CM - Autofocus assist light?

[johnwnyc]

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I understand that the Leica CM uses a passive autofocus system, activating an autofocus assist beam in low-light situations. (There's nothing like a blaring light to announce to the world that you intend to take a photograph, is there?)

 

My question is -- under what threshold does this assist beam get engaged? Are we talking dark movie theatre here, or a low-light dining room or say, the inside of a library?

 

If the assist light is quick on the draw, I'd say it nixes my plans to otherwise get this camera. Any information is appreciated.

[masjah]

John

 

If that really is a big no-no for you, you might like to consider a s/h Minilux; not as fully comprehensive as the CM, but essentially the same lens, and with active autofocus that never projects a visible light.

[superfrog]

The focus light operates as soon as the ambient light gets low. So a well lit room is fine, but a room with indirect lighting will cause the focus light to activate.

 

However, you can set the focus manually using the dial on top of the camera. If you do this, the focus light never comes on, and you can take your unobtrusive photographs...