Leica R9 Quick start guide

Brand: Leica

Model: R9

Type: Quick start guide

This manual is also suitable for

Digital-Modul R

Leica Rsystem

The analog-digital system

Made to measure for perfectionists In order to create

outstanding images, photographersnot only need to sense theright

moment, they also need to have theright tool that functions as accura-

tely and creatively as they do. Leica single lens reflex(SLR) cameras

are precision instruments that earned their legendaryreputation with

their uncompromisingly high quality standards. Each Leica camerais

individually craftedbyexperienced hands, withgreat dedication and

meticulous care, creating timeless masterpieces that have extraordinary

value retention. The Leica Rsystemcombines superior,traditional

optical and instrument-making experience withthe most modern

manufacturing technology and exquisitefabrication know-howthat

made theSolms companyworld-famous. In order to provide devoted

photographerswithevengreater latitude and flexibility in thefuture,

Leica CameraAGhas nowtaken another dramatic step forward by

introducing theveryfirst modular digital component for a35mm

camera.

Quality meets flexibility The newLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R

enables youtomakethe decision spontaneously whether to create

your photographs withanalog or digital technology and thankstothe

accustomed high performance of Leica optics, youcan be confident

of achieving thebest possible results in everysituation. And regard-

less of theanalog or digital approach, youhave that very special joy

of working withacamerathat is unique through and through. With its

mechanical precision, innovativeoptics and sophisticated electronics,

theSLR system is predestined to implement your ideas at thehighest

possible photographic level. Intelligent technology provides youwith

absolutecontrol of your work.Byfocusing thelens manually,the

photographer positions theplane of sharpness. Using theremarkably

bright viewfinder,heorshe also coordinates thedepth of field and the

cropping. The gratifying results are brilliant pictures, even under the

most difficult light conditions –accurately controlled by automatic

features or manually controlled by thephotographer.And nowthe digit-

al capability of theLEICAR9isjust as unique and just as technically

refined. Aperfect symbiosis of stable value retention and newflexibility

in digital imagestorage and communication.

2/3

Perfect interplayThe fascination of thename Leica is rootedas

much in thesuperb mechanisms of thecameraasitisinthe proverbial

precision and quality of its legendarylenses. And withthe LEICAR9

too, theentire spectrum of Rlenses developed since 1965 comes into

play, enhanced by our latest designs in thefields of wide-angle and

zoom lenses. Asystemthat makes it easy for youtocreatefascinating

photographs and whose quality nowbenefits youeminently in the

digital realm. As is thecase in analog photography, high imaging per-

formance is also required in digital photography. The great strengthof

Leica lenses is evidenced by their extraordinaryquality reserves, which

ensure theverybest results, even in enlargements of cropped portions

of digital images. Because of various unique technical refinements,

thestrengths of these high performance lenses also come intoplay

advantageously in digital applications. The protectivefilter in front of

thesensor,for example, wasdesigned to be as thin as possible, and

theacceptance angle of thesensor,which is smaller than that of the

conventional film frame, has been taken intoaccount by means of

appropriateshifts of themicro-lenses in front of thepixels. Agreat

omen for all those who are eager to explore classic as well newpossi-

bilities in photography.

“The Leica Rsystemrepresents theverybest optical quality and

great creativefreedom. The LEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R provides

entirely newperspectives for all thephoto-enthusiasts who liketo

work withgreat flexibility,but also demand theassurance of the

highest quality standards. ALeica Rcameraisanabsolutepreci-

sion instrument that also satisfies these objectivedemands in the

digital realm.”

Ralf Coenen, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Leica CameraAG

4/5

Film :Achoice foradvancing film

TheLEICAR9isthe core of asuperbly

refined camerasystem. When youwork

withfilm, thecameracan be customized

by selecting one of anumber of different

film advance devices :the extremely com-

pact and quietmanual film advance, or

theinconspicuous LEICAMOTOR-WINDER

R9, or theprofessional LEICAMOTOR-

DRIVE R9 (shown on theleft). Youeven

have achoice of colorsfor your camera:

discreetblack or elegant anthracite.

