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Leica M8.2 Instructions Manual

Leica m8.2: user guide
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LEICA M8.
2
Anleitung/Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Leica M8.2

  • Page 1 LEICA M8. Anleitung/Instructions...
  • Page 2 1.16 1.15 1.14 1.13a 1.13 1.13b 1.12 1.21c 1.21b 1.21a 1.17 1.14a 1.27 1.13c 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 1.42 1.41 1.38 1.39 1.43 1.43a 1.44 1.45 1.35 1.46...

  • Page 5: Fcc Notes

    Trade Name: LEICA Model No.: LEICA M8. Responsible party/ Support contact: Leica Camera Inc. 1 Pearl Count, Unit A Allendale, New Jersey 07401 Tel.: +1 201 995 0051 232 Fax: +1 201 995 1684 e-mail: olesin@aol.com This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

  • Page 6: Foreword

    Foreword Dear Customer, Leica would like to thank you for purchasing the LEICA M8. and congratulate you on your choice. With this unique view and digital rangefinder camera, you have made an excellent selection. We wish you a great deal of pleasure and success using your new LEICA M8.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Inserting and removing the memory card ...101 86 / Table of Contents The most important settings / controls Leica M lenses ...102 Using Leica UV/IR filters to correct color shifts for particular subjects and lighting situations...103 Switching the lens type identification on/off ...103 Extension factor ...105 Attaching a lens...105...
  • Page 8 Data structure on the memory card...150 Working with DNG raw data...150 Installation of Capture One 4...150 Installing firmware updates ...151 Miscellaneous System accessories for the LEICA M8. Exchangeable lenses ...152 Filters ...152 Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder M...152 Viewfinder Magnifier M 1.25 x / 1.4 x ...152 Handgrip M8...152...

  • Page 9: 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 10: Scope Of Delivery

    Before using your LEICA M8. for the first time, please Scope of delivery check that the accessories supplied are complete. A. Battery B. Charger C. USB connecting lead D. Carrying strap E. DVD-ROM containing Capture One 4 from Phase One...

  • Page 11: Designation Of Parts

    1.10 Sensor for lens identification 1.11 6-bit lens identification barcode Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachments cover the bright- ness sensor. Information about the use of these and other lenses can be found in the “Displays/In the viewfinder”, p.
  • Page 12 Rear view 1.22 button for calling up the picture parameter menu / for calling up the sub-menu within the menu-driven commands / for loading set- tings/functions selected in the sub-menu 1.23 INFO button for displaying picture information during picture review 1.24 PROTECT button for selecting delete protec -...

  • Page 13: Displays

    Dot below: - Information (flashing) that exposure compen- sation is being used The automatic control is not available for Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachments, since they cover the brightness sen- sor 1.4 which supplies the information required for their ope- ration.

  • Page 14: 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 or position of section shown (schematic, for enlarged view only) 4.1.4 Selected picture (reduced viewing of 4 or 9...

  • Page 15: Menu Items

    Menu items Notes: • In aperture priority and manual exposure control modes, both menus are available with all items except 5.1.25. • In snapshot mode , there is only a single menu. It includes only the items highlighted in grey; the others do not appear in S mode and are either fixed or not available.

  • Page 16: In The Picture Parameters Menu

    In the picture parameters menu Menu item Explanation 5.2.1 Sensitivity 5.2.2 Exposure compensation 5.2.3 White Balance Compression 5.2.4 Compression rate/file format Resolution 5.2.5 5.2.6 User Profile User-specific profile (recall) Fixed setting in snapshot mode AUTO ISO ±0 (=Off) Automatic JPG fine 10 MP Not available Displays / Menu items / 95...

  • Page 17: Snapshot Mode S

    The only prerequisite is coded Leica M lenses (see page 102), particularly useful for short focal lengths up to 35 mm (see “Explanations”, section 1 below).
  • Page 18 2. With the LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. when changing the focal length the values displayed in the monitor must also be reset.

