Leica M11. Please read this manual thoroughly to familiar- ize yourself with the full scope of functions your camera has to offer. – Leica M11 You can find all information about the Leica M11 whenever you need – Camera bayonet cover it at m11.leica-camera.com.
All mentions of “EVF” or “Electronic Viewfinder” in this manual refer to the optional accessory Leica Visoflex 2. Use of the older "Leica Visoflex" model with the Leica M11 can – as a worst case scenario – result in irreparable damage to the camera and/or the Visoflex.
Leica Camera AG. In that respect, Leica Camera AG reserves the right to changes and errors. The im- ages in this manual may depict accessory, special features or other items that are not part of the standard scope of delivery or service.
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Specific regional approvals for this device can be found in the cam- tive documentation. Due to the amount of creativity that has gone era menu. into its design, we ask for your understanding that Leica Camera AG ▸ Select in the main menu Camera Information ...
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English Declaration of Conformity (DoC) Hereby, “Leica Camera AG” declares that this product is in compliance with the This device contains electric and/or electronic components which essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU.
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• Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure security and pro- • Please read the important notes on specific functions of Leica tect against disruptions to the systems in place where devices or FOTOS on p. 144.
SAFETY REMARKS arable damage. This component must only be cleaned with a dry cloth (in system cameras). • Use a cotton or linen cloth instead of a microfiber cloth from an GENERAL INFORMATION optician's (synthetic) when cleaning the contacts. Make sure to discharge any electrostatic charge by deliberately touching a •...
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Leaked fluid can catch fire! of the camera. • The use of other chargers not approved by Leica Camera AG can cause damage to the batteries – and in extreme cases – cause RECHARGEABLE BATTERY serious or life-threatening injuries.
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• Do not drop or bend memory cards as this will cause damage and • The use of incompatible flash units with your Leica M11 may result result in the loss of stored data. in irreparable damage to the camera and/or the flash unit.
Please contact your dealer, pants pocket, as they will attract lint and dust, which could then be the Leica representative in your region or Leica Camera AG if the accidentally introduced into the camera.
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• Please note that Leica Camera AG does NOT accept liability for storage capacity. direct or consequential damage due to the manipulation or de- •...
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Visit the download section or the “Customer Area” for information about how to register or how to get firmware updates for your Leica M11. Additionally, you can find information about changes or addi- tions to the manual at: club.leica-camera.com...
In addition to your statutory warranty rights regarding your dealer, you will receive an additional Leica Camera AG product warranty valid from the date of purchase at an authorized Leica retailer. Pre- viously, the product warranty was included with the product in the packaging.
TABLE OF CONTENTS LENS DETECTION ....................38 USING A LEICA M LENS WITH 6-BIT ENCODING ............38 USING A LEICA M LENS WITHOUT 6-BIT ENCODING ..........38 FOREWORD ..................2 USING A LEICA R LENS ..................... 39 SCOPE OF DELIVERY .................2 DISABLING LENS DETECTION ................... 39 REPLACEMENT PARTS / ACCESSORIES .........3...
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RECORDING THE SHOOTING LOCATION WITH GPS ........82 RANGEFINDER ......................67 DATA TRANSFER ....................83 LCD PANEL ........................ 67 PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ........... 84 LEICA VISOFLEX 2 (EVF)* ..................68 AUXILIARY DISPLAYS ...................84 LCD PANEL/EVF USE ....................68 INFO PROFILES ....................84 EYE SENSOR SENSITIVITY ..................69 CHANGING THE INFO PROFILES................
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LEICA FOTOS ................. 144 FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE ........144 CONNECTION WIZARD ..................144 USING THE MENU TO ..................146 CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES .............147 DISABLING WI-FI ..................147 DISABLING WLAN AUTOMATICALLY ...............147 DISABLING WLAN MANUALLY ................147 FIND THE MAC ADDRESS ................148 SELECTING A WI-FI BAND .................148...
PART DESIGNATIONS * Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachment cover the brightness sensor. Please read the sections “Displays (viewfinder)” and “Leica M lenses” for more information about how to work with these and other lenses. PART DESIGNATIONS...
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LEICA M11 Tripod thread A ¼, DIN 4503 (¼”) Main switch Battery release lever Shutter button Battery compartment Shutter speed setting dial with stop positions Memory card slot Alignment point for shutter speed setting dial USB-C socket ISO dial Index for ISO dial...
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LENS* Lens hood Aperture setting ring with scale Index for aperture values Focus ring Focus tab Fixed ring Alignment point for focus setting Depth of field scale Alignment button for lens replacement 6-bit encoding * Not included in the delivery package. Representative image. Technical designs may vary depending on included features.
DISPLAYS Digital display VIEWFINDER – Displays the automatically calculated shutter speed in aperture priority mode or the countdown of longer shutter speeds in 1 s increments – Warning that the metering or setting ranges are overshot or undershot using aperture priority mode –...
LCD PANEL IN REVIEW MODE All displays/values refer to the displayed image. STATUS SCREEN 19 14 WHEN TAKING A PICTURE ACTIVATED 1/8000 Capture Assistants 12500 (in Live View mode) 999-9000 All displays/values refer to the actual settings. 20 19 14 13 03 INFO 22:45 22.02.2012...
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Storage location used File name Remaining storage capacity File number of the image shown Flash sync point Geotagging Wi-Fi status Grid lines Battery capacity Clipping Light balance Level gauge Exposure compensation scale Focus peaking (identification of in sharp edges in the object) Exposure mode Display of cropped section size and position Shutter speed...
CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON THE LCD PANEL Display Charge status The battery charge status is displayed in the status screen and in the approx. 75–100% header line at the top right. approx. 50–75% approx. 25–50% approx. 0–25% approx. 0% The battery needs charging or replacing DISPLAYS ▸ CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON THE LCD PANEL...
PREPARATION PREPARING THE CHARGER ▸ Connect the power adapter ( ) to the mains via the plug ( ) ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP matching regional standards ▸ Connect the power adapter and charger ( ) via USB cable ( ) •...
CHARGING THE BATTERY CHARGE STATUS INDICATORS ON THE CHARGER The camera is powered by a lithium-ion battery. INSERTING THE BATTERY IN THE CHARGER The status LED indicates a correct charging process. Display Charge status Charge time* flashes green battery is charging CHARGE approx.
CHARGING VIA USB INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY The rechargeable battery in the camera can be automatically ▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 42) charged when the camera is connected to a computer or another suitable power source via USB cable. INSERTION Factory setting: On ...
REMOVAL INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD The camera will save exposures to an SD (Secure Digital), SDHC (High Capacity) or SDXC (eXtended Capacity) memory card. Notes • SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards are available from various sup- pliers in a range of sizes and with differing read/write speeds. Memory cards with high storage capacities and high read/write speeds offer quick storage and rendering.
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REMOVAL The memory card slot is located inside the battery compartment and is covered by the battery. ▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 42) ▸ Remove the battery and replace it later (see p. 30) INSERTION ▸...
LEICA M LENSES camera/lens combination may result in systematic deviations. Most Leica M lenses can be used with any lens equipment (with or – We recommend having the lens and camera checked by Leica without 6-bit encoding in the bayonet). Your camera will also deliver Customer Care if you notice a general deviation of the focal great pictures with Leica M lenses without encoding.
– When using Heavy lenses attached to a tripod-mounted camera, – Hologon 15 f/8 e.g. Noctilux 50 f/0.95 or Leica R lenses with an adapter: make – Summicron 50 f/2 with close-up function sure that the tilt of the tripod head cannot move inadvertently –...
CHANGING THE LENS DETACHING LEICA M LENSES ATTACHING ▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF ▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring ▸ Press and hold the release button on the camera housing ▸ Turn the lens counter-clockwise until the alignment button is op- ▸...
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OTHER LENSES DETACHING THE ADAPTER (e.g. Leica R lenses) Other lenses can be attached via an adapter for M bayonets (e.g. Leica R-Adapter M). ATTACHING THE ADAPTER ▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF ▸ Detaching the lens ▸...
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ATTACHING THE LENS TO THE ADAPTER DETACHING THE LENS FROM THE ADAPTER ▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF ▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF ▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring ▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring ▸...
– The information provided by the 6-bit encoding is also written to The lens type must be entered manually when using a Leica M lens the Exif data of the pictures. The focal length of the lens is addi- without 6-bit encoding.
Notes • Many lenses have their item number engraved on the opposite The lens type must also be entered manually when attaching a Leica side of the depth of field scale. R lens via the Leica R-Adapter M. The camera will automatically •...
• Please note the information provided on the Leica homepage for the selection on an appropriate correction lens. • Please note that the default viewfinder setting of the Leica M11 is -0.5 diopter. If you wear eye glasses with 1 diopter, you will need a correction lens with +1.5 diopter.
CAMERA OPERATION SWITCHING THE CAMERA OFF CONTROL ELEMENTS MAIN SWITCH The main switch switches the camera on and off. SWITCHING THE CAMERA ON Note • The function (see p. 65) deactivates the cam- Camera Standby era automatically if no operation occurs within a preset time. Use the main switch to deactivate the camera if this function is Off ...
SHUTTER BUTTON 2. Press down fully – Shutter release – Starting a preselected self-timer delay time – Starting a continuous shooting or interval shooting Notes • Press down the shutter button in a smooth motion until you hear the click of the shutter to prevent camera shake. •...
SHUTTER SPEED SETTING DIAL ISO DIAL The shutter speed setting dial has no stop, which means it can be turned in either direction from any position. It will click at each en- graved position and for intermediate values. Intermediate positions outside the click positions must not be used.
THUMBWHEEL DIRECTIONAL PAD/CENTER BUTTON – Menu navigation DIRECTIONAL PAD – Exposure compensation value selection – Menu navigation – Enlarging/reducing viewed pictures – Setting selected menu items/functions – Setting selected menu items/functions – Scroll through the gallery – Scroll through the gallery (while pressing and holding the PLAY button) –...
PLAY BUTTON/MENU BUTTON LCD PANEL – Display of most important current settings PLAY BUTTON – Quick access to some menus – Activation and deactivation of the (continuous) review mode – Touch control – Return to full-screen display MENU BUTTON – Accessing the menu (incl. status screen) –...
FUNCTION BUTTONS FACTORY SETTINGS in shooting mode in review mode button Live View Function button Focus assist Marking/rating a shot Function button (press thumbwheel) Exposure Compensation Changing the magnification Direct access to various menus and functions. All function buttons can be custom configured (see p. 60). CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS...
MENU CONTROL MENU SECTIONS The following menu sections are available: Status Screen, Main Menu Favorites CONTROL ELEMENTS The following elements are used for menu control. Status screen: – quick access to the most important settings Favorites – your custom list (see p. 59 for details on how to manage this list) •...
