Leica M8.2 Safari Instruction manual

LEICA M8.

2

Anleitung/Instructions

1.2

1.1

1.16

1.15

1.14

1.13a

1.13

1.13b

1.12

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.21c

1.21b

1.21a

1.14a

1.13c

1.21

1.2

1.8

1.9

1.17

1.27

1.18

1.19

1.20

1.26

1.25

1.24

1.20a

1.23

1.22

1.28

1.10

1.33

1.32

1.11

1.29

1.30

1.31

1.40

1.34

1.9

1.38

1.39

1.42

1.41

1.37

1.36

1.35

1.43 1.43a

1.44

1.45

1.46

Inhalt.qxp:Leica M8 deutsch 26.09.2008 8:03 Uhr Seite 2

2


This is a Class B product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference from

Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this is used near a radio or television receiver in a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference.

Install and use the equipment according to the instruction manual.

FCC Note: (U. S. only)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guar antee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Trade Name:

Model No.:

Responsible party/

LEICA

LEICA M8.

2

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: [email protected]

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

ICES-003

FCC Caution:

To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use only shielded inter face cables with ferrite core when connecting to com put er or peripheral devices.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

LEICA M8.

2

Tested To Comply

With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

84 /FCC Note


Foreword

Dear Customer,

Leica would like to thank you for purchasing the

LEICA M8.

2 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.

2

.

In order to make best use of all the opportunities offered by this high performance camera, we recommend that you first of all read these instructions.

This manual has been printed on 100% chlorine free bleached paper. The complex manufacturing process eases the burden on the water system and thus helps to protect our environment.

Foreword / 85


Table of Contents

FCC notes ................................................................84

Foreword .................................................................85

Warning messages...................................................88

Legal notes ..............................................................88

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment ......88

Scope of delivery .....................................................89

Designation of parts ................................................90

Displays

In the viewfinder ...................................................92

In the top panel LCD .............................................92

In the monitor .......................................................93

Menu items

In the main menu ..................................................94

In the picture parameters menu ...........................95

Snapshot mode S ....................................................96

Comprehensive instructions

Preparations

Attaching the carrying strap ................................98

Charging the battery ...........................................98

Inserting the battery into the camera /

Removing the battery from the camera .............100

Charge level displays .........................................100

Inserting and removing the memory card ..........101

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

Removing a lens ................................................105

Switching the camera on and off/ the main switch...................................................106

Selecting picture taking and review modes.........107

Review for unlimited time ..................................107

Automatic review of last picture ........................107

Shutter release button ........................................108

Serial exposures ................................................109

Shutter speed dial ...............................................110

Monitor ................................................................111

Setting the brightness ........................................111

Displaying the picture data.................................111

The histogram ....................................................112

Menu control .......................................................113

Main Menu ..........................................................113

Picture parameters menu...................................113

Setting the menu functions................................114

Presets

Basics settings for the camera

Menu language .................................................116

Date and time ...................................................116

Automatic power off .........................................117

Button acknowledgement and signal tones........117

Basic picture settings

Resolution ..........................................................118

Compression rate/file format ............................118

White balance ....................................................119

For automatic or fixed settings .........................119

For direct setting of color temperature ............120

For manual setting by metering........................120

ISO sensitivity ....................................................121

Image properties

(contrast, sharpness, color saturation)..............122

Working color space ..........................................123

Holding the camera correctly.................................123

Bright-line view and range finder............................124

The frame selector ..............................................124

Distance metering..................................................126

Superimposed image method (double image) .....126

Split image method .............................................126

Exposure metering .................................................127

Turning the exposure meter on/off .....................127

Exposure modes .................................................128

Aperture priority ................................................128

Metering memory lock .....................................128

Exposure compensation...................................129

Manual exposure setting .....................................131

The B setting / the T-Function ............................131

Exposure meter metering range.............................132

Working below the metering range ........................132

Metering diagram...................................................133

86 / Table of Contents


General information on flash exposure metering and control .............................................134

Compatible flash units ........................................134

Attaching the flash unit .......................................135

Flash mode .........................................................135

Settings for camera-controlled automatic flash mode.........................................................136

The flash lighting displays in the viewfinder with system-compatible flash units ...................136

In automatic flash mode...................................137

When the flash unit is set to camera control (A) or manual mode (M) .......................137

Selecting the sync speed / the sync speed range ...137

Selecting the firing moment................................138

Additional functions

User / application specific profiles.....................139

Resetting all custom settings ..............................139

Review mode.......................................................140

Viewing other pictures / "Scrolling" in the memory..141

Enlarging / selecting the section / simultaneous viewing of several reduced pictures ................................................141

Deleting pictures ...............................................143

Protecting pictures /

Clearing delete protection .................................144

Additional functions

Changing the picture numbering ......................146

Formatting the memory card ...........................146

Taking photographs with the self timer ............147

Transferring data to a computer.............................148

with Windows ® XP / Vista ® .................................148

with Mac ® OS X (10.5).........................................149

with card readers ................................................149

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.

2

Exchangeable lenses .........................................152

Filters ................................................................152

Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder M...................152

Viewfinder Magnifier M 1.25 x / 1.4 x ...............152

Handgrip M8......................................................152

Correction lenses ..............................................152

Cases ................................................................152

Spare parts ............................................................153

Precautions and care instructions

General precautions ..........................................153

LCDs ................................................................154

Condensation ....................................................154

Care instructions

For the camera....................................................154

For lenses ...........................................................155

For the battery ....................................................155

For the charger ...................................................155

For memory cards...............................................156

Cleaning the sensor ............................................156

Storage ...............................................................157

Warning messages .................................................158

Malfunctions and their resolution ..........................159

Index......................................................................160

Technical data and descriptions.............................162

Leica Academy.......................................................165

Leica on the Internet..............................................165

Leica information service.......................................165

Leica customer service ..........................................165

Table of Contents / 87


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.

Legal notes

• Please ensure that you observe copyright laws. The recording and publication of pre-recorded media such as tapes, CDs or other published or broadcast material may contravene copyright laws.

• This also applies to all of the software supplied.

• The SD logo is a registered trademark.

• Other names, company or product names referred to in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of the relevant companies.

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

(Applies within the EC, and for other European countries with segregated waste collection systems)

This device contains electrical and/or electronic components and should therefore not be disposed of in general household waste! Instead it should be disposed of at a recycling collection point provided by the local authority. This costs you nothing.

If the device itself contains exchangeable (rechargeable) batteries, these must be removed first and, if necessary, also be disposed of according to the relevant regulations.

Further information on this point is available at your local administration, your local waste collection company, or in the store where you purchased this device.

88 / Warning messages


Scope of delivery

Before using your LEICA M8.

2 for the first time, please 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

Scope of delivery / 89


Designation of parts

Illustrations inside front and rear covers

90 / Designation of parts

Front view

1.1

Lens release button

1.2

Eyelets for carrying strap

1.3

Distance meter viewing window

1.4

Brightness sensor

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

backgrounds

Selftimer LED

1

Illumination window for the bright-line frames

Viewfinder window with viewfinder displays reversed out for better clarity against bright

Image field selector

Bottom cover locking clip

Front view of camera bayonet /rear view of lens bayonet

1.10

1.11

Sensor for lens identification

6-bit lens identification barcode

Top view

1.12

LCD

1.13

Fixed ring with a. Index for distance setting b. Depth of focus scale and c. Red index button for changing lenses

1.14

Focusing ring with a. Recessed grip

1.15

Aperture setting ring

1.16

White index point for aperture setting

1.17

Lens hood

1.18

Shutter speed dial with

-

A detent position for automatic shutter speed control

- S detent position for (snapshot) mode with extended automatic functions

1.19

Main switch with detent positions for

-

OFF

(camera switched off)

- S (single release)

- C (continuous release)

1 Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachments cover the brightness sensor. Information about the use of these and other lenses can be found in the “Displays/In the viewfinder”, p.

92 and “Leica M lenses”, p. 102 sections.

1.20 Shutter release button with a. Tapped thread for cable release

1.21 Flash unit shoe with a. Center (flash) and b. Control contacts, and c. Hole for retaining pin


Rear view

1.22

SET button for calling up the picture parameter menu / for calling up the sub-menu within the menu-driven commands / for loading settings/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 tion function

1.25

DELETE button for selecting delete function

1.26 USB port cover

1.27

PLAY button for switching on (continuous) review mode / for return to full picture display

1.28 Viewfinder window

1.29

MENU button for calling up and exiting the main menu

1.30 Central setting ring for navigation in menus / setting the selected menu items/functions, scrolling in the memory and for enlarging/ reducing the pictures viewed

1.31 Direction buttons for navigation within the menus / for setting the selected menu items/ functions and for scrolling through the memory

1.32 LED for indicating picture mode / recording data on to the card

1.33 Monitor

View with USB port cover open

1.34 USB port (5-pin, for connecting to computers)

Bottom view

(with bottom cover in place)

1.35 Tripod thread A ¼, DIN 4503 (¼").

1.36 Bottom cover

1.37 Locking toggle for bottom cover

(with bottom cover removed)

1.38 Battery compartment

1.39 Battery locking slider

1.40 Memory card slot

Charger

1.41

Green ( CHARGE ) LED to indicate charging

1.42 Yellow ( 80% ) LED to indicate: 80% charge reached

1.43 Charging slot for battery with a. Contacts

1.44 Socket for car charging cable

1.45 2-pin socket for

1.46 Replaceable mains cable

Designation of parts / 91


Displays

2.1.1

2.1.2

2.1.3

2.3

2.1

3.1

3.2

2.2

2.

In the viewfinder

2.1

LEDS (Light Emitting Diodes)

(with automatic brightness control, which responds to the ambient brightness 1 ) for:

2.1.1. Four-digit seven-segment digital display with dots above and below

Digital display:

- Displays the automatically determined exposure time for aperture priority A , or for counting down exposure times longer than 1s

- Warning that the metering or setting ranges are overshot or undershot using aperture priority A

- Displays the exposure compensation value

(briefly during adjustment)

- Information that the buffer memory is (temporarily) full

Dot above:

- Information (when lit) that saved metering values are being used

Dot below:

- Information (flashing) that exposure compensation is being used

2.1.2 Two triangular and one circular LED:

- In the snapshot mode

S

: Circular LED displaying the correct exposure, plus right triangular

LED to indicate possible overexposure or left triangular LED to indicate possible camera shake and/or underexposure

- For manual adjustment: Jointly used as light balance for exposure compensation

- Warning of values below the metering range

2.1.3 Flash symbol:

- Flash readiness

- Details of flash lighting before and after the exposure

2.2

Bright line frame for 24mm and 35mm

(example)

2.3

Metering field for distance setting

3.

In the top panel LCD

3.1

Number of pictures remaining

3.2

Battery status

1 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.

92 / Displays / In the viewfinder / In the top panel LCD


4.2.2

4.2.1

4.1.1

4.2.3

4.2.4

4.1.2

4.1.3

4.

In the monitor

4.1

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 pictures only)

4.2.5

i k j e f g

4.2.6

a b c d

4.2

Reviewing with additional information

( INFO ; reduced picture size)

4.2.1 Picture (if necessary with “Clipping” display

1

)

4.2.2. Histogram a. Luminance (brightness) b. Red / green / blue (separate display of individual colors)

4.2.3 Delete protection symbol (only if set)

4.2.4 Date / time

4.2.5 Picture number / total number of available pictures

4.2.6 Picture information a. Exposure modes and exposure time b. Focal length 2 c. Sensitivity d. Exposure compensation e. Resolution f. Compression / file format g. White balance i. User profile number j. Folder number / file name k. Size and position of section (only if in use)

1 see “Histogram”, p. 112

2 Only with the latest M lenses with 6-bit coding, or suitably converted lenses (see p. 102)

Displays / In the monitor / 93


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 S , 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.

5.1

In the main menu

Menu item

5.1.1

Lens Detection

5.1.2

Save User Profile

5.1.3

Self Timer

5.1.4

Auto ISO Setup

5.1.5

Sharpening

5.1.6

Color Saturation

5.1.7

Contrast

5.1.8

Monitor Brightness

5.1.9

Histogram

5.1.10

Picture Numbering

5.1.11

Auto Review

5.1.12

Auto Power Off

5.1.13

Flash Sync

5.1.14

Auto Slow Sync

5.1.15

Color Management

5.1.16

Reset

5.1.17

Sensor Cleaning

5.1.18

Date

5.1.19

Time

5.1.20

Acoustic Signal

5.1.21

Language

5.1.22

Format SD-Card

5.1.23

Firmware

5.1.24

Advance

5.1.25

Picture Settings

Explanation Fixed setting in snapshot mode

S

Lens type identification

User-specific profile (save)

Self timer delay time

Automatic sensitivity control

Picture sharpening

Picture color saturation

Picture contrast

On + UV/IR

Not available

12 s

AUTO ISO / Lens dependent

Standard

Standard

Standard

Standard

Graphic to indicate distribution of brightness Off

Picture

Automatic power off

Continuously

5 seconds

2 minutes

1. Curtain

Flash shutter speed

Working color space

(To original factory settings)

Shutter opening for cleaning the sensor

Lens specific sRGB

Not available

Not available

Button acknowledgement tone

Formatting the memory card

Firmware version

Delay for cocking the shutter

Color or B/W

Off

Not available

Standard

94 / Displays / Menu items


5.2

In the picture parameters menu

Menu item Explanation

5.2.1

5.2.2

5.2.3

5.2.4

5.2.5

5.2.6

ISO

EV

White Balance

Compression

Resolution

User Profile

Sensitivity

Exposure compensation

Compression rate/file format

User-specific profile (recall)

Fixed setting in snapshot mode

S

AUTO ISO

±0 (=Off)

Automatic

JPG fine

10 MP

Not available

Displays / Menu items / 95


Snapshot mode

S

The LEICA M8.

2 provides you with a mode that makes photography much easier and, at the same time, more reliable and faster. 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).

Setting the LEICA M8.

2 to S mode with the shutter speed dial (1.18) and fitting a lens of this type reduces your work – except for the picture composition, e.g.

choosing the trimming, you only have to make two settings, just once per lens or focal length (see

“Explanations” section 2 below). The camera even helps you do this. Pressing the INFO button (1.23) displays a graphical representation of the lens fitted in the monitor (1.33), with three items highlighted the suggested aperture (a), the suggested distance

(b), and the resulting depth of field (c, see “Explanations” section 3 below).

6'11'

2,1

9'10''

3

19'

5,8 feet m

These two settings are the only “manual” actions and, when taking photographs with this lens or this focal length you do not need to make any other settings yourself – the camera does it all for you.

The depth of field resulting from the suggested settings – the distance range in which all parts of the subject are depicted sharply – is sufficiently large that in many situations and for the majority of subjects, you can expect sharp reproduction of the key elements of the picture.

The exposure for each shot is determined by the automatic shutter speed control (for more details see

“Aperture priority”, p. 128). For this automatic control to work over a very wide brightness range – if necessary due to low brightness, the sensitivity is simultaneously, and also automatically, set to higher values

(for more details see “ISO sensitivity, p. 121), On top of everything else, the camera warns you if your pictures could be out of focus due to camera shake

(see “Explanations” section 4 below).

You only need to look at the display in the viewfinder.

If only the red circular LED in the center is lit ( • ), everything is fine.

If a red triangle to the right is also flashing ( • ), the automatic setting range has been exceeded due to excessive brightness and there is a risk of overexposure.

Even so, in the vast majority of cases you then have the opportunity to ensure that the correct exposure is used by setting a lower aperture value than the preset one (see above). To do this, turn the aperture setting ring (1.15) in the direction indicated by the flashing triangle – to the left.

If a red triangle is also flashing to the left ( ), there is a risk of a blurred picture (see comment 4 below).

Even so, in the vast majority of cases you then have the opportunity to ensure a sharp, non-blurred picture by setting a higher aperture value than the preset one

(see above). To do this, turn the aperture setting ring

(1.15) in the direction indicated by the flashing triangle

– to the right.

96 / Snapshot mode S


Even critical light situations with significant brightness/darkness differences can easily be dealt with.

For example, in a portrait with backlight, if

- you want your main subject to be outside the center of the picture, and

- its brightness simultaneously differs significantly from the rest of the subject, you can use metering memory lock.

1. Aim the center of the viewfinder at your main subject.

2. Press the shutter release to its 2nd pressure point.

• As long as you maintain the pressure point, the metered value is stored and a small red dot appears above the circular LED in the viewfinder as confirmation.

