Leica Digital-Modul R User manual

Leica Rsystem
The analog-digital system

Made to measure for perfectionists In order to create
outstanding images, photographersnot only need to sense theright
moment, they also need to have theright tool that functions as accura-
tely and creatively as they do. Leica single lens reflex(SLR) cameras
are precision instruments that earned their legendaryreputation with
their uncompromisingly high quality standards. Each Leica camerais
individually craftedbyexperienced hands, withgreat dedication and
meticulous care, creating timeless masterpieces that have extraordinary
value retention. The Leica Rsystemcombines superior,traditional
optical and instrument-making experience withthe most modern
manufacturing technology and exquisitefabrication know-howthat
made theSolms companyworld-famous. In order to provide devoted
photographerswithevengreater latitude and flexibility in thefuture,
Leica CameraAGhas nowtaken another dramatic step forward by
introducing theveryfirst modular digital component for a35mm
camera.

Quality meets flexibility The newLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R
enables youtomakethe decision spontaneously whether to create
your photographs withanalog or digital technology and thankstothe
accustomed high performance of Leica optics, youcan be confident
of achieving thebest possible results in everysituation. And regard-
less of theanalog or digital approach, youhave that very special joy
of working withacamerathat is unique through and through. With its
mechanical precision, innovativeoptics and sophisticated electronics,
theSLR system is predestined to implement your ideas at thehighest
possible photographic level. Intelligent technology provides youwith
absolutecontrol of your work.Byfocusing thelens manually,the
photographer positions theplane of sharpness. Using theremarkably
bright viewfinder,heorshe also coordinates thedepth of field and the
cropping. The gratifying results are brilliant pictures, even under the
most difficult light conditions –accurately controlled by automatic
features or manually controlled by thephotographer.And nowthe digit-
al capability of theLEICAR9isjust as unique and just as technically
refined. Aperfect symbiosis of stable value retention and newflexibility
in digital imagestorage and communication.
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Perfect interplayThe fascination of thename Leica is rootedas
much in thesuperb mechanisms of thecameraasitisinthe proverbial
precision and quality of its legendarylenses. And withthe LEICAR9
too, theentire spectrum of Rlenses developed since 1965 comes into
play, enhanced by our latest designs in thefields of wide-angle and
zoom lenses. Asystemthat makes it easy for youtocreatefascinating
photographs and whose quality nowbenefits youeminently in the
digital realm. As is thecase in analog photography, high imaging per-
formance is also required in digital photography. The great strengthof
Leica lenses is evidenced by their extraordinaryquality reserves, which
ensure theverybest results, even in enlargements of cropped portions
of digital images. Because of various unique technical refinements,
thestrengths of these high performance lenses also come intoplay
advantageously in digital applications. The protectivefilter in front of
thesensor,for example, wasdesigned to be as thin as possible, and
theacceptance angle of thesensor,which is smaller than that of the
conventional film frame, has been taken intoaccount by means of
appropriateshifts of themicro-lenses in front of thepixels. Agreat
omen for all those who are eager to explore classic as well newpossi-
bilities in photography.

“The Leica Rsystemrepresents theverybest optical quality and
great creativefreedom. The LEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R provides
entirely newperspectives for all thephoto-enthusiasts who liketo
work withgreat flexibility,but also demand theassurance of the
highest quality standards. ALeica Rcameraisanabsolutepreci-
sion instrument that also satisfies these objectivedemands in the
digital realm.”
Ralf Coenen, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Leica CameraAG
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Film :Achoice foradvancing film
TheLEICAR9isthe core of asuperbly
refined camerasystem. When youwork
withfilm, thecameracan be customized
by selecting one of anumber of different
film advance devices :the extremely com-
pact and quietmanual film advance, or
theinconspicuous LEICAMOTOR-WINDER
R9, or theprofessional LEICAMOTOR-
DRIVE R9 (shown on theleft). Youeven
have achoice of colorsfor your camera:
discreetblack or elegant anthracite.
The exposureisprecise
Accurateexposure metering and control
are prerequisites for successful photo-
graphs. The LEICAR9features selective,
integral as well as sophisticated multi-
patternexposure metering whose level
can be changed at anytime by tenths of a
step. The result :optimal harmonization
withthe various types of films. Metered
value storagecan be used withselective
and integral metering. The selected shut-
terspeed and aperture combination is
automatically stored when theshutter
release button is pressed to thesecond
pressure point. The various exposure
modes enhance flexibility,quickness and
notleast, your creativefreedom.
Analog or digital ?Inthe future, there will be only
one answer.
Lenses of the very bestkind
Thanks to its Rbayonet, theLEICAR9is
compatible withvirtually all Rlenses made
since 1965. All current Leica Rlenses
are equipped withanROM module, which
establishes specific communication be-
tween cameraand lens, leading to perfect
exposures.

