Leica M-E Instruction Manual

LEICA M-E

Anleitung/
Instructions

Leica Camera AG I Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 I 35606 SOLMS I DEUTSCHLAND
Telefon [phone] I Telefax [phone] I www.leica-camera.com

93 472 IX/12/DCLV/B

1.3

1.4 1.5 1.71.6

1.2

1.1

1.14

1.13

1.12

1.11

1.11a

1.11b

1.19c

1.2

1.8

1.9

1.10

1.8

1.33 1.32 1.31

1.15

1.25 1.26

1.12a

1.11c

1.24

1.38

1.37

1.16

1.17

1.42

1.18

1.18a

1.23

1.22

1.21

1.27

1.28

1.20

Markenzeichen der Leica Camera Gruppe/ Registriertes Warenzeichen
Trademark of the Leica Camera Group/ Registered Trademark

1.19

1.19a1.19b

1.291.30

© 2012 Leica Camera AG

R

R

1.36

1.34

1.39a1.39

1.35

Signal

1.40 1.41

LEICA M-E

Instructions

89

FOREWORD

Dear Customer,

Leica would like to thank you for purchasing the
Leica M-E and congratulate you on your choice.
With this unique digital view- and rangefinder camera,
you have made an excellent selection.
We wish you a great deal of pleasure and success
using your new Leica M-E.
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.

90

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 M-E

Responsible party/

Support contact: Leica Camera Inc.

-

1 Pearl Count, Unit A
Allendale, New Jersey 07401
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

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

Leica M-E

FCC Caution:

To assure continued compliance, follow the attached
installation instructions and use only shielded inter­face cables with ferrite core when connecting to com­put 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

91

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword .................................90

FCC Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Warning messages ..........................94

Legal notes ................................94

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment....94

Scope of delivery ...........................95

Designation of parts .........................96

Displays

In the viewfinder..........................98

On the monitor...........................99

Menu items

In the main menu ........................102

In the image parameters menu .............103

Quick guide...............................104

Detailed instructions

Preparations

 Attaching the carrying strap...............106

 Charging the battery ....................106

 Inserting the battery in the camera/

  Removing the battery ...................108

 Charge level displays ....................108 

 Inserting and removing the memory card ....109

 Leica M lenses .........................110

  Attaching a lens .......................111

  Removing a lens .......................111

The most important settings/controls
 Switching the camera on and o/

  The main switch .......................112

 Selecting picture and review modes ........113

  Review for unlimited time................113

  Automatic review of last picture...........113

 Shutter release button ...................114

  Series exposures ......................115

 Shutter speed setting dial ................116

 Monitor...............................117

  Setting the brightness ..................117

  Displaying basic settings/

   Data in picture mode ..................117

  Displaying image data in review mode. . . . . .117

  The histogram.........................118

 Menu control ..........................119

  Main menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

  Image parameters menu ................119

  Setting the menu functions ..............120

Presets
  Basic camera settings

   Menu language.......................122

   Date and time........................122

   Automatic power off...................123

Button acknowledgement and signal tones
  Basic image settings

  Switching lens type identication on/o....124

   Resolution ..........................125

   Compression rate/le format ...........125

   White balance........................126

    For automatic or fixed settings .........126

    For direct setting of color temperature ...127

    For manual setting by metering .........127

   ISO sensitivity........................128

    Image properties (contrast, sharpness,

color saturation).....................129

   Working color space...................130

Holding the camera correctly...............130

Bright-line view- and rangefinder ............131

Distance metering .......................134

Superimposed image method (double image)

 Split image method .....................134

..123

..134

92

Exposure metering .......................135

 Switching the exposure meter on/o .......135

 Exposure modes........................136

  Aperture priority.......................136

   Metering memory lock .................136

   Exposure compensation................137

   Bracketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

  Manual exposure setting ................140

  B setting/T function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

  Setting the exposure when using the

   snapshot profile ......................141

 Exposure meter metering range............142

  Working above and below

   the metering range....................142

General information on flash exposure

 metering and control ....................143

 Compatible flash units ...................143

 Attaching the flash unit ..................144

 Flash mode............................144

  Settings for camera controlled

   automatic flash mode..................145

Flash exposure control displays
   in the viewfinder with system compatible

   flash units...........................145

   In automatic flash mode................146

   When flash unit is set to computer control (A)