SWITCHING MENU SECTIONS STATUS SCREEN The status screen will always be displayed as the first menu section. The top level of the menu is organized into “pages”, which are dis- played in the header line: Status screen, poss. Favorites menu (up to 2 pages), and several sections of the Main menu.
STATUS SCREEN The status screen offers an overview of the most important informa- tion regarding the current camera status and active settings. It furthermore allows direct access to important settings. The status screen is optimized for touch control. Light balance with exposure compensation scale Exposure settings (see p.
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SELECTING SETTINGS ACCESSING A STANDARD SUBMENU These menus behave as if they were accessed from within the main Settings can be selected in various ways from within the status menu (see p. 54). Touch control is therefore unavailable. From screen. The setting types vary from menu to menu. there, you return to the status screen and not to the next higher ▸...
FAVORITES MENU SUBMENU The favorites menu offers quick access to the most frequently used There are various types of submenus available. The following pages menu items. It can contain up to 11 menu items. These can be as- describe their operation. signed individually (see p.
MENU NAVIGATION LINE BY LINE NAVIGATION (Function/function option selection) SCREEN BY SCREEN NAVIGATION ▸ Press the directional pad up/down To scroll forward ▸ Turn the thumbwheel ▸ Press the button (repeatedly if needed) MENU (to the right = down, to the left = up) •...
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SHOW SUBMENU GO BACK ONE STEP (Return to the superordinate menu item) ▸ Press the center button/thumbwheel ▸ Press the directional pad left • This option is only available for list-type submenus. ▸ Press the directional pad to the right GO BACK TO TOP MENU LEVEL CONFIRM SELECTION ▸...
SUBMENU SELECTING A BUTTON (ICON/FUNCTION BUTTON) Using button control KEYBOARD/NUMBER PAD ▸ Press the directional pad left or right as needed • The currently active button will be highlighted. ▸ Press the center button/thumbwheel ▸ Turn the thumbwheel • The currently active button will be highlighted. •...
MENU BAR SCALE MENU Using button control Using button control ▸ Press the directional pad left/right ▸ Press the directional pad left/right ▸ Turn the thumbwheel ▸ Turn the thumbwheel Using touch control Using touch control ▸ Select the desired function directly or swipe ▸...
DATE/TIME MENU COMBI MENU The setting of the individual menu items is done via a setting bar in To move to the next settings field the lower display area. ▸ Press the directional pad left/right To access individual menu items ▸...
USER-DEFINED OPERATION MANAGING THE FAVORITES MENU ▸ Select in the main menu Customize Control FAVORITES MENU ▸ Select Edit Favorites ▸ Select the desired menu item Assign your most frequently used menu items to a favorites menu (up to 11 items) for quick and easy access. The available functions are shown in the list on p.
DIRECT ACCESS TO MENU FUNCTIONS ACCESSING THE ASSIGNED MENU FUNCTION You can assign specific menu functions to the function buttons for ▸ Briefly press and release the desired function button extra quick direct access to menu items in shooting mode. The avail- •...
THUMBWHEEL ASSIGNMENT USER PROFILES Assign a menu function to the thumbwheel for extra quick direct This camera allows the permanent storage of any menu settings, to access: . The setting has no Exposure Compensation Focus Aid e.g. access them quickly and easily for recurring conditions/image impact on the function if focus assist tools are in use.
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CREATING PROFILES RENAMING PROFILES Saving settings/creating a profile. ▸ Create custom settings for the desired functions via menu control ▸ Select in the main menu User Profile ▸ Select Manage Profiles ▸ Select Save as Profile ▸ Select a memory slot ▸...
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APPLY/ACTIVATE PROFILES EXPORTING/IMPORTING PROFILES TO/FROM THE MEMORY CARD Factory setting: Default Profile ▸ Select in the main menu User Profile ▸ Select Manage Profiles ▸ Select Export Profiles Import Profiles ▸ Confirm the selection Notes • When importing and exporting, all profile slots are transferred to the card, i.e.
• The settings will be re-synched each time the device is paired Available menu languages: German, French, Italian, Spanish, Por- again. The pairing process is described in the chapter “Leica tuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Traditional or Simplified FOTOS” (see p. 144).
• The camera can be woken from standby mode at any time by pressing the shutter button or by switching the main switch off and on again. • This setting will also affect the EVF of an attached Leica Visoflex 2 (see p. 68) accessory. CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS ▸ POWER SAVE MODE (STANDBY MODE)
STATUS LED BOTTOM LED The status LED indicates a variety of camera processes when the de- The bottom LED will flash during the charging process via the USB-C vice is in its factory settings (incl. when processes like Save, Zoom port and during memory access.
Note displays the image captured by the sensor via the attached lens. In • This automatic control is not available for Leica M lenses with review mode, the images saved on the memory card are displayed viewfinder attachments, as they cover the brightness sensor that on the screen.
• Menu control * Visoflex was developed specifically for the M10 series, and is not compatible with Leica M11. The newly developed Visoflex 2, on the other hand, can also be used with older Leica M series models. CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS ▸ LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS...
BRIGHTNESS ▸ Select in the main menu Display Settings ▸ Select EVF ⇄ LCD The brightness in the EVF is set independently of the brightness selected fort the LCD panel. ▸ Select the desired setting Note • Select if you want to keep the LCD panel switched off (e.g. on EVF ...
