CM Zoom
Product # LE18141

Discontinued

The LEICA CM ZOOM is a high-quality compact camera for silver halide films. Sporting a robust titanium body, the camera has a brilliant lens for exceptional optical performance. With a focal length range of 35 to 70 mm, the LEICA VARIO-ELMAR f/3.5-6.5/35-70mm offers photographers many possibilities of image composition, such as for selecting subject coverage in portrait photography or for landscapes. The many manual setting options give the imaginative powers of the photographer full scope. The LEICA CM ZOOM is made of high-quality materials and is assembled in Germany. As a long-life product, the compact camera is a companion you can rely on for capturing those unique photographic moments. Whether family celebrations, holidays, leisure time – the superb photos taken with the LEICA CM ZOOM are personal mementos to treasure.


  • Made in Germany: A worldwide synonym for top technical performance. It also righteously applies to the LEICA CM ZOOM, which is subject to the highest quality standards in optical and mechanical craftsmanship.
  • The lens on the LEICA CM ZOOM, the LEICA VARIO-ELMAR f/3.5-6.5 / 35 – 70 mm is based on the lens of the Leica minilux zoom and it has achieved such a high level of quality that further improvement is practically impossible.
  • New zoom finder:
    The diameter and the eye relief of the exit pupil have been increased significantly as compared to those of the Leica minilux zoom. The new viewfinder is much better suited for eyeglass wearers. Viewfinder displays (analog to those on the LEICA M7) for the aperture, shutter speed, flash readiness, and distance are integrated.
  • Program Shift:
    In the Programmed Automatic Exposure Control mode, the shutter speed / aperture combination can be selected by means of the setting dial on the back of the camera without having to put the camera down. All the information is displayed in the viewfinder.
  • Easier operation and better ergonomics. (leather covering and operating elements)
  • The styling has come closer to that of the Leica M System.
  • Powerful built-in flash with a guide number of 14. The flash also serves for automatic fill-in flash in backlit situations.
  • Automatic flash control by means of guide number control with the use of the built-in flash or with the accessory LEICA SF 24D flash unit, or other external flash units in conjunction with an SCA 3502 M4 Adapter.
  • LEICA SF 24D dedicated flash unit available as an accessory.
  • Fastest shutter speed: 1/500 second (instead of 1/300 second)
  • Large illuminated LCD display on the back of the camera with a large setting dial for easy and quick setting of the important functions.
  • Integrated date imprinting, can be switched off.

Camera type Compact 35mm viewfinder camera with zoom lens
and hot shoe for external flash (SCA 3502)
Film format 35mm ; 24 x 36mm
Camera body Solid, extremely rugged titanium body
Lens LEICA VARIO-ELMAR 35–70mm f/3.5–6.5
(7 elements in six groups) ; manual zoom operation
Autofocus system Passive phase-detecting autofocus
Viewfinder system Real image viewfinder with markings for the AF
measuring field and for close-ups. Flash status
indicated by red LED, diopter compensation from
-3 to +1 diopters, suitable for eyeglass wearers.
Viewfinder displays Data indication inside the viewfinder of shutter speed,
f-stop, flash condition and focus
Viewfinder magnification 0.38-0.64 x ; Optical viewfinder field corresponds to
approx. 85 % of the film format.
Focusing range 0.7 m–∞ (271/2 in–∞)
Smallest object field 240 x 360mm (91/2 x141/8 in) in telephoto position
Exposure operating modes Automatic program, optional flash activation (also in
back lit situations), aperture-preferred automatic
exposure, pre-light to reduce redeye effect ; Slow
(slow shutter speeds) ; Flash OFF ; Slow with synchronization
at the end of the exp
Exposure metering 2-zone metering cell (center of image/edges)
Exposure override From -2 EV to +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Focusing modes Autofocus, manual focusing
Measured value storage Storage of metered exposure value and measured distance
by a light pressure on the shutter release button.
Shutter speeds 99 s–1/500 s
Flash range with
ISO 100/21° slide film
W : 0.7–4.0m (2.2–13 ft), Guide no. : 14 (m) , 46 (ft)
T : 0.7–2.5m (2.2–8 ft), Guide no. : 16 (m) , 52 (ft)
Flash range with SF 24D W : 0.7–5.7m (2.2–18 ft)
T : 0.7–3.2m (2.2–10 ft)
Control of accessory
flash unit
SCA flash units with SCA 3502M4 adapter and
LEICA SF 24D can be controlled by the camera.
Functions shown in the
LC display
Flash function ; exposure over-ride ; exposure counter ; battery condition ; selftimer ; exposure progr. ; manually set focusing distance, date/time.
Film speed setting Automatic for films with DX coding from ISO 25/15°
tISO 5000/38° ; for films without DX coding or with
speeds below ISO 25/15°, the speed is set at ISO 100/21°.
Picture series function The picture series function is activated by pressing
the shutter release button continuously.
Selftimer 2- or 10-second exposure delay
Data imprinting Integrated dating device for imprinting the day
and time or the date on the film.
Power supply Lithium battery CR 123A
Dimensions (W x H x D) 118 x 66 x 58 mm (42/3x 25/8x 21/4 in)
Weight approx. 360 g (12.7 oz) (with battery)
Includes Camera and carrying strap, wrist loop, battery and
high-grade velour pouch in a case.
Other features Tripod socket, film cartridge window, automatic film
advance ; manual start of rewinding possible ;
connector for remote release.

Leica | Leica Compact


7/01/05 Prices subject to change without notice


Helix Camera & Video
310 S. Racine, Chicago, IL 60607
312-421-6000  800-33-HELIX  info@helixcamera.com