    or manual mode (M) ..................146

Selecting the sync speed/sync speed range

  Selecting the firing moment..............148

..147

Additional functions

 User/application specic proles ..........149

 Resetting all custom settings..............149

Review mode ...........................150

 Viewing more pictures/

  “Scrolling” in the memory ...............151

Enlarging/selecting the framing/simultaneously

  viewing several reduced pictures ..........151

 Deleting pictures .......................153

 Protecting pictures/

  Clearing delete protection ...............154

Additional functions

 Folder management .....................156

 Formatting the memory card ..............157

 Taking photographs with the self timer ......157

Transferring data to a computer

with card readers ........................158

Data structure on the memory card..........158

Using DNG raw data ........................158

Installing firmware updates ..................159

Miscellaneous

System accessories for the Leica M-E

 Interchangeable lenses ..................160

 Filters ................................160

 Universal wide-angle viewfinder M..........160

 Viewnder for 21/24/28mm lenses . . . . . . . 160

 Brilliant finder M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

 Viewfinder magnifier M 1.25x and 1.4x......160

 Flash units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

 M-E grip ..............................160

 Correction lenses .......................161

 Cases ................................161

Replacement parts .......................161

Precautions and care instructions

 General precautions.....................162

 Monitor...............................163

 Condensation ..........................163

Care instructions

 For the camera.........................163

 For lenses.............................164

 For the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

 For the charger.........................165

 For memory cards ......................165

 Cleaning the sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

 Storage...............................168

Troubleshooting ...........................169

Index....................................170

Technical data and descriptions...............172

Leica Academy ............................175

Leica Information Service....................175

Leica Customer Care .......................175

93

WARNING MESSAGES

• Use exclusively recommended accessories to
prevent faults, short circuits or electric shock.

• Do not expose the unit to moisture or rain.

•

Do not attempt to remove parts of the body (covers);
specialist repairs can be carried out only at autho­rized service centers.

LEGAL NOTES:

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

• This also applies to all of the software supplied.

• The SD logo is a registered trademark.

• Other names, company or product names referred

to in this manual are trademarks or registered
trademarks of the relevant companies.

DISPOSAL OF
ELECTRICAL AND ELEC­TRONIC EQUIPMENT

(Applies within the EU, and for other European
countries with separated waste collection systems)

This device contains electrical and/or electronic

components and therefore may not be disposed of
as 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 disposed of according to the relevant
regulations.
You local authority or waste disposal authority, or the
shop where you bought this device, can provide you
with further information on this issue.

94

SCOPE OF DELIVERY

Before using your Leica M-E for the first time, please
check that the accessories supplied are complete.

A. Battery

B. Charger

C. Carrying strap

95

DESIGNATION OF PARTS

Front view

1.1 Lens release button

1.2 Eyelets for carrying strap

1.3 Distance meter window

1.4 Brightness sensor

1

1.5 Illumination window for

bright-line frames

1.6 Viewfinder window with mirror blinds for

better legibility of the displays against bright
backgrounds

1.7 Self timer LED

1.8 Bottom cover locking clip

Front view of camera bayonet/
rear view of lens bayonet

1.9 Lens identification sensor

1.10 6-bit lens identification barcode

Top view

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

1.12 Focusing ring with
a. Finger grip

1.13 Aperture setting ring

1.14 White index point for aperture setting

1.15 Lens hood

1.16 Shutter speed setting dial with
– A Detent position for automatic shutter speed

control

1.17 Main switch with detent positions for

OFF

–

(camera switched off)
– S (single pictures)
– C (continuous pictures)
– (self timer)

1.18 Shutter release button with
a. Tapped hole for cable release

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

Illustrations inside front and rear covers

96

1

Leica M lenses with viewfinder adapters cover the brightness

sensor. Information about the use of these and other lenses can

be found in the section “The displays/In the viewnder”, p. 98,

and “Leica M lenses”, p. 110.