  • Page 19: Comprehensive Instructions

    • Never throw batteries into a fire as this can cause them to explode! • Only the charger specified and described in this manual or the Leica charger order no. 14 463 is to be used. The use of other chargers not approved by Leica...
  • Page 20 • A new battery only reaches its full capacity after it has been fully charged and – by use in the camera - discharged again 2 or 3 times. This discharge procedure should be repeated every 25 cycles. To ensure a maximum service life of the battery, it should not be exposed to constant extremes of temperature (e.g.

  • Page 21: Inserting The Battery Into The Camera

    Inserting / removing the battery in / from the camera 1.Set the main switch (1.19) to OFF. 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, and c.

  • Page 22: Inserting And Removing The Memory Card / 101

    Notes: • The range of SD/SDHC cards available is constantly changing; some cards may malfunction when used in the LEICA M8. . Information on compatible cards can be found on our homepage at: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/ rangefinder_cameras/m8.2 •...

  • Page 23: The Most Important Settings / Controls

    Usage is independent of the initial format of the res- pective camera – whether 18x27 mm (sensor size) for the digital Leica M8.2 or 24x36 mm for the 35mm models up to the LEICA M7, and also independent of the lens fitted – with or without 6-bit coding in the bayonet mount (for the latest version, see “Switching...

  • Page 24: Using Leica Uv/Ir Filters To Correct Color Shifts For Particular Subjects And Lighting Situations

    Using Leica UV/IR filters to correct color shifts for particular subjects and lighting situations The use of CCD sensor such as in the LEICA M8. always results in a slight technology conflict. Sensors of this type have increased sensitivity to infrared light...
  • Page 25 Provided On + UV/IR has previously been set, this monitor screen appears automatically as soon as the camera is turned on and/or the LEICA TRI- ELMAR-M 16-18-21 mm f/4 ASPH. is attached, regardless of whether or not the monitor was previously active.

  • Page 26: Extension Factor

    Extension factor The nominal focal lengths of the Leica M lenses are based on the 35mm film format, i.e. an initial format of 24x36mm. However, the sensor on the LEICA M8. is somewhat smaller, at 18x27mm, by a factor of 0.75.

  • Page 27: 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 switched off This is the inactive position –...

  • Page 28: Selecting Picture Taking And Review Modes / 107

    Selecting picture taking and review modes After switching on, the LEICA M8. is always in recording mode, i.e. the monitor (1.33) remains dark – once it is ready to use (see p. 106). To review the pictures, you can choose between two...

  • Page 29: Shutter Release Button

    Shutter release button 1.20 108 / Shutter release button The shutter release button (1.20) has three pressure points: 1. Briefly pressing to the first pressure point activates the exposure metering and viewfinder displays, and starts a pre-set self timer delay time, if this has been programmed (see p.

  • Page 30: Serial Exposures

    With cable release the second pressure point is not perceptible. Serial exposures Thanks to the integrated motor for the shutter action, the LEICA M8. can be used not only for single expo- sures – main switch 1.19 set to ( [single]), but also for series of exposures –...

  • Page 31: Shutter Speed Dial

    To reduce this annoy- ing phenomenon, following exposures with slower shutter speeds (approx. below s, differing depending on menu settings) the LEICA M8. auto- matically takes a second “black picture” (taken with the shutter closed). The noise present in this paral- lel picture is then digitally “subtracted”...

  • Page 32: Monitor

    The Monitor The LEICA M8. has a large 2.5” liquid crystal color monitor (1.33). This is used for viewing pictures that have been saved to the memory card. It reproduces the entire image plus the selected data and informa- tion (see “Displays / In the monitor”, p. 93, and “Dis- playing the picture data”, on this page).

  • Page 33: The Histogram

    – permits an additional quick and easy assessment of the exposure setting after taking the picture. The LEICA M8. allows you to choose between four versions of the histogram: Based on either the overall...

