[LRflex] LEICA M8.2
- From: Ong Pang Jin <pjong@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:13:05 +0800
LEICA M8.2
Evolution of the LEICA M8 digital rangefinder camera
* New metal blade focal plane shutter
* Ultra scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as coverglass
* New snapshot mode
* Quick override setting
* Leica dot and accessory also in black
* Robust "vulcanite" finish
* New compact charger
The new LEICA M8.2 is a significant development of Leica Camera AG's
German-made digital rangefinder camera for professionals. While important
LEICA M8 attributes such as discretion, intuitive work and robustness have
been further improved, the new model retains the key characteristics of the
Leica reportage camera such as the compact shape, the exceptional image
quality in connection with Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition
with the Leica rangefinder that show it to be a genuine M camera. The LEICA
M8.2 complements the M8, and many elements of the M8.2 can be integrated
into the M8 if desired. With this parallel marketing, Leica Camera AG is
underlining yet again the full system compatibility and high value retention
of its M series.
The LEICA M8.2 integrates a new extra-quiet, low-vibration metal blade focal
plane shutter which allows the photographer to determine the right moment
for cocking. This brings the digital LEICA M8.2 extremely close to the ideal
of the famous rubber cloth focal plane shutter of its analog sisters.
Responding to the request of many professional photographers, the new black
model has been given an even more inconspicuous design: the Leica dot and
the accessory shoe now blend in with the color of the camera. The black
version of the camera boasts a new extra durable high-quality deep black
finish.
The new snapshot mode will appeal to all those who want good results right
away without knowing a lot about photography. If the shutter speed dial is
turned to the new "S" setting, the camera controls all the key features
automatically, such as automatic exposure (aperture priority), automatic ISO
speed setting and automatic white balance. For the three most commonly used
subject modes, the LEICA M8.2 gives hints on aperture and focus settings,
which are displayed when the "INFO" button on the camera monitor is pressed.
The photographer can obtain further information from the new brief
waterproof instructions which can be folded to the size of a credit card.
The automatic ISO setting can be selected in all operation modes of the
LEICA M8.2. Another new feature is a quick override setting: When the
shutter release button is sustained as far as the first pressure point, a
correction of +/- 3 stops in 1/3 steps can be made with the dial on the back
of the camera. The setting is shown in the viewfinder. Further modifications
include a more pronounced detent mechanism of the main switch of the camera
to prevent inadvertent activation of the self-timer, and redesign of the
bright line frames in the viewfinder to allow more precise determination of
the picture frame for longer distances.
The new LEICA M8.2 is the very first professional digital camera to use an
ultra scratch- resistant sapphire crystal as coverglass for the camera
monitor. It is so hard that it can be exclusively worked with special
diamond tools and is permanently resistant to all mechanical or abrasive
stress. The camera also sports a new easy-grip and specially robust
"vulcanite" finish.
The new compact charger unit is designed to take up a minimum of space in
the photograper's bag, and charges the lithium ion battery to 80% in only an
hour and a half. This is already sufficient for about 400 exposures, so if
the full capacity of about 500 exposures is not required, the camera can
always be recharged in a very short time.
The new LEICA M8.2 has inherited the superlative image quality of the LEICA
M8, resulting from the combination of the legendary M lenses with a CCD
image sensor specially designed for the requirements of the Leica M system
and high-performance image processing. The new Capture One 4 raw data
converter of the Danish manufacturer Phase One ensures the best possible
picture quality in the camera's DNG mode. Unlike any other digital camera,
the LEICA M8.2 is able to use almost all Leica M system lenses produced
since 1954 due to their high standard of performance.
Like its predecessors, the new LEICA M8.2 continues in the tradition of easy
operation, concentration on the essential, few controls and logical,
easy-to-follow menus.
The LEICA M8 launched in the fall of 2006 is still available as an
alternative to the new LEICA M8.2. Following a tradition of the Leica
company that is unique in the world of digital photography, many elements of
the new LEICA M8.2 can even be integrated into the LEICA M8: the shutter,
the sapphire coverglass or the new viewfinder frames can be retrofitted by
Customer Service.
The LEICA M8.2 is available now at Leica stockists.
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