Leica M8 User manual

The new Leica Summarit-M family

Precision lenses for unsurpassed pictures – analog or digital

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Summarit-M : Amazing quality plus outstanding value

With four focal lengths of 35, 50, 75 and 90 mm, the new Summarit-M

class covers all of the traditional applications in rangefinder photog-

raphy. Our philosophy is to consistently reduce things to their absolute

essentials, and the new Summarit-M lenses represent the very best that

can be achieved today using traditional spherical lens design, for both

analog and digital Leica M photography. All are 6-bit coded for opti-

mum compatibility with the LEICA M8, but also demonstrate their full

capabilities on all M models from the LEICA M3 onwards. Because film

materials and image sensors are increasingly sensitive, all members

of the Summarit-M line provide a moderately fast lens speed of f/2.5,

but have been designed using the latest optical calculations, yielding

a compact construction without compromising their excellent image

quality.

World-class lenses from our factory in Germany With its

new Summarit-M lenses, Leica is opening up the challenging world of

rangefinder photography to a wider target group. High-performance

Summarit-M lenses are the culmination of decades of striving to achieve

perfect optical and mechanical quality by using premium materials,

precision production techniques, cutting-edge multi-coatings, and

individual hand adjustment. They are all produced at our factory in

Germany and carry the “Made in Germany” quality mark. The new

Summarit-M lenses deliver beautiful, natural rendition, brilliant colors,

a wealth of detail and rich contrast – even at full aperture. The

mechanical system is pure Leica – the parts have no backlash and

their movement is silky smooth. Summarit-M is a contemporary inter-

pretation of classic lens construction in the renowned Leica tradition.

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 35mm f/2.5 The new Summarit-M models

feature compact construction in a lens speed class that is totally new

for Leica. The LEICA SUMMARIT-M 35mm f/2.5 gives all users of range-

finder cameras with a Leica M bayonet access to the smallest and light-

est 35mm lens available, offering the outstanding image quality that is

the hallmark of all Leica M lenses.

Extremely compact, extremely good The LEICA

SUMMARIT-M 35mm f/2.5’s small, handy and stylish

design is matched by its impressive performance.

It produces excellent contrast and outstanding reso-

lution across the entire image field. On the digital

LEICA M8, the image quality is superb right to the

edges of the picture, even at full aperture. In analog

applications, performance in the extreme corners

of the image can be improved slightly by stopping

down to f/5.6.

Natural pictures in the medium

range With the 35mm Summarit-M,

you can produce brilliant and realis-

tic looking shots of people in their

environment. The relatively short

focal length and wide depth of field

this lens provides means that at

medium apertures there is often no

need for precise focusing. This makes

it easy to take spontaneous and life-

like unposed pictures.

Lens cutaway

Sophisticated lens design The LEICA SUMMARIT-M 35mm f/2.5 has six

lens elements in four groups, arranged symmetrically with respect to the

diaphragm. Three elements are made of special high refractive index glass

with anomalous partial dispersion. This improves the image results and pro-

vides outstanding color correction that could never be achieved with normal

glass. Light falloff is minimal, measuring only around 1.5 stops in the corners

at full aperture in 35 mm format. Stopping down to 5.6 visibly reduces light

falloff towards the periphery of the image. When used on the LEICA M8, vir-

tually all vignetting is compensated electronically. Precise optical measure-

ments reveal very slight barrel distortion, but in amounts that are negligible

in almost all practical applications.

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

Y'[mm]

[%]

-5

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Relative Distortion

f/5.6

f/2.5

The heart of your equipment In the Leica M system the 35mm

lens is used by many as the standard focal length, while on the digital

LEICA M8, the LEICA SUMMARIT-M 35mm f/2.5 corresponds approxi-

mately to a 50mm standard lens. As a genuine all-rounder, it is indis-

pensable choice whenever you are putting together a new equipment

configuration since it can deal effectively with all photographic situ-

ations – from vivid shots of people at medium range all the way to dra-

matic landscapes.

