Leica M7 User manual

M-System 2 / 3
Leica M System
The fascination of the moment – analog and digital
LEICA M8 new
LEICA M7
LEICA MP
Leica à la carte
Heine/Lenz/Zizka 09/06/CEGW/B
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1“24x36” Leica M photography portfolio
9Leica M System
21 LEICA M8 new
29 Simon Wheatley uses the LEICA M8
35 LEICA M7
41 LEICA MP
45 Leica à la carte
50 LEICA M7 entry set
51 Leica M lenses
56 Accessories
62 Technical Data LEICA M8
64 Technical Data LEICA M7/MP
67 “24x36” Leica M photography portfolio
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“24 x 36” Leica M photography portfolio
Leica M pictures are unmistakable. They represent a very individual
style of photography – they have the power to strike a chord, fascinate
and surprise. In 1925 the Leitz company defined the 24 x 36mm mini-
ature format with the camera developed by Oskar Barnack. Since then,
reportage photographers have used their discreet and fast Leica M
cameras to shape our view of the world. “24 x 36” is the title of an ex-
hibition of current work by M photographers. This brochure includes
some of the images, representing outstanding examples of how Leica
cameras can be used to develop a conscious vision and design, to
highlight intensive involvement in a theme and to convey personal
messages from the heart of everyday life.
The photo galleries on the Internet show you how photography is de-
veloping right now with the new digital LEICA M8. The www.leica-
camera.com website features a continuously changing selection of
exciting new M8 pictures.
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PHILIPPE BORDAS (France)
From the series “L’Afrique à Poings Nus”,1988 – 2000
The title of the work – “Africa with Bared Fists” – indicates what it is all about – sport at grass roots level. Sport
as a medium of social advancement. For several years, Philippe Bordas observed, interviewed, photographed and
created portraits of young boxers in Kenya and wrestlers in Senegal. The result is not classic reportage, it is a true
epic, combining both color and the traditional stylistic device of black and white, and incorporating letters and
small drawings as well as diary notes. Bordas’s book of the same name and his exhibition in Paris proudly demon-
strate his enthusiasm for the theme. Not to mention being a great example of a new concept in documentary
photography.
Cameras : LEICA M4-P, LEICA M6 / Lenses : LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35mm f/2 ASPH.,
LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2
Courtesy of Philippe Bordas
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“24x 36” Leica M photography portfolio 2 / 3
JOHAN WILLNER (lives in Stockholm)
“Priego de Cordoba”, 1996 (from the “Point Blank” series completed in 2003)
What sets young photographers like Johan Willner apart is their familiarity with the history of the medium.
They have definite role models in mind – photographers who show them the way to achieve their own extreme-
ly personal and dedicated photographic art. For Johan Willner, it is Robert Frank. More than his imagery,
what the Swede aims to emulate is his quest to replace the idea of photographs as documents with complex
yet intelligent and subjective visual commentaries. Willner studied at the ICP in New York in 1995/96. His
work appeared in exhibitions in Stockholm, Lund and Orléans and, in 2004, he was undoubtedly one of the
most notable talents in the portfolio reviews in Madrid (Photo España).
Camera : LEICA M4P / Lens : LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35mm f/2 ASPH.
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ALEX WEBB (1952, San Francisco – lives in Brooklyn/New York)
Outskirts of Tijuana,1995
In Alex Webb’s photographs, it is hot. At least it normally is. The titles of his books bear witness to this.
“Hot Light” (1986) was his first. “Under A Grudging Sun” (1989) was his second. His third was called
“From The Sunshine State” (1996). Actually, to be more precise what matters to Webb is not heat but
the specific character of Southern light – its interplay with hard shadows is the “raw material” for his
intensely colored, sometimes downright graphic imagery. A full member of Magnum since 1979, within
the agency Webb stands for a newly discovered interest in color that has emerged since the1970s.
Numerous prizes, including the Leica Medal of Excellence in 2000, have constantly reaffirmed the excel-
lence of his photography, which effortlessly bridges the gap between magazines (“GEO”, “Life”, “Stern”)
and the gallery.
Camera : LEICA M6 / Lenses : LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm f/2.8, LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH.
Courtesy of Alex Webb/Magnum Photos
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“24x 36” Leica M photography portfolio 4 / 5
RAGNAR AXELSSON (1958, Iceland – lives in Iceland)
From the “Vanishing Lifestyles” series, 1988 – 2003
He actually works as a photographic reporter for “Morgunbladid”, Iceland’s leading daily newspaper. At the
same time, however, Ragnar Axelsson is busy on a long-term documentary project, which saw him gain an
“honorable mention” at the Leica Oskar Barnack Prize in 2001. Axelsson has a great interest in lifestyles that
are on the verge of dying out in Iceland, and he has taken it upon himself to capture them in pictures. Wherever
an assignment for the newspaper takes him in Iceland, Greenland or the Faeroes, he seeks out individuals or
groups that represent a culture threatened with extinction. What sets Axelsson’s work apart is its sensitive and
clear yet, for an unusual subject, very accessible view of a world that is totally removed from the blanket global-
ization and harmonization of modern life.
