Leica M8.2 Instruction Manual

LEICA M8.

2

Anleitung/Instructions

1.3 1.4 1.5 1.71.6

1.2

1.1

1.16

1.15

1.14

1.13a

1.13

1.13b

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

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

2

This is a Class B product based on the standard of
the Voluntary Control Council for Interference from
Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this is
used near a radio or television receiver in a domestic
environment, it may cause radio interference.
Install and use the equipment according to the
instruction manual.

FCC Note: (U.S. only)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful 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.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

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

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

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

General information on flash exposure

metering and control .............................................134

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

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

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

Settings for camera-controlled automatic

flash mode.........................................................136

The flash lighting displays in the viewfinder

with system-compatible flash units ...................136

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

When the flash unit is set to camera

control (A) or manual mode (M) .......................137

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

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

Additional functions

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

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

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

Viewing other pictures / "Scrolling" in the memory..141
Enlarging / selecting the section /
simultaneous viewing of several

reduced pictures................................................141

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

Protecting pictures /

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

Additional functions

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

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

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

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

with Windows

®

XP / Vista®.................................148

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

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

Data structure on the memory card....................150

Working with DNG raw data...................................150

Installation of Capture One 4.................................150

Installing firmware updates....................................151

Miscellaneous

System accessories for the LEICA M8.

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Precautions and care instructions

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

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

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

Care instructions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents/ 87

Warning messages

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

Scope of delivery

Before using your LEICA M8.2 for the first time, please
check that the accessories supplied are complete.

A. Battery
B. Charger
C. USB connecting lead
D. Carrying strap
E. DVD-ROM containing Capture One 4 from

Phase One

Scope of delivery / 89

Designation of parts

Illustrations inside front and rear covers

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

• 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

Inserting / removing the battery in /
from the camera

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

2. Remove the bottom cover (1.36) of the camera. To
do this:

a. flip up toggle (1.37) in the bottom cover,
b. turn it to the left, and
c. lift off the bottom cover.

3. Insert the battery into the compartment with its
contacts facing forwards. Press it into the compart­ment (1.38) until the white sprung locking catch
(1.39) moves over the battery to hold it in place.

4. Replace the bottom cover To do this:
a. insert it into the retaining clip (1.9) on the side of

the camera
b. swing it down,
c. lock it by turning the toggle to the left as far as

the stop, and
d. push the toggle back down.

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

Note:

Always switch the camera off before removing the
battery.

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

Charge level displays (3.2)

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

: approx. 75-100%
: approx. 50-75%
: approx. 25-50%
: approx. 5-25%
: approx. 0-5%, battery replacement or

recharging necessary

Notes:

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

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

100 / Inserting the battery in the camera

Inserting and removing the memory card

The LEICA M8.2 saves the picture data on an extreme­ly compact SD (secure digital) or SDHC (high capaci­ty) card.

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

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

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

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

Using Leica UV/IR filters to correct color shifts
for particular subjects and lighting situations

The use of CCD sensor such as in the LEICA M8.

2

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

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

2,

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

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

2, which allows the

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

To eliminate possible color shifts – without having to
accept the associated disadvantages – Leica supplies
UV/IR filters (see “Filters”, p. 152), which are screwed
on in front of the relevant lens. In addition to the infor­mation that coded Leica M lenses (see next section)
transfer to the camera, the camera then automatically
corrects any remaining color shift for the specific lens
fitted. As a result, you obtain pictures with the impres­sive sharpness and contrast typical of Leica M lenses
and totally realistic color reproduction.

Switching lens type identification on and off

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

2 to recog -

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

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

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

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

- In addition the information carried by this 6-bit
coding is written to the respective EXIF file for the
picture. The picture data shown in the INFO* display
(see “The monitor”, p. 111) also shows the lens focal
length (4.2.6 b, see p. 93).

* Not available in snapshot mode

S

Leica M lenses

/ 103

Note:

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

Setting the function

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

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

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