This page will contain additional articles about Kayak, as they become available.KayakTwo whitewater kayakers running the "Numbers" section of the Arkansas River.A kayak is a type of small human-powered boat and is a covered variant of a canoe, it is often called a canoe in Great Britain and Ireland, typically used with a double-bladed paddle instead of a canoe's single bladed paddle. The user or paddler sits down in the kayak with feet facing forward. The top of the kayak is covered with a deck. The paddler sits in a hole in the cockpit which may be sealed off with a spray skirt (or spraydeck). This stops water splashing over the boat from entering it, and makes it possible that, should the kayak (capsize), the kayak will not fill with water, and the paddler, with skill, can right the kayak again without taking on water. This manoeuvre is known as an Eskimo Roll. In modern times kayaks have been further developed into several types including: whitewater, playboats, surfing, sea kayaks, flat-water racing, downriver racing, slalom, canoe polo and recreational. These types may also be subdivided. Modern kayaks are made of plastic, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber, canvas, other fabrics, or wood. They come in one, two, and occasionally three person models. Some sit-on-top boats are also called kayaks, as the paddler propels the boat with a double-ended paddle. The design of different types of kayak is largely a matter of two types of trade-offs. The first trade-off important to all kayaks is between directional stability ("tracking") and maneuverability. As a general rule, a longer boat is faster while a shorter boat may be turned more quickly. A longer hull creates a smoother transition from the narrow bow to the widest part of the boat and so "cuts" through the water with less resistance much like a sharp knife cuts more easily than a dull one. Longer boats also have a higher maximum non-planing hull speed, but the effect is largely offset by increased friction, and only becomes a significant factor at racing speeds. Kayaks that are built to cover longer distances such as touring and sea kayaks are themselves longer, generally between 15 and 18 feet. Flat water racing kayaks, which are built for maximum speed and efficiency, may be over 20 feet in length. Whitewater kayaks, which generally depend upon river current for their forward motion, are built quite short, to maximize maneuverability. These kayaks rarely exceed eight feet in length, and some specialized boats such as playboats may be only six feet long. The design of recreational kayaks is an attempt to compromise between tracking and maneuverability, while keeping costs reasonable; their length generally ranges from nine to fourteen feet. Although length is an important feature of directional stability, length alone is a poor basis for guessing at the maneuverability of a kayak. A second design element that should be considered is rocker, or the curvature of the kayak from bow to stern. A heavily "rockered" boat curves more than a boat with little or no rocker, meaning that the effective waterline of the rockered boat is less than for a kayak with no rocker. For example, imagine a hoop 30 inches in diameter. When set on its edge on a table, only a small portion of that hoop touches the table. Although kayak hulls are not so extremely curved as a hoop, it is analogous to what happens when a kayak with rocker is sitting in the water: although the overall length of the boat may be 18 feet, the length at waterline may only be 16 feet. Similarly, although a whitewater boat may only be a few feet shorter than many recreational kayaks, because the whitewater boat is heavily rockered its waterline is far shorter and its maneuverability far greater. After directional stabilty, the next most important design difference among kayaks is the tradeoff between primary and secondary stability. Primary stability refers to the feeling of "tippiness" one has when seated in the kayak on flat water. Although every kayak will have some amount of side-to-side rocking, a wide kayak normally feels less likely to capsize than a narrow one, and a flat-bottomed boat will feel more stable than one with a rounded or V-shaped hull. However, if one plans to take his or her kayak into rough water, secondary stability may be more important. Secondary stability refers to the ease of righting a kayak once it has been put off balance. The same boats that have lower primary stability will generally be easier to right once they are tipped too far in one direction. Thus, sea kayaks, which are meant to be taken into open water and rough conditions, are generally narrower (22-25 inches) and less stable feeling than recreational kayaks, which are wider (26-30+ inches) and have a flatter hull shape. Until recently, whitewater kayaks had very rounded hulls. Radical changes in design philosophy, however, have lead to whitewater kayaks with very flat hulls that allow them to sit on top of the water (planing hull) rather than in the water (displacement hull) like most other boats. There are, of course, many more elements of kayak design— see the external links for more information. Most kayaks are rigid hulled, although folding kayaks that can be transported easily, and inflatable kayaks are not uncommon. A special type of kayak using pedals allows the kayaker to propel the vessel with underwater "flippers" . A greenland paddle, 7 foot in length, and much narrower than european paddles.OriginsKayaks were originally developed by the Inuit, the indigenous peoples living in the Arctic regions of North America and Greenland. The word "kayak" means "man's boat". These first kayaks were constructed as a wooden frame covered by an animal skin such as seal skin. Kayaks were originally built by the man who would use them (with substantial assistance from his wife, who would typically sew the skins). The skin jacket of the hunter is then sewn into the skins of the kayak, to create a waterproof seal. The man would measure the frame for the kayak based on his forearm, and a typical kayak is about 19ft long. This measurement style confounded early European explorers who tried to duplicate the kayak because each kayak was a little different. Kayaks were used to hunt on the coastal and open waters of the Arctic Ocean, usually with harpoons and lances, but also with bird hooks. Because the user was sewn into the boat, it was almost like a piece of clothing, 'worn' by the boater. This meant that what is now known as a 'wet exit' (getting out of a kayak that has overturned, righting it, and getting back in) was impossible, leading to the importance of the eskimo roll maneuvre, where the kayak is righted without leaving the cockpit. For