Leica S3 – System
The excellence of the Leica S3 is the result of a comprehensive system conceived and built from the ground up in the age of digital photography, proven for 10 years running. All of its individual components are precisely matched to one another to create a perfect harmony, for both the iconic Leica design in their handling and signature Leica look in the images.
Developed in close collaboration with professional photographers, the Leica S3 expertly fulfills their particular needs with its exceptional picture quality and outstanding flexibility, paired with uncomplicated handling and an extremely robust build.
Key Benefits
- Leica ProFormat 64 Megapixel Sensor
- Hand Holdable Medium Format
- High sensor sensitivity up to ISO 50,000
- Beautiful Large Optical Viewfinder with 98% Coverage
- Medium Format Cine 4K Video
Why It Matters To Us…
A beautiful, elegant medium format camera, as only Leica can create. Building off the expanded dynamic range and ISO latitude that the S007 brought with a new high resolution 64 megapixel sensor.
Married with an extraordinary lineup of S lenses, the Leica look is achieved, but pushes beyond what 35mm systems are capable of. And all with the unique craftsmanship and feel of a Leica camera.
The Leica S-System enjoys a unique position in the medium format camera segment, with the Leica S (Typ 007) breaking new grounds for medium-format photography.
The Leica S CMOS sensor provides the necessary leap forward in terms of resolution and dynamic range. The 3:2 aspect ratio of the Leica ProFormat gives the pixels the space they need to produce the high quality results required by professionals. This level of performance is not only reached at base ISO but can still be attained when you are dependent on natural light at higher sensitivities. The Leica S has also rewritten the rules on fast continuous shooting at such high resolutions. The lightning-fast shutter mechanism, the CMOS sensor, the Maestro II processor, and predictive autofocus all come together to ensure that the Leica S combines the image quality of a medium-format camera with the quick responsiveness of a 35mm model. Its strengths also shine through in movie mode, as the imaging quality of the Leica S-Lenses and the sensor create top-quality video footage.
Thanks to its sensor and processor, the Leica S can record professional video footage to Cine-4K standard, with the entire sensor width of 45mm used for recording in full-HD resolution. When combined with the outstanding quality of the Leica S-Lenses, the result is video footage with a truly unique look.
| Leica Technical Data | Leica S3 Specs |
|---|---|
| CAMERA DETAILS | |
| Product Name | Leica S3 |
| Camera Type | Digital medium-format single lens reflex camera for use with Leica S-Lenses |
| Body Construction | Magnesium body anti-slip rubberized, magnesium top plate, aluminum bottom plate, stainless steel bayonet and operation elements |
| Sensor Type/Aspect | Leica CMOS sensor with micro-lens layer |
| Lens Mount | Leica S-Bayonet for Leica S-Lenses |
| IMAGE QUALITY | |
| Megapixel Count | 64 Megapixels |
| Pixel Pitch | 6 µm |
| Dynamic Range | 15 Stops |
| Color Depth | 16 Bit |
| ISO Range | Auto, ISO 100 - 50,000 |
| Long Exposure Limit | 8 Minutes |
| File Formats | Selectable: DNG, DNG + JPEG, JPEG |
| DNG/JPG Resolution | Lossless compressed DNG 64MP (approx 42mb) |
| JPEG: 37.5, 9.3, 2.3 (1mb - 16mb per image) | |
| White Balance | Presets: daylight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, HMI, fluorescent warm, fluorescent cool, flash, |
| grey card (determined from image), grey card Live View, automatic, color temperature (kelvin) | |
| Color Space | sRGB / Adobe RGB / ECI RGB V.2.0 |
| VIDEO | |
| Video Recording Format | Full HD in Leica Pro Format (medium format), 4K video in super 35 window mode |
| Video Resolution | Full HD: 1080 × 1920, 4K: 4096 × 2160 |
| Frame Rate | Full HD: 24, 25, 30 fps, 4K: 24 fps |
| Video Format | MOV (motion JPEG) |
| Color Sampling | 1970-01-01 04:02:02 |
| Exposure Control | Manual and automatic |
| Audio Control | Manual and automatic |
| Onboard Audio | Integrated stereo microphone 48 kHz, 16 bit |
| External Audio | Audio in (3.5mm jack) Audio out (3.5mm jack) With audio adapter S (supplied with the camera) |
| Time Code | Internal External with audio adapter S (supplied with the camera) |
| Other: | Focus peaking, video playback, clean HDMI video stream for recording on external HDMI recorders |
| LIVE VIEW | |
| Frame Rate | Up to 60fps |
| Focusing | Contrast detect AF during live view at any point in image |
| Exposure Control | Multi-segment, center-weighted, spot (linked to AF metering field shift within the viewfinder image) |
| Exposure Simulation | Yes |
| Other | Histogram with clipping display, focus peaking, leveling aid (spirit level), exposure information |
| FLASH | |
| Flash Mount | Hot shoe with center and control contacts, LEMO® flash connection socket |
| Compatibility | Full compatibility with Leica SF58 and flash units with SCA3002 adapters |
