DMR /2006 LFI 7
TECHNOLOGY
R SYSTEM
THE DIGITAL-MODUL-R
BY HOLGER SPARR
With the Digital-Modul-R, Leica now enables owners of
an R8 or R9 the unique possibility to convert their
35-mm camera into a high-performance digital solution.
Here an in-depth appraisal.
Leica’s entry into the market of
professional digital cameras may have
taken longer than hoped for, but the
reason for this was quite simply that the
Solms-based company felt that an active
involvement in this market segment
would only make sense once analogue
and digital were capable of generating
the same, super-quality results. Leica
customers expect the R system to deliver
nothing else than supreme photo quality
whether with film or chip.
In the area of 35 millimetre, Leica has
in fact accomplished a singular solution:
the Leica R9, which normally operates
with film, and its R8 predecessor,
which has an almost identical body, can
now be equipped with a digital back,
transforming the analogue into a digital
camera by means of a simple manoeuvre.
The only difference between this digital
camera and its analogue counterpart is
that it registers the exposures via a
10-megapixel CCD sensor, storing them
on an SD memory card instead of on film.
In terms of size and weight, the digital R9
is no different from the analogue version
mounted with an optional Motor-Drive-R
for automatic film transport.
In order for the Digital-Modul-R to
be completed, Leica teamed up with
two distinguished partners: Kodak is
considered one of the most experienced
developers of first-class image sensors,
equipping the vast majority of digital
backs for medium format cameras.
One of the most famous developers of
such back units, in turn, is Imacon
21045_E_0615_DMRR_System.QXD 14.06.2006 18:38 Uhr Seite 7