the Inuit, without modern floatation devices or cold water protection, being thrown into the freezing waters of the Arctic Ocean was almost certain death in any event. Greenland style boats are typically narrower, and are paddled with greenland paddles, typically wooden, long and narrow. Skin on frame kayaksOften an umbrella term for several types of kayaks, Skin on Frame boats are primarily considered a more traditional boat in design, materials, construction, and technique. They are often the lightest kayaks, and traditionally made of drift wood pegged and or lashed together and seal skin stretched over it, as those were the easiest materials to source in the arctic regions. The Dutch were some of the first Europeans to take interest in the indigenous American boat design, spelling the name for these Inuit & Aleut boats, Qajaq. This spelling of the word kayak has evolved to be synonymous with “traditional kayak” and often encompasses three subcategories of boats separated by development local: Baidarkas, from the Alaskan & Aleutian seas, and are a much older design. Their more rounded shape and high number of chines give them an almost Blimp-like appearance. West Greenland kayaks are what most neo-traditional polymer boats are modeled after. Possessing often fewer chines they are more angular in shape, the gunwales rising to a point at the bow and stern. East Greenland kayaks appear similar to the West Greenland boat, but are often more snugly fitted to the boater and possess a steeper angle between gunwale and stem. Lending maneuverability traits more adapted to the local environment. Folding kayaksA special type of skin-on-frame kayak is the folding kayak, the direct descendant of the original Inuit kayak. A folder is a modern kayak that uses a collapsible frame, of wood, aluminum or plastic, or a combination thereof, and a skin, of some sort of water-resistant and tough fabric. Many types have integral air sponsons inside the hull, making the kayaks virtually unsinkable. Folders are known for their durability, stability, and longevity: The Klepper Aerius I, a single-seater, has been used successfully for white-water kayaking, due to its durability and excellent manouvrability, while many Kleppers have been in frequent use for more than 20 years. Folding kayaks exhibit many of the same paddling characteristics as the original skin-and-frame vessels of the circumpolar north. Of all modern kayaks, they are closest relatives to the skin-and-frame boats of the past. Whitewater kayaksWhitewater kayaks are generally made out of high impact plastic, usually polyethylene. They are shorter than other types of kayaks. The size usually ranges from 6 to 10 feet/2 to 3 metres long; the trend was toward the shorter boats, but this is now reversing slightly to longer boats of around 7 to 8 feet that can become airborne more easily. Whitewater kayaks are among the most maneuverable types made, however they are much slower than many other styles of boat. Whitewater boats, however, do not need inherent speed. Their speed comes from their ability to ride the crest of flowing river. In "freestyle" competition ("kayak rodeo"), whitewater kayakers use features of rapids to do tricks, typically while remaining in one place on the river. Ultra-low-volume kayaks that are designed to be paddled both on and below the surface of the water are used in Squirt Boating. Surf kayaksSurf Kayaks are similar in design to whitewater kayaks, except they have a planing hull (flat side to side) to carve into a wave face, like a surfboard. While typically seven or eight feet in length, competition surf kayaks can be nearly twelve feet long to increase both planing speed while on a wave and to provide faster paddling speed for catching waves. A variation on the closed cockpit surf kayak is an open cockpit design called a Waveski. Although the waveski utilises similar dynamics, in terms of paddling technique and surfing performance on the waves, construction can be very similar to surfboard designs. Elite waveski surfers are able to more closely imitate surfboard manouveres. Recreational kayaksKayaking in a double on Lake Union in Seattle, USARecreational kayaks are designed for the casual paddler interested in fishing, photography, or a peaceful paddle on a lake or flatwater stream; they presently make up the largest segment of kayak sales. Compared to other kayaks recreational kayaks have a larger cockpit for easier entry and exit and a wider beam (27–30 inches) for more stability on the water; they are generally less than twelve feet in length and have limited cargo capacity. Using less expensive materials like polyethylene and including fewer options keep these boats inexpensive (USA$300–$800). Most canoe/kayak clubs will offer indroductory instruction programs in recreational boats as a way to enter into the sport.[1] Flatwater racing kayaksA typical racing K-2 design, at the Canadian Masters Championships, 2005. Note the extremely narrow beam.Flatwater racing kayaks are generally made out of lightweight materials, and as such, are somewhat weak; they are not intended for anything other than flat water on a relatively calm day. They are thin, extremely unstable, and expensive, with a competitive boat running in the $4000 range. They require a good level of expertise to paddle well, but are extremely fast in the hands of proficient users. The beam of a flatwater boat is typically barely wider than the hips of the person who paddles it, allowing for a very long and narrow shape to reduce drag. The most common types of flatwater racing kayaks (sometimes termed 'sprint boats') are K-1, K-2 and K-4. These boats are raced at the Olympic level by both men and women, over courses of 200m, 500m and 1000m. Due to their long length (a one person sprint kayak will be on the order of 17 feet long), sprint boats come equipped with a rudder to help with turning. The rudder is controlled by the feet of the paddler (the foremost paddler in multiperson designs). In spite of this, these boats still require fairly large areas to turn. Flatwater racing kayaks are closely related to flatwater racing canoes, and are usually paddled out of a common club or team, although it is rare for paddlers to compete in both canoes and kayaks. A highly specialized variant of flatwater racing kayak called a Surf Ski has an open cockpit and can be twenty-one feet long but only eighteen inches wide, requiring expert balance and paddling skill. Surf Skis were originally created for surf and are still used in surf races in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa. Inflatable kayaksAnother special type of kayak is the inflatable kayak. Inflatable kayaks usually can be transported by hand using a carry bag. They can be inflated with foot pumps, a variety of hand pumps, or electric pumps. The pressure sounds low, almost always below 3 psi. They are made of hypalon (a kind of neoprene), pvc, or polyurethane coated cloth. Besides being portable, inflatable kayaks generally are stable and easy to master, but they take more effort to paddle and are slower than traditional kayaks. Slalom kayakKayaks designed for Slalom canoeing have a hull for manouverability and since the early 1970's, low profile decks. This page about Kayak includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about Kayak News stories about Kayak External links for Kayak Videos for Kayak Wikis about Kayak Discussion Groups about Kayak Blogs about Kayak Images of Kayak |
