Leica S Edition 100

Special Centennial Edition

In celebration of Leica's 100-year anniversary, the components of this special edition each bear a unique 'Edition 100' engraving on the camera and lens bodies. Additionally, the contents are delivered in a customized Leica version of the Rimowa Topas Multiwheel Cabin Trolley; a bright aluminum alloy case fitted with dedicated interior inlays to hold the camera, lenses, and accessories. The case's compact size is ideal for use as hand luggage on flights and for general protection when traveling. It features lockable latches, four casters, and both top and side carry handles.

Leica S Medium Format DSLR Camera

37.5MP 45 x 30mm CCD Sensor

A large 37.5MP 45 x 30mm CCD sensor enables truly high-resolution imaging with a native sensitivity from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The large size of the sensor helps to produce notable image sharpness and clarity with smooth tonal and color gradations. Additionally, the design of the sensor enables the omission of a traditional optical low-pass filter for achieving even greater image sharpness and resolution. On-chip microlenses have also been incorporated into the sensor's design to ensure even light distribution and sharpness from edge-to-edge.

Fast and Efficient Performance

An integrated 2GB buffer complements the Maestro image processor's speed and facilitates recording up to 32 consecutive 37.5MP DNG lossless compressed files at a continuous shooting rate of 1.5 fps. When shooting in the JPEG format, the total number of consecutive images recorded is only limited by the memory card's capacity.

Flexible Focusing Control

Autofocus can be controlled using either release + focus or focus priority AF modes, as well as manual focusing capabilities, depending on the situation and subject type being photographed. Using a single cross-type AF point, focus is both fast and precise and a predictive algorithm benefits working with moving subjects to ensure sharpness. The AF metering field is dependent on the lens in use, as well as the subject-to-lens distance, and chooses a wider field with distant subjects or a narrower field with close subjects to find the best balance between speed and accuracy. When working with manual focus, the AF sensor is also employed to visually display a focus confirmation indicator in the viewfinder.

Intuitive Handling

The magnesium alloy camera body's weather-sealed design is based upon a minimal, yet efficient, layout where key control elements are placed within easy reach to facilitate a more intuitive workflow. All functions are clearly displayed on the rear monitor and settings are controlled via four soft keys, a five-way switch, and a click wheel. A large right-hand ergonomic hand-grip also provides a stable, fatigue-free grip for greater comfort when working for extended periods of time.

For live view monitoring, reviewing imagery, and navigating the menu, a 3.0" 920k-dot TFT LCD monitor is available for bright, clear viewing in a variety of lighting conditions. Set in sRGB color space, and covering 16.7 million colors, this monitor can be used to superimpose exposure parameters as well as a brightness or RGB histogram over the monitor image.

Integrated GPS

An integrated GPS module permits the registration of location details within the EXIF data of each image file. Local times and time zones are also recorded and the free downloadable software permits plotting an image's location and time of capture to a map.

Interface and Power Support

Dual memory card slots avail the use of both SD and CompactFlash cards simultaneously. Files can be recorded to both cards or, alternatively, the cards can be set up to accept overflow files or to save DNG files to one card and JPEG files to the other.

On the side of the camera, dust- and splash-proof covers unveil a range of interface options, including a LEMO USB port, for connecting to a computer for offloading imagery or working in a tethered manner; and an HDMI port for direct image playback to an HDTV. The included cables feature strain-relief connectors for greater durability.

The included Leica S rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, rated at 2100mAh, allows approximately 1000 shots per charge. A specially-designed mechanism prevents the battery from falling out of the camera when the battery compartment is opened for greater security.

Leica S Lenses

Leica Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 ASPH CS Lens

This standard lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 56mm which pairs well with the fast f/2.5 maximum aperture for selective focus control and working in difficult lighting conditions. High refractive index elements and one aspherical element are incorporated into the optical design to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and produce a high degree of sharpness and clarity. Additionally, two cemented elements are made from glass with high anomalous partial dispersion, which help to further minimize chromatic aberration. A floating element system and full-system focusing also contribute to heightened close-range performance.

Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH CS Lens

This wide-angle lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 24mm, making it well-suited to interior, architectural, and landscape photography. Five elements made from glass with anomalous partial dispersion are incorporated into the optical design, as well as three low-dispersion fluorite elements, which help to reduce chromatic aberrations and realize notable image sharpness from edge-to-edge. Additionally, three high refractive index elements and two aspherical elements are also integrated into the lens to minimize monochromatic aberration. A rear-focusing design, where only the back-most group of six elements moves during focusing, enables consistent performance with subjects near to far.

Central Shutter Mechanism

Both lenses incorporate a central shutter mechanism, which is rated to 100,000 cycles and provides a top shutter speed of 1/1000 sec., with flash synchronization available at each speed. Compared to the in-camera focal plane shutter, which has a top speed of 1/4000 sec. but a top sync speed of 1/125 sec., the central shutter enables an additional three stops of creative control when working with strobe lighting. Switching between the two shutter mechanisms is easily controlled via the dedicated switch at the rear of the camera body.

Autofocus

Controlled by an intelligent microprocessor, both of these lenses are able to realize fast and precise autofocusing performance due to the incorporation of a high-precision, high-torque motor. This AF motor has been designed to ensure low noise, maintained durability, and absolute precision.