To the joy of Leica fans, Leica announced the launch of a number of brand new products in
the first quarter of 2009, and this edition we introduce all of them to you. The Leica Pradovit
D1200 projector, first announced last October, is finally available, and to enable all Leica
members to personally experience its optical imagery, we have teamed up with AV Biweekly
and celebrated British manufacturer B&W to organise an appreciation event. This activity will
be held in small group format with limited numbers of participants. See page 26 for details.
We will also be exhibiting the Leica Pradovit D1200 in the dedicated AV show rooms of Wing
Shing Photo Supplies and Delon Photo & Hi-Fi Centre. Specialist staff will be on hand to
introduce the products. See page 24 for details. Your support would be much appreciated!
I should also inform you that our editorial department has revised our layout design, in order
to give the magazine a fresh feeling. We hope you like it!
PRINTED IN HONG KONG
A PUBLICATION OF SCHMIDT MARKETING (HK) LTD
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYRIGHT 2009
Hunting for photos with your Leica
The first green shoots of spring are showing themselves. The ground is swelled with moisture, nourishing every living thing, and the world teams with life. We may be stuck with the
current economic climate, but nature can still give us messages of hope and optimism. At
the same time, it can also awaken us. It exhorts us go out and walk around, and to see the
changes all about us.
Leica Camera AG latest M8.2 Safari Limited Edition is so named for precisely this reason in
addition combines with several Leica new products and activities. Let’s go out and hunting
with Leica in that green season.
Cherry
如對會員通訊有任何建議或希望與其他會員分享使用LEICA的拍攝
心得,歡迎郵寄或電郵至 hkmkt@schmidtmarketing.com給我們!
If you have any comments regarding the newsletter or experiences of photog-
raphy that you would like to share with other members, please write or email
us at: hkmkt@schmidtmarketing.com
LEICA PRODUCT
New special edition.
The LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’
狩獵版相機套裝
德國徠卡相機公司宣佈推出LEICA M8.2 Edition “Sa-
far i” 狩獵 限量版套裝,每款套裝內包括 :L EI CA
M8.2“Safari”橄欖綠色機身、LEICA ELMARIT-M 28mm
f/2.8 ASPH 銀色鏡配金屬銀色遮光罩、E39 UV/IR銀
色濾鏡、Billingham Combination Bag M“Safari”橄欖
綠相機袋及“Safari”真皮相機帶 。
全球限量500套
Leica M8.2 Edition“Safari”是專為追求獨特、刺激
而又同時想保持低調的攝影追求者所設計。橄欖
綠的特別版機身,徠卡只曾生產過兩次。第一次
是1960年 Leitz提供給 德國聯邦國防軍“Bunde swe-
hr”,為隱蔽式監視及記實攝影時所用。第二次
就是1977 / 78年的LEICA R3“Safari”。時至今日,
這兩款特別版型號的相機,已成為極之珍貴的相
機收藏品。
相機:LEICA M8.2“Safari”
機身頂蓋、底板、機背以及機身皮革 “Vulkanit”
都造成橄欖綠,與 “S af ari”狩獵的 意思 相互 呼
應。 頂蓋刻有傳統Leica商標,機身上所有可活
動的 按鈕都 造成銀 色 ,與銀 色的鏡 頭保持 一 致
性。相機規格則與M8.2完全相同。
鏡頭:LEICA ELMARIT-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH
輕 巧 、 靈 活 多 變 、 可 適 用 在 各 種 攝 影 場 合 的
28m m鏡頭,特 別鑄造銀色限量 版,並只與“Sa-
fari”搭配作套裝組合。以鋁金屬鑄造的鏡身,
能使重 量維持在180克, 與黑色版鏡身的 重量相
同,輕巧靈活。配以金屬鑄造的銀色遮光罩,堪
稱完美配搭!
Billingham Combination Bag M“Safari”相機袋
英 國 相 機 袋 製 造 商 B i l l i n g h a m , 特 別 為 L E I C A
M8.2“Safari”製造了同樣是橄欖綠的相機袋。相
機袋以防水物料“FibreNyte”造成,配以棕褐色的
肩帶,與“Safari”徠卡相機組成完美套裝。內裡
活動式層格可依照不同相機及鏡頭作出調整。
相機肩帶:奢華真皮Leica相機肩帶
棕褐色真皮肩帶,底層為防滑皮革,可防止相機
從肩膀下滑。肩帶中央刻有Leica經典圓形商標,
兩邊則以明顯的縫紉線作點綴。從設計到製造,
都可見徠卡的用心設計。
Leica M8.2 Edition“Safari”狩獵限量版套裝全球
限量 發行5 0 0套。 2 009 年2月 起 發售, 每 套售價
HK$75,000 。
With the special edition LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’, Leica
Camera AG, Solms presents a camera set with an olive green outdoor look. This exclusive special edition
is limited to 500 cameras worldwide.
The LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’ set includes a LEICA M8.2
camera body in olive green paint finish and a silver
anodised LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens
with a metal lens shade in classical design and a silver
E39 UV/IR filter. The technical specifications of both
camera and lens are identical to those of the standard models. A premium quality, real leather carrying
strap completes this unusually finished set. The strap
is made of brown calfskin leather and is embossed
with a subtle Leica logotype. The LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’
edition also includes a matching camera bag. The British camera case and bag specialists, Billingham, have
created a matching camera bag in olive green with
brown trim especially for the ‘Safari’ edition. The bag
offers sufficient room for the set, additional lenses
and accessories.
The LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’ edition camera model is in a
durable olive green paint finish that is characterized
by a particularly comfortable feel and grip. The vulcanite leathering of the camera body also follows the
colour scheme of the top plate, the base plate and
the camera back. This special paint finish lends the
camera an appearance ideal for outdoor use and underlines the camera’s status as an unobtrusive tool
for reportage photography.
