 16 545
Excellent for the close-up range down to 27 cm or 10 5/8. At its closest focusing distance, the reproduction ratio is 1:2, and in combination with the MACRO-ADAPTER-R it even reaches 1:1. Lens Order-No. 11347 MACRO-ADAPTER-R

Order-No. 14299

ELPRO close-focusing lenses
These four supplementary lenses significantly increase the focusing range of a lens in the close-up range, where they deliver outstanding imaging quality. ELPRO close-up attachments are available for the following lenses: 50 mm f/2 SUMMICRON-R, 90 mm f/2 SUMMICRON-R, 90 mm f/2.8 ELMARIT-R, and 135 mm f/2.8 ELMARIT-R.
PHOTAR lenses and PHOTAR-ADAPTER-R
Three special lenses for use with the PHOTAR-ADAPTER-R on the AUTOMATIC FOCUSING BELLOWS BR-2. Corrected for magnified images. With their practically stepless magnification range of up to 18x, you explore the fascinating field of micro-photography. PHOTAR-ADAPTER-R Order-No. 14259

Order-No. 16541544

APO-EXTENDER-R 1.4x
With this handy lens attachment you increase the focal length of a lens by a factor of 1.4x. The shortest focusing distance remains unchanged and the lens speed is reduced by only one stop. The fully automatic iris diaphragm function of the lens is maintained. The table on the right lists the lenses with which the APO-EXTENDER-R 1.4x can be combined.

Ring Combination for the close-up range
A three-part extension tube combination that is ideal for use with the 50 mm f/2 SUMMICRON-R lens to achieve reproduction ratios between 1:2 and 1:1. The reproduction ratio can be increased even further by means of additional center rings. The Ring Combination can also be used with 90, 135, 180 and 280 mm lenses.

Focusing Bellows-R BR 2

Variable extension for stepless changes in the reproduction ratio. Integrated focusing carriage. The automatic iris diaphragm function of the lens is preserved, so that the aperture priority mode as well as manual settings can be used. All LEICA R lenses from 50 to 180 mm and PHOTAR lenses can be used on the Focusing Bellows. R-SYSTEM

Order-No. 14159

Order-No. 16 880

Order-No. 11249

APO-EXTENDER-R 2x
For LEICA R lenses with focal lengths of 50 mm and higher and maximum apertures of f/2 or smaller. Combined with APO lenses, their superb imaging performance is fully retained. The APOEXTENDER-R 2x has a fully automatic diaphragm coupling and it can be used without limitations with the aperture priority mode or with manual settings.

Order-No. 11 269

Compatible LEICA R lenses 50 mm f/mm f/2.mm f/mm f/2.8 APO 180 mm f/2 APO 180 mm f/2.8 APO 280 mm f/4 APO 280 mm f/2,8 APO 400 mm f/2.8 APO 400 mm f/4 APO 560 mm f/4 APO 560 mm f/5.6 APO 800 mm f/5.6 APO mm f/180 mm f/2.8 APO mm f/280 mm f/4.2
With APOEXTENDER-R 1.4x 250 mm f/2.8 APO* 400 mm f/5.6 APO 400 mm f/4 APO 560 mm f/4 APO 560 mm f/5.6 APO 800 mm f/5.6 APO 800 mm f/8 APO 1100 mm f/8 APO 150400 mm f/5.9
With APOEXTENDER-R 2x 100 mm f/mm f/5.mm f/mm f/5.6 APO 360 mm f/4 APO 360 mm f/5.6 APO 560 mm APO 560 mm f/5.6 APO 800 mm f/5.6 APO 800 mm f/8 APO 1100 mm f/8 APO 1100 mm f/11 APO 1600 mm f/11 APO 70140 mm f/mm f/5.6 APO 160400 mm f/560 mm f/8.4

MACRO-ADAPTER-R

This intermediate ring increases the lens extension by 30 mm. Exposure metering at full aperture and the automatic iris diaphragm function are preserved, so
that aperture priority automatic exposure control as well as manual setting of shutter speed and aperture can be fully utilized on all LEICA R models. Order-No. 14 299
Overview of LEICA R lenses
Lens designation Focal length Angle and speed of view in mm 15 f/3.f/2.f/2.f/2.f/2.f/2.f/1.f/f/1.f/f/2.84 73/934) Lens elements/ groups 13/121) 11/ 8 12/10 9/71) 12/101) 8/7 10/91) 6/6 8/7 6/4 6/5 Smallest f-stop 22 Focusing range in m 0.16 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.28 0.30 0.50 0.30 0.50 0.50 0.27 to 1:1 with adapter 0.80 0.70 Smallest Recomobject field mended in mm filter size 70 x x x x x x x x x x x 72 (24 x 36) 192 x x 210 built-in2) built-in2) built-in3) Series 8 Length in mm 92.60 48.5 Largest diameter in mm 83.75 67.66 67.5 Weight in grams 400 (530) Order Number 12) 16) 11 33313) SUPER-ELMAR-R FISHEYE-ELMARIT-R ELMARIT-R ELMARIT-R PC-SUPER-ANGULON-R ELMARIT-R SUMMILUX-R SUMMICRON-R SUMMILUX-R SUMMICRON-R MACRO-ELMARIT-R

