Leica S-E Instruction Manual

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Page 1

LEICA S-E

Die Abbildungen in dieser Anleitung zeigen die Leica S. In Bezug auf Funktionsweise sind beide

Modellvarianten identisch. Die Modellvariante Leica S-E unterscheidet sich von dieser durch

einige äußere Details und einen anderen Lieferumfang:

– Leica Protection Plan S Body (Bestellnummer: 16033) nicht enthalten

– Leica USB Kabel S (Bestellnummer: 16014) nicht enthalten

– Leica Blitzsynchronkabel S (Bestellnummer: 16031) nicht enthalten

Diese Produkte sind als Zubehör erhältlich.

The ﬁgures in this manual show the Leica S. However, in terms of their functioning the two

models are identical. The Leica S-E model only diﬀers in terms of a few exterior details and the

items supplied:

– Leica Protection Plan S Body (order number: 16033) not included

– Leica USB cable S (order number: 16014) not included

– Leica ﬂash sync cable S (order number: 16031) not included

These products are available as accessories.

Les illustrations de ce mode d‘emploi présentent l‘appareil Leica S. Le fonctionnement des deux

variantes du modèle est identique. Il ne se distingue du modèle Leica S-E que par quelques

détails extérieurs et les éléments avec lesquels il est livré:

De afbeeldingen in deze gebruiksaanwijzing zijn van de Leica S. Wat hun functioneren betreft, zijn

beide modeltypen identiek. Het modeltype Leica S-E verschilt hiervan alleen door enkele uiterlijke

details en de leveringsomvang:

– Leica Protection Plan S Body (bestelnummer: 16033) niet meegeleverd

– Leica USB-kabel S (bestelnummer: 16014) niet meegeleverd

– Leica ﬂitssynchronisatiekabel S (bestelnummer: 16031) niet meegeleverd

Deze producten zijn eveneens leverbaar als toebehoren.

Le ﬁgure del presente manuale mostrano la Leica S. Per quanto riguarda il funzionamento

entrambe le varianti di modello sono identiche. La variante Leica S-E si diﬀerenzia dal modello in

oggetto per alcuni dettagli esterni e per il materiale in dotazione:

– Leica Protection Plan S Body (cod. ord.: 16033) non incluso

– Cavo USB Leica S (cod. ord.: 16014) non incluso

– Cavo di sincronizzazione ﬂash Leica S (cod. ord.: 16031) non incluso

Questi prodotti sono disponibili come accessori.

Las imágenes de este manual muestran la Leica S. En cuanto al modo de funcionamiento, ambas

variantes del modelo son idénticas. La variante del modelo Leica S-E solo se diferencia de esta

por algunos detalles externos y por el volumen de suministro:

– Plan de protection de Leica pour boîtier S (réf.: 16033) non inclus

– Câble USB Leica S (réf: 16014) non inclus

– Câble de synchronisation du ﬂash Leica S (réf: 16031) non inclus

Ces produits sont disponibles comme accessoires.

– Leica Protection Plan S Body (Nº ref.: 16033) no incluido

– Cable USB S Leica (Nº ref.: 16014) no incluido

– Cable de sincronización para ﬂash S Leica (Nº ref.: 16031) no incluido

Estos productos están disponibles como accesorios.

Page 2

LEICA S-E

此说明书中的插图是徕卡 S。在功能方面，两款衍生型号都完全相同。衍生型号莱卡 S-E 与本款的区别在于一些外部细节和不同的供货范围：

– 不包括徕卡 Protection Plan S Body（订单号：16033） – 不包括徕卡 USB 连接线 S（订单号：16014） – 不包括徕卡闪光同步线 S（订单号：16031）

这些产品作为配件可供购买。

本說明書內的圖片展示的是徠卡S。兩種型號的工作原理是相同的。徠卡 S－E 與此機種只在外觀以及出貨內容上有些許差異。

- 徠卡 Protection Plan S Body（S 機體保護方案）（訂購編號：16033）不包含

- 徠卡 USB 線 S（訂購編號：16014）不包含

- 徠卡同步閃光導線 S（訂購編號：16031）不包含

可以作為配件購買這些產品。

本書では、ライカ Sのイラストを使用しています。ライカ S-Eとライカ Sは、仕様は同じですが、一部デザインが異なります。また、「ライカ S-E」には以下のサービスおよびアクセサリーは付属しません。

본 설명서에 들어 있는 그림들은 Leica S에 관한 그림들입니다. 두 모델은 기능 면에 서 동일합니다. Leica S-E 모델은 외부 디테일과 다음과 같은 한 가지 제공품 범위만 본 제품과 다릅니다.

- Leica 보호 플랜 S 바디(주문 번호: 16033) 미포함

- Leica USB 케이블 S(주문 번호: 16014) 미포함

- Leica 플래시 동기화 케이블(주문 번호: 16031) 미포함

이 제품들은 액세서리로 구입할 수 있습니다.

На рисунках, имеющихся в данной инструкции, показан фотоаппарат Leica S. Обе версии

модели идентичны по своему принципу действия. Версия модели Leica S-E отличается от этой

некоторыми внешними деталями и другим комплектом поставки:

– Leica Protection Plan S Body (номер для заказа: 16033) не входит

– Кабель USB Leica S (номер для заказа: 16014) не входит

– Кабель для синхронизации фотовспышки Leica S (номер для заказа: 16031) не входит

Эти продукты можно приобрести в качестве принадлежностей.

- ライカプロテクションプラン　Sボディ（コード番号：16033）

- LEMO® USBケーブルS（コード番号：16014）

- LEMO® シンクロケーブル（コード番号：16031）

これらのサービスおよびアクセサリーは別売りです。

Leica Camera AG I Am Leitz-Park 5 I 35578 WETZLAR I DEUTSCHLAND I Telefon +49 (0) 6441-2080-0 I Telefax +49 (0) 6441-2080-333 I www.leica-camera.com

93 605 VIII/14/AAV/ D

Page 3

1.1

1.2 1.3

1.9

1.8

1.4

1.7

1.6

1.28

1.27

1.26

1.14c 1.14a 1.14b 1.14

1.16 1.171.15

1.10

1.6

1.11

1.12

1.13

1.13a

1.13b

1.18

1.19

1.29a

1.29

1.30

1.43

1.42

1.47

1.46

1.31

1.32

1.33

1.34

1.45a

1.45

1.35

1.39

1.48

1.49

1.40

1.40a 1.411.40b

1.361.38 1.371.37b1.37a 1.37c/d

1.49b

1.50b

1.50a

1.50

1.49a

1.5c 1.5a 1.51.5b

1.25 1.21 1.201.24 1.221.23

1.44

Trademark of the Leica Camera Group / ® Registered Trademark

2014 Leica Camera AG

Page 4

LEICA S

Instructions

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 dierent

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 S (Typ 006) Responsible party/ Support contact: Leica Camera Inc. 1 Pearl Count, Unit A Allendale, New Jersey 07401 Tel.: +1 201 995 0051

Fax: +1 201 995 1684

technicalinfo@leicacamerausa.com

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 ICES003

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 modications not expressly approved by the

party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

LEICA S (TYP 006)

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 S and congratulate you

on your choice. With this unique digital medium format SLR camera, you have

made an excellent selection.

We wish you a great deal of pleasure and success using your new Leica S.

In order to make best use of all the opportunities oﬀered by this high perfor-

mance camera, we recommend that you ﬁrst read these instructions.

