Shutterbug Staff

Legion Paper has launched a comprehensive eco-friendly paper classification system
as part of their website, www.legionpaper.com. This new tool is the first of its
kind within the paper industry to provide a powerful `green' search
engine.

Leica Camera Incorporated will introduce a new collection of lenses for analog
and digital Leica rangefinder cameras: the Leica Summarit-M class. The four lenses
LEICA SUMMARIT-M 35mm f2.5, LEICA SUMMARIT-M 50mm f2.5, LEICA SUMMARIT-M 75mm
f2.5 and LEICA SUMMARIT-M 90mm f2.5 cover the most popular focal lengths in the
Leica M system. All Summarit-M lenses were designed and are manufactured in Germany
and will bear the "Made in Germany" quality stamp.



All letter and number engravings are made with the traditional "Leitz-Norm"
font as originally used by Leitz Wetzlar during the 1960s, and the red button
on the lens mount is consistent with the original color used on Leitz lenses produced
since the introduction of the M mount through the 1960s. Each Leica Summarit-M
lens is supplied with a metal lens front cap, a lens hood cap and a velours pouch
for storage. High-quality all-metal lens hoods are available as accessories.

Leica Camera AG has announced that it will provide a free firmware update for
the LEICA DIGITAL MODUL-R on its website www.leica-camera.com.
The new firmware, Version 1.3, offers extensive improvements in the performance
of Leica's SLR digital/film hybrid system.



The new firmware for the LEICA DIGITAL MODUL-R optimizes the coloring on the Digital
Modul-R display screen, enhanced adjustment of exposure and improved compatibility
of SD cards with FAT 32 system/ 4 GB cards. The update will also increase general
image reproduction and functional features.



Detailed information on the firmware update for the LEICA DIGITAL MODUL-R is available
at

http://www.leica-camera.us/photography/r_system/digital-modul-r/section.

The Leica M8 marks the digitization of the famous Leica M line of rangefinder
cameras. The 10+ MP sensor, designed specifically for this camera, has a "native"
speed of 160, with a maximum ISO setting of 2500. Available later this year,
the M8 retains the classic Leica rangefinder look and feel, even down to the
baseplate cover removal for insertion of the memory card. Standard M lenses
made since 1954 will fit the mount, with a 1.33 focal length multiplication
factor. A new lens, the Tri-Elmar 16-21mm, has been introduced with the camera
as well. This, and all lenses made by Leica from July 1, 2006 onwards will have
special 6-bit coding on the bayonet ring, allowing lens data and special processing
instructions to be transferred to the image processor. Lenses made prior to
that date can be retrofitted with the coding, but can be used without it as
well.

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