Leica Digilux 2 User manual

LEICA DIGILUX 2
The “analog” digital camera
Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms
www.leica-camera.com / [e-mail]
Telephone [phone] / Fax + 49(0)6442-208-333
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 / Author’s photography : David Alan Harvey / Brochure order number : German 91171, English 91172, French 91173, Italian 91180 /12/03/FZ/B
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Digital photography in a new light Leica Camera AG
forges ahead with an independent position in the digital era by
combining the current best of two worlds : The new LEICA DIGILUX 2
features modern digital technology and the proven concepts of analog
photography in a splendid combination. It is the first digital camera
that can be operated like a classic professional camera. With the
shutter speed dial on the top cover, the focusing ring and the setting
rings for aperture and focal length on the lens, its operation is familiar,
fast and precise. That makes the LEICA DIGILUX 2 the ideal tool for
expressive images in an individual style. And because the results
must be brilliant even in poor light situations, its core component is a
high-performance lens with 13 elements in ten groups, incorporating
valuable optical glasses as well as the legendary optical competence
of Leica. That and its optimal harmonization with the sensor and
the electronics lead to photographs with extraordinary quality. The
LEICA DIGILUX 2 with its ingenious features thus carries on the trend
that began so successfully with its predecessor Digilux 1, itself the
recipient of many awards. The classic styling with structured rubber
covering and the rugged magnesium body furthermore make it a
durable reportage camera in our fast-paced era.
Scale 1:1
“The LEICA DIGILUX 2 is an expression of our loyalty to the craft of
photography. At Leica, pictorial results and creativity are the priority,
not whether the picture is exposed by digital or analog means.
With the Digilux 2 we are providing photographers with a tool that
enables them to search for those magic moments as intuitively as
they did with their familiar analog professional cameras. The positive
respect for tradition, even in product development, is the basis for
products with great value retention. Now that the digital photo
market has established itself, there is still room for solutions that
bring together tradition and modernity.”
H.-P. Cohn, CEO of Leica Camera AG
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The LEICA DIGILUX 2 New approaches to digital photography
Large viewfinder image
The high-resolution electronic viewfinder
was chosen over an optical viewfinder:
All display indicators as well as the
electronic magnifier are available in the
viewfinder. The viewfinder image with its
235,000 pixels delivers the same 100%
of the subject being photographed as
the display.
Distinctive feature
The fast LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON
7–22.5 mm f/2.0–2.4 ASPH. zoom lens
(which corresponds to a 28–90 mm
zoom lens on a 35 mm camera) offers
great photographic latitude. From a
large wide-angle shot of a group or an
architectural subject, all the way to an
ideal focal length in the short telephoto
range for portraits. Thanks to the large
aperture, outstanding pictures can be
achieved at all zoom settings, even in
decidedly poor light conditions.
Stay in control
The clean design elegantly incorporates a
2.5"–display with a detail-rich resolution
of 211,000 pixels that is exceptionally
large and brilliant for this class. Contrast
is high and the image on the display
permits optimal evaluation, even at an
angle. An electronic magnifier facilitates
exact manual focusing.
Simple familiar operation
The classic operating elements are
arranged in a clear manner and similarly
to the accustomed 35 mm cameras. In
conjunction with comfortable automatic
funtions, they allow precise and quick
operation of the camera. Because of the
familiar positioning of the controls, analog
photographers will become accustomed
to the new camera very quickly. Our goal
is to bring the traditional photographic
experience to the digital world.
For comprehensive reportage
A 64 MB SD-Memory Card makes high
mobility possible without the need for
changing the card. This means that
5 brilliant pictures in the RAW format
without compression or up to 484
pictures at the lowest resolution and
highest compression can be stored on
this memory card. And the powerful
lithium battery provides continuous
operating readiness for up to 3 hours.
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A summary of the features The combination of ease of
use and optimal harmonization of all the components makes the
LEICA DIGILUX 2 a digital photojournalistic camera.
As spontaneous a moment might be, and even when light conditions
are poor – the Digilux 2 enables every photographer to inconspicu-
ously capture extraordinary moments with brilliant photographs.
Perfect harmonization With the goal of making the best pictorial result possible, the lens, the sensor and the electronics have
been optimally harmonized to one another. The 2/3"- CCD sensor is very large for its resolution of 5 million pixels. The unusually
large size of the pixels makes high light sensitivity possible. Larger than normal individual pixels register more light and thus
reduce errors. This combination of the high optical quality of the lens and the large sensor surface per pixel that make the extra-
ordinary image quality possible.
Classic operation This is unique for a digital camera: On the LEICA DIGILUX 2, the
decisive photographic parameters of sharpness, aperture and focal length can be
controlled just like they are controlled on a classic single lens reflex camera, i.e. by
means of setting rings on the lens and shutter speed. This provides the photographer
with great creative freedom. In addition, there are many comfortable automatic
functions, all of which can be selected easily and quickly. The menu is multi-lingual
(German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese) and all the indicators
shown in the display are also available in the viewfinder.