Special filter EW5) E 55 E 67 E 55 E 60 E 55 E 62.3 (92.3)
SUMMILUX-R SUMMICRON-R APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R

80 f/1.f/f/2.8

7/5 5/4 8/6

E 67 E 55 E 60

760 (950)

15) 12) 11 352

0.x 72 to 1:2 & 1:1 (22 x 33) with ELPRO 1.50 6) 1.50 1.70 6) 2.00 6) 3.70

104.5 (140) 73

APO-SUMMICRON-R APO-ELMARIT-R APO-TELYT-R APO-TELYT-RMODULE-System APO-TELYT-RMODULE-System APO-TELYT-RMODULE-System APO-TELYT-RMODULE-System APO-TELYT-RMODULE-System APO-TELYT-RMODULE-System VARIO-ELMAR-R VARIO-ELMARIT-R ASPH.
180 f/f/2.f/f/2.f/2.f/f/f/5.f/5.f/3.54.f/2.f/4
8.8 8.8 6.2 6.2 4.5 4.5 3.1 76-34 64-34
9/6 7/5 7/6 8/7 10/8 9/7 11/8 9/7 11/8 11/8 11/9
160 x x x x x x x x x 160

Series 6 7) E 67

176 132

14) 15) 15) 15) 11 275

E 77/ 208 Series 5.57) Series 6 7) Series 6

76 133

2.15 6) 3.90 6) 2.15 6) 3.90
Series 6 7) Series 6 7) Series 6 7) Series 6
0.50 8) 0.70 0.3011) 0.60 8) 0.26 11) 1.70 8)
340 x 510 9) E x 22510) 436 x 654 E x 346 11) 67 x x 525 9) E x 288 10) 67 x 101 11) 435 x 6559) E x 631 10) 222 x 333 9) E x 140 10) 281 x 421 E x 16810)

VARIO-ELMAR-R

VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R

70180 f/2.f/f/4.2

11 279
VARIO-ELMAR-R VARIO-ELMAR-R

29-12.5 23.2-8.8

12/9 13/10

1.10 8) 1.70

165 238

1020 1950

1) with floating elements. 2) Filter revolver with UVa filter, yellow-orange filter and blue conversion filter for photographs in artificial light on daylight film. 3) Filter revolver with neutral density filter ND-1, yellow-green filter, orange filter and blue conversion filter for photographs in artificial light on daylight film. 4) Horizontal or vertical shift up to 11 mm; diagonal shift up to 9.5 mm. 5) Filter glass for special wide-angle holder with hood from B&W Filter Factory, P. O. Box 2463, D-55513 Bad Kreuznach, Germany. 6) Internal focusing. 7) In filter drawer. 8) Front group focusing. 9) At the shortest focal length. 10) At the longest focal length. 11) With the macro setting. 12) Lens without ROM and contact bar. 13) Lens with Order Number 11259 is also available without ROM and contact bar. This variation can also be used on the LEICAFLEX SL 2 without modifications. 14) Lens with Order Number 11271 is also available without ROM and contact bar. 15) This lens cannot be fitted with cams for LEICAFLEX SL or SL 2 cameras. 16) This lens can also be used on LEICAFLEX SL and SL 2 cameras without modifications.

Further information regarding Leica R-Systems accessories can be found in the Handbook of the Leica system (see rear cover)
Accessories for every LEICA R outfit
An extensive array of practical accessories is available for LEICA R8 and LEICA R6.2 cameras. They bring you greater creative freedom in composing your pictures, they open up new fields of application, or they simply make picture-taking easier and more enjoyable.
Ever-ready cases for LEICA R cameras
Available in various versions for the LEICA R8, LEICA R6.2 and other LEICA R cameras, some of them with a slightly greater front for longer focal lengths, others for R cameras with attached winders. Made of elegant, supple black leather.

Table-top Tripod

Compact, practical and stable. An indispensable aid for long exposure times. With three legs that fold together and a 1/4- tripod thread.

Eyecups

Available for the LEICA R8 in the standard size (as a replacement) and in a large version. They simultaneously serve as holders for correction lenses. The eyecups for the LEICA R6.2 and other LEICA R cameras can also be used in combination with correction lenses. R-SYSTEM

Order-No. 14100

Large Eyecup R8:
Order-No. Order-No. 14 218

MOTOR-WINDER R8

If you prefer to let your LEICA R8 advance the film, wind the shutter and rewind the film. The winder is attached to the base of the camera and it blends harmoniously with its styling. It enables you to take picture sequences at up to 2 frames per second and it operates extremely quiet. (A faster MOTOR-DRIVE-R8 is in preparation). For the LEICA R6.2 and for other R cameras, there is the MOTOR-WINDER-R and the MOTOR-DRIVE-R. Order-No. 14209

Small Eyecup R8:

Ever-ready case for LEICA R 8 with lens up to the size of the 2870 mm f/3.54.5 VARIO-ELMAR-R: Order-No. 14 519. Ever-ready case for LEICA R8 with lens as in above and MOTOR-WINDER-R 8: Order-No. 14 527

LEICA SF 20

A stylish electronic flash unit, compact and lightweight, to be taken along anywhere. Uncomplicated operation, illuminated data display. Variable flash output for fill-in flash. High output batteries for fast flash sequences. The distance between the lens and the flash tube reduces the red-eye effect.
Order-No. 14 414. 24 mm Diffusion attachment for SF 20 flash unit: Order-No. 14 417.