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Kayaks designed for Slalom canoeing have a hull for manouverability and since the early 1970's, low profile decks. Note: Noctilux is a f/1 or f/1.2 lens, Summilux is a f/1.4 lens, Summicron is a f/2 lens, and Elmarit is a f/2.8 lens in Leica lingo. Besides being portable, inflatable kayaks generally are stable and easy to master, but they take more effort to paddle and are slower than traditional kayaks. These include the Panasonic DMC-FZ10, Panasonic DMC-FZ20, Panasonic DMC-FZ30 models. They are made of hypalon (a kind of neoprene), pvc, or polyurethane coated cloth. Leica lenses are used on many Panasonic digital cameras and video recorders. The pressure sounds low, almost always below 3 psi. Leica M series with interchangeable lens bayonet style Leica bodies:. They can be inflated with foot pumps, a variety of hand pumps, or electric pumps. Leica 35 mm series with interchangeable lens screw mount style Leica bodies:. Inflatable kayaks usually can be transported by hand using a carry bag. Below is a list of cameras and lenses produced under the Leica name. Another special type of kayak is the inflatable kayak. The Leica company still produces a range of expensive, very high quality optical products, including compact cameras, M-System rangefinder cameras (direct descendants of the first Leica), R-system single-lens reflex cameras, digital cameras (in association with Panasonic) such as the Leica Digilux 2 / Panasonic DMC-LC1, binoculars, and spotting scopes. Surf Skis were originally created for surf and are still used in surf races in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa. In 1998 the Leica group split into 2 independent units: Leica Microsystems [1] and Leica Geosystems. A highly specialized variant of flatwater racing kayak called a Surf Ski has an open cockpit and can be twenty-one feet long but only eighteen inches wide, requiring expert balance and paddling skill. In 1996 Leica Camera separated from the Leica Group and became a publicly held company. Flatwater racing kayaks are closely related to flatwater racing canoes, and are usually paddled out of a common club or team, although it is rare for paddlers to compete in both canoes and kayaks. At this time, Leica moved its factory from Wetzlar to the nearby town of Solms. In spite of this, these boats still require fairly large areas to turn. In 1986, the Leitz company changed its name to Leica (LEItz CAmera), due to the strength of the Leica brand. The rudder is controlled by the feet of the paddler (the foremost paddler in multiperson designs). The Leica Historical Society of America is the largest Leica collector and user group, boasting 2,000 members. Due to their long length (a one person sprint kayak will be on the order of 17 feet long), sprint boats come equipped with a rudder to help with turning. Lager, a former Leica employee. These boats are raced at the Olympic level by both men and women, over courses of 200m, 500m and 1000m. There are dozens of Leica books and collector's guides, perhaps the best known is the massive 3-volume Leica an Illustrated History by James L. The most common types of flatwater racing kayaks (sometimes termed 'sprint boats') are K-1, K-2 and K-4. Leica cameras, lenses, accessories even sales literature are almost fanatically collected by enthusiasts. The beam of a flatwater boat is typically barely wider than the hips of the person who paddles it, allowing for a very long and narrow shape to reduce drag. There exist many fake Leica cameras, usually based on Soviet cameras, with the Leica name engraved on the top-plate. They require a good level of expertise to paddle well, but are extremely fast in the hands of proficient users. Cameras carrying markings that show they were issued to the German army or airforce carry very high premiums. They are thin, extremely unstable, and expensive, with a competitive boat running in the $4000 range. Very early examples of Leica cameras and rare accessories are highly sought after by camera collectors and can fetch extremely high prices. Flatwater racing kayaks are generally made out of lightweight materials, and as such, are somewhat weak; they are not intended for anything other than flat water on a relatively calm day. Leica also carried in their catalogues focusing systems such as the Focorapid and Televit which could replace certain lenses' helicoid mounts for sports and natural-life telephotography. Most canoe/kayak clubs will offer indroductory instruction programs in recreational boats as a way to enter into the sport.[1]. Furthermore, certain LTM and M rangefinder lenses featured removable optical groups which could be mounted via adapters on the Visoflex system, thus making them usable as rangefinder or SLR lenses for Visoflex-equipped Screwmount and M rangefinder cameras, as well as being usable on Leicaflex and R cameras. Using less expensive materials like polyethylene and including fewer options keep these boats inexpensive (USA$300–$800). Similarly Visoflex lenses could be used on the Leicaflex and R cameras with an adapter. Compared to other kayaks recreational kayaks have a larger cockpit for easier entry and exit and a wider beam (27–30 inches) for more stability on the water; they are generally less than twelve feet in length and have limited cargo capacity. As an example, LTM (screwmount) lenses were easily usable on M cameras via an adapter. Recreational kayaks are designed for the casual paddler interested in fishing, photography, or a peaceful paddle on a lake or flatwater stream; they presently make up the largest segment of kayak sales. Leica's sometimes arcane catalogue of accessories belies a comprehensive if sometimes haphazard systems approach to photography. Elite waveski surfers are able to more closely imitate surfboard manouveres. The Visoflex system was discontinued in 1984. Although the waveski utilises similar dynamics, in terms of paddling technique and surfing performance on