Your Leica Camera AG

Note:

Leica is constantly working on developing and optimizing the Leica S. As dig-

ital cameras have many functions that are controlled electronic ally, improve-

ments and enhancements to the functions can be installed on the camera at

a later date.

To do this, Leica releases what are known as ﬁrmware updates at irregular

intervals. The cameras always have the latest ﬁrmware version when shipped,

and you can also download it easily from our home page and install it on your

camera. If you register as an owner on the Leica Camera home page, you will

receive a newsletter informing you when a new ﬁrmware update is available.

Further information on registration and ﬁrmware updates for your Leica S, as

well as any amendments and additions to the details provided in the manual,

can be found in the "Owners' Login" area at:

https://owners.leica-camera.com

To check whether your camera and lenses are equipped with the latest ﬁrmware

version, select

Firmware in the menu (5.41, see page 16, 26-29).

These instructions have 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.

Page 7

CONTENTS

Foreword ............................................................................................... 3

Warning messages ..................................................................................6

CE notice ...............................................................................................6

Legal notes .............................................................................................6

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment .......................................6

Scope of delivery ....................................................................................7

Designation of parts ................................................................................8

Displays

In the viewﬁnder .................................................................................10

In the top panel display .......................................................................11

In the monitor .....................................................................................12

Menu items ...........................................................................................16

Preparations

Attaching the carrying strap ..................................................................18

Charging the battery .............................................................................18

Inserting / removing the battery ...........................................................21

Charge level displays ..........................................................................21

Inserting and removing the memory cards .............................................21

Changing the focusing screen ...............................................................23

Leica S lenses .......................................................................................24

Attaching and removing the lens .........................................................24

Eyepiece adjustment .............................................................................25

Turning the camera on and oﬀ ...............................................................25

Menu control ........................................................................................26

Navigating in the menu / Setting functions .........................................26

Quick access to menu functions .........................................................29

Presets Basic camera settings

Menu language ................................................................................30

Date and time ..................................................................................30

Automatic power oﬀ .........................................................................30

Signal tones .....................................................................................31

Monitor and top panel display ..........................................................31

Basic picture settings

File format .......................................................................................32

Compression rate ............................................................................32

JPEG resolution ................................................................................32

White balance ..................................................................................33

Automatic and ﬁxed settings ..........................................................33

Direct color temperature setting ....................................................33

Manual setting by metering ...........................................................33

ISO sensitivity ..................................................................................34

Image properties (contrast, sharpness, color saturation) ..................35

Working color space ........................................................................35

Storing picture data / memory card management ............................35

Recording mode

Shutter release button ........................................................................36

Series exposures .............................................................................36

Distance setting .................................................................................37

Manual focus setting -

MF ................................................................37

Automatic focus setting ...................................................................37

AFs – Sharpness priority ...............................................................37

AFc – Shutter release priority ........................................................37

Exposure metering ..............................................................................38

Exposure metering methods .............................................................38

Spot metering ...............................................................................38

Center-weighted metering .............................................................38

Multiple ﬁeld metering ...................................................................38

Metering memory lock .....................................................................38

Storing with the joystick ................................................................39

Exposure compensation ...................................................................39

Bracketing .......................................................................................40

Values above and below the metering range .....................................41

Exposure control

Setting the shutter speed and aperture / Selecting the ....................42

Exposure mode

Shutter speed dial ............................................................................42

The click wheel ................................................................................42

Exposure modes ..............................................................................42

Programmed automatic exposure mode .........................................44

Program shift ................................................................................44

Aperture priority ............................................................................44

Shutter speed priority ....................................................................45

Manual aperture and exposure time setting ...................................45

The

B setting ..............................................................................46

Taking photographs with the self-timer ................................................46

Mirror pre-release...............................................................................47

Depth of ﬁeld preview button and depth of ﬁeld ..................................47

Page 8

Additional functions

Horizon ............................................................................................48

User / application speciﬁc proﬁles ...................................................48

Resetting all custom settings ...........................................................49

Folder management .........................................................................49

Formatting the memory card(s) ........................................................50

Recording the location with GPS ......................................................51

Flash operation

General information on ﬂash exposure metering and control .............52

Compatible ﬂash units .....................................................................52

Flash sync speed .............................................................................52

Selecting the sync speed / the sync speed range ............................53

Selecting the ﬁring moment ...........................................................53

Attaching the ﬂash unit ..................................................................53

Settings for camera-controlled,

automatic ﬂash mode ......................................................................53

TTL ﬂash mode ................................................................................54

High speed sync mode .....................................................................54

Strobe ﬂash mode with system compatible ﬂash units ......................54

Flash displays in the viewﬁnder with

system compatible ﬂash units ..........................................................54

Flash using the ﬂash unti´s own automatic mode .............................54

Manual ﬂash with constant ﬂash power ............................................55

Flash using the X contact .................................................................55

Flash using the ﬂash/lower LEMO

socket .......................................55

Review mode

Selecting picture and review modes ....................................................56

Review for unlimited time .................................................................56

Automatic review of last picture - Auto Review ..................................56

Normal review ....................................................................................56

Review with histogram ........................................................................57

The histogram ..................................................................................57

Review with clipping indicators ...........................................................57

INFO review ........................................................................................57

Viewing other pictures / "Scrolling" in the memory .............................58

Image review zoom in .......................................................................58

Gradual zoom ................................................................................58

Maximum zoom in one step ...........................................................58

Moving the trimming ........................................................................59

Simultaneously viewing several smaller pictures ...............................59

Selecting one of the smaller pictures ............................................59

Switching to the other memory card ..............................................60

Protecting pictures / Clearing delete protection..................................60

Deleting pictures ................................................................................61

Additional functions

Transferring data to a computer .......................................................62

Via USB connection ......................................................................62

Connecting and transferring data using the PTP protocol .............62

Connecting and transferring data with the camera

as an external drive.....................................................................63

Connecting and transferring data using card readers .....................63

Data structure on the memory card .................................................63

Adobe

Photoshop® Lightroom® ......................................................63

Leica Image Shuttle .........................................................................63

Installing ﬁrmware updates ..............................................................64

HDMI slide show ..............................................................................65

Miscellaneous

System accessories ............................................................................65

Interchangeable lenses ....................................................................65

S Adapter ........................................................................................65

Interchangeable focusing screens ....................................................65

Leica SF 58 .....................................................................................65

Multi-function hand grip S ................................................................65

Grip strap S .....................................................................................65

Professional charger S ....................................................................65

Mains adapter S ...............................................................................65

Remote release cable S ...................................................................65

Connection cords ............................................................................65

Replacement parts .............................................................................65

Precautions and care instructions .......................................................66

General precautions .........................................................................66

Monitor and top panel display ........................................................66

Sensor ..........................................................................................66

Condensation ................................................................................66

Care instructions .............................................................................67

For the camera ..............................................................................67

For lenses .....................................................................................67

For the battery ..............................................................................67

For the charger .............................................................................67

For memory cards .........................................................................67

Cleaning the sensor .........................................................................68

Storage ............................................................................................69

Index .............................................................................................70

Technical data ....................................................................................72

Leica Academy ...................................................................................74

Leica information service ....................................................................74

Leica customer service .......................................................................74

Page 9

WARNING MESSAGES

• Modern electronic components react sensitively to electrostatic dis-

charge. As people can easily pick up charges of tens of thousands of volts,

by walking on synthetic carpets for example, a discharge can occur when

you touch your Leica S, particularly if it is placed on a conductive surface. If

only the camera housing is aﬀected, this discharge is harmless to the elec-

tronics. However, despite built-in safety circuits, the outer contacts, such

as those on the base of the camera, should not be touched if at all possible

for safety reasons.