PHOTO SETTINGS ▸ Select in the main menu File Format ▸ Select a format DNG DNG + JPG JPG FILE FORMAT Choose the JPG format or the standardized raw data for- JPG Notes (= digital negative). Both can be used individually or simul- DNG ...
RESOLUTION JPG RESOLUTION format setting offers 3 image resolution (number of pix- JPG els) options. The following file formats are available: L-JPG M-JPG DNG RESOLUTION . You can therefore adjust your settings to the intended S-JPG Three different resolutions (number of pixels) are available for re- use and available memory card capacity.
DIGITAL ZOOM THE IMPACT OF DNG RESOLUTION If shots are taken in DNG format or in JPG format only, the rele- There are two sizes for cropped sections available in addition to the vantly selected resolution applies. If, however, the file format is set full image section of the attached lens.
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EFFECT ON THE RESULTING IMAGES JPG and DNG shots appear cropped, i.e. magnified when rendered on the camera. The Digital Zoom will have differing effects on the resulting files, depending on the selected file format. Digital Zoom View while Picture is taken View when rendered DNG SHOTS DNG shots are always saved unchanged (at full size).
FILM STYLE JPG SHOTS Only an enlarged cropped section will be displayed and stored for JPG images. The image areas outside the frame are “cropped”. This IMAGE PROPERTIES operation cannot be reversed. One of the many advantages of digital photography is that it is very Since Digital Zoom is always based on L-DNG/L-JPG, the shots will easy to change key image properties.
COLOR PROFILE CUSTOMIZING PHOTO PROFILES These parameters can be adjusted for all available profiles 3 pre-configured color profiles are available: only for color profiles). See p. 58 for details on menu Saturation Factory setting: Standard operation. – Standard ▸ Select in the main menu JPG Settings ...
AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION NOISE REDUCTION NOISE REDUCTION FUNCTION FOR LONG-TERM EXPOSURE In digital photography, the appearance of flawed pixels that can be white, red, blue or green is referred to as "noise". Image noise be- comes more apparent when using higher sensitivities, particularly on uniform dark areas.
NOISE REDUCTION IN JPG SHOTS Noise Reduction is used if the following conditions apply: Except when high sensitivities are used, noise is luckily negligible. ISO range Shutter speed longer than Nevertheless, noise reduction is a component of data processing ISO 64 – ISO 125 160 s when JPG files are generated.
STORAGE OPTIONS The recordings are stored by format. DNG files are Leica M11 comes with a 64 GB internal memory. In combination with stored in the internal memory, and JPG files on the an inserted memory card, there will be various options for storing memory card.
FILE BACKUP FORMATTING STORAGE LOCATIONS You can choose to transfer all files in the internal memory to the It is recommended to format storage locations from time to time, inserted memory card, or only those images rated as ★. This may be as some residual data (data accompanying recordings) may use up useful if e.g.
• A memory card should be formatted again in the camera if it was formatted in another device, e.g. a computer. • Contact your retailer or Leica Customer Care if the memory card cannot be formatted/overwritten (see p. 176). PHOTO SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT...
EDIT FILE NAMES Notes • When using memory cards that were not formatted with this ▸ Select in the main menu Camera Settings camera, the file numbering will begin with 0001 again. Should the ▸ Select Edit File Name memory card already contain a file with a higher number, then numbering will be continued from that number.
Reset Image Numbering receiver anywhere in the world. The GPS function is activated auto- • A relevant prompt is displayed. matically when a connection to the Leica FOTOS app is active and ▸ Confirm the creation of a new folder ( ) or cancel the new Yes ...
Notes • We recommend using a card reader for the transfer of large files. Data can be conveniently transferred to mobile devices via Leica • The USB connection must not be interrupted while data is being FOTOS. Alternatively, the transfer can be done via a card reader or a transferred, as the computer or the camera could otherwise cable connection.
It allows quick switches between The Leica M11 has 4 independent info profiles, which contain dif- various views. fering combinations of the available auxiliary displays. The following Empty profiles appear below the menu item Info Profiles ...
EXAMPLE CHANGING THE INFO PROFILES All active info profiles, i.e. those marked as , can be accessed in On Profile Configuration Live View mode. Only info bars (header and footer lines) ▸ Press the center button Clipping Histogram • The view switches from full screen without auxiliary displays to Focus Peaking ...
SHOW AVAILABLE CUSTOMIZING THE INFO PROFILES ▸ Select in the main menu Capture Assistants INFO BARS ▸ Select a profile The header and footer lines show the currently active settings and ▸ Select the desired function exposure values. See chapter “Displays” for a full list of the various ▸...
CLIPPING FOCUS PEAKING The Clipping display marks very bright image areas. This function is This assist function highlights the edges of in focus subject elements a very easy and exact tool for checking the correct exposure setting. in color. Overexposed areas flash black. When Focus Peaking is activated, will appear to the right of the frame with a display of the color used.
LEVEL GAUGE ISO SENSITIVITY The sensitivity can be additionally adjusted. This setting will apply for The integrated sensors of the camera show its orientation. These in- all info profiles. dicators ensure exact camera orientation along the longitudinal and Factory setting: High ...
HISTOGRAM The longitudinal axis is indicated in level position by two green dou- ble-lines immediately left and right of the image center. When the Histogram represents the brightness distribution in the image. The camera is tilted, these lines are white, and a short red line appears horizontal axis shows the graduated values from black (left) through above or below them.