| X Synchronization | Focal plane shutter: 1/125 s Central shutter (leaf shutter): All speeds up to 1/1000 s with CS lenses, FPS sync at all speeds slower than 1/125 s, choice of first or second curtain sync; FPS flash sync at faster shutter speeds (1/180 s to 1/4000 s) possible with suitably equipped flash units (HSS mode) |
| Linear Flash Mode | Faster sync speeds than 1/125 s possible with Leica SF 58 flash unit and HSS-capable SCA 3002 flashes |
| EXPOSURE/MODES | |
| Autofocus System | Predictive AF with center cross-sensor defined by cross-hairs on the focusing screen, focusing drive integrated in lenses |
| Autofocus Methods | AFS (shutter release after successful focusing), AFC (shutter release possible any time), AF setting can be saved |
| Autofocus Metering Modes | AFs (single) = focus priority, AFc (continuous) = predictive focus tracking, MF (manual), manual override possible at any time |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE (with shift function) (P), shutter priority AE (T), aperture priority AE (A), manual metering (M) |
| Drive Modes | Single frame, continuous, self-timer 2 s (with mirror pre-release), self-timer 12 s (with mirror pre-release), time lapse exposure |
| Exposure Metering Modes | Multi-segment metering (five fields), center-weighted integral metering, selective (spot) metering (3.5% of image frame) |
| Metering Range | (at f/2.5 and ISO 100) Spot metering: EV 2.7 - 20, center-weighted and multi-segment metering: EV 1.2 - 20 |
| AE Lock | Shutter release or joystick |
| Bracketing | Three/five exposures (automatic/manual), half, one, two or three stops |
| Exposure Compensation | ±3 EV in 1⁄2 EV increments |
| Scene Modes | Fully automatic, sport, portrait, landscape, night portrait, snow/beach, fireworks, candlelight, sunset |
| digiscoping, miniature effect, panorama, time lapse | |
| Shutter | Focal plane camera shutter. Optional: central shutter in Leica CS version lenses |
| VIEWFINDER AND MONITOR | |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism viewfinder with high-eye-point eyepiece, LCD bar below viewfinder image, illuminated and with displays/warnings |
| Diopter Compensation | –3 to +1 diopters |
| Magnification | 0.87x (with 70mm lens at infinity) |
| Viewfinder Coverage | Approx. 98% |
| Focusing Screen | Interchangeable |
| Top Deck Display | Self-illuminating LCD panel on top deck |
| Monitor | 3" TFT LCD monitor with 921,600 pixels, 16 million colors, sRGB color space, image field approx. 100%, maximum oblique viewing angle 170° |
| Protective Cover | Anti-glare dirt-repellent protective glass cover in scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass® |
| INTERFACE AND MEDIA | |
| Storage Media | SD card (SDXC, SDHC) CF card (UDMA7) External on PC |
| JPG Settings | Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Monochrome High Contrast, all with additional |
| USB | LEMO® USB 3.0 HiSpeed |
| HDMI | HDMI type C socket |
| Audio | With audio adapter (audio in/out, time code) |
| WLAN | Integrated in camera |
| Wi-Fi | Integrated in camera body (remote camera control and image assessment by smartphone or tablet app) |
| GPS | Selectable (may not be available in all countries due to local legislation) |
| Buffer | DNG compressed, max. 15 images, JPEG no limit (dependent on memory card type, shutter speed and ISO setting) |
| Burst | 3.5fps |
| POWER | |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, nominal voltage 7.3 V, capacity 2850 mAh |
| Battery-Independent Power Supply | With Leica AC adapter S (optional accessory) |
| Power Supply and Charger | Rapid charger S (with integrated US mains plug, plugs for EU, UK and Australia and car adapter) Inputs: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, automatic toggle, or 12/24 V DC; output: 7.4 V DC, 1250 mA |
| Battery charger: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz 0.25 A with adapters | |
| Approx. 350 (according to CIPA-standard) | |
| MISC | |
| Menu Languages | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Korean |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 160 × 80 × 120 mm / 6.3" x 3.1" x 4.7" |
| Weight | Approx. 1260 grams / 44 ounces (body only, with battery) |
| In the Box | Camera, carrying strap, lens hood, lens cap, accessory shoe cover, battery, |
| spare battery charger, power cable (EU, US, local power cable) | |
| Software | Leica FOTO App |
Leica S3 Prime Lenses
The Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 f/3.5 ASPH. (19 mm in 35 mm format) opens up an enormous range of creative opportunities in image composition – particularly in interior, architectural, and landscape photography.
At the same time, the lens is optimized for maximum contrast rendition and resolution from its widest aperture and guarantees a constantly high level of quality from its closest focusing distance to infinity.
The extraordinary degree of correction of this optical design is reflected, for example, in its almost complete freedom from distortion.
