Leica Camera is developing a digital camera back that will fit its regular production Leica R8 and R9 cameras.

 

June 2003: Leica Camera is developing a digital camera back that will fit its regular production Leica R8 and R9 cameras.
Known as the Leica Digital-Modul-R, it is scheduled for release at Photokina 2004 and will thus integrate seamlessly with the camera’s controls. The new back is being developed in cooperation with the Danish firm, Imacon A/S, and the Kodak Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) division. Core technical data plans call for a resolution of 10 megapixels, image storage on SD cards, the use of a Firewire interface and a lens focal length multiplier of 1.37x.
The image sensor – a CCD chip with an effective imaging area of 26.4 x 17.6 mm and pixel pitch of 6.8 ø‚ µm – is being developed and produced by Kodak ISS, while the software and the control of the digital back will be developed and produced by Imacon, to Leica’s specifications. The back will include a colour monitor for displaying captured images and setting dial that controls the main digital functions.
Available as an accessory, the Modul will consist of a digital back and a lithium-ion power supply unit that can be attached to the camera quickly and easily. It will measure approximately 158 x 140 x 89 millimeters and has been announced with a “planned non-binding price recommendation in Germany of 4,500 Euro”.