Leica M System

LEICA M8 – Outstanding optical performance At Leica,
image quality is not just a slogan ; it is achieved by optimizing every link
in the performance chain. The high-speed Leica M lenses with 6 bitdesign
actually offer a slight improvement in performance, while the
modified sensor, the use of digital negative format (DNG) and the
Capture One LE RAW data converter ensure the best possible image
quality.
M lenses – 6 bit-coding The lack of a resolution reducing moiré filter in front
of the sensor promotes an exceptionally high linear resolution, which the
modern Leica M lenses in particular can deliver. Thanks to their outstanding
resolution capabilities and the high degree of correction, they are perfect for
use with digital technology. The LEICA M8 uses an optical scanner on the
camera’s bayonet to identify the 6 bit-coding of the current Leica M lenses.
This allows the slight vignetting caused by the system to be compensated,
further improving the familiar high image quality. The lens type identified is
saved in the EXIF data for the image file and the reflector position on modern
flash units is adjusted to the image angle depending on the focal length.
Typical Leica : Existing M lenses can be retroactively 6 bit-coded by our
Customer Service department.
Modified Sensor CCD technology provides the lowest level of image noise and
was therefore chosen for the image sensor in the M8. A high basic speed of ISO 160
extending to a maximum speed setting of ISO 2500 produces pictures with far
richer detail than analog films can deliver. A moiré filter, which optically filters out
fine image details, was deliberately omitted to utilize the full resolution of the
Leica M lenses. Instead, any moiré patterns are eliminated by the camera’s signal
processor. Because the light towards the edges impinges on the sensor obliquely
with Leica M lenses, the thickness of the cover glass has been reduced to just
0.5 mm to prevent unwanted refraction. As a result, the image has uniform brightness
right to the edge, there is no vignetting caused by the sensor and the existing
Leica M lenses can demonstrate their full capabilities on the digital camera. With its
LEICA M8 and LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R, Leica is the only manufacturer of digital
camera systems to consistently modify existing sensor technology in this way.