Everything under control
Alloperating elements of theLEICAR9
are positioned very conveniently and can
be operated intuitively,without moving the
eye away from theviewfinder.The rugged
metal body fits very nicely in your hands
and it has ideal weight.Small details –
important effects :The operating mode
selector dial can nowbelocked in place
to prevent unintended changes of your
selected settings that mayoccur,for in-
stance,inthe carrying case. The eyecup
too, can be locked in place, so that it
won’tget lost.
Seeing more
With thehigh-eyepoint viewfinder you
no longer need to press your eye against
theeyecup in order to see theimage
clearly all theway intoits corners. And
all theimportant parameters are dis-
playedoptimally in theviewfinder :Shutter
speed, aperture, operating mode, exposure
metering mode and theexposure counter.
An important feature for time exposures :
An integrated shutter prevents light from
reaching thefilm through theeyepiece.
Eyeglass wearerswill be especially pleased
withthe dioptercompensation range
from –2 to +2 in half steps, enabling the
photographer to focus and expose withor
without using theeyeglasses.
Digital :Simplyexcellent
TheLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R can be at-
tached to theLEICAR9withasimple hand
motion, thus transforming it intoafull-
function digitalSLR camera. During the
development phase, special attention was
paid to optimal imagequality.You simply
decide whether analog or digital photo-
graphyisbest for theapplication. No need
for youtochangeyour wayofshooting :
meaningthat theprovensimple and logical
operating conceptthat is so typical of
Leica, is retained in theLEICADIGITAL-
MODUL-R cameraand digital back neatly
mergeintoasingle unit.
Flashtailored to the subject
The LEICAR9provides youwiththree ex-
posure options for flash photography. In
addition to thefully automatic Pmode and
theselectiveflash mode F, it also features
High Speed Synchronization (HSS). In
combination withanHSS flash unit, it
allows flash exposures withshutter speeds
as high as 1/8000 second !This enables
youtomakepleasing portraits even in
daylight and at full aperture, without harsh
contrasts.
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The film advance –you setthe pace Flexibility,quickness
and comforthave also been emphasized in conjunction withthe film
advance. Whether fast and strong withthe Motor-Drive, gently motor-
ized withthe Motor-Winder,orcarefully controlled manually,there is
no rigidly prescribed pace withthe LEICAR9.
Motor-DriveForimages of fast action events in
picture sequences, thepowerful Motor-Drivewith
batterycharger and capacity indicator is theright
choice.3LEDs indicatethe chargelevel of thebat-
tery.The Motor-Drivefunctions quietly,itexposes
afast 4.5 pictures per second and thankstothe
integral wrist loop and thepractical vertical release
button, it is very easy to operate. Its combination
switch permits thesetting of theexposure fre-
quency as well as an automatic exposure series
in steps of half an f-stop (bracketing). An electronic
remote release or aRemote Control R8/R9 can
be attached to theconnecting socket of theMotor-
Drive.
Motor-Winder The lightweight, compact and quietMotor-Winder is an alternative
to theMotor-Drive. It deliversacomfortable twoexposures per second ;itconforms
harmoniously to theshape of thecamerabody without adding much weight. Like
theMotor-Drive, theMotor-Winder too, is equipped withaconnector socket for remo-
te control.
Manual film advance The camera’sbuilt-in film advance mechanism, withwhich youmanually advance thefilm frame by frame is,
of course, even quieterand battery-conserving at thesame time. The obvious advantage:you can travelwithout an accessory.
On theLEICAR9, theuncomplicated film advance starts withthe insertionofthe film cartridgewithout cumbersome threading.
When aMotor-Winder or aMotor-Driveisbeing used, youcan also decide whether thefilm leader is to be rewound completely
intothe cartridgeornot.Withdouble exposures too, youhave everyoption :you can, of course, avoid double exposures al-
together –oryou can implement them deliberately,because the LEICAR9has an extralever for this purpose that uncouples the
film advance mechanism and accurately locksthe film in its position.