3. Move the viewfinder back to your final trimming and

4. release the shutter.

Further details of metering memory lock can be found in the corresponding section on p. 128.

All in all, the S mode represents a quick and carefree way of taking photographs, exceptionally well suited for snapshots and delivering an excellent success rate with minimal effort.

Explanations

1. Shorter focal lengths – in the wide angle range – result in relatively large depth of field ranges and are therefore better suited for snapshots from the outset. Longer focal lengths of above 50mm – normal and telephoto lenses – sometimes have significantly narrower depth of field ranges, which means that in practice taking photographs is rarely possible without precise focusing.

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.

3. To match the relevant aperture, distance values are specified at which infinity is not set to the index in the center of the aperture scale, as is normal, but to the “long-range limit” of the relevant depth of field range, i.e. the right of the two indexes in the pair of values. Particularly with shorter focal lengths, the combination of these settings results in a significant enlargement of the usable depth of field into the close-up range.

4. As a rule of thumb: There is a risk of blurring with shutter speeds below the

1

/ focal length threshold, e.g.

at slower speeds than

1

/

30 s with a 28 mm lens.

Notes:

• Flash units can also be used in S mode. For more details, refer to the corresponding sections starting on p. 134.

• You can use the Picture Settings item in the menu

(5.1.25) to specify whether you want to produce color pictures or classic black and white pictures.

For details of the exact procedure in the menu, refer to the “Menu control” section on p. 113.

Snapshot mode

S

/ 97


Comprehensive instructions

Preparations

Attaching the carrying strap

1

3 4

2a

!

2b

5

Charging the battery

The LEICA M8.

2 is supplied with power 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.

• This battery may only be used in the units for which it is designed and may only be charged exactly as described below.

• Using this battery contrary to the instructions and using non-specified battery types can under certain circumstances result in an explosion.

• 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

Camera AG can cause damage to the batteries and, in extreme cases, to serious or life-threatening injuries.

• The charger supplied should be used exclusively for charging this battery type. Do not attempt to use it for other purposes.

• Ensure that the mains outlet used is freely accessible.

• The charger may not be opened. Repairs may only be carried out by authorized workshops.

Notes:

• The battery should be charged before the LEICA M8.

2 is used fro the first time.

• The battery must have a temperature of 0°-35°C to be charged (otherwise the charger will not switch on, or will switch off again).

• Lithium ion batteries can be charged at any time, regardless of their current charge level. If a battery is only partly discharged when charging starts, it is charged to full capacity faster.

• The batteries warm up during the charging process.

This is normal and not a malfunction.

• If the two LEDs (1.41/1.42) flash quickly once charging has begun (>2Hz), this indicates a charg ing error.

In this case, disconnect the charger from the mains and remove the battery.

Ensure that the above temperature conditions are met and then restart the charging process.

If the problem persists, please contact your dealer, the Leica office in your country or Leica Camera AG.

98 / Charging the battery


• 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. in a parked car in the summer or winter).

• Even with optimum conditions of use, every battery has a limited service life! After several hundred charging cycles, this becomes noticeable as the operating times get significantly shorter.

• Defective batteries should be disposed of in line with the applicable regulations (see p. 88).

• The replaceable battery provides power to a backup battery which is built into the camera. This back-up battery maintains the reference data such as the date for up to 3 months. If this back-up battery becomes discharged it must be recharged by inserting the replaceable main battery. Once the replaceable battery has been inserted, the full capacity of the back-up battery is recovered after about

60 hours. This process does not require that the camera be switched on.

1. Connect the charger, i.e. plug the connector on the mains cable (1.46) into the corresponding socket on the charger (1.45) and connect the other end to a mains outlet.

2. Insert a battery with its contacts underneath and the end marked with an arrow facing forwards as far as it will go into the bay (1.43) on the charger.

The shape of the bay ensures that the battery is positioned correctly.

• The green LED marked CHARGE (1.41) starts flashing to confirm that charging is in progress.

As soon as the battery has charged to at least

4

/

5 of its capacity, the yellow LED marked with

80% (1.42) also lights up. When the battery is fully charged, i.e. 100% capacity reached (after approx. 3 ½ hours), the green LED changes from flashing to continuously lit.

Note:

The 80% LED lights up after around 2 hours due to the charging characteristics. This level of charge is enough to take around 400 pictures.

Therefore, if you do not need the full capacity of around 500 pictures, the camera is always ready to use again in a relatively short time.

3. The charger should then be disconnected from the mains. However, there is no risk of overcharging.

4. Remove the battery by pulling or sliding it back out of the bay (there is a recess on the front of the bay for this purpose).

Charging the battery / 99


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. lift off the bottom cover.

3. Insert the battery into the compartment with its contacts facing forwards. Press it into the compartment (1.38) until the white sprung locking catch

(1.39) moves over the battery to hold it in place.

4. Replace the bottom cover To do this: a. insert it into the retaining clip (1.9) on the side of the camera b. swing it down, c. lock it by turning the toggle to the left as far as the stop, and d. push the toggle back down.

To remove the battery, follow these instructions in reverse order. The white sprung locking catch in the battery compartment must be pushed to the side to unlock the battery.

Note:

Always switch the camera off before removing the battery.

A fully charged battery (to the CIPA standards) is sufficient for approx. 500 pictures each reviewed for 4s.

Charge level displays (3.2)

The charge level of the battery is displayed in five stages by the top panel LCD (1.12).

: approx. 75-100 %

: approx. 50-75 %

: approx. 25-50 %

: approx. 5-25 %

: approx. 0-5 %, battery replacement or recharging necessary

Notes:

• Remove the battery if you will not be using the camera for a long period of time. When doing so, turn the camera off first using the main switch.

• After 3 months out of use, the back-up battery in the camera will be exhausted (see also the last note under “Charging the battery”, p. 98), and all individual settings will need to be made again.

100 / Inserting the battery in the camera


Inserting and removing the memory card

The LEICA M8.

2 saves the picture data on an extremely compact SD (secure digital) or SDHC (high capacity) card.

SD/SDHC memory cards are small, light and interchangeable external storage media. SD/SDHC memory cards, particularly those with a high capacity, allow significantly faster read/write times and significantly faster recording and review of the data. An SD card has a write protection switch, can be used to block unintentional storage and deletion of pictures. This switch takes the form of a slider on the non-beveled side of the card; in the lower position, marked LOCK, the data on the card is protected.

SD/SDHC memory cards are available from different suppliers and with different capacities and read/write speeds.

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. lift off the bottom cover.

Note:

Do not touch the memory card contacts.

1. Set the main switch (1.19) to OFF.

3. Insert the memory card into the slot (1.40) with the contacts at the back and with the beveled corner pointing downwards. Slide it completely into the slot against the spring resistance until you hear it click into place.

4. Replace the bottom cover To do this: a. insert it into the retaining clip (1.9) on the side of the camera b. swing it down, c. lock it by turning the toggle to the left as far as the stop, and d. push the toggle back down.

To remove the memory card, switch off the camera and follow this procedure in reverse order. To release, the card must first be pressed slightly further in – as indicated on the camera bottom.

Notes:

• The range of SD/SDHC cards available is constantly changing; some cards may malfunction when used in the LEICA M8.

2

. Information on compatible cards can be found on our homepage at: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/ rangefinder_cameras/m8.2

• If the memory card cannot be inserted, check that it is aligned correctly.

• If you remove the bottom cover or take out the memory card, the monitor displays the respective warning messages instead of the normal display:

–

Bottom cover removed

–

No memory card

• Do not open the bottom cover nor remove the memory card while the red LED (1.32) at the bottom right of the monitor (1.33) is flashing, indicating picture recording and/or data saving to the card.

Otherwise the not yet (completely) 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. 148).

• For the same reason, it is recommended that the card is always stored in its antistatic cover.

Inserting and removing the memory card / 101


The most important settings / controls

Leica M lenses

Essentially, most Leica M lenses can be used with the

LEICA M8.

2

. Details on the small number of exceptions and restrictions can be found in the following notes.

Usage is independent of the initial format of the respective 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 lens type identification on and off” on the next page).

Even without this additional feature, i.e. when using

Leica M lenses without identification, the LEICA M8.

2 will deliver excellent pictures in most situations.

Important:

• Cannot be used:

- Hologon 15mm f/8

- Summicron 50mm f/2 with close up

- Elmar 90mm f/4 with retractable tube

(manufactured from 1954-1968)

- Some examples of the Summilux-M 35 mm f/4

(not aspherical, manufactured from 1961-1995,

Made in Canada) cannot be attached to the LEICA M8.

2 or will not focus to infinity. Leica Customer Service can modify these lenses so that they can be used on the LEICA M8.

2

.

• Can be used, but precise composition is not possible

The LEICA M8.

2 has bright-line frames for focal lengths up to 90 mm (see p. 124). Therefore, when using longer focal lengths such as the 135mm models without a viewfinder attachment, their image field in the camera viewfinder – which is very small to start with – can only be “determined” very imprecisely.

• Can be used, but risks damaging the camera

Lenses with a retractable tube can only be used with their tubes extended, i.e. their tubes must never be retracted into the LEICA M8.

2

. This is not the case with 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.

• Can be used but are 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. Enquiries for specific cases to

(address, see p. 165).

102 / Leica M lenses


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.

2 always results in a slight technology conflict. Sensors of this type have increased sensitivity to infrared light that is not visible to the human eye and, unless appropriate counter-measures are taken and in specific, rather rare situations, can consequently cause a slight but problematic color shift in pictures. This is particularly the case for fabrics made of black artificial fibers photographed under incandescent bulbs, i.e. artificial light. In such cases, without correction the black can be reproduced as something between purple and dark red.

The normal counter-measure, as on the LEICA M8.

2

, is to use an IR blocking filter directly in front of the sensor. However, each additional optical element be tween the lens and the image sensor reduces the performance of the entire system to a small but visible extent.

For this reason, Leica has deliberately used an exceptionally thin filter in the LEICA M8.

2

, which allows the outstanding performance of the Leica M lenses to be utilized to the full, at the expense of a slightly lower IR blocking effect.

To eliminate possible color shifts – without having to accept the associated disadvantages – Leica supplies

UV/IR filters (see “Filters”, p. 152), which are screwed on in front of the relevant lens. In addition to the information that coded Leica M lenses (see next section) transfer to the camera, the camera then automatically corrects any remaining color shift for the specific lens fitted. As a result, you obtain pictures with the impressive sharpness and contrast typical of Leica M lenses and totally realistic color reproduction.

Switching lens type identification on and off

The 6-bit coding in the bayonet mount (1.11) of current Leica M lenses allows the LEICA M8.

2 to recog nize the type of lens fitted using the sensor in its bayonet (1.10).

- Among other things, this information is used to optimize the picture data. Thus edge darkening which can be particularly noticeable with wide-angle lenses and large apertures can be compensated in the re spective picture data.

- With wide angle lenses from 16 to 35mm and when using Leica UV/IR filters (see previous section) the camera automatically corrects the color gradient to the edge of the picture for the specific focal length.

- The control of flash lighting and the flash reflector also uses the lens data (see “Compatible flash units”, p. 134).

- In addition the information carried by this 6-bit coding is written to the respective EXIF file for the picture. The picture data shown in the

INFO* display

(see “The monitor”, p. 111) also shows the lens focal length (4.2.6 b, see p. 93).

* Not available in snapshot mode S

Leica M lenses / 103


Note:

When using aperture priority and manual exposure setting in conjunction with a lens without 6-bit coding, the camera’s identification function must always be turned off, to prevent malfunctions.

Setting the function

1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select

Detection (5.1.1) and

With all Leica M lenses except the

LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21 mm f/4 ASPH.

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired option.

Lens

Additional menu settings required for the

LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21 mm f/4 ASPH.

With this lens, the set focal length is not transferred to the camera, meaning that it must be set using the menu:

2. In the sub-menu, select On + UV/IR. A new monitor screen appears with the title Lens Identification

Tri-Elmar + UV/IR.

Note:

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.

3. In the box with a red outline, the three focal lengths

16, 18, and 21 mm can be selected using the direc tion buttons and/or the central adjusting dial and confirmed as normal with the SET button.

Notes:

• The setting in the menu must be made every time the focal length on the lens is changed.

• When the lens is attached, the middle focal length of 18mm is always preselected.

• This manual adjustment of the focal length in the menu is only necessary with the LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M

16-18-21 mm f/4 ASPH.. The LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M

28-35-50 mm f/4 ASPH. features the necessary mechanical transfer of the set focal length to the camera to display the appropriate bright-line frame in the viewfinder. The camera electronics detect the setting and use it to perform focal length specific correction.

104 / Leica M lenses


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.

2 is somewhat smaller, at 18x27mm, by a factor of

0.75. Therefore these lenses’ angle of view on the

LEICA M8.

2 always corresponds to that for lenses with focal lengths longer by a factor of 1.33 (1.33 = reciprocal of 0.75). This has the corresponding effect on their perspective, but not on their depth of field which, with the LEICA M8.

2

, can also be read directly off the lens (see the lens instructions for more details).

Of course, the bright-line frame in the viewfinder of the LEICA M8.

2 always shows the “correct” field of view for this camera, i.e. it takes account of the in creased focal length. You can therefore compose your pictures in the normal way, just as for other cameras in the Leica M series (see also “The Leica bright-line view and range finder “, p. 124).

Attaching a lens

1. Hold the lens by the fixed ring (1.13).

2. Align the red index button (1.13c) on the lens with the unlocking button (1.1) on the camera body.

3. Then push the lens straight on in this position.

4. Turn the lens slightly to the right, and you will hear and feel it click into place.

Removing a lens

1. Hold the lens by the fixed ring (1.13).

2. Press down the unlocking button (1.1) on the camera body.

3. Turn the lens to the left until its red index button

(1.13c) is aligned with the unlocking button.

4. Then pull the lens straight off.

Notes:

• To protect the LEICA M8.

2 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.

• For the same reason, when changing lenses work without delay and in an environment that is as dustfree as possible.

Leica M lenses / 105


Switching the camera on and off/the main switch

1.19

1.20

c. C - Continuous release

Pressing the shutter release button (see below) takes up to 10 pictures in succession – as long as the capacity of the memory card being used and the camera’s internal buffer memory are sufficient

(see “Inserting and removing the memory card”, p.

101).

Switching off

Even if the main switch is not set to OFF , the camera is automatically switched off if automatic power off has been set in the menu ( Auto Power Off, 5.1.12, see p. 113/117) and none of the functions are used during this time.

Pressing the shutter release button (see below) starts the pre-set delay time (see p. 147), after which a picture is taken.

The LEICA M8.

2 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: a. OFF – Camera switched off

This is the inactive position – the camera is switched off.

b.

S

– Single release

Pressing the shutter release button (see below) takes only one picture, irrespective of how long it is kept pressed.

To ensure discreet operation, you can activate the

Discreet function (see p. 109) in the menu (see p.

94/113).

Switching on

After switching on, i.e. selecting one of the three functions S , C or , the LED (1.32) lights up briefly and the displays in the viewfinder (2.1.1) and in the top panel LCD (1.12) appear (see p. 92).

Note:

After switching on, the camera is ready to use after approx. 2s.

Note:

When transporting the camera, e.g. in a case, and if the camera will not be used for a long time, if should be turned off at the main switch.

106 / The main switch


Selecting picture taking and review modes

After switching on, the LEICA M8.

2 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 modes:

1.

2.

PLAY Review for unlimited time

Auto. Review Brief review after taking the picture

Review for unlimited time -

PLAY

By pressing the PLAY button (1.27) you can switch to review mode.

• The last picture taken appears in the monitor along with the corresponding displays (see p. 93).

However, if the memory card inserted does not contain any image files, the following message appears when you switch to review mode:

No valid image to play.

Automatic review of the last picture - Auto Review

In Auto Review mode each picture is shown in the monitor (1.33) 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.

This function permits

1. selection of the duration for which the picture is displayed, and

2. review of the picture data, with or without histogram (see p. 112).

From

Auto Review mode, you can switch back at any time to normal, i.e. unlimited,

PLAY review mode

(see above).

Note:

If you are taking photographs using the serial release function (see p. 109), the last picture in the series is shown first in either review mode. Details of how to select the other pictures in the series and further options in the review modes are described in the sections under “Review mode” starting on p. 140.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113) select

Auto

Review (5.1.11),

2. in the respective sub-menu first select

Duration, and

3. in the further sub-menu that appears select the desired function or duration: ( Off, 1 Second, 3

Seconds, 5 Seconds, Hold).

