Brochure M Monochrom - Leica Camera AG

Leica Camera AG I Oskar-Barnack-Strasse 11 I 35606 SOLMS I GERMANYPhone +49 (0)6442 208 0 I Fax +49 (0)6442 208 333 I www.leica-camera.comLEICA M MONOCHROMThe fascination of digital black-and-white photography.

L E I C A REPORTAGEEmotions within black and white.The Yaroslavsky Railway Station stands proudly on Komsomolskaya Square in Moscow, a little way outside thehistorical city centre. It is one of the busiest railway stations in Moscow. More than 300 trains depart daily fromhere to destinations in the north. One of them is a particularly significant train. Every other day, ‘Train No. 2’leaves the station on the start of its six-day journey to Vladivostok and the Pacific Ocean, 9,000 km away. On theway, it crosses two continents, seven time zones and makes about 400 stops. It is the longest continuous rail linein the world: the Trans-Siberian Railway.It is a legend on wheels, and in cooperation with Leica Camera, the award-winning Magnum photographer, JacobAue Sobol, took the new Leica M Monochrom on board on a journey of discovery. The young Dane, who representsthe third generation of a family of photographers, took the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Ulan-Ude, about5,700 km away in south-eastern Siberia. From there, he continued through Mongolia and on to Beijing. This sectionis not officially on the Trans-Siberian line (although it is often presented as such); in fact, it is part of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, branching off the Trans-Siberian at Lake Baikal. Sobol chose to deviate from the original route –a decision that indicates that his main focus lies beyond making a historically accurate record of the railway itself.This extraordinary journey fascinated him for other reasons.LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH., ISO 800, f/16, 1/125 sLEICA REPORTAGE I 09

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH., ISO 320, f/8, 1/180 sThe idea for the ‘Trans-Siberian Railway Project’ was born in his home town of Copenhagen, as a photographicproject in which a train becomes the central theme of a story about people who live in very different worlds, yethave much in common. A story that could be told in compelling detail through a journey on the Trans-Siberianand Trans-Mongolian. An added attraction: Sobol himself had never visited any of the countries along the route.In other words, everything that he would see there would be for the very first time: a situation that he knew wouldoffer an ‘explosion of impressions’. Out the window, he saw ever-changing landscapes and their characteristicbuildings, cities and people. But the interior of the train was his richest source of inspiration: the different peoplewho came together in the confined space of a railway compartment.The isolated environment of the compartment creates a unique relationship between the photographer, the pas s engersand, later, the viewers of the photographs. Sobol uses his camera to get closer to people, to make contact andcreate intimacy. As a photographer, Sobol aims not only to take us to new places and their people, but to capturethem in images that address the existential questions of life. His images reveal deeply human emotions. And theyshow what brings people together: love, despair, longing, anger or fear. Explore the images on these pages and letthem take you into unfamiliar worlds. Experience how Jacob Aue Sobol transforms the pulse and rhythm of a uniquetrain journey into a continuous stream of images.LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH., ISO 1600, f/8, 1/30 sLEICA REPORTAGE I 11

LEICAM MONOCHROMLEICA SUMMICRON-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH., ISO 320, f/8, 1/1000 s

LEICA M MONOCHROMThe fascination of monochrome photography enters the digital age.4 93510861M Monochrom, full-size view, black chrome finish.7M Monochrom, full-size view.21 UNCOMPROMISING IMAGE QUALITY6 COMPLETE CONTROL OF ALL IMAGE PARAMETERSThe newest camera in the Leica M-System builds on the tradition of its legendary predecessors, which have writtenhistory with their groundbreaking innovations: the Leica M Monochrom is the world’s first digital black-and-whitecamera in 35 mm format. It does more than transform analogue black-and-white photography into digital: it setsa new benchmark in state-of-the-art photographic technology. Thanks to its full-format sensor and the absence ofcolour filters, it achieves unique image results with outstanding clarity and unmatched dynamics. That makes it theperfect camera for contemporary fine-art photography, and all who share a fascination for black and white.2 COMPATIBILITY AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE 7 FULL FRAME 24 × 36 – WITHOUT COMPROMISE3 ENDURING PERFORMANCE AND VALUE8 NEW SENSOR4 SILENCE AND DISCRETION9 INTUITIVE CONTROLS5 SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY10 FULL INFORMATION AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTONDiscover the fascination of the Leica M Monochrom at www.m-monochrom.leica-camera.com14 I LEICA M MONOCHROMLEICA M MONOCHROM I 15