• For any cleaning of the contacts, do not use an optical micro-ber cloth

(synthetic); use a cotton or linen cloth instead. Before touching the con-

tacts, you can make sure you discharge any electrostatic charge by delib-

erately touching a heating or water pipe (conductive, earthed material).

You can also avoid soiling and oxidization of the contacts by storing your

Leica S in a dry place with the lens or bayonet cover ﬁtted.

• You should only use the recommended accessories to prevent

faults, short circuits or electric shock.

• The Leica S is protected against splashed water and dust.

However, it should not be continuously exposed to rain.

• Do not attempt to remove parts of the body (covers); specialist repairs can

only be carried out at authorized service centers.

The CE identiﬁcation of our products documents adherence to the fundamental requirements of the valid EU guidelines.

LEGAL NOTICES

• Please ensure that you observe copyright laws. The recording and publi-

cation 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, HDMI, CF and USB logos are registered trademarks.

• Other names, company or product names referred to in this manual are

trademarks or registered trademarks of the relevant companies.

DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

(Applies within the EC, and for other European countries with

segregated waste collection systems)

This device contains electrical and/or electronic components and therefore

should 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 replaceable (rechargeable) batteries,

these must be removed ﬁrst and, if necessary, also be disposed of in line with

the relevant regulations. Your local authority or waste disposal authority, or

the store where you bought this device, can provide

you with further information on this issue.

Page 10

SCOPE OF DELIVERY

Before using your Leica S for the ﬁrst time, please check that the accessories

supplied are complete.

A. Battery

B. Quick charger S

C. Mains plug

D. USB connection cable with LEMO

connector

E. Carrying strap

F. Bayonet cover

G. Eyepiece cover

H. Sync cable with LEMO

connector

Page 11

DESIGNATION OF PARTS

Front view

1.1 Shutter release button

1.2 Self timer LED / Sensor for white balance

1.3 GPS antenna

1.4 Stop down/function button

1.5 Bayonet with

a. Contact strip

b. Index point for attaching the lens

c. Unlocking button

Top view

1.6 Carrying strap clip

1.7 Window for distance scale

1.8 Distance setting ring

1.9 Bayonet for lens hood

1.10 Red alignment button for changing lens

1.11 Shutter speed dial with additional detent positions for

AUTO (automatic shutter speed control for and )

B (long-time exposure)

(Flash sync setting)

1.12 Top panel display

1.13 Diopter setting dial with

a. Scale

b. Eye cup

1.14 Flash unit shoe with

a. Center (ﬂash) and

b. Control contacts

c. Hole for retaining pin

Rear view

1.15 Main switch with detent positions

OFF Camera turned oﬀ

FPS Camera turned on, focal plane shutter activated

CS Camera turned on, central shutter activated

1.16 Viewﬁnder

1.17 Joystick

1.18 Click wheel

1.19 Cover (closed)

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

1.21 Menu control/function button

1.22 Menu control/function button

1.23 Monitor

1.24 Menu control/function button

1.25 Menu control/function button

1.26 Cover (closed)

1.27 Cover

(closed)

1.28 Brightness sensor

Page 12

View from right (without cover)

1.29 CF card slot with

a. Eject button

1.30 SD card slot

View from left (without cover)

1.31 Standard ﬂash sync socket

1.32 HDMI socket

1.33 LEMO

1.34 LEMO

USB socket

remote control / ﬂash sync socket

Bottom view

1.35 Hole for multi-function hand grip guide pin

1.36 Cover

1.37 Tripod plate with

" thread

c.-d. Holes for rotation prevention

1.38 Battery release catch

1.39 Battery

1.40 Battery compartment (battery removed) with

a. Contacts

b. Guide rail

1.41 Contact strip for multi-function hand grip (cover removed)

Battery

1.42 Contacts

1.43 Guide groove

1.44 Socket for charging plug

Charger

1.45 Fixed battery connecting cable with

a. 3-pin connector

1.46 Orange (

1.47 Green (

80%) LED indicating charge level

CHARGE) LED indicating charging in progress

1.48 2-pin socket for car charging cord

1.49 Interchangeable mains plugs (Euro/GB/AUS) with

a. Release button

b. USA mains plug (interchangeable plug removed)

1.50 Car charging cord with

a. 2-pin connector for charger

b. Plug for cigarette lighter

Page 13

DISPLAYS

2. In the viewﬁnder

2.2 2.32.1 2.6 2.5b

2.7

2.5a

a b c

2.4 2.6 2.8 2.11b

2.9 2.10 2.11c

2.11a/b

2.1 Horizon

(tilt about longitudinal axis / gradient about transverse axis; exam-

ple displays apply to clockwise gradient; other directions are indi-

cated accordingly)

max. ±0.5°

0.5-2.5°

2.5-5°

5-10°

Flashing ≥10°

2.2 Shutter speed / exposure time

a. Manually set value for

and , automatically controlled value for

and ; display in half steps, or

(high) or (low) for over or under exposure in automatic

exposure modes

, , and due to ﬂash, or if below the

metering range.

B setting for long-time exposure

Full memory card warning message

2.3 Exposure mode

2.4 Aperture, manually set value for

= Programmed automatic exposure mode

= Aperture priority

= Shutter speed priority

= Manual shutter speed and aperture setting

and , automatically controlled

value for

and ; display in half steps

2.5 Flash displays

Lit = Flash ready,

Flashing = Flash charging, ﬂash is not ready

Lit = Shutter speed ≥ Sync speed set

2.6 Light balance

(markings:

EV step each, last markings/

numbers ﬂash at ≤-3EV/≥+3EV ) to indicate

a. Manual exposure compensation,

b. Variation between current metered value and stored exposure

setting (with metering memory lock in automatic exposure modes

, , )

c. Exposure compensation

2.7 Focus displays

Only appears in manual mode or with manual AF override: Con-

tinuously lit if setting is too long

- For

In manual mode: Continuously lit if setting is correct

AFs: Continuously lit if setting is correct, ﬂashes if correct

setting is not possible,

- For

AFc: Continuously lit if setting is correct, goes out if focus-

ing procedure is restarted,

Only appears in manual mode or with manual AF override: Con-

tinuously lit if setting is too short

2.8 Indicates exposure compensation /

ﬂash exposure compensation set

2.9 Metering method symbol

= Multiple ﬁeld metering

= Center-weighted metering

= Spot metering

2.10 Frame counter

= Total pictures remaining

= External storage

(ﬂashing at 2 Hz) = Memory card full

(ﬂashing at 2 Hz) = No memory card inserted

= Maximum number for series exposures

= Error message

2.11 Sensitivity displays

For manual setting

For automatic setting

Current sensitivity setting

Note:

The viewﬁnder LCD is always lit when the camera is on (see "Turning on the

camera, page 25). The brightness of this illumination is automatically adjust-

ed to the external lighting conditions to give optimum readability.

Page 14

DISPLAYS

3. In the top panel display

Initial view

(appears for 4s after turning on the camera, can be switched to the standard

view at any time by tapping the shutter release button)

3.1 Date

3.1

3.2

3.2 Time

3.3 Folder name

3.4 Camera ready

3.3

3.4

3.5 Pictures remaining (approx.) or warning message (see 3.7)

3.6 Battery capacity (right for camera battery, left for hand grip battery if

attached)

3.7

3.5

3.6

3.7 Memory card used, or warning messages (red):

No card = No memory card inserted

Full = Selected memory card full

Error = Card error

Standard view

(white displays: manually set, yellow displays: set with click wheel, green dis-

plays: automatically set, blue displays: set from PC via cable)

3.8 Exposure mode

3.8

3.93.93.9 3.10

3.11

3.9 a.

