LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH lens

With the LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH., Leica Camera AG, Solms, expands their range of short focal-length lenses for the Leica M System, adding another compact wide-angle lens. This newly developed lens is characterized by its outstanding image quality and compact size. Another addition to the Leica rangefinder system accessories range is a new finder, the LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm.

The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. is ideal for a wide range of applications – from expansive reportage images to landscapes and architectural photography. When used on digital Leica M models, the LEICA M8 and LEICA M8.2, the slightly smaller format of the sensor increases the effective focal length to the 35 mm format equivalent of 24 mm.

This means that the new lens is also a particularly practical and useful wide-angle lens for digital M photography. In addition, the lens can also be used on all analog Leica M camera models, and it’s extremely short focal length of 18 mm opens up numerous new opportunities for composition and creative expression.

The fundamental parameters of vignetting and distortion traditionally encountered in super-wide-angle lenses have been effectively corrected in the case of the LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH., so that they play no role at all in practice. This results in extremely sharp, crystal-clear and uniformly exposed images from corner to corner. Due to the outstanding contrast and reproduction of details, the initial aperture of 3.8 can be used without any limitations.

Even wide open, the depth of field extends from infinity to 3.93 feet. Stopping down is only necessary as a means to further increase the depth of field.

The LEICA ELMAR-M 1:3.8/18 mm ASPH. is constructed with eight lenses in seven groups. Due to the use of one aspherical element, aberrations were reduced to a minimum.

The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. also features a patented, screw-on rectangular lens hood that contributes to its compact size. The lens will be available at authorized Leica dealers in March 2009.

A matching LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm is also available for the new LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. lens. Used in conjunction with the new lens, it highlights the precise framing of the field of view and is distinguished by its vibrant, high-contrast image. Due to a concave mirror in the optics (hence the term ‘mirror viewfinder’), part of the incoming light is used to brightly illuminate the frame for the field of view – in the same way as in the viewfinder of Leica M cameras.

The finder has parallax compensation markings for close-up distances below 6.6 feet, yet also has markings for the slightly smaller image field of LEICA M8 models. It is, therefore, equally suitable for use with film (24 x 36 mm) and for digital photography (18 x 27 mm).

The entire optical system of the finder has a high-quality multi-layer coating to guarantee optimal viewing under all conditions. Its high-quality metal body is finished in the classic look of its predecessors of the fifties and sixties, but are milled from solid brass with the latest technology, and then finished in silver-chrome or black paint to match the cameras. The eyepiece is rubberized to reliably protect eyeglasses against scratching.

The LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm will also be available at authorized Leica dealers in March 2009.

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LEICA SF 58 flash unit

Leica Camera AG, Solms, presents a new flash unit combining the highest performance and system compatibility in one high-end flash unit – the LEICA SF 58. The maximum guide number of 58 (ISO 100/21°) enables high light output and, due to its fully swivelling reflector, offers ideal opportunities for indirect flash illumination.

Its integrated, system-controlled secondary reflector maintains image brilliance and simultaneously lightens shadows and highlights. For photographers, this means more creative freedom in the use of light and more flexibility, even under difficult lighting conditions. A diffuser, particularly recommended for portrait photography and softer illumination, is available as an optional accessory.

The LEICA SF 58 is suitable for use with all Leica rangefinder and SLR cameras and can also be used with the new Leica S-system. The LEICA SF 58 is equipped with an integrated USB port to allow convenient uploading of firmware updates, ensuring absolute compatibility with future generations of Leica cameras.

The LEICA SF 58 flash unit features a wide zoom range of 24–105 mm and an integrated wide-angle diffuser to extend the field of view by 18 mm. Depending on the focal length of the lens in use and the sensor format, the flash reflector setting is automatically controlled yet also features a manual adjustment option.

Thanks to its numerous technical features, the LEICA SF 58 enables photographers to capture professionally exposed images independent of any existing lighting conditions. For instance, the unit features automatic functions such as TTL or automatic flash mode, as well as automatic fill-in flash. In addition, the new LEICA SF 58 offers a choice of two lighting profiles (Standard and Soft) that allow optimal adaptation to various lighting situations. High-performance energy management guarantees flash photography at the highest speed and constancy, and at the same time an overheating protection function regulates the flash frequency when necessary.

Intuitive controls and a user-friendly operating concept ensure simple handling of the LEICA SF 58, including easily set parameters with the four soft keys of the unit. The clearly structured, illuminated dot-matrix display allows photographers to concentrate on the essentials.

The LEICA SF 58 will be available at authorized Leica dealers in March 2009.

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Tags: 18mm, asph, Leica, sf 58, super-elmar