Remote Control R8

Electronic remote control device for remote release, available in a special version for the LEICA R8.
Telescope Ocular LEICA TO-R
With the LEICA TO-R ocular, LEICA R normal-, telephoto- or zoom lenses can quickly become telescopes. With a 90 mm lens it produces a magnification of 7.2x, with a 180 mm lens it becomes

Order-No. 14 202

Power Pack MW-R8
A supplementary energy supply for the MOTOR-WINDER R8. A highperformance rechargeable battery that provides the winder with plenty of energy even under prolonged use or in extremely cold temperatures. It attaches to the tripod mount of the winder. Order-No. 14250

14.4x, and so on. Focusing is still performed with the respective lens.

Angle Finder

For photographs taken in any position and for inconspicuous photography around the corner,

Order-No. 14 243

Pistol Stock
For all LEICA R lenses with tripod mounts. A very comfortable aid for handheld photography.
or for pictures from a worms eyeview. The angle finder can be switched to 2x magnification.

Order-No. 14300

Order-No. 14 282

Monterey, pier

Venice, bar

M system 24 / 25

LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm f/2.8
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH.
LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm f/2.8 This is a classic standard wide-angle lens: It delivers very good imaging performance at full aperture. Its barrel distortion is very small and unobtrusive. In cases where light sources are included in the picture area, unwanted reflections and flare are very rare. Therefore this lens is the right one for situations that do not require an extremely wide angle of view, but where regular 35 mm lenses do not provide sufficient wide-angle characteristics. This lens is particularly popular among professional photographers.
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. The outstanding imaging performance of this very compact lens is due to the application of aspherical technology. It delivers high contrasts, excellent detail rendition over the entire image area, good field flatness, and it has extremely low coma. Because all these qualities remain practically unchanged in the close-up range down to 0.7 m (28 in), this Summilux lens is the universal wide-angle lens. Its applications range from portraits at medium distances all the way to landscape photographs. The 35 mm lenses are already considered to be standard lenses in the Leica M system. With its large aperture, this lens masters all photographic situations superbly.
Point Dume State Beach, beach watch station

Harbor, old seaman

M system 26 / 27
LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH.
Beginning with the focal length of 50 mm, standard Leica M lenses provide an angle of view and viewing habits that come closest to those of the human eye. Deliberately easy to use, its applications are as versatile as life itself. The Leica M system encompasses standard focal length lenses that are tailor-made for every challenge such as the superfast Noctilux-M for nocturnal photography, or an easy traveling companion like the Elmar-M or the ingeniously universal Tri-Elmar.
Standard focal lengths : Human perspective
LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. Excellent sharpness, high contrast and a superb resolving power over the entire focusing range are evident at full aperture. With its aperture stopped down modestly to f/4, this versatile lens delivers a maximum of resolving power and contrast. It is all the more impressive because of its virtually perfect absence of distortion. That makes it a worldclass lens among fast wide-angle lenses. In spite of its high speed and its superb imaging performance, it is surprisingly small. Every Leica M camera fitted with this lens becomes a highly compact and elegant unit.

Carlsbad, Legoland

M system 34 / 35
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 75 mm f/1.4
LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH.
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 75 mm f/1.4 A fast lens with unique capabilities : The flare-free and unexcelled subtleties of its color rendition are the result of a meticulous optical computation and unique optical glass. No coma can be discerned in the image area, even at wide-open aperture. Systemic vignetting is remarkably low for a lens of this speed, and distortion is practically undetectable. Its high speed of f/1.4 is ideal for available light photography, especially for natural portraits and for reportage. This lens proves its brilliance especially in difficult, high-contrast situations, such as at concerts or stage performances.
LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH. This lens is unique because apochromatic correction and an aspherical surface are combined for the first time. Two of the five lens elements are made of high-refraction optical glass, and two others make judicious use of anomalous partial dispersion. Brilliance and resolving power are already outstanding at full aperture. Artificial vignetting is extremely low. These features lead to superlative results in every application: such as portraiture, reportage or studio photography. In addition, its compact design and high speed make it ideal for hand-held photography.

Malibu, bar

San Francisco, harbor round trip

M system 36 / 37

LEICA ELMARIT-M 90 mm f/2.8
LEICA APO-TELYT-M 135 mm f/3.4 ASPH.
LEICA APO-TELYT-M 135 mm f/3.4 ASPH. A telephoto lens without compromises, it offers outstanding imaging performance at full aperture that cannot be further improved by stopping down. Minimal vignetting and the very slightest distortion are additional strengths. Even the finest details are rendered clearly with rich contrast. It is the longest focal length in the Leica M system and it bridges considerable distances, thus judiciously rounding out any serious outfit. It delivers impressive landscape photographs with a typical telephoto effect : the foreground and the background are visibly compressed. Another benefit is the ability to make format-filling portraits from a discreet distance that the subject will not consider as obtrusive.
LEICA ELMARIT-M 90 mm f/2.8 A compact, medium focal length featuring very good contrast and sharpness across the entire picture area even at full aperture. Vignetting too, is hardly discernible with the lens wide open. Natural-looking portraiture with an out-offocus background is an optimal task for this slightly longer focal length and the f/2.8 aperture. The black version of this lens weighs slightly more than 400 g (14 oz) and it is only a little longer than a 50 mm lens. In combination with the Tri-Elmar lens, this light tele lens forms an outstanding, compact travel outfit with universal applications.