  • Page 34: Menu Control / 113

    Menu control Many settings for the LEICA M8.2 are controlled using menus (see p. 94/95). When using snapshot mode (see p. 96), there is only one menu – the main menu – with just 5 options. These mainly relate to basic settings (5.1.18/.19/.21/.22), which only need to be entered...

  • Page 35: Setting The Menu Functions

    Setting the menu functions 1. Call up the main menu using the MENU button (1.29); call up the picture parameters menu using button (1.22). • The first 8 items then appear in the main menu (or all 5 in snapshot mode ) and all items in the picture parameters menu.
  • Page 36 3. To set the respective function first press the button (in the picture parameters menu, press it again). • The associated multi-line sub-menu, identified by a red outline, appears to the right of the menu item. The item selected is highlighted for identifi- cation.

  • Page 37: Presets

    Presets Basic 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, Japa- nese, and Chinese can all be selected as alternative menu languages.

  • Page 38: Automatic Power Off

    Time menu item (5.1.19) using the Setting and View sub-items, essentially as described for the Date. Automatic power off This function switches the LEICA M8. off automatically after a pre-set time. This action is equivalent to setting the main switch to (1.19, see p.

  • Page 39: 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 larg - est data volume), which you should select for opti- mum quality for larger prints, it is of course possible to save considerably fewer pictures to a card than at...

  • Page 40: White Balance

    System Camera Adaption (SCA) for the System 3000 and has an SCA-3502 adaptor (from version 4 onwards). However, if other flash units are used, which are not specially adapted to the LEICA M8. , the camera white balance will not be automatically adjusted, and the setting should be used.

  • Page 41: For Direct Setting Of Color Temperature

    For direct setting of color temperature You can directly set values between 2000 and 13100 ) (from 2000 to 5000 K 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 42: Iso Sensitivity

    320, 640, 1250 and 2500 result in increased “picture noise”. This effect can be compared to the "graining" that occurs with highly sensitive films. As well as the five fixed settings, the LEICA M8. also features an AUTO ISO function, in which the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to the ambient brightness.

  • Page 43: Image Properties/Contrast, Sharpness, Color Saturation

    While photo- graphic software – after recording and transfer to a computer – provides great scope for doing this, the LEICA M8. itself allows you to influence three of the most important picture properties even before taking the picture: •...

  • Page 44: Working Color Space

    Basic picture settings / Holding the camera correctly / 123 Notes: • As a practical accessory, we recommend the Hand- grip M8, which allows you to hold the LEICA M8. extremely steadily and to carry it with one hand (order no. 14 471 black, 14 472 silver).

  • Page 45: Bright-Line View And Range Finder

    In the middle of the viewfinder image is the rectangu- lar distance metering image, which is brighter than the surrounding image field. All Leica M lenses from 16 to 135mm focal length connect with the range finder when used on the LEICA M8.
  • Page 46 50 mm + 75 mm 28 mm+ 90 mm 24 mm + 35 mm Bright-line view and range finder / 125...

  • Page 47: Distance Metering

    Distance metering 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 high depth of field. Mechanical metering basis...

  • Page 48: Exposure Metering / 127

    Exposure metering On the LEICA M8. , exposure metering for the availa- ble ambient light is done through the lens with the working aperture. The light reflected by a bright blade in the first shutter curtain is captured by a photo diode and measured.

  • Page 49: Exposure Modes

    Often the principal subject for artistic reasons is not in the center of the picture, and such important subject items may also be excessively bright or dark. However, the LEICA M8. metering is strongly center- weighted; as described in the “Exposure metering”...

  • Page 50: Exposure Compensation / 129

    Once set, unlike metering memory lock, it remains in effect until (deliberately) cancelled (more details on metering memory lock can be found in the respective section on p. 128). The LEICA M8. allows exposure compensation in a range of up to ±3 EV in EV steps (EV: Exposure Value).
  • Page 51 Note: An exposure compensation set on the camera only influences the measurement of available light. If you want to simultaneously use compensation of the TTL flash exposure measurement in flash mode – in paral- lel or in the opposite direction, you must make this additional setting (on the flash unit).