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 50 mm f/2.5 Powerful, lightweight and

designed to be easy to operate, the LEICA SUMMARIT-M 50mm f/2.5’s

applications are as varied as life itself. It corresponds closely to the field

of vision and viewing patterns of the human eye and offers an impres-

sively neutral and natural perspective. On analog cameras, it is a brilliant

standard lens while on the digital LEICA M8, its 67mm equivalent focal

length makes it ideal for portraits or picking out precise details.

Small on the outside, quality on the inside Even

at full aperture, the lens offers outstanding results

with excellent contrast over almost the entire image

field. At the extreme edges of the field – which are

not captured by the slightly smaller format of the

digital LEICA M8 – the performance can be improved

by stopping down to 5.6. Even at close range, these

excellent results are largely maintained.

Convincingly realistic perspective Not just beneficial for portraits, but for all

shots at full aperture, the shallow depth of field of this lens makes the main

subject stand out from the background. This results in pictures with enhanced

impact and out-of-focus areas that have a pleasant, natural smoothness.

Lens cutaway

Optimum image correction The LEICA SUMMARIT-M 50 mm f/2.5 has a

traditional double-Gauss construction made up of six lens elements in four

groups, arranged symmetrically. As a result, it provides an outstandingly flat

image field and excellent correction for chromatic aberrations and distortion.

Maximum measurable vignetting in the corners of the field is around1.7 stops

at full aperture in the 35 mm format. Stopping down to 5.6 significantly re-

duces this light falloff at the periphery of the image to around to stop.

On the digital LEICA M8, it is compensated automatically. The very slight

pincushion distortion is negligible in almost all applications.

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

Y'[mm]

[%]

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

Relative Distortion

f/5.6

f/2.5

The smallest new Summarit-M The 50mm Summarit-M is

tailor-made for everyday photography. Its lens speed is perfectly

adapted for all common applications. It is an updated double-Gauss

six-element construction based on our tried and tested design. All of

this means that this particular Summarit-M makes the Leica M easier

to experience than ever before, without cutting any corners in terms

of optical performance.

Lens cutaway

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

Y'[mm]

[%]

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

Relative Distortion

f/5.6

f/2.5

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 75 mm f/2.5 The LEICA SUMMARIT-M

1:2.5/75mm is a new “short telephoto” lens that is significantly smaller

and lighter than Summicron lenses with the same focal length, but still

offers the image quality that is the hallmark of Leica M lenses. Combined

with the 35mm Summarit-M, it makes up an ideal shooting outfit with

a useful lens speed that opens up fascinating composition options for

Leica M photographers.

Concentrated performance Even at full aperture,

the lens demonstrates excellent imaging capability

with outstanding contrast over the entire image

field. A slight reduction in quality can only be seen

in the corners – which are not even captured by the

slightly smaller format of the digital LEICA M8 –

but this can be almost totally eliminated by stop-

ping down to 5.6. At close range, image quality is

reduced only slightly, but is well up to the Leica

standard.

Sophisticated special glass The LEICA SUMMARIT-M 75 mm f/2.5 is a

double-Gauss type with six lens elements in four groups – three in front of

and three behind the diaphragm, with the last lens positioned slightly closer

to the focal plane to reduce bulging of the image field. Four elements are

made of special glass with anomalous partial dispersion and two of them are

also high index glass. Maximum light falloff in the corners is around1.5 stops

at full aperture in the 35 mm format. Stopping down to f/4 reduces this light

falloff to a negligible level. The extremely low distortion of just 0.8 % is essen-

tially invisible in all practical applications.

Subtle modulation The natural per-

spective provided by this focal length

means that portrait shots have a lovely

plasticity with well-differentiated con-

tours, without the subject losing any

of its lifelike and natural appearance.

In reportage, for example, the critical

elements of the subject can be select-

ively emphasized without losing the

overall context.