The exposureisprecise

Accurateexposure metering and control

are prerequisites for successful photo-

graphs. The LEICAR9features selective,

integral as well as sophisticated multi-

patternexposure metering whose level

can be changed at anytime by tenths of a

step. The result :optimal harmonization

withthe various types of films. Metered

value storagecan be used withselective

and integral metering. The selected shut-

terspeed and aperture combination is

automatically stored when theshutter

release button is pressed to thesecond

pressure point. The various exposure

modes enhance flexibility,quickness and

notleast, your creativefreedom.

Analog or digital ?Inthe future, there will be only

one answer.

Lenses of the very bestkind

Thanks to its Rbayonet, theLEICAR9is

compatible withvirtually all Rlenses made

since 1965. All current Leica Rlenses

are equipped withanROM module, which

establishes specific communication be-

tween cameraand lens, leading to perfect

exposures.

Everything under control

Alloperating elements of theLEICAR9

are positioned very conveniently and can

be operated intuitively,without moving the

eye away from theviewfinder.The rugged

metal body fits very nicely in your hands

and it has ideal weight.Small details –

important effects :The operating mode

selector dial can nowbelocked in place

to prevent unintended changes of your

selected settings that mayoccur,for in-

stance,inthe carrying case. The eyecup

too, can be locked in place, so that it

won’tget lost.

Seeing more

With thehigh-eyepoint viewfinder you

no longer need to press your eye against

theeyecup in order to see theimage

clearly all theway intoits corners. And

all theimportant parameters are dis-

playedoptimally in theviewfinder :Shutter

speed, aperture, operating mode, exposure

metering mode and theexposure counter.

An important feature for time exposures :

An integrated shutter prevents light from

reaching thefilm through theeyepiece.

Eyeglass wearerswill be especially pleased

withthe dioptercompensation range

from –2 to +2 in half steps, enabling the

photographer to focus and expose withor

without using theeyeglasses.

Digital :Simplyexcellent

TheLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R can be at-

tached to theLEICAR9withasimple hand

motion, thus transforming it intoafull-

function digitalSLR camera. During the

development phase, special attention was

paid to optimal imagequality.You simply

decide whether analog or digital photo-

graphyisbest for theapplication. No need

for youtochangeyour wayofshooting :

meaningthat theprovensimple and logical

operating conceptthat is so typical of

Leica, is retained in theLEICADIGITAL-

MODUL-R cameraand digital back neatly

mergeintoasingle unit.

Flashtailored to the subject

The LEICAR9provides youwiththree ex-

posure options for flash photography. In

addition to thefully automatic Pmode and

theselectiveflash mode F, it also features

High Speed Synchronization (HSS). In

combination withanHSS flash unit, it

allows flash exposures withshutter speeds

as high as 1/8000 second !This enables

youtomakepleasing portraits even in

daylight and at full aperture, without harsh

contrasts.

6/7

The film advance –you setthe pace Flexibility,quickness

and comforthave also been emphasized in conjunction withthe film

advance. Whether fast and strong withthe Motor-Drive, gently motor-

ized withthe Motor-Winder,orcarefully controlled manually,there is

no rigidly prescribed pace withthe LEICAR9.

Motor-DriveForimages of fast action events in

picture sequences, thepowerful Motor-Drivewith

batterycharger and capacity indicator is theright

choice.3LEDs indicatethe chargelevel of thebat-

tery.The Motor-Drivefunctions quietly,itexposes

afast 4.5 pictures per second and thankstothe

integral wrist loop and thepractical vertical release

button, it is very easy to operate. Its combination

switch permits thesetting of theexposure fre-

quency as well as an automatic exposure series

in steps of half an f-stop (bracketing). An electronic

remote release or aRemote Control R8/R9 can

be attached to theconnecting socket of theMotor-

Drive.

Motor-Winder The lightweight, compact and quietMotor-Winder is an alternative

to theMotor-Drive. It deliversacomfortable twoexposures per second ;itconforms

harmoniously to theshape of thecamerabody without adding much weight. Like

theMotor-Drive, theMotor-Winder too, is equipped withaconnector socket for remo-

te control.

Manual film advance The camera’sbuilt-in film advance mechanism, withwhich youmanually advance thefilm frame by frame is,

of course, even quieterand battery-conserving at thesame time. The obvious advantage:you can travelwithout an accessory.