The controls of the LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’ edition are
silver chromed and thus create a visual harmony with
the silver finish of the LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm f/2.8
ASPH. lens. Thanks to its particularly compact design
and construction, a weight of only 180 grams and its
outstanding optical qualities, this extremely versatile
lens is one of the most popular lenses of the Leica
rangefinder system.
The special edition LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’ is not the
first Leica camera produced with this unusual colour
scheme. The olive green finish was previously used
for two other Leica camera models: in the 1960s, olive green-painted Leica M cameras were supplied to
the military and used for unobtrusive surveillance and
documentary photography. The second olive green
camera model, the Leica R3 ‘Safari’, first introduced
in 1977/1978, is today a much sought after and valuable collectors’ item.
The LEICA M8.2 ‘Safari’ edition will be available
from February 2009. The Suggested Retail Price is
HK$75,000.-
55
LEICA PRODUCT
LEICA D-LUX 4 in titanium
Exclusive special edition luxury set
豪華版尊貴套裝
德國徠卡相機公司隆重推出LEICA D-Lux 4 鈦金屬
限量版,獨特的機身更突顯徠卡相機的尊貴豪
華氣派。
首部鈦金屬DC 限量10,000部
LEICA D-Lux 4 鈦金屬限量版是繼LEICA M7, LEICA
MP鈦金屬機身及LEICA M6TTL鈦金屬版之後,成為
首部擁有鈦金屬版的輕便數碼相機。
銀灰色的LEICA D-Lux 4 鈦金屬限量版,外型簡潔,
獨特的機身外殼詮釋著徠卡奢華的風格,定必成
為各地收藏家的收藏之選。豪華版的LEICA D-Lux
4流露出一份奢華感覺的同時,相機的功能同樣
保持徠卡獨有的風格及特性,由金屬鑄造的機
身,內藏優異品質與卓越功能,與標準版的D-Lux
4同出一徹。高質的用料使無論在任何情況下,
都成為攝影師極可信賴的攝影工具。
LEICA D-Lux 4鈦金屬版與標準版擁有一致的相機規
格,故此,LEICA D-Lux 4的專業配件如手柄,外置
觀景窗,CF22閃燈都完全符合鈦金屬版使用。
小型LEICA M
徠卡優越光學鏡頭及其直覺式的簡易操作,讓
LEICA D-Lux 4成為一部真正的“小型”相機。其專
業的相機規格可媲美專業級數碼相機。輕巧,快
速的性能,給予攝影師極大的彈性,發揮無限創
意,記錄瞬間影像。
LEICA D-Lux 4 鈦金屬版全球僅限量發行10,000套。
2009年1月起發售,每套配有同樣鈦金
屬版的真皮相機套。貨號為18371,每套售價
HK$9,500。
Exclusive special edition luxury set:
LEICA D-LUX 4 in titanium finish with a matching
leather case
Leica Camera AG, Solms presents an exclusive
special edition of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium.
A further premium quality camera edition in an
elegant finish. The LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium now joins
the special titanium limited editions of the LEICA
M7 and LEICA MP and a titanium colored LEICA M6
TTL as the first Leica digital camera with the satin
finish of anodized titanium. This special version of
the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium is limited to only 10,000
cameras worldwide.
The silver-grey of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium has an
unmistakeably exclusive look that makes this special
edition an elegant collector’s piece with its own par-
ticular expression of luxury. The camera body of the
titanium edition has a particularly luxurious look and
feel, but still remains light and extremely resilient.
Thus, the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium has a metal body
that has been constructed with the same precision
and attention to detail as the standard models, and
the exclusive use of the highest quality materials in
its construction guarantees users absolute reliability
in every situation.
The technical features of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium
are identical to those of the standard models. For
instance, the wide range of accessories for the LEICA
D-LUX 4, such as the handgrip, the auxiliary finder
or the LEICA CF 22 compact flash unit (available
from February 2009) are all fully compatible with
the titanium edition. Thanks to its high-performance,
fast precision lens and its intuitively designed operat-
ing concept, the LEICA D-LUX 4 is a true system
camera in a ‘compact’ form. Moreover, thanks to its
impressive specifications, it can even hold its own in
comparisons with professional models. In terms of
photographic creativity, it knows no limits. Together
with lightning-fast image processing and compact,
refined looks, this compact camera also offers its us-
ers enormous flexibility when it comes to capturing
those unique moments in unforgettable pictures.
From January 2009, the camera will be available in a
set together with a premium quality, titanium-colored
leather case. The suggested retail price is HK$9,500.