+/- Exposure compensation set

+/0/- Progression of bracketing series:

Over exposed / Correctly exposed / Under exposed picture

3.10 Program shift set

3.13

3.14b3.14c

3.12

3.14

3.11 Aperture

3.12 Shutter speed

3.13 Long time exposure

3.14 a. Sensitivity

Alternatively, if relevant function is active:

b. Bracketing series set (function symbol on left, appears alternately

with c. if c. is also active, picture number/total on right)

c. Button lock (appears alternately with function symbol for b. if b. is

also active)

Page 15

DISPLAYS

4.1 Picture data display

4. In the monitor

4.1.14 4.1.16 4.1.18

4.1.13 4.1.15 4.1.17 4.1.19

4.1.1

4.1.12

4.1.11

4.1.10

4.1.9

4.1.8

4.1.7

4.1.6

4.1.5

4.1.4

4.1.1-.4 Button functions (1.21/.22/.24/.25)

4.1.5 Color space

4.1.6 JPEG compression / resolution

4.1.7 DNG compression

4.1.8 White balance

4.1.9 Focal length

4.1.10 Scale for exposure compensation / light balance

4.1.11 Symbol for shutter speeds that can be used with normal

ﬂash functions

4.1.12 Symbol for

Single pictures

Series exposures

Self-timer mode

4.1.2

4.1.20

4.1.21

4.1.22

4.1.23

4.1.24

4.1.25

4.1.26

4.1.27

4.1.3

4.1.13 Exposure metering method

4.1.14 Flash synchronization time

4.1.15 Bracketing series

4.1.16 Mirror pre-release

4.1.17 GPS reception

Position last determined maximum of 1min ago

Position last determined maximum of 24hrs ago

Position last determined at least 24hrs ago,

or no position data available

4.1.18 Button lock set

4.1.19 Battery capacity (right for camera battery,

left for hand grip battery if attached)

4.1.20 Memory card used

4.1.21 Number of pictures

4.1.22 Focusing mode

4.1.23 Shutter speed

4.1.24 Aperture

4.1.25 Exposure mode

4.1.26 Sensitivity

4.1.27 Exposure compensation value

Page 16

4.2 Normal review (picture(s) cover entire monitor area)

4.3 Review with histogram

(like 4.2, additionally)

4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4 4.2.6

4.2.5

4.2.7

4.2.8

4.2.1 Shutter speed

4.2.2 Aperture

4.2.3 Sensitivity

4.2.4 Number of picture(s) shown

4.2.5 Total number of pictures on selected memory card

4.2.6 Selected memory card

4.2.7 Symbol for

Scroll function

Zoom function

(only 1 symbol; none appear if 4.2.10/.11/.12 are displayed)

4.2.8 Enlargement level and position of section

(appears instead of 4.2.1-4.2.6, but not if 4.2.10 /.11/.12

are displayed)

4.2.9 Symbol for protected pictures

(only appears in conjunction with 4.2.10 /.11/.12, or for delete

or protection operations)

4.2.10/.11/.12 Button functions (1.22/.24/.25)

(only appears after pressing one of the buttons

1.21/.22/.24/.25, disappears after 5s)

4.3.1

4.2.12

4.2.11

4.3.1 Histogram (standard or RGB, selectable using menu control)

4.2.9

4.2.10

Page 17

DISPLAYS

4. In the monitor (continued)

4.4 Review with clipping displays

(like 4.2 additionally, image areas without deﬁnition ﬂash in red and/

or blue)

4.4.1

4.5 Review with additional information (Image reduced in additional to 4.2)

4.5.8

4.5.7

4.5.6

4.5.5

4.5.4

4.5.3

4.5.2

4.5.1

4.5.9

4.5.10

4.5.11

4.5.12

4.5.13

4.5.14

4.5.15

4.5.16

4.5.17

4.5.18

4.4.1 Clipping symbol

4.5.1 User proﬁle number / name

4.5.2 Color space

4.5.3 Date

4.5.4 Time

4.5.5 Folder number / ﬁle name

4.5.6 Exposure metering method

4.5.7 Symbol for bracketing series

4.5.8 Picture

4.5.9 Exposure mode

4.5.10 Exposure compensation

4.5.11 Focus mode

4.5.12 Focal length

4.5.13 White balance

4.5.14 DNG compression

4.5.15 JPEG compression / resolution

4.5.16 Symbol for protected pictures (only appears if pictures are select-

ed)

4.5.17 Symbol for HDMI slide show (only appears if pictures are select-

ed)

4.5.18 GPS

Page 18

4.6 HDMI picture selection / Protecting / Deleting

4.7 Menu control

4.6.1

4.6.4

4.6.1-.4 Button functions 1.21/.22/.24/.25

4.6.5 Selected function

4.6.6 Picture(s) to be selected

4.6.7 Symbol for selected / protected picture

4.6.2

4.6.5

4.6.6

4.6.7

4.6.3

4.7.1

4.7.6

4.7.5

4.7.4

4.7.2

4.7.7

4.7.3

4.7.1-.4 Button functions 1.21/.22/.24/.25 (selected menu section indicated in white)

4.7.5 Scrollbar to indicate the selected menu section (white frame) and the menu page displayed (white ﬁeld)

4.7.6 Menu functions (selected menu function indicated in white and underlined in red in conjunction with 4.7.7)

4.7.7 Current setting for selected menu function indicated in white and underlined in red in conjunction with 4.7.6)

Page 19

MENU ITEMS

CAMERA menu

5.1 Drive Mode Single picture / continuous mode, self-timer see p. 36/46

5.2 button 1.22, see p. 29 see p. 37

5.3 button 1.25, see p. 29 see p. 38

5.4 button 1.23, see p. 29 see p. 39

5.5

5.6 Auto Slow Sync. Restriction of shutter speeds used see p. 34

5.7

5.8

IMAGE menu

5.9 ISO Sensitivity directly selectable by holding down (≥1s)

button 1.26, see p. 29 see p. 34

5.10

5.11

5.12

5.13

5.14

Focus Mode AFs / AFc / MF directly selectable by holding down (≥1s)

Exposure Metering Metering methods directly selectable by holding down (≥1s)

Exp. Compensation directly selectable by holding down (≥1s)

Exp. Bracketing Automatic exposure series see p. 40

Flash Sync. Mode Start or end of exposure see p. 53

Mirror Up Mode see p. 47

File Format File format / Compression rate see p. 32

DNG Compression see p.32

JPEG Resolution see p.32

White Balance see p.33

Color Management Working color space (for JPEG formats only) see p. 35

5.15 Contrast Image contrast (JPEG formats only) see p. 35

5.16

5.17

Sharpness Image sharpness (JPEG formats only) see p. 35

Saturation Image color saturation (JPEG formats only) see p. 35

Page 20

SETUP menu

5.18 Data Storage Select split of data between memory cards and external memory) see p. 35

5.19

5.20

5.21

USB Mode Detection of camera as ext. drive or using PTP protocol see p. 62

5.22

5.23

Image Numbering see p. 49

Format Formatting the memory card(s) see p. 50

HDMI Settings for slideshow playback see p. 64

Sensor Cleaning Open shutter for cleaning the sensor see p. 70

5.24

5.25

5.26

5.27

5.28

5.29

5.30

5.31 Custom Functions Assignment of functions for buttons 1.4, 1.22, 1.23, 1.25, and 1.26

5.32

5.33

5.34

5.35 User Profile User-speciﬁc proﬁle see p. 48

5.36

5.37

5.38

5.39

5.40

5.41

Auto Review Automatic review of the last picture see p. 56

Histogram Graphic indicating the distribution of brightness see p. 57

Clipping Definition see p. 57

Monitor / Display Monitor and top panel display settings see p. 31

Auto Power Off see p. 30

Acoustic Signal AF conﬁrmation / warnings see p. 31

Horizon Tilt and inclination indicator see p. 48

AE- / AF-Lock Assignment of storage functions to the shutter release button and/or the joystick see p. 38/39