LEICA M MONOCHROMSharpness redefined.11 UNCOMPROMISINGIMAGE QUALITYThe M Monochrom features a new full-frame, 35 mm format sensor developed especially forblack-and-white photography. In contrast to conventional sensors, it has no need for colourfilters for individual pixels, and therefore requires no interpolation for the calculation of luminancevalues. This means that raw data and even JPEG image files from the M Monochromcan be used directly and without any further processing. This enables photographers to captureimages with greater brilliance, superior sharpness and contrast resolution that can equalthe quality of medium format. Due to their low compression rate, JPEG files from the cameraalso satisfy professional demands.52 COMPATIBILITYAS A MATTER OFPRINCIPLEThe M Monochrom offers access to the complete range of Leica M-Lenses, long since recognisedas being the best in the world. The first M-Camera was built in 1954, and the system hasbeen continuously developed and improved ever since. The high-resolution, full-format imagesensor fully exploits the performance of the lenses from corner to corner in every image.2 43 ENDURINGPERFORMANCEAND VALUEIt is not rare for a Leica to become its owner’s lifelong companion. This applies particularly tothe digital Leica M Monochrom: its top and base plates are machined from solid brass. Its fullmetalhousing is manufactured in one piece from high-strength magnesium alloy, and offersperfect protection for its precious inner mechanisms. The digital components and shutterassembly of the M Monochrom are similarly constructed with a lifetime of endurance in mind.In short: an M Monochrom is a long-term investment.3M Monochrom, full-size view, black chrome finish.64 SILENCE AND DIS-CRETIONDiscretion and unobtrusiveness are particular strengths of the M-System. The shutter of theM Monochrom is also extremely quiet. The very low noise level when cocking the shutter isensured by a sophisticated motor gearing system. In discreet mode, the shutter is only cockedafter the photographer’s finger is taken from the shutter release button, when, for instance, thecamera is concealed under a jacket. Then again, when longer exposure times requiring a steadycamera stance are essential, even slight pressure on the shutter release button in ‘soft’ releasemode is sufficient. At the same time, the combination of camera and lens is significantly morecompact than any other full-frame camera system: this contributes to the fact that M-Photographersfrequently go unnoticed and often simply melt into the background.5 SPEED ANDFLEXIBILITYThe Leica M Monochrom adapts flexibly to its intended use. Its sensitivity range extends fromISO 320 to ISO 10000. At the same time, very low image noise and finest resolution of details inshadows and highlights are achieved throughout the sensitivity range, even at the highest settings:the M Monochrom delivers razor-sharp images with the finest grain, even at ISO 10000.Very low image noise characteristics, a bright viewfinder/rangefinder, low-vibration shutterrelease and fast lenses make the M Monochrom the perfect camera for available-light photography.At first glance, the Leica M Monochrom is almost indistinguishable from other M-Cameras.Its top plate, leather trim and carrying strap in perfect matt black maintain a discreetlylow profile. The camera type is engraved unobtrusively on its accessory shoe. And, just likeevery other M-Camera, the design of the Leica M Monochrom concentrates purely on theessential photographic functions. Its manual focusing, based on the combined viewfinderand rangefinder concept and aperture priority exposure mode, is an aid to photographersrather than imposing undesired limitations on their creative freedom. In combination withthe LCD monitor on the back of the body, the simple and intuitive menu navigation, managedby only a few control elements, ensures rapid access to all the camera functions.6 COMPLETECONTROL OFALL IMAGEPARAMETERSThe Leica M Monochrom aids photographers with automatic functions whenever required,but it never dictates how to shoot. Depending on the lighting situation, the automatic ISOshift function increases the sensitivity of the camera as soon as a defined shutter speed is exceeded.At the same time, it also limits the shift to a maximum value set by the photographer.This means that correct exposure without camera shake and the lowest possible sensitivityis always available to guarantee the best possible image quality in all situations. In addition,the M Monochrom also offers automatic exposure bracketing with a user-select able numberof shots and incremental exposure values. This function ensures that even high-contrast subjectsare captured perfectly.16 I LEICA M MONOCHROM LEICA M MONOCHROM I 17

