Leica M8 Instructions Manual
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Leica M8 Instructions Manual

Leica m8: user guide
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LEICA M8
Anleitung/Instructions

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  • Page 1 LEICA M8 Anleitung/Instructions...
  • Page 2 1.16 1.15 1.14 1.13 1.13a 1.13b 1.12 1.21c 1.21b 1.21a 1.17 1.14a 1.13c 1.27 1.18 1.26 1.19 1.25 1.20 1.24 1.20a 1.23 1.22 1.21 1.10 1.11 1.28 1.29 1.33 1.32 1.30 1.31...
  • Page 3 1.40 1.34 1.37 1.36 1.41 1.38 1.41a 1.39 1.42 1.43 1.35 1.46 1.44 1.45...

  • Page 4: Foreword

    70 / Foreword Dear customer Leica would like to thank you for purchasing the LEICA M8 and congratulate you on your choice. With this unique digital view- and rangefinder camera, you have made an excellent choice. We wish you a great deal of pleasure and success using your new LEICA M8.
  • Page 5 Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. Trade Name: LEICA Model No.: LEICA M8 Responsible party/ Support contact: Leica Camera Inc. Leica Camera Inc. 156 Ludlow Avenue...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    The most important settings/controls Leica M lenses ......86 Turning the lens type detection on/off ..86 The extension factor .
  • Page 7 Technical data and descriptions ....134 Leica Academy ......137 Leica on the Internet .

  • Page 8: Warning Messages

    Warning messages • You should use exclusively the recommended accessories to prevent faults, short circuits or electric shock. • Do not expose the unit to moisture or rain. • Do not attempt to remove parts of the body (covers); specialist repairs can be carried out only at authorized service centers.

  • Page 9: Scope Of Delivery

    Scope of delivery Before using your LEICA M8 for the first time, please check that the accessories supplied are complete. A. Battery B. Charger C. USB connecting lead D. Carrying strap E. CD-ROM with instructional PDF, remote control software LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE 1.0 F.

  • Page 10: Designation Of Parts

    1.10 Sensor for lens identification code 1.11 6 bit lens identification code Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachments cover the brightness sensor. Information about the use of these and other lenses can be found in the sections “The displays/In the viewfinder”, p. 78, and “Leica M lenses”, p.
  • Page 11 Rear view 1.22 SET button for calling up the picture parameter menus/for calling up the sub-menus within the menus/for confirming settings/functions selected in the sub-menus 1.23 INFO button for displaying image data when reviewing pictures 1.24 PROTECT button for selecting delete protection function 1.25 DELETE button for selecting delete function 1.26 USB port cover...

  • Page 12: The Displays

    Dot below: – Information (flashing) that an exposure compensation is set The automatic control is not available for Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachments, since they cover the brightness sensor 1.4 which supplies the information required for their operation. In such cases the displays always maintain a constant brightness.

  • Page 13: In The Monitor

    4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.2.3 4.2.4 4.2.5 4.2.6 4.2.2 4.2.1 In the monitor At normal review (image/s fill the entire monitor area) 4.1.1 Delete protection symbol (only if set) 4.1.2 Picture number/total number of available pictures 4.1.3 Enlargement level and/or position of section shown schematic, for enlarged view only) 4.1.4...

  • Page 14: Menu Items

    Menu items 80 / Menu items In the main menu 5.1.1 Lens Detection Lens type detection 5.1.2 Save User Profile User-specific profile (save) 5.1.3 Self timer Self timer delay time 5.1.4 Sharpening Sharpening of image 5.1.5 Color Saturation Color saturation of image 5.1.6 Contrast Image contrast 5.1.7 Monitor Brightness...

  • Page 15: Quick Guide

    For automatic brief reviews of the last picture (within picture taking mode). The LEICA M8 is factory-set to this function - Auto Review. Various function options can be selected in the main menu under this item (5.1.10) (see p. 89).

  • Page 16: 82 / Comprehensive Instructions/Preparations

    Preparations Attaching the carrying strap 82 / Comprehensive instructions/Preparations Charging the battery The LEICA M8 is powered by a Lithium ion battery (A). Attention: • Only the battery type specified and described in this manual, and/or battery types specified and described by Leica Camera AG, may be used in this camera.
  • Page 17 If a fault cannot be resolved by eliminating the causes stated in the above table, you should contact your dealer, the Leica office in your country or Leica Cam- era AG. Comprehensive instructions/Preparations / 83...

  • Page 18: Inserting The Battery Into The Camera/Removing The Battery From The Camera

    Inserting the battery into the camera/removing the battery from the camera 1. Set the main switch (1.19) to 2. Remove the bottom cover (1.36) of the camera. To do this: a. flip up toggle (1.37) in the bottom cover, b. turn it to the left as far as the stop, and c.

