Some of this info is old. But, there are some new tidbits in this letter.
Leica Camera Inc. / 1 Pearl Court, Unit A / Allendale, NJ 07401-1610 / USA / www.leicacamerausa.com
Telephone (+1) 201-995-0051 / Fax (+1) 201-995-1686
Sales Update
To: All Photographic Division Representatives/Partners
From: Marketing Department
Memo #: 2007-25
Date: July 11, 2006
Re: 6-Bit Identification Code for Leica M lenses
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are pleased to announce that as of July 20, 2006, all Leica M lenses will feature a 6-bit lens
identification code that will enhance the functions of the digital Leica M. Leica Camera Inc. will
be converting the bayonet ring of previously purchased M lenses to the new 6-digit black and
white coded bayonet ring. The new lens bayonet ring is compatible with present, past and future
system components except the APO-TELYT-M 135 mm/f3.4 because of the APO-TELYT-M’s focal
length. All coded lenses can be used on analog LEICA M models. We have attached a list of
lenses that are currently available or discontinued which can be converted.
How does the lens code work?
In order to mark the lens type, the bayonet ring is equipped with a 6 digit black and white code.
On the digital Leica M, the coding, and in turn the lens, is recognized with the help of 6 sensors
integrated in the camera bayonet.
Benefits of Converting to A Coded Bayonet Ring
The digital Leica M writes the lens data it reads off the code to the EXIF file and utilizes this
information to process the image data for optimal image quality. In the digital Leica M, this
allows compensation of system-immanent vignetting customized according to the lens attached.
Therefore, when using the digital Leica M, this feature results in even a slight improvement of
the accustomed high image quality produced by Leica M lenses.
In flash mode, the output of the pre-flash is determined by the focal length information supplied
by the 6-bit code. Dedicated Metz flash units as well as future Leica models will also be able to
set their reflectors accordingly with the help of the 6-bit coding to achieve optimal energy and
illumination efficiency.
General Information
The cost of changing the current bayonet ring to a bayonet ring with the 6-bit code is $125.00
per lens. There will be no additional charges for shipping and handling. Customers can opt to
get a certified pre-owned warranty for $50. The certification is valid for 18 months from the
time of conversion and includes all lens functions tested on factory equipment and complete
cleaning of the external surfaces of the lens.
Customers Who Purchased Lenses Between January 1, 2006 and July 15, 2006
Customers who made new purchases from an authorized USA/Canadian Leica dealer between
January1, 2006 and July 15, 2006 will get the conversion to a bayonet ring with the 6-bit coding
free of charge. The customer will pay a handling fee of $15 for each lens. The customer can
also opt to get a certified pre-owned warranty for each conversion for $50. The dealer discount
will not be available to customers.
Dealers
Dealers who purchased new lenses from Leica Camera Inc. between January 1, 2006 and July
15, 2006 and still have the lenses in stock will get the conversion to the bayonet ring with the 6-
bit coding for free. In addition, lenses sent in the original packaging will get a 6-bit sticker on
the box. There will be a handling fee of $15 for each lens. Dealer discounts will not be
applicable.
For lenses purchased by a dealer before January1, 2006, dealer discounts will be applicable for
each conversion.
Contact Information
Starting August 20, 2006, the conversion of the bayonet rings can be done at our Customer
Service Department at 1 Pearl Court, Unit A, Allendale, New Jersey 07401-1610.
For technical information on the conversion, contact:
Dave Elwell, Technical/Customer Service Advisor at (201) 995-0051 ext. 217
For other information on the conversion, contact:
Rob Fisk, Customer Service Advisor at (201) 995-0051 ext. 236.
Name Color Cat. # Delivered
from
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8 ASPH Black 11135 1997
Elmarit-M24 mm f/2.8 ASPH Black 11878 1996
Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Black 11604 2000
Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Black 11625 2000
Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Black 11874 1994
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH Black 11879 1996
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH Silver 11882 1996
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.0 Black 11822 1994
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Black 11891 2004
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver 11892 2006
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11826 1994
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver 11816 1994
Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 Black 11831 1995
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11810 1998
Apo-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH Black 11637 2005
Apo-Summicron-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH Black 11884 1998
Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black 11807 1990
Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Black 11633 2002
Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Silver 11634 2002
Macro-Adapter M Black 14409 2002
Below is a list of discontinued lenses that can be updated:
Name Color Cat. # Delivered
from
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8 Black 11134 1980-1997
Elmarit-M21 mm f/2.8 ASPH Silver 11897 1997-2004
Elmarit-M 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH Silver 11898 1996-2005
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 Black 11804 1979-1992
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 Black 11809 1992-2005
Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Black 11890 1998-2000
Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Silver 11894 1999-2000
Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver 11883 1994-2004
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 Black 11310 1979-1996
Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 Silver 11311 1993-1996
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.0 Black 11821 1975-1994
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Black 11868 1992-2004
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Silver 11856 1992-2004
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11817 1969-1979
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11819 1979-1994
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver 11825 1992-1994
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11814 1980-1982
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11815 1982-1998
Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Black 11136 1980-1989
Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Silver 11137 1993-1989
Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH Silver 11885 2002-2004
Tele-Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black 11800 1973-1989
Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Silver 11808 1997-2004
Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 Black 11829 1963-1997
Leica Camera Inc. / 1 Pearl Court, Unit A / Allendale, NJ 07401-1610 / USA / www.leicacamerausa.com
Telephone (+1) 201-995-0051 / Fax (+1) 201-995-1686
Sales Update
To: All Photographic Division Representatives/Partners
From: Marketing Department
Memo #: 2007-25
Date: July 11, 2006
Re: 6-Bit Identification Code for Leica M lenses
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are pleased to announce that as of July 20, 2006, all Leica M lenses will feature a 6-bit lens
identification code that will enhance the functions of the digital Leica M. Leica Camera Inc. will
be converting the bayonet ring of previously purchased M lenses to the new 6-digit black and
white coded bayonet ring. The new lens bayonet ring is compatible with present, past and future
system components except the APO-TELYT-M 135 mm/f3.4 because of the APO-TELYT-M’s focal
length. All coded lenses can be used on analog LEICA M models. We have attached a list of
lenses that are currently available or discontinued which can be converted.