Cameras : LEICA M4-P, LEICA M6 / Lenses : LEICA ELMARIT-M 28mm f/2.8, LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2
Courtesy of Ragnar Axelsson
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ANDREA HOYER (1967 Göttingen – lives in Berlin, Moscow and New York)
From the “Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the Caucasus” series, 1998 – 2002
Andrea Hoyer was probably the biggest surprise in the photography world in 2003. Until she captivated
viewers at that year’s Oscar Barnack Prize, nobody had heard of this artist who – almost silently – had
completed years of work in black and white. Hoyer’s theme was the demise of the former Soviet Union,
but not in the sense of reportage dealing with social trends in the midst of new poverty and the nouveau-
riche mafia. Instead, Hoyer is interested in visualizing an atmosphere that may be familiar from Andrej
Tarkowskij’s films. Her imagery is both clear and complex, graphic and rich in references – including
almost surreal moments that hark back to the work of Cartier-Bresson.
Camera : LEICA M6/Lenses : 24, 28 and 35 mm
Courtesy of Andrea Hoyer
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“24x 36” Leica M photography portfolio 6 / 7
MATIAS COSTA (1973, Buenos Aires – lives in Madrid)
From the “Water Culture” series, 2003
Matias Costa presented his work to an international audience for the first time in 1999 at the highly regarded Photo
España festival, with his reportage shots of street children in Rwanda. It was immediately obvious that he was a
notable talent, who knew how to amalgamate a political message with thoroughly modern imagery. It is no surprise
that since then Costa has scooped several important awards including the coveted prize for photojournalism at the
Vevey festival (Switzerland), which is supported by Leica. His most recent, as yet unpublished, work (in color this
time) deals with Hungary’s bathing culture fed by its 1000-plus hot springs. Photographically, this was a demanding
theme, as Costa often had to shoot pictures secretly and using available light : classic terrain for the Leica M.
Camera : LEICA M6 TTL / Lenses : LEICA ELMARIT-M 24mm f/2.8 ASPH., LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35mm f/2 ASPH.
Courtesy of Matias Costa
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M System 8 / 9
The fascination of the moment – analog and digital
Photography is the art of using light to capture an image of the world.
Whether it is analog or digital – this basic principle of photography
never changes. In1925, the family company Leitz presented the first
successful 35 mm camera. The name Leica (Leitz Camera) became a
byword for uncompromising optical and mechanical quality and revolu-
tionized photography with its incredibly compact cameras. Ever since
the LEICA M3 was launched in 1954, the world’s best photographers
have come to rely on the Leica M system. The rangefinder allows the
photographer to anticipate how a situation will develop. A Leica M then
captures the critical moment immediately, discreetly and quietly. Alex
Webb’s pictures (Page 4) illustrate how the Leica M can capture the
right instant even in rapidly changing scenes. The photographs by
Matias Costa (Page 7) show how discreetly an M camera can be used
to produce authentic pictures. Alongside the analog MP and M7 models,
the digital LEICA M8 is now continuing the success story. It is a profes-
sional tool that combines genuine M photography with digital image
technology – concentrating on what is essential yet offering uncom-
promising quality and full system compatibility with the world’s best
lenses.
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M System 10 / 11
The rangefinder system is an optical masterpiece, created for cutting edge photography.
Unlike with a reflex system, where you have to focus through the lens and the focal length
and speed determine the accuracy of the measurement, with the Leica M rangefinder the
measuring basis remains constant regardless of the lens. This makes it many times more
accurate at short focal lengths. The high-contrast focusing images in the center of the view-
finder field guarantees fast and precise focusing with pinpoint accuracy, even in very poor
lighting conditions. The image field selector enables the photographer to simulate the effect
of a different focal length and thus to choose the right lens in advance. The six bright line
frames always show the exact framing as the automatic parallax compensation automatically
adjusts their position depending on the distance setting. All the information that is relevant
for achieving a perfect result can be seen in the bright-line frame viewfinder, along with the
subject’s surroundings – ideal for spontaneous, inconspicuous photography.
Closer to the critical moment The rangefinder system allows
natural pictures to be taken at the heart of everyday life. The photog-
rapher is part of events and uses the rangefinder to frame what he
wants to capture – a scene, an atmosphere, a moment. He can also
keep an eye on what is going on outside the viewfinder frame. This
allows him to anticipate the critical moment and capture it at exactly
the right instant – typical of the Leica M. The Magnum photographer
Elliott Erwitt said: “With a reflex camera, you create the image in the
camera. With the Leica rangefinder, you need to see the picture, recog-
nize it and then frame it.” Leica M pictures convey effortlessness and
authenticity because they are composed in advance and captured in
the blink of an eye. The photographer can still see his subject during
the exposure and even in very difficult available light situations, the
bright and high contrast viewfinder allows extremely fast and accurate
focusing. Combined with the short shutter delay, the rangefinder prin-
ciple makes Leica M cameras the fastest in the world.