  • Page 19: Inserting And Removing The Memory Card

    Inserting and removing the memory card The LEICA M8 saves the picture data on an extremely compact SD (secure digital) card. SD memory cards are small, light and interchangeable external storage media. SD memory cards, particular- ly those with a high capacity, allow significantly faster read/write times and significantly faster recording and replay of the data.

  • Page 20: The Most Important Settings/Controls

    Usage is independent of the initial format of the respective camera – whether 18 x 27 mm (sensor size) for the digital LEICA M8 or 24 x 36 mm for the 35mm models up to the LEICA M7, and also independent of the lens features –...

  • Page 21: The Extension Factor

    1.33 (1.33 = reciprocal of 0.75). This has the respective effects on their perspective, but not on their depth of field, which, with the LEICA M8, can also be read directly off the lens (see the lens instructions for more details).

  • Page 22: Switching The Camera On And Off/The Main Switch

    Switching the camera on and off/the main switch 1.19 1.20 The LEICA M8 is turned on and off using the main switch (1.19). This is below the shutter release button (1.20) and is a lever with four detent positions: – Camera is switched off This is the inactive position –...

  • Page 23: Automatic Review Of Last Picture

    Automatic review of the last picture - Auto Review In Auto Review mode each picture is shown in the monitor immediately after it has been taken. This allows you to quickly and easily check whether the picture was successful or needs to be taken again. The function permits 1.

  • Page 24: Serial Exposures

    Serial exposures Thanks to the integrated shutter cocking motor, the LEICA M8 can be used not only for single pictures – main switch 1.20 set to ( [single]), but also for series of pictures – main switch set to ( [continuous]) –...

  • Page 25: The Shutter Speed Dial

    32 s. 8000 The LEICA M8 shutter speed dial has no stop, i.e. it can be turned in either direction from any position. It detents at all marked positions and at the intermedi- ate values. Values between the detent positions can- not be used.

  • Page 26: The Monitor

    The monitor The LEICA M8 has a large 2.5” liquid crystal color monitor (1.33). This is for viewing pictures that have been recorded on the memory card. It reproduces the entire image plus the selected data and information (see “The displays / In the monitor”, p. 79, and “Dis- playing the picture data”, on this page).

  • Page 27: Menu Control

    The histogram is not available when simultaneously viewing several reduced pictures (see p. 116). Menu control Many settings for the LEICA M8 are controlled using either of two separate menus (see p. 80). Based on experience, the menu items are grouped and separated according to which are used most frequently, allowing them to be called up and set quickly and easily.
  • Page 28 Notes: • The picture parameters menu is accessible only when the camera is in picture taking mode (see p. 88). • If the DELETE PROTECT functions are acti- vated (see p. 117/118), the main menu cannot be accessed. 2. You can select the desired menu item either by turning the central setting ring (1.30) or by pressing the up/down direction buttons (1.31).

  • Page 29: Presets

    Presets Basics settings for the camera Menu language By factory default, the language used for menu control is English, i.e. all menu items initially appear with their English names. German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese can all be selected as alterna- tive menu languages.

  • Page 30: Automatic Power Off

    (1.20). Button acknowledgement and signal tones With the LEICA M8, you can decide whether you want your settings and other functions and warning mes- sages to be acknowledged by an acoustic signal – two volumes are available - or whether operation of the camera should be largely silent.

  • Page 31: Basic Picture Settings

    Basic picture settings Resolution The picture data can be recorded at four different pixel settings, i.e. resolutions. This allows you to adjust the setting precisely to the intended use or to the available memory card capacity. At the highest resolution (which also means the largest data volume), which you should select for opti- mum quality for larger prints, of course considerably fewer pictures can be saved on a card than at the low-...

  • Page 32: White Balance

    It is based on the LEICA M8 being preset to reproduce a particular color as white. With the LEICA M8, you can choose from nine differ- ent settings: – A For automatic control, which provides neutral results in most situations, –...

  • Page 33: For Direct Setting Of Color Temperature

    For direct setting of color temperature You can directly set values between 2000 and 13100 ) (from 2000 to 5000K in increments of 100, from 5000 to 8000 K in increments of 200 and from 8000 to 13,100 K in increments of 300). This provides you with a broad scope, covering almost all color tempera- tures that can occur in practice and within which you can adapt the color reproduction very sensitively to...

  • Page 34: Iso Sensitivity

    The ISO setting on the LEICA M8 also allows the shut- ter speed/aperture value to be adjusted to meet the requirements of the relevant situation, in five steps.

  • Page 35: Working Color Space

    (order no. 14 471 black, 14 472 silver). • The LEICA M8 is fitted with an integral sensor which detects the position of the camera – horizontal or vertical (both directions) – for each picture. This...