Rear view

SET

button for calling up the image parameters

1.20

menu/calling up sub-menus in the menu system/
saving settings/functions selected in the sub-menus

INFO

1.21

button for displaying settings/data in

picture mode/image data in review mode

ISO

button for calling up the sensitivity settings

1.22

DELETE

1.23

1.24

button for selecting the delete function

PLAY

button for activating (continuous) review

mode/returning to full picture display

1.25 Viewfinder window

MENU

1.26

button for calling up and exiting the main

menu

1.27 Central setting dial for navigation in menus/

setting the selected menu items/functions/
setting an exposure compensation value/
scrolling in the memory and for enlarging/

reducing the pictures viewed

1.28 Direction buttons for navigation in the menus/
setting the selected menu items/functions/

scrolling through the picture memory

1.29 LED indicating picture mode / saving data

1.30 Monitor

Bottom view

(with bottom cover in place)

1.31 Tripod thread A1/4, DIN 4503 (1/4“)

1.32 Bottom cover

1.33 Locking toggle for bottom cover

(with bottom cover removed)

1.34 Battery compartment

1.35 Battery locking slider

1.36 Memory card slot

Charger

reached

CHARGE

80%

) LED indicating: 80% charge

1.37 Green (

1.38 Yellow (

1.39 Charging bay for battery with
a. Contacts

1.40 Socket for in-car charging lead

1.41 2-pin socket for

1.42 Exchangeable power cable

) LED to indicate charging

97

DISPLAYS

2.1.1

2.1.2

2.3

2.1.3

2.2

2.1

2. IN THE VIEWFINDER

2.1 LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)

(with automatic brightness control, adjusted 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 shutter

A

speed for aperture priority

, or for counting

down exposures longer than 1s

– Warning that the metering or setting ranges

are overshot or undershot when using aper
ture priority

A

– Display of the exposure compensation value

(briefly during adjustment)
Indicates that the buffer memory is (tempo-

–

rarily)

full

– Indicates that no SD card is inserted (Sd)
– Indicates that the SD card is full (Full)
Dot above:

– Indicates (when lit) that metering memory

lock is being used

Dot below:
– Indicates (flashing) that exposure compen-

sation is being used

2.1.2 Two triangular and one circular LED:
– For manual adjustment: Jointly used as light

balance for exposure compensation

– Warning of values below the metering range

With the snapshot profile: Circular LED indicates

–

the correct exposure, plus right triangular
to indicate possible overexposure or left trian-

gular LED to indicate possible blurring 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 ready to use
– Details of flash lighting before and after the

picture

2.2 Bright-line frame for 50mm and 75mm
(example)

2.3 Metering field for distance setting

LED

98

1

Automatic brightness control is not available for Leica M lenses

with viewfinder attachments, as they cover the brightness sensor

1.4, which supplies the information required for this function. In
such cases the displays always maintain a constant brightness.

3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.4

3.1.1

3.1.2

3.1.3

3.1.4

3.1.5

3.2.5

3.2.6

3. ON THE MONITOR

3.1 In picture mode

(when you press the INFO button, 1.22)

3.1.1 Battery capacity

3.1.2 Remaining memory capacity in MB

3.1.3 Number of pictures remaining

3.1.4 Set/applied shutter speed

3.1.5 Lens type

3.2 In normal review mode

(image/s ll the entire monitor area)

3.2.1 Delete protection symbol (only if set)

3.2.2 Shutter speed (not available with enlarged view)

3.2.3 Sensitivity (not available with enlarged view)

3.2.4 Picture number/Total number of pictures taken

(not available with enlarged view)

3.2.5 Enlargement level and/or position of section

(schematic, for enlarged view only)

shown

3.2.6  Selected picture

(reduced viewing of 4 or 9 pictures only)

99

DISPLAYS

3.3.3 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.3.6

3.3.2

3.3.1

3.3.7
a

b
c

d
e
f
g
i

j
k

3. ON THE MONITOR (CONTINUED)

3.3 Reviewing with additional information

(when you press the INFO button, 1.22; reduced picture)

3.3.1 Picture (with “Clipping” display

1

if set)

3.3.2. Histogram
a. Luminance (brightness)

b. Red/green/blue

  (separate display of individual colors)

3.3.3 Delete protection symbol (only if set)

3.3.4 Shutter speed

3.3.5 Sensitivity

3.3.6 Picture number/total number of available

pictures

3.3.7 Image data
a. Exposure mode
b. Focal length

2

c. Exposure compensation
d. Resolution
e. Compression/le format
f. White balance
g. User profile name
i. File number
j. Enlargement level and position of section

shown (only if set)

k. Date/time

100

1

See “Histogram”, p. 118

2

Only with the latest Leica M lenses with 6-bit coding, or

appropriately modified lenses (see p. 110) or with manual
setting in the menu (see p. 124).

