Flash Mode - Leica M Instruction Manual

ATTAChINg ThE FLASh UNIT
Before attaching a flash unit to the flash shoe (19) on the Leica M,
– the cover that protects the flash shoe and the socket (27) when not
in use, must be detached to the rear, and
– the camera and flash unit must be turned off.
When attaching a flash unit, you should ensure that the foot of the
flash unit is fully inserted into the flash shoe and the clamping nut is
tightened to prevent it accidentally falling out. This is particularly
important for flash units with additional control and signal contacts,
because if the position in the flash shoe changes the necessary
contacts can be broken, leading to malfunctions.
Note:
This also applies when using a flash unit with SCA adapter set (see p.
226).

FLASh MODE

Fully automatic flash mode, i.e. controlled by the camera, is available
on the Leica M with the system compatible flash units listed in the
previous section, and in aperture priority
modes.
In addition, automatic illumination control is operational in all three
exposure modes. This means that in order to ensure a balanced
relationship between flash and available light at all times, the flash
power is reduced by up to 1 /
2
However, if the ambient brightness plus even the shortest possible
flash sync time of / s would cause overexposure, a non-HSS
1
180
compatible flash unit will not be fired in aperture priority mode. In
A and manual exposure
EV as ambient brightness increases.
3
such cases the shutter speed is governed by the ambient brightness
and is shown in the viewfinder.
In aperture priority mode
allows the use of creative flash techniques such as synchronization of
flash firing with the 2nd shutter curtain rather than the 1st, as is
usual, and flash with slower shutter speeds than the sync speed of
/ s. These functions are set on the camera using the menu (for
1
180
more details, refer to the relevant sections below).
In addition the Leica M transfers the set sensitivity to the flash unit.
This allows the flash unit, provided it has received such information
and the aperture manually set on the lens is also input to the flash
unit, automatically to adjust its range values accordingly. With system
compatible flash units, the sensitivity setting cannot be influenced
from the flash unit as it is transferred from the camera.
191
and with manual setting, the Leica M also
A