4. To select whether the picture appears with or without a histogram (see p. 112), call up the first sub-menu again,

5. select Histogram,

6. and select the desired option ( On, Off).

Selecting picture taking and review modes / 107


Shutter release button

1.20

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. 147).

If the shutter release button is let go, the metering system and the displays remain activated for around a further 12s (for more details, refer to the sections under “Exposure metering” on p. 127).

If the shutter release button is kept at this pressure point, the displays remain shown, or if the camera had previously been set to review mode (see p.

140), it switches back into recording mode. If the camera had previously been in stand-by mode

(see p. 106), it will be reactivated and the displays switched on.

While the shutter release is held in this position, you can use the adjusting dial to quickly and easily set an exposure compensation (for more details, refer to the “Exposure compensation” section on p. 129).

Note:

The shutter release is locked

- if the internal buffer memory is (temporarily) full, e.g.

after a series of up to 10 pictures,

– if the memory card in use is full and the internal buffer memory is (temporarily) full, or

– if no memory card is inserted and the internal buffer memory is full.

2. Pressing through to the second pressure point locks the exposure metering value in aperture priority mode, i.e. the shutter speed determined by the camera (for more details, refer to the “Metering memory lock” section on p. 128). After the shutter release button has been let go a new metered value can be determined.

3. If the shutter release is pushed fully down, a picture is taken. The data is then sent to the memory card.

108 / Shutter release button


In situations that call for a maximum amount of discretion, it can be beneficial to suppress the noise of cocking the shutter, at least temporarily. For this purpose – and exclusively in single release mode (main switch 1.19 in S postion) – the

Discreet option can be activated for the Advance item in the menu (5.1.24, see p. 94/113).

The shutter is then cocked when you release the shutter release button rather than immediately after taking the picture. The delay time – which can be of any length – can be used to move the camera to a place with sound insulation (under clothing or similar) or to wait for a more appropriate moment to cock the shutter.

Notes:

• Even if review mode (see “Selecting picture and review modes”, p. 107) or menu control (see p. 113) had been activated, pressing the shutter release button immediately switches the camera to recording mode.

• Menu control allows button acknowledgement

(response) tones to be selected and set (see p. 117).

• To avoid camera shake, the shutter release button should be pressed gently – not jerkily, until the shutter is released with a soft click.

The shutter release button has a standard thread for a cable release.

Note:

With cable release the second pressure point is not perceptible.

Serial exposures

Thanks to the integrated motor for the shutter action, the LEICA M8.

2 can be used not only for single exposures – main switch 1.19 set to ( S [single]), but also for series of exposures – main switch set to ( C [contin uous]) – for example to capture sequences of movement in several stages.

Apart from the operation of the shutter release button

(1.20), series of pictures are taken in the same way as single pictures: As long as you hold down the shutter release button (provided that the memory card has sufficient capacity), a series of pictures is taken. If however you only press the shutter release button briefly, this will again result in a single picture.

Pictures can be taken at a maximum of about 2 pictures a second and up to 10 in succession. For detailed information on the total possible numbers of pictures, refer to the table on p. 118.

Note:

Regardless of how many pictures have been taken in a series, the PLAY and

Auto Review (5.1.11, see p. 107) functions initially always show the last picture.

Shutter release button / Serial exposures / 109


Shutter speed dial

1.18

The size and position of the shutter speed dial (1.18) on the LEICA M8.

2 are ergonomically optimized: On the one hand – even with the camera to the eye – it is very easy to use. On the other hand it is well protected against unintentional setting.

In addition its direction of rotation (like that of the aperture setting ring on the lenses) corresponds to the exposure meter displays in the viewfinder for manual adjustment: If for example the left-hand triangular LED lights up, rotation in the direction of the arrow, i.e. to the right, leads to the required longer shutter speed.

The LEICA M8.

2 shutter speed setting dial is used to select the three exposure control modes,

- Aperture priority mode by setting the A position, marked red (see p. 128),

- Snapshot mode by setting the

S position, marked red (see p. 96),

- Manual mode by selecting shutter speeds from

1

/

4000 s to 6 s, (intermediate values in ½ step graduations are also available, see p. 131) as are

- the shortest possible sync time of

1

/

180 s for flash mode, marked with the symbol (see p. 134), and

- B for long exposures (see p. 131).

The LEICA M8.

2 shutter speed setting 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 intermediate values. Values between the detent positions cannot be used.

Notes:

• As described in connection with the ISO settings on p. 123, when using higher sensitivities and in partic ular with dark, even surfaces, a certain amount of noise will become apparent. To reduce this annoying phenomenon, following exposures with slower shutter speeds (approx. below

1

/

30 s, differing depending on menu settings) the LEICA M8.

2 automatically takes a second “black picture” (taken with the shutter closed). The noise present in this parallel picture is then digitally “subtracted” from the data set for the real spicture.

• This doubling of the “exposure” time can be significant in particular at longer shutter speeds, and must be allowed for. During this time the camera should not be switched off.

• For shutter speeds of 2s or more the message

Noise reduction in progress 12s* appears in the monitor.

• If the B function is selected in conjunction with the self timer (see p. 147), the shutter release button does not need to be kept pressed; the shutter will remain open until the shutter release button is pressed a second time (this is then equivalent to a T function).

More details on setting the correct exposure can be found in the sections under: “Exposure metering” from p. 127.

* Time quoted is an example only

110 / Shutter speed dial


The Monitor

The LEICA M8.

2 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 information (see “Displays / In the monitor”, p. 93, and “Displaying the picture data”, on this page).

The monitor is protected by an exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant sapphire glass cover*, ensuring that your pictures are reproduced perfectly and with no problems even after years of use.

To allow undistracted viewing, in the default setting only the following information is displayed (i.e. if additional information has not been selected using the

INFO button (see p. 93):

1. in the header line, only the picture number (4.1.2), and

2. for deletion-protected pictures (see p. 145) the information symbol (4.1.1, ),

3. for enlarged or displaced review, in addition at the bottom right a symbol (4.1.3, ), that shows – roughly – the position and size of the section.

Note:

Most digital system cameras – as distinct from digital compact cameras – employ sensors that cannot show a preview picture, since the data can be read only picture by picture and not permanently.

Monitor pictures are therefore only available in review mode (see p. 140), and must be switched on using the

PLAY button (1.27) or, if the Auto Review function

(see p. 107) is activated, are displayed automatically.

Setting the brightness

The brightness of the monitor picture can be adjusted to five different levels using the menu control, so that you can select the optimum brightness for any situation, i.e. the ambient lighting conditions.

Setting the functions

1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Monitor

Brightness (5.1.8) and

2. in the sub-menu select which of the five levels you want to use (low, medium low, standard,

medium high, high).

Displaying the picture data

The

INFO button (1.23) allows you to select a whole range of additional picture data (see p. 11) together with a reduced picture size.

With menu control (Histogram 5.1.9, see p. 94/113) you can also select various histogram options (see next section).

Note:

When using snapshot mode S , the INFO button is used exclusively to display the suggested lens settings

(see p. 96).

* Only diamonds and a few other materials are harder than sapphire and can thus cause scratches.

The Monitor / 111


The histogram

The histogram (4.2.2) depicts the brightness distribution in the picture. The horizontal axis shows the tone values from black (left) through grey to white (right).

The vertical axis depicts the number of pixels of each brightness level. This form of presentation – together with the impressing of the picture itself – permits an additional quick and easy assessment of the exposure setting after taking the picture.

The LEICA M8.

2 allows you to choose between four versions of the histogram: Based on either the overall brightness or separately for the three primary colors red/green/blue, optionally with or without identification (red) of the areas in the picture where no image appears because they are too bright (clipping).

Note:

The histogram display always refers to the section of the picture displayed at that time.

A B

A: Predominance of dark pixels, only few bright ones: Underexposure

B: Most pixels are of medium brightness: correct exposure

C: Predominance of bright pixels, only few dark ones: overexposed

C



Histogram (5.1.9) and

2. in the associated sub-menu select the desired function: ( Std. w/o Clipping, Std. with Clipping, RGB w/o. Clipping, RGB with Clipping).

Note:

The histogram is not available when simultaneously viewing several reduced pictures (see p. 141).

112 / The histogram


Menu control

Many settings for the LEICA M8.2 are controlled using menus (see p. 94/95).

When using snapshot mode S (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 once, while all other relevant parameters are specified for ease of use. An additional option (5.1.25) can also be used to select whether color or black and white pictures are taken.

In aperture priority and manual exposure modes, two independent menus are available. In this case, the main menu contains 24 items (5.1.1-24) and there is also a picture parameter menu. 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.

Note:

The setting operations for the individual menu items described in this manual normally relate to operation in aperture priority and manual exposure mode. In snapshot mode S , the options for most menu items are replaced with fixed settings, i.e. not editable by the user (see the list in the “Menu items” section, page 94/95).

Main menu

In aperture priority and manual exposure modes, in addition to the basic camera settings the main menu also includes storing user profiles and additional functions.

Picture parameters menu

The picture parameters menu comprises 6 items

(5.2.1-.6, see p. 95), i.e. the basic settings for taking pictures and selecting the saved user profiles.

When the camera is switched on, an overview of the respective settings and step-by-step instructions for setting these functions can be viewed in the monitor

Settings are made in the same way in both menus, differing only in how they are accessed and exited.

Menu control / 113


Setting the menu functions

1. Call up the main menu using the MENU button

(1.29); call up the picture parameters menu using the

SET button (1.22).

• The first 8 items then appear in the main menu

(or all 5 in snapshot mode S ) and all items in the picture parameters menu.

Notes:

• The picture parameters menu is

- only accessible in recording mode (see p. 106), and

- only available when using aperture priority (see p.

128) and manual (see p. 131) exposure modes. In snapshot mode

S

, the

SET button has no function.

• If the DELETE or PROTECT functions are activated

(see p. 143/144), the main menu cannot be accessed.

2. You can select the desired menu item either by turning the setting ring (1.30) or by pressing the up/down direction key (1.31).

114 / Setting the menu functions


3. To set the respective function first press the SET 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 identification.

4. You can then select the desired function option either by turning the setting ring or by pressing the up/down direction buttons.

5. Save your setting by pressing the

SET button once again.

• The function variation set is then shown to the right of the menu line.

6. Exit the main menu by pressing the MENU button again; exit the picture parameters menu by a. pressing the shutter release button (1.20 - if you want to switch to recording, mode), or b. pressing the PLAY button (1.27 - to switch to review mode).

Notes:

• In the main menu, you can exit a sub-menu at any time without applying any settings you have made in them by pressing the MENU button.

• By pressing the shutter release button (1.20) you can exit either menu at any time and switch directly to picture mode; by pressing the PLAY button

(1.27) you can switch to review mode (see also

“Selecting picture taking and review modes”, p.

107).

Menu items such as Date (5.1.18) and Time (5.1.19), and the White Balance function (5.2.3) require further settings. The corresponding explanations, as well as further details about the other menu functions, can be found in the relevant sections.

Setting the menu functions / 115


Presets

Basic settings for the camera

Date and time

The date and time are each set using separate menu items.

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 alternative menu languages.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Language

(5.1.21) and

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired language.

• Apart from a few exceptions (button names, short designations), all linguistic information changes.

Date

There are 3 variations available for the sequence of the date.

Setting


Date

(5.1.18) and

2. call up the sub-menu. It consists of the 2 items,

Setting and Sequence.

3. Select Setting.

• A further sub-menu appears, containing groups of figures for the year, month and day, in which the currently active group, i.e. the one that can be set, is identified by a black background and red border.

4. The figures are set using the central setting ring

(1.30) or the up and down direction buttons (1.31), while the left and right direction buttons are used to switch between the groups of figures.

Notes:

• Using the setting ring is normally not only more convenient but also significantly faster.

• By pressing the

MENU button (1.29) you can return to the main menu at any time – without applying any changes you may have selected in the submenu.

5. After setting all 3 values, confirm and save by pressing the

SET button (1.22).

• The list of menu items appears again.

6. To change the way in which the figures are displayed, select

Sequence in the sub-menu.

• The three available sequences Day/Month/Year,

Month/Day/Year, and Year/Month/Day appear.

7. The preferred option is set and confirmed as de scribed in points 3 and 4.

Note:

Even when no battery is inserted in the camera or the battery is flat, the date and time settings are maintained by a built-in back-up battery for about 3 months

(see also “Charge level displays”, p. 100). However, after that time the date and time must be set again as described above.

116 / Basic settings for the camera


Time

The time can either be shown in 24-hour or 12-hour format.

Setting

Both the two groups of figures and the display format are set under the 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.

2 off automatically after a pre-set time. This action is equivalent to setting the main switch to OFF (1.19, see p. 106).

You can select, a. whether to activate this function, and if so b. after what period of time the camera should be switched off.

In this way, you can tailor this function to your own personal working methods and also significantly extend the life of your battery charge.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113) select Auto

Power Off (5.1.12), and

2. the desired function.

Note:

Even if the camera is in standby mode, i.e. the displays have gone out after 12s, or the active Auto

Power Off function has turned it off, it can be restarted at any time by pressing the shutter release button (1.20).

Button acknowledgement and signal tones

With the LEICA M8.

2

, you can decide whether you want your settings and other functions and warning messages to be acknowledged by an acoustic signal – two volumes are available - or whether operation of the camera should be largely silent.

A click or a beep tone is used as an acknowledgement, which can be activated individually to confirm presses of buttons and to indicate a full memory card.

Note:

By factory default, the signal tones are deactivated.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Acoustic

Signal (5.1.20) and

2. call up the sub-menu. There are three items,

Volume, Key Click and SD card full.

3. Select Volume, and

• A further sub-menu appears containing the 3 alternatives

Off (no tones at all), High (loud) and

Low (quiet).

4. Choose the desired function from this sub-menu.

• After confirmation, the initial monitor screen appears again.

5. In the other two sub-menus, choose whether or not you want to activate the tones for the respective functions.

Basic settings for the camera / 117


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 optimum quality for larger prints, it is of course possible to save considerably fewer pictures to a card than at the lowest resolution, which is perfectly adequate for sending a picture by e-mail or for a website.

Possible resolutions and resulting numbers of pictures

Compression rate/ file format

DNG JPG fine

(low compression)

1

Resolution

(10 MP)

(6 MP)

93

–

276

491

(2,5 MP)

(1 MP)

–

–

>1000

>1000

1 Average values, can differ significantly depending on the subjects.

Notes:

• The digital negative memory ( DNG, see the next section) is always performed at the highest resolution.

• The details in the table relate to the 1GB memory card supplied and retention of the same settings. If, on the other hand, you change the resolution and/or compression rate, the resulting number of pictures will be different.


1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select Resolution (5.2.5)

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired resolution.

Compression rate/file format

The picture data can optionally be recorded a. with one of two different compression rates – JPG fine / JPG basic, or b. using the DNG file format, or c. using combinations of one of these two compression rates and

DNG, i.e. two files are generated per picture. In these cases the JPG file will always be saved with the selected resolution.

JPG basic

(normal compression)

1

386

687

>1000

>1000

DNG+

JPG fine

70

78

86

90

1

DNG +

JPG basic

75

82

88

91

1

On the one hand this permits a precise match to the intended usage and the available memory card capacity, and on the other hand provides security and flexibility essential for subsequent decisions on usage.


1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select

Compression (5.2.4)

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired compression / combination.

118 / Basic picture settings


Notes:

• The standardized DNG (Digital Negative) format is used for uncompressed storage of completely unprocessed raw picture data.

• If DNG is selected for raw data storage, the resolution is set automatically, and irrespective of the existing setting (for the respective JPEG format) to

(10 MP) (see previous section).

• If simultaneous storage of picture data as DNG and

JPG is selected, the JPEG format for the existing resolution setting is used, i.e. the resolutions of the two files can be quite different.

• A high compression rate such as for JPG basic can result in very fine structures in the subject being lost or incorrectly reproduced (artifacts; e.g.

“stepped” diagonal edges).

• The remaining number of pictures shown in the monitor does not necessarily change after every picture. This depends on the subject; with JPEG files very fine structures result in higher quantities of data, homogeneous surfaces in lower quantities.

The details in the table are based on an average file size for the set resolution. The file sizes are often smaller, depending on the picture content and the compression rate, which means that the remaining memory capacity is then greater than previously calculated and displayed.