In addition to single frame – Continuous - High Speed shooting, the Leica M11 offers a number of other exposure modes. Interval shooting Number of Frames Please read the relevant sections for information about functional- (see p.
The bright-line rangefinder of this camera is not just a very high-quality, large, brilliant and bright viewfinder – it also doubles as a highly precise, lens-coupled rangefinder. All Leica M lenses with focal lengths between 16 and 135 mm are coupled automatically when they are attached to a camera.
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28 mm + 90 mm The relevant bright-line frame will light up in the combinations 35 mm + 135 mm, 50 mm + 75 mm or 28 mm + 90 mm when lenses 1/8000 12500 with a focal length of 28 (Elmarit as of serial number 2 411 001), 35, 999-9000 50, 75, 90 and 135 mm are used.
LIVE VIEW MODE AUXILIARY DISPLAYS IN LIVE VIEW MODE In Live View mode, the LCD panel can be used for displaying a range The Live View mode allows viewing the image object on the LCD of settings. You can select a number of other displays in addition panel while the picture is taken.
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To show or hide the auxiliary displays Notes • Live View mode is based on the image captured by the sensor. The camera must control the shutter. Shutter control is audible 1/8000 12500 1/8000 12500 and may result in a slight delay in shutter release. 999-9000 999-9000 •...
FOCUSING SPLIT IMAGE METHOD For an architectural photograph, you might aim the metering field of Various assist functions are provided for focusing, depending on the rangefinder at e.g. the vertical edge or any other clearly defined whether you use the camera's rangefinder or Live View mode. vertical line and keep turning the focus ring on the lens until the edge contour or the line is visible at the outer edges of the metering VIA RANGEFINDER...
IN LIVE VIEW MODE FOCUS PEAKING (WITH ASSIST FUNCTIONS) This assist function highlights the edges of in focus subject elements in color. The color can be user-specified. You can set the image sharpness in Live View mode via the screen image –...
ENLARGEMENT The magnification function can be accessed or hidden at any time regardless of the focus setting. To access the enlargement function There are various options for accessing the magnification function. – Via the focus ring (automatic) – Via a function button –...
ISO SENSITIVITY Via a function button ▸ Press the function button with the assignment Focus Aid The ISO setting covers a range between ISO 64 and ISO 50000, • In the factory setting, that would be function button at the top allowing you to adapt to the relevant situation as required.
FIXED ISO VALUES AUTOMATIC SETTING The camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to ambient bright- VALUES ENGRAVED ON THE ISO DIAL ness and/or to the configured shutter speed/aperture settings com- bination. In conjunction with aperture priority mode, this function ▸ Turn the ISO dial to the desired value extends the range for automatic exposure control.
LIMITING SETTING RANGES LIMITING ISO VALUES All values from ISO 64 are available. A max. ISO value can be set, which will then limit the automat- Factory setting: 3200 ic setting ( ). A max. exposure time can also op- Maximum ISO ...
WHITE BALANCE AUTOMATIC CONTROL/FIXED SETTINGS – : for automatic control, which delivers neutral results in most Auto In digital photography, White Balance ensures neutral color ren- situations dering in any light. White Balance relies on the setting made in the –...
MANUAL SETTING VIA METERING To perform the measurement ▸ Aim the metering field at a white or neutral gray area Gray card This metering variant captures only the color hue metered within the ▸ Shutter release metering field and calculates the mean gray value from it. The variant is suited best for subjects in which you can clearly identi- Gray card ...
DIRECT SETTING OF THE COLOR TEMPERATURE EXPOSURE Values between 2000 and 11500 K (Kelvin) can be set directly. That The readiness of the exposure meter is signaled by continuously lit gives you a very wide range, which covers virtually all color tem- displays in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel: peratures occurring in real life and within which you can adapt color –...
APPLICATION The classic shutter sound of the mechanical shutter conveys an audi- The Leica M11 comes equipped with a mechanical shutter and a tive feedback. It is well suited for long-term exposures, as well as for purely electronic shutter function. The electronic shutter expands shots of moving objects.
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EXPOSURE METERING METHODS ▸ Select in the main menu Exposure Metering ▸ Select the desired metering method The following exposure metering methods are selectable. Spot Center-Weighted Multi-Field Factory setting: Multi-Field • The selected metering method is displayed in the header of the screen image in Live View mode;...
EXPOSURE MODES APERTURE PRIORITY - A Aperture priority mode sets the exposure automatically according to The camera offers two exposure modes: aperture priority mode or the manually selected aperture. This mode is suitable for pictures in manual setting. Choose one of the two options depending on image which the depth of field is a critical compositional element.
MANUAL EXPOSURE SETTING – M Notes • The resulting shutter speed is displayed in half increments for The following manual settings for shutter speed and aperture are a more transparency. good choice: • The remaining exposure time after shutter release is counted –...
AUXILIARY EXPOSURE DISPLAYS DISPLAY ON THE LCD PANEL Die exposure information (ISO value, shutter speed and light balance DISPLAY IN THE VIEWFINDER with exposure compensation scale) assists in determining the set- When the measuring range of the exposure meter is undercut in a tings required for correct exposure.
Tap the setting band briefly in the desired position, or drag the dot LONG-TERM EXPOSURE ( to the desired position Leica M11 offers shutter speeds up to 60 min. These can be used in several variations. FIXED SHUTTER SPEEDS This function can also be used to permanently set shutter speeds longer than 8 s.