The ultra-compact “short telephoto” The new 75 mm

Summarit-M replaces the portrait focal lengths of 90–100mm for digital

use. Its exceptionally compact design and performance bring a new

level of flexibility to rangefinder photography. Our concentration on

the essential elements, including the features, is now an alternative for

more serious photographers. All new Summarit-M lenses are supplied

with metal covers and velour pouches, while high quality lens hoods are

available as accessories.

Lens cutaway

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

100

Y'[mm]

[%]

Y'[mm]

[%]

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

Relative Distortion

f/5.6

f/2.5

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 90mm f/2.5 The LEICA SUMMARIT-M

90mm f/2.5 is a versatile telephoto lens that rounds off the new lens

speed class of Summarit-M lenses. Despite being much more handy and

lighter than the comparable 90mm Summicron lens, it offers outstand-

ing optical and mechanical quality.

Sophisticated telephoto construction Even

at full aperture, this lens demonstrates excellent

imaging capability with outstanding contrast over

the entire image field. A slight reduction in quality

can only be seen in the corners – which are not

even captured by the slightly smaller format of the

digital LEICA M8 – but even this can be improved

significantly by stopping down to f/5.6.

Distortion is very low The LEICA SUMMARIT-M 90mm f/2.5 has five lens

elements in four groups, one of which is made of a type of optical glass that

not only has anomalous partial dispersion but also has extremely low disper-

sion overall. Maximum light falloff in the corners is around1.6 f-stops at full

aperture in the 35 mm format. Stopping down to f/4 substantially reduces

this light falloff at the periphery of the image. The extremely low distortion of

just 0.75% is only significant in a limited number of specialized applications.

Total perfection The new lens is an

impressive demonstration of the real-

world benefits of our expertise with

exclusive types of glass, minimum

mechanical tolerances and sophisti-

cated image error minimization tech-

niques. It is a portrait lens that can

also provide outstanding close-ups

of landscapes or architecture and

corresponds to a full-fedged 120mm

telephoto lens when used on the

LEICA M8.

Handy telephoto equipment The 90mm telephoto lens is a

perfect demonstration of how Leica’s Summarit-M class is setting new

standards in spherical lens design. A Leica M camera with a LEICA

SUMMARIT-M 90mm f/2.5 fitted is an extremely compact and handy

unit. Compared to other 90mm focal length lenses, there is hardly any

intrusion into the viewfinder image.

The secret of the silk-soft focussing mechanics Optical high

performance elements which can be precisely and delicately moved,

is a science,is technical and an art, all at the same time. All focussing

mounts from Leica use the ideal metal pairing for their high class

“helicoil” : hard aluminum, the silver lightweight metal, and brass, the

yellow alloy with good gliding characteristics. Leica produces the fas-

tenings using modern high speed machines. Most notably Leica grinds

the components of the focussing group individually for a better fit with

one another. This allows the surfaces to smoothly glide with minimal

variable resistance, without noticable tolerance, but with a consistently

fine feeling motion. This makes manual focussing a pleasurable experi-

ence for decades, even under adverse temperatures from -20 to +60

degrees.

Summarit-M : Leica lenses for all cameras with M bayonet

Working rangefinder photographers who are looking for a high quality

yet affordable addition to their camera need look no further than the

new Summarit-M range of lenses. The high resolution of the image

sensor and speed settings of up to ISO 2500 are ideal complements

for Summarit-M lenses. They enable shots with a richness of detail and

sharpness that you can only expect from a Leica. Operation and func-

tionality is kept to the essentials on the digital M camera too. Useful

additional functions that digital technology provides supplement the

tried and tested M concept. The new Summarit-M lenses can be used on

all analog M cameras from the LEICA M3 onwards without compromising

their outstanding imaging capability.

Technical Data and Accessories

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 75mm f/2.5

11 645

For 35mm (24 x 36mm) : 32°, 27°, 18°,

for LEICA M8 (18x 27mm): 24.4°, 20.4°, 13.7°,

corresponds to a focal length of approx.