7
LEICA PRODUCT
LEICA Pradovit D-1200
最精巧、最輕便的數碼投影機,真實再現精美影像
The smallest and lightest digital projector in its class for photorealistic reproduction
LEICA Pradovit D-1200投影機是由徠卡照相機公司
推出的第一款高端數碼投影機,它的機身由高品
質的鎂合金制成,外形優雅、性能卓越。其精巧
而輕便,重量不足3.5千克,是世界上這一級別投
影機中最小巧、最輕便的投影機。LEICA Pradovit
D-1200投影機menu設計清晰,並為主要功能額外
設計遙控裝置,使得操作更加簡便。LEICA Pradovit
D-1200功能強大、而多樣,應 用範圍 包括從 高質
量大格式的數碼圖片投影到用全幅高清影像播放
電影、私人視頻錄像、電視節目和電子遊戲。由
於投影機工作時特別安靜,因此觀看相片或電影
都會成為整個家庭的美好享受。
徠 卡 照相 機公 司投 影 機產 品經 理B j ör n D i e t-
zler說:“自19 25 年以 來, 幻燈機就已經成為徠
卡產品家族中不可或缺的一部分。無論是業餘攝
影師,還是用多媒體進行演示的演講者都非常欣
賞徠卡幻燈機和鏡頭的精確性和卓越光學品質。
從開始冒險進入數碼投影機領域之初,徠卡就將
還原優異影像的投影機納入到徠卡光學產品系列
中,為徠卡攝影師提供出色的產品,可以將精美
的影像完美地的再現。所有的產品都源自徠卡,
因此不同產品之間可以很好協作。”
結合 得 克 薩 斯 設 備 公 司 的 D L P 顯示技術,LEI C A
Pradovit D-1200配置了最佳的色彩管理,可以在
16:10的格式中真實再現影像。這一反射芯片技術
使得實際分辨率可以達到1920 x 1200像素。即使
在真實影像設定中, 對比度超過250 0:1,亮度可
達1400流明。
LEICA Pradovit D-1200 投影機使用的鏡頭是LEICA
VARIO-ELMARIT-P f/2.8-3.1/33-42 mm/59 mm-74 mm
(equiv.)/t.r. 1.6-2.0:1 高速鏡頭,確保了極高的亮
度和 對 比 度。投影 機 可 用的光學 投 影 距離是 1 -
15米,所需屏幕寬度大約是0.5-6 .8米。投影對角
線從0.6到11米。因此投影圖像能夠最佳地適用於
不同類型的房間。
LEICA Pradovit D-1200配備了最新的燈泡技術。
220W的飛利浦FusionPlus VIDI UHP 燈泡在標准模式
下大約可以使用3000個小時,在高功率模式下大
約可以使用2000個小時。運行時的噪音低於28分
貝,可以保證投影時的安靜環境。
LEICA Pradovit D-1200投影機提供了各種播放設備的
連接端口,除了輸入端口外,還提供了用於連接
台式電腦、筆記本電腦、DVD、Blu-Ray或高清晰的
DVD播放器、高清晰便攜錄像機或高清晰電視接
收器的HDMI1.3和DVI數碼接口。除了這些常用的組
合和S 視頻接口外,還提供了LAN和VGA 電纜連接
端口。
LEICA Pradovit D-1200投影機現已到港,建議零售價
HK$93,200 (貨號:38000)
The LEICA PRADOVIT D-1200 presented by Leica
Camera AG, Solms is the first digital Leica projector
for high-end applications, a high performer in an el-
egant body of high-quality magnesium. With its extra
compact size and weight of less than 3.5 kilograms,
it is the world’s smallest and lightest projector in this
class. The LEICA PRADOVIT D-1200 features a clearly
designed menu and an additional remote control for
the main functions, making operation even easier.
The application potential of the LEICA PRADOVIT D-
1200 is wide and varied, ranging from high-quality
large-format projection of digital photos to showing
films in full HD quality, private video recordings and
television programs and playing PC games. Thanks to
the projector’s extremely quiet running, viewing is an
enjoyable experience for the whole family.
“Projectors have been an integral par t of Leica’s prod-
uct range ever since 1925. Not only ambitious ama-
teur photographers, but also speakers giving evening-
filling multimedia shows appreciate the precision and
optical quality of Leica projectors and their lenses. By
venturing into digital projection, Leica has added the
final link to its performance chain, providing provides
Leica photographers with outstanding products for
excellent photography and brilliant reproduction – all
from a single source and therefore ideally attuned to
each other,“ says Björn Dietzler, Product Manager for
photorealistic image reproduction in 16:10 format.
This reflecting chip technology enables an actual
resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Even at the photore-
alistic setting, the contrast ratio is more than 2500:1
with a brightness of about 1400 ANSI lumen.
The LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-P f/2.8-3.1/33-42 mm/59
mm-74 mm (equiv.)/t.r. 1.6-2.0:1 high-speed lens of
the LEICA PRADOVIT D-1200 ensures superb bright-
ness and contrast. The optics can be used in a projec-
tion range from 1 to 15 meters, which is equivalent
to a screen width between about 0.5 and 6.8 meters.
The picture diagonals run from 0.6 to 11 meters. The
projected image can therefore be optimally adapted
to many different types of rooms.
The LEICA PRADOVIT D-1200 is equipped with the
latest lamp technology. The 220W FusionPlus VIDI
UHP lamp from Philips has a working life of approx.
3000 hours in standard mode and about 2000 hours
in high-power mode. The pleasantly quiet operating
noise is under 28 dB, ensuring a restful evening of
projection.
The Pradovit D-1200 offers various options for con-
necting playback devices. Besides a component input
port, it provides HDMI1.3 and DVI digital interfaces
for linking a computer, laptop, DVD, Blu-ray or HD-
DVD player, HD camcorder or HDTV receiver. Besides
the customary composite and S video interfaces,
there are also ports for LAN and VGA cables.