  • Page 52: Manual Exposure Setting

    • To reduce this annoying phenomenon, following exposures with slower shutter speeds (approx. below s, differing depending on menu settings) the LEICA M8. automatically takes a second “black picture” (taken with the shutter closed). The noise present in this parallel picture is then digitally “sub- tracted”...

  • Page 53: Exposure Meter Metering Range

    ISO values. On the left of the diagram, you can see the shutter speed details in seconds (TV = Time Value). The working range of the LEICA M8. focal plane shutter is represented by a shaded area in the adjacent column.

  • Page 54: Metering Diagram

    Metering Diagramm 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 0,03 0,063 0,125 0,25 1000 2000 4000 2500 8000 16000 32000 63000 125000 cd/m Metering Diagramm / 133...

  • Page 55: General Information On Flash Exposure Metering And Control

    134 / Flash mode Compatible flash units The following flash units, when used on the LEICA M8. are capable of all the functions described in this manual: • The LEICA SF 24D system flash unit (order no.

  • Page 56: 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 57: Settings For Camera-Controlled Automatic Flash Mode

    (on the flash unit). • More details of flash use, in particular for other flash units not specially adapted to the LEICA M8. and for different flash modes can be found in the respective user guides.

  • Page 58: In Automatic Flash Mode

    Fixed setting to the shortest possible shutter speed s, e.g. for the sharpest possible reproduction of moving subjects and the illuminating flash. * Only when using Leica M lenses with 6-bit coding in the bay- onet and lens identification enabled in the menu (see p. 94/103/113)

  • Page 59: Selecting The Firing Moment

    (left), which is being overta- ken by its own light traces. The LEICA M8. gives you a choice between this nor- mal flash firing moment and synchronization with the end of the exposure, i.e.

  • Page 60: Additional Functions

    1. Curtain or 2. Curtain. Additional functions User / application specific profiles On the LEICA M8. , any combination of all main and picture parameters menu settings can be permanently stored, e.g. so that they can be retrieved quickly and easily for recurring situations / subjects.

  • Page 61: Review Mode

    "Automatic review of last picture" (p. 107) sections, you can view the pictures you have taken in the monitor (1.33) on the LEICA M8. . Pictures can ei - ther be reviewed automatically for a short time imme-...

  • Page 62: Viewing Other Pictures / "Scrolling" In The Memory

    B. Enlarging / selecting the section / simul - taneous 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. Convers ely, you can also view up to 9 pictures simultaneously in the monitor, e.g.
  • Page 63 The four direction buttons (1.14) can be used to select any position for the section to be enlarged. To do this, press the button (several times) for the direction in which you want to shift the section. • In addition to the enlargement, the rectangle within the frame (4.1.3/4.2.6k) in the lower right-hand cor- ner of the monitor symbolizes the position of the section displayed.

  • Page 64: Deleting Pictures

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

  • Page 65: Protecting Pictures / Clearing Delete Protection

    • If you decide you want to delete them, clear the protection 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 66 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 Clear Protection Single for all pictures Clear Protection All Note: The following functions cannot be performed and the menu text appears in white instead of black to indi -...

  • Page 67: 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 68: Taking Photographs With The Self Timer

    Taking photographs with the self timer You can use the self timer to take a picture with a delay of either 2 or 12s. This can be particularly use- ful, for example in the first case if you want to avoid the picture being out of focus due to camera shake when releasing the shutter or, in the second case, for group photographs where you want to appear in the...

  • Page 69: 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 8.2) or a card reader for SD/SDHC cards. Note:...

  • Page 70: Os X (10.5)

    “Load” button. Important: • Only use the USB cable (C) supplied. • While data is being transferred from the LEICA M8. to the computer, the connection may not under any circumstances be broken by removing the USB cable, as otherwise the computer and/or the LEICA M8.

  • Page 71: Data Structure On The Memory Card

    Capture One 4 raw data converter from Phase One. This soft- ware can be found on the DVD-ROM (F) that is supp- lied with the LEICA M8. . Capture One 4 provides quality-optimized algorithms for digital color proces- sing, simultaneously allowing you to produce low- noise pictures with outstanding resolution.

  • Page 72: Installing Firmware Updates / 151

    Windows signature. Ignore this message and continue with the installation. Installing firmware updates Leica is constantly working on developing and optimiz - ing its products. As digital cameras have many func- tions that are controlled electronically, some of these improvements and enhancements to the functions can be installed on the camera at a later date.

  • Page 73: Miscellaneous

    Miscellaneous System accessories for the LEICA M8.2 Exchangeable lenses The Leica M system provides a basis for optimum adap - t ation to fast and unobtrusive photography. The range of lenses includes focal lengths from 16 to 135 mm - for the LEICA M8.

  • Page 74: Spare Parts

    Take particular care when changing lenses and when inserting and removing the card. Ensure that water cannot get into the LEICA M8. when it is snowing or raining and on the beach. Moisture can cause malfunctions and even permanent damage to the LEICA M8.

  • Page 75: Lcds

    Cosmic radiation (e.g. on flights) can cause pixel defects. Condensation If condensation has formed on or in the LEICA M8. you should turn it off and leave it to stand at room temperature for around an hour. Once the camera temperature has adjusted to room temperature, the condensation will disappear by itself.

  • Page 76: For Lenses

    • If a battery is dropped, check the casing and the contacts immediately for any damage. Using a damaged battery can damage the LEICA M8. • Batteries have only a limited service life. • Take damaged batteries to a collection point to ensure correct recycling.

  • Page 77: For Memory Cards

    The LEICA M8. can be sent to Leica Camera AG’s Customer Service for the sensor to be cleaned at a cost (address: see p. 165) – this cleaning is not included in the warranty.

  • Page 78: Storage

    • If the particles cannot be removed from the sensor in this way, please refer the matter to your Leica Information Service (address: see p. 165). • If the battery capacity falls to less than 40 % while Attention the shutter is open, a warning message...

  • Page 79: Warning Messages

    Picture data is currently being transferred to the SD/SDHC card. All other picture processing functions are unavailable while 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 80: Malfunctions And Their Resolution / 159

    I turn it on. 2.1 Does the battery have sufficient charge to oper - ate the LEICA M8. Charge the battery or insert a charged battery. 2.2 Is there any condensation? This can occurs if the LEICA M8.

  • Page 81: Index

    Index 160 / Index Accessories Cases ...152 Correction lenses...152 Exchangeable lenses...152 Filters...152 Handgrip M8 ...152 Universal wide-angle viewfinder M...152 Viewfinder magnifier M 1.25x / M 1.4x ...152 Aperture priority mode ...128 Aperture setting ring...90 Battery ... Charge level displays ...92/100 Charging ...98 Insertion / removal ...100 Bright-line view and range finder...124...
  • Page 82 Noise reduction...121/131 Parts, designation...90 Protecting pictures / Clearing delete protection ...144 Raw data ...118/150 Record and review modes...107 Repairs / Leica Customer Service ...165 Resetting all custom menu settings ...139 Resolution ...118 Review mode ...140 Enlarging ...141 Four / nine single pictures simultaneously ...141 Selecting the trimming ...141...

  • Page 83: 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 84 Flash exposure metering (with SCA-3501/3502 adapter 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 collecting lens on the camera bottom.
  • Page 85 Shutter and release Shutter Microprocessor-controlled, exceptionally low- noise metal blade focal plane shutter with vertical movement. Shutter speeds In snapshot and aperture priority mode ( ) continuously from 32s to s. Using 4000 manual setting 6 s to s in half steps, for long 4000 exposures of any duration (together with self timer T...

  • Page 86: Leica Academy

    Fax: +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.us http://www.leica-camera.co.uk 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 87 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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