Leica has brought out a new version of its high-performance laser rangefinder for golfers, available this month. The Leica Pinmaster II is designed to help golfers reduce their handicap by providing a close-up view of the golf course and measuring the precise distance to each pin, allowing the player to choose the correct club in a matter of seconds.

This new version of the Pinmaster offers the golfer an even clearer LED display for more accurate measurement, up to a maximum distance of 750 metres or 825 yards. The LED adjusts automatically to ambient light, and is particularly useful in, for example, bright sunlight on the fairway, with a visibly sharper, brighter read-out and balanced contrast, so it is always easy to read. In addition, a special water-repellent lens coating called Leica AquaDura™ ensures that even on the worst rainy days, water will simply roll off, so the golfer has a clear view through the Pinmaster II at all times. The coating also makes the lens extremely easy to clean.

Despite its advanced optical technology, the Leica Pinmaster II is straightforward to use, with just a single button operation. The golfer simply aims the rangefinder at the pin, and at the press of the button, the invisible, eye-safe laser beam – coupled with Leica’s ‘First Target Logic’ technology – scans the terrain and measures the exact distance to the pin with ease. The accuracy of First Target Logic ensures that the device picks out the very first object in its path, i.e. the pin, rather than tree branches, long grass or other objects behind it.

The Pinmaster II’s durable die-cast aluminium body, coupled with a carbon fibre-reinforced casing, makes it exceptionally robust yet lightweight (just 220g), and protects the device against the toughest environmental conditions, for many years of use. It is also watertight to a depth of one metre. Furthermore, its compact size means it will slip easily into a pocket, making it ideal for players to keep with them at all times.

The Leica Pinmaster II features 7x magnification and a wide field of view of 115 metres at 1,000 metres (347 feet at 1,000 yards). For golfers who wear glasses, the handy dioptre setting allows them to adjust the Pinmaster II exactly for their eyesight.

 The LEICA PINMASTER enables the user to enjoy a superb close-up view of the golf course (or other location) and determine the precise distance to the pin easily and accurately, therefore allowing the player to make an informed choice on club selection. The user simply aims the PINMASTER at the pin, and at the press of a button, the eye-safe laser beam – coupled with ‘first target logic’ technology – will measure the exact distance to the pin with ease, in the blink of an eye. The accuracy of Leica’s first target logic ensures that the PINMASTER picks out the very first object in its path, i.e. the pin, rather than tree branches or other objects behind it.Tough and durable but with a lightweight carbon-reinforced body, the LEICA PINMASTER is watertight to a depth of one metre, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions on the golf course.

Based on the successful LEICA RANGEMASTER CRF, renowned for its high-performance optics, the LEICA PINMASTER also features a tried-and-tested single key operation. Aiming the device at the pin and pressing the activation button brings up an LED aiming square within the magnified view. The user then aims the square at the pin, and a second press triggers the metering process. Distance measurements up to 820 yards (longer than any hole in the UK) are shown in the LED display within the viewing system.

Jon Sareen, commercial manager, Leica Camera Ltd, said, “The PINMASTER measurements are accurate to +/- one yard for the majority of crucial golf shots – those under 300 yards. It’s almost like having the world’s most experienced caddy with you on the fairway.”

Furthermore, the LEICA PINMASTER offers a 7x magnification and a large field of view of 347 feet at a distance of 1,000 yards. The eye-piece features a dioptre adjustment, which enables the user to select the best setting for their eyesight, and is suitable for people who wear glasses. In addition, the LED display automatically adjusts its brightness to suit the ambient lighting conditions of the day, being bright in strong sunlight whilst dimming down in low light, so as to be visible and user-friendly at all times.

The LEICA PINMASTER not only saves time capturing distances, but also delivers precise readings every time. The extensive range and fast, simple operation mean users avoid the complexity and expense of maintaining electronic mapping systems, and furthermore, the PINMASTER performs accurately whatever the weather conditions.

Use of the LEICA PINMASTER on the golf course is allowed under R&A rule 14.3.

Price £469 from July 2009 in Leica stockists

So if you fancy yourself as an aspiring Henri Cartier-Bresson, (and have got lots of spare cash!!) then check out the classic limited edition M8 camera from Leica. Mmmmm, me me me.

It is such a sexy looking camera, covered in smooth nappa cowhide and finished wth white lacquer. It also uses scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass in the screen making it durable too.  It’s 10.8 megapixel and has Leica’s trademark wide-angled lens, pretty retro looking.

Now for the good bit, it costs £5,990 but does come with a white leather carry case, which softens the blow- Not!

For more details check out www.leica-camera.co.uk