A lens with inner beauty The fast LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 7–22.5 mm
f/2.0–2.4 ASPH. zoom lens corresponds to a 28-90 mm zoom lens for the 35 mm
format. It consists of 13 lens elements made exclusively of genuine optical glass with
complex coatings. It is arranged in ten groups, two lens elements have aspheric sur-
faces and several elements are made of high-refraction glass. The first group of lens
elements remains stationary over the entire zoom range. This results in high mechan-
ical stability, which in turn results in high focusing accuracy, longevity and precise
mechanical movements. Both focusing as well as focal length changes take place
exclusively inside the lens. The rear group focusing design makes it possible to focus
quickly and without camera shake.
Lens hood A lens hood is supplied with the Digilux 2. We recommend its use at all
times, because it further enhances pictorial results and it prevents reflections caused
by incident rays of sunlight.
A display with magnitude The large 2.5"–display on the LEICA DIGILUX 2 is
trans-reflexive: The illumination of the display combines background illumina-
tion as well as ambient light, which leads to enhanced brilliance. Disturbing
reflections that occur on the display surface under strong ambient light are
greatly reduced. The image can be evaluated even when the display is viewed
at an angle. The camera’s display with its high resolution of 211,000 pixels
provides a bright picture that is rich in contrast. A magnifier can be activated
that shows an enlarged section of the subject for easier manual focusing.
A viewfinder with the highest resolution The electronic viewfinder renders
a high contrast image with a high resolution of 235,000 pixels. The viewfinder
image covers 100 % of the subject being photographed and all the indicators
shown in the display are also available in the viewfinder. There is no viewfinder
vignetting. The viewfinder image corresponds exactly to the coverage of the
subject because there is no parallax shift. Stored images can also be viewed
in the viewfinder – a distinct advantage in very bright sunlight. The electronic
magnifier is also available in the viewfinder. Eyeglass wearers are also accom-
modated by means of diopter compensation and the large distance of the
exit pupil of 15 mm.
Longevity is built in In the DIGILUX 2, the highest quality is maintained in all disciplines : Its special optical performance and the
meticulous fabrication of high-grade materials at Leica make it a durable digital camera. One can see and feel it – on the solid metal
body made of magnesium ; and one can also read it – in the 3- year guarantee. The styling of the camera is classic and timeless.
These three points prove a usefulness that is far longer than that of conventional digital cameras.
Flash with an IQ The powerful built-in flash, with a guide number of
10 (meters) or 33 (feet), has a range of 4.5 m or 15 feet in the wide-angle
setting, and 4.0 m or 13 feet in the telephoto setting. For the first time, the
flash head can be tilted. That makes it possible, for example, to use the
built-in flash for indirect flash by bouncing it off the ceiling. That results in
smoothly balanced illumination without red eyes and with all the advantages
of indirect flashlighting.
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The passion for photography already gripped California native David
Alan Harvey when he was only ten years old. At age twelve he bought
a Leica III f and later on he studied art and journalism. As a Magnum
photographer he has published many color photographic essays from
around the world in magazines such as National Geographic. His par-
ticular interest in the Spanish speaking world has led to two books :
“Cuba” and “Divided Soul”. He conducts frequent seminars in which
he describes how he observes and how he builds trusting relationships
with the people he photographs. He used the LEICA DIGILUX 2 to
record his impressions of San Miguel De Allende, Mexico.
Software for wide ranging possibilities The LEICA DIGILUX 2 has very useful
software : For studio or lab photography, all functions can be controlled with a
PC or a Mac by means of a USB connection. In addition, there is a preview
window, a histogram and an interval setting, with which the number of images
is limited only by the capacity of the hard disk of the computer that is being used.
Underwater Housing Those who wish to use their Digilux 2 while scuba diving
can do so to a depth of 80m or 260 feet by using the submarine housing made
of solid lightweight metal. The large window allows the subject to be photo-
graphed to be evaluated without parallax on the camera’s display. All functions
can also be controlled under water. For further information please contact
www.hugyfot.de
David Alan Harvey
LEICA SF 24D Flash Unit for the LEICA DIGILUX 2 With the dedicated SF 24D Flash Unit, the camera
fully automatically controls the amount of light emitted by the flash unit, just as it does with the built-in
flash. Precisely exposed flash pictures with balanced illumination can be taken by means of the guide
number control. The ‘SLOW’ mode, which can also be synchronized to the second shutter, expands the
creative possibilities. Even with fill-in flash, the natural light mood is preserved by means of longer
shutter speed. Furthermore, the external flash shoe provides a connection to SCA flash units.
A memory card is included The LEICA DIGILUX 2 is supplied with a 64 MB SD-Memory Card. Depending on the image quality
that is selected, this memory card can store up to 484 pictures
Case Of course the leather case for the LEICA DIGILUX 2 camera too, is crafted
with meticulous workmanship. The fine leather is tanned and dyed with pure
vegetable solutions. The vegetable treatment of the leather gives the camera
case its exquisite high-grade appearance. The roomy interior will also readily
accommodate the Digilux 2 camera with an attached lens hood. Several
built-in compartments conveniently hold accessories like a spare battery
and a memory card.