101

MENU ITEMS

4.1 In the main menu (using MENU button, 1.28)

Menu item Explanation Fixed setting with
the snapshot profile

4.1.1

Lens detection
Save user profile

4.1.2

Advance

4.1.3
Shutter cocking time

Self timer

4.1.4

AUTO ISO setup

4.1.5

Sharpening

4.1.6

Color saturation

4.1.7

Contrast

4.1.8

Bracketing setup

4.1.9

Exp. Comp. setup

4.1.10

Monitor brightness

4.1.11

Histogram

4.1.12

Folder manag.

4.1.13

Auto review

4.1.14

Auto power off

4.1.15

Flash sync

4.1.16

4.1.17

Auto Slow Sync
Color manag.

4.1.18

DNG setup

4.1.19

Reset

4.1.20

Sensor cleaning

4.1.21

Date

4.1.22

4.1.23

Time
Acoustic signal

4.1.24

Language

4.1.25

Format SD card

4.1.26

Firmware

4.1.27

–

User-specific profile (save) Not available

Low vibration shutter release/

Self timer delay time

–

Picture sharpening

Picture color saturation/B/W Available

Picture contrast

Number of pictures/graduation/sequence Not available (=O)

Using menu/central setting dial Not available

–

Graphic to indicate distribution of brightness

Change name/create new folders Not available

Automatic review of last picture

Automatic power off

–

Flash shutter speed

Working color space

Raw data compression Not available

(To original factory settings) Not available

– Available

Time Available

Button acknowledgement tone

Language Available

Formatting the memory card Available

Firmware version Not available

Shutter opening for cleaning the sensor

Not available

Auto

Standard

12s
AUTO ISO/Lens dependent
ISO 800

(max)

Standard

Standard

Standard
Standard

3s

(Histogram off)

2 Min
1st curtain
Lens dependent
sRGB

Off

/

102

Note:
In the snapshot profile, there is only a single menu. It includes only the items highlighted in gray; the others do
not appear and are either fixed settings or not available.

4.2 In the image parameters menu (using SET button, 1.21)

Menu item Explanation Fixed setting with
the snapshot profile

4.2.1

White balance
Compression

4.2.2

Resolution

4.2.3

4.2.4

Exposure Comp.
Bracketing

4.2.5

User profile

4.2.6

–

Compression/le format

Resolution

Exposure compensation (set) Not available

Switching on/o Not available

User-specic prole/

snapshot profile (recall)

Auto
JPG fine
18 MP

Snapshot mode

103

QUICK GUIDE

You will need the following items:
– Camera

– Battery (A)
– Memory card (not supplied)
– Battery charger (B)

PRESETS

1. Insert the battery (A) into the charger (see p. 106)

2. Plug in the charger (B), to charge the battery (see
p. 106)

OFF

3. Set the main switch (1.17) to

4. Insert the charged battery into the camera (see
p. 108).

5. Insert a memory card (see p. 109).

.

6. Set the main switch (1.17) to

7. Select the desired menu language (see p. 122).

8. Format the memory card (see p. 157)

Notes:

• This is generally only necessary if the card has not
been factory-formatted

• Simple formatting does not irretrievably delete the

data on the card. It merely deletes the directory,
which means that the existing data is no longer
directly accessible. The data can be accessed again
using appropriate software.
Only the data that is then overwritten by saving new
data is actually completely deleted.
Nevertheless, you should make a habit of transfer­ring all your pictures onto a secure bulk storage
medium, e.g. the hard drive on your computer, as
soon as possible (see also p. 158).

9. Set the date and time (see p. 122).

S

(see p. 112).

TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS

10. Attach the desired lens to the camera
(see p. 111).

11. Set the shutter speed setting dial (1.16) to
automatic shutter speed control (see p. 116).

12. With the viewfinder to your eye, set the focus
using the distance setting ring on the lens (see
p. 134).

13. Press the shutter release button (1.18) to the first
pressure point to activate the camera exposure
metering.

14. If necessary, correct the exposure using the aper
ture setting ring on the lens (1.13) (see p. 136)

15. Press the shutter release button all the way down
to take the picture.

A

for

-

104

Viewing pictures

For an automatic review of the last picture (when in
picture mode):
The Leica M-E is preset for this function – Auto
review. Various variations of the function can be
selected under this item (4.1.14) in the main menu
(see p. 113).