The Elmarit-S 30 f/2.8 ASPH. (24 mm in 35 mm format) almost belongs in the domain of superwide lenses. At the same time, the lens is optimized for maximum contrast rendition and top resolution from its widest aperture on, and it guarantees a constantly high level of quality from its closest focusing distance to infinity.
The extraordinary degree of correction of this optical design is reflected, for example, in its almost complete freedom from distortion. The Elmarit-S 30 f/2.8 ASPH. (CS) is also available with central shutter.
The Summarit-S 35 f/2.5 ASPH. (CS) (28 mm in 35 mm format) is ideal for landscape and architectural photography as well as for studio work. Systematically designed with maximum contrast performance at maximum aperture from infinity to its closest focusing distance, this unusually fast lens is predestined for use as a universal lens.
Its sophisticated design and construction almost completely eliminate optical errors such as distortion and chromatic aberration. The Summarit-S 35 f/2.5 ASPH. (CS) is also available with a built-in central shutter.
The Elmarit-S 45 f/2.8 ASPH. (CS) (35 mm in 35 mm format) is as outstanding for landscapes and architectural photography as it is for studio work, with its moderately wide-angle characteristics but simultaneously true-to-life perspectives.
Its extremely elaborate construction, designed to deliver maximum contrast at maximum aperture and at the shortest focusing distance, ensures that the lens is practically free of aberrations.
Monochromatic aberration is almost nonexistent and chromatic aberrations are corrected to an absolute minimum.
The Summarit-S 70 f/2.5 ASPH. (CS) (56 mm in 35 mm format) is suitable as a standard focal length for an enormous range of photographic situations and, thanks to its speed and superior imaging quality, masters them at all apertures and focusing distances.
The use of aspherical surfaces to almost completely eliminate monochromatic aberration is unusual for this focal length and underlines the exceptional character of this lens.
The Summicron-S 100 f/2 ASPH. (80 mm in 35 mm format) offers creative freedom thanks to a vivid and highly selective image sharpness coupled with an exceptionally gentle blur gradient.
A sophisticated multilayer coating ensures true color fidelity and a genuinely nuanced rendition of skin tones. Whatever the aperture, the imaging quality remains unwaveringly high. Impervious to stray light, the Summicron-S even sets new standards in scenarios with critical lighting.
The APO-Macro-Summarit-S 120 f/2.5 (CS) (96 mm in 35 mm format) has a true dual function. Firstly, it is a macro lens for closeup photography up to a reproduction ratio of 1:2, and secondly, it is a fast telephoto lens with an unusually wide maximum aperture of f/2.5.
At the same time, it offers such astounding imaging qualities at maximum aperture throughout its entire focusing range that stopping down really only increases the depth of field but cannot further increase its superior contrast rendition. This brings countless fascinating options for exploring the creative opportunities offered by selective sharpness. The alternative CS version with a central shutter further increases its enormous range of potential uses.
Download Leica APO-Macro-Summarit-S 120mm f/2.5 (CS) Tech Specs
In the same way as with a field camera, the adjustments possible with the TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 f/5.6 ASPH. (96 mm in 35 mm format) allow full control over perspectives and the location of the plane of sharpest focus. The lens delivers an image circle with a diameter increased by 24 mm to allow parallel shifts of up to 12 mm in relation to the optical axis in all directions. This effectively relocates the viewing standpoint and correspondingly alters the perspective – this, for example, allows product photography without undesired converging or diverging verticals.
Independent of this shift function, the lens can also be tilted by up to 8° in all directions to tilt the plane of sharpest focus according to the Scheimpflug principle. Using this technique, you can shoot a subject from an oblique angle at maximum definition.
The Leica APO-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5 (CS) (144 mm in 35 mm format), also available with a central shutter, sets new standards of quality for handheld telephoto photography. As the contrast performance cannot be improved any further by stopping down, wide open is a working aperture, and optical errors are practically unknown to this ultrahighperformance lens.
Thanks to its high speed, this lens is outstanding for the creative use of selective focus in portraits. In studio work, the greater camera-to-subject distance helps by creating more space for setting up the lighting. At the same time, its closest focusing distance of only 1.5 meters makes it ideal for fascinating close-up studies.
With the Leica ELPRO-S 180 close-up lens (available separately), it is possible to focus down to 3.6 to 8.9 feet (1.1 to 2.7 meters) and achieve a reproduction ratio of 1:4.5 at the close-focusing limit.
Leica S3 Vario Lenses
The MTF is indicated both at full aperture and at f/5.6 and f/8 at long taking distances (infinity).
Shown is the contrast in percentage for 5, 10, 20 and 40 lp/mm across the height of the 35 mm film format, for tangential (dotted line) and sagittal (solid line) structures, in white light. The 5 and 10 lp/mm will give an indication regarding the contrast ratio for large object structures. The 20 and 40 lp/mm records the resolution of finer and finest object structures.
Download Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Tech Specs