LEICA M MONOCHROMTechnical details.COLOUR AND MONOCHROME SENSORS – A COMPARISONBLACK-AND-WHITE WORKFLOWColour filterSensor pixelTo allow an image sensor to ‘see in colour’, colour filters in the basic colours – red, green and blue – are allocated to individual pixels. However,before a visible image can be created, the colour information recorded by neighbouring pixels must be combined – an additive processthat naturally reduces the native sharpness.Leica M Monochrom customers cantake advantage of a free download ofthe digital work flow solution Adobe ®Photoshop ® Lightroom ® 4.Sensor pixelM Monochrom customers are alsoentitled to a free download of theThe sensor of the Leica M Monochrom does not see colours. As a result, each individual pixel records true luminance values from which atruly monochrome image, characterised by a native and incomparable sharpness, can be created without any additional processing.Nik Software Silver Efex Prosoftware package.MONOCHROMESENSORRAW DATAHISTOGRAM(not illustrated)USEFUL EFFECTS(not illustrated)With a full native resolution of 18 megapixels, the Leica M Monochrom delivers 100 % sharper images thana colour sensor. As its sensor does not ‘see’ colours, every single pixel records true luminance values.This means that the M Monochrom delivers a ‘true’ black-and-white image straight from the sensor. Thecombination of the brilliant imaging qualities of Leica lenses and perfect harmonisation of the sensor withthe M-System results in images with outstanding sharpness and natural brilliance, without the need forsharpening in post-processing software. The result is an incomparable image quality that would normallybe expected only from a medium-format camera.The impressive quality of the native raw data from the M Monochrom not only enables images to be useddirectly, but also allows them to be stored in JPEG format with identical resolution. Thanks to the choiceof a low compression rate, the quality of the JPEG files is even comparable with that of professionallyprocessed TIFF files.The Leica M Monochrom more than satisfies the expectations of discerning users and fine-art photographers,with a raw data histogram for the precise assessment of tonal values. The difference compared toconventional histograms is that it displays original, unprocessed and unmodified raw data. The combinationof this, with a configurable clipping display in particular, allows precise correction or optimisationof exposures. The subdivision of the raw data histogram into stops enables dedicated black-and-whitephotographers to employ a digital interpretation of the zone system.With the Leica M Monochrom, photographers can apply characteristic toning effects from analogue blackand-whitephotography, such as sepia, cold or selenium toning to their images, at the touch of a button.The user saves the image in JPEG format and selects the desired toning effect – simply and conveniently,and without the need for post-processing.BLACK-AND-WHITEWORKFLOWLENSES WITHSIX-BIT CODING(not illustrated)Adobe ® Photoshop ® Lightroom ® 4 is a professional workflow solution for Apple Mac ® OS X, MicrosoftWindows ® Vista and Microsoft Windows 7*. The software is available as an online download for all newLeica M Monochrom customers, after online camera registration. It offers a wide range of functions forthe management, processing and exporting of digital images. The latest release now enables the creationof simple print layouts, slide shows and photo books. In addition, many of its functions, including itsprocessing speed, have been improved. If the images from the M Monochrom are saved as raw data in thestandardised and future-proof Adobe ® Digital Negative Format (DNG), Adobe ® Photoshop ® Lightroom ® 4,with its sophisticated and precise processing options, guarantees direct and extremely high-quality imageprocessing with maximum image quality.In addition to this, the package also includes a plug-in version of the Nik Silver Efex Pro software, consideredto be the most powerful tool for the creation of high-quality digital black-and-white images. Forpictures that perfectly recreate the look of analogue exposures, Silver Efex Pro offers selective control oftonal values and contrast and an extensive collection of profiles for the simulation of black-and-white filmtypes, grain structures and much more.The high-performance image sensor of the M Monochrom demands a particularly high spatial resolutionthat is, above all, offered by the latest M-Lenses. The excellent correction of optical aberrations and highresolution makes them all the more suitable for digital use. The current M-Lenses are supplied with a six-bitcode on the bayonet mount that is scanned optically by the M Monochrom as soon as the lens is mounted.If required, the M Monochrom can compensate for extremely minor, system-inherent vignetting effects onthe basis of this coded information. In addition, the lens type is recorded in the Exif data of the image filesand, when using the latest flash units such as the Leica SF 58, automatically adjusts the reflector to matchthe focal length of the lens attached. In most cases, Leica Customer Care can, on request, retrofit six-bitcoding to the mounts of existing M-Lenses.*As Adobe ® Photoshop ® Lightroom ® 4 no longer supports Windows ® XP, Adobe ® Photoshop ® Lightroom ® 3.6 is also available as a free down-20 I LEICA M MONOCHROMload for XP users.