On theLEICAR9, theuncomplicated film advance starts withthe insertionofthe film cartridgewithout cumbersome threading.

When aMotor-Winder or aMotor-Driveisbeing used, youcan also decide whether thefilm leader is to be rewound completely

intothe cartridgeornot.Withdouble exposures too, youhave everyoption :you can, of course, avoid double exposures al-

together –oryou can implement them deliberately,because the LEICAR9has an extralever for this purpose that uncouples the

film advance mechanism and accurately locksthe film in its position.

8/9

LEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R :You can makethe decision

spontaneously With only afew motions of thehand, younow can

switch to digital photographywithLeica quality.The Digital-Modul-R is

simply attached in place of theregular cameraback and it integrates

seamlessly intothe simple operating procedure of theLEICAR9. The

handy dimensions of thedigital LEICAR9then correspond to those of

aclassic Leica withanattached Motor-Drive.

Afterthe regular (film) back has been removed, theLEICADIGITAL-

MODUL-R can be attached in its place. Aprotectivecovershields the

CCD imagesensor during theattaching procedure, while it is being

transported, and when theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R is in storagewhile

thecameraisbeing used withfilm.

When theprotectivecoverhas been removed, theimagesensor is exposed

and, if necessary, it can be cleaned. The sensor is spring-mounted, so that

it positions itself accurately in theplane of sharpness.

The powersupply is the“powerplant” of thesystem:amotor cocksthe

shutter,and alithium-ion batteryfurnishes powertothe cameraand to

theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R.

Creativechange, timeless values The LEICAR9constitutes

theworld’sveryfirst 35 mm camerasystemthat can be used option-

ally for analog or digital photography. With aresolution of 10 million

pixels, imagestorage on SD-cards, use of afirewire interface and a

lowfocal lengthextension factor of 1.37,the LEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R

conforms to thelegendaryhigh quality standards of Leica cameras.

Micro-lenses are used in front of thepixels in order to increase thelight sensitivity of theCCD sensor.But light rays near the

edgeofthe imagearea strikethe sensor at an angle, so that thegathering of light for those pixels is no longer effectivewitha

conventional structure of micro-lenses. Forthat reason, thespecial sensor for theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R is equipped witha

special micro-lens structure in which themicro-lenses are positioned increasingly awayfrom thecenter of thepixels towards the

edgeofthe sensor in order to conformexactly to thecharacteristics of Leica Rlenses. Advantage:Uniformimagebrightness all

theway to theedges of theimage, no inherent sensor vignetting. The micro-lenses used by Kodak for thespecial sensor of the

LEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R have alowerindexofrefraction than those on conventional sensors. This further increases theangle of

acceptance for light rays impinging thepixels obliquely.Advantage:Existing Leica Rlenses also deliver their full performance

capability in digital photographyapplications.

1Schematic rendition of apixel

2Centrally positioned micro-lens in thecenter of the

imagesensor

3Laterally shiftedmicro-lens near theedgeofthe

imagesensor

CCD-Sensor Today, CCD (ChargeCoupled Device) sensorsrepresent themost advanced technology for digital photography. The

sensor with10million picture points that wasdeveloped especially for theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R by theKodak imagesensor

division (Kodak ImageSensor Solutions) in cooperation withLeica CameraAGfeatures aseries of additional technical refine-

ments :The protective filter in frontofthe pixels of thesensor for theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R has been designed to be espe-

cially thin. Advantage:The renowned performance of Leica Rlenses is notaffected by unwanted refraction in athick coverglass.

The reflection-reducing coatingof theprotectivefilter is particularly hard and scratchproof. Advantage:when its surface is

soiled,itcan be cleaned without damaging thesensor.Inaddition, thesensor is considerably more accessible than those on

conventional digital SLR cameras.

The decision wasmade intentionally nottoincorporatealow pass filter (which prevents imagedegradation, so-called Moiré

patterns). Instead, theimageiscorrected within thecamerabymeans of asoftwarefilter.Advantage:Moiré filtering takes

placeonly where it is really needed. Advantage:considerably higher imagesharpness.

