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. 2/3 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. Perfect interplay The 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. 4/5 “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 Analog or digital ?Inthe future, there will be only one answer. 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. 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. 6/7 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. Everything under control Flashtailored to the subject Alloperating elements of theLEICAR9 The LEICAR9provides youwiththree ex- are positioned very conveniently and can posure options for flash photography. In be operated intuitively,without moving the addition to thefully automatic Pmode and eye away from theviewfinder.The rugged theselectiveflash mode F, it also features metal body fits very nicely in your hands High Speed Synchronization (HSS). In and it has ideal weight.Small details – combination withanHSS flash unit, it important effects :The operating mode allows flash exposures withshutter speeds selector dial can nowbelocked in place as high as 1/8000 second !This enables to prevent unintended changes of your youtomakepleasing portraits even in selected settings that mayoccur,for in- daylight and at full aperture, without harsh stance,inthe carrying case. The eyecup contrasts. too, can be locked in place, so that it won’tget lost. 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. On theLEICAR9, theuncomplicated film advance starts withthe insertionofthe film cartridge without cumbersome threading. When aMotor-Winder or aMotor-Driveisbeing used, youcan also decide whether thefilm leader is to be rewound completely intothe cartridgeornot.With double 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. Motor-Drive Forimages 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