Leica has announced a range of accessories for the Leica M digital rangefinder camera, including an adapter for Leica R-mount lenses, an electronic viewfinder and a multifunctional handgrip that doubles as a GPS unit. The Leica R-Adapter M (£215) allows users to mount almost all Leica R-Lenses ever built on the new Leica M, while the live view enabled camera enables accurate framing and focusing without a need for a bulky Visoflex unit. This opens up new potential for Leica M photographers, including, for example, video recording with Leica R zoom lenses. The new Leica M also features an accessory port, which in turn enables users to attach an external electronic viewfinder - the Leica EVF2 (£360). Boasting a resolution of 1.4 megapixels and offering 90° rotation for capturing images from unusual angles, this EVF is also called, aptly but at the same time somewhat confusingly, an “Electronic Visoflex Viewfinder.” Ensuring high quality sound with the 1080p Full HD video capability of the Leica M, a Leica Microphone Adapter Set (£150), consisting of an adapter and stereo microphone, is also available. Finally, the Multifunctional Handgrip-M (£630) is a valuable aid to safe and steady handling of the camera, particularly when shooting with heavier R-lenses, and conceals an integrated GPS module that can be used to automatically geotag your photographs.

Leica Press Release

New accessories for LEICA M

Range of accessories for new LEICA M camera expands potential beyond traditional rangefinder capabilities

Photokina, Cologne, 17 September 2012: Leica Camera AG has unveiled a new range of accessories for the Leica M, increasing the potential use of the camera far beyond the classic capabilities of rangefinder photography. The accessories include the Leica R-Adapter M, Leica EVF2 electronic viewfinder, a Multifunctional Handgrip-M with optional finger loops, and a Leica Microphone Adapter Set, all compatible with the new Leica M, which was also announced today.

The Leica R-Adapter M enables almost all Leica R-Lenses ever built to be mounted on the new Leica M. Users can access a list of 20 dedicated profiles – including calibrated imaging workflows and Exif lens recognition – for a range of R-Lenses covering wide-angles, telephoto, zoom and macro options. This comprehensive portfolio opens up new potential for Leica M photographers, including, for example, video recording with Leica R zoom lenses.

The optional accessories range also includes a high-resolution, electronic Visoflex viewfinder. The Leica EVF2 has a resolution of 1.4 megapixels, and offers 90° rotation for capturing images from unusual angles. When mounted on the camera, it displays all significant exposure parameters and allows precise subject assessment, and is particularly useful when shooting in brightly lit surroundings. Using the R-Adapter M, R-Lenses and viewfinder, the Leica M can be used independently from its monitor in the same way as a DSLR camera.

Also new is the Multifunctional Handgrip-M, which features an integrated GPS module. With this handgrip, the user can record precise geographical information in the image’s EXIF data (i.e. geotagging), enabling the photographer to sort and display images according to location. Facilitating the use of a separate flash unit when an accessory viewfinder is mounted on the camera, the Multifunctional Handgrip-M also provides a dedicated SCA hot shoe that communicates with the camera in the same way as its own hot shoe. The Leica SCA Adapter Set is also available for this purpose. The set comprises a flash bar and a spiral cable with a hot shoe. In addition, the Multifunctional Handgrip-M provides a socket for a remote power supply, as well as a DIN/ISO X-sync socket for studio flash systems. An optional remote power unit (DC Adapter) is also available.

Furthermore, the Leica M can be connected directly to a computer workstation via the handgrip’s integrated USB socket. This allows full remote control of the camera with the ‘Leica Image Shuttle’ software provided, and the transfer of image files directly to the computer by USB cable.

The Multifunctional Handgrip-M is also a valuable aid to safe and steady handling of the camera, particularly when shooting with heavier R-lenses. The optional finger loops, which come in three sizes (S, M and L) further enhance safe and steady handling of the camera and lens system. These can be used in combination with the standard Handgrip-M, which is also available as an optional accessory.

Ensuring high quality sound with the 1080p Full HD video capability of the Leica M, a Leica Microphone Adapter Set, consisting of an adapter and stereo microphone, is also available. Other brands of microphone may also be connected using this adapter.

A new ever-ready case completes the range of accessories for the Leica M.

Pricing and availability
The Leica M range of accessories is scheduled to be available in the UK from early 2013 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair. Suggested retail prices including VAT are as follows:

Leica R-Adapter M - £215 EVF2 Electronic Visoflex Viewfinder - £360
Multifunctional Handgrip-M - £630 Leica Microphone Adapter Set - £150
Standard Handgrip-M - £209 Ever-ready case - £240
Optional Finger Loops (S, M, L) - £80

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