Leica M8 – The First Classic Of Digital Photography

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It is the only digital camera for enthusiasts and professionals alike to incorporate the rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision. Full compatibility with nearly all M lenses means that their unique imaging performance is available for digital photography, too. The CCD image sensor 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.

Exceptional performance in every detail

For Leica, image quality is not only a byword, but a value attained by optimising all the links in the performance chain: Leica’s high performance M lenses, now performing even better in the digital system with the 6-bit coding. The low-noise CCD sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels, which is specifically matched to the extreme requirements of the high-resolution M lenses. The future-guaranteed raw data format (DNG) and the new raw data converter Capture One4, acknowledged as the best. It is this combination of these high-quality individual components that ensures the best image quality.

Concentration on the exposure. Not on the controls.

By concentrating on the essentials, the camera’s operation is simple and intuitive. The LEICA M8 deliberately dispenses with multifunction keys and nested menus. All the main settings are in clearly structured menus on the bright 2.5″ display. For detailed quality control whilst “on location”, RGB histogram and clipping warning can be used on even the finest details of the subject.

LEICA M8.2 – The Evolution of the Digital Rangefinder Camera

The new LEICA M8.2 is a significant development of the digital rangefinder camera for professionals, M8. Where important attributes of LEICA M8 such as discretion, intuitive work and robustness have been further improved.

Even more intuitive operation

The new snapshot mode “S” can be particularly useful in tight reportage conditions. It will also appeal to all those who use short focal lengths from 21 till 35 mm and want good results right away without knowing a lot about photography. If the shutter speed dial is turned to the new “S” setting, the camera controls all the key features automatically, such as automatic exposure (aperture priority), automatic ISO speed setting and automatic white balance. Another new feature is a quick override setting. For more precise framing at long distances, the bright-line frames in the viewfinder have been designed to handle larger framing areas.

Robustness & discretion

The new LEICA M8.2 is the very first professional digital camera to use an ultra scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as coverglass for the camera monitor. It is so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond tools. The camera also sports a new easy-grip and specially robust “vulcanite” finish.

Thanks to numerous detailed modifications, the noise and vibration of the shutter action have been audibly and noticeably reduced even further. The fastest shutter speed of the metal blade focal-plane shutter is 1/4000 s, and the flash sync speed is 1/180 s. To make the camera even more discreet in critical situations, the photographer may personally determine the suitable moment when the shutter is cocked.

Compact and quick – New charger unit

The new compact charger unit is designed to take up a minimum of space in the photograper’s bag and has a quick-charge function when charging the battery. The LED flashes yellow after about two hours when 80 percent of the charging capacity has been reached. This is already sufficient for about 400 exposures.

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