Leica M8.2 Instruction Manual

Page 1
LEICA M8.
2
Anleitung/Instructions
Page 2
1.3 1.4 1.5 1.71.6
1.2
1.1
1.16
1.15
1.14
1.13a
1.13
1.12
1.21 c
1.2
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.28 1.29
1.17
1.14a
1.13c
1.21
1.21 a1.21 b
1.18
1.19
1.20
1.20a
1.2 7
1.26
1.25
1.24
1.23
1.22
1.11
1.30
1.31
1.321.33
Page 3
1.40
1.34
1.9
1.38
1.39
1.42
1.41
1.3 7 1.36 1.35
1.43
1.43a
1.44 1.45 1.46
Page 4
2
Page 5
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 interfer ence 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: LEICA Model No.: LEICA M8.2 Responsible party/ Support contact: Leica Camera Inc.
-
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
1 Pearl Count, Unit A Allendale, New Jersey 07401 Tel.: +1 201 995 0051 232 Fax: +1 201 995 1684 e-mail: olesin@aol.com
LEICA M8.2
84 /FCC Note
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.
Tested To Comply With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Page 6
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.
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.
2.
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
Page 7
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 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
....................................................96
S
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
setting / the T-Function............................131
The
B
Exposure meter metering range.............................132
Working below the metering range ........................132
Metering diagram...................................................133
86 / Table of Contents
Page 8
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
Page 9
Warning messages
Legal notes
Disposal of electrical and
• 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.
• 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.
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
Page 10
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
Page 11
Designation of parts
Illustrations inside front and rear covers
Front view
1.1 Lens release button
1.2 Eyelets for carrying strap
1.3 Distance meter viewing window
1.4 Brightness sensor
1
1.5 Illumination window for the bright-line frames
1.6 Viewfinder window with viewfinder displays reversed out for better clarity against bright backgrounds
1.7 Selftimer LED
1.8 Image field selector
1.9 Bottom cover locking clip
Front view of camera bayonet /rear view of lens bayonet
1.10 Sensor for lens identification
1.11 6-bit lens identification barcode
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.
Top view
1.12 LC D
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)
- (self timer)
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
90 / Designation of parts
Page 12
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
button for displaying picture information
INFO
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
button for switching on (continuous)
PLAY
review mode / for return to full picture display
1.28 Viewfinder window
1.29
button for calling up and exiting the
MENU
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 (
1.42 Yellow (
) LED to indicate charging
CHARGE
) LED to indicate: 80% charge
80%
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
Page 13
Displays
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.3
2.1
2.1.3
3.1
2.2
2. In the viewfinder
2.1 LEDS (Light Emitting Diodes)
(with automatic brightness control, which responds to the ambient brightness1) 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
, or for counting
A
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 (tempo-
rarily) full
Dot above:
- Information (when lit) that saved metering
values are being used
Dot below:
- Information (flashing) that exposure compen-
sation 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
3.2
92 / Displays / In the viewfinder / In the top panel LCD
The automatic control is not available for Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachments, since they cover the brightness sen­sor 1.4 which supplies the information required for their ope­ration. In such cases the displays always maintain a constant brightness.
Page 14
4.1.1
4.2.3 4.2.4 4.2.5
4.2.2
4.2.1
4.1.2
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
4.1.3
4.2.6 a b
c d
e
f
g
i
k
j
pictures only)
4.2 Reviewing with additional information
(
; reduced picture size)
INFO
4.2.1 Picture (if necessary with “Clipping” display1)
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
Page 15
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 includes only the items highlighted in grey; the others do not appear in S mode and are either fixed or not available.