• For the possible compression rates and the resulting numbers of pictures, refer to the table in the previous section.

White balance

In digital photography, white balance ensures neutral reproduction of color in any light. It is based on the

LEICA M8.

2 being preset to reproduce a particular color as white.

With the LEICA M8.

2

, you can choose from nine different settings:

-

Auto

– For automatic control, which provides neutral results in most situations,

-

-

- Six fixed presets for the most frequent light sources,

, for indoor pictures with (prevailing) incandescent lamp light

, e.g. for indoor pictures with (prevailing) light from fluorescent tubes

-

-

-

, e.g. for outdoor pictures in sunshine,

-

, e.g. for pictures with (prevailing) electronic flash illumination

, e.g. for outdoor pictures with cloudy skies,

, e.g. for outdoor pictures with the main subject in shadow,

For manual setting by measurement, and

Kelvin Setting.

1

– For a directly adjustable color temperature value.

1 All color temperatures are specified in Kelvin.

Note:

Setting to

Auto allows the white balance to be adjusted for correct color reproduction when using an electron ic flash unit that satisfies the technical requirements of a 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.

2

, the camera white balance will not be automatically adjusted, and the setting should be used.


For automatic or fixed settings

1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select White Balance (5.2.3)

2. in the associated sub-menu select the desired function.

Basic picture settings / 119


For direct setting of color temperature

You can directly set values between 2000 and 13100

(K

1

) (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 temperatures that can occur in practice and within which you can adapt the color reproduction very sensitively to the existing light color and/or your personal preferences.

1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select White Balance (5.2.3), and

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the Kelvin

Setting option.

3. Use the adjusting dial (1.30) or the up/down direction button (1.31) to select the desired value, and

4. confirm your setting by pressing the SET button once again.

For manual setting by metering

1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select White Balance (5.2.3), and

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the option.

3. Press the SET button (1.22).

• The message

Attention Aim the camera at a white surface and press the shutter release appears in the monitor .

4. The actual setting is made by subsequently taking a picture in which you should aim at a white or neutral grey surface in the center of the picture.

• Instead of the menu list, the picture just taken will appear in the monitor, and within it the message

White balance set .

However, if the exposure is not assessed as correct or the surface you aim at is not neutral, this is indicated by Insufficient Exp.

or White balance not possible

. In such cases, repeat step 2 with the correct exposure setting or with a more neutral surface.

Note:

A white balance setting achieved by metering which has already been saved can also be recalled, even after the white balance setting had been changed over to one of the other settings. This is done by perform ing steps 1-3 and (instead of step 4) pressing the SET button once again.

A value set in this way remains saved for and will be used for all pictures until it is superseded by a new metered value or you use one of the other white balance settings.

1 All color temperatures are specified in Kelvin.



ISO sensitivity

In traditional photography, the choice of the ISO value reflects the light sensitivity of the film used. Higher speed films allow faster shutter speeds and/or smaller apertures and vice versa, at the same brightness.

The ISO setting on the LEICA M8.

2 also allows the shutter speed/aperture value to be adjusted to meet the requirements of the relevant situation, in five steps.

Optimum reproduction quality is achieved by using the lowest setting, ISO 160. The higher film speeds ISO

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.

2 also features an AUTO ISO function, in which the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to the ambient brightness. When used with aperture priority mode

1

(see p. 128), this considerably extends the range of the automatic exposure control, specifically by up to 4 aperture stops.

However, when using the function it is also possible to specify priorities, for example for compositional reasons

2

. This enables you to limit the range of sensitivities used – e.g. because of the noise mentioned above, and also to set the exposure time above which the automatic increase in sensitivity is activated, e.g.

to reliably prevent blurred pictures.


1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select ISO (5.2.1), and

2. and in the respective sub-menu select the desired film speed or the automatic setting. If AUTO ISO is set, you can adjust the function to your style of photography or to your composition preferences 2 .


AUTO ISO

Setup (5.1.4) and

4. in the respective sub-menu select MAX ISO and

Max. Exp. Time.

5. In the MAX ISO sub-menu, select the range in which you want the automatic setting to work by specifying the maximum sensitivity to be used.

and/or

In the

Max. Exp. Time sub-menu, specify whether you want to leave it to the camera to ensure shutter speeds that will prevent blurring – by selecting

Lens dependent 3 or whether you want to specify a particular maximum shutter speed in the range between

1

/

500 s and 1s (in whole steps).

If you select Lens dependent, the camera only switches to a higher sensitivity if the shutter speed would fall below the

1

/

Focal length threshold due to poor brightness, e.g. speeds slower than

1

/

30 s for a

28 mm lens.

1

The function is not available when setting the exposure manually and when using flash units (always with

1

/

180 s). In snapshot mode

S

(see p. 96), this function is always active.

2

These options are not available in snapshot mode S .

3

This function requires the use of coded lenses (see p. 102).

Basic picture settings / 121


Image properties/Contrast, sharpness, color saturation

One of the many advantages of electronic photography over traditional photography is that it is very easy to change critical properties of a picture. While photographic software – after recording and transfer to a computer – provides great scope for doing this, the

LEICA M8.

2 itself allows you to influence three of the most important picture properties even before taking the picture:

• The contrast, i.e. the difference between light and dark sections of the image, determines whether an image has a more "flat" or "brilliant" effect. As a consequence, the contrast can be influenced by increasing or reducing this difference, i.e. by lighter reproduction of light sections of the image and darker reproduction of dark sections.

• Sharp reproduction – at least of the main subject – using the correct distance setting is a prerequisite for a successfully picture. In turn, the impression of sharpness of a picture is to a great extent determined by the sharpness of the edges, i.e. by how small the transition area between light and dark is at the edges in the picture. The impression of sharpness can thus be changed by expanding or reducing these areas.

• The color saturation determines whether the colors in the picture tend to appear as "pale" and pastellike or "bright" and colorful. While the lighting and weather conditions (hazy/clear) are given as conditions for the picture, there is definite scope for influencing the reproduction here.

All three picture properties can be adjusted – independently - to five different levels using the menu control, so that you can set the optimum values for any situation, i.e. the prevailing lighting conditions. In the case of Color Saturation, Black+White can also be selected as a sixth option.

Note:

If the file format

DNG is specified, these settings have no effect as in this case the image data is always saved in its original form (changes must be made later on the computer).


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Sharpen ing (5.1.5), Color Saturation (5.1.6), or Contrast

(5.1.7), and

2. in the sub-menu select the desired level ( low, medium low, standard, medium high, high).



Working color space

The requirements in terms of color reproduction differ considerably for the various possible uses of digital picture files. Different color spaces have therefore been developed, such as the standard RGB (red/ green/blue) that is perfectly adequate for simple print ing. For more demanding image processing using appropriate programs, e.g. for color correction,

Adobe © RGB has become established as the standard in the relevant sectors. In the professional pre-printing stage, ECI is used extensively. The LEICA M8.

2 allows setting to one of these three color spaces: sRGB,

Adobe RGB or ECI RGB.

Note:

When using monitor is paler than when reproduced in reality (i.e.

in a print).

ECI RGB the depiction of the colors in the

Setting the function

1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Color

Management (5.1.15) and

2. in the associated sub-menu select the desired function.

Notes:

• If you want to have your prints produced by major photographic laboratories, mini labs or Internet picture services, you should always select the sRGB setting.

• The

Adobe RGB / ECI RGB settings are only recommended for professional image processing in completely color-calibrated working environments.

Holding the camera correctly

For sharp, blur-free pictures, the camera should be held as steadily and comfortably as possible. To en sure suitably secure “three point support” for the

LEICA M8.

2

, hold the camera with the right hand, with the index finger on the shutter release button and the thumb behind the rear of the camera body for stabiliz ation. The left hand either supports the lens from below, ready for fast focusing adjustments, or is around the whole camera. Holding the camera against the forehead and cheek provides additional support.

For portrait format pictures, turn the LEICA M8.

2 to the left. The hands remain in the same position as for pictures in landscape format.

However, you can also turn it to the right. In this case, it may be advantageous to release the shutter with the thumb.

Notes:

• As a practical accessory, we recommend the Handgrip M8, which allows you to hold the LEICA M8.

2 extremely steadily and to carry it with one hand

(order no. 14 471 black, 14 472 silver).

• The LEICA M8.

2 is fitted with an integral sensor which detects the position of the camera – horizontal or vertical (both directions) – for each picture.

This information automatically allows the pictures to be presented upright when subsequently displayed on a computer running the appropriate programs.

Basic picture settings / Holding the camera correctly / 123


Bright-line view and range finder

The LEICA M8.

2

’s bright-line view and range finder is not only a very high-quality, large, brilliant and bright viewfinder, it is also a highly accurate range finder coupled to the lens. It has an enlargement factor of

0.72 x.

If lenses with nominal focal lengths* 24, 28 (Elmarit

28 mm from serial number 2 411 001), 35, 50, 75 and

90 mm are used, the associated bright-line frame automatically adjusts to the combinations 24+35 mm,

28+90 mm, 50+75 mm.

The size of the bright-line frame is matched to the initial format of the LEICA M8.

2 and corresponds to a sensor size of around 18x27 mm at a setting distance of 2 m. At longer distances, the camera records more of the subject than can be seen in the bright-lines, at shorter distances slightly less.

The bright-lines are linked to the distance setting in such a way that parallax – the misalignment between the lens and the viewfinder axes – is automatically compensated and the bright-line image and the picture are identical over the entire distance setting range

0.7 m to ∞.

In the middle of the viewfinder image is the rectangular 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.

2

.

If the exposure meter is turned on, the exposure meter LEDs and the flash symbol LED appear at the lower edge of the viewfinder image.

For more details about setting the distance and exposure metering, together with flash mode, refer to the relevant sections on pages 126/127/134.

Note:

Therefore, when using longer focal lengths than those for which there are bright-line frames (90 mm, see above) such as the 135 mm models, their image field in the camera viewfinder – which is very small to start with – can only be “determined” very imprecisely.

Frame selector

The frame selector (1.8) expands the possibilities of the LEICA M8.

2 viewfinder. This built-in universal viewfinder allows you to display the frames that do not belong to the lens currently being used at any time. You can then see immediately if, for image composition reasons, it would be better to photograph the relevant subject using a different focal length.

If the lever is swung outwards, that is away from the lens, the image field limits for 24 and 35 mm focal length are shown*.

If the lever is moved to its vertical central position, the image field limits for the focal lengths 50 and 75 mm are shown.

If the lever is swung inwards, that is towards the lens, the image field limits for 28 and 90 mm focal length are shown*.

* See “The extension factor”, p. 105

124 / Bright-line view and range finder


24 mm + 35 mm

50 mm + 75 mm

28 mm+ 90 mm

Bright-line view and range finder / 125


Distance metering

Due to its large effective metering basis, the range finder on the LEICA M8.

2 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 x viewfinder

(Distance between the

magnification

= Effective metering basis

optical axes of the viewfinder window and the range finder viewing window)

69.25 mm x 0.68

= 47.1 mm

The range finder metering field is visible as a bright, sharply defined rectangle in the center of the view finder. If you keep the large viewfinder window (1.6) closed, only the activated bright-line and this metering field remain visible. The focus can be set using either the superimposed image or split image method:

Double image = out of focus Coincident image = in focus

Superimposed image method (double image)

In a portrait, for example, aim the metering field at the eye and turn the distance setting ring on the lens until the contours in the metering field are brought into line. Then choose the subject detail.

Interrupted line = out of focus

Split image method

When taking photographs of architecture, for example, aim the range finder metering field at the vertical edge or another clearly defined vertical line and turn the distance setting ring on the lens until the contours of the edge or line can be seen at the limits of the metering field with no misalignment. Then choose the subject detail.

Continous line = in focus

In practice, there is often no clear distinction between the two methods. The two criteria can be used to great effect in combination.

126 / Distance metering


Exposure metering

On the LEICA M8.

2

, exposure metering for the available 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. This silicon photo diode with forward-facing convex lens is positioned at the center lower edge, on the camera bottom.

The appropriate shutter speed / aperture combinations for a correct exposure are indicated by the viewfinder or monitor displays or are determined with their assistance.

– 3 EV – 4 EV

When using snapshot mode

– 0,5 EV – 1 EV – 2 EV corresponding shutter speed automatically. The red circular LED lights up as confirmation. Everything else about snapshot mode S is described in the relevant section on pages 96/95).

S

, the aperture (and the distance) are manually preset based on the values indicated by the camera which then calculates the

When in aperture priority mode the aperture is selected manually, and the camera then determines the appropriate shutter speed automatically. In this mode a digital

LED display indicates the resulting exposure time (e.g.

1000 )

If both values are set manually, a light balance made up of three red LEDs ( • ) is used to correct the exposure. When the setting is correct, only the central circular LED is lit up.

Turning the exposure meter on/off

The exposure meter is activated by pressing down the shutter release (1.20) to its first pressure point, provid ed that the camera is switched on at the main switch (1.19) and the shutter speed setting dial (1.18) is not set to B .

The metering readiness of the exposure meter is indicated by one of the displays in the viewfinder lighting up continuously, signaling:

– in aperture priority mode by the digital LED display of the shutter speed,

– and in manual mode by the lighting of either of the two triangular LEDs, either individually or in conjunction with the center circular LED.

If the shutter release button is let go, without activat ing the shutter, the exposure meter remains turned on for around 12 s more, and the respective LED(s) remain lit for the same time.

If the shutter speed dial is set to B , the exposure meter is disabled.

Notes:

• If the displays go out, the camera is in “standby” mode.

• With very little ambient light, i.e. at the limits of the exposure meter’s range, it can take around 0.2 s for the LEDs to light up.

• In aperture priority mode, if the correct exposure cannot be achieved using the available shutter speeds, the respective display flashes as a warning

(for more details, refer to the “Aperture priority mode” section on p. 128).

• If under very low lighting conditions and manual mode the exposure meter reading is out of range, the left hand triangular LED gives a warning by flashing. In aperture priority mode the shutter speed remains displayed. If the required shutter speed exceeds the longest possible shutter speed of 32 s, this display also flashes.

• If the camera is out of use for an extended period or is stored in a case, always switch it off at the main switch. This prevents any power consumption, includ ing that which continues to occur in standby mode after the exposure meter is turned off automatically and the display is extinguished. This also prevents taking pictures accidentally.

Exposure metering / 127


Exposure modes

The LEICA M8.

2 provides three exposure modes: A snapshot mode, aperture priority and manual setting.

Depending on the subject, situation and your individual preferences, you can thus choose between

- extremely convenient, reliable and fast, almost fully automatic operation (i.e. only a few preliminary settings that only need to be made once),

- the familiar “semi automatic” operation, or

- setting a fixed shutter speed and aperture.

Everything else about snapshot mode

S in the relevant section on pages 96/97).

is described

Aperture priority

If the shutter speed dial (1.18) is in the

A position the electronics within the camera generates the shutter speed automatically and continuously in the range

1

/

4000 s to 32s, in accordance with the sensitivity setting, the metered brightness and the manually selected aperture. The generated shutter speed is displayed digitally in the camera viewfinder; for better clarity it is displayed in half steps.

For shutter speeds longer than 2s the remaining exposure time is counted down and displayed in seconds after the shutter release. The actually generated and continuously controlled shutter speed can however vary from the half step value displayed: For example, if

16

(as the nearest available value) is shown in the display before releasing the shutter, but the generated shutter speed is in fact longer, as is shown by the countdown after the shutter release starting at 19 .

Under extreme lighting conditions the exposure meter may even, based on all the parameters, generate a shutter speed that is outside its working range, i.e.

brightnesses that demand an exposure shorter than

1

/

4000 s or longer than 32s. In such cases the specified minimum or maximum shutter speed is nevertheless used, and these values flash in the viewfinder, as a warning.

Metering memory lock

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.

2 metering is strongly centerweighted; as described in the “Exposure metering” section on p. 127, essentially only an area in the center of the picture is calibrated for its average grey scale value.

Subjects and situations of this sort can be overcome very easily even within aperture priority mode, using metering memory lock.

To do this:

1. the camera is first turned so that the center of the viewfinder points either at the important part of the subject, or alternatively at some other detail of equivalent average brightness,

2. and by pressing the shutter release button (1.20) to the second pressure point this metered value is measured and stored. As long as the pressure point is held, a small red dot appears in the viewfinder at the top in the digits line for confirmation, and the shutter speed ceases to change even if the lighting conditions change.

3. Keeping the shutter release button pressed, turn the camera back to the intended picture,

4. and the shutter can then be released using the exposure metering originally determined.