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M System 12 / 13
Compact, discreet, supremely functional No other profes-
sional camera is as compact as a Leica M. As no mirror box is needed,
the M8 has a depth of less than 37 mm. The M lenses also benefit from
the short distance to the focal plane, making them small and lightweight.
The incredible compactness of the M cameras and lenses makes them
the ideal equipment for travel and reportage photographers. Mirror
vibration and the resulting blurring are not an issue for Leica M users.
The inconspicuousness, distinct design and barely audible shutter re-
lease are yet more reasons for the unique vibrancy of M pictures. Time
and time again, photographers using the M in areas of tension in the
world report that they are not perceived as journalists, allowing them
to capture scenes that remain beyond the reach of those using other
systems. Portraits appear more relaxed as the camera does not cover
the photographer’s face and he can maintain eye contact with the
model. This discretion is made possible by concentrating on what is
essential for photography. This philosophy has been consistently im-
plemented on the new LEICA M8, bringing the core values of M photog-
raphy into the digital world.
Concentrated Every development and enhancement throughout the entire evolution of the
Leica M system meets a genuine photographic need. During the design of the digital LEICA M8,
all of the features offered by digital technology were tested for relevance. The result is a pro-
fessional digital rangefinder camera that does not offer everything that is technologically
possible but concentrates on what makes sense from a photographic viewpoint. This includes
unique functions such as precise control of the exposure using a tonal value histogram, which
corresponds to the subject details displayed at every zoom level.
Compact and lightweight, the Leica M is an ideal companion. Even a complete set of
equipment fits into a single inconspicuous case. This makes it one of the smallest profes-
sional camera systems available. A camera with a standard lens fitted is so convenient
to carry that you can keep it with you all the time.
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M System 14 / 15
The performance of Leica lenses is based on state of the art technologies : aspherical lenses allow an
extremely compact construction with maximum performance. So-called floating elements (movable lens
groups) ensure excellent reproduction at close range. Apochromatic correction on telephoto lenses guaran-
tees brilliant images with no color fringing. Sophisticated features to suppress reflections improve the con-
trast and visibility of details in the shadows. The result is that the full capabilities of a Leica lens are always
available, even at maximum aperture. With Leica lenses, stopping down is only necessary to increase the
depth of field.
Craftsmanship and High Tech The outstanding quality of Leica lenses is not just the result
of state of the art technology – the craftsmanship and experience of our precision mechanics
and optical specialists is indispensable. For example, the spirals on each lens are individually
ground. This results in zero backlash and silky smooth focusing even under extreme tempera-
ture conditions – for decades to come.
The best lenses produce the best pictures The design and
construction of the extremely compact Leica M lenses concentrate on
a single goal : enabling the best possible quality of analog or digital
photography. Their unsurpassed performance is due to the fact that
Leica engineers devote all their efforts and innovation to finding a clear,
straight-line optical solution. This often involves just a few lens ele-
ments, as few obstructions as possible to get in the way of the light.
This natural design, realized using top quality glass types and state-of-
the art production techniques, creates pictures with an unmistakable
character. These pictures not only demonstrate the quality of the con-
trast and resolution, they also show structure, richness of tone and
natural expression, even under difficult lighting conditions. Photogra-
phers also appreciate a Leica lens’s zero backlash and silky smooth
focusing. This quality comes from the experience and skill of our optical
and precision mechanics experts, who manufacture each individual
lens. Unlike indus-trial, mass-produced lenses, every Leica lens meets
optimum quality standards that photographers can truly depend on.
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M System 16 / 17
Fifty years of compatibility Back in the1950s, Leica engineers
demonstrated their foresight by creating a timeless standard with the
Leica M bayonet. This guarantees system compatibility, even with
today’s digital M8. Because this standard has been maintained, almost
all M lenses can be used on the digital Leica model. However, system
compatibility does not mean standing still – it is all about evolution.
The new 6 bit-coding means that the LEICA M8 can identify the lens
type fitted and use this information to set up subsequent shots. Com-
patibility does not stop with the bayonet – it also applies to the exten-
sive range of accessories. Even the choice of JPEG and DNG (RAW data
format) as the digital image formats on the M8 is designed to ensure
image quality, future compatibility and secure archiving of the digital
data. More than ever, choosing the M system means choosing lasting
values.
Leica is geared up for the future, yet at the same time maintains its
principle of system compatibility. The1954 bayonet and the current 6 bit-
coded bayonet were produced decades apart but there is nothing to
separate them. The new, extended M bayonet allows all non-coded
lenses to be used on the M8. Likewise, the new 6 bit-coded lenses can
be used on analog M cameras with no restrictions.
The 2006 Bayonet
The1954 Bayonet
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