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH.Anything but a standard lens.The enormous speed of developments in the field of digital photography in recent years has brought cameras withever increasing resolution and, correspondingly, constantly increasing demands on lens quality. This is particularlytrue in the case of the Leica M Monochrom and its ability to resolve even the finest details with extreme sharpness.So the time was ripe for a lens constructed on the basis of optical calculations refined and perfected over many years.And now, our engineers have impressively redefined the limits of the technically possible, and have set entirely newstandards in image quality, in the form of the new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. lens. The challenge theyset themselves was to explore the limits of what is possible within standard specifications when a fast aperture, an extremeangle of view and the effort to be invested are not taken into account. This situation made it possible to concentrateentirely on achieving ultimate perfection in image quality from the beginning. The result is a lens that, for the firsttime ever, exploits the immense potential of contemporary high-resolution camera systems without compromise.Full-size view.The new APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. features a total of eight lens elements. The design of the optical groupin front of the diaphragm is based on that of the outstanding Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. The group behindit is similar to that of the Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. As in the case of the Summilux, this is a floating elementthat ensures excellent image quality from infinity to the closest focusing range. Furthermore, the lens employs extremelycomplex and elaborate apochromatic correction, to correct chromatic aberrations. This minimises colour fringing onsharp edges to ensure natural rendition of every detail. This is achieved, for instance, by the ingenious incorporationof glass with anomalous partial dispersion in its optical design. Consequently, photographers benefit from the bestpossible image quality for prints in any format.LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH., ISO 500, f/2, 1/180 sLEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M I 23