Changing the aperture setting after locking the me tered value has no effect on the shutter speed, and will lead to an incorrect exposure.

Memory lock is cancelled when the shutter release button is let go from the pressure point.

128 / Exposure modes / Aperture priority / Metering memory lock


Exposure compensation

Exposure meters are calibrated to an average grey scale value (18 % reflection), which corresponds to the brightness of a normal, i.e. average photographic subject. If the actual subject detail does not match this assumption, an appropriate exposure compensation can be performed.

In particular for several exposures in succession, for instance if for any reason a series of pictures is taken deliberately somewhat underexposed or overexposed, an exposure compensation is a very useful function:

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.

2 allows exposure compensation in a range of up to ±3 EV in

1

/

3

EV steps (EV: Exposure

Value).


The LEICA M8.

2 provides two options for setting an exposure compensation: Setting using the menu control is recommended if, for example, you know before taking a series of pictures that you want your subjects to be slightly under or overexposed. The exceptionally fast option using the setting dial is ideal when unex pected situations occur and enables you to track your subject in the viewfinder without interruptions.

A. Using menu control

1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select EV (5.2.2), and

2. in the associated sub-menu select the compensation value.

B. Using the setting dial

As long as you keep the shutter release button pressed to the 1 st pressure point*, you can enter an exposure compensation by turning the setting dial (1.30) – clockwise for positive values and anticlockwise for negative values.

While you are doing this, the digital display (2.1.1) in the viewfinder (1.28) shows the set values as follows:

3.0-,...1.0-, 0.7-, 0.3-, 0.3, 0.7, 1.0,…3.0 (for -3 EV,…-

1 EV, -

2

/

3

EV, -

1

/

3

EV, +

1

/

3

EV, +

2

/

3

EV, +1 EV, …+3 EV).

A compensation set can be reset in either of the two ways and is always displayed both in the menu and in the viewfinder (when the shutter release button is pressed to the 1 st pressure point) regardless of how it was initially set.

* (for further details on how the shutter release button works, see the respective section as of p. 108)

Exposure compensation / 129


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 parallel or in the opposite direction, you must make this additional setting (on the flash unit). See the sections on flash mode from p. 134 for details.

Example of a positive compensation Example of a negative compensation

With very bright subjects, such as snow or a beach, the exposure meter selects a relatively short exposure time due to the extreme brightness. As a result, the snow shows up in an average grey and any people in the photograph are too dark: this is under exposure!

To remedy this problem, the exposure time needs to be extended or the aperture increased, i.e. a setting of perhaps +1

1

/

3

EV needs to be made.

For very dark subjects that reflect very little light, the exposure meter selects an exposure time that is far too long. A black car will appear grey: this is over exposure! The exposure time needs to be shortened, i.e. a setting of e.g. –1 EV is required.

130 / Exposure compensation


Manual exposure setting

If the exposure setting is performed entirely manually, the shutter speed dial (1.18) must be clicked to one of the engraved speeds or to one of the intermediate values.

Then:

1. switch the exposure meter on and

2. turn the shutter speed dial and /or the aperture setting ring on the lens – in each case in the direc tion indicated by the triangular LED that is lit up – until only the circular LED is lit up.

As well as the direction of rotation of the shutter speed dial and aperture setting ring necessary for correct exposure, the three LEDs in the light balance also indicate underexposure, overexposure and correct exposure in the following way: underexposure by at least one aperture stop; turning to the right is required

• underexposure by

1

/

2 an aperture stop;

• turning to the right is required

Correct exposure

• overexposure by

1

/

2 an aperture stop; turning to the left is required overexposure by at least one aperture stop; turning to the left is required

Note:

For shutter speeds longer than 2s the remaining exposure time is counted down and displayed in seconds after the shutter release.

B

setting / T function

The B setting keeps the shutter open as long as the shutter release button remains pressed. This allows exposures of any length (up to maximum 1000 s).

In conjunction with the self timer, a T function is also available: If you set B and activate the self timer (see also p. 147) by tapping the shutter release button, the shutter opens automatically after the selected delay time. It then remains open until you press the shutter release button a second time – you do not need to hold the button down. This enables you to largely prevent any blurring, even with long exposures, by pressing the shutter release button.

In both cases, the exposure meter is disabled; after the shutter is released however the digital display in the viewfinder gives the elapsed exposure time in seconds, for guidance

Notes:

• Long exposures can be associated with very heavy picture noise.

• To reduce this annoying phenomenon, following exposures with slower shutter speeds (approx.

below

1

/

30 s, differing depending on menu settings) the LEICA M8.

2 automatically takes a second “black picture” (taken with the shutter closed). The noise present in this parallel picture is then digitally “subtracted” from the data set for the real picture.

• This doubling of the “exposure” time can be significant in particular at longer shutter speeds, and must be allowed for. During this time the camera should not be switched off.

• For shutter speeds of 2 s or more the message

Noise reduction in progress 12 s* appears in the monitor.

* Time quoted is an example only

Manual exposure setting /

B

setting / T function / 131


Exposure meter metering range

The metering range at room temperature, normal humidity and ISO 160/23 is EV 0 to 20, or f/1.0 and

1.2 s to f/ 32 and

1

/

1000 s.

Working below the metering range

If under very low lighting conditions and manual mode the exposure meter reading is out of range, the left hand triangular LED gives a warning by flashing. In aperture priority mode the shutter speed remains displayed. If the required shutter speed exceeds the long est possible shutter speed of 32 s, this display also flashes.

As the exposure is metered with the working aperture, this situation can come about by stopping down the lens.

Even if you are below the metering range, the exposure meter remains on for around 12 s after you let go the shutter release button. If the lighting conditions im prove in this time (e.g. through a change in the subject detail or opening of the aperture), the LED display changes from flashing into being continuously lit, indicating that the meter is ready.

Metering diagram

The metering diagram (see p. 133) applies to all expo sure modes.

Information on the metering range of the exposure meter can be found on the right-hand side of the diagram, while information on the working range of the focal plane shutter and the lenses are on the left. Be tween them, the exposure values (EV) can be read off.

The metering range of the exposure meter is given on the right of the diagram in cd/m

2

(candela per square meter).

Above this, the sensitivity settings (SV = Speed Value) are given in 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.

2

’s focal plane shutter is represented by a shaded area in the adjacent column. In the B setting, the range is open at the top. The aperture values (AV) can be read off in the bottom left.

Example A highlights the relationships between the speed, light intensity (brightness), shutter speed and aperture.

From the specified sensitivity (ISO 160), first follow the vertical line to its intersection with the horizontal line belonging to the corresponding brightness. In this example, this is 2500 cd/m

2

, which corresponds to bright sunshine. The line then runs diagonally as far as the vertical line for the set aperture and from there horizontally to the left until it reaches the necessary shutter speed (

1

/

250 s). The exposure value (EV 15) can also be read off in the diagonal course of the line.

Example B shows that in candlelight and with a sensitivity of ISO 640 (0.6 cd/m

2

) it is necessary to use aperture 1.4 and a shutter speed of

1

/

15 s. Stop 16 on the lens, for example cannot be used, as the associated shutter speed of 8s is not available on the shutter speed setting dial. Because only 6s can be set as the highest shutter speed using the dial, direct meter ing is no longer possible. Conversion or reading the correct shutter speed from this diagram is therefore essential.

In aperture priority mode on the other hand, the

LEICA M8.

2 automatically generates shutter speeds up to 32 s, so that in the above example every aper ture on the lens can be used.

The area with a grey background illustrates the consid erably extended range for automatic exposure control with snapshot mode S by simultaneously utilizing the optionally available automatic ambient brightness controlled ISO sensitivity setting.

132 / Exposure meter metering range


Metering Diagramm

B

Tv

1/2

1/4

2

1

1/8

1/15

1/30

30

15

8

4

1/60

1/125

1/250

1/500

1/1000

1/2000

1/4000

1 1,4 2 2,8 4 5,6

Av

8 11 16 22 32

-5 -4 -3

14

15

16

17

18

19

10

11

12

13

20

6

7

4

5

8

9

0

1

-2

-1

2

3

Ev

Sv

0,6

2500

8

16

32

63

125

250

500

1000

2

4

0,5

1

0,03

0,063

0,125

0,25

2000

4000

8000

16000

32000

63000

125000

Bv cd/m

2

Metering Diagramm / 133


General information on flash exposure metering and control

Flash measurement cells

The LEICA M8.

2 determines the necessary flash pow er by firing one or more ranging flashes, fractions of a second before taking the actual picture. Immedi ately after this, at the start of exposure, the main flash is fired.

All factors that influence the exposure (such as filters and changes to the aperture setting) are automatically taken into account.

Compatible flash units

The following flash units, when used on the LEICA M8.

2

, are capable of all the functions described in this manual:

• The LEICA SF 24D system flash unit (order no.

14 444). With its compact size and design that matches the camera, it is particularly suitable.

Thanks to its permanently attached flash foot with associated additional control and signal contacts, which in automatic mode transfer a range of data and settings, it is very easy to use.

• Flash units which satisfy the technical requirements for System Camera Adaption (SCA) System 3000, are fitted with the SCA-3502/3501

1 adapter and which allow guide number control.

1.21a

Other commercially available flash attachments with standard flash foot

2, 3 and positive central contact, and which are triggered by the central contact (X-contact, 1.21a), can also be used. We recommend the use of modern thyristor-controlled electronic flash units.

1

2

3

When using SCA-3502 adapter (from version 4) the white balance (see p. 119) can be set to Auto for correct color reproduction – this is done automatically in snapshot mode

S

.

If flash units not specially adapted to the LEICA M8.

2 are used, the camera white balance will not be automatically adjusted, and the setting should be used (see p. 112).

As a result, to ensure correct color reproduction you should not use snapshot mode

S in such cases.

The aperture specified on the lens must be manually set at the flash unit.

134 / Flash mode


Attaching the flash unit

When attaching a flash unit to the LEICA M8.

2 flash shoe (1.21), you should ensure that the foot of the flash unit is fully inserted and the clamping nut (if fitted) is tightened to prevent it accidentally falling out.

This is particularly important for flash units with additional control and signal contacts, because if the flash shoe moves from its position in the flash shoe the necessary contacts can be broken, leading to malfunctions.

Note:

Before attaching the flash, the camera and the flash unit must be turned off.

Flash mode

Fully automatic camera-controlled flash operation is available for the LEICA M8.

2 when using system-compatible flash units as described in the previous section, in all three exposure modes – snapshot mode S , aper ture priority mode A and manual mode.

In addition, automatic illumination regulation is per formed in all three exposure modes. This means that in order to ensure a balanced relationship between flash and other lighting at all times, the flash power is reduced by up to 1

2

/

3

EV as ambient brightness in creases. However, if the ambient brightness plus even the shortest possible flash sync speed of

1

/

180 s would cause overexposure, the flash will not be fired in aperture priority mode. In such cases the shutter speed is governed by the ambient brightness and is shown in the viewfinder.

In aperture priority A and manual mode, but not in snapshot mode S , the LEICA M8.

2 also allows you to use other, more artistically interesting flash tech niques such as synchronization of the flash firing with the second instead of with the first shutter curtain and of flashes with longer shutter speed than the standard sync speed of

1

/

180 s. These functions are set on the camera using the menu (for more details, refer to the relevant sections below).

In addition the LEICA M8.

2 loads the sensitivity setting 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. The sensitivity setting cannot be changed at the flash unit.

Flash mode / 135


Notes:

• The settings and functions described in the follow ing sections relate exclusively to flash units that are system compatible to the LEICA M8.

2

.

• An exposure compensation set on the camera (see p. 129) only influences the measurement of available light. If you want to simultaneously use compensation of the TTL flash exposure measurement in flash mode – in parallel or in the opposite direction, you must make this additional setting (on the flash unit).

• More details of flash use, in particular for other flash units not specially adapted to the LEICA M8.

2 and for different flash modes can be found in the respective user guides.

Settings for camera-controlled automatic flash mode

After the flash unit in use has been switched on and set to the mode for GNC (= Guide Number Control), the following actions on the LEICA M8.

2 are necessary:

1. Before taking each flash picture the exposure meter ing is first performed by gently pressing the shutter release button, so that the display in the viewfinder shows the shutter speed or switches over to the light balance. If this stage is missed out by fully depressing the shutter release button in one quick movement, the flash unit will not fire even if re quired.

2. The shutter speed dial must be set to

A

,

S or to flash sync speed (

1

/

180 s), or – for special effects with a long exposure time – even to B . In aperture priority mode the camera automatically switches to the flash sync speed set in the menu, or to the time range (see “Selecting the sync speed / the sync speed range”, p. 138).

3. The desired aperture, or the aperture required for the respective distance of the subject, must be set.

Note:

If the automatic (see “Flash mode”, p. 135) or manually set shutter speed is shorter than

1

/

180 s, the flash will not be fired.

The flash lighting displays in the viewfinder with system-compatible flash units

A flash-shaped LED (2.1.3) appears in the LEICA M8.

2 viewfinder as confirmation and display of the various operating conditions. This LED appears together with the displays for exposure metering for the ambient light level, described in the respective sections.



In automatic flash mode

(flash unit set to Guide Number Control)

• does not appear despite the flash unit being switched on and ready for use:

The camera is manually set to a shorter speed than

1

/

180 s. In such cases the LEICA M8.

2 will not fire the flash unit even though it is switched on and ready for use.

• flashes slowly (at 2Hz) before the picture is taken:

The flash unit is not yet ready for use

• is lit up before the picture is taken:

The flash unit is ready for use.

• remains continuously lit after taking the picture, and the other displays go out:

The flash exposure was successful, the flash unit remains ready for use.

• flashes rapidly after taking the picture (at 4 Hz), and the other displays go out:

The flash exposure was successful, but the flash unit is not yet ready for further use.

• goes out after taking the picture, together with the other displays:

Underexposure, perhaps due to the choice of too small an aperture stop for the subject. If the flash unit is set to a partial discharge power, because of the lower power requirement it may be ready for use despite the flash LED not lighting up.

When the flash unit is set to camera control (A) or manual mode (M)

• does not appear despite the flash unit being switched on and ready for use:

The camera is manually set to a shorter speed than

1

/

180 s. In such cases the LEICA M8.

2 will not fire the flash unit even though it is switched on and ready for use.

• flashes slowly (at 2Hz) before the picture is taken:

The flash unit is not yet ready for use.

• is lit up before the picture is taken:

The flash unit is ready for use.

Selecting the sync speed / the sync speed range

While the shutter speed used has no bearing on the control of the flash exposure (because the flash duration is very much shorter than this), the reproduction of the available light is very strongly influenced by the shutter speed and by the aperture setting. A fixed setting of the shortest possible shutter speed for flash operation, the sync speed, leads unnecessarily in many situations to a greater or lesser underexposure of all parts of the subject not illuminated by the flash.

The LEICA M8.

2 allows you to combine flash operation with the shutter speed generated in aperture priority mode to subtly change the lighting conditions for the respective subject to suit your picture composition ideas. You can choose any of five ways of doing this:

1. Lens dependent

Automatic control of shutter speeds depending on the focal length of the lens used (based on the rule of thumb for blur-free pictures with a handheld camera =

1

/ focal length

, e.g.

1

/

60 s using the Summicron-M 50 mm f/2) up to sync speed

1

/

180 s.*

2. Off (

1

/

180 s)

Fixed setting to the shortest possible shutter speed of

1

/

180 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 bayonet and lens identification enabled in the menu (see p.

94/103/113)

Flash mode / 137


3.

Up to

1

/

30

, 4. Up to

1

/

8 and 5. Up to 32s

Automatic control of all shutter speeds from the specified value down to the sync speed of

1

/

180 s.

Notes:

• Manual exposure control also allows any shutter speed to be set down to the sync speed of

1

/

180 s.

• When using snapshot mode S (see p. 96) with coded lenses (see p. 102) the lens-specific control is fixed and with non-coded lenses it is

1

/

180 s.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113) select

Auto Slow

Sync (5.1.14), and

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired option.

Selecting the firing moment

Flash photographs are illuminated by two light sources, the available light and the light from the flash. Parts of the subject that are exclusively or primarily illu minated by the flash are almost always reproduced extremely sharply (with correct focusing) due to the extremely fast pulse of light. By contrast, all other parts of the subject – those that are sufficiently illu minated by the available light or illuminate themselves

– are portrayed with different degrees of sharpness in the same picture.