LEICA MACRO-ELMARIT-R 60 mm f/2.8 Excellent image quality in the close-up range, outstanding sharpness and fascinating detail fidelity are a matter of course for this lens. Stopping the lens down by one or two stops results in superb results at greater distances as well. It is also flare-free, even under difficult lighting conditions. Vignetting and distortion are practically non-existent. With its focal length of 60 mm, it has a particularly versatile range of applications. When high speed can be foregone at this focal length in order to gain a focusing range from infinity down to 27 cm (in), a reproduction ratio of 1:2, this lens is the perfect choice. An even closer reproduction ratio of 1:1 can be achieved in combination with the LEICA MACRO-ADAPTER-R.

El Mirage, beach sailor

Malibu, breakfast

R system 54 / 55

Short tele focal lengths : Concentration is everything
To capture the moment, to exclude the extraneous and to record what is relevant in a photograph that is the high art of photography. Because of their smaller angle of view, lenses with longer focal lengths are a great help to the photographer in that quest. By using wide apertures with the resulting shallow depth of field, the subject can be made to stand out from an unsharp back- and foreground. The increased distance from the camera to the subject also allows more discreet and unobtrusive imaging.
LEICA SUMMILUX-R 80 mm f/1.4
LEICA SUMMILUX-R 80 mm f/1.4 Minimal vignetting, moderate contrast, uniform image quality across the entire picture area and very good resolution of fine detail characterize this extraordinary lens. This lens does not exhibit unwanted reflections, even under very bright, contrasting conditions at full aperture. Tonal reproduction with fine nuances and delicate transitions to unsharpness produce exceedingly beautiful portraits with transparent yet saturated colors even when there are strong light sources in the background.

Littlerock, Martin

R system 56 / 57
LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 90 mm f/2 ASPH.
LEICA APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R 100 mm f/2.8
LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 90 mm f/2 ASPH. Apochromatic correction and the use of a lens element with an aspherical surface are combined in this compact telephoto lens for high-performance imaging. Two of the five lens elements are made of high-refraction optical glass. Two other lens elements have anomalous partial dispersion. As a result, brilliance and resolution are exemplary, even at full aperture. Peak performance is achieved at full aperture. Vignetting is already minimal with the lens wide open. As a result of the large aperture of f/2 and impressive contrast rendition, it produces a particularly bright viewfinder image that permits very accurate and positive focusing, even in poor light. The nearest focusing distance is 0.7 m (27.5 in), so that subjects as small as 14 x 21 cm (5.5 x 8.25 in) can be explored. Combining this lens with the LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R 2 x produces a highperformance tele combination of 180 mm f/4.

LEICA APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R 100 mm f/2.8 Its overall performance makes it the great role model in the 35 mm field : Where else are sharpness and contrast, vignetting and distortion at all focusing distances and in all applications so exemplary ? That extends the range of applications of the LEICA APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R 100 mm f/2.8 far beyond macro photography. Thus it also produces brilliant results in situations that are typical for medium tele lenses. And its focal length of 100 mm already enables it to enlarge subjects from a distance. That makes it much easier, for instance, to illuminate and to photograph shy small animals. When combined with the LEICA ELPRO 1:21:1, designed especially for use with this lens, the macro range can be explored down to a reproduction ratio of 1:1.

Littlerock, store front

Littlerock, haphazard find

R system 58 / 59

Medium to super telephoto focal lengths : So close from far away The longer the focal length, the greater the distance that can be bridged photographically. Medium to super long telephoto lenses make distant things seem close enough to touch and they place the observer in the midst of the action. In pictorial composition this means that a subject is photographed from a great distance in order to influence the perspective significantly : Foreand background are brought closer together the long focal lengths compress the space.
LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 180 mm f/2
LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 180 mm f/2 This extremely fast tele lens with apochromatic correction guarantees flawless image quality all the way to the edges and it does so from infinity to the near focusing limit of 1.5 m (410). With its aperture wide open, it produces images with maximal contrast, highest resolution and differentiated color rendition. The system includes a protective filter for the front lens element and a filter in the filter drawer. Thanks to its rubberarmored lens hood, the lens is protected effectively against damage from impact. The sum of its properties makes the LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 180 mm f/2 the ideal tele lens for situations of poor lighting conditions and where longer distances have to be bridged. Selective focus makes photographs possible with an impressive feeling of depth, and the combination of internal focusing and a wide focusing ring allow silky-smooth and pinpoint-accurate focusing. Working with a tripod is made easy by a robust tripod base that can be rotated and locked in place.
Anthony Kiedis, Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman

R system 60 / 61

LEICA APO-ELMARIT-R 180 mm f/2.8
LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280 mm f/4
LEICA APO-ELMARIT-R 180 mm f/2.8 The overall optical performance of this apochromatically corrected 180 mm lens can certainly be compared to that of the faster LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 180 mm f/2 lens. Even at full aperture, it is remarkable for its outstanding image quality. Coma as well as astigmatism and curvature of field can barely be detected. The rubber-armored lens hood effectively protects the lens against damage from impacts. As a lightweight and compact lens with this focal length, it is very well suited for portraiture, fashion, sports and landscape photography even when it is not used on a tripod. Ingenious mechanical design and pleasing ergonomics make focusing especially easy.

LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280 mm f/4 This apochromatically corrected lens with internal focusing is free of distortion and it delivers the highest resolution with optimal contrast rendition and color fidelity over the entire focusing range even at full aperture. The rubberarmored lens hood, protecting it against impact damage, and a rugged tripod base make it an ideal lens for animal and landscape photography. And it bridges considerable distances, bringing distant objects up close. Thanks to its compact size, it is easy to use for hand-held photography. It focuses down to 1.7 m (5'7") for a reproduction ratio of 1:5. The LEICA MACRO-ADAPTER-R transforms it into a full-fledged macro lens. Attaching a LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R 1.4 x or 2 x creates the high-performance combinations 400 mm f/5.6 and 560 mm f/8.0. With the LEICA APOEXTENDER-R 2 x, a reproduction ratio of 1:2 can be achieved.

Big Sur, sea lions

R system 62 / 63
LEICA APO-TELYT-R Module System
LEICA APO-TELYT-R Module System This unique module system covers a range of focal lengths from 280 mm to 800 mm, and with the LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R 2 x, it increases to 1600 mm. It makes it possible to replace the heavy fixed-focal-length individual lenses. It takes only a few twists of the wrist to use two lens heads and three compact focusing modules to create six APO lenses with uniformly high optical quality. In the long telephoto range, the module system produces extraordinarily clear pictures with high contrast and accuracy in detail rendition and color reproduction. And because even the smallest mechanical weaknesses can
significantly reduce the performance, especially in this range of focal lengths, the Leica module system is fabricated and assembled with extremely tight tolerances. Nature and animal photographers in particular, who use several focal lengths in this range, will value this system : Perhaps because they can save space with the combination of one lens head with two or three focusing modules, and/or because the smooth and easy focusing effectively supports precise settings in which the subject springs into focus.
LEICA FOCUS MODULE 280/400 mm f/2.8
LEICA FOCUS MODULE 400/560 mm f/4
LEICA FOCUS MODULE 560/800 mm f/5.6
LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280/400/560 mm
LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280 mm f/2.8
LEICA APO-TELYT-R 400 mm f/4
LEICA APO-TELYT-R 560 mm f/5.6
LEICA APO-TELYT-R 400/560/800 mm

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 80-200 mm f/4 A very good imaging performance with high resolving power and contrast at full aperture, across the entire picture area and over the complete zoom range that is a succinct description of this lens, which stands in comparison to the best lenses with fixed focal lengths. Coma and spherical aberration are very low and can be largely eliminated by slightly stopping down the aperture. The illumination of the picture area is uniform at all focal length settings, and in the close-up range down to 1.1 m (43.25 inches), the lens renders a reproduction ratio of 1:3.9. Thanks to its compact size it is a lightweight lens, which, together with its smooth focusing makes it a universal lens for traveling. In combination with the 21-35 mm and 35-70 mm Leica zoom lenses, one can, with only three lenses, achieve a stepless 1 to 10 range of focal lengths and a uniformly high imaging quality.

Malibu, Jennifer

Malibu, rush hour

R system 72 / 73

LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 105280 mm f/4.2
LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 105280 mm f/4.2 High contrast and the best resolving power across the entire range of focal lengths, an outstanding flatness of field and low coma that can be eliminated completely by closing the aperture down by only one stop these are some of the qualities that distinguish this zoom lens. Thanks to its range of focal lengths and its near-focusing distance of only 1.7 m (57"), it offers great flexibility for medium and longer tele distances. With the use of the Leica extenders and with a flick of the wrist, this lens, which can be compared with lenses with fixed focal lengths, becomes an optical system for universal applications. In effect, the extremely large spectrum of focal lengths provides the photographer with extensive possibilities in many diverse situations.
The wonders of nature become visible by means of macro photography. It reveals new, unexpected details by means of the surprising depiction of things, for instance by showing a tiny insect with great magnification. In addition to the LEICA MACRO-ELMARIT-R 60 mm f/2.8 and the LEICA APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R 100 mm f/2.8, Leica offers a selection of interesting accessories that explore the macro range down to 18 x magnification.
Macro photography : Micro becomes macro

San Francisco

R system 74 / 75
Focusing Bellows-R BR 2 / LEICA MACRO-ADAPTER-R
LEICA PHOTAR lenses and LEICA PHOTAR-ADAPTER-R
LEICA PHOTAR lenses and LEICA PHOTAR-ADAPTER-R There are three special lenses that can be used with a LEICA PHOTAR-ADAPTER-R on the Focusing Bellows-R BR 2. They are corrected for magnified reproduction. With their magnification of up to 18 x, they cover the field of micro photography with practically no gaps.
Focusing Bellows-R BR 2 Variable extension for stepless adjustment of the reproduction ratio. It incorporates a focusing rail. The automatic spring-loaded diaphragm function of the lens is preserved, aperture-preferred and manual exposure controls can also be used. The bellows focusing device can be used with all Leica lenses with focal lengths from 50 to 180 mm and also with the LEICA PHOTAR special lenses.