The LEICA PRADOVIT D-1200 is on sale now, the sug-
gested retail price is HK$93,200. (Product code:38000)
9
LEICA PRODUCT
New: LEICA SF 58
Professional high-end flash unit for highest performance
and system compatibility 頂級專業閃光燈配合徠卡相機的專業系統。
兼容未來的相機系統
LEICA SF 58是有史以來最頂級的徠卡閃光燈,它
結合所有專業閃燈必備的元素以及對未來系統的
支援 性, 包括徠 卡R系 單鏡反 光相機,M 系連動
測距相機,S型 專業 相機 在內 ,皆 適用 這款 智慧
型閃燈。透過 US B與 電腦連線,SF 58 可更新最新
firmware,確保更多的相機支援。
高性能帶來拍攝自由
結合高閃光指數58(IS0100/21°)可傾斜和旋轉
的閃光燈反射器,可直接或間接閃光,為攝影師
提供一套良好光線運用的無限可能性。
亮度和靈活性
通過 系統控制 的集成 副 反射器 , 可增亮 陰 影以
及保持高光層次。此外,徠卡SF 58閃光燈提供
24mm到105mm的涵蓋範圍,通過內置的廣角擴散
器可以涵蓋到18mm。閃燈反射會自動依據現場光
作調整,當然也可以手動調較。
直覺式設計,操作簡易
從現在起使用閃光燈進行拍攝比以前任何時候都
要簡單。自動閃燈功能如TTL或自動以及自動強制
閃光,都會自動偵測相機參數並作同步化,只要
按下快門,便可達到最佳曝光平衡效果。
閃光燈具有自動對焦矩陣測光(Autofocus-Matrix-Me-
tering) 功能 ,即 使在 弱光 下也 能夠 精準 地對 焦。
直覺簡單的按鈕及清晰的點鉅陣顯示屏(Dot-Martix-
Display),使攝影師只需集中精力關注最重要的工
作。
高效率值得信賴
高效能的電源管理系統讓閃光燈在快速和連續操
作下,都能保持穩定性能。同時,閃光燈備有過
熱控制系統,為閃光燈提供保護作用。
拍攝專業閃光照片
新型徠卡SF 58還具有兩種不同的閃光選項(標準
或柔和),適用於多種攝像應用。 通過同步遙
控閃光功能(slave function) ,閃燈可彼此透過無線
連結,Leica SF 58為富有創造力的攝影師展現最大
可能性。
總之,徠卡SF58是一款高性能的閃光設備,是專
業攝 像師不可 缺少的 工 具,帶 來 了無限 的 創造
力。Leica SF 58 閃光燈由2009年4月發售,貨號為
14488,建議零售價HK$6,600。由購買日期起可享
有2年保修期。
Leica Camera AG, Solms, presents a new flash unit
combining the highest performance and system compatibility in one high-end flash unit – the LEICA SF 58.
The maximum guide number of 58 (ISO 100/21°) of
the new flash unit enables high light output and offers ideal opportunities for indirect flash illumination
thanks to its fully swivelling reflector. Its integrated,
system-controlled secondary reflector maintains image brilliance and simultaneously lightens shadows
and highlights. For photographers, this means more
creative freedom in the use of light and more flexibility, even under difficult lighting conditions. A diffuser
for softer illumination, particularly recommended for
portrait photography, is available as an optional accessory.
The LEICA SF 58 is suitable for use with all Leica
rangefinder and SLR cameras and can also be used
with the new Leica S-system. The flash unit is specifically dedicated for use with Leica system cameras
and simplifies flash photography with each camera
type. The LEICA SF 58 is equipped with an integrated
USB port to allow convenient uploading of firmware
updates. This feature ensures absolute compatibility
with future generations of Leica cameras.
The LEICA SF 58 flash unit features a wide zoom
range of 24–105 mm and an integrated wide-angle
diffuser to extend the field of view by 18 mm. Depending on the focal length of the lens in use and the sensor format, the flash reflector setting is automatically
controlled and also features a manual adjustment
option.
Thanks to its numerous technical features, the LEICA
SF 58 enables photographers to capture professionally exposed images independent of any existing lighting conditions. For instance, the unit features automatic functions such as TTL or automatic flash mode,
as well as automatic fill-in flash. In addition, the new
LEICA SF 58 offers a choice of two lighting profiles
(Standard and Soft) that allow optimum adaptation to
various lighting situations. High performance energy
management guarantees flash photography at the
highest speed and constancy, and at the same time
an overheating protection function regulates the flash
frequency when necessary.
Intuitive controls and a user-friendly operating concept ensure simple handling of the LEICA SF 58. All
relevant parameters can be easily set with the four
soft keys of the unit. The clearly structured, illuminated dot-matrix display allows photographers to
concentrate on the essentials.
The LEICA SF 58 is available from authorised Leica
dealers from April 2009. Product Code is 14488 and
HKSRP $6,600.-
11
LEICA PRODUCT
外置觀景器
LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm
LEICA 18mm 觀景器由全金屬鑄造,外型充滿五六十年代的復古風格。並以
最新的技術,在黃銅的物料鍍上黑漆及銀色塗層。
特點:
.觀景器內有明亮線框,透過鏡片可看到準確並清晰景像。
. 對焦在2公尺之內提供視差補償。
. 新增較細小的線框,以便M8數碼相機的片幅使用(18x27mm)
. 同時也適用於M系菲林相機 (24x36mm)。
. 多層鍍膜光學技術能適合任何環境使用。
. 典雅細小的外型設計。
. 優質的金屬外殼物料。
.橡膠眼罩,避免刮花眼鏡。
.附真皮的皮套。
貨號
Product Code
建議零售價SRP
A matching LEICA BRIGHT LINE FINDER M 18 mm is also available for the new
LEICA SUPERELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. lens. Used in conjunction with the
new lens, it shows the precise framing of the field of view, and is distinguished
by its vibrant, high-contrast image. Due to a concave mirror in the optics (hence
the term ‘mirror viewfinder’), part of the incoming light is used to brightly il-
luminate the frame for the field of view – in the same way as in the viewfinder of
Leica M cameras.
The finder has parallax compensation markings for close-up distances below 2
m, and also markings for the slightly smaller image field of LEICA M8 models.
It is, therefore, equally suitable for use with film (24 x 36 mm) and for digital
photography (18 x 27 mm).
The entire optical system of the finder has a high-quality multi-layer coating to
guarantee optimum viewing under all conditions. Its high-quality metal body
is designed and finished in the popular, classic look of its predecessors of the
fifties and sixties, but are milled from solid brass with the latest technology, and
then finished in silver-chrome or black paint to match the cameras. The eyepiece
is rubberised to reliably protect spectacles against scratching.
