27/07/2009
Leica announces PINMASTER rangefinder for precise distance measurements on the golf course
Leica Camera has announced the LEICA PINMASTER, a laser rangefinder designed specifically to help club golfers reduce their handicap.
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.
Pricing and availability
The LEICA PINMASTER, which includes a case, battery and neck strap, has an SRP of £469 and is available in the UK and Republic of Ireland from the end of July 2009 from Leica stockists.
LEICA PINMASTER: Technical Information
| Magnification | 7x |
| Front lens diameter | 24mm |
| Exit pupil | 3.4mm |
| Twilight factor | 13 |
| Field of view at 1,000 yards | 347 feet |
| Dioptre adjustment | +- 3.5dpt |
| Range | 10 to > 820 yards |
| Measuring accuracy | +- 1 yard to 410 yards |
| Display | LED 3-digit display, brightness controlled by ambient light |
| Eye-piece suitable for people wearing glasses | Yes |
| Watertightness | Pressure-watertight to depth of 1m |
| Body | Carbon-reinforced plastic |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 113 x 75 x 34mm |
| Laser | Eye-safe invisible class I laser |
| Metering functions | Scanning mode |
| First target logic | If several measurements are available, the distance to the nearest target is always indicated |
| Power supply | 1 x 3V CR2 lithium battery |
| Battery life | Approx. 2,000 measurements at 20°C |
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