Leica R lens LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280 mm f/4 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280 mm f/2.8 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 400 mm f/2.8 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 400 mm f/4 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 560 mm f/4 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 560 mm f/5.6 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 800 mm f/5.6 LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R 1,4 x LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R 2 x LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 2135 mm f/3.54 ASPH. LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 2870 mm f/3.54.5 LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 3570 mm f/4 LEICA VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R 70180 mm f/2.8 LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R80200 mm f/4 LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 105280 mm f/4.2 Module System
Focal length mm 800 Lens focal length x 1.4 Lens focal length x 105280
Maximum aperture f/4 f/2.8 f/2.8 f/4 f/4 f/5.6 f/5.f-stop 2 f-stops 3.54 f/3.54.5 f/4 f/2.8 f/4 f/4.2
Angle of view diagonal, in 1 8.8 8.8 6.2 6.2 4.4 4.4 3.1 corresponding to resulting focal length corresponding to resulting focal length 91.663.6334 3413.7 3012.3 238.8
No. of lens elem. elements/groups 7/6 8/7 10/8 9/7 11/8 9/7 11/8 5/4 7/5 9/8 11/8 8/7 13/10 12/9 13/10

Leica R lens

LEICA SUPER-ELMARIT-R 15 mm f/2.8 ASPH. LEICA ELMARIT-R 19 mm f/2.8 LEICA ELMARIT-R 24 mm f/2.8 LEICA ELMARIT-R 28 mm f/2.8 LEICA PC-SUPER-ANGULON-R 28 mm f/2.8 LEICA SUMMILUX-R 35 mm f/1.4 LEICA SUMMICRON-R 35 mm f/2 LEICA SUMMILUX-R 50 mm f/1.4 LEICA SUMMICRON-R 50 mm f/2 LEICA MACRO-ELMARIT-R 60 mm f/2.8 LEICA SUMMILUX-R 80 mm f/1.4 LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 90 mm f/2 ASPH. LEICA APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-R 100 mm f/2.8 LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-R 180 mm f/2 LEICA APO-ELMARIT-R 180 mm f/2.8
Nearest focus from film plane, m / ft|in 0.18 / 7 116" 0.30 /11 16"
Filter thread in mm built-in 2 built-in 60 Series 6/67
Dimensions x length from bayonet flange, mm / in 283.5 x 85.3 /11532 x x 60 / x 2 8
Weight g / oz 710 / /19./14./15./ 21./ 24./15./17./10./14./ 24./18./ 26.8 2,500 / 88./ 34.2
LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280 mm f/4 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 280 mm f/2.8 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 400 mm f/2.8 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 400 mm f/4 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 560 mm f/4 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 560 mm f/5.6 LEICA APO-TELYT-R 800 mm f/5.6 LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R 1,4 x LEICA APO-EXTENDER-R 2 x LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 2135 mm f/3.54 ASPH. LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 2870 mm f/3.54.5 LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 3570 mm f/4 LEICA VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R 70180 mm f/2.8 LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R80200 mm f/4 LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 105280 mm f/4.2
Nearest focus from film plane, m / ft|in 1.70 / 5'7" 2.00 / 6'6 4"
Filter thread in mm Series 5.5/Series 63 Series 63 Series 63 Series 63 Series 63 Series 63 60 77
Dimensions x length from bayonet flange, mm / in 90 x 208 / 3916 x x 276 / 41516 xx 344 / 6316 xx 314 / 41516 xx 382 / 6316 xx 374 / 41516 xx 442 / 6316 xx 36 + / 2716 x11332 + x 35.4 / 234 xx 66.3 / 21516 x x 76 / 22932 x x 79 / 22932 x x 189.5 / 312 x x 165 / 21316 x x 238 / 312 x 938

Weight g / oz 1,875 / 66.1 3,740 / 131.9 6,240 / 220.1 3,860 / 136.1 6,360 / 224.3 4,050 / 142.8 6,550 / / 7./ 9./ 17./15./ 17.8 1,870 / 66 1,020 / 36 1,950 / 68.8
0.30 /111316" 0.30 /111316" 0.30 /111316" 0.50 /1'71116" 0.30 /111316" 0.50 /1'71116" 0.50 /1'71116" 0./10 58" 0.80 / 2'7 12" 0.70 / 2'3 916" 0.45 /1'5 4"

Series 8/60 3

67 x 48.5 / 258 x 12932 67.5 x / 22132 x x 84 / 21516 x x 76 / 21516 x x 54 / 21932 x x 51 / 234 x x 41 / 21932 x 158 67.5 x 62.3 / 22132 x x 69 / 21516 x x 59 / 234 x x 104.5 / x 4 8