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH.Sharp from corner to corner.MTF CURVES FOR APERTURE f/2, INFINITY%Sharp10080Detailcontrast60Detailsharpness4020Leica M Monochrom prints have the same features as analogue baryte prints.Unsharp00 3 6 9 12 15 18 21Distance tocentre ofimage [mm]CentreCornerThe MTF curves of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. clearly show thatthe lens achieves outstanding values for both contrast and resolution of details.LEICA MONOCHROM PRINTSDigital has never been so ‘analogue’ before.As is the case with all Leica lenses, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/ 2 ASPH. was designed and constructed with theambition of maximising not only image contrast, but also detail resolution at maximum aperture. An objective that it fulfils likeno other lens: this new milestone in the history of the M-System is no less than spectacular in all its performance parameters.For instance, even at maximum aperture, the MTF curves that describe image sharpness remain consistently high. This showsthat even the finest details are resolved with more than 50 % contrast: a previously unheard-of performance that confirms theexceptional properties of this lens. This enables extremely sharp images with superb corner-to-corner detail rendition in allphotographic situations.At the same time, Leica’s engineers attached particular importance to ensuring an especially soft and harmonious rendition ofobjects outside the plane of focus. And this is revealed in the wonderfully attractive bokeh of the new standard lens. The APO-Summicron also impressively demonstrates high resistance to stray light and its detrimental effects on contrast, and masterlyhandling of frontal light sources. In addition, it is also distinguished by minimal distortion, minor vignetting and maximum imagefield flatness. In short: the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. is an exclusive, high-performance lens for photographersseeking unrivalled quality. Never before has a lens for 35 mm photography been designed and constructed with so few compromises.It provides new stimuli for photography with the Leica M rangefinder system, and once again confirms its reputationas one of the best collections of photographic instruments the world has ever seen.EXCLUSIVEPRINT SERVICELEICAMONOCHROMBARYTE PRINTSDedicated black-and-white photographers who don’t want to miss out on the brilliance and quality of their images inprint form can take advantage of a unique service offered exclusively by Leica. The Leica Monochrom Print Service,a cooperative venture with the photo finisher WhiteWall, offers M Monochrom customers the opportunity to have theirimages reproduced as exclusive black-and-white prints. With this service, digital images from the Leica M Monochromare printed on premium-quality baryte photographic papers. Thanks to development using the classic wet-chemicalsilver halide process, the prints are indistinguishable from their analogue counterparts printed from negatives. Afterregistering the purchase of their Leica M Monochrom online, customers wishing to use this exclusive service can ordertheir prints directly from WhiteWall by means of a personal link.Photographers who prefer their prints to look as if they are straight out of the darkroom simply cannot ignore baryteprints. This meticulous process provides far richer blacks and excellent tonal gradation in all parts of the print, comparedto conventional processes. Where other methods and their various surface finishes tend to reflect light in manydifferent ways, the familiar contrast and surface finish of baryte prints are far superior. Instead of being derived fromthe pixel pattern, all details are reproduced by real silver in the same way as printing from negatives. Connoisseurs alsoappreciate the extreme archival quality of baryte prints, proven time and time again by prints made up to 100 years ago.24 I LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-MLEICA MONOCHROM PRINTS I 25

TECHNICAL DATALEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH., ISO 800, f/4, 1/180 s

ProductLeica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH.Order no. 11 141Angle of view (diagonal/horizontal/vertical) 47°/40°/27°.Optical designNumber of elements/groups 8/5.Distance of front lens from the bayonet flange24.4 mm.Distance settingsFocusing range 0.7 m to ∞.Distance scalesSmallest object fieldCombined, feet/metres.Approx. 271 × 407 mm.Largest reproduction ratio Approx. 1:11.3.ApertureSetting/functionPreselection with click stops at half stops.Smallest aperture 16.BayonetFilter mount (type)Lens hoodLeica M quick-change bayonet.Inner threading for E39 screw-in filters.Integrated, can be unscrewed.Dimensions and weightLengthLargest diameterApprox. 47 mm.Approx. 53 mm.Weight Approx. 300 g.Package includesLens, slip-over cap (metal), rear cap, leather lens case, E39 lens cap, presentation box.Full technical specifications of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. can be downloaded fromwww.m-lenses.leica-camera.comA trademark of the Leica Camera Group‘Leica’ and product names = ® registered trademarks© 2012 Leica Camera AGWe reserve the right to make changes in the construction, features and ranges without advance notice.Concept and design: G2 Germany, FrankfurtProduct photography: Alexander Göhr and Ralf BerndtAuthor’s photography: Jacob Aue SobolBrochure order numbers:German 91 664 I English (US) 91 665 I English (UK) 91 666 I French 91 667Italian 91 668, (07/2012)Leica Camera AG I Oskar-Barnack-Strasse 11 I 35606 SOLMS I GERMANYPhone + 49 (0)6442 208 0 I Fax + 49 (0)6442 208 333 I www.leica-camera.com