S, there is only a single menu. It
5.1 In the main menu
Menu item Explanation Fixed setting in
snapshot mode
5.1.1 Lens Detection Lens type identification On + UV/IR
5.1.2 Save User Profile User-specific profile (save) Not available
5.1.3 Self Timer Self timer delay time 12 s
5.1.4 Auto ISO Setup Automatic sensitivity control AUTO ISO / Lens dependent
5.1.5 Sharpening Picture sharpening Standard
5.1.6 Color Saturation Picture color saturation Standard
5.1.7 Contrast Picture contrast Standard
5.1.8 Monitor Brightness Standard
5.1.9 Histogram Graphic to indicate distribution of brightness Off
5.1.10 Picture Numbering Continuously
5.1.11 Auto Review Picture 5 seconds
5.1.12 Auto Power Off Automatic power off 2 minutes
5.1.13 Flash Sync 1. Curtain
5.1.14 Auto Slow Sync Flash shutter speed Lens specific
5.1.15 Color Management Working color space sRGB
5.1.16 Reset (To original factory settings) Not available
5.1.17 Sensor Cleaning Shutter opening for cleaning the sensor Not available
5.1.18 Date
5.1.19 Time
5.1.20 Acoustic Signal Button acknowledgement tone Off
5.1.21 Language
5.1.22 Format SD-Card Formatting the memory card
5.1.23 Firmware Firmware version Not available
5.1.24 Advance Delay for cocking the shutter Standard
5.1.25 Picture Settings Color or B/W
S
94 / Displays / Menu items
Page 16
5.2 In the picture parameters menu
Menu item Explanation Fixed setting in
snapshot mode
5.2.1 ISO Sensitivity AUTO ISO
5.2.2 EV Exposure compensation ±0 (=Off)
5.2.3 White Balance Automatic
5.2.4 Compression Compression rate/file format JPG fine
5.2.5 Resolution 10 MP
5.2.6 User Profile User-specific profile (recall) Not available
S
Displays / Menu items / 95
Page 17
Snapshot mode S
4
4
feet
m
2,1
3
5,8
6'11' 9'10'' 19'
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. 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).
96 / Snapshot mode S
2 to S mode with the shutter
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 (),
erything is fine.
ev
If a red triangle to the right is also flashing (), the automatic se
tting 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.
Page 18
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
mode represents a quick and carefree
S
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 1/30s with a 28 mm lens.
Notes:
• Flash units can also be used in
mode. For more
S
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
Page 19
Comprehensive instructions
Preparations
Attaching the carrying strap
12a2b
345
!
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
Page 20
• A new battery only reaches its full capacity after it has been fully charged and – by use in the camera ­discharged again 2 or 3 times. This discharge procedure should be repeated every 25 cycles. To ensure a maximum service life of the battery, it should not be exposed to constant extremes of temperature (e.g. 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
/5of its capacity, the yellow LED marked with
(1.42) also lights up. When the battery is
80%
fully charged, i.e. 100% capacity reached (after approx. 3 ½ hours), the green LED changes from flashing to continuously lit.
Note:
The
LED lights up after around 2 hours due to
80%
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
Page 21
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
Page 22
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.
Note:
Do not touch the memory card contacts.
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 as far as the stop, and c. lift off the bottom cover.
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
Page 23
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 excep-
tions 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 24x36mm 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. 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 35mm f/4 (not aspherical, manufactured from 1961-1995, Made in Canada) cannot be attached to the LEICA 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 risks damaging the camera
2
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. the case with the current Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4, whose tube does not protrude into the camera body even when retracted. It can therefore be used without any restrictions.
M8.2
2. This is not
• Can be used, but precise composition is not possible
The LEICA M8.
2 has bright-line frames for focal
lengths up to 90mm (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 are excluded from exposure metering
- Super-Angulon-M 21mm f/4
- Super-Angulon-M 21mm 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
Page 24
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
Page 25
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 Lens Detection (5.1.1) and
With all Leica M lenses except the LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH.
2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired
option.
Additional menu settings required for the LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21mm 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 TRI­ELMAR-M 16-18-21mm 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 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.
necessary with the LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M
104 /
Leica M lenses
Page 26
Extension factor
The nominal focal lengths of the Leica M lenses are based on the 35mm film format, i.e. an initial format of 24x36mm. However, the sensor on the LEICA M8. is somewhat smaller, at 18x27mm, by a factor of
0.75. 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
2
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
Page 27
Switching the camera on and off/the main switch
1.19 1.20
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.
Camera switched off
OFF
This is the inactive position – the camera is switched off.
Single release
b.
S
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).
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).
d. - Self timer
Pressing the shutter release button (see below) starts the pre-set delay time (see p. 147), after which a picture is taken.
Switching on
After switching on, i.e. selecting one of the three func­tions
or , the LED (1.32) lights up briefly and
S, C
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.
Switching off
Even if the main switch is not set to
, the camera
OFF
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.
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
Page 28
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.