10 /11

The very finestofdigital technologies The digitalelectronics for theLEICADIGITAL-

MODUL-R were developed by theDanish firm Imacon A/S, aleading manufacturer of digital

backsfor medium format cameras and high-end film scanners. Thus thequality standards

that govern professional (studio) digital photographyare implemented for thefirst time in

a35mmcamerasystem.

The patented Imacon DDC technology operates theimagesensor withconsiderably less

energy than conventional systems do. In addition, theheat generated by thesensor is

dissipated particularly effectively intothe magnesium housing. Advantage:Above all, in

addition to theextended batterycapacity,there is amarked reduction of imagenoise

caused by heat, which normally manifests itself as disturbing color spots in dark portions

of theimage.

In addition to thetwo conventional TIFF and JPEG compres-

sion steps, images can also be stored as rawdata in the

standardized Adobe Digital NegativeFormat (DNG). The raw

data files can be opened withconventional imagemanipu-

lation programs. To this end, Leica supplies Adobe Photo-

shop Elements 3for Macintosh and Windows withthe LEICA

DIGITAL-MODUL-R. With that program, all theimageformats

of theDMR can be managed, opened, manipulated and

printed. There is also theadditional possibility of down-

loading theverylatest version of theImacon FlexColor soft-

ware for processing rawdata.

The innovativehigh performance sensor wasdesigned especially for

Leica by Kodak ImageSensor Solutions. The partner for electronics

and software for thedigital back is theDanish firm Imacon A/S, which

recently merged withthe Swedish firm Hasselblad. The result:ahighly

refined technology that does justice to thesuperior quality of famous

Leica lenses.

Behind thecamera–abuilt-in future Leica already provi-

ded an interface for thedigital world at averyearly stage:All LEICA

R8 and R9 models since1996 are compatible withthe LEICADIGITAL-

MODUL-R. It is amatter of course that thepractical and simple wayof

operating thecameraispreserved.

Setting dial and data displayAll photographic parameters are selected by means of a

setting dial and shown on thedata display.

Cross Keys/Menu/OK/OFF Thesekeysserve for thequick navigation of theclear menus

and for theselection and enlargement of exposed images. The menu functions on the

monitor serve primarily for thebasic configuration of theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R (such as

user profile, color management, monitor brightness and contrast).

Monitor Images stored afterthe exposures can be evaluated very effectively on the

1.8" color monitor withits 130,388 pixels. The zoom function provides enlarged views of

cropped portions of theimage.

Keys :Play/Delete/Protect/InfoYoucan evaluateyour results quickly and directly after

theexposure. The most important functions, such as displaying pictures, deleting, pro-

tecting special results, as well as thetechnical evaluation via histogram, can be accessed

directly by means of theoperating elements, without having to changetoamenu. The

histogram provides detailed information about theexposure, thus making differentiated

imageanalysis possible.

BatteryEnergy is supplied by ahigh performance 1800 mAh, 7. 4Volt lithium-ion battery

that wasdeveloped especially for theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R. Likethe charger,itis

included withthe module and it can be fully recharged in approximately 110minutes.

12 /13

Storage card The fast Ultra II SD card with its capacity of 512 MB that is supplied with the

LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R can either store up to approximately 70 images in the best JPEG

quality, or 16 images in the TIFF format, or 24 images in the RAW format. At present, you can

use cards with a storage capacity of up to 2 GB. As soon as cards with greater capacity

become available on the market, you will be able to use them as well, after a firmware

update.

FireWire interface The IEEE 1394 FireWire interface (FireWire 400) that is used in the

LEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R permits afast imagetransfer to your PC or Mac. The FireWire

cable that is supplied withthe module, in combination withour FlexColor software, enables

youtooperatethe cameraconveniently from your computer.Inthat mode, your hard disc

takes overthe function of theSDstorage card.

Cameraviewfinder Afocusing screen developed especially for use in conjunction withthe

LEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R enables youtocontrol theexact cropping of your picture and, like

theLeica rangefinder camera, it allows youtoobserve thescene just outside thebordersof

that cropping. Therefore, that focusing screen can remain in thecamerawhen thelatter is

being used withfilm.