Key Lock Activates/deactivates the click wheel and shutter speed dial see p. 43

Click Wheel Exp. Mode Change the response time of the click wheel when setting the exposure see p. 43

Reset Reset all settings (to the factory default settings) see p. 49

GPS Record location data see p. 51

Date see p. 30

Time see p. 30

Language see p. 30

Firmware Indicates the ﬁrmware version for the camera and the attached lens see p. 64

Note:

The gray menu functions are available for

Custom Functions (see p. 29).

Page 21

PREPARATIONS

ATTACHING THE CARRYING STRAP

1 2

3 4

CHARGING THE BATTERY

The Leica S is powered 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-specied bat-

tery types may result in an explosion under certain circumstances

• The batteries may not be exposed to sunlight, heat, 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 of ﬁre or explosion.

• Moist or wet batteries may not be charged or used in the camera under any

circumstances.

• Always ensure that the battery contacts are clean and freely accessible.

While lithium ion batteries are protected 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 camera.

• In case of smell, discoloration, deformation, overheating or leaking uid,

the battery must be removed from the camera or charger immediately and

replaced. Continued use of the battery carries a risk of overheating, result-

ing in ﬁre and/or explosion.

• In case of leaking uid or a smell of burning, keep the battery away from

sources of heat. Leaked ﬂuid can catch ﬁre.

• A safety valve in the battery ensures that any excess pressure resulting

from improper use is reduced in a controlled way.

• Only the charger speciﬁed and described in this manual, or other chargers

speciﬁed and described by Leica Camera AG, may be used. The use of

other chargers not approved by Leica Camera AG can cause damage to

the batteries and, in extreme cases, lead 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 car charging cable supplied may never be connected while the charger

is connected to the mains.

• The battery and charger may not be opened. Repairs may only be carried

out by authorized workshops.

• Ensure that the batteries cannot be accessed by children. Swallowing bat-

teries can cause asphyxiation.

Page 22

First aid:

• If battery ﬂuid comes into contact with the eyes, there is a risk of blinding.

Wash the eyes immediately with clean water. Do not rub the eyes.

Seek medical attention immediately.

• If leaked uid gets onto the skin or clothing, there is a risk of injury. Wash

the aﬀected areas with clean water. Seek medical attention.

Notes:

• The battery must have a temperature of 0°-35°C /32°-95°F to be

charged (otherwise the charger will not turn on, or will turn 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.

• 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.

• The batteries and the charger heat up during the charging process. This is

normal and not a malfunction.

• If the two LEDs (1.46/1.47) ash rapidly (> 2Hz) after starting charging,

this indicates a charging error (e.g. maximum charging time exceeded,

voltages or temperatures outside the permitted ranges, or short circuit). 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.

• Lithium ion batteries should only be stored in a partially charged condition,

i.e. not completely discharged or fully charged (see p. 20). If stored for very

long periods, it should be charged up and discharged again around once a

year.

• Rechargeable lithium ion batteries generate power through internal chem-

ical reactions. These reactions are also inﬂuenced by the external tem-

perature and humidity. To ensure a maximum service life of the battery, it

should not be exposed to constant extremes (high or low) of temperature

(e. g. in a parked car in the summer or winter).

• Even when used under optimum conditions, every battery has a limited

service life! After several hundred charging cycles, this becomes notice-

able as the operating times get signiﬁcantly shorter.

• Hand in damaged batteries at a collection point for proper recycling, in line

with the applicable regulations (see p. 6/67).

• The replaceable battery provides power to a back-up battery which is per-

manently ﬁtted in the camera. This back-up battery retains the set date

and time for up to 3 months. If this back-up battery becomes discharged it

must be recharged by inserting a charged main battery. Once the replace-

able 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 turned on. However, you will have to set the date and time again in

this situation.

• 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 (see p.

25). Otherwise, after several weeks the battery could become totally dis-

charged, i.e. the voltage is sharply reduced as the camera still consumes

a small amount of current (for saving your settings) even when it is turned

oﬀ.

Page 23

Preparing the charger

CONNECTING THE CHARGER

For use outside the USA

1. Insert the appropriate plug for the local mains supply into the charger (B).

This is done by simultaneously

a. pushing the release button (1.49a) upwards, and

b. pushing up the plug (1.49) from its idle position.

2. It can then be completely detached upwards.

3. The appropriate plug type is then pushed into the charger from above until

it engages.

For use in the USA

1. Detach the factory ﬁ tted mains plug (C) from the charger (B). This is done

by simultaneously

a. pushing the release button (1.49a) upwards, and

b. pushing up the plug (1.49) from its idle position.

2. You can then fold out the two pins for the US plug (1.49b), which are

pushed down into the normal position.

Notes:

• The charger automatically switches to the prevailing mains voltage.

• When using the car charging cable supplied, the charger can be used in all

vehicles with a 12V or 24V on board supply. It automatically switches to

the relevant voltage.

1. Connect the charger (B), i.e. plug it (1.45a) into the socket on the battery

(1.44) and connect the mains plug (1.49/1.49b) to an outlet.

• To con rm that charging is in progress, the green LED labeled

CHARGE

(1.47) starts ﬂ ashing.

As soon as the battery is charged to at least

LED labeled

80% (1.46) also lights up. When the battery is fully charged,

i.e. 100% capacity has been reached - after around 3

CHARGE-LED is continuously lit.

/5 of its capacity, the orange

/2 hours – the green

Notes:

80% LED lights up after around 2 hours due to the charging character-

• The

istics. Therefore, if you do not need the full capacity, the camera is always

ready to use again in a relatively short time.

• If the green

CHARGE LED is continuously lit, this indicates that the charger

has automatically switched to trickle charging.

2. The charger should then be disconnected from the mains. However, there

is no risk of overcharging.

Page 24

INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY

Inserting

1. Set the main switch (1.15) to

2. Slide the battery (C) as far as possible into the battery compartment,

contacts ﬁ rst and with the positioning groove (1.43) pointing towards the

center of the camera. It automatically engages in this position.

Removing

1. Set the main switch (1.15) to

2. Turn the release catch (1.38) clockwise as far as it will go. A spring in the

battery compartment then pushes the battery out by around 1cm.

OFF.

Charge level displays (3.2)

The battery charge level is indicated in the top panel display (1.12) and - in

the picture data view (4.1) - in the monitor (1.23).

= Approx. 100%, White

= Approx. 90%, White

= Approx. 75%, White

= Approx. 50%, White

= Approx. 25%, White

= Approx. 10%, White

= Approx. 5%, Red

= Approx. 3%, Red ﬂ ashing, replacement or

recharging necessary

INSERTING AND REMOVING THE MEMORY CARDS

The Leica S enables you to use 2 card types simultaneously to store your

picture data, and has card slots for SD/SDHC/SDXC (Secure Digital) and CF

(Compact Flash up to UDMA 7) cards.