Whether these parts of the subject are reproduced sharply or “blurred”, and the degree of “blurring”, is determined by two independent factors:

1. The length of the shutter speed, i.e. for how long these parts of the subject “act upon” the film

2. How quickly these parts of the subject – or the camera itself – are moving during exposure. The longer the shutter speed or the faster this movement, the greater the extent to which the two – superimposed – parts of the picture can differ.

With the flash fired at the normal moment, at the beginning of the exposure, i.e. immediately after the

1 st shutter curtain has completely opened, this can even lead to apparent contradictions, such as in the picture of the motorcycle (left), which is being overtaken by its own light traces.

The LEICA M8.

2 gives you a choice between this normal flash firing moment and synchronization with the end of the exposure, i.e. immediately before the 2 nd shutter curtain begins to close again. In this case, the sharp image is located at the end of the movement. In the photograph (right), this flash technique gives a natural impression of movement and dynamics.



This function is available at all camera and flash unit settings, and in aperture priority mode as well as in manual shutter speed selection, in the various automatic flash modes as well as in manual flash mode; this displays are the same in all cases.

Note:

When using snapshot mode

S

(see p. 96), synchronization with the 1st shutter curtain is a fixed setting.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Flash

Sync (5.1.13) and

2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired option: 1. Curtain or 2. Curtain.

Additional functions

User / application specific profiles

On the LEICA M8.

2

, 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. A total of three memory slots are available for these combinations - 1 / 2 / 3

Applying settings / Creating a profile

1. Set the desired functions in the main and picture parameters menus.

2. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Save

User Profile (5.1.2) and

3. in the associated sub-menu select the desired memory slot.

Selecting a saved profile

1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select

User Profile (5.2.6), and

2. in the associated sub-menu select the desired profile.

Notes:

• In addition to the three memory slots, there is also the 0 setting, which you can use to restore the factory default settings at any time. User Profile 0 is thus similar to the Reset function (see next section) except that it does not delete all settings, specifically retaining those in the other three profiles.

• If you change one of the settings for the profile currently in use, the corresponding figure is cleared.

Resetting all custom settings

This function allows you in one operation to delete all previous user settings in the main and picture parameters menus and reset them to the factory default settings.



Reset

(5.1.16) and

2. use the

SET button (1.22) to call up the associated sub-menu.

3. Then use the left/right direction button (1.31) to select the desired function, and

4. confirm your selection by pressing the SET button once again.

Note:

This reset also affects any individual profiles specified and saved using Save User Profile function (5.1.2, see above).

Additional functions / Profiles / 139


Review mode

As described in the "Selecting picture and review modes" and "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.

2

. Pictures can ei ther be reviewed automatically for a short time immediately after you have taken them in Auto Review mode, or at any time for an unlimited period in PLAY mode. In both cases, several additional options are available while viewing the pictures.

Notes:

• If no pictures are stored on the card, on pressing the

PLAY button the following message appears on the monitor: No image data available .

• Depending on the function previously set, pressing the PLAY button generates different responses:

Initial situation After pressing the

PLAY

button

a. Full review display of a picture b. Review of an enlarged section / several reduced pictures (see below)

Full review display of the picture c. INFO display with any enlargement

(see p. 93/141)

Picture mode, monitor off

Full review display of the picture

INFO display with full review display d. One of the menu controls Full review display of the

(see p. 113), or

DELETE last displayed picture or PROTECT function

(see p. 143/144) is activated

• The LEICA M8.

2 stores pictures in line with the DCF standards (Design Rule for Camera File System).

• The LEICA M8.

2 can only review pictures taken with cameras of this type.

140 / Review mode


Additional options when viewing

A. Viewing other pictures /

"Scrolling" in the memory

You can open other saved pictures using the left and right direction buttons (1.31). Pressing the left button takes you to the pictures with lower numbers, pressing the right button takes you to those with higher numbers. Holding the button down (approx. 2s) re sults in fast scrolling. After the highest and lowest numbers, the series of pictures begins again in an endless loop, which means you can reach all pictures in either direction.

• The picture and file numbers in the monitor change accordingly.

B. Enlarging / selecting the section / simul taneous viewing of several reduced pictures

With the LEICA M8.

2 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. to gain an overview or to find the picture you are looking for more quickly.

Notes:

• The more the picture is enlarged, the more the re production quality in the monitor deteriorates – due to the proportionately lower resolution.

• While an enlarged picture is displayed, the direction buttons are no longer available to open other pictures, instead they are used to "navigate" within the picture. (Exception: see next note).

Turning the setting ring (1.30) to the right (clockwise) enlarges the central section. The more you turn the ring, the greater the enlargement and the smaller the section area. Enlargement is possible up to 1:1, i.e.

until 1 pixel of the monitor displays 1 pixel of the picture.

• The rectangle within the frame (4.1.3/4.2.6k) in the lower right-hand corner of the monitor symbolizes the current enlargement.

Review mode / 141


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 corner of the monitor symbolizes the position of the section displayed.

By turning the setting ring to the left (anticlockwise, starting from normal size), you can simultaneously view 4 – or by turning the ring further – 9 pictures in the monitor.

• Up to 9 reduced images are shown in the monitor

(1.33) including the picture previously being viewed at normal size, which is marked with a red border.

You can use the four direction buttons to navigate freely among the reduced images, and the relevant image is marked accordingly. You can then view this image at normal size by turning the setting ring to the right.

Note:

When showing 9 pictures, turning the setting dial fur ther to the right places the red frame around the en tire group of pictures, which then allows you to "scroll" more quickly, a block at a time.

Note:

You can also switch from an enlarged picture directly to another picture, which will then be shown at the same enlargement. To do this press the left or right direction button again – keeping the PLAY button pressed (1.27).



C. Deleting pictures

While a picture is displayed in the monitor, you have an opportunity to delete it if you wish to do so. This can be useful, for example if the pictures have already been saved to other media, if you no longer require them or if you need to free up more space on the memory card.

The LEICA M8.

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

Notes:

• Deletion can be performed only in review mode, albeit irrespective of whether a picture is shown in normal size or several reduced pictures are shown

(not however if the 9-block review is shown with a red frame round the entire block, see p. 141).

• For protected pictures, the protection must first be cancelled before they can be deleted (see also next section).

Important:

Deletion of a pictures is permanent. Pictures cannot subsequently be recovered.

Procedure

Press the DELETE button (1.25).

• The corresponding sub-menu appears in the monitor display (1.33).

Notes:

• The delete process can be cancelled at any time by pressing the

DELETE button again.

• The following controls and their functions are not available during the entire delete process: the

MENU (1.29), PROTECT (1.24) and INFO (1.23) buttons.

The first step is to decide

• whether you want to protect individual pictures

Delete Single , or

• all pictures simultaneously

Delete All

The subsequent procedure is controlled by the menu, i.e. essentially as described in the “Menu control” section (on p. 113). After specifying the relevant menu display, this is done using the shutter speed setting dial (1.30), the direction buttons (1.31) and the SET button (1.22).

Note:

If the picture shown is protected (see p. 144), the

Single option cannot be selected in the sub-menu.

When deleting all pictures, to prevent accidental deletion there is an intermediate step in which you must reconfirm that you definitely want to delete all pictures on the memory card.



Displays after deleting

Deleting individual pictures

After deleting, the preceding picture appears.

If there are no more pictures saved on the card, the following message appears:

No image data available.

Deleting all pictures on the memory card

After deleting, the following message appears:


However, if one or more pictures were protected, that picture or the first of those pictures then appears.

Note:

When a picture is deleted, the subsequent pictures in the frame counter (4.1.2/4.2.5) are re-numbered as follows: For example, if you delete picture no. 3, what was previously picture no. 4 then becomes no. 3, the previous no. 5 becomes no. 4 etc. However, this does not apply to the file numbering on the memory card

(in the INFO display, see p. 93) for the remaining image files in the folder (4.2.6j), which remains unchanged.

D. Protecting pictures / Clearing delete protection

The pictures stored on the memory card can be pro tec ted against accidental deletion. This protection can then be cleared at any time.

Procedure

Press the PROTECT button (1.24).

• The corresponding sub-menu appears in the monitor display (1.33).

Notes:

• Applying or removing picture protection can be performed only in review mode, irrespective of whether a picture is shown in normal size or as one of several reduced pictures (not however if the 9-block review is shown with a red frame round the entire block, see p. 141).

• For details of the different procedures/responses when you attempt to delete protected pictures, refer to the previous section.

• If you decide you want to delete them, clear the protection as described below.

• Protection is only effective for the LEICA M8.

2

.

• Even protected pictures are deleted if the memory card is reformatted (see next section for details).

• On SD/SDHC memory cards, you can prevent accidental deletion by sliding the write protection switch on the card (see p. 101) to the position marked LOCK

.

Notes:

• The setting process can be cancelled at any time by pressing the PROTECT button again.

• The following controls and their functions are not available during the entire setting process: the

MENU (1.29), DELETE (1.25) and INFO (1.23) buttons

The subsequent procedure is controlled by the menu, i.e. essentially as described in the “Menu control” section (on p. 113). After specifying the relevant menu display, this is done using the shutter speed setting dial (1.30), direction buttons (1.31) and the SET button (1.22).



The first step is to decide

• whether you want to protect individual pictures

Protect Single or

• all pictures simultaneously

Protect All or

• whether you want to clear the existing protection for individual pictures

Clear Protection Single or for all pictures

Clear Protection All

Displays after protection / clearing protection

After leaving menu control, the original monitor display appears again, with the corresponding symbol for protected pictures (4.1.1/4.2.3).

Note:

The symbol also appears if a picture that is already protected is opened.

Note:

The following functions cannot be performed and the menu text appears in white instead of black to indi cate this:

- Protecting a picture that is already protected, or if all pictures are already protected.

- Unprotecting a picture that is already unprotected, or if no pictures are already protected.



Additional functions

Changing the picture numbering

The LEICA M8.

2 assigns pictures sequential picture numbers, in the default factory setting regardless of whether the memory card is changed. You can at any time specify that a. the numbering sequence begins afresh every time the memory card is changed, or b. the numbering sequence starts immediately, e.g. to assign picture number to different events, subjects etc.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Picture

Numbering (5.1.10) and

2. and in the associated sub-menu select the desired function.

Depending on the selected function, the file numbering starts again from 1 either after the next change of memory card - Default - or from the next picture –

Reset Now.

Notes:

• The change of numbering relates exclusively to the file names, e.g. L100 0001 , which are only shown in the

INFO display (see p. 93).

• After the memory card has been formatted, the

Reset folder no. now sub-menu can be used to reset the folder number also

Formatting the memory card

It is not normally necessary to format (initialize) a memory card that has already been used. If however a card that has yet to be formatted is inserted for the first time, it muss bee formatted. In such cases the

Format SD-Card sub-menu appears automatically.

Nevertheless, it is recommended that the memory card be reformatted occasionally, as a certain amount of residual data (info accompanying pictures) can take up memory capacity.

Notes:

• Do not turn the LEICA M8.

2 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.

2

.

• If the memory card cannot be formatted, you should ask your dealer or Leica Information Service

(address, see p. 165) for advice.

• Even protected pictures (see previous section) are deleted when formatting the memory card.

Important:

When formatting, all information present on the card, including picture files and all other data, e.g. music files, is irretrievably lost. You should therefore get into the habit of transferring all your pictures onto a secure bulk storage medium, e.g. the hard drive on your computer, as soon as possible.

Procedure


SD-Card (5.1.22).

2. Use the SET sub-menu.

Format button (1.22) to call up the associated

3. To guard against unintentional settings, you then have to confirm in the corresponding sub-menu using the right direction button (1.31) that you definitely want to format the memory card.

146 / Additional functions


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 useful, 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 picture yourself. In such cases, we recommend that the camera is placed on a tripod.

Setting and using the function

1. Set the main switch (1.19) to .

2. In the main menu (see p. 94/113) select Selftimer

(5.1.3), and in the associated sub-menu select the desired delay time.

3. To start the delay time press the shutter release button (1.20) to the first pressure point, see p. 108).

• The LED (1.7) on the front of the camera flashes for the first 10s of a 12s delay time, then it stays lit continuously, to show the progress of the delay time. The countdown is shown on the monitor at the same time.

While the self timer delay time is running, it can be aborted at any time by pressing the SET button (1.22)

- the relevant setting is retained and the function can be restarted by touching the shutter release button again.

Important:

In self timer mode, the exposure is not set by depress ing the shutter release button to the pressure point, it is set immediately before the picture is taken.

Additional functions / 147


Transferring data to a computer

The LEICA M8.

2 is compatible with the following oper ating systems:

Microsoft

®

: Windows

®

XP / Vista

®

Apple

®

Macintosh

®

: Mac

®

OS X (10.5)

The LEICA M8.

2 is equipped with a USB 2.0 interface for 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:

When using a USB connection, note the following:

Connecting two or more devices to a computer or connecting using a hub or extension cables can result in malfunctions.

Connecting and transferring data with

Windows

®

XP / Vista

®

1. Use the USB cable supplied (C) to connect the USB socket (1.34) on the LEICA M8.

2 to a free USB port on the computer. To do this, first open the flap

(1.26) over the socket on the camera downwards.

With Windows

®

XP

• After connecting, a message appears on the desktop to confirm that the LEICA M8.

2 has been detect ed as new hardware (1 st connection only!).

2. Double-click on the message (not required after the

1 st connection).

• A pull-down menu entitled “M8.

2

Digital Camera” opens for the data transfer wizard.

3. Click on “OK” and follow the subsequent instructions in the wizard to copy the pictures to a folder of your choice and access them in the normal way.

With Windows

®

Vista

®

• After connection, a message about installation of the device driver software appears above the taskbar. At the same time USB connected appears on the camera display. Successful installation is confirm ed by another message. The “Automatic

Review” menu opens with various device options.

2. You can use the Windows wizard to “Import Images” or “Open Device to View Files” in the normal way to

3. access the card directory structure using

Windows

®

Explorer.

148 / Transferring data to a computer


Connecting and transferring data with

Mac

®

OS X (10.5)

1. Use the USB cable supplied (C) to connect the USB socket (1.34) on the LEICA M8.

2 to a free USB port on the computer. To do this, first open the flap

(1.26) over the socket on the camera downwards.

• Once the camera has been successfully connect ed to the computer, USB Connected appears on the camera display.

2. Now open the “Finder” on the computer.

3. In the left window, click on “Programs” in the

“Locations” category.

4. Now select the “Digital Images” program in the right window.

• The program opens and the name “M8 Digital

Camera” appears in the program title bar.

5. The pictures can now be saved on the computer using the “Load” button.

Important:

• Only use the USB cable (C) supplied.

• While data is being transferred from the LEICA M8.

2 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.

2 may crash, and the memory card may even be irreparably damaged.

• The LEICA M8.

2 cannot be turned off or automatic ally switch itself off due to a lack of battery power while data is being transferred from the camera to the computer, as this may cause the computer to crash. For the same reason the battery must never be removed from the camera while the connection is active. If the battery capacity runs short during

( data transfer, the corresponding symbol flashes

, see p. 92/100). In this case, stop the data transfer, switch off the LEICA M8.

2

(see p. 106) and charge the battery (see p. 98).

Connecting and transferring data using card readers

The picture files can also be transferred to other computers using a standard card reader for SD/SDHC memory cards. Card readers with a USB interface are available for computers with a USB interface. If your computer is equipped with a PCMCIA slot (common on portable models), plug-in cards with a PCMCIA connection are available as an alternative. These de vices, and further information about them, is available from a computer accessory dealer.

Note:

The LEICA M8.

2 is fitted with a built-in sensor, which detects the position of the camera – horizontal or vertical (both directions) – for each picture. This information automatically allows the pictures to be presented upright when subsequently displayed on a computer running the appropriate programs.

Transferring data to a computer / 149


Data structure on the memory card

When the data stored on a card is transferred to a computer, the following folder structure is used:

Up to 9999 pictures can be stored in each of the fold ers 100LEICA, 101LEICA etc.

Working with DNG raw data

If you have selected the standardized and future-proof

DNG (Digital Negative) format, you require highly specialized software to convert the saved raw data into optimum quality, for example the professional Capture

One 4 raw data converter from Phase One. This software can be found on the DVD-ROM (F) that is supplied with the LEICA M8.

2

. Capture One 4 provides quality-optimized algorithms for digital color processing, simultaneously allowing you to produce lownoise pictures with outstanding resolution.

