Capture Superior Photos with the Leica CM Compact Camera

October 1, 2003 - Leica Camera USA introduced the LEICA CM, a high-quality analog compact camera in a titanium body. This camera will be Leica's first compact camera to be assembled in Germany.

The LEICA CM will be welcomed not only by those who appreciate the convenience of automated functions, but also by creative photographers who prefer to set aperture and focus by hand. The compact camera's remarkable optical features can be attributed to the powerful high-speed LEICA SUMMARIT 40 mm f/2.4 lens, which was designed by Leica's own optic specialists in Solms, Germany.

Designed by Professor Achim Heine of Berlin, the titanium LEICA CM compact camera with elegant leather trim follows the classic lines of LEICA M system cameras. Due to the clear layout of the controls, the photographer is always aware of the current settings and can check and operate functions without having to take the camera away from his eye.

"The aim of this new development was to define a new level of optical and mechanical excellence in the compact camera class. With its long-lasting value and timeless elegance, the LEICA CM commands the same reputable position among compact cameras that Leica rangefinder cameras hold among competing camera systems," says Roland Wolff, Product Manager of Leica Camera AG's compact camera division.

Lens The LEICA CM has a high-speed lens with the maximum aperture of 2.4 and consists of six glass elements in four groups. The application of an optimized multiple coating has further enhanced the imaging performance. Therefore, the reflection behavior is improved, leading to a reduction of stray light and consequently higher corner-to-corner definition and brilliance - even under extremely difficult light conditions such as against-the-light exposures. Combined with the LEICA CM's precise exposure performance, this image quality produces outstanding results, particularly in slide photography.

Body The robust titanium body, with easy-grip leather and ergonomically designed manual aperture and focus control options, make the LEICA CM extremely comfortable to hold. Included on the camera back is a large illuminated LCD display with an easily operated dial, providing swift settings of important functions. Symbols for flash mode, exposure program, exposure compensation, long-time exposure, self-timer, frame counter, battery status and date setting, give an instant overview of photographic parameters. The set distance is displayed for manual focusing as well. Individual flash modes and exposure compensation settings can be permanently stored.

Viewfinder with integrated LED display The large, bright, real image viewfinder is particularly suitable for eyeglass wearers, and features parallax markings and diopter compensation. The LED display, adopted from the LEICA M7, shows the focus setting, flash readiness, aperture and exposure time. The camera also indicates warnings in the event of over- or underexposure, exposure compensation setting, use of non-DX coded films or the absence of a film. "The manufacture and fitting of the delicate, yet complex, viewfinder display requires special expertise and a sensitive touch. Given the tight Leica tolerances, this can only be done by the hands of skilled individuals," adds Mr. Wolff. The brightness of the LED display is controlled by the ambient light. It is not too bright in the dark, and it is easily visible in bright light. The light balance of the LEICA M7 is used as a focusing aid in the LEICA CM to support manual focusing.

Exposure In automatic program mode, the photographer can alter a program shift without taking the camera away from his eye. This is done by selecting various exposure time/aperture combinations on the camera back dial. All data will appear in the viewfinder. With shutter speeds of 99 seconds to 1/1000 second, the LEICA CM offers a large exposure range, within which the required exposure time/aperture combinations can be selected or changed at any time. The precise automatic program ensures correct exposure and, if desired, the flash can be activated automatically when available light is not sufficient. If the photographer wishes to make deliberate use of field depth, as a compositional tool, the aperture can be pre-selected, and the aperture priority program will calculate the matching shutter speed. The flash can be switched on or off manually.

Flash operation The powerful flash integrated in the LEICA CM has the guide no. 14 and the amount of flashlight is controlled by the camera. It is automatically switched on to correct against-the-light exposures. All flash modes, such as automatic flash activation, pre-flash to combat red-eye, long-time exposure and long-time exposure with synchronisation on the second shutter curtain can be combined. This results in a total of 15 different flash modes. An external flash shoe allows the use of the LEICA SF 24D flash unit. The camera controls the amount of flashlight depending on the aperture and focus setting. This "guide number control" enables precisely exposed and homogeneously illuminated flash photographs in addition to further advantages of lower power consumption and faster flash sequences. Previously owned SCA flash units are compatible with the LEICA CM by using the SCA 3502 M4 adapter.

The LEICA CM will list for $950.00 and will be available at authorized Leica dealers in October 2003.

SOURCE Leica Camera, Inc.