12022(黑Black)
12023(銀Sliver)
HK$6,600
限量真皮相機套
Ever ready Case “Mocha”
全新LEICA D-Lux 4 Mocha Ever Ready Case 限量版真皮相機套,深啡色的相機皮套,採用優質的小羊皮製造,底部付有螺絲以固定機身,拍攝時只
Leica D-Lux 4 Mocha Ever ready Case 全球限量3,000 個,2009 年3月開始發售,貨號為18705,建議零售價HK$2,000.-
Leica Camera AG would like to present you the mocha coloured LEICA D-Lux 4 ever ready case.
As with the black case that is delivered with the Titanium set, the mocha coloured case is also made of finest premium calfskin. The beautiful finished
case can been fixed with a screw to the LEICA D-Lux 4 and easily be converted to take photos directly out of it.
The dark tanned leather of the case shows a fine contrast to the black LEICA D-Lux 4 and creates a well harmonized combination.
The case will be delivered in a silver carton box together with a protection pouch made of velour with the Leica logo on a leather batch attached to it.
From March 2009, LEICA D-Lux 4 Every ready Case “Mocha” is limited to 3,000 sets. The suggested retail price is HK$2,000.-
貨號Product Code
建議零售價SRP
18705
HK$2,000
貨號Product Code
建議零售價SRP
LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18mm/f3.8 ASPH.
With the LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH., Leica Camera AG, Solms, expands their range of short focal-length lenses for the Leica M System with another
compact wide angle lens. This newly developed lens is characterised by its outstanding image quality and particularly compact size. A new finder, the LEICA BRIGHT
LINE FINDER M 18 mm, to match this lens is the latest addition to the Leica rangefinder system accessories range.
The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. is ideal for a wide range of applications from expansive reportage images to landscapes and architectural photogra-
phy. When used on digital Leica M models, the LEICA M8 and LEICA M8.2, the slightly smaller format of the sensor increases the effective focal length to the 35 mm
format equivalent of 24 mm. This means that the new lens is also a particularly practical and useful wide-angle lens for digital M photography. In addition, the lens can
also be used on all analogue Leica M camera models, and its extremely short focal length of 18 mm opens up numerous new opportunities for composition and creative
expression.
The fundamental parameters of vignetting and distortion traditionally encountered in super wide-angle lenses have been so well corrected in the case of the LEICA
SUPER-ELMAR-M 18mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. that they play no role at all in practice. This results in extremely sharp, crystal-clear and uniformly exposed images from corner
to corner. Due to the outstanding contrast and reproduction of details, the initial aperture of 3.8 can be used without any limitations. Even wide open, the depth of field
extends from infinity to 1.2 metres. Stopping down is only necessary as a means to further increase the depth of field.
The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. is constructed with eight lenses in seven groups. Thanks to the use of one aspherical element, aberrations were able
to be corrected to a hardly detectable minimum.
The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/ 3.8 ASPH. also features a patented, screw-on rectangular lens hood that makes an essential contribution to its compact size. The
lens will be available at authorised Leica dealers from March 2009.
We first got to know Bobby Lee at a seminar he gave
as part of Leica Day in October 2008. He was relaxed
as he chatted casually about his experience of photography as a Leica user, but in fact this man, who had
already set his sights on a career as a photographer
in junior middle school, has been running his own studio since 1985. With more than 30 years experience,
talking about photography is certainly no challenge
for Bobby Lee, and having had the good fortune to
encounter a photographer so willing to discuss his
work, we had to find an opportunity for a more indepth conversation. Moreover, perhaps a look at his
photographic journey will inspire you to pick up your
Leica and get snapping!
B = Bobby C = Cherry
C: The works you showed at Leica Day seemed to
mostly have been taken in remote mountain areas of
China. What prompted you to make this photographic
journey?
B: That’s right. This collection was taken on a trip with
“Save the Children Hong Kong” to conduct assess-
ments of primary schools in the mountains of northwest China. At that time, a friend had just introduced
me to the director of the charity, and it happened that
they needed a photographer to go with them and help
record their work in the interior. I had just finished
my last job, and I was also looking to give myself a
challenge, so I agreed to record this journey for them
as a volunteer.
C: Why did you choose a Leica camera to accompany
you on the trip?
B: It didn’t take much deliberation to decide to use
a Leica M6. The main reason was that in a situation
without any support (we were travelling through the
mountains virtually every day), mechanical cameras
are always more reliable. Also, the M6 body and
lenses are very light and neatly designed, so with only
one medium-size camera bag I was able to take three
M6 bodies and 6 lenses (21mm f/2, f/2, 28mm f/2,
35mm f/2, 50mm f/2, 50mm f/1 and 90mm f/2.8).
In terms of film, I used 200 rolls of 100 ISO and 400
ISO positives (slide film).
C: Why did you bring three bodies and six lenses?
B: The main reason is that it took 7-10 hours by car
or bus to reach each school, so the actual time we
spent in the school was very limited, added to which
children’s expressions sometimes last for only the
briefest of moments, so the best thing is to minimise
the time spent changing lenses. With long (50mm)
and short lenses (28mm) on two different cameras,
you’re not likely to miss the chance to get a good shot.
I loaded the other M6 with 400 ISO film to avoid wasting film and time when the light changed (e.g.: going
from outdoors to indoors).
What did I do in terms of super-long lenses? I used
a combination that a lot of war photographers used
at the time: the M6 camera as the main tool, complemented by the most basic SLR with a 70-200mm
zoom. I shot with the M6 for about 90% of the time
on the 11 day trip (starting out from Gansu, passing
through Qinghai and ending up in Tibet).
C: What unique features of Leica cameras helped you
to complete this photographic odyssey?