During editing, you have the option of adjusting parameters such as white balance, noise reduction, gradation, sharpness etc. to achieve an optimum image quality.

Installing Capture One 4

To start the installation, you must register your copy of the software on the Phase One homepage.

Notes:

• Have the required license code to hand – this is printed on the paper sleeve containing the DVD-

ROM.

• You also require a valid e-mail address to activate the software.

• The software can only be used for the 30-day trial period without the license code.

1. The first time you start Capture One, select “Activation”, and

2. enter the license code in the relevant field.

3. Follow the subsequent instructions.

During activation, a profile is created for the user on the Phase One license server. This allows you to re-activate a license after previously deactivating it, for example if you want to install the software on a different computer.

150 / Data structure on the memory card / Working with DNG raw data / /Installing Capture One 4


Notes:

• If you need help, click on the “Help” button to open up a window containing the Capture One 4 manual, where you can find a description of the activation and deactivation process. The first time you start

Capture One 4, it opens in English. You can change the language setting to the language of your choice by selecting “Edit – Preferences” in the menu.

• If you require support when using Capture One 4, call up the following page: http://www.phaseone.com/Support and log in with your “Phase One Profile” that was created when activating the software.

System requirements

Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 / Vista

®

; Mac

®

OS X 10.4.11 or later

On some Windows ® versions, it is possible that the operating system will issue a warning about a missing

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 functions that are controlled electronically, some of these improvements and enhancements to the functions can be installed on the camera at a later date.

To do this, Leica provides firmware updates at irregular intervals, which you can easily download from our homepage to your camera yourself:

5. Remove the card properly from your card reader, insert the card into the camera and close the bottom cover. Turn on the camera using the main switch.

6. Confirm the prompt that appears in the monitor as to whether you want to update the Firmware on the camera to version 2.xx.

1. Format a memory card in your LEICA M8.

2

.

2. Turn off the camera and insert the card into an SD/

SDHC card reader – either integrated or connected to your computer. (A reader is required for Firmware updates).

3. Download the Firmware file from the Leica M8.

2 site using the “UPDATES” link.

4. Save the file m8-2_0xx.upd at the top level of the card folder structure. The xx stands for the relevant version.

The update process takes around 180s. You will then be prompted to restart the camera using the main switch.

7. Turn the camera off and back on again.

Note:

If the battery does not have sufficient charge, you will see a corresponding warning message.

Installing firmware updates / 151


Miscellaneous

System accessories for the LEICA M8.2

The viewfinder is equipped with parallax compensation and a vial (spirit level) for exact leveling of the camera (order no. 12 011).

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.

2 this corresponds to effective focal lengths from 21 to 180 mm (bright-line frames for focal lengths =90 mm (effective) are unavailable, see also p. 34) and a light intensity of up to 1:1.

Filters

UVa filters and circular polarization filters are available for current Leica M lenses equipped with standard filter threads.

There are also special UV/IR filters to ensure neutral color reproduction in all situations (see “Using Leica

UV/IR filters to correct color shifts for particular subjects and lighting situations”, p. 103).

Viewfinder magnifier M 1.25x and M 1.4x

The LEICA M 1.25x and M 1.4x viewfinder magnifiers significantly simplify picture composition when using focal lengths above 35 mm. They can be used on all

Leica M models and magnify the central area of the viewfinder image. The 1.25x viewfinder magnifier gives the 0.68x viewfinder on the LEICA M8.

2 a magnification of 0.85x, while the 1.4x gives 0.95x magnification.

A security chain with snap fasteners prevents loss and can be used to hang the magnifier on the carrying strap’s fastening ring.

The magnifiers are supplied in a leather bag. A loop on the bag allows the magnifier to be stored on the camera’s carrying strap, where it is protected and ready for use (order no. 12 004 for M 1.25x, 12 006 M 1.4x).

Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder M

The LEICA Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder M is a thoroughly practical accessory. It can be used without restriction on all analog and digital Leica M models and shows – just like the viewfinder in the camera – with a reflected bright-line frame the picture area for wide-angle focal lengths 16, 18, 21, 24 and 28 mm.

Handgrip M8

As a practical accessory, we recommend the Handgrip M8, which allows you to hold the LEICA M8.

2 extremely steadily and to carry it with one hand. It is attached in place of the standard bottom cover. (order no. 14 486 black, 14 487 silver).

Correction lenses

For optimum adaptation of the eye to the camera’s viewfinder, we offer correction lenses with the follow ing positive or negative diopter values (spherical):

0,5/1/1,5/2/3.

Cases

There are two neoprene cases for the LEICA M8.

2 with different front sections for lenses of different lengths, a classic leather case and a protector that is similar to the lower section of a traditional case. This protector reliably protects the camera body, even when taking photographs (order no. 14 867 short,

14 868 long, 14 872 leather, 14 869 protector).

For your full set of camera equipment, the classic Billingham combination case made of waterproof fabric is also available. This either holds two cameras and two lenses or one camera and three lenses. There is enough space for large lenses and for a camera with a

LEICAVIT-M or LEICA MOTOR-M attached. A Velcro fastened compartment provides additional space for a

LEICA SF 24D flash and other accessories (order no.

14 854 black, 14 855 khaki).

152 / Miscellaneous / System accessories


Spare parts Order no.

Camera bayonet cap .........................................14 195

Carrying strap ...................................................14 312

Lithium ion battery ...........................................14 464

Compact charger (with EU/USA mains cables, in-car charging cable) .................14 470

Mains cable for AUS and UK .............14 422 / 14 421

USB cable (2 m, 4 to 6 pin)..............420-200.023-000

Precautions and care instructions

General precautions

Do not use the LEICA M8.

2 in the immediate vicinity of devices with powerful magnetic, electrostatic or electromagnetic fields (e.g. induction ovens, micro wave ovens, television sets or computer monitors, video game consoles, cell phones, radio equipment).

• If you place the LEICA M8.

2 on or very close to a television set, its magnetic field could interfere with picture recordings.

• The same applies for use in the vicinity of cell phones.

• Strong magnetic fields, e.g. from speakers or large electric motors, can damage the stored data or the pictures.

• If due to the effects of electromagnetic fields the

LEICA M8.

2 malfunctions, remove the battery and then switch the camera on again.

Do not use the LEICA M8.

2 in the immediate vicinity of radio transmitters or high voltage power lines.

• Their magnetic fields can also interfere with picture recordings.

Protect the LEICA M8.

2 from contact with insect sprays and other aggressive chemicals. Petroleum, thinner and alcohol may not be used for cleaning.

• Certain chemicals and liquids can damage the

LEICA M8.

2 body or the surface finish.

• As rubber and plastics sometimes emit aggressive chemicals, they should not remain in contact with the LEICA M8.

2 for extended periods.

Ensure that sand and dust cannot get into the

LEICA M8.

2

, e.g. on the beach.

• Sand and dust can damage the camera and the memory card. Take particular care when changing lenses and when inserting and removing the card.

Ensure that water cannot get into the LEICA M8.

2

, e.g.

when it is snowing or raining and on the beach.

Moisture can cause malfunctions and even permanent damage to the LEICA M8.

2 and the memory card.

If salt water spray gets onto the LEICA M8.

2

, wet a soft cloth with tap water, wring it out thoroughly and wipe the camera with it. Then wipe down thoroughly with a dry cloth.

Spare parts / Precautions and care instructions / 153


LCDs

• If the LEICA M8.

2 is exposed to significant temperature fluctuations, condensation can form on the monitor. Wipe it carefully with a soft dry cloth.

• If the LEICA M8.

2 is very cold when it is switched on, the LCDs may at first appear darker than usual.

As soon as the camera warms up, the LCDs will regain their normal brightness.

The monitor is manufactured using a high-precision process. This ensures that, of the total of around

230,000 pixels, more than 99.995 % work correctly and only 0.005 % remain dark or are always light.

However, this is not a malfunction and it does not im pair the reproduction of the picture.

Care instructions

• As any soiling also represents a growth medium for microorganisms, you should take care to keep the equipment clean.

Sensor

Cosmic radiation (e.g. on flights) can cause pixel defects.

Condensation

If condensation has formed on or in the LEICA M8.

2

, 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.

For the camera

• Only clean the LEICA M8.

2 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.

• To remove stains and fingerprints, the camera and lens should be wiped with a clean lint-free cloth.

Tougher dirt in hard to reach corners of the camera body can be removed with a small brush. Be careful not to damage the shutter blades, for instance with the shaft of the brush.

• All mechanically operated bearings and sliding surfaces on your LEICA M8.

2 are lubricated. Please remember this if you will not be using the camera for a long period of time. To prevent the lubrication points becoming gummed up, the camera shutter should be released a number of times every three months. It is also recommended that you repeatedly move and use all other controls, such as the image field selector. The distance and aperture setting rings on the lens should also be moved periodically.

• Take care not to scratch the sensor for the 6-bit coding (1.10) in the bayonet, or to get it dirty. Take care also that no grains of sand or similar particles are lodged there, because they could scratch the bayonet. Never wet this component when cleaning it!

154 / Precautions and care instructions


For lenses

• Normally, a soft hair brush is sufficient to remove dust from the outer lens elements. However, in case of more stubborn dirt, they can be carefully cleaned with a very clean, soft cloth that is completely free of foreign matter, using circular motions from the inside to the outside. We recommend micro-fiber cloths (available from photographic and optical specialists) that are stored in a protective container and can be washed at temperatures of up to 40°C

(without fabric softener, never iron!). Cloths for cleaning glasses, which are impregnated with chem icals, should not be used as they can damage the lens glass.

• Take care not to scratch the 6-bit coding (1.11) in the bayonet fastening, or to get it dirty. Take care also that no grains of sand or similar particles enter the fastening, where they could scratch the bayonet. Never wet this component when cleaning it!

• For optimum front lens protection in unfavorable photographic conditions (e.g. sand, salt water spray), use transparent UVa filters. However, you should bear in mind that, like all filters, they can cause unwanted reflections in certain backlight situations and with high contrasts. The generally recommended lens hood also protects the lens from unintentional fingerprints and the rain.

For the battery

Rechargeable lithium ion batteries generate power through internal chemical reactions. These reactions are also influenced by the external temperature and humidity. Very high or low temperatures reduce the life of the battery.

• Always remove the battery if you will not be using the LEICA M8.

2 for a long period of time. Other wise, after several weeks the battery could become totally discharged, i.e. the voltage is significantly reduced, as the LEICA M8.

2 uses a low no-load current (to save the date) even when it is turned off.

• Lithium ion batteries should be stored only in the partially charged condition (the top panel LCD [1.12] shows a value in the range very long storage periods, it should be charged up and discharged again around once a year.

• Always ensure that the battery contacts are clean and freely accessible. While lithium ion batteries are proof against short circuits, they should still be protected against contact with metal objects such as paper clips or jewelry. A short-circuited battery can get very hot and cause severe burns.

• If a battery is dropped, check the casing and the contacts immediately for any damage. Using a damaged battery can damage the LEICA M8.

2

.

• Batteries have only a limited service life.

• Take damaged batteries to a collection point to ensure correct recycling.

• Never throw batteries into a fire as this can cause them to explode.

For the charger

• If the charger is used in the vicinity of radio receiv ers, it can interfere with the reception; make sure there is a distance of at least 1m between the devices.

• When the charger is in use, it can make a noise

(buzzing) – this is quite normal and is not a malfunction.

• When it is not in use, disconnect the charger from the mains as otherwise it uses a certain (very small) amount of power even when no battery is inserted in it.

• Always keep the charger contacts clean, and never short circuit them.

Care instructions / 155


For memory cards

• While a picture is being stored or the memory card is being read, it may not be removed, nor may the

LEICA M8.

2 be turned off or exposed to vibrations.

• For safety, memory cards should only ever be stored in the antistatic cover supplied.

• Do not store memory cards where they will be exposed to high temperatures, direct sunlight, magnetic fields or static discharge.

• Do not drop or bend a memory card as this can dam age it and result in loss of the stored data.

• Always remove the memory card if you will not be using the LEICA M8.

2 for a long period of time.

• Do not touch the connections on the rear of the memory card and keep them free of dirt, dust and moisture.

• It is recommended that the memory card be reformatted from time to time, as fragmentation occurs when deleting, which can block some of the memory capacity.

Cleaning the sensor

If any dust or dirt particles should adhere to the sensor cover glass, depending on the size of the particles this can be identified by dark spots or marks on the pictures.

The LEICA M8.

2 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. You can also perform the cleaning yourself, using the menu function Sensor Cleaning.

This allows access to the sensor by keeping the shutter open.

Notes:

• To protect the LEICA M8.

2 against ingress of dust etc. into the interior of the camera, it is important always to have a lens or a cap attached to the camera body.

• For the same reason, when changing lenses work without delay and in an environment that is as dustfree as possible.

Note:

If however the battery has insufficient capacity, the warning message Attention Battery too low for sensor cleaning appears instead, indicating that the function is not available, i.e. Yes cannot be selected

3. Press the shutter release button (1.20). The shutter opens and remains open.

Perform the cleaning. Scrupulously comply with the following instructions:

Notes:

• As far as possible, both inspection and cleaning of the sensor should be performed in a dust-free environment to prevent further soiling.

• An 8x or 10x magnifying glass is very useful for the inspection and after cleaning.

• Lightly adhering dust can be blown off the sensor cover glass using clean and, if necessary ionized gases such as air or nitrogen. It makes sense to use a (rubber) bellows with no brush for this purpose.

Special, low pressure cleaning sprays such as "Tetenal Antidust Professional" can also be used in line with their specified usage.


1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Sensor

Cleaning (5.1.17) and

• The respective sub-menu appears.

2. Providing the battery has sufficient capacity, i.e. at least 60%, confirm the function in the sub-menu.

• A further sub-menu will appear

156 / Care instructions / Cleaning the sensor


• 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 the shutter is open, a warning message Attention

Battery low Switch off camera will appear on the monitor. At the same time a sustained beep tone will sound, which continues until the camera is switched off. Switching the camera off will cause the shutter to be closed again. Be absolutely sure in this case that the shutter widow is clear, i.e. that no object can obstruct the closing movement of the shutter, otherwise damage may occur!

Important:

• Leica Camera AG accepts no liability for damage caused by the user when cleaning the sensor.

• Do not attempt to blow dust particles off the sensor cover glass using your mouth; even tiny droplets of saliva can cause marks that are difficult to remove.

• Compressed air cleaners with high gas pressure may not be used as they can also cause damage.

• Take care to avoid touching the sensor surface with any hard objects during inspection and cleaning.

Storage

• If you are not using the LEICA M8.

2 for an extended period of time, we recommend that you: a. switch it off (see p. 106), b. remove the memory card (see p. 101) and c. remove the battery (see p. 100) (after a maximum of 3 months, the time and date will be lost, see p. 116).

• A lens works like a magnifying glass if bright sunlight shines on the front of the camera. The camera must therefore never be set aside in strong sunlight without protection. Use the lens cover and keep the camera in the shade (or immediately put it away in the case) help to prevent damage to the interior of the camera.

• You should preferably store the LEICA M8.

2 in a closed and padded container so that nothing can damage it and it is protected from dust.

• Store the LEICA M8.

2 in a dry, adequately ventilat ed place, where neither high temperatures nor high humidity will occur. When used in humid conditions, the LEICA M8.

2 should be completely cleared of all moisture before being stored away.

• Photo cases that became wet during use should be emptied to prevent damage to your equipment caused by moisture and any leather-tanning residue released.

• To prevent fungal growth during use in hot, humid tropical climates, the camera equipment should be exposed to the sun and air as much as possible.

Storage in airtight containers or cases is recommended only if a desiccant such as silica gel is placed in the container.

• To prevent the formation of fungus, do not store the LEICA M8.

2 in a leather case for extended periods of time.

• Note the serial numbers of your LEICA M8.

2

(en graved on the accessory shoe) and lenses, as these are extremely important in case of loss.

Cleaning the sensor / Storage / 157


The warning messages

Bottom cover removed

Close the bottom cover (see p. 100).

No memory card

Insert a memory card (see p. 101).

Data transmission

Picture data is currently being transferred to the

SD/SDHC card.

All other picture processing functions are unavailable while this is in progress.

SD card full

Insert another memory card (see p. 101) or delete pictures you no longer need (see p. 143).

Memory card protected

(protected against deletion)

Reset the write protection for the memory card (see p.

101).


No pictures are saved on the inserted card.