Module System

3.70 /12'2" 2.15 / 7'1" 3.95 /12'11 12" 2.15 / 7'1" 3.90 /12'9 12" same as lens same as lens 0.50 /1'7 1116" 0.50 /1'7 1116" 0.60 + 0.264 / 1'1158" + 10 14" 1.70 + 77 / 5'7" + 2'6516" 1.10 + 60 / 3'7516" + 1'1158" 1.70
1.50 /1'71116" 1.50 /1'71116"
116 x 176 / 4916 x x 132 / 3 x 5316
All values are rounded nominal values; those below 15 with one decimal. 2 Built-in filter revolver with ND (Neutral Density), Yellow-Green YG, Orange OR and Conversion Filter Blue 80B. 3 Series filters are held in place by lens hood supplied with lens. 4 Front (lens hood-) dimensions 65 x 74 mm. 5 Angle of view : no shift/maximum shift.
Requires special EW filters that can only be used without a lens hood ; unmounted glass filters 74 mm can be placed in the filter holder of the lens hood. 7 Creates a reproduction ratio of 1:2, with LEICA MACRO-ADAPTER-R down to 1:1 at 12 cm (434"). 8 Creates a reproduction ratio of 1:2, with LEICA ELPRO 1:21:1 down to 1:1 at 22 cm (858"). 9 Series filters in filter drawer, built-in protective filter.
All values are rounded nominal values; those below 15 with one decimal. 2 Series filters in filter drawer, built-in protective filter. 3 Series filters in filter drawer.
Second value is for the Macro setting. Second value is the overall length - the optics protrude in front beyond the bayonet flange.

Glossary 78 / 79

Glossary
Natural and artificial vignetting The image in every picture darkens towards the edges. This effect is partly natural and partly artificial, and it is caused by light rays that enter the lens at an oblique angle. The effect is most pronounced in the corners of the image. Wide-angle pictures are more susceptible to this effect than pictures taken with normal or tele lenses. But vignetting is also introduced artificially, for instance by the mounts of the outer lens elements, and it often enhances the sharpness along the pictures edges. Darkening caused by artificial vignetting can be eliminated more or less by strongly stopping down the lens, whereas natural vignetting cannot be influenced. Contrast and Resolution Contrast is the term used to describe differences in brightness between light and dark areas of the picture. The greater this difference, the higher the contrast. Pictures with rich contrast are subjectively perceived to be sharper and more brilliant. Resolution is the ability of an optical system to depict fine structures. The higher the resolution, the smaller the still discernible details. Pictorial examples : In an optimal picture (left), both contrast and resolution are high. If the contrast is too low, the picture appears flat : The black tires appear gray (center). If the resolution is too low, the pictures appear unsharp : Details of the tires tread can no longer be discerned (right). Pictorial examples : With strong vignetting, the corners of the picture are noticeably darker (top). With low vignetting, on the other hand, the sky appears virtually uniformly bright (bottom).

Depth of field Aperture Iris Diaphragm Depth of field is the distance between the closest and the furthest away parts of the subject that still appear sharp at a particular distance setting. The depth of field is a factor of the focal length of the lens and the aperture that has been selected. The shorter the focal length and the larger the f-stop number, the larger will be the depth of field. With a small depth of field (i. e. with a small f-stop number), things in the foreground and in the background quickly become indistinct. This can be used to good advantage when attention is to be drawn to the main subject and when a more dimensional effect is to be achieved. But if several objects at different distances are to be shown in sharp focus at the same time, then a large depth of field (i. e. a large f-stop number) is required (see examples below). The aperture of a lens determines the maximal amount of light from an object that can be transmitted by the lens at one time. A large aperture (also called high speed) permits the use of shorter exposure times (i. e. faster shutter speeds) and smaller depth of field ranges, but this also involves a greater investment in the design and manufacture of a lens. The iris diaphragm makes it possible to reduce the effective aperture of a lens. That in turn makes it possible to use longer exposure times (i. e. slower shutter speeds), but above all it can be used to increase the depth of field.
Reflections and flare When light is reflected back and forth between two lens surfaces or when it is scattered by the lens mount, it arrives at a spot in the image that is different from the one where it is supposed to arrive. Undesired reflection images and light spots in the picture occur especially when the sun shines directly into the lens, and the pictorial impression can be impaired significantly. Several steps are taken to prevent reflections and stray light. To begin with, the shapes of the lens elements surfaces, components of the lens mount and iris diaphragms are already optimized during the design stage, in such a way that no extreme effects on the film are to be expected. Furthermore, coating the lens elements (the application of reflection-reducing layers) and the appropriate treatment, such as matte black lacquering of internal mechanical parts lead to a significant reduction of reflection- and stray light components.

Glossary 80 / 81

Imaging errors (Aberrations) Light from a point on the subject must re-converge as a point in the picture in order for a sharp image to be formed. As a rule, a single lens element is not adequate for this purpose, because it has inherent deviations (image errors or aberrations) that are described below. By combining several lens elements, and by converting the computed lens design as accurately as possible into reality, all residual aberrations can be kept at a very low level. To illustrate these imaging errors, our pictorial examples show strongly exaggerated effects of the various types of aberrations. Because most of the imaging errors can be reduced or eliminated by stopping the lens down, a picture taken with the aperture of the lens wide open reveals the most about the imaging performance of a given lens. At Leica, great emphasis is placed on imaging quality already being very good at full aperture, so good that it can be enhanced only slightly by stopping the lens down. With a Leica lens it is possible, for example, to create a very sharp portrait with a dissolving background, thus giving that portrait an appealing dimensional effect.