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Camera
File formats
Storage media
Color display
Viewfinder
Image sensor
Sensitivity
Image sizes
Storage capacity on a
64 MB Memory Card
Lens
Nearest focusing distance
Digital focal length extension
Exposure
Exposure series
Flash
White balance
Connections
Tripod socket
Additional functions
Compatibility
Power supply
Operating conditions
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight
Supplied with
Accessories
Cable Release
Lithium-Ion Battery
Mains Connector/Battery Charger
Leather Case
E69 Filters
E72 Filter Holder
LEICA DIGILUX 2
RAW, JPEG (very low, low and normal compression/SUPER FINE, FINE, STANDARD), Motion-JPEG
SD-Memory Card and MultiMedia-Card (the camera is supplied with a 64 MB SD–Memory Card)
Trans-reflexive 2.5" color display with 211,000 pixels
Electronic viewfinder with 235,000 pixels and diopter compensation (±4 diopter), suitable for eyeglass wearers
2/3" CCD sensor with 5.24 million total pixels and 5 million effective pixels, primary color filters
ISO 100, 200, 400
2,560 x 1,920, 2,048 x 1,536, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,280 x 960, 640 x 480, 1,920 x 1,080 (HDTV),
320 x 240 for video sequences
JPEG 15 to 484 images, RAW 5 images
LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 7–22.5 mm f/2.0–2.4 ASPH. zoom lens (corresponds to a 28–90 mm zoom lens
for the 35 mm format), 13 lens elements in 10 groups
30 cm or 11 13⁄16 inches
2x / 3x
Exposure control Program (P) with program shift ; Aperture priority (A) ; Shutter priority (T) ; Manual control (m).
Shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/2000 second. Exposure metering modes Multi-field, center- weighted or spot.
Metering A gentle pressure on the shutter release button stores the metered distance and exposure settings.
Exposure compensation ±2 EV in 1/3 steps ; Automatic exposure sequences (Bracketing) of 3 or 5 exposures in
1/3 E V, 2/3 EV or 1 EV steps
2.7 or 1.0 exposures per second; maximum: 3 –137 exposures with low/normal data compression
Built- in flash with a guide number of 10 (metric) or 33 (feet) ; Range: 4.5 m or 15 feet with the wide-angle setting and
4m or 13 feet with the telephoto setting (all at ISO 100) ; Flash functions Automatic flash activation, flash ON, flash
OFF, pre-flash for red-eye reduction, SLOW (for long shutter speeds, SLOW with synchronization at the end of the
exposure ; Flash exposure compensation ±2EV in 1/3 EV steps ; External flash unit Accessory shoe with contacts
for the control of an external flash unit type SCA 3502 Standard (such as the new LEICA SF 24D)
Automatic, manual setting, preset light conditions (daylight, overcast sky, incandescent light, flash) with fine
adjustment capability (±1500 K max.)
USB 2.0 (high speed), DC IN, AV output with PAL/NTSC options, remote release cable
A1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4")
Video recording (max. 6 minutes on a 64 MB-Memory Card) ; sound recording is possible for every picture (during and
after the exposure) ; trick film mode ; connection for remote release cable ; the camera can be controlled remotely via
the USB connection with LEICA USB Remote Control Software (supplied with the camera) ; focusing magnifier for more
precise manual focusing ; multi-language menu (German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese) ;
black-and-white mode ; selftimer with a choice of 2 or 10 seconds delay time
ExiF-JPEG 2.2, EPSON Print Image System V2.5 (PIM), Digital Print Order Format V1.1 (DPOF), USB-Direct Print,
USB 2.0 HighSpeed
Lithium-Ion battery 1400 mAh, 7.2 V, or external electrical mains connector/battery charger (ACA-DC3)
(supplied with the camera), charging time approximately 2 hours with the ACA-DC3 battery charger
Temperature range : 0°–40°C or 32°–104°F ; relative humidity range : 10 %–80 %
135x82x103mm or 55⁄16 x 31⁄4x 4 1⁄16 in)
Approximately 630/705 grams or 22/25 oz (with/without battery)
Electrical mains connector/battery charger ; Lithium-Ion battery 1400 mAh 7.2 V ; 64 MB SD-Memory Card ; lens cover ;
lens hood with cover ; AV cable ; USB cable ; carrying strap ; Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 (Windows/Mac) ;
ACDSee 6 PowerPack (Windows)/ACDSee1.65 (Mac) ; LEICA USB Remote Control Software ; SilverFast 6 DCSE with
Virtual Light Table ; Apple QuickTime 6 (Windows) ; USB driver for Windows 98SE
CR-DC1 Order No. 18 626
LEICA BP-DC1
(as a replacement) ACA-DC3 Order No. 18 607
Black, Order No. 18627
UVa Filter Order No. 18 630, ND Filter 4x Order No. 18631, Circular Polarizing Filter Order No. 18 632
Order No. 18 634
Technical Data / Accessories
“With a camera like this I set out and slip into this kaleidoscope of
smells, sounds and light. I am an observer who is intensively curious,
but not an equal. I do not find the pictures, the pictures find me.
Sometimes many photographs leap out of the whirl of impressions,
but often there are only a few.” David Alan Harvey
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