SD/SDHC/SDXC cards have a write protection switch, that can be used to

prevent 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,

labeled LOCK, the data on the card is protected.

Note:

Do not touch the memory card contacts.

Inserting

1. Set the main switch (1.15) to

2. Open the cover (1.19) on the right-hand side of the camera by sliding it

slightly backwards in the direction of the arrow and then opening it to the

right.

3. Insert the memory card(s) you want to use as follows:

a. Insert CF cards into the slot with the contacts pointing towards the

camera and the front side towards the front of the camera (1.29). Slide

it into the card slot as far as possible.

Note:

When inserting the card, make sure that the eject button (1.29a) is pushed in

completely (see "Removing" on the next page).

OFF.

Note:

The locking mechanism has a catch to prevent the battery from accidentally

falling further out, even if the camera is held upright.

3. Press the battery back in by around 1mm to release the lock, and

4. then remove it from the compartment or, if the camera is held upright,

allow it to fall out.

Page 25

Important:

Do not exert force. This could damage the contacts in the card slot.

b. Insert SD/SDHC/SDXC cards into the slot with the contacts pointing

to the rear and the beveled corner pointing up (1.30). Slide them all

the way into the slot against the spring resistance until you hear them

click into place.

Important:

Make sure that you do not insert an SD card into the CF card slot as you

may not be able to remove it again.

4. Close the cover again, by pressing it down and sliding it forwards until it

locks into place.

Removing

1. Set the main switch (1.15) to

OFF.

2. Open the cover (1.19) on the right-hand side of the camera by sliding it

slightly backwards in the direction of the arrow and then opening it to the

right.

CF cards

3. Press the eject button (1.29a) in to eject the card part of the way out of the

slot, allowing you to

4. completely remove it.

SD/SDHC/SDXC cards

3. Press the card back into the slot to release it and eject it a little way out of

the slot, allowing you to

4. completely remove it.

5. Close the cover again, by pressing it down and sliding it forwards until it

locks into place.

Displays

Memory card errors are indicated by diﬀerent messages in the viewﬁnder,

monitor and top panel display.

Notes:

• If the memory cards cannot be inserted, check that they are aligned cor-

rectly.

• The range of memory cards available is constantly changing; some cards

may result in malfunctions when used in the Leica S.

• Do not remove a memory card or the battery while the red LED (1.20) at the

bottom right of the monitor (1.23) is ﬂashing to indicate picture recording

and/or data being saved to the card(s). Otherwise the not yet (completely)

saved image data may be lost.

• The Leica S provides various options for saving picture data. More informa-

tion on this topic can be found under "Saving picture data / memory card

management" on p. 35

• As electromagnetic radiation, electrostatic charges, and defects on the

camera or the card(s) can lead to damage or loss of the data on the mem-

ory card(s), we recommend that you also transfer the data to a computer

and save it there (see p. 62).

• For the same reason, it is recommended that cards are always stored in an

antistatic container.

• Proper functioning of the camera cannot be guaranteed when using WiFi

cards.

Page 26

CHANGING THE FOCUSING SCREEN

The Leica S allows you to change the focusing screen (see also "System

accessories / Interchangeable focusing screens", p. 65). The camera is sup-

plied with a full matt screen as standard.

Other focusing screens are supplied separately in a container with tweezers and

a dust brush.

To change the screens,

1. detach the lens (see p. 24), and

Important:

Follow these instructions exactly when changing the focusing screen. Take

the utmost care to protect the sensitive surfaces of the focusing screens

from scratches.

2. remove the screen frame A from its engaged position by pressing the clip

B with the tip of the tweezers. The frame then clicks downwards with the

focusing screen.

3. Then pick up the focusing screen C by the small stud with the tweezers, tilt

slightly upwards and remove.

4. The screen is then temporarily placed in the side compartment of the

container.

5. Pick up the screen to be inserted by its stud with the tweezers,

6. insert it in the frame, and

7. push the frame up with the tip of the tweezers until it clicks into place.

Page 27

LEICA S LENSES

Leica S lenses all have some characteristic external features:

- Their distance setting ring (1.8) works diﬀ erently depending on which focus

mode is set:

- In manual mode (

ring, as normal - in this case it is mechanically coupled to the optical con-

struction from the outset.

- In autofocus mode (

that holding the lens with the ring does not prevent motorized adjustment.

However, you can "override" the automatic setting at any time, i.e. set the

distance manually in AF mode. In this case, turning the ring immediately

couples it to the optical system.

- The internal distance scale can be read through a window (1.7).

- They do not have an aperture setting ring. The aperture is set using the click

wheel (1.18, see p. 42) on the camera body.

Note:

Some Leica S lenses are available with an integral central shutter.

MF, see p. 16/26/37) the distance is set by turning the

AFs/AFc, see p. 16/26/37) it is initially uncoupled, so

ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE LENS

All lenses and accessories with a Leica S bayonet ﬁ tting can be attached to

the Leica S.

Leica S lenses are attached as follows:

1. Position the red dot on the lens mount opposite the bayonet release button

(1.5c) on the camera body.

2. In this position, insert the lens.

3. Turn the lens as far as possible to the right, and you will hear and feel it

click into place.

To remove the lens

1. Press the release button

2. Unlock the lens by turning it to the left, and

3. Pull it straight oﬀ .

Notes:

• To protect against ingress of dust etc. into the interior of the camera, and

particularly to keep the sensor surface free of dust as far as possible, it is

important always to have a lens or a cover attached to the camera body.

• For the same reason, change lenses quickly and in an environment that is

as dust-free as possible.

• Leica publishes  rmware updates for lenses at irregular intervals. You can

easily download new ﬁ rmware from our home page and transfer it to your

lens. Further information can be found on p. 64.

Page 28

EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT

The viewﬁ nder (1.17) can by adjusted from -3 to +1 diopters, so that it is

exactly set to match your eye. While looking at the viewﬁ nder image, turn

the serrated dial (1.13) until the markings for the selective metering ﬁ eld are

sharp.

Note:

If you are not looking through the viewﬁ nder, e.g. for pictures on a tripod, we

recommend attaching the eyepiece cover (G). This prevents any unwanted

inﬂ uences on the exposure metering. The cover can be stored on the carry-

ing strap.

TURNING THE CAMERA ON AND OFF

The Leica S is turned on and oﬀ using the main switch (1.15), which engages

in three positions:

a. OFF – Camera turned oﬀ

FPS – Camera turned on, focal plane shutter in

body in operation

- The shutter speed is controlled using the focal plane shutter in the camera.

All speeds are available (see also "Shutter speed dial", p. 42).

After turning on, i.e. selecting either the

FPS or CS function, the LED (1.20)

lights up until the camera is ready (2s) and the displays in the viewﬁ nder

(1.16/2) and in the top panel display (1.12/3) appear (see p. 10/11).

Notes:

• Even if the main switch is not set to

turned oﬀ if an automatic power oﬀ time has been set in the menu (

Power Off

, (5.28), see p. 26/30) and none of the functions are used during

OFF, the camera is automatically

Auto

this time.

• Turning o the camera not only cancels functions currently running, i.e.

bracketing series (see p. 40) and self timer mode (see p. 46), it also deacti-

vates them in the relevant menus.

CS – Camera turned on, central shutter in

lens in operation

- The shutter speed is controlled using the central shutter in the lens. Speeds

of between 8-

s are available (see also "Shutter speed dial", p. 42).