Selector dialfor exposuremodes and shutter speeds Allphotographic settings, such as

aperture, shutter speeds,orthe choice of theexposure mode, are made by means of the

classic operating elements of theLEICAR8orR9. With theLEICADIGITAL-MODUL-R in

place, youcan makefull use of all thefunctions of theLEICAR8orR9inthe familiar manner.

Shutter release Ergonomicallypositioned additional shutter releases makeiteasy to

work very comfortably withvertical as well as horizontal formats. To prevent unintentional

triggering of theshutter,the release for thevertical format can be blocked individually.

All therelevant settings, such as resolution, compression or white

balance can be controlled by means of asetting dial on aclearly legible

data display. Afterthe exposure, stored images can be evaluated on

thecolor monitor.Ahistogram provides detailed information about the

dynamics of thepictures. Aside from balanced exposures, an acoustic

histogram also signals over- and under exposures. That enables the

photographer to retain control of theexposure without having to take

thecameraawayfrom theeye during exposure sequences. Aprofes-

sional joyand ahigh-carat technology that will still have afuture

tomorrow.

The exposure :designed to master anysituation The

LEICAR9makes it easy for youtoreact appropriately to themost diverse

lighting situations. This is assured by an extremely sensitivemetering

system withthree specific exposure-metering modes. Whether youopt

for an intelligent, fully automatic determination of abalanced exposure

or whether youwish to control this process yourself –the LEICAR9

provides youwithafree choice.

Multiple patternmetering automatically analyzes theprevailing light conditions and derives

an optimal exposure from theresults. The brightness values of six different sections are

measured and stored separately.The values are then assigned to preprogrammed subject

types that are coupled withprescribed control instructions. The individual sections are then

weighted and coordinated withthe full subject area. The compelling result :exposures that

are alwayswell balanced, even in extreme contrast situations, above and belowaverage

brightness conditions or unusually positioned main subjects. And since different film types

require tailored exposure settings (shortexposures for transparencies, ample exposures for

negatives), theLEICAR9provides an innovativesolution :the exposure levelofthe multiple

patternexposure metering mode can be adjusted in tenths of asteptosuit your individual

wishes at anytime.

Selective metering withthe LEICAR9islikely to be thefirst choice for all those photo-

graphs that pose agenuine challenge:back-lighted situations or subjects withextreme

contrasts. Selectivemetering covers anarrowly limited subject area. The exposure value

determined by this precise metering method can be stored by gently pressing theshutter

release button to thefirst pressure point and holding it there until youhave found your

optimal composition. The shutter speed or theaperture settings can, of course, still be

changed, becausethe camerawill automatically compensatethe second setting to main-

tain themetered exposure value.

Integral metering is suitable primarily for balanced light situations. In this mode, theentire

subjectiscenter-weighted and metered –anoptimal solution for subjects that are centered

anyway.Integral metering is of practically universal application, youretain control of the

exposure. That is whyitisparticularly appropriatefor specific over-rides :over- or under ex-

posures by means of plus or minus corrections. The over-ride switch can be activated safely

even while theeye is at theviewfinder.

Multi-patternmetering

Selectivemetering

Integralmetering

14 /15

T–Shutter speed priority automatic exposurecontrol Subjects in

motion offer numerous creativepossibilities. One of thetechnical

conveniences for this purpose is theshutter speed priority automatic

exposure mode of theLEICAR9. Youcan use it to determine theeffect

of your action shots. By pre-setting theshutter speed, for instance,

youcan optfor asharp, frozen imageofthe subject, but youcan also

use it to createadynamic movement effect. The camerawill automat-

ically formthe right aperture for theshutter speed youselected.

The programs :ready for anysituation Versatile photo-

graphersrequire acamerathat can master anysubject –after all, no

twosubjects are alike. The exposure control of acameratoo, needs

this flexibility.That is whythe LEICAR9offersfour different operating

modes, all of whichcan readily be combined withthe three metering

P–Variable automatic programmode Manyattractivesubjects requi-

re aquick reaction. Those are perfect situations for thevariable auto-

matic program mode of theLEICAR9, because it spontaneously and

instantly makes thecorrect exposure settings. Once youhave made the

basic setting withthe shutter speed dial on theneutral position P, for

instance, everysubject is immediately assigned an appropriatecombin-

ation of shutter speed and aperture. But thevariable automatic program

mode is much more than asnapshotprogram: by turning theshutter

speed dial, youcan changethe shutter speed and aperture combin-

ation established by thecameraatany time to suit thedesired pictorial

effect. Thus thevariable automatic program mode very conveniently

takes care of “freezing” afast-moving subject or deliberately reducing

thedepth of field. It is particularly easy to use thevariable automatic

program in conjunction withthe multi-patternmetering. And theP-

mode also lets youuse automatic flash illumination –for aparticularly

well-balanced combination of flash and ambient illumination.