  • Page 36: The Bright-Line Frame View- And Rangefinder

    24+35 mm, 28+90 mm, 50+75 mm. The size of the bright-line frame is matched to the tak- ing format of the LEICA M8 and corresponds to a sen- sor size of around 18 x 27mm at the shortest setting distance for each focal length. At longer distances, the camera records more of the subject than can be seen within the bright-line frames.
  • Page 37 50 mm + 75 mm 28 mm+ 90 mm 24 mm + 35 mm Comprehensive instructions / 103...

  • Page 38: Distance Metering/Focusing

    Distance metering/focusing Due to its large effective metering basis, the range- finder on the LEICA M8 is very precise. The benefits of this are particularly noticeable when using wide-angle lenses with their relative steep depth of field. Mechanical base width...

  • Page 39: Exposure Metering

    Exposure metering On the LEICA M8, exposure metering for the available ambient light is done through the lens with the work- ing aperture and with a strongly concentrated center- weighted characteristic. The light reflected by a bright blade in the first shutter curtain is captured by a photo diode and measured.

  • Page 40: Exposure Modes

    However, as described in the section “Exposure metering” on p. 105; the LEICA M8 metering is strong- ly center-weighted, i.e. concentrated mainly on an area in the center of the picture and it is calibrated to an average grey scale value.

  • Page 41: Exposure Compensation

    (deliberately) reset it (for more details of Metering memory lock, refer to the corresponding section on p. 106). The LEICA M8 allows exposure compensation in a range of up to ±3EV in EV steps (EV: Exposure Value).

  • Page 42: The B Setting

    Notes: • Long exposure times can lead to very heavy picture noise. • To reduce this annoying effect, the LEICA M8 auto- matically takes a second “black picture” (against the closed shutter) after any picture with longer shutter speeds (from approx.
  • Page 43 In aperture priority mode on the other hand, the LEICA M8 automatically controls shutter speeds up to 32 s, so that in the above example every stop of the lens can be used.

  • Page 44: General Information On Flash Exposure Metering And Control

    When using adaptor SCA-3502 (from version 4) the white balance (see p. 98) can be set to automatic (A) for correct color reproduc- tion. If flash units not specially dedicated to the LEICA M8 are used, the camera white balance will not be automatically adjusted, and the setting should be used (see p.

  • Page 45: Attaching The Flash Unit

    Attaching the flash unit When attaching a flash unit to the LEICA M8 flash shoe (1.21), you should ensure that the foot of the flash unit is fully inserted and the clamping nut (if fit- ted) is tightened to prevent it accidentally falling out.

  • Page 46: The Settings For Camera-Controlled Automatic Flash Mode

    Manually set the camera to an shutter speed shorter than s. In such cases the LEICA M8 will not fire the flash unit even though it is switched on and ready for use. •...

  • Page 47: Selecting The Sync Speed/The Sync Speed Range

    = 1/focal length, e.g. s using the Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ) up to sync speed * Only when using Leica M lenses with 6-bit coding in the bayonet and lens identification enabled in the menu (see p. 80/86) 2. Off ( Fixed setting to the shortest possible shutter speed s, e.g.

  • Page 48: Additional Functions

    Curtain. Additional functions User/application specific profiles On the LEICA M8, any combination of all main and pic- ture parameters menu settings can be permanently stored, e.g. so that they can be retrieved quickly and easily for recurring situations / subjects. A total of...

  • Page 49: Resetting All Custom Settings

    (p. 88) and “Automatic review of last picture” (p. 89), you can view the pictures you have taken in the monitor (1.33) on the LEICA M8. This can either be automatic for a short time immediately after taking the picture in Auto Review mode or at any time, and for an unlimited time, in mode.

  • Page 50: Enlarging/Selecting The Section/Simultaneous Viewing Of Several Reduced Pictures

    B. Enlarging/selecting the section/simultaneous viewing of several reduced pictures With the LEICA M8 it is possible to open an enlarged section of an individual picture in the monitor to study it more closely, with a free choice of section. Con- versely, you can also view up to 9 pictures simultane- ously in the monitor, e.g.

  • Page 51: Deleting Pictures

    The LEICA M8 also offers you the option of deleting single pictures, or all pictures at the same time, as required.

  • Page 52: Protecting Pictures/Clearing Delete Protection

    • If you decide you want to delete them, clear the pro- tection as described below. • Protection is only effective for the LEICA M8. • Even protected pictures are deleted if the memory card is reformatted (see next section for details).
  • Page 53 The first step is to decide • whether you want to protect individual pictures Protect Single • all pictures simultaneously Protect • whether you want to clear the existing protection for individual pictures Unprotect Single • for all pictures Unprotect Note: The following functions cannot be performed and the menu text appears in white instead of black to indi-...

  • Page 54: Additional Functions

    Notes: • Do not turn the LEICA M8 off while the memory card is being formatted. • If the memory card has been formatted in another device, such as a computer, you should reformat it in the LEICA M8.

  • Page 55: Transferring Data To A Computer

    This allows fast data transfer to computers with the same kind of interface. The computer used must have either a USB port (for direct connection to the LEICA M 8) or a card reader for SD cards. Note:...

  • Page 56: Data Structure On The Memory Card

    If the battery capacity runs short during data transfer, the corresponding symbol flashes ( s. S. 85). In this case, stop the data transfer, switch off the LEICA M8 (see p. 89) and charge the battery (see p. 83). Connecting and transferring the data...

  • Page 57: Installation Of Supplied Software

    Two CD-ROMs are supplied with the LEICA M8. These contain the programs LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE 1.0 (E) to operate your LEICA M8 from a computer, and Cap- ture One LE from Phase One (F) to professionally con- vert, edit, print, and archive the pictures you take with your LEICA M8.

  • Page 58: System Accessories For The Leica M8

    The range of lenses includes focal lengths from 16 to 135 mm - for the LEICA M8 this corresponds to effec- tive focal lengths from 21 to 180mm (bright-line frames for focal lengths ≥ 90mm (effective) are unavailable, see also p.

  • Page 59: Precautions And Care Instructions

    (e.g. induction ovens, microwave ovens, television sets or computer monitors, video game consoles, cell phones, radio equipment). • If you place the LEICA M8 on or very close to a tele- vision set, its magnetic field could interfere with picture recordings.

  • Page 60: Care Instructions

    126 / Miscellaneous/Precautions and care instructions For the camera • Only clean the LEICA M8 with a soft, dry cloth. Stubborn dirt should first of all be covered with a well-thinned cleaning agent and then wiped off with a dry cloth.

  • Page 61: For The Battery

    • Always remove the battery if you will not be using the LEICA M8 for a long period of time. Otherwise, after several weeks the battery could become total- ly discharged, i.e. the voltage is significantly reduced, as the LEICA M8 uses a low no-load cur- rent (to save the date) even when it is turned off.

  • Page 62: Cleaning The Sensor

    Notes: • To protect the LEICA M8 against ingress of dust etc. into the interior of the camera, it is important always to have a lens or a cover fitted to the camera body.

  • Page 63: Storage

    Storage • If you are not using the LEICA M8 for an extended period of time, we recommend that you: a. switch it off (see p. 88), b. remove the memory card (see p. 85) and c. remove the battery (see p. 84), (after 3 months the date and time that were entered will be lost, see p.

  • Page 64: Warning Messages

    Picture data are currently being transferred to the SD card. All other picture processing functions are unavailable whilst this is in progress. Error code XX Please ask you Leica dealer or Leica agent for your country regarding this information (addresses are shown on the warranty card).

  • Page 65: Malfunctions And Their Resolution

    9. The date and time displays show incorrect values or are blank. 9.1 The LEICA M8 has not been used for a long peri- od, particularly if the battery has been removed. 1. Insert a fully charged battery 2.

  • Page 66: 132 / Index

    Filters ........124 Handgrip M8 ......124 Universal Wide-angle Viewfinder M .
  • Page 67 Items supplied ......75 Lenses, Leica M ......86 Attaching and removing .

  • Page 68: Technical Data And Descriptions

    Lens attachment Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding. Lens system Leica M lenses from 16 to 135 mm Picture format/image sensor 3936 x 2626 pixels (10.5 MPixel) CCD chip, active area 18 x 27 mm, extension factor 1.33.
  • Page 69 Flash exposure metering (with SCA-3501/3502 adaptor, or SCA-3000 standard flash unit such as LEICA SF 24D). Control with center-weighted TTL- pre-flash metering. Flash measurement cell 2 silicon photo diodes with collection lens on the camera bottom.
  • Page 70 (Euro, UK, USA), lithium ion battery, USB cable, carrying strap, CD-ROM with user manual as PDF, Remote Control Software LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE 1.0, CD-ROM with Capture One LE from Phase One. Subject to changes to design, manufacture and range.

  • Page 71: Leica Academy

    +49 (0) 64 42-208-425 la@leica-camera.com Leica on the Internet Current information about products, news, events and the Leica company is available on our homepage on the Internet at: http://www.leica-camera.com Leica information service The Leica information service can provide you with an answer to any technical questions relating to the Leica range either in writing, on the telephone or by e-mail.
  • Page 72 Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Str. 11 / D-35606 Solms www.leica-camera.com / info@leica-camera.com Telefon +49 (0) 64 42-208-0 / Telefax +49 (0) 64 42-208-333...

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