Leica M8 User manual

The new Leica Summarit-M family
Precision lenses for unsurpassed pictures – analog or digital
Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms
Telephone [phone] / Fax [phone]
leica-camera.com
Trademarks of Leica Camera Group “Leica” as well as product names = ®Registered trademark / © 2007 Leica Camera AG Subject to modifications in design, specification and offer Concept and design : Heine/Lenz/Zizka, Frankfurt am Main / Image indication : Product photography : Alexander Habermehl, Title / Alexander Göhr / Factory photography : Michael Agel / Brochure order number : German 92115 / English 92116 / French 92117 / Italian 92118 / Spanish 92119 / Dutch 92120 / Japanese 92121 / 10/07/ ELW/B

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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
light lens construction and also reduces the price. Of course, high quality metal lens hoods are available as accessories for those who see them as a
useful part of their equipment. All lens hoods are supplied with an appropriate lens hood cap.
Accessories : lens hood caps for all lenses
For Summarit-M 35mm and 50 mm
Order No.12 459
For Summarit-M 75mm and 90 mm
Order No.12 460