B: The biggest difference with this trip was in terms of
the attitude to the photography itself. I had to fully accommodate the local environment, there was no way
to force impose or re-shoot the events of a particular
moment. For this reason, I did my best to interact
with the kids, but a lot of the time the children’s faces
would only be there for a split second. One of the
advantages of the Leica Rangefinder’s superimposed
image focus system is that you can focus in an extremely short time. For example, in one image called
“The Eyes”, I was photographing the children eating in
the dining room of a school in the mountains; when
I turned around I saw a whole class of children following my movements from outside the window, their
eyes just bursting with curiosity. I used the red curtain
on the window as an introduction, while the water on
the window glass and the children crowding around
outside the window produced a very layered effect.
The whole process took only ten seconds or so. One
of the advantages of rangefinders’ superimposed
image focus system is that you can focus in an extremely short time.
Another example would be a shot called “Seven
Stuff”. I was drawn in by the rice bowls and worn out
flasks sitting on the table in this dilapidated building.
There wasn’t really enough light at the time, but the
Leica doesn’t have the moving parts of an SLR, so you
can use extremely slow shutter speeds (1/4 second),
even when holding the camera.
The ultra-wide apertures of Leica lenses also help to
compensate for poor light, but it’s worth mentioning
at this point that I have always thought of the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1 as not just a great wide-aperture
lens for poor lighting conditions, but more importantly
as a standard lens with great depth of field. Just as
in my photograph entitled “Little Angels”, you can
see the effect really stands out even at a very limited
distance.
C: You are a very experienced photographer, so do
you have any insights on composition you can share
with us? How do rangefinder cameras help you to
compose images?
B: Insights into composition... that is a difficult thing
to explain in a few words. The best thing would be to
look at a photo and explain it.
Editor’s note: (At this point Bobby brought out one of
his photographs and explained why he shot it the way
that he did, the circumstances at the time, the story
behind it and so on. His explanation was inevitably
more than a few words, and we joked with him that we
should invite him to explain it at the office and give an
art appreciation course.)
Of course, the rangefinder system helps me to deal
with image composition.
The first feature of rangefinder cameras is their focusing system. The photographer see what is in the viewfinder, which is not restricted by the aperture of the
lens, and thus the various focusing problems caused
by poor light conditions. This means that rangefinders
are at an especially great advantage in dark environments. It is also precisely for this reason that some
SLR users find it relatively difficult to control depth
of field.
The second feature is in terms of how they frame
the image. SLR cameras are designed so that 100%
of the viewfinder image is what will be shot, and so
the photographer has no way of knowing what is going out outside the frame. With a rangefinder, there
is still some space outside the borders of the viewfinder frame, so that the photographer can keep his
eye on changes in the environment that are outside
the frame. I recommend that people also keep the
eye that is not looking through the viewfinder open,
so that they can see what is happening on the other
side of the viewfinder (such as people walking into
your shot!).
Also, in terms of their mechanical construction, the
shutter on M-series cameras is operated directly by
the shutter button, which means that the shutter
reacts faster and more directly than on SLRs. This
feature is very important for capturing the decisive
moment. Added to this, the body doesn’t need all the
devices that are required on an SLR, so it is quieter
and more stable when you are shooting.
Bobby Lee’s Bio:
初中時巳愛上攝影並立志當攝影師,甚至交功課也是用自己拍攝的照片代替剪報。
中五畢業後曾兩次考獲美國的Brooks Institute 及英國的愛丁堡理工學院入學資格,但兩次都因外來因素
而未能成行。於是從當助手開始商業攝影生涯。
1976 年開始跟隨 Mr. Benno Gross 及 Mr. Dinshaw Balsara 當助手。1985 年,Bobby Lee Photography Ltd. 正式
Bobby 與筆者暢談了一個下午。
Bobby talked to our reporter for the whole afternoon.
後記:
正如Bobby 自己所說,拿著相片說故事,才會動聽的。筆者聽他說了一個下午,一幀相片裡果然是充滿
故事,從構圖到按下快門的一刻,看似充滿計算,卻又似乎順手拈來,或許這就是功力的所在吧。既
然如此精彩,當然要與興華拓展會員分享。
After word:
Just as Bobby says, the story is more powerful when you have the photograph in your hands. After spending an
afternoon listening to Bobby, I am more aware that a photograph is filled with stories; from composition to the
moment the shutter button is depressed, each photo seems to be meticulously calculated, and yet he makes it
seem as easy as falling of a log. Perhaps this is where the real skill lies. If you have something this amazing, then
you simply must share it with other Schmidt members!
The new firmware version 2.004 for the LEICA M8 & M8.2 is available on the Leica
homepage under the link “UPDATES”. Please read the instructions carefully on how to
update your camera.
(http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m8/download-121_10.html)
This update adds the following improvements to your camera:
Detection of 6-bit coding for new M lenses:
The 6-bit coding and the correction profiles of the new Leica M lenses LEICA NOCTILUX-M
50mm/f0.95 ASPH. and LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18mm/f3.8 ASPH. have been implemented.
Discrete Mode for all LEICA M8 cameras:
Since the Market introduction of the LEICA M8.2 we have received numerous requests from
customers, asking for the delayed shutter cocking action in combination with the LEICA M8.
Therefore with the new firmware 2.004, the Discreet-Mode is available on all LEICA M8. At
the lower end of the Menu list a new menu point Advance“ has been added with the options
Standard“ and Discreet“.
Bobby Lee 在 Leica Day 分享他與Leica 的拍攝體驗。
Bobby Lee sharing his photographic experience with Leica
on Leica Day.
聽Bobby說徠卡,何不親身體驗徠卡相機的獨特攝影經驗?「徠卡相機體驗計劃2009第一季」現在
接受報名,詳情請參看第22頁。
Now you have heard Bobby talking about his Leica, why not experience the unique photographic experience of Leica cameras for yourself? The “Leica Test Drive Program 2009 Sec 1” is now open for registration. Please see page 22 for details.