1000

Note:

The camera also works when set to

CS with the focal plane shutter, if

- a lens with no central shutter is attached, or faster shutter speeds

than 8s, and/or

- slower shutter speeds than

1000

s are set.

Page 29

MENU CONTROL

Most of the modes and settings on the Leica S are operated using menus.

Navigating and making settings throughout the menu is extremely quick and

easy, as

- the menu items are divided into logical functional groups that can be

accessed directly, and

- there are also ﬁ ve freely assignable (menu) functions that can be accessed

directly.

Menu function groups

The menu list on the Leica S is divided into 3 function groups (see also p.

16/17):

CAMERA

- IMAGE

- SETUP

The function groups are made up of 2 or 4 pages depending on their scope.

On each page, the menu items appear on the left on the individual lines, with

the corresponding settings alongside them on the right.

To assist you, the menu screen shows:

- The selected menu function group in white (4.7.1)

- The scrollbar (4.7.5) on the left indicating which of the total of 8 menu pages

you are on

- The active menu function line in white and underlined in red (this applies to

all menu levels). To the right of the line, the currently set option for the func-

tion or the currently set value is always speciﬁ ed.

When you select a page, the last menu item changed is initially active.

Calling up the menu

To call up menu control and directly access the individual pages, you use

three (1.22, 1.24, 1.25) of the four buttons located to the left and right of the

monitor (1.23).

Note:

The four buttons (1.21, 1.22, 1.24, 1.25) are so-called "soft keys". Outside

the normal menu control, e.g. when reviewing pictures in the monitor, they

have diﬀ erent functions, indicated by corresponding displays.

Settings in the menu

All settings for the menu items can either be made using the click wheel

(1.18) or the joystick (1.17).

Exiting the menu

You can exit the menu in various ways:

- To activate recording mode:

Tap the shutter release button (1.1)

- To activate the picture data display (4.1, see also p. 12):

Brieﬂ y press the button (1.21) labeled

INFO.

- To activate review mode:

Brieﬂ y press the button (1.21) again in the picture data display - it is now

PLAY.

labeled

Navigating in the menu / Setting functions

1. Select the ﬁ rst pages of the relevant menu function group by brieﬂ y (≤1s)

pressing one of the three buttons (1.22, 1.24, 1.25) twice, i.e. button

(1.25) for

button (1.22) for the

CAMERA functions, button (1.24) for the IMAGE functions, and

SETUP functions.

• If the monitor was previously inactive (dark), the  rst press activates

the picture data display. The three button function indications (4.1.1),

(4.1.3) and (4.1.4) are labeled with the names of the corresponding

menu function groups for clarity.

• If you were in review mode, an intermediate step initially displays only

the button function indications that are valid in this situation -

(4.2.12),

DELETE (4.2.11) and PROTECT (4.2.10).

Page 30

2. Brieﬂ y pressing the buttons (1.25), (1.24) and (1.22) again allows you to

call up each page for the relevant menu function group directly, i.e. scroll

through the pages.

Page 31

3. The individual menu items are selected

- either by turning the click wheel (1.18); right= down / left= up,

- or by pressing the joystick (1.17) in the relevant direction.

All menu items are in a continuous loop, i.e. they can all be reached with-

out the division into the three function groups and in either direction.

4. Press the click wheel or the joystick inwards or to the right to call up the

list of available options for a function.

• The submenu appears, listing the available options or the values that

can be set.

5. Turn the click wheel or press the joystick in the relevant direction (diﬀ erent

depending on whether you are using a list or a scale) to select the option /

value you want to set.

Note:

Brieﬂ y pressing the button labeled

BACK (1.21) allows you to return to the

menu at any time without applying any changes made in the submenus.

Except in items that require a horizontal movement to set them, this can also

be done by pressing the joystick to the left.

6. Press the click wheel or the joystick inwards to conﬁ rm the set option / value.

• The display returns to the next menu level up or, for functions that

require further settings, advances to the next option.

Page 32

Quick access to menu functions

For quick operation, you can use the buttons (1.25), (1.24), (1.22), (1.21)

and the depth of ﬁ eld preview button (1.4) to directly call up up to ﬁ ve of the

most important or frequently used menu functions.

To do this, ﬁ rst determine which menu function you want to access using

each individual button.

Setting the function / Assigning the buttons

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26) select, Custom Functions ((5.31), and

1. In the

2. in the relevant submenu, whether or not you want to use the function -

Custom / Off.

4. Select the function you want to directly select or execute using the button

selected in step 3, or Oﬀ if you do not want to make a quick assignment.

3. Then select the desired button.

• Three out of the total of 16 (menu) functions (see p. 16/17) available for

selection appear in a short list.

The other buttons are assigned in the same way.

Calling up the selected menu functions

You can then directly call up the set (menu) functions at any time by pressing

(≥1s) the buttons (1.25), (1.24), (1.22), (1.21) and the depth of ﬁ eld preview

button (1.4) and then make further settings or execute the function.

Note:

In their default settings, the buttons are assigned as follows for quick access: Button (1.22): Focusing (5.2) Button (1.23): Exposure compensation (5.4) Button (1.25): Exposure metering (5.3) Button (1.26): ISO (5.9)

Depth of ﬁ eld preview button (1.4): Stop Down

Page 33

PRESETS

BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS

Menu language

The default setting for the language used in the menu system is English.

German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, traditional and

simpliﬁed Chinese can all be selected as alternative menu languages.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Language (5.40), and

1. In the

2. then the desired language in the submenu.

• Apart from a few exceptions (button labels, short designations),

the language of all texts is changed.

Date and time

Date

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

Setting

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Date (5.38), and

1. In the

2. call up the submenu. It consists of the 2 items

3. Select

Setting.

• A further submenu is displayed -

Year, Month and Day.

umns

Date Setting - containing the three col-

Setting and Format.

4. Turn the click wheel (1.18) or press the joystick (1.17) up or down to adjust

the numbers and the months and press the click wheel or the joystick to

the left, right or inwards to switch between the columns.

5. After setting all three columns, press the click wheel or joystick inwards to

conﬁrm and save.

• The list of menu items is displayed again.

6. To change the display format, select

7. then select

Format in the submenu.

• The three possible sequences are displayed -

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

Date again, and

Day/Month/Year,

8. The setting is made and conﬁrmed in exactly the same way as described in

points 3 and 4.

Time

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

Setting

Time menu item (5.39) the settings for the two groups of ﬁgures and the

In the

display format are made in the

previous section for

By contrast, the

taining the items

Zone

(only available with inactive GPS function), and Daylight Saving Time.

GPS Auto Time is activated, the time set on the camera is continuously

Date.

Time Zone/Auto Time item has an additional submenu con-

GPS Auto Time (only available with active GPS function), Time

Format and Setting items, as described in the

updated according to the GPS signals received (see p. 51).

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. 21). However, after that time the

date and time must be set again as described above.

Automatic power oﬀ

This function turns the Leica S oﬀ automatically after a pre-set time. This is

the equivalent of setting the main switch to the

OFF position (1.15a, see p.

25).

Setting the function

1. In the

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Auto Power Off (5.28), and

2. then the desired function and duration.

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 restart-

ed at any time by pressing the shutter release button (1.1).

Page 34

Signal tones

On the Leica S, you can decide whether you want messages or autofocus

operation (see p. 37) to be acknowledged by acoustic signals - two volume

levels are available - or whether you prefer the camera to operate largely

silently.