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B FUNCTION T FUNCTION In setting , the shutter remains open as long as the shutter button In this setting, the shutter remains open after shutter release until B is held down (up to max. 60 min depending on ISO setting). the shutter button is pressed again (up to max.
To take the shot SELECTABLE SHUTTER SPEEDS Max. selectable shutter speeds depend on the current ISO setting. ▸ Shutter release • The shutter opens. ISO range Max. Shutter Speed ▸ Press the shutter button down fully ISO 64 – ISO 125 60 min •...
NOISE REDUCTION Noise Reduction is used if the following conditions apply: Image noise becomes more apparent when using higher sensitivities, ISO range Shutter speed longer than particularly on uniform dark areas. Long exposure times may cause ISO 64 – ISO 125 160 s severe image noise.
You can now assess the effect of the relevant exposure setting on • Leica M cameras are very compact cameras that combine optical the image before taking the picture. This will apply as long as the and electronic functions in a tiny installation space.
EXPOSURE LOCK EXPOSURE COMPENSATION We often want to arrange important subject elements outside the Exposure meters are calibrated for a medium gray scale value, which center of the picture for reasons of picture composition and these matches a standard, i.e. average image object. Should the measured elements may sometimes be very bright or very dark.
SHOOTING MODES Using thumbwheel control ▸ Select in the main menu Customize Control CONTINUOUS SHOOTING MODE ▸ Select Customize Wheel ▸ Select Exposure Compensation The camera is set to single shots by default ( ). Series of shots Single can also be created to e.g. capture motion sequences at various stages.
INTERVAL SHOOTING Notes • We recommend deactivating the preview mode ( Auto Review This camera allows you to capture motion sequences over extended when using this function. periods of time automatically using the interval shooting function. • The specified picture sequence stated in the technical information You specify the number of frames, the intervals between shots, and refers to a default setting ( , JPG format...
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To get started Notes • Interval shooting over an extended period of time in a cold loca- ▸ Press the shutter button tion or in a place with high temperature and humidity may result in • The remaining time until the next shoot and its number is dis- malfunctions.
EXPOSURE BRACKETING You can select the desired number of frames (3 or 5). The exposure difference, which can be set via , can be up to 3 EV. EV Steps Many attractive objects are rich in contrast, which means they have very bright and very dark areas.
SELF-TIMER Notes • appears on the LCD panel if the bracketing function is activat- The self-timer function allows taking pictures with a preset time delay. ed. You can watch the effect of the function on screen while the We recommend that the camera is placed on a tripod. pictures are taken (brighter or darker).
SF 40. Other flash units, which only have a positive center tively, you can select a higher sensitivity. contact, can be safely fired via the Leica M11, but cannot be con- trolled via the camera. Correct function cannot be guaranteed when using any other flash unit.
ATTACHING THE FLASH UNIT FLASH EXPOSURE METERING (TTL METERING) In conjunction with system-compatible flash units (see p. 120), the ▸ Switch off the camera and flash unit camera offers a fully automated flash mode, which is also available ▸ Slide the foot of the flash unit all the way into the accessory shoe in the auto modes aperture priority and manual setting.
A fully automated, camera-controlled HSS flash mode for all shutter Automatic control by the camera speeds and all exposure modes is available in the Leica M11 for use with system-compatible flash units (see p. 120). It is activated by SF 40, SF 60:...
FLASH CONTROL A flash is usually fired at the start of exposure ( Start of Exposure This may result in apparent contradictions, e.g. the picture of a ve- The settings and functions described in the following sections only hicle being overtaken by its own light trail. This camera alternatively apply to settings and functions available in this camera and in sys- allows synching with the end of exposure ( ).
FLASH RANGE FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION The usable flash range depends on the aperture and sensitivity val- This function can be used to selectively reduce or enhance flash ues set manually or calculated by the camera. It is important to en- exposure regardless of ambient light, e.g.
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Flash Exp. Compensation • It is imperative to take note of the shortest flash sync speed, as compensation function are used (e.g. Leica SF 58 or Leica SF 60). it determines whether a “normal” flash or an HSS flash is fired.
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FLASH EXPOSURE DISPLAYS IN THE VIEWFINDER (with system-compatible flash units) The flash icon in the viewfinder display of the Leica M11 gives feed- back on and indicates various operating states. • The flash unit cannot fire does not appear (despite the flash unit •...
REVIEW MODE CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE There are two completely independent review functions available: CONTROL ELEMENTS ON THE CAMERA – short-term rendering directly after shooting ( Auto Review – normal review mode, in which the stored mages can be viewed and managed for any length of time Notes •...
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DIRECT ACCESS IN REVIEW MODE CONTROL ELEMENTS ON THE LCD PANEL button can have various menu functions assigned in review On-screen control elements generally function by intuitively by mode. touch. Many can also be selected by pressing one of the three buttons to the left of the LCD panel.
INITIATE/EXIT REVIEW MODE SELECTING/SCROLLING THROUGH IMAGES The shots are visually arranged in a horizontal reel. When the end of ▸ Press the button PLAY an image series is reached, the display automatically jumps back to • The last picture taken appears on the screen. the first image in the series.
STORAGE LOCATIONS INFO DISPLAYS IN REVIEW MODE Leica M11 offers with two separate storage locations. With the factory settings in place, recorded pictures will be dis- played without the information in the header and footer lines for an When review mode is accessed, the last recorded frame will always unobstructed view of the image.