the waves, construction can be very similar to surfboard designs. In addition, the optical groups of many rangefinder lenses could be removed, and attached to the Visoflex via a system of adapters. A variation on the closed cockpit surf kayak is an open cockpit design called a Waveski. Leica lenses for the Visoflex system included focal lengths of 65, 180 (rare), 200, 280, 400, 560, and 800 mm. While typically seven or eight feet in length, competition surf kayaks can be nearly twelve feet long to increase both planing speed while on a wave and to provide faster paddling speed for catching waves. This was followed by a much more compact Visoflex II in 1960 (which was the only Visoflex version available in both LTM (screwmount) and M-bayonet) and the Visoflex III with instant-return mirror in 1964. Surf Kayaks are similar in design to whitewater kayaks, except they have a planing hull (flat side to side) to carve into a wave face, like a surfboard. A redesigned PLOOT was introduced by Leica in 1951 as the Visoflex I. Ultra-low-volume kayaks that are designed to be paddled both on and below the surface of the water are used in Squirt Boating. Moreover, until the 1964 introduction of the Leicaflex, the PLOOT and Visoflex were Leica's only SLR offerings. In "freestyle" competition ("kayak rodeo"), whitewater kayakers use features of rapids to do tricks, typically while remaining in one place on the river. This date is significant because that it places Leica among the 35 mm SLR pioneers. Their speed comes from their ability to ride the crest of flowing river. The earliest Leica reflex housing was the PLOOT, announced in 1935, along with the 200 mm f/4.5 Telyt Lens. Whitewater boats, however, do not need inherent speed. Camera rangefinders are inherently limited in their ability to accurately focus long focal-length lenses and the mirror reflex box permitted much longer length lenses. Whitewater kayaks are among the most maneuverable types made, however they are much slower than many other styles of boat. A coupling released both mirror and shutter to make the exposure. The size usually ranges from 6 to 10 feet/2 to 3 metres long; the trend was toward the shorter boats, but this is now reversing slightly to longer boats of around 7 to 8 feet that can become airborne more easily. Rather than using the camera's rangefinder, focusing was accomplished via a groundglass screen. They are shorter than other types of kayaks. Conceptually bridging the Rangefinder Leicas and the SLR Leicas was the Leica Visoflex System, a mirror reflex box which attached to the lens mount of Leica rangefinders (separate versions were made for the screwmount and M series bodies) and accepted lenses made especially for the Visoflex System. Whitewater kayaks are generally made out of high impact plastic, usually polyethylene. These include the Leotax, Nicca and early Canon models in Japan, the Kardon in USA, the Reid in England and the Fed and Zorki in the USSR. Of all modern kayaks, they are closest relatives to the skin-and-frame boats of the past. A number of camera companies built models based on the Leica rangefinder design. Folding kayaks exhibit many of the same paddling characteristics as the original skin-and-frame vessels of the circumpolar north. No other lens has matched the Noctilux in its combination of speed, quality and longevity. Folders are known for their durability, stability, and longevity: The Klepper Aerius I, a single-seater, has been used successfully for white-water kayaking, due to its durability and excellent manouvrability, while many Kleppers have been in frequent use for more than 20 years. Introduced in 1976, this ultra-high speed lens is still being made today. Many types have integral air sponsons inside the hull, making the kayaks virtually unsinkable. Leica has in its stable a particularly remarkable lens, the Noctilux 50 mm f/1.0. A folder is a modern kayak that uses a collapsible frame, of wood, aluminum or plastic, or a combination thereof, and a skin, of some sort of water-resistant and tough fabric. Leica optics are particularly well-known for superior performance at maximum aperture, making them well-suited for natural-light photography. A special type of skin-on-frame kayak is the folding kayak, the direct descendant of the original Inuit kayak. There has been much controversy about this. Lending maneuverability traits more adapted to the local environment. Leica lenses developed a mythology -- that photographs taken with them were recognizable from photographs taken with other lenses. East Greenland kayaks appear similar to the West Greenland boat, but are often more snugly fitted to the boater and possess a steeper angle between gunwale and stem. From the 30s to the 50s, the Leica competed with the German Contax camera to be most sophisticated and best built camera on market. Possessing often fewer chines they are more angular in shape, the gunwales rising to a point at the bow and stern. Leitz was also responsible for numerous optical innovations (first use of aspheric production lenses, first use of multicoated lenses, first use of rare earth lenses, to name a few). West Greenland kayaks are what most neo-traditional polymer boats are modeled after. This and the high price of the optics made them less attractive to working photographers. Their more rounded shape and high number of chines give them an almost Blimp-like appearance. The optics were excellent, but Leica was slow to produce an auto-exposure model, and never made a version that supported auto-focusing. Baidarkas, from the Alaskan & Aleutian seas, and are a much older design. The Leica SLRs were well-received. This spelling of the word kayak has evolved to be synonymous with “traditional kayak” and often encompasses three subcategories of boats separated by development local:. The current model is the R9, which now has an optional Digital Module back. The Dutch were some of the first Europeans to take interest in the indigenous American boat design, spelling the name for these Inuit & Aleut boats, Qajaq. The R8 was re-designed and manufactured by Leica, featuring a larger body and a new, distinctive look. They are often the lightest kayaks, and traditionally made of drift wood pegged and or lashed together and seal skin stretched over it, as those were the easiest materials to source in the arctic regions. They feature electronic shutter, except for the all-mechanical R6, whose only electronic part is the lightmeter. Often an umbrella term for several types of kayaks, Skin on Frame boats are primarily considered a more traditional boat in design, materials, construction, and technique. Leica also produced a series of SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras beginning with the Leicaflex, followed by the SL, the SL2, and then the R series from R3 to R7, which were initially made in collaboration with the Minolta Corporation . Greenland style boats are typically narrower, and are paddled with greenland paddles, typically wooden, long and narrow. This model has continued to be refined (the latest versions being the M7 and MP, both of which have frames for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90, and 135 mm lenses which show automatically upon mounting the different lenses); but the basic quality and simplicity of design has not changed. For the Inuit, without modern floatation devices or cold water protection, being thrown into the freezing waters of the Arctic Ocean was almost certain death in any event. In addition, it had a new rubberized focal-plane shutter, which is known for reliability and is probably the quietest focal-plane shutter ever made. This meant that what is now known as a 'wet exit' (getting out of a kayak that has overturned, righting it, and getting back in) was impossible, leading to the importance of the eskimo roll maneuvre, where the kayak is righted without leaving the cockpit. It combined the rangefinder and viewfinder into one large, bright viewfinder with a brighter double image in the center, and introduced a system of parallax compensation. Because the user was sewn into the boat, it was almost like a piece of clothing, 'worn' by the boater. In 1954 Leitz unveiled the M3, a bayonet lens model, considered by many to be a design miracle for its combination of simple appearance with functional flexibility. Kayaks were used to hunt on the coastal and open waters of the Arctic Ocean, usually with harpoons and lances, but also with bird hooks. These models all had a functional combination of circular dials and square windows that was quite esthetically pleasing, although somewhat busy in appearance. This measurement style confounded early European explorers who tried to duplicate the kayak because each kayak was a little different. The final version, the IIIg, included a large viewfinder with framelines, similar to the M3 finder, but still with the separate view- and rangefinder. The man would measure the frame for the kayak based on his forearm, and a typical kayak is about 19ft long. Leitz continued to refine the original design through to 1957. The skin jacket of the hunter is then sewn into the skins of the kayak, to create a waterproof seal. Also significant about the IIIa is that it is the last model made before Barnack's death, and therefore the last model he was wholly responsible for. Kayaks were originally built by the man who would use them (with substantial assistance from his wife, who would typically sew the skins). The Leica III added slow shutter speeds down to 1 second, and the model IIIa added the 1/1000 second shutter speed. These first kayaks were constructed as a wooden frame covered by an animal skin such as seal skin. This model had a separate viewfinder (showing a reduced image) and rangefinder (showing an enlarged double image which was properly focused when it became one image). The word "kayak" means "man's boat". The Leica II came in 1932, with a built in rangefinder coupled to the lens focusing mechanism. Kayaks were originally developed by the Inuit, the indigenous peoples living in the Arctic regions of North America and Greenland. In addition to the 50 normal lens, a 35 wide angle and a 135 mm telephoto objective were initially available. . In 1930 came the Leica I Schraubgewinde with an exchangeable objective system based on a 39 mm thread. A special type of kayak using pedals allows the kayaker to propel the vessel with underwater "flippers" . The focal plane shutter had a range from 1/20 to 1/500 second, in addition to a Z for Zeit (time) position. Most kayaks are rigid hulled, although folding kayaks that can be transported easily, and inflatable kayaks are not uncommon. Max Berek at Leitz, and was one of the reasons behind the success of the camera, the others being its compact size and reliability. There are, of course, many more elements of kayak design— see the external links for more information. The Elmar 50 mm f/3.5 objective (a 4-elements design influenced by the Zeiss Tessar) was designed by Dr. Radical changes in design philosophy, however, have lead to whitewater kayaks with very flat hulls that allow them to sit on top of the water (planing hull) rather than in the water (displacement hull) like most other boats. The camera was an immediate success when introduced at the 1925 Leipzig, Germany Spring Fair as the Leica I (for Leitz Camera). Until recently, whitewater kayaks had very rounded hulls. The concept was developed further, and in 1923 Barnack convinced his boss, Ernst Leitz II, to make a prototype series of 31. Thus, sea kayaks, which are meant to be taken into open water and rough conditions, are generally narrower (22-25 inches) and less stable feeling than recreational kayaks, which are wider (26-30+ inches) and have a flatter hull shape. Barnack's words, "Small negatives -- large images", would soon change the world of photography. The same boats that have lower primary stability will generally be easier to right once they are tipped too far in one direction. Barnack believed the 2:3 aspect ratio to be the ultimate choice, leaving room for a 36-exposure film length. Secondary stability refers to the ease of righting a kayak once it has been put off balance. Barnack used standard cinema 35 mm film, but extended the image size to 24 x 36 mm. However, if one plans to take his or her kayak into rough water, secondary stability may be more important. Leitz Optische Werke, Wetzlar, in 1913. Although every kayak will have some amount of side-to-side rocking, a wide kayak normally feels less likely to capsize than a narrow one, and a flat-bottomed boat will feel more stable than one with a rounded or V-shaped hull. The first prototypes were built by Oskar Barnack at E. Primary stability refers to the feeling of "tippiness" one has when seated in the kayak on flat water. The Leica was the first practical 35 mm camera. After directional stabilty, the next most important design difference among kayaks is the tradeoff between primary and secondary stability. . Similarly, although a whitewater boat may only be a few feet shorter than many recreational kayaks, because the whitewater boat is heavily rockered its waterline is far shorter and its maneuverability far greater. Leica Microsystems AG is the owner of the Leica brand, and grants licenses to Leica Camera AG and Leica Geosystems. Although kayak hulls are not so extremely curved as a hoop, it is analogous to what happens when a kayak with rocker is sitting in the water: although the overall length of the boat may be 18 feet, the length at waterline may only be 16 feet. The company, formerly Ernst Leitz Gmbh, is now three companies: Leica Camera AG, Leica Geosystems AG, and Leica Microsystems AG, which produce cameras, geosurvey equipment and microscopes, respectively. When set on its edge on a table, only a small portion of that hoop touches the table. Leica is a camera produced by a German company of the same name. For example, imagine a hoop 30 inches in diameter. 