Notes:
a. It is not possible to “downdate” LEICA M8 and M8.2 cameras to previous firmware
releases, once the version 2.004 has been installed.
b. Saved User Profiles will be deleted during the update process and have to be set again
after updating the camera.
c. The maximum aperture value of the lenses M 21mm/f1.4, M24mm/f1.4 and 50mm/f0.95
are not displayed correctly in the EXIF-Files.
18
Color Management
圖1/ Fig. 1
圖2/ Fig. 2
圖3/ Fig. 3
數碼攝影色彩管理輕鬆行
Color Management In Digital Photography – An Easy Approach
Sam Ng (Technical Marketing Manager, Asia Pacific)
數碼攝影究竟是否已經成熟呢?早幾年還不好
說,因為很多影齡較資深的玩家仍很抗拒數碼,
但時至今日在不同的攝影聚會中所留意到的是很
多前輩都在談論及分享數碼器材的使用經驗,有
些更比年輕一輩所了解的還要多。這個可能是由
於同時經歷過菲林及數碼年代的關係,明白到其
各自的優點,把知識貫通所至。但更令筆者驚訝
的是居然有些老前輩跟筆者討論有關數碼的色彩
處理問題,其對攝影的認真態度實在令人欽佩。
相片色彩控制及重現在菲林年代一直都是一門艱
深的學問,舉個例子當我們把拍攝好的底片送到
沖印店放晒,最終出來的照片顏色一般都會是跟
我們所見的拍攝情景有距離,至於相差多少則要
視乎放相師傅的功力及葯水的狀態等。相比起菲
林,數碼為我們帶來的方便不單止隨影隨看、便
於儲存,還為我們提供了一個簡易及實用的平台
去讓色彩管理得以實現。要實現色彩管理,我們
必須了解以下的一些基本知識。
在數碼攝影的流程中,影像通過鏡頭到達相機內
的感光元件然後被記錄在記憶卡裡,當完成拍攝
後把記載了影像的記憶卡放進電腦內提取出影像
檔案,此時電腦螢幕便成為我們正式欣賞相片內
容的設備。相信大家可能都遇過沖印或打印出來
的照片的色彩跟螢幕有明顯的差距,或者同一個
影像檔在不同螢幕上顯示出不一樣的色彩,到底
螢幕的狀態是否有標準呢?是否每台螢幕的光度
及色溫都一致呢?螢幕的狀態絕對影響我們的
欣賞,更甚者會影響我們之後對相片作調整的
決定;例如螢幕太光的話,會令我們把照片調
得過暗,螢幕色溫太高的話便會令我們把照片
調成偏黃……等等。其實用於觀賞相片及執相的
話,標準的螢幕色溫應為6500K,亮度應設在100
– 120cd/m2左右。適當地使用色度計去校正螢幕
(圖1),令它達到標準,可減低錯誤判決而糾
錯顏色的風險。
數碼影像檔記錄著的是一連串的RGB數據,但相
同的RGB數值在不同的螢幕上會有不同的演繹,
例如一個RGB值為(255,0,0)的紅色在兩個不同顯示
器上可能會有如圖2的差異;如要令到顯示器一
顯示出跟顯示器二相同的這個紅色的話,便需要
使用另一組RGB數值,舉例為(204, 62, 60) ,如圖
3所示。由此可見RGB這個色彩表達方法並不可
用來作準確的色彩表示。
從這個例子中大家可能留意到螢幕二沒有螢幕一
那麼鮮艷,換句話說螢幕二的色域比螢幕一細。
色域乃一個影像設備能夠重現顏色的範圍,色域
越大代表可重現更多色彩;當螢幕經過校準後,
會產生一個特性檔(ICC檔案),透過支援色彩管
理的軟件(例如Photoshop),不同的設備便能夠
進行色彩的溝通;就以上述螢幕一及二為例,因
為螢幕一的色域比螢幕二大,所以螢幕一可以透
過色彩轉換去模擬出螢幕二的顏色來,當然它們
都需要校準後才可以進行色彩轉換。
到目前為止,我們應該對色域、設備特性檔等有
初步了解,如要進行色彩管理,首先從相機上的
色彩空間設定先著手,以Leica M8/M8.2為例,在
相機上可以選擇設定的色彩空間計有AdobeRGB,
sRGB及ECIRGB,如拍攝的檔案格式設定為Jpg的
話,在機身上選定的色彩空間會被一併存入相片
檔案內,事後如要修改的話可能會對影像質素有
影響;如拍攝的檔案格式設定為RAW的話,則在
後製時再選定色彩空間也可以(圖4及圖5),
並不會破壞原來影像的質素。至於要選擇那個色
彩空間取決在於我們最終要把相片輸出到什麼
設備上,如果是一般沖印機的話,那選擇sRGB比
較好,如果是較高階的噴墨打印機的話(6色或
以上),選擇AdobeRGB會比較好,如印刷的話,
ECIRGB會比好,至於放上網際網絡上分享的話,
亦可以選擇AdobeRGB,因現在有些出名的瀏覽器
例如Firefox都已支援色彩管理,所以大家可放心地
20
把相機內或後製時的色彩空間設成AdobeRGB。大
家可以參考圖6及圖7,選擇互相接近的色域會得
到較理想的色彩對應效果。AdobeRGB及sRGB兩個
色彩空間的色域比較見圖8。通過以上的選擇及
設定便可簡易地實行了攝影色彩管理了。
Is digital photography already matured ? Since there
were quite a lot of veterans still prefer analogue
and resisted to take the change few years ago, it’s
hard to tell at the moment. However, we can easily
observe these veterans are now actively sharing their
experience in using their digital devices during some
gatherings. Some of them even raised questions
about the color handling and reproduction issues to
me which surprised me.