CROPPED SECTION ZOOM Using touch control You can zoom in to any section of an image for closer inspection. You have a four-level zoom factor available via the thumbwheel, while magnification is stepless if you use touch control. Using touch control ▸...
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Using button control ▸ Turn the thumbwheel (to the right: increase magnification, to the left: decrease magni- fication) ▸ Press the thumbwheel • Toggles between max. zoom at the tap position and full screen view. ▸ Press the directional pad to move the cropped section anywhere ▸...
DISPLAYING MULTIPLE SHOTS AT ONCE Using button control ▸ Turn the thumbwheel to the left The camera offers an overview function in which several thumbnail • 12 thumbnails are shown at the same time. Another turn on the images can be viewed on one screen, which makes it easier to find a thumbwheel increases the number of displayed thumbnails to specific image.
MARK PHOTOS AS FAVORITE To navigate between images ▸ Press the directional pad left or right as needed Images can be marked as favorites to find them quicker or to simplify the later deletion of multiple images. To return to the full screen Notes Using touch control •...
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REMOVING INDIVIDUAL FAVORITES ICON MARK ALL SHOTS AS FAVORITE ▸ Press the function button at the top right ▸ Press the button MENU • The icon disappears. ▸ Select Add ★ to all ▸ Press the button MENU ▸ Select Remove ★ ...
REMOVING ALL FAVORITES ICONS DELETING IMAGES ▸ Press the button MENU There are several methods available to delete images: ▸ Select – deleting individual images Remove all ★ – deleting all images without a icon/ranking – deleting all images • The prompt appears. ▸...
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DELETING INDIVIDUAL IMAGES DELETING ALL IMAGES ▸ Press the button ▸ Press the button MENU MENU ▸ Select in the play menu ▸ Select in the play menu Delete single Delete All • The Delete screen appears. • The prompt appears. ▸...
DELETING UNRATED IMAGES PREVIEW OF LATEST IMAGE ▸ Press the button MENU Photo shootings can be displayed automatically directly after they are taken to e.g. check the success of the shots quickly and easily. A ▸ Select in the play menu Delete All without ★ ...
▸ Select in the main menu Leica will notify you of any new updates, once you have registered Reset Camera your camera. Users of Leica FOTOS will also be automatically noti- • The prompt appears.
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• You will find additional device and country-specific registration download them to your camera, as well as any amendments and marks and numbers in the submenu. Camera Information additions to this manual can be found in the customer area of our website at: club.leica-camera.com OTHER FUNCTIONS ▸ FIRMWARE UPDATES...
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PREPARATION UPDATING THE CAMERA FIRMWARE ▸ Fully charge and insert the rechargeable battery ▸ Preparation ▸ Any stored firmware files on the memory card must be removed ▸ Select in the main menu Camera Information • We recommend saving any images on the memory card and ▸...
The camera can be controlled remotely using a smartphone/tablet and the mobile device is required for a first-time connection to a PC. This will require an installation of the Leica FOTOS app on the mobile device. mobile device. Leica FOTOS offers additional useful functions like the quick transfer of recordings and uploads of firmware updates.
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Android seconds. • Once successfully connected, the Status LED will light briefly, and the camera displays a relevant message. ▸ Select I don't have a cable • The following screen appears. LEICA FOTOS ▸ FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE...
• Connection is being established. The process may take a few seconds. • Once successfully connected, the Status LED will light briefly, ▸ Connect the camera and mobile device via the LEICA FOTOS and the camera displays a relevant message. Cable ▸...
• The camera connects to the mobile device automatically. VIA LEICA FOTOS CABLE (for iPhone only) ▸ Connect the camera and mobile device via the LEICA FOTOS Cable • The connection is established automatically. LEICA FOTOS ▸ CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES / DISABLING WI-FI...
FIND THE MAC ADDRESS EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE You can find the MAC address of the Leica M11 in the camera menu. Any interruption of a running firmware update may cause serious ▸ Select in the main menu Camera Information ...
CARE/STORAGE • Empty you camera bag completely if it ever gets wet during use. Your equipment might otherwise be subjected to moisture and We recommend the following if the camera will not be used for an tanning residue released by the moist leather. extended period of time: •...
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• All mechanical bearings and sliding surfaces on your lens are • We recommend formatting the memory card from time to time, lubricated. Make sure to periodically move the focus ring and the because fragmented residual data from deleted files may block aperture setting ring to prevent seizing if the lens will not be used some of its storage capacity.
Note • Make sure that the aperture is unobstructed and that nothing can • Leica Camera AG will not accept any responsibility for damages prevent the shutter from closing correctly, as this would result in caused by the user when cleaning the sensor.
All mentions of “EVF” or “Electronic Viewfinder” in this manual refer to the optional accessory Leica Visoflex 2. Use of the older "Leica Visoflex" model with the Leica M11 can – as a worst case scenario – result in irreparable damage to the camera and/or the Visoflex.
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The camera switches off again immediately Battery is depleted Charge or replace the battery after it is switched on Camera does not recognize the memory card The memory card is not compatible or defective Replace the memory card Memory card is incorrectly formatted Format the memory card in the camera Menus and displays Electronic viewfinder is dark...
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Shooting The camera won’t take a picture/shutter Memory card is full Replace the memory card button is deactivated The memory card is not formated Reformat the memory card (Caution: Loss of data!) The memory card is write protected Deactivate the write protection on the memory card (small lever on the side of the memory card) Dirt on the memory card contacts Clean the contacts with a soft cotton or linen cloth...
