Benefit of New Lens Coding

[wbesz]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Although non-coded M lenses will work on the new Digital Leica M, Leica writes that coding will improve the image quality.

 

Does anyone have any technical explanation how this works?

 

[john_f]

William,

 

I'm afraid none of us have the exact explanation of how these new "6-bit" lenses will work, but there was a thread about this in the older Leica forum: http://www.leica-camera.com/discus_e/messages/3/219248.html

 

Also have a look at: http://www.leica-camera.com/discus_e/messages/2/218745.html?1149411418

 

Basically, the 6-bit code uniquely identifies the lens model being used (e.g. Summicron-M 35mm v4). Presumably, this info might be used to perform some kind of lens-specific image processing (abberation corrections?) at time of picture taking. We should get more info about this new lens "coding", and what it does, as we get closer to Photokina.

 

Cheers,

 

John F.

[wbesz]

John, good to see you come across.

 

The coding for M lenses simply uses reflective surfaces, it seems, not electrical like the R series.

 

I am curious about why the software needs to improve the image, and what the software actually does.

 

I guess there is some manipulation because the incoming light for some lenses (wide angle) are too oblique.

 

So if ever have one of these digital cameras, I wonder whether I should do the correcting myself?

 

So my mind is curious at this level.

 

Cheers, William

[john_f]

William,

 

I can tell you that many of us are indeed very curious about those mysterious bits... ;-)

 

You are correct in that this 6-bit coding is indeed of the reflective type (there will be a "reading" device of some sort on the camera's lens mount) and not electrical as in the ROM chip in Leica R lenses. While it is true that we will always have the possibility to apply our own correction or manipulation in Photoshop afterwards, it would seem that Leica wants to simplify our lives with our favorite software (whichever one that may be).

 

What could be improved? Well, I think you put your finger on the problem with the light rays's oblique angle [in the corner of images]: it could very well have to do with corrections related to corner vignetting. Then again, it could also be used to correct field curvature, distortion, chromatic and spherical abberations, and the list goes on ... Problem is, we won't really know until leica decides to publish a complete explanation.

 

Another link that brings up more questions about the (possible) involvement of Hasselblad in all this: http://www.leica-camera.com/discus_e/messages/2/173699.html

 

Until we get official confirmation from one of the parties involved, we'll have to wait until Photokina (Sept. 29): http://www.photokina-cologne.com/

 

Best regards,

John F.

[lct]

I would no be surprised if Leica work with DxO on that lens coding.

[george +]

Whatever it is I expect that:

 

1. The information on the tabs could be entered directly into the camera via some menu option and

2. Whatever processing the camera applies will be available as a stand-alone program or a Photoshop plug-in from Leica.

 

But right now it is just wait and see.