For review without a time limit:

1. Select review mode by pressing the PLAY button

(1.24, see p. 150).

2. Press the left or right direction button (1.29) to
view other pictures.

Note:

If you have taken photographs using the serial exposure
function (see p. 115), in both review modes the last
picture in the series is displayed first, or the last pic
ture in the series saved on the card, if not all of the
pictures from the series have been transferred from
the camera’s internal memory onto the card at the
time of viewing.

ENLARGING PICTURES ON THE MONITOR SCREEN

Turn the central setting dial (1.27) to the right (clock
wise), to see an enlarged view of the picture displayed
(see p. 151).

DELETING PICTURES

Press the DELETE button (1.23) and follow the
instructions in the monitor (1.30, see p. 153).

-

-

105

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATIONS

ATTACHING THE CARRYING STRAP

a

c

CHARGING THE BATTERY

The Leica M-E is powered by a lithium ion battery (A).

Attention:

• Only the battery type speci ed and described in
this manual and/or battery types speci ed and

described by Leica Camera AG may be used in the
camera.

• These batteries may only be used in the units for

which they were designed and must be charged
exactly as described below.

• Using these batteries contrary to the instructions

and using non-specifi ed battery types may result in
an explosion under certain circumstances.

• These batteries should not be exposed to heat, sun-

light, humidity or moisture for long periods. Like­wise, the battery may not be placed in a microwave
oven or a high- pressure container to prevent a risk

b

of fi re or explosion.

• A safety valve in the battery ensures that a possible

overload pressure caused by inappropriate use is
vented correctly.

• Only the charger speci ed and described in this

manual or the Leica charger, order no. 14 463, are
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 life­threatening injuries.

• The charger supplied should be used exclusively for

charging batteries of this type. Do not attempt to
use it for other purposes.

d

• Ensure that the mains outlet used is freely

accessible.

• The supplied in-car charging cable must not be
attached as long as the charger is connected to
the mains.

• The charger and battery may not be opened.

Repairs may only be carried out by authorized
workshops.

Notes:

• The battery should be charged before the Leica M-E

is used for the fi rst time.

• The battery must have a temperature of 0°–35°C/

32°–95°F 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 more quickly.

• Batteries warm up during the charging process.

This is normal and not a malfunction.

• If the two LEDs (1.40/1.41)  ash quickly once

charging has begun (>2 Hz), this indicates a charging
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 offi ce in your
country or Leica Camera AG.

106

• A new battery only reaches its full capacity after it

has been fully charged and – by use in the camera
– discharged 2 or 3 times. This discharge process
should be repeated every 25 cycles.

• To ensure maximum battery service life, it should

not be exposed to constant extremes of tempera­ture (e.g. in a parked car in the summer or winter).

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

• Defective batteries should be disposed of according

to the relevant regulations (see p. 94).

• The replaceable battery provides power to a back-

up battery which is permanently installed in the
camera. This back-up battery saves data entered,
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 the camera to
be switched on.

1. Connect the charger, i.e. plug the connector on the
power cable (1.42) into the corresponding socket
on the charger (1.41) and connect the other end to
a power outlet.

2. Insert a battery with its contacts underneath and
the end marked with an arrow facing forwards as
far as it will go onto the charging bay (1.39) on the
charger. The shape of the charging bay ensures
that the battery is positioned correctly.

CHARGE

80%

• The green LED marked CHARGE (1.38) starts flas-

hing to confirm that charging is in progress.
As soon as the battery has charged to at least

4

/5 of its capacity, the yellow LED marked

80%

(1.38) also lights up.
When the battery is fully charged, i.e. 100%
capacity reached (after approx. 31/2 hours), the
green LED changes from flashing to continuously
lit.

Note:

The

80%

LED lights up after around 2 hours due to
the charging characteristics. This level of charge is
enough to take around 280 pictures.
Therefore, if you do not need the full capacity of
around 350 pictures, the camera is always ready to
use again in a relatively short time.

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

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

107

INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY INTO/
FROM THE CAMERA

1. Set the main switch (1.18) to

OFF

.