Curvature of field field flattening The natural shape of an image created by a lens element is curved, and this is referred to as curvature of field. If that image is recorded on a flat piece of film, the center of the image will be in sharp focus, but in practical terms the distance setting will be wrong for the edges of the picture, so that the image will not be sharp in that area. By re-focusing, the image can be sharpened at the edges. But that will cause the center of the image to be unsharp. Stopping the lens down increases the depth of field, and this attenuates this effect. The image can be flattened by means of appropriate lens configuration, so that the focus for all picture points will be on at least very close to the film plane. Pictorial examples : The upper photograph shows a loss of sharpness towards its edges as a result of curvature of field. The lower picture shows great sharpness across the entire image.
Aperture errors Spherical Aberration The closer to the edge that light rays pass through a lens, the more they will tend to arrive next to the actual picture point. Because this effect gets stronger as the aperture of the lens increases, it is referred to as aperture error, also called spherical aberration. Spherical aberration appears everywhere in the picture and it can be reduced by stopping the lens down. Aperture error leads to a loss in sharpness and contrast in the image. In extreme cases, flare can be noticed halos appear around point sources of light, as can be seen on the street lanterns in the upper pictorial example.
Astigmatism The effect of astigmatism is similar to that of curvature of field, except for the additional fact that in this case the sharpness depends on the direction of the subject details. This effect also becomes more pronounced towards the edges of the picture. As an example, if we look at the corner of a picture of a chain link fence it will be noticeable, if astigmatism is present, that the wires that point towards the center of the picture are reproduced with a different sharpness than those that are oriented at a right angle to them. The wires oriented in either one or the other direction can be made to appear sharp by means of focusing, but not both at the same time. Astigmatism leads to a reduction of the imaging quality and in extreme cases it will cause an elongation of point sources of light. Here too, stopping the lens down will reduce this effect, but it will not eliminate it.
Coma When coma is present, light rays will deviate to one side from their picture point. The picture point will acquire a tail like a comet. This effect occurs more towards the edges of the picture and not in its center. Stopping the lens down reduces this effect. Coma leads to a loss of sharpness and contrast; in extreme cases the coma tail becomes noticeable on point sources of light, as demonstrated by the enlarged section of a star picture. This section was cropped from the left upper corner of the moon picture.

The handy Leica compact cameras are impressive not only because they are easy to operate and because of the clean design of their sturdy titanium or aluminum housings, but especially for their optical performance and quality standards : All lenses are manufactured of high-grade optical glass. Outstanding imaging performance distinguishes itself for its brilliant color rendition, crisp contrast and sharp details.
Optical glasses with anomalous partial dispersion Light rays of different colors are refracted at different rates at a lens surface. This effect is called dispersion and different types of glass have it at different levels of strength. Most types of glass behave in a typical, normal manner. Special glasses with anomalous partial dispersion, however, have characteristics for certain ranges of color that deviate from this typical behavior that permit a special color error correction that cannot be achieved with normal glasses. Glasses with anomalous partial dispersion are used for the enhancement of imaging quality, which is needed in particular with APO systems (also see APO).
High refraction glasses High refraction glasses bend light rays more strongly than standard glasses with the same shape. Therefore the use of a lens element with high refraction can achieve a strong effect without the need for excessively strong curvatures. This helps to avoid picture errors, thus leading to greater imaging performance.
The modern digital compact cameras from Leica also benefit from the legendary high-performance optics. The core component is a zoom lens that provides great photographic latitude and that has been optimally tailored to the digital sensor. Aspheric lens components are made of high-grade coated optical glass. Very typical of Leica.
ASPH. is the abbreviation that denotes the use of at least one aspherical surface in a lens. Aspherical lens elements have a surface that has a curvature at the edges that is different from that at the center. They make it possible to influence light rays passing through edge portion of the lens in a different way from those passing through the center of the lens. This makes it possible to achieve several correction goals at the same time with a single lens element. They help to reduce the weight and the size of a lens. Furthermore, certain image errors (aberrations) can be avoided more effectively with an aspheric lens than they can with a spherical lens. They help to increase image quality or to reduce distortion. The manufacture and the handling of aspheric lens elements, however, is significantly more expensive than that of conventional lenses. Therefore the use of aspheric surfaces increases the value of a lens.

Trademark of the Leica Camera Group Leica and product names = Registered trademarks 2003 Leica Camera AG All rights to change construction, design and range reserved Concept and Design : Heine/Lenz/Zizka, Frankfurt am Main Image indication : Product photography : Tom Vack Photography of the manufactory : Ralph Gibson Images of California : Leica Akademie / Michael Agel, Martin Trippen Supplementary Photos : Luis Castaeda, Oliver Richter, Norbert Rosing Brochure order number : German 91153, English 91154, French 91155