In order for review mode to be used, pictures first of all need to be taken or another card with saved pic tures inserted (see p. 101).

Error code XX

Please ask you Leica dealer or Leica agent for your country regarding this information (addresses are shown on the Warranty Card).

158 / The warning messages


Malfunctions and their resolution 1.

The LEICA M8.

2 does not respond when

I turn it on.

1.1

Has the battery been correctly inserted?

1.2 Does the battery have sufficient charge?

Use a charged battery.

1.3 Has the bottom cover been correctly fitted?

2.

The LEICA M8.

2 turns itself off again as soon as I turn it on.

2.1

Does the battery have sufficient charge to oper ate the LEICA M8.

2

?

Charge the battery or insert a charged battery.

2.2 Is there any condensation? This can occurs if the

LEICA M8.

2 is moved from a cold place to a warm place.

Wait until the condensation clears.

3.

The LEICA M8.

2 shutter refuses to trip.

3.1

Picture data are currently being transferred to the memory card and the intermediate memory is full.

3.2 The capacity of the memory card is exhausted and the intermediate memory is full. Delete pictures you no longer require before taking new ones.

3.3 No memory card has been inserted and the intermediate memory is full.

4.

I cannot save the picture.

4.1

Is a memory card inserted?

4.2 The capacity of the memory card is full.

Delete pictures you no longer require before taking new ones.

5.

6.

6.1

7.

The monitor is too dark or too bright.

5.1

When viewing the monitor image from wide angles it is always more difficult to see.

If it is too pale or too dark although you are look ing at the monitor full on: Select a different brightness

1

.

The picture I have just taken is not shown in the monitor

Is the Auto Review function active (when setting the LEICA M8.

2 to picture mode?

I cannot display the picture.

7.1

Is a memory card inserted?

7.2

The memory card does not contain any data.

8.

Despite being connected to a computer, I cannot transfer any data.

8.1

Check whether the computer and the camera are connected correctly.

9.

The date and time displays show incorrect values or are blank.

9.1

The LEICA M8.

2 has not been used for a long period, particularly if the battery has been re moved.

1. Insert a fully charged battery.

2. Set the date and time.

1

Not possible in snapshot mode

S

2

Always active in snapshot mode

S

2

Malfunctions and their resolution / 159


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

Care instructions ...................................................154

Carrying strap..........................................................98

Cases.....................................................................152

Color saturation, see image properties........................

Compression rate...................................................141

Contrast, see image properties....................................

Correction lenses...................................................152

Data structure on the memory card.......................150

Deleting pictures....................................................143

all pictures on the memory card .........................143

single pictures.....................................................143

Designation of parts ................................................90

Depth of field scale..................................................90

Displays .......................................................................

In the top panel LCD ..........................................92

In the viewfinder ................................................92

On the monitor...................................................93

Distance setting.....................................................126

Depth of field ......................................................105

Metering field......................................................126

Range finder........................................................126

Sensitivity ...........................................121/133/132

Setting.................................................................121

Setting ring ...........................................................90

Split image method .............................................126

Superimposed image method .............................126

Enlarge, see review mode and viewing pictures

Exchangeable lenses......................................101/152

Exposure / Exposure meter ...................................127

Aperture priority .................................................128

Manual setting ....................................................131

Metering range ...........................................132/133

Metering diagram.............................................133

Working below the metering range...................132

Sensitivity ...........................................121/133/132

Snapshot mode

S.................................................96

Switching off .......................................................127

Switching on .......................................................127

Exposure compensation.........................................129

Filters.....................................................................152

Firmware downloads ..............................................151

Flash operation ......................................................134

Synchronization ..........................................137/138

Formatting the memory card .................................146

Histogram...............................................................112

Holding the camera correctly.................................123

Image field selector................................................124

Image frequency ....................................................109

160 / Index


Image properties

(contrast, sharpness, color saturation) ..................122

Information service, Leica......................................165

Internet / Leica homepage ....................................165

ISO sensitivity ........................................................141

Lenses, Leica M .....................................................102

Attaching and removing ......................................105

Structure.............................................................100

Use of older lenses .............................................102

Main switch ...........................................................106

Malfunctions and their resolution ..........................159

Memory card, inserting and removing ...................101

Menu items .......................................................94/95

Menu language .......................................................116

Menu control ..........................................................113

Metering diagram ..........................................132/133

Monitor...................................................................111

Setting the brightness .........................................111

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

Single pictures ....................................................140

Scope of delivery .....................................................89

Section, Selection of, see review mode .........141/140

Self timer ...............................................................147

Series exposures ...................................................109

Sharpness, see image properties

Shutter release button, see Shutter and Technical

Data .............................................................108/162

Shutter speed/aperture combination, see Exposure setting and Metering diagram ......................................

Shutter speed setting dial ......................................110

Snapshot mode

S....................................................96

Sounds (button acknowledge (response) tones).....117

Spare parts ............................................................153

Storing the LEICA M8.

2

..........................................157

Switch off, automatic.............................................106

Switching on / off..................................................106

Technical Data .......................................................162

Time and date ................................................124/125

Transferring data to a computer.............................148

USB connection .....................................................148

UV/IR filters ..........................................................103

Viewfinder..............................................................124

Bright line frame .........................................124/125

Detachable viewfinders.............................................

Universal wide-angle viewfinder M ...................152

Viewfinder magnifier M 1.25x / M 1.4x ...........152

Displays ................................................................92

Viewing the picture (in record mode, immediately after taking) with the Auto Review function

(automatic review)............................................107

with the

PLAY function ..........................107/140

Volume, setting the button acknowledge

(response) tones ....................................................117

Warning messages ..........................................98/158

White balance.........................................................119

Index / 161


Technical data and descriptions

Camera type Compact digital view and rangefinder system camera.

Lens attachment Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding.

Lens system Leica M lenses from 16 to 135 mm

Exposure metering Exposure metering through the lens (TTL), heavily center-weighted with working aperture. Center-weighted TTL metering for flash lighting with system-compatible SCA-3000/2 standard flash units.

Picture format / image sensor 3936 x 2626 pixels

(10.5 MPixel) CCD chip, active area 18 x 27 mm, extension factor 1.33.

Resolution Adjustable, DNG™: 3916 x 2634, JPEG:

3936 x 2630 / 2952 x 1972 / 1968 x 1315 / 1312 x

876 Pixel.

Data formats DNG™ (raw data), 2 JPEG compression levels.

File size DNG™: 10.3131 MB, JPEG: 10.35 / 5.8 /

2.5 / 1.1 MB.

Color spaces Adobe

®

RGB, sRGB, ECI RGB.

White balance Automatic, manual, 6 presets, color temperature entry.

Storage medium SD cards up to 4GB / SDHC cards up to 32GB, larger SD cards with firmware update.

Menu languages German, English, French, Spanish,

Italian, Japanese, Chinese.

Compatibility Windows

®

XP / Vista

®

; Mac

®

OS X (10.5)

Measurement principle measured by light reflected by a bright blade in the first shutter curtain.

Metering range (for ISO 160/23°) At room temperature and normal humidity EV 0 to 20, or f/1.0 and

1.2s to f/ 32 and

1

/

1000 s. Flashing of the left tri angular LED in the viewfinder indicates values below the metering range.

Measurement cell for available light (continuous light measurement) silicon photo diode with collect ing lens, positioned at the center lower edge, on the camera bottom.

Film speed range ISO 160/23°, 320/26°,

640/29°, 1250/32° or ISO 2500/35°, In aperture priority A and manual exposure modes, choice of automatic control or manual setting, in snapshot mode S automatic control.

Exposure mode Choice of automatic shutter speed control with manual aperture selection – with display of correct exposure or tendency towards overexposure/ blurring in snapshot mode S or corresponding digital display for aperture priority A , or manual shutter speed and aperture setting and compensation using

LED light balance.

162 / Technical data


Flash exposure control

Flash unit connection via accessory shoe with central and control contacts.

Synchronization Optionally triggered at the first or second shutter curtain.

Flash synchronization speed =

1

/

180 s; slower shutter speeds possible.

Flash exposure metering (with SCA-3501/3502 adapter or SCA-3000 standard flash unit such as

LEICA SF 24D). Control with center-weighted TTLpre-flash metering.

Flash measurement cell: 2 silicon photo diodes with collecting lens on the camera bottom.

Flash exposure compensation ±3

1

/

3

EV in

1

/

3

EV steps settable on the SCA-3501/3502 adaptor. On the LEICA SF 24D ±3EV in

1

/

3

EV steps or 0 to –3EV in 1EV steps can be set using computer control.

Displays in flash mode Readiness: by the flash symbol LED in the viewfinder being constantly lit; confirmation of success: By the LED remaining lit or flash ing rapidly for a while after taking the picture; underexposure display by the LED going out for a while.

Viewfinder

Viewfinder principle Large, bright-line frame view finder with automatic parallax compensation.

Eyepiece: Adjusted to –0.5 dptr. Correction lenses from –3 to +3 dpt. available.

Image field limits By activating two bright-line frames each: For 24 and 35 mm, or for 28 and 90 mm, or for

50 and 75 mm. Automatic activation when lens is attached. Any desired pair of bright-line frames can be activated using the image field selector.

Parallax compensation The horizontal and vertical difference between the viewfinder and the lens is automatically compensated according to the relevant distance setting, i.e. the bright-line frames automatically align with the subject detail recorded by the lens.

Matching of viewfinder and actual picture The size of the bright-line frame corresponds to the sensor size of 18 x 27mm at a setting distance of 2 meters. At infinity setting, depending on the focal length, approx.

7,3 % (24 mm) to 18 % (90 mm) more of the view is recorded by the sensor than indicated by the corresponding bright-line frame and slightly less for shorter distance settings than 2 m.

Enlargement (for all lenses) 0.68×.

Large base range finder Split or superimposed image range finder shown as a bright field in the center of the viewfinder image.

Effective measurement base 47.1 mm (mechanical measurement basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder enlargement 0.68x).

Displays

Viewfinder (lower edge) LED symbol for flash status.

Four-digit seven-segment digital display with dots above and below, display brightness adjusted for ambient brightness, for: Warning of exposure compensation, display for automatically generated shutter speeds in aperture priority mode, indication of use of metered value storage, Warning that the metering or setting ranges are overshot or undershot using aperture priority and counting down exposure times longer than 2s.

LED light balance with two triangular and one central circular LED for manual setting of exposures. The triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the aperture setting ring and shutter speed setting dial to adjust the exposure. Also for warning of when the metering range is overshot or undershot.

On the top panel monochrome LCD for frame counter (number of pictures remaining) and battery status

(5-step).

On the rear panel 2.5” monitor (color TFT LCD) with

230,000 pixels, exceptionally scratch-resistant sap phire glass cover, displays see p. 93.

Technical data / 163


Shutter and release

Shutter Microprocessor-controlled, exceptionally lownoise metal blade focal plane shutter with vertical movement.

Shutter speeds In snapshot S and aperture priority mode ( A ) continuously from 32s to

1

/

4000 s. Using manual setting 6 s to

1

/

4000 s in half steps, B for long exposures of any duration (together with self timer T function, i.e. first release = shutter opens, second release = shutter closes), (

1

/

180 s) shortest shutter speed for flash synchronization.

Shutter cocking Using low-noise integral motor, optionally after releasing the shutter release button.

Series exposures Approx. 2 pictures/s, approx. 10 pictures in series.

Shutter release button three steps: Exposure meter ing on – Metering memory lock (in aperture priority mode) – Shutter release. Integrated standard cable release thread.

Self timer Delay optionally 2 (aperture priority and manual exposure setting) or 12s (menu setting), indicated by flashing LED on front of camera and corresponding display on the monitor.

Switching the camera on / off using the main switch on the camera top panel, selectable automatic switch-off of the camera electronics after about

2/5/10 minutes, reactivation by touching the shutter release.

Power supply 1 lithium ion battery, nominal voltage

3.7V, capacity 1900mAh. Capacity data is shown in the display on the left of the top panel, when the shutter is held open (for sensor cleaning); in addition, low capacity is indicated by an acoustic warning.

Charger Inputs: 100-240 V AC, 50/60Hz, automatic switching, or 12/24V DC; Output: 4.2V DC, 800mA.

Scope of delivery Charger 100-240V with 2 mains cables (Euro, USA, different in some export markets) and 1 in-car charging cable, lithium ion battery, USB cable, carrying strap, DVD-ROM with Capture One 4 from Phase One

Camera housing

Material All-metal body of magnesium die-casting,

KTL dip painted, synthetic leather covering. Top panel and bottom cover brass, black lacquered or silver chromium plated.

Image field selector Allows the bright-line pairs to be manually displayed at any time (e.g. to compare detail).

Tripod socket stainless steel ¼” DIN tapped socket in bottom cover, in line with the center of the lens.

Operating conditions 0 to +40°C

Interface 5-pin mini-USB 2.0 High-Speed socket for quick data transfer.

Dimensions (width x depth x height) 138.6mm x

36.9mm x 80.2mm

Weight 600g (incl. battery)

Subject to changes to design, manufacture and range.

164 / Technical data


Leica Academy

As well as outstanding high-performance products for taking, reproducing and viewing photographs, for many years we have also been offering the special services of the Leica Akademie, with practical seminars and training courses, which are intended to share our knowledge about the world of photography, projection and magnification with both beginners and advanced photo graphic enthusiasts.

The contents of the courses, which are run by a trained team of experts in the modern, well-equipped training suite at our Solms factory and in the nearby

Gut Altenberg, vary from general photography to areas of special interest and offer a range of sug gestions, information and advice for your own work.

More detailed information and the current Leica

Academy brochure are available from:

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 Customer Service

Leica AG’s Customer Service center, or the repair service of the Leica national offices (see the Warranty

Card for an address list), is available to assist you in maintaining your Leica equipment or in case of damage. Please contact your nearest authorised Leica dealer.

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.

Leica Camera AG

Informations Service

Postfach 1180

D-35599 Solms

Phone: +49 (0) 64 42-208-111

Fax: +49 (0) 64 42-208-339 [email protected]

Leica Camera AG

Customer Service

Solmser Gewerbepark 8

D-35606 Solms

Phone: +49 (0) 64 42-208-189


Leica Camera AG

Leica Akademie

Oskar-Barnack-Str. 11

D-35606 Solms

Phone: +49 (0) 64 42-208-421


Leica service addresses / 165

my point of view

Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Str. 11 / D-35606 Solms www.leica-camera.com / [email protected]

Telefon +49 (0) 64 42- 208-0 / Telefax +49 (0) 64 42- 208-333

Leica M8.2 Safari Instruction manual

LEICA M8.

Anleitung/Instructions

2

LEICA M8.

84 /FCC Note

Foreword

Foreword / 85

Table of Contents

86 / Table of Contents

Table of Contents / 87

Warning messages

Legal notes

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

88 / Warning messages

Scope of delivery

Scope of delivery / 89

Designation of parts

90 / Designation of parts

Designation of parts / 91

Displays

92 / Displays / In the viewfinder / In the top panel LCD

Displays / In the monitor / 93

Menu items

94 / Displays / Menu items

Displays / Menu items / 95

Snapshot mode

96 / Snapshot mode S

Snapshot mode

/ 97

Comprehensive instructions

98 / Charging the battery

Charging the battery / 99

100 / Inserting the battery in the camera

Inserting and removing the memory card / 101

102 / Leica M lenses

Leica M lenses / 103

104 / Leica M lenses

Leica M lenses / 105

106 / The main switch

Selecting picture taking and review modes / 107

108 / Shutter release button

Shutter release button / Serial exposures / 109

110 / Shutter speed dial

The Monitor / 111

112 / The histogram

Menu control / 113

114 / Setting the menu functions

Setting the menu functions / 115

116 / Basic settings for the camera

Basic settings for the camera / 117

118 / Basic picture settings

Basic picture settings / 119

120 / Basic picture settings

Basic picture settings / 121

122 / Basic picture settings

Basic picture settings / Holding the camera correctly / 123

124 / Bright-line view and range finder

Bright-line view and range finder / 125

126 / Distance metering

Exposure metering / 127

128 / Exposure modes / Aperture priority / Metering memory lock

Exposure compensation / 129

130 / Exposure compensation

Manual exposure setting /

setting / T function / 131

132 / Exposure meter metering range

B

Tv

Av

Ev

Sv

Bv cd/m

Metering Diagramm / 133

134 / Flash mode

Flash mode / 135

136 / Flash mode

Flash mode / 137

138 / Flash mode

140 / Review mode