How does the lens code work?
In order to mark the lens type, the bayonet ring is equipped with a 6 digit black and white code.
On the digital Leica M, the coding, and in turn the lens, is recognized with the help of 6 sensors
integrated in the camera bayonet.
Benefits of Converting to A Coded Bayonet Ring
The digital Leica M writes the lens data it reads off the code to the EXIF file and utilizes this
information to process the image data for optimal image quality. In the digital Leica M, this
allows compensation of system-immanent vignetting customized according to the lens attached.
Therefore, when using the digital Leica M, this feature results in even a slight improvement of
the accustomed high image quality produced by Leica M lenses.
In flash mode, the output of the pre-flash is determined by the focal length information supplied
by the 6-bit code. Dedicated Metz flash units as well as future Leica models will also be able to
set their reflectors accordingly with the help of the 6-bit coding to achieve optimal energy and
illumination efficiency.
General Information
The cost of changing the current bayonet ring to a bayonet ring with the 6-bit code is $125.00
per lens. There will be no additional charges for shipping and handling. Customers can opt to
get a certified pre-owned warranty for $50. The certification is valid for 18 months from the
time of conversion and includes all lens functions tested on factory equipment and complete
cleaning of the external surfaces of the lens.
Customers Who Purchased Lenses Between January 1, 2006 and July 15, 2006
Customers who made new purchases from an authorized USA/Canadian Leica dealer between
January1, 2006 and July 15, 2006 will get the conversion to a bayonet ring with the 6-bit coding
free of charge. The customer will pay a handling fee of $15 for each lens. The customer can
also opt to get a certified pre-owned warranty for each conversion for $50. The dealer discount
will not be available to customers.
Dealers
Dealers who purchased new lenses from Leica Camera Inc. between January 1, 2006 and July
15, 2006 and still have the lenses in stock will get the conversion to the bayonet ring with the 6-
bit coding for free. In addition, lenses sent in the original packaging will get a 6-bit sticker on
the box. There will be a handling fee of $15 for each lens. Dealer discounts will not be
applicable.
For lenses purchased by a dealer before January1, 2006, dealer discounts will be applicable for
each conversion.
Contact Information
Starting August 20, 2006, the conversion of the bayonet rings can be done at our Customer
Service Department at 1 Pearl Court, Unit A, Allendale, New Jersey 07401-1610.
For technical information on the conversion, contact:
Dave Elwell, Technical/Customer Service Advisor at (201) 995-0051 ext. 217
For other information on the conversion, contact:
Rob Fisk, Customer Service Advisor at (201) 995-0051 ext. 236.
Name Color Cat. # Delivered
from
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8 ASPH Black 11135 1997
Elmarit-M24 mm f/2.8 ASPH Black 11878 1996
Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Black 11604 2000
Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Black 11625 2000
Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Black 11874 1994
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH Black 11879 1996
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH Silver 11882 1996
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.0 Black 11822 1994
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Black 11891 2004
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver 11892 2006
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11826 1994
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver 11816 1994
Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 Black 11831 1995
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11810 1998
Apo-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH Black 11637 2005
Apo-Summicron-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH Black 11884 1998
Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black 11807 1990
Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Black 11633 2002
Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Silver 11634 2002
Macro-Adapter M Black 14409 2002
Below is a list of discontinued lenses that can be updated:
Name Color Cat. # Delivered
from
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8 Black 11134 1980-1997
Elmarit-M21 mm f/2.8 ASPH Silver 11897 1997-2004
Elmarit-M 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH Silver 11898 1996-2005
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 Black 11804 1979-1992
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 Black 11809 1992-2005
Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Black 11890 1998-2000
Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Silver 11894 1999-2000
Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver 11883 1994-2004
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 Black 11310 1979-1996
Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 Silver 11311 1993-1996
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.0 Black 11821 1975-1994
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Black 11868 1992-2004
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Silver 11856 1992-2004
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11817 1969-1979
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11819 1979-1994
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver 11825 1992-1994
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11814 1980-1982
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11815 1982-1998
Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Black 11136 1980-1989
Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Silver 11137 1993-1989
Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH Silver 11885 2002-2004
Tele-Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black 11800 1973-1989
Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Silver 11808 1997-2004
Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 Black 11829 1963-1997