Note:

Always switch the camera off before removing the
battery. A fully charged battery (to CIPA standards)
is sufficient for approx. 350 pictures each reviewed
for 4s.

CHARGE LEVEL DISPLAYS (3.1.1)

In picture mode, the battery charge level can be dis

-

played in the monitor (1.30) by pressing the INFO but­ton (1.21). If the capacity is below 10%, replacement
or recharging is required.

2. Remove the bottom cover (1.32) of the camera.
To do this:

a. lift up the toggle (1.33) on the bottom cover,
b. turn it to the left, and
c. lift off the bottom cover.

108

3. Inset the battery into the compartment with its
contacts facing forwards. Press it into the compart
ment (1.34) until the white sprung locking catch
(1.37) moves over the battery to hold it in place.

4. Replace the bottom cover To do this:

a. insert it into the retaining clip (1.8) on the side

of the camera,
b. push 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 spring locking catch in the
battery compartment must be pushed to the side to
unlock the battery.

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 using the main switch first.

• After 3 months without use, the capacity of the

back-up battery in the camera will be exhausted
(refer to the final note under “Charging the battery”,
p. 106), all individual settings need to be made
again.

INSERTING AND REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD

The Leica M-E 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, provide signifi-

cantly faster read/write times and signicantly faster
recording and review of the data. An SD/ SDHC card

has a write protection switch, which can be used to
block unintentional storage and deletion of pictures.
This switch takes the form of a slider on the non­beveled side of the card; in the lower position, marked
LOCK, the data on the card is protected.

SD/SDHC memory cards are available from dierent
suppliers and with dierent capacities and read/write

speeds.

Note:

Do not touch the memory card contacts.

OFF

1. Set the main switch (1.17) to

.

2. Remove the bottom cover (1.32) of the camera.
To do this:

a. lift up the toggle (1.33) on 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 (1.39) 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 (1.8) on the side of

the camera,
b. push 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 base of the camera.

Notes:

• The range of SD/SDHC cards available is too exten

sive for Leica Camera AG to fully test all available
types for compatibility and quality. Therefore, we
recommend for example the “Extreme III” cards
from the leading brand “SanDisk”.

• Although no damage to the camera or the card

is to be expected when using other card types,
because some unbranded cards in particular do
not fully comply with the SD and SDHC standards,
Leica Camera AG cannot provide any guarantee of
function.

• 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:

– Attention Bottom cover removed
– Attention No memory card

-

109

• Do not open the bottom cover and remove the

memory card or battery while the red LED (1.29) to
the bottom right of the monitor (1.30) is flashing to

indicate that pictures are being recorded and/or

data saved to the card. Otherwise the not yet (com­pletely) saved picture data may be lost.

• As electromagnetic elds, electrostatic charges,

and defects on the camera or the card can lead to
damage or loss of the data on the memory card,
we recommend that you also transfer the data to a
computer and save it there (see p. 158).

• For the same reason, it is recommended that the

card is always stored in its antistatic cover.

LEICA M LENSES

Essentially, most Leica M lenses can be used with the
Leica M-E. Details on the small number of exceptions
and restrictions can be found in the following notes.
M lenses can be used regardless of the lens features ­whether they are supplied with or without 6-bit coding
in the bayonet (latest version).
Even without this additional feature, i.e. when using
Leica M lenses without identification, the Leica M-E
will deliver excellent pictures in most situations.
To achieve optimum picture quality in these situa
tions, we recommend entering the lens type (see

“Switching lens type identication on/o”, p. 124).

Important:

 

– Hologon 15 mm f/8
– Summicron 50 mm f/2 with close up setting,
– Elmar 90 mm f/4 with retractable tube (manufac-

tured from 1954–1968)

– Some examples of the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4

(not aspherical, manufactured from 1961–1995,
Made in Canada) cannot be fitted to the Leica M-E
or will not focus to infinity. Leica Customer Service
can modify these lenses so that they can be used
on the Leica M-E.

-

 

or lens

Lenses with retractable tube can only be used with

the tube extended, i.e. their tube must never be
retracted into the Leica M-E. This is not the case
for 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.

 

Despite the high precision of the view and range-

finder on the Leica M-E, exact focusing cannot
be guaranteed when using 135mm lenses at full
stop due to the very shallow depth of field. Stop­ping down by at least 2 stops is therefore recom­mended.

