The market for digital cameras moves
extraordinarily quickly. To what extent
does the digital M incorporate traditional
Leica values such as long operating life
and holding its value?
Stefan Daniel: We have already noted that
digital photography has now emerged from
its infancy. We foresee that product life
cycles will now be significantly longer than
before--, say two to three years for top-tier
products. In fact a professional digital cam-
era has everything to allow it to deliver good
results even a few years from now. I would
say that the LEICA M8 is, like its predeces-
sors, ‘timeless’ and in a very real sense, the
first digital camera that merits this distinc-
tion. Its constructionuality amd perform-
ance are unsurpassed, it is designed to last
many years. We have chosen a CCD sensor
that will withstand deterioration over time
and its DNG standardized raw data format
will allowss open access to new operating
systems in the future. Above all there is the
consideration of system compatibility: any-
one who invests in LEICA M lenses knows
that this purchase will remain useful for many
years to come – maybe even generations.
What about the range of lenses: can I use
my existing M lenses in the new digital
world of the Leica M8, without loss of
quality?
Stefan Daniel: Leica has always placed
great value on ensuring that the years of
investment by our customer in their prized
lenses should not be compromised by obso-
lescence. Therefore we have adapted the
CCD sensor employing a whole set of meas-
ures such as the microlens offset, a set of
microlenses in front of the pixels that dis-
place the angle of incidence to accord with
that of M system lenses. For some months
now we have offered in addition the 6-bit
coding, which optimizes the performance of
current M lenses and can be added to most
previous M lenses. It also offers additional
advantages such as automatic compensa-
tion for vignetting, which was extremely dif-
ficult to combat when photographing with
film.
As well as the R and M series, Leica has
added a third line to the the digital range
with the Leica D system. How would you
describe this system in distinction with
the other Leica lens systems for digital
cameras?
Dr. Ralph Nebe: We see the well-proven R
and M systems as the tools of the working
professional photographer. The new LEICA
D system allow us to offer our know-how in
delivering superlative optical performance
for the highest picture quality to a wider
group of customers. Just as during the1970s
we launched the successful LEICA CL, now
the Digilux 3 offers the knowledgeable ama-
Leica World News 5
teur enthusiast photographer a route into
the world of LEICA system cameras.
How have the special lenses for the D
system been developed? Or to put it
another way: can Leica here once again
showcase its world class optical compe-
tence?
Stefan Daniel: The requirements for the
imaging performance of the D lenses and
also the tolerances for manufacture of these
lenses are subject to the usual Leica criteria
that apply also to M and R lenses. This has
enabled us to combine in an ideal fashion
the Panasonic know-how, for instance in the
area of optical image stabilization, with our
optics technology. This synergy has helped
generate very exciting new products, as you
can see by examining the first D lens, the
D 14–50mm.
The LEICA DIGILUX 2 is well loved by the
technical press and customers alike.
Which features would you particularly
draw attention to in its successor model?
Stefan Daniel: The Digilux 3, successor to
the Digilux 2, incorporates a major feature
earnestly requested by a large number of
our customers, namely interchangeable
lenses!. This capability is is certainly unique
in this class of cameras that retains the tra-
ditional ‘analog’ operating concept that
appeals to many users. In addition the new
model offers very useful functions, for
era in the range whose focal length extends
up 420 mm in 35 mm format and which
delivers the same magnification as 8.4-pow-
er binoculars. In this respect this is an out-
standing alternative to the first mentioned
solution. Leica is indeed the only manufac-
turer who can offer such a wide spectrum of
equipment for dedicated birdwatchers.
How would you describe the advantages
of the LEICA V-LUX 1 – or, put another
way – what are the special features of
this camera?
Stefan Daniel: The LEICA V-LUX 1 is a very
‘serious’ digital camera. It exploits the
advantages of digital technology in very spe-
cial ways. A small image sensor, which,
thanks to particularly ingenious image pro-
cessing system, nevertheless delivers very
good results, permits use of a 12 times Vario
lens, which would be inconceivable for ana-
log photography in such as compact cam-
era. This camera is an entire set of photo-
graphic equipment in one amazingly com-
pact package. Users that place particular
value on convenience but do not want to
abandon a broad usage spectrum will find
this camera eminently suited to their taste.
The impressiveness of the
LEICA D-LUX
2
is due at least in part to its in its elegant
and functional design. At photokina the
company will present its successor, the
D-Lux 3. For whom is this new camera
instance the LCD monitor – very unusual in
a single-lens reflex camera – which can also
be used to preview the image. Ultrasonic
sensor cleaning is another key feature that
meets the demands of today’s market.
The Leica high technological competence
also finds expression in sport optics and
‘Digiscoping’, a technique used by many
for bird watchers. Photography that com-
bines a scope, adapter and digital cam-
era is a major trend here. How suitable is
the new camera for digiscoping?
Dr. Ralph Nebe: In recent years we have
created a wide range of solutions for nature
documentation photography. Especially note-
worthy
of course are the LEICA D-LUX 3
with the DIGITAL ADAPTER 2 on the TELE-
VID scope, which is pretty much the ‘clas-
sic’ digiscoping solution. Furthermore the
LEICA R system and also the new LEICA
DIGILUX 3 can be used on scopes, by
employing a the photo adapter. Also consid-
er that in the LEICA V-LUX 1 we have a cam-
intended? Or, what are its most impres-
sive technical features?
Dr. Ralph Nebe: We have found that many
dedicated photographers have assimilated
the many manual control features of the
D-Lux 2. Its successor, the D-Lux 3 is there-
fore a wonderful follow-up compact camera
that one can always have ready to hand,
even when one is simply travelling and has
not set out deliberately with the intention of
taking pictures. Neither should the unique
choice of picture formats offered by this
model be overlooked, above all the 16:9 for-
mat, which in the networked work of multi-
media is more and more in demand.
Finally: Can we now say that Leica with
its traditional values of quality, value
retention, reliability, and long service life
has now found its place in the digital
world?
Dr. Ralph Nebe: Emphatically yes, I’m con-
vinced that it has. Such enduring values
never go out of fashion.
“Leica is fully committed to digital, without however neglecting
analog photography. Our objective is to offer interesting and capable
digital products in every segment that Leica covers.”
Dr. Ralph Nebe