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Change the setting Lens Detection The attached lens is not encoded Contact Leica Customer Care Pictures/recordings are damaged or missing The memory card was removed while the readiness Never remove the memory card while the readiness indicator was flashing indicator is flashing.
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Picture quality The picture is too bright Light sensor was covered while picture was taken Make sure that the light sensor is not obstructed Image noise Long exposure times (> 1 s) Activate the noise suppression function for long exposure times ISO sensitivity set too high Decrease ISO sensitivity...
MENU OVERVIEW DIRECT ACCESS Function Status screen Favorites Function buttons Page Live View (rear left) Focus Aid 61, 96–98 (top right) Lens Detection 38–39 Drive Mode 90, 115–119 Interval Shooting Exposure Bracketing Self-timer Exposure Metering Exposure Compensation 47, 61, 115, 118 (Press the thumbwheel) M-ISO ...
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Accessible via Available for Available for Factory setting on the the status screen the favorites menu function buttons function buttons Function Status screen Favorites Function buttons Page DNG Resolution JPG Settings 71, 74–774 Max. JPG Resolution Film Style 74–76 Auto Review 128, 139 Noise Reduction ...
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Function Status screen Favorites Function buttons Page Leica FOTOS 146–147 Wi-Fi Storage Management 78–80 Format Storage 79–80 Camera Settings 30, 64–65, 81–83 Power saving mode Date & Time 64–65 Edit File Name Camera Information 5, 82, 141–142, 148 Language Reset Camera ...
Color saturation ................74 Aperture priority ................106 Color temperature ..............103 App ....................144 Connection, mobile devices ............144 Assist function ...............84, 96 Contact. Leica ................176 Auto ISO .................44, 99 Continuous shooting mode ............115 Automatic review ...............139 Contrast, image properties ............74 Auxiliary displays ................84 Copyright ..................82...
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Disposal ..................6 File name ..................81 DNG .....................70 Files, RAW ..................70 DNG Resolution ................71 Film Style ..................75 Drive Mode ..............90, 115, 116 Firing point, flash................123 Firmware ................14, 140 Fixed ISO value ..............44, 99 Electronic shutter ...............104 Flash ..................120 EVF ....................68 Flash, control ................123 Exposure ..................103 Flash, exposure compensation ...........
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LCD panel ..............25, 46, 67, 68 Horizon ..................88 LED ....................66 HSS ....................122 Legal information ................4 Leica Academy ................177 Leica Customer Care ..............176 Image Field ...................91 Leica FOTOS................7, 144 Image numbering .................80 Leica FOTOS Cable.................7 Image numbering, reset ...............82 Lens .................8, 33, 150...
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Menu screen ................49 Power save ...................65 Metering method, exposure ............105 Power save mode .................65 M (Manual exposure setting) ............107 Preview ..................139 Mode, review ................128 Problems ..................154 Monochrome ................75 Profile, user ..................61 Monochrome photography ............75 Multi-field metering, exposure ...........105 Quick access ................59, 60 Name, file ................80, 81 Rangefinder ..................91 Name, folder ................80...
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Self-timer ................... 119 Switching on, camera ..............42 Sensitivity, eye sensor ..............69 Sync point ..................123 Sensitivity, ISO ...............44, 98 Sensor ................10, 13, 152 Technical Data ................170 Sensor cleaning .................152 T function ................... 110 Service ..................176 Thumbwheel .................45 Setting, LCD panel ...............67 Time ..................58, 65 Settings, store ................61 Time lapse ..................
TECHNICAL DATA 59.9 mm 32.55 mm 35.9 mm 38.45 mm 23.3 mm 78.9 mm 59.9 mm 138.8 mm 33.4 mm 72.0 mm 147.2 mm TECHNICAL DATA...
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Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit encoding Operating conditions Operating conditions 0°C to +40°C Interfaces Interfaces ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts for Leica flash units and Leica Visoflex 2 viewfinder (optional accessory) USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C TECHNICAL DATA...
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File size File size Viewfinder magnification Viewfinder magnification 0.73x (all lenses) DNG™ L-DNG approx. 70–120 MB Large-base rangefinder Large-base rangefinder M-DNG approx. 40–70 MB S-DNG approx. 20–40 MB Split or superimposed image rangefinder shown as a bright field at the L-JPG approx.
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: 1⁄180 s, slower shutter speeds available, automatic switchover to Spot Center-Weighted Multi-Field TTL linear flash mode with HSS-compatible Leica system flash units if Exposure modes Exposure modes sync time is undercut Aperture priority mode (A): Automatic shutter speed control with manual...
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Charger (Leica BC-SCL7) Charger (Leica BC-SCL7) The Leica FOTOS app is required to use the WLAN function. The Leica app is available from the Apple App Store™ or the Google Play Store™. Input: USB-C DC 5 V, 2 A, output: DC 8.4 V, 1 A, operating conditions: 2.4 GHz/5 GHz* dual band IEEE802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wave2 WLAN (stan-...
Please contact the Customer Care department of Leica Camera AG Leica Camera Inc. (USA) for the maintenance of your Leica equipment and for help and advice 1 Pearl Court, Unit A regarding Leica products and how to order them. You can also con-...
LEICA ACADEMY Have a look at our full seminar program with many interesting work- shops on the topic of photography at: us.leica-camera.com/Leica-Akademie/Global-Leica-Akademie LEICA ACADEMY...
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