PLAY
Review for unlimited time
2. Auto. Review Brief review after taking the picture
Review for unlimited time -
By pressing the
PLAY
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).
Setting the function
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).
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.
Selecting picture taking and review modes
/ 107
Page 29
Shutter release button The shutter release button (1.20) has three pressure
1.20
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 buf-
fer 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
Page 30
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 Spostion) – 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 expo-
sures – 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
and Auto Review (5.1.11, see p. 107)
PLAY
functions initially always show the last picture.
Shutter release button/ Serial exposures
/ 109
Page 31
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
position,
A
marked red (see p. 128),
- Snapshot mode by setting the
position, marked
S
red (see p. 96),
- Manual mode by selecting shutter speeds from
1
/
s to 6 s, (intermediate values in ½ step
4000
graduations are also available, see p. 131)
as are
1
/
- the shortest possible sync time of
s for flash
180
mode, marked with the symbol (see p. 134), and
for long exposures (see p. 131).
-
B
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 1/30s, 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
function is selected in conjunction with the
B
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.
110 /
Shutter speed dial
* Time quoted is an example only
Page 32
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.
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
button (1.27) or, if the Auto Review function
PLAY
(see p. 107) is activated, are displayed automatically.
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
button (see p. 93):
INFO
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.
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
button (1.23) allows you to select a whole
INFO
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
Page 33
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.
AB
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
Setting the function
1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Histogram (5.1.9) and
2. in the associated sub-menu select the desired func-
tion: (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
Page 34
Menu control
Many settings for the LEICA M8.2 are controlled using menus (see p. 94/95).
When using snapshot mode
(see p. 96), there is
S
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
, the options for most menu items
S
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
Page 35
Setting the menu functions
1. Call up the main menu using the
MENU
button (1.29); call up the picture parameters menu using the
button (1.22).
SET
• The first 8 items then appear in the main menu
(or all 5 in snapshot mode
) and all items in the
S
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
button has no func-
SET
tion.
• 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
Page 36
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
button (1.27 - to switch to
PLAY
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
Page 37
Presets
Basic settings for the camera
Menu language
By factory default, the language used for menu control is English, i.e. all menu items initially appear with their English names. German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japa­nese, and Chinese can all be selected as alternative menu languages.
Setting the function
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 and time
The date and time are each set using separate menu items.
Date
There are 3 variations available for the sequence of the date.
Setting
1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select 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
button (1.29) you can return
MENU
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
button (1.22).
SET
• 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
Page 38
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 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.
Setting the function
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).
(1.19, see p. 106).
OFF
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.
Setting the functions
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
Page 39
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.
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.
Setting the function
1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select Resolution (5.2.5)
2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired reso-
lution.
Possible resolutions and resulting numbers of pictures
Compression rate/
file format (low (normal JPG fine
DNG JPG fine JPG basic DNG+ DNG+
compression)1compression)
1
1
Resolution
(10MP) 93 276 386 70 75
(6 MP) 491 687 78 82
(2,5 MP) >1000 >1000 86 88
(1 MP) >1000 >1000 90 91
1
Average values, can differ significantly depending on the subjects.
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 compres-
sion rates and DNG, i.e. two files are generated per
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.
Setting the function
1. In the picture parameters menu (see p. 95/113) select Compression (5.2.4)
2. in the respective sub-menu, select the desired com-
pression / combination. picture. In these cases the JPG file will always be saved with the selected resolution.
JPG basic
1
118 /
Basic picture settings
Page 40
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 diffe
rent
settings:
-
– For automatic control, which provides neu-
Auto
tral results in most situations,
- Six fixed presets for the most frequent light sources,
- , for indoor pictures with (prevailing) incandes-
cent 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
1
- Kelvin Setting.
– For a directly adjustable color
temperature value.
1
All color temperatures are specified in Kelvin.
Note:
Setting to
allows the white balance to be adjusted
Auto
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.
Setting the function
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
Page 41
For direct setting of color temperature
You can directly set values between 2000 and 13100 (K1) (from 2000 to 5000 K in increments of 100, from 5000 to 8000 K in increments of 200 and from 8000 to 13,100K 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 dire-
ction 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
button (1.22).
SET
• 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.
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.
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.
1
All color temperatures are specified in Kelvin.
120 /
Basic picture settings
Page 42
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 rea-
2
sons
. 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.