1978-1995. A heavily "rockered" boat curves more than a boat with little or no rocker, meaning that the effective waterline of the rockered boat is less than for a kayak with no rocker. Leitz/Leica Focomat V35 - autofocus - 40 mm f/2.8 Focotar lens - colour or Multigrade (variable contrast) heads. A second design element that should be considered is rocker, or the curvature of the kayak from bow to stern. ELCAN 20 mm enlarger lens (40x-75x enlargements) - Extremely rare. Although length is an important feature of directional stability, length alone is a poor basis for guessing at the maneuverability of a kayak. ELCAN 52 mm enlarger lens (20x-25x enlargements) - Extremely rare. The design of recreational kayaks is an attempt to compromise between tracking and maneuverability, while keeping costs reasonable; their length generally ranges from nine to fourteen feet. Vincent electrical shutter (for enlarger) - Extremely rare. These kayaks rarely exceed eight feet in length, and some specialized boats such as playboats may be only six feet long. Leitz Focomat II (modified for American millitary), code EN-121A - Extremely rare. Whitewater kayaks, which generally depend upon river current for their forward motion, are built quite short, to maximize maneuverability. Available in "color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale. Flat water racing kayaks, which are built for maximum speed and efficiency, may be over 20 feet in length. Only very slender enlarging lenses will for the IIc helicals. Kayaks that are built to cover longer distances such as touring and sea kayaks are themselves longer, generally between 15 and 18 feet. Kienzle or other colour heads sometime fitted. Longer boats also have a higher maximum non-planing hull speed, but the effect is largely offset by increased friction, and only becomes a significant factor at racing speeds. All the 6 cm and 60 mm Focotars appear to be the same optical design. A longer hull creates a smoother transition from the narrow bow to the widest part of the boat and so "cuts" through the water with less resistance much like a sharp knife cuts more easily than a dull one. First produced with Focotar 6 cm f/1:4.5 and focotar 9.5 cm f/1:4.5, later with Focotar 60 mm and V-Elmar 100 mm f1:4.5, still later with Focotar 60 mm and Focotar II 100 mm f/1:5.6. As a general rule, a longer boat is faster while a shorter boat may be turned more quickly. Leitz Focomat IIc - 35 mm-6x9 formats, dual lens stage rather than turret, autofocus. The first trade-off important to all kayaks is between directional stability ("tracking") and maneuverability. Available in "color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale. The design of different types of kayak is largely a matter of two types of trade-offs. The early version has a single helical that will accommodate lenses of any make. Some sit-on-top boats are also called kayaks, as the paddler propels the boat with a double-ended paddle. Leitz Focomat IIa - 35 mm-6x9 format, dual lens turret on later versions that fitted a 5 cm Elmar f/1:3.5 or Focotar f/1:4.5, and a 9.5 cm f/1:4.5 Focotar, autofocus. They come in one, two, and occasionally three person models. Many small design variations exist. Modern kayaks are made of plastic, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber, canvas, other fabrics, or wood. Available in "color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale. These types may also be subdivided. The 1C helical will accommodate lenses of various makes. In modern times kayaks have been further developed into several types including: whitewater, playboats, surfing, sea kayaks, flat-water racing, downriver racing, slalom, canoe polo and recreational. The 50 mm exists in two versions. This manoeuvre is known as an Eskimo Roll. The Focotar-2 is always the same formula, and so is the 5 cm version. This stops water splashing over the boat from entering it, and makes it possible that, should the kayak (capsize), the kayak will not fill with water, and the paddler, with skill, can right the kayak again without taking on water. Changes in Focotar name or focal length designation do not necessarily coincide with the optical formula. The paddler sits in a hole in the cockpit which may be sealed off with a spray skirt (or spraydeck). Produced first with Varob 5cm f1:3.5 lenses, later with Elmar 5cm f1:3.5, focotar 5cm f1:4.5, focotar 50 mm f/1:4.5, focotar 50 mm 2nd version f/1:4.5, Focotar-2 f/1:4.5. The top of the kayak is covered with a deck. Leitz Focomat Ic - sometimes fitted with Kienzle colour head. The user or paddler sits down in the kayak with feet facing forward. Leitz Focomat Ib. A kayak is a type of small human-powered boat and is a covered variant of a canoe, it is often called a canoe in Great Britain and Ireland, typically used with a double-bladed paddle instead of a canoe's single bladed paddle. Leitz Focomat Ia - Same as Focomat 1C, that is with autofocus, but the head does not tilt back to allow for easy insertion of negative. Leitz Valoy and Valoy II - manual focus, later versions of the Valoy II were grey in colour. Leica 105-280 mm f/4.2 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 80-200 mm f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 80-200 mm f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 75-200 mm f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R - 1976-1984. Leica 70-210 mm f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 35-70 mm Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH zoom - 2000 (only 200 was made). Leica 35-70 mm f/3.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 35-70 f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 70-180 mm f/2.8 Vario-APO-Elmarit-R zoom. Leica 28 mm-70 mm f/3.5-f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 21 mm-35 mm f/3.5-f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom - 2002. Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 400/560/800 head. Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 260/400/560 head. Leica 800 mm f/6.3 Telyt-S - 1972-1995 (sold including a free VW Fox). Leica 560 mm f/5.6 Telyt-R - 1966-1973. Leica 560 mm f/6.8 Telyt-R - 1971-1995. Leica 500 mm f/8 MR-Telyt-R. Leica 450 mm f/5.6 Elcan-R, code C-329 - Extremely rare. Leica 400 mm f/2.8 APO-Telyt-R - 1992-1996. Leica 400 mm f/5.6 Telyt-R. Leica 400 mm f/6.8 Telyt-R - 1968-1994. Leica 350 mm f/4.8 Telyt-R. Leica 280 mm f/2.8 APO-Telyt-R - 1984-1997. Leica 280 mm f/4.0 APO-Telyt-R. Leica 280 mm f/4.8 Telyt-V. Leica 250 mm f/4.0 Telyt-R 2nd version. Leica 250 mm f/4.0 Telyt-R 1st version -. Leica 180 mm f/3.4 Elcan-R code C-303 - Extremely rare. Leica 180 mm f/2.0 APO-Summicron-R. Leica 180 mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R - 1998. Leica 180 mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-R - 1975-1998. Leica 180 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version. Leica 180 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version. Leica 180 mm Elmar-R - 1976. Leica 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version. Leica 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1965. Leica 100 mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R. Leica 100 mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R helical version. Leica 100 mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R bellows version. Leica 90 mm f/1.0 Elcan-R - Extremely rare. Leica 90 mm APO-Summicron-R ASPH - 2002. Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 2nd version -. Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 1st version - 1969. Leica 90 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1983. Leica 90 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1964-1996. Leica 80 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R. Leica 75 mm f/2.0 Elcan-R code C-341 - Extremely rare. Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R dn2 version. Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R 1st version - 1972 - outside bayonet lens hood fitting. Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 3rd version - 1997 (ROM contacts). Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 2nd version. Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 1st version. Leica 50 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version - 1977 - built-in lens hood, 3-cam and R-cam only version. Leica 50 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 1st version - 1964. Leica 35 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R. Leica 35 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version - 1976. Leica 35 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 1st version - 1970. Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 3rd version. Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version. Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1964. Leica 35 mm f/4.0 PA-Curtagon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 28 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1994. Leica 28 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1970. Leica 28 mm PC-Super-Angulon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 24 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R. Leica 21 mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon-R - 1968 (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 21 mm f/4.0 Super-Angulon-R - 1968-1992 (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 19 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1990. Leica 19 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version. Leica 16 mm f/2.8 Fisheye-Elmarit-R - 1970. Leica 15 mm f/2.8 Super-Elmarit-R ASPH - 2001. Leica 15 mm f/3.5 Super-Elmar-R - 1980 (Carl Zeiss design). 28-35-50 mm f/4. Tri-Elmar-M Asph. Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4. Apo-Telyt-M 135 mm f/3.4. Elmarit 135 mm f/2.8. Elmarit-M 90 mm f/2.8. 90 mm f/2. Apo-Summicron-M Asph. 75 mm f/2. Apo-Summicron-M Asph. Summilux-M 75 mm f/1.4. Elmar-M 50 mm f/2.8 (collapsible). Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1. Summicron-M 50 mm f/2. 50 mm f/1.4. Summilux-M Asph. 35 mm f/2. Summicron-M Asph. 35 mm f/1.4. Summilux-M Asph. Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8. 28 mm f/2. Summicron-M Asph. 24 mm f/2.8. Elmarit-M Asph. 21 mm f/2.8. Elmarit-M Asph. R8/R9 DMR Digital Module R (DSLR). Digilux 2. Digilux 1. D-Lux 2. D-Lux. Digilux 4.3. Digilux Zoom. Digilux. R8/R9 DMR Digital Module-R - 10 megapixel digital back for the R8/R9, making them the first 35 mm SLR cameras able to capture to film or digitally. R9 - refinement of the R8 with 100g less weight and a new anthracite body finish. All traces of Minolta gone. R8 - complete redesign, this time in-house with production moved back to Germany. R7 - 1992 - yet more advanced electronics. R6.2 - 1992- as R6 but with refinements, including a 1/2000th shutter speed. R6 - 1988-92 mechanical shutter, relied on battery power only for the built-in light meter. R5 and R-E - 1987 - revised electronics (R5 had TTL flash capability), the RE was a simplified model. Leica R4 [2]. The R4 offered The R4S and R4S Mod2 were simplified models at slightly lower prices. The R4MOT differed in designation only; all R4s and up accepted motors and winders. The R4 offered Program mode, Aperture and Shutter Priority, and Manual, with Spot and Centerweighted metering. The R4 set the design for all cameras up to and including the R7. R4MOT/R4/R4S/R4S Mod2 - 1980 - 1987 a new compact model based upon the Minolta XD11. The first few were built in Germany and then production was transferred to the Leitz Portugal factory. R3 - the first electronic Leitz SLR - 1976 to 1980, based upon the Minolta XE1/7. The SL2 would also be the last mechanical Leica SLR for 14 years. The SL2 was the swan-song of the Leicaflexes; the SL2 reportedly cost Leitz more to manufacture than it recouped in sales, and motivated the company to collaborate with Minolta for their next series of electronic cameras. Only about 1,000 SL2 MOTs were made. The Leica Solms museum has on display an SL2 MOT with Motor and 35 mm Summicron which survived a 25,000 foot fall from a Phantom II fighter jet: battered but in one piece, and deemed repairable by Leica. Thought by some to be the toughest 35 mm SLR ever built. Leicaflex SL2/SL2 MOT - 1974 - refinement of the SL with more sensitive light meter and improved body shape. Only about 1,000 SL MOTs were made. MOT model took a large and heavy motor drive. Leicaflex SL and SL MOT - 1968 - TTL selective-area metering, slightly taller body than its predecessor, long-lived and lovely to use. There was a great deal of pressure to introduce a Leica SLR because of the phenomenal success of the Nikon F (1959). Leicaflex - 1964/5 - sometimes called the Standard - built-in external light meter, clear focusing screen with centre ground-glass spot. Program to facilitate custom-built combinations of metal finish, leather type, viewfinder