Color control and color reproduction on photograph-
ic papers were the advanced topics in traditional film
age, a common phenomenon is the color inconsist-
ency between the prints from photo labs and the
scene spot, the level of color difference may vary
from lab operator to operator and related to the con-
ditions of the chemicals as well. Compare to the film
photography, digital photography not only brings us
conveniences such as instant review and archive, but
also provide a practical and simple platform for pho-
tographers to realize color management. We must
know the basic knowledge of color management in
the following paragraphs in order to realize it.
In the digital capturing workflow, the image we are
capturing is first passing through the lenses and
reach the image sensor unit inside the camera,
then it will be transformed to data and recorded to
memory card, so photographers can retrieve the im-
ages after loading to the computer. From this point,
the computer monitor plays an important role in be-
ing the reference device for us to review the images.
I think most of the photographers may have experi-
ence that the prints they got from a minilab cannot
圖4/ Fig. 4
圖6/ Fig. 6
圖5/ Fig. 5
be matched with their displays; or the same image
files exhibit quite different in colors between several
monitors. This may lead us to question whether a
monitor’s condition is standard or to be specific,
the luminance level and white point are the same
for each monitor ? The condition of a monitor can
affect the quality of viewing, and it can also alter our
judgment in the image manipulations, for example,
if the luminance level of the monitor is too high, we
will adjust the image to become darker than it should
be or if the color temperature is too high, we may
add warm cast to it and thus make it yellowish. For
photo viewing and retouching purpose, the standard
luminance level should be around 100-120 cd/m2
and the color temperature of the monitor should be
set to 6500K. With the help of a monitor calibrator
(Fig. 1), we can have our monitor run in standard
condition, without exposing ourselves to uncon-
trolled environment which may lead to inappropriate
alteration of our images.
The image file contains series of RGB values, with
the same RGB string doesn’t guarantee the same
color can be reproduced in 2 different monitors.
For example, if we send an RGB value of pure red
(255,0,0) to 2 different monitors (monitor 1 and
monitor 2), normally we will observe 2 different reds
from them (Fig. 2). The fact is that if we need to
make monitor 1 to show the same red as monitor 2,
we need to send another RGB string to it, as shown
in Fig. 3. This scenario indicates that RGB is not a
reliable way to reproduce color from device to device
accurately, as it is so called device-dependent color
space.
From this example you may notice that the monitor 2
is not as saturate and vivid as monitor 1, which imply
that the color gamut of monitor 1 is larger than monitor 2. Color gamut is the ability that a device can
reproduce colors, the wider the color gamut a device
is, the more colors it can reproduce. Once the moni-
圖7/ Fig. 7
圖8/ Fig.8
tor has been calibrated, an ICC profile that contains
its characteristics is produced, color communication
between devices can take place with the use of color
management supported software such as Adobe
Photoshop. With the above example of monitor 1
and monitor 2, since the color gamut of monitor 1 is
larger than monitor 2, we can use monitor 1 to simulate the color of monitor 2 via color conversion under
certain color management supported software, of
course, the monitor must be calibrated prior to the
simulation.
So far, we discussed basics of color gamut, color
space and device ICC, if you need to implement color
management in your digital photography workflow,
the first thing to do is to set the appropriate color
space on your digital camera. Take Leica M8/ M8.2
as an example, there are 3 choices of color space
available in these cameras, namely AdobeRGB, sRGB
and ECIRGB. If we are shooting in jpg format, the
selected color space will be embedded in the image
file, any change of color space in the post may affect
the quality of the image. In case of shooting in RAW
format (DNG file in Leica M8/ M8.2 for instance), we
can easily reassign any of the available color spaces
(Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) in software without sacrificing the
image quality. The choice of color space depends
on the output destination of our images, if we will
send the image files to mini lab to make the prints,
sRGB is decent enough; for 6-colors or above inkjets
output purpose, AdobeRGB is more suitable; if we
need to ride on the offset printers, ECIRGB is designed to do the job; the most common practice for
majority of photographers to utilize their photo files
is to share them on the internet, we can also use
AdobeRGB since the recent update of some popular
web browsers (such as Firefox) can support color
management so as to overcome the sRGB limit. Fig.
6 and 7 illustrate the selection of right color space
can have a closer match to reproduce the colors. Fig.
8 shows the comparison between the color gamut of
AdobeRGB and sRGB.
1. The company will inform participants of the dates of their test drive after this form is received. Dates will be determined on a first come, first served basis.
2. Participants must come in person to the company’s offices during office hours (mornings 8:30am-12pm, afternoons 1:30pm-5:30pm) on the assigned date to collect or return all loaned
equipment.
3. When borrowing equipment, participants must complete the detailed personal information form, show valid identification documents and pay the deposit with a credit card.
4. The company will give a product briefing lasting approximately 15 minutes when the products are borrowed.
5. The test drive period is 6 days, from Thursday to Tuesday. If all equipment and accessories are not returned before the deadline, the company may confiscate the deposit.
6. Participants must personally return all equipment; no other person may be entrusted to collect or return equipment, and the company may refuse to loan the equipment or refund the
deposit should such circumstances arise.
7. If any equipment is lost during the test drive period, the participant must pay compensation equivalent to the current suggested retail price (SRP). If any person damages the equipment, the
repair charges must be paid and the deposit shall be retained while estimates are conducted, and shall not be refunded until such costs are paid in full.
8. The test drive program only includes instruments; no memory cards and film will be included.
9. Should the batteries fail during the test drive period, participants are requested to recharge or replace the batteries themselves.
Leica Test Drive Program Sec.1 2009 / 徠卡體驗計劃 2009第一季