100mm with 35mm-format

6/4

29.9mm

0.9m to ∞

Combined meter/feet graduation

For 35mm, approx. 238x 357mm/1:9.9,

for LEICA M8, approx.178 x 268mm/1:9.9

Setting/Function Preset, with click-stops,

half values available ; Lowest value16

Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6 bit lens

identification bar code for digital M models

Non-rotating, internal thread for screw-on filters

size E46, external thread for lens hood, protection

ring for external thread included in delivery, lens

hood available as accessory

Camera viewfinder

Black anodized

approx. 60.5mm

approx. 55mm

approx. 345g

All Leica M cameras

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 90mm f/2.5

11 646

For 35mm (24 x 36mm) : 27°, 22,6°, 15,2°,

for LEICA M8 (18x 27mm): 20,4°, 17.1°, 11.4°,

corresponds to a focal length of approx.

120mm with 35mm-format

5/4

59.8mm

1m to ∞

Combined meter/feet graduation

For 35mm, approx. 213x 320mm/1:8.9,

for LEICA M8, approx.160 x 240mm/1:8.9

Setting/Function Preset, with click-stops,

half values available ; Lowest value16

Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6 bit lens

identification bar code for digital M models

Non-rotating, internal thread for screw-on filters

size E46, external thread for lens hood, protection

ring for external thread included in delivery, lens

hood available as accessory

Camera viewfinder

Black anodized

approx. 66.5mm

approx. 55mm

approx. 360g

All Leica M cameras

Lens

Order No.

Angle of view

(diagonal, horizontal, vertical)

Optical design

Number of lenses/groups

Position of entrance pupil

Distance setting

Focusing range

Scales

Smallest object field/

Largest reproduction ratio

Aperture

Lens mount

Filter mount/Lens hood

Viewfinder

Finish

Dimensions and weight

Length to bayonet flange

Largest diameter

Weight

Compatible Cameras

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 35mm f/2.5

11 643

For 35mm (24 x 36mm) : 63°, 54°, 38°,

for LEICA M8 (18x 27 mm) : 50°, 42°, 29°,

corresponds to a focal length of approx. 47mm

with 35mm-format

6/4

(from apex of1st lens element) 9.3 mm

0.8 to ∞

Combined meter/feet graduation

For 35mm, approx. 490x 735mm /1:20.4

for LEICA M8, approx. 367x551 mm/1:20.4

Setting/Function Preset, with click-stops,

half values available ; Lowest value16

Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6 bit lens

identification bar code for digital M models

Non-rotating, internal thread for screw-on filters

size E39, external thread with stop for lens hood,

protection ring for external thread included in

delivery, lens hood available as accessory

Camera viewfinder

Black anodized

approx. 33.9mm

approx. 51.4mm

approx. 220g

All Leica M cameras

LEICA SUMMARIT-M 50mm f/2.5

11 6 4 4

For 35mm (24x 36mm) : 47°, 40°, 27°,

for LEICA M8 (18x 27 mm) : 36°, 30°, 20°,

corresponds to a focal length of approx. 67 mm

with 35mm-format

6/4

28.0mm

0.8m to ∞

Combined meter/feet graduation

For 35mm, approx. 338x 508mm/1:14.1

for LEICA M8, approx. 254x380 mm/1:14.1

Setting/Function Preset, with click-stops,

half values available ; Lowest value16

Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6 bit lens

identification bar code for digital M models

Non-rotating, internal thread for screw-on filters

size E39, external thread with stop for lens hood,

protection ring for external thread included in

delivery, lens hood available as accessory

Camera viewfinder

Black anodized

approx. 33.0mm

approx. 51.5mm

approx. 230g

All Leica M cameras

Lens

Order No.

Angle of view

(diagonal, horizontal, vertical)

Optical design

Number of lenses/groups

Position of entrance pupil

Distance setting

Focusing range

Scales

Smallest object field/

Largest reproduction ratio

Aperture

Lens mount

Filter mount/Lens hood

Viewfinder

Finish

Dimensions and weight

Length to bayonet flange

Largest diameter

Weight

Compatible Cameras

Not every photographer likes to use a lens hood, which is why we decided not to integrate one into these lenses. This allows an exceptionally small and