magnification, and custom engraving. A La Carte Program 2004 - present. The new MP is available in chrome and black paint and with viewfinders of .58, .72 and .85 magnification. The Leicavit M is an accessory introduced with the new MP, allowing trigger wind with the right hand at speeds up to 2-2.5 frame/s. A notable improvement over the M6 was the modification of the rangefinder to eliminate flare. A homage to the original MP, the new MP (this time standing for "Mechanical Perfection") cosmetically resembles the original (even down to changing the rewind crank back to a knob!) but is functionally closer to the M6 Classic. MP - 2003 - current model (as of 2005). Same taller top plate and counter-clockwise shutter dial as the M6 TTL. Comes in .58, .72, and .85 viewfinder formats, each with different brightline framelines. Has TTL exposure, aperture priority and manual exposure, electronic shutter and two mechanical speeds of 1/60 and 1/125. M7 2002 - current model (as of 2005). The added electronics added 2 mm of height to the top plate, and the shutter dial was reversed from previous models (traditionally, turning clockwise increased shutter speed). Supported TTL flash. From 2000 the .58 viewfinder camera for eyeglass wearers are added to the line. With .72 and .85 viewfinder versions. M6 TTL - 1998 - 2002. Only 3,130 of these cameras were made (all black chrome), so they are among the rarer non-commemorative M6's. The 28 mm framelines are dropped in this model. The M6 could be optionally ordered with a .85 magnification viewfinder for easier focusing with long lenses and more accurate focusing with fast lenses, such as the 50 mm f/1.0 Noctilux and 75 mm f/1.4 Summilux. M6 0.85 - 1998. Notable for its introduction of the 0.85 magnification finder, the first high-magnification finder since 1966, and the basis for the 0.85 cameras to follow starting in 1998. A collector's edition of 1,640 cameras to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Leica M System. M6J - 1994. Informally referred to as the M6 "Classic" to distinguish it from the "M6 TTL" models, and to indicate its "Classic" M3 dimensions. A breakthrough camera, finally combining the M3 form factor with a modern, off-the-shutter light meter with no moving parts and LED arrows in the viewfinder. M6 - 1984 - 1998. Added rangefinder framelines for the 28 mm and 75 mm lenses. M4-P - 1980 - 1986. Made in Canada. No self-timer. First M with hotshoe for electronic flash. With stronger gears for the adaptation of a motor drive. First M to be manufactured since 1975. M4-2 - 1977 - 1980 (17,000 sets were manufactured). Minolta later manufactured and sold an improved electronic version, the Minolta CLE with Auto Exposure, Off-The-Film TTL metering and TTL Flash metering, together with three M-Rokkor lenses, the 40 mm f/2, 28 mm f/2.8 and 90 mm f/4. The CL is also notable for being the only M-bayonet camera to have a vertically-traveling shutter. Internal metering similar to the M5--CDS cell on a swinging stalk. Also known as the Minolta CL, Leitz-Minolta CL, introduced with 2 lenses special to that model: the 40 mm Summicron-C f2 and 90 mm Elmar-C f4. CL - 1973 - 1976 (the compact Leica). With the M4, last M camera to have a self-timer. These restrictions also held true for the Leica CL (below). For similar reasons, collapsible lenses could not be collapsed on the M5. Certain wide angle lenses (early 21 mm f4.0 and f3.4) could not be used in the camera without modification because of the possibility of damage to the rear element of the lens or the meter arm. The added functionality required a redesigned, larger body compared with the traditional M3 dimensions. First Leica with a light meter, a mechanical swinging-arm CDS cell positioned behind the lens. With added integral TTL lightmeter. M5 - 1971 - 1975 (31,400 sets were manufactured). With the M5, last M camera to have a self-timer. Introduced the canted rewind crank (the previous Ms had rewind knobs). With added rangefinder framelines for 35 mm and 135 mm lenses. M4 - 1967 - 1975 (50,000 sets were manufactured); 1974 -1975 (6,500 sets were manufactured). In 1965 replaced by the MD (with no viewfinder at all), and the MDa (based on the M4) (1967), and finally the MD-2 (based on the M4-2) (1980). A stripped version of the M2 for scientific/technical use, the M1 was a viewfinder camera with no built-in rangefinder. M1 - 1959 - 1964 (9,392 sets were manufactured). The M2 lacked the self-resetting film frame counter of its predecessor. The 0.72 magnification became the standard viewfinder magnification for future M cameras. A scaled-down and lower-cost version of the M3, the M2 had a simplified rangefinder of 0.72 magnification, allowing easier use of 35 mm lenses. M2 - 1958 - 1967 (88,000 sets were manufactured). MP originally stood for "M Professional"; the camera was intended to be a photojournalist's camera. The original MP was based on the M3 and could be fitted with a Leicavit trigger winding device. MP - 1956 - 1957 (Total 402 sets were manufactured). Early M3s lacked a frame preview selector lever to switch between framelines. The M3 advanced film via a lever rather than knob, the first M3s required two strokes to advance the film, after 1958 M3's were single-stroke. The price of this high magnification was that a 35 mm lens required "goggles" which fit in front of the view/rangefinder windows to facilitate a wider view. The M3 has a .92 magnification finder, the highest of any M camera made. In an advertisement from 1956, it was regarded as a "lifetime investment in perfect photography"; a statement that has proven to be true after more than fifty years since its release. It was the first of the M series Leicas that are still manufactured today - the first interchangeable lens bayonet style Leica body. M3 - 1954 - 1966 (Total 200,000 units manufactured) The M3 was introduced at the German Foto Kina exhibition in 1954. Leica IIIg - Produced till 1960 (Total 798,200 screwmount cameras had been made by then). Leica incorporates flash synchronization and a self timer. Leica IIIf - 1950. Leica incorporates fast shutter speeds to the shutter design. Leica IIIa - 1935. Leica incorporates slow speeds to the shutter design in this model. Leica III - 1933. Leica introduces the rangefinder in the camera with this model. Leica II - 1932. From 1930 with interchangeable lenses. Followed by Leica Luxur and Leica Compur (a total of 60,586 was made of the Leica I, Luxur and Compur). Leica I - was introduced first time to the market at the 1925 spring fair in Leipzig, based on the Ur-Leica prototype developed by Oscar in 1913 and the Prototyp 1 developed in 1923. Leica CM Zoom. Leica CM 40 mm. Leica Minilux Zoom. Leica Minilux 40 mm. C3. C2. C1. Z2X. |