 

metering

– Super-Angulon-M 21 mm 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. Enquire for specific cases
(address, see p. 175).

110

ATTACHING A LENS

REMOVING A LENS

1. Hold the lens by the fixed ring (1.11).

2. Align the red index button (1.11c) 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.

1. Hold the lens by the fixed ring (1.11).

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

3. Turn the lens to the left until its red index button
(1.11c) is aligned with the unlocking button.

4. Then pull the lens straight off.

Notes:

• Since the Leica M-E should always be protected

against ingress of dust etc. into the interior of the
camera, it is important always to have a lens or a
cap fitted to the camera body.

• For the same reason, lenses should be changed

quickly and in an environment that is as dust-free
as possible.

• The rear caps of the camera or lens should not be

stored in a pants pocket, as they may pick up dust
there, which can then get inside the camera when
attached.

111

THE MOST IMPORTANT SETTINGS/CONTROLS

SWITCHING THE CAMERA ON AND OFF/
THE MAIN SWITCH

1.171.18

The Leica M-E is switched on and off using the main
switch (1.17). This is below the shutter release button
(1.18) and is a lever with four detent positions:

a.

OFF

– Camera switched off

This is the inactive position – the camera is swit-

ched off.

b. S – Single picture mode
Pressing the shutter release button (see below)

takes only one picture, irrespective of how long it is
kept pressed.

For discreet operation, the menu (see p. 102/119)

can be used to activate the Discreet function (see
p. 115).

C

– Continuous series of pictures

c.

Holding down the shutter release button (see below)
takes up to 8 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. 109).

d. – Self timer
Pressing the shutter release button (see below)

starts the pre-set delay time (see p. 157), after
which a picture is taken.

Switching on

After switching on, i.e. after setting one of the three
functions S, C or the LED (1.29) lights up briefly
and the displays in the viewfinder (2.1.1) appear (see
p. 98).

Note:

After switching on, the camera is ready to use after
approx. 1s.

Switching off

Even if the main switch is not set to

OFF

is automatically switched off if an automatic power
off time has been set in the menu (Auto power off,

4.1.15

, see p. 119/123), and the camera is not oper at ed

within this time.

Note:

If the camera will not be used for an extended period
or is stored in a case, always switch it off at the main
switch. This prevents any power consumption, includ­ing that which continues to occur in standby mode
after the exposure meter is turned off automatically
and the display is extinguished. This also prevents
pictures from being taken accidentally.

, the camera

112

SELECTING PICTURE AND REVIEW MODES

After switching on, the Leica M-E is always in picture
mode, i.e. the monitor (1.30) remains dark once the
camera is ready to use (see p. 112).

To review the pictures, you can choose between two
modes:

1. PLAY Unlimited review

2. Auto review Brief review after taking the picture

REVIEW FOR UNLIMITED TIME – PLAY

Pressing the PLAY button (1.25) switches to review
mode.

• The last picture taken appears in the monitor along

with the corresponding displays (see p. 99).
However, if the memory card inserted does not con­tain any image files, the following message appears
when you switch to review mode: Attention No
valid image to play.

AUTOMATIC REVIEW OF LAST PICTURE

In Auto review mode, each picture is shown in the
monitor (1.30) 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.
The function permits

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

2. reviewing the picture data, with or without histo­gram (see p. 118).

Setting the function

1. In the main menu (see p. 102/119), select Auto
review (4.1.14),

2. in the corresponding sub-menu first Duration,
and then

3. the desired function or duration in the subsequent
sub-menu: (Off, 1s, 3s, 5s, Hold).

4. To select whether a picture is reviewed with or
without histogram (see p. 118), call up the first
sub-menu again,

5. select Histogram,

6. and then choose the desired option (On, Off).

From Auto review mode, you can switch back to

PLAY

normal, i.e. unlimited,

mode (see above) at any

time.

Note:

If you have taken photographs using the serial expo­sure function (see p. 115), in both review modes the
last picture in the series is displayed first, or the last
picture in the series saved on the card, if not all pic­tures from the series have been transferred from the
camera’s internal memory onto the card at the time
of viewing. Details of how to select the other pictures
in the series and further options in review mode are
described in the sections under “Review mode” start­ing on p. 150.

113