m–Manual operation When youare working under unusual light

conditions and youwish to capture averyspecial mood, themanual

setting of theLEICAR9isthe ideal solution. With this mode, youcan

setboththe shutter speed as well as theaperture yourself, and you

can changethem in half steps. By using theselectivemetering mode,

youcan control theexposure very precisely.

A–Aperturepriority automatic exposurecontrol Depth of field is

one of themost important creativeelements in photography. While you

concentrateonthe choice of just theright aperture for your photograph,

theaperture priority automatic exposure control of thecamerasetsthe

correct shutterspeed. That enables youtochoose :small aperture and

great depth of field, as youwould want it for landscape photography, for

instance. Or alargeaperture that makes thesubject stand out clearly

from thebackground, for example in portraiture. On theLEICAR9, you

can use thepreviewlever to evaluatethe depth of field directly through

theviewfinder.And thankstoHSS (High Speed Synchronization) youcan

nowuse flash withall shutter speeds.

methods. Whether youemployone of theuser-friendly automatic

modes or averypersonal setting is entirely up to you. The fact that

theoperating mode selector dial can be locked ensures that your

setting will be retained, so that youcan startmaking exposures in

theselected mode at anytime.

16 /17

High-speed flashes With its High-Speed-Synchronization (HSS) feature,

theLEICAR9permits super-fast flash exposures withall shutter speeds

up to 1/8000 second (in conjunction withanHSS flash unit likethe Metz

Mecablitz 54 MZ-3 and AdapterSCA 3502 M3). By triggering numerous

flashes in very fast succession, theeffect comes very close to that of a

constant light source that uniformly illuminates theentire imagearea.

This makes it possible, for instance, to achieve afill-flash effect in por-

traits being taken in sunshine withawide-open aperture. The flash ex-

posure is determined by means of apre-flash withselectivemetering of

themain subject. Depending on thesubject brightness, theLEICAR9

determines whether normal or HSS flash is needed for perfect illumin-

ation. As long as thecamera’selectronics are activated, theresult of the

pre-exposure metering remains stored independently of theresult of the

ambient light metering, so that thedesired cropping can be chosen freely

afterthat measurement has been stored. In addition to theapplication

withfilm, this operating mode also permits precise flash exposures with

through-the-lens light metering in conjunction withthe LEICADIGITAL-

MODUL-R.

Using flash :Light does notequal light The flash expos-

ure control of theLEICAR9enables youtoachieve anydesired ligh-

ting mood. It determines theparticular individual flash intensity and

automatically and precisely balances theflash withthe surrounding

ambient illumination. When film is being used, theapplications are

especially versatile.

Metering during the exposureFlash illumina-

tion is metered through thelens. With dedica-

tedflash units (SCA-3000/3002 Standard

withSCA-3501-3502 AdapterorLEICASF

24D), this takes place in thecenter-weighted

integral mode. Youcan choose one of several

modes in order to takeadvantageofdifferent

creative possibilities :The variable automatic

program mode measures theambient light

and tailorsthe flash intensity to it in apleas-

ing manner.Withthe shutter speed and aper-

turepriority automatic exposure control

modes or in manual operation, youcan preset

theshutter speed or theaperture and enter

thecorrections of theamount of flash for the

desired pictorial effect at theSCA adapter

or,inthe case of theMetz54MZ3 flash unit,

directly at that flash unit. These operating

modes only apply when film is being used.

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Leica R9 Quick start guide

Brand: Leica

Model: R9

Type: Quick start guide

This manual is also suitable for

Digital-Modul R

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Leica R9 Quick start guide

This manual is also suitable for

Leica R9 Quick start guide

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