A beep is used as an acknowledgement, and can be activated individually

in autofocus mode to conﬁrm that the setting has been made and to indi-

cate a message.

Note:

By factory default, the signal tones are deactivated.

Setting the functions

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Acoustic Signal (5.29), and

1. In the

2. call up the submenu. It consists of the 3 items

Warnings.

and

3. Select

Volume, and

• A further submenu appears, containing two options

Volume, AF Confirmation

High and Low.

4. then the desired function in this submenu.

• After conrmation, the initial monitor screen appears again.

5. In the other submenus, choose whether or not you want to activate the

tones for the respective functions.

If you select

For AF Confirmation a signal sounds as soon as the focus is set correctly,

either automatically or manually, i.e. in conjunction with the indicator (2.7b)

lighting up in the viewﬁnder (see p. 10).

Warnings a signal sounds for all messages and warnings that appear in

For

the monitor (1.23), and when the self timer function is used (see p. 46).

If you select

Off for Warnings

Even if you select Off, an acoustic warning signal will sound in two situations:

- If the cover (1.19) of the memory card slot is opened while transferring data

(see p. 21/62)

- If the shutter will close again at the end of the sensor cleaning process (see

p. 68).

Monitor and top panel display

The Leica S has two displays:

- a colored OLED (organic light emitting diode) display (1.12), and

- a large 3” liquid crystal color monitor (1.23).

The top panel displays shows (see "Displays / In the top panel display", p. 11)

the most important basic information about the status of the memory card(s)

and the battery, as well as for exposure control.

The monitor is primarily used for viewing pictures recorded on the memory

card(s) and reproduces the entire ﬁeld of view plus the selected data and

information (see "Displays / In the monitor", p. 12). You also have the option

of calling up the following displays:

In review mode in addition to the picture

- a histogram (4.3), (see p. 13/57)

- indication of areas that lack deﬁnition as they are too bright or too dark (see

"Clipping").

- additional picture data (4.4), (see p. 14/57)

In recording mode, a comprehensive list of the most important picture

parameters currently set (see "Displays/In the monitor/4.1 Picture data

display", p. 12).

lighting conditions: The top panel display has adjustable brightness, while

the monitor also has backlighting. The brightness of the monitor is automat-

ically adjusted depending on the external brightness. This is done by the

sensor (1.28).

Setting the functions

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26) select, Monitor / Display (5.27), and

1. In the

2. in the ﬁrst submenu, whether you want to set the monitor -

the top panel display -

Top Cover.

Back Plane or

To set the monitor:

3. In the second submenu, select whether you want to set the

Backlight and

Brightness or

4. ﬁnally set the desired level in the relevant submenus. Five levels are avail-

able for each, with an additional automatic setting for

Backlight.

To set the top panel display:

5. In the second submenu, select whether you want to set the

Stand-by time, and

the

brightness or

6. ﬁnally set the desired level or display time in the relevant submenu. Three

levels are available for each.

Both displays can be adapted to the relevant situation, i.e. the prevailing

Page 35

BASIC PICTURE SETTINGS

File format

Two ﬁle formats are available for recording the picture data

DNG and JPEG.

You can select, whether your picture data

a. is to be saved in only one of these formats, or

b. simultaneously in both (i.e. two ﬁles are always created for each

picture).

Setting the function

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select File Format (5.10), and

1. In the

2. then the required format(s) or combination in the submenu.

Compression rate

You can select diﬀerent compression rates independently for the two ﬁle

formats. For

uncompressed recording are available, while for

JPEG fine

DNG format, totally loss-free compression of the picture data or

JPEG format, you can select

or JPEG basic.

Setting the function

1. In the

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select DNG Compression (5.11), or File

Format

(5.10), and

2. then

Off or On and the desired compression rate in the relevant submenus.

Notes:

• The standardized DNG (Digital Negative) format is used to store the raw

picture data.

• The remaining number of pictures shown in the monitor does not necessar-

ily change after every picture. This depends on the subject; with JPEG ﬁles

very ﬁne structures result in higher data volumes, homogeneous surfaces

in lower volumes. 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.

Note:

A high compression rate such as for

JPEG basic can result in very ﬁne

structures in the subject being lost or incorrectly reproduced (artifacts; e.g.

"stepped" diagonal edges).

JPEG resolution

DNG format the full resolution of 37.5MP is used, with the JPEG for-

While in

mats you can also use two lower resolutions.

Setting the function

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select JPEG Resolution (5.12), and

1. In the

37.5MP, 9.3MP or 2.3MP in the submenu.

2. then

Page 36

White balance

Auto – For automatic control, which provides neutral results in most situa-

tions,

- Eight ﬁxed presets for the most frequent light sources,

e.g. for outdoor pictures in sunshine,

e.g. for outdoor pictures in overcast conditions,

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

e.g. for indoor pictures with (prevailing) incandescent lamp light

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

halogen metal vapor lamps (HMI)

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

ﬂuorescent tubes with warm light color

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

ﬂuorescent tubes with cool light color

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

Greycard – for manual setting by measurement, and

Color temperature

– for a directly adjustable color temperature value.

Note:

When using the Leica SF 58 or electronic ﬂash units that meet the technical

requirements of System Camera Adaption (SCA) for the System 3002 and

with an SCA-3502 adapter (version 5 onwards), the white balance can be set

Auto to achieve correct color reproduction.

However, if other ﬂash units that are not specially designed for the Leica S are

used, the

setting should be used.

Setting the function

Automatic and ﬁxed settings

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select White Balance (5.13), and

1. In the

2. then the desired function in the submenu.

Direct color temperature setting

You can directly set values between 2000 and 13100 (K

) (from 2000 to

5000K in increments of 100, from 5000 to 8000K in increments of 200 and

from 8000 to 13 100K in increments of 300). This provides you with a broad

scope, covering most of the 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.

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select White Balance (5.13),

1. In the

Color temperature option in the submenu, and

2. the

• A further submenu appears -

White Balance Kelvin-Setting showing the

value to be set, which is indicated by a red outline.

3. then the desired value.

Manual setting by metering

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select White Balance (5.13), and

1. In the

2. then the

Greycard option in the submenu.

3. Press the click wheel (1.18) or the joystick (1.17) inwards or to the right

• The message

balance

Attention Please take a picture for setting the white

appears in the monitor.

4. Take the picture, making sure that the image ﬁeld contains a white or neu-

tral gray (reference) surface.

• The monitor shows

- the image based on the automatic white balance setting

- cross hairs in the center of the image

- the button functions valid in this situation -

PREVIEW (4.1.11) and BACK

(4.1.12)

5. Press the joystick (1.17) in the desired direction to move the cross hairs to

the subject detail you want to use as the basis for the new white balance

setting (e.g. the reference surface mentioned above).

6. Press the

PREVIEW button or press the joystick inwards.

• The color reproduction of the picture is adjusted accordingly and the

button function valid in this situation -

SAVE (4.1.13) - also appears.

7. You can now either

- apply this new white balance setting - by pressing the

• The monitor shows the message

Whitebalance is set

SAVE button,

- or make any number of further settings, as described under 3. - 6.

• In each case, the message described under 3. appears in the monitor.

Note:

In parallel to a saved white balance setting, the corresponding picture is also

always saved, i.e. in addition to the unchanged original picture.

All color temperatures are speciﬁed in Kelvin.

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.

Page 37

ISO sensitivity

The ISO setting on the Leica S allows the shutter speed/aperture value to be

adjusted to meet the requirements of the relevant situation, