Leica M Lenses - Leica M9 Instructions Manual

• Do not open the bottom cover and remove the
memory card or battery while the red LED (1.32) to
the bottom right of the monitor (1.33) is flashing to
indicate that pictures are being recorded and/or
data saved to the card. Otherwise the not yet (com-
pletely) saved picture data may be lost.
• As electromagnetic fields, electrostatic charges,
and defects on the camera or the card can lead to
damage or loss of the data on the memory card, we
recommend that you also transfer the data to a
computer and save it there (see p. 158).
• For the same reason, it is recommended that the
card is always stored in its antistatic cover.

110 / Leica M lenses

Leica M lenses
Essentially, most Leica M lenses can be used with the
LEICA M9. Details on the small number of exceptions
and restrictions can be found in the following notes.
M lenses can be used regardless of the lens features -
whether they are supplied with or without 6-bit coding
in the bayonet (latest version).
Even without this additional feature, i.e. when using
Leica M lenses without identification, the LEICA M9
will deliver excellent pictures in most situations.
To achieve optimum picture quality in these situations,
we recommend entering the lens type (see "Switching
lens type identification on/off", p. 124).
Important:
• Cannot be used:
– Hologon 15 mm f/8
– Summicron 50 mm f/2 with close up setting,
– Elmar 90 mm f/4 with retractable tube (manufac-
tured from 1954–1968)
– Some examples of the Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4
(not aspherical, manufactured from 1961–1995,
Made in Canada) cannot be fitted to the LEICA M9
or will not focus to infinity. Leica Customer Service
can modify these lenses so that they can be used
on the LEICA M9.
• Can be used, but risks damaging the camera
or lens
Lenses with retractable tube can only be used with
the tube extended, i.e. their tube must never be
retracted into the LEICA M9. This is not the case
for the current Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4, whose
tube does not protrude into the camera body even
when retracted. It can therefore be used without
any restrictions.
• Limited use
Despite the high precision of the view and range -
finder on the LEICA M9, exact focusing cannot
be guaranteed when using 135 mm lenses at full
stop due to the very shallow depth of field. Stop-
ping down by at least 2 stops is therefore recom-
mended.
• Can be used, but excluded from exposure
metering
– Super-Angulon-M 21 mm f/4
– Super-Angulon-M 21 mm f/3.4
– Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 with serial nos. earlier
than 2 314 921.
Note:
Leica Customer Service can retrofit many Leica M
lenses with 6-bit coding. Enquire for specific cases
(address, see p. 177).