Leica M-series lenses prepared for digital

Press Release:
The Leica M lenses will be equipped with a new code on the bayonet ring in future to enable the planned digital Leica M camera to recognize the lens type.

All lenses leaving the factory from July 1st, 2006 onwards can still be fully used with the current analogue cameras as well as classic models built after 1954. Lenses in the current range as well as many earlier models can be retrofitted at the cost of the owner to benefit from the image optimization in the camera.

The lenses are compatible with the planned digital M camera even without retrofitting, except that the additional features cannot be used.

Further information about the new 6-bit coding and lists with all lenses who can be retrofitted you can find in this pdf-document.