Setting the function
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
.
3. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select 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/
s and 1s (in whole steps).
500
If you select Lens dependent, the camera only swit­ches to a higher sensitivity if the shutter speed would fall below the
/
threshold due to poor
Focal length
1
brightness, e.g. speeds slower than 1/30s for a 28 mm lens.
1
The function is not available when setting the exposure manually and when using flash units (always with snapshot mode
2
These options are not available in snapshot mode S.
3
This function requires the use of coded lenses (see p. 102).
(see p. 96), this function is always active.
S
1
/
180
s). In
Basic picture settings
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Page 43
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).
Setting the functions
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).
122 /
Basic picture settings
Page 44
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 ECI RGB the depiction of the colors in the monitor is paler than when reproduced in reality (i.e. in a print).
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 recom-
mended 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. 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.
2 is fitted with an integral sensor
Basic picture settings/ Holding the camera correctly
/ 123
Page 45
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+35mm, 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 18x27mm 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 135mm 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 35mm 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*.
124 /
Bright-line view and range finder
* See “The extension factor”, p. 105
Page 46
24mm + 35 mm
50 mm + 75 mm
28 mm+ 90 mm
Bright-line view and range finder
/ 125
Page 47
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
(Distance between the magnification metering basis optical axes of the viewfinder window and the range finder viewing window)
69.25 mm x 0.68 = 47.1 mm
x viewfinder = Effective
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:
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.
Double image = out of focus Coincident image = in focus
Interrupted line = out of focus Continous line = in 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
In practice, there is often no clear distinction between the two methods. The two criteria can be used to
great effect in combination. 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.
126 /
Distance metering
Page 48
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.
– 2 EV
– 4 EV
– 3 EV
When using snapshot mode
– 0,5 EV – 1 EV
, the aperture (and the
S
distance) are manually preset based on the values indicated by the camera which then calculates the corresponding shutter speed automatically. The red circular LED lights up as confirmation. Everything else about snapshot mode Sis described in the relevant section on pages 96/95).
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 t
he 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 12s more, and the respective LED(s) remain lit for the same time.
If the shutter speed dial is set to
, the exposure
B
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 0.2s 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
Page 49
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
is described
S
in the relevant section on pages 96/97).
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
/
s to 32s, in accordance with the sensitivity set-
4000
ting, 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 t
he 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
/
s or longer than 32s. In such cases the specified
4000
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 M 8.
2 metering is strongly center-
weighted; 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
Page 50
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 ±3EV in 1/3EV steps (EV: Exposure Value).
Setting the function
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 compensa-
tion value.
B. Using the setting dial
As long as you keep the shutter release button pressed
st
pressure point*, you can enter an exposure
to the 1 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,…-
2
/3EV, -1/3EV, +1/3EV, +2/3EV, +1EV, …+3 EV).
1EV, -
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
Page 51
Note:
An exposure compensation set on the camera only influences the measurement of available light. If you want to simultaneously use compensation of the TTL flash exposure measurement in flash mode – in 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
130 /
Exposure 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 +11/3EV 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.
Page 52
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
1
underexposure by
/2an aperture stop;
turning to the right is required
Correct exposure
overexposure by 1/2an 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.
setting / T function
B
The Bsetting 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
and activate the self timer (see
B
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.
1
/30s, differing depending on menu settings)
below 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 2s or more the message Noise reduction in progress 12s* appears in the monitor.
* Time quoted is an example only
Manual exposure setting / Bsetting / T function
/ 131
Page 53
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
1.2s 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 12s 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
2
the right of the diagram in cd/m
(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 Bsetting, 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
2
example, this is 2500 cd/m
, 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/
s). The exposure value (EV 15)
250
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 1/15s. 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
by simultaneously
S
utilizing the optionally available automatic ambient brightness controlled ISO sensitivity setting.
132 /
Exposure meter metering range
Page 54
Metering Diagramm
B
Tv
30 15
8 4 2
1 1/2 1/4 1/8
1/15 1/30 1/60
1/125 1/250
1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000
1 1,4 2 2,8 4 5,6 8 11 16 22 32
Av
Sv
ISO
160/23°
320/26°
640/29°
1250/32°
2500/35°
0,03 0,063
-5
-4
-2
-3
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
0,6
2500
0,125 0,25 0,5 1 2 4 8 16 32 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 160 00 32000 63000 125000
cd/m
Bv
2
Ev
Metering Diagramm
/ 133
Page 55
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,
1
are fitted with the SCA-3502/3501
adapter and
which allow guide number control.
1.21 a
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
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
2
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
3
The aperture specified on the lens must be manually set at the flash unit.
in such cases.
S
134 / Flash mode
Page 56
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 modeS, aper ­ture priority mode Aand 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
2
reduced by up to 1
/3EV 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
and manual mode, but not in
A
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/
s. These functions are set
180
on the camera using the menu (for more details, refer to the relevant sections below).
In addition the LEICA M8.
2 loads the sensitivity set-
ting 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
Page 57
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. 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.
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
2. The shutter speed dial must be set to flash sync speed (1/
s), or – for special
180
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.
2 are necessary:
or to
A, S
Note:
If the automatic (see “Flash mode”, p. 135) or manual­ly set shutter speed is shorter than 1/
s, the flash
180
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.
136 / Flash mode
Page 58
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
/
s. In such cases the LEICA M8.2 will not fire
180
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
/
s. In such cases the LEICA M8.2 will not fire
180
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/ micron-M 50 mm f/2) up to sync speed 1/
2. Off (1/
s)
180
, e.g. 1/60s using the Sum-
focal length
s.*
180
Fixed setting to the shortest possible shutter speed of 1/
s, e.g. for the sharpest possible reproduction
180
of moving subjects and the illuminating flash.
* Only when using Leica M lenses with 6-bit coding in the bay-
onet and lens identification enabled in the menu (see p. 94/103/113)
Flash mode / 137
Page 59
3. Up to 1/30, 4. Up to 1/8and 5. Up to 32s Automatic control of all shutter speeds from the specified value down to the sync speed of 1/
s.
180
Notes:
• Manual exposure control also allows any shutter
speed to be set down to the sync speed of 1/
• When using snapshot mode
(see p. 96) with
S
s.
180
coded lenses (see p. 102) the lens-specific control is fixed and with non-coded lenses it is 1/
s.
180
Setting the function
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
st
shutter curtain has completely opened, this can
1 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. mal flash firing moment and synchronization with the end of the exposure, i.e. immediately before the 2
2 gives you a choice between this nor-
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.
138 / Flash mode
Page 60
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.
Setting the function
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.
Setting the function
1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Reset (5.1.16) and
2. use the
button (1.22) to call up the associated
SET
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
Page 61
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
button the following message appears on
PLAY
the monitor: No image data available .
• Depending on the function previously set, pressing the
button generates different responses:
PLAY
Initial situation
a.
Full review display Picture mode, of a picture monitor off
b.
Review of an enlarged Full review display of section / several reduced pictures (see below) Full review display of the picture
c.
INFO display with any INFO display with full enlargement review display (see p. 93/141)
d.
One of the menu controls Full review display of the (see p. 113), or or
PROTECT
(see p. 143/144) is activated
DELETE
function
After pressing the
button
PLAY
t
he picture
last displayed picture
140 /
Review mode
• 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.
Page 62
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
Page 63
The four direction buttons (1.14) can be used to select any position for the section to be enlarged. To do this, press the button (several times) for the direction in which you want to shift the section.
• In addition to the enlargement, the rectangle within the frame (4.1.3/4.2.6k) in the lower right-hand cor­ner of the monitor symbolizes the position of the section displayed.
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 pressed (1.27).
PLAY
button
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.
142 /
Review mode
Page 64
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.
Review mode
/ 143
Page 65
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:
No image data available.
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
display, see p. 93) for the remaining
INFO
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.
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
LOCK
.
marked
Procedure
Press the
PROTECT
button (1.24).
• The corresponding sub-menu appears in the moni­tor display (1.33).
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
but-
ton (1.22).
144 /
Review mode
Page 66
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
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.
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.
Review mode
/ 145
Page 67
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.
Setting the function
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. in the
display (see p. 93).
INFO
L100 0001
, which are only shown
• 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.
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.
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.
Procedure
1. In the main menu (see p. 94/113), select Format
SD-Card (5.1.22).
2. Use the
button (1.22) to call up the associated
SET
sub-menu.
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
Page 68
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
- 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.
button (1.22)
SET
Additional functions
/ 147
Page 69
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 (1stconnection only!).
2. Double-click on the message (not required after the
st
1
connection).
• A pull-down menu entitled “M8.
2 Digital Camera”
opens for the data transfer wizard.
3. Click on “OK” and follow the subsequent instru-
ctions 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
Page 70
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. 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 com-
2
puters 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
Page 71
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 DVD­ROM.
• 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
Page 72
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:
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.
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.
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
Page 73
Miscellaneous
System accessories for the LEICA M8.2
Exchangeable lenses
The Leica M system provides a basis for optimum adap ­t ation to fast and unobtrusive photography. The range of lenses includes focal lengths from 16 to 135 mm ­for the LEICA M8.2 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).
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 28mm.
The viewfinder is equipped with parallax compensa­tion and a vial (spirit level) for exact leveling of the camera (order no. 12 011).
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 35mm. 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).
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
Page 74
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.
If salt water spray gets onto the LEICA M8.
2 and the memory card.
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
Page 75
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.
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.
Care instructions
• As any soiling also represents a growth medium for microorganisms, you should take care to keep the equipment clean.
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
Page 76
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 cur- rent (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 , to ). For 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
Page 77
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.
Setting the function
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
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 a
vailable, 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.
156 / Care instructions /
Cleaning the sensor
Page 78
• 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 camer
a 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 maxi-
mum 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 peri-
ods 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
Page 79
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 image data available.
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
Page 80
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?
5. 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 brightness1.
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.
6. The picture I have just taken is not shown in the monitor
6.1 Is the Auto Review function active (when setting the LEICA M8.2 to picture mode?
2
7. 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
2
Always active in snapshot mode
Malfunctions and their resolution
S
S
/ 159
Page 81
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
Page 82
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
Page 83
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 135mm
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
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)
RGB, sRGB, ECI RGB.
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 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
automatic control or manual setting, in snapshot mode Sautomatic 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 display for aperture priority A, or manual shutter speed and aperture setting and compensation using LED light balance.
1
/
s. Flashing of the left tri -
1000
and manual exposure modes, choice of
or corresponding digital
S
162 / Technical data
Page 84
Flash exposure control Flash unit connection via accessory shoe with cen-
tral and control contacts.
Synchronization Optionally triggered at the first or second shutter curtain.
1
/
Flash synchronization speed =
s; slower
180
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.
1
Flash exposure compensation ±3
/3EV in 1/3EV steps settable on the SCA-3501/3502 adaptor. On the LEICA SF 24D ±3EV in 1/3EV 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 35mm, 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 % (24mm) to 18 % (90mm) 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
Page 85
Shutter and release Shutter Microprocessor-controlled, exceptionally low-
noise metal blade focal plane shutter with vertical movement.
Shutter speeds In snapshot mode (A) continuously from 32s to 1/ manual setting 6 s to 1/
and aperture priority
S
s. Using
s in half steps, Bfor long
4000
4000
exposures of any duration (together with self timer T function, i.e. first release = shutter opens, second release = shutter closes), (1/
s) shortest shutter
180
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.
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)
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
Subject to changes to design, manufacture and range.
164 / Technical data
Page 86
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 Camera AG Leica Akademie Oskar-Barnack-Str. 11 D-35606 Solms Phone: +49 (0) 6442-208-421 Fax: +49 (0) 6442-208-425 la@leica-camera.com
Leica on the Internet
Current information about products, news, events and the Leica company is available on our homepage on the Internet at:
http://www.leica-camera.us http://www.leica-camera.co.uk
Leica information service
The Leica information service can provide you with an answer to any technical questions relating to the Leica range either in writing, on the telephone or by e-mail.
Leica Camera AG Informations Service Postfach 1180 D-35599 Solms Phone: +49 (0) 6442-208-111 Fax: +49 (0) 6442-208-339 info@leica-camera.com
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 Camera AG Customer Service Solmser Gewerbepark 8 D-35606 Solms Phone: +49 (0) 6442-208-189 Fax: +49 (0) 6442-208-339 customer.service@leica-camera.com
Leica service addresses / 165
Page 87
my point of view
Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Str. 11 / D-35606 Solms www.leica-camera.com / info@leica-camera.com Telefon +49 (0) 6442- 208-0 / Telefax +49 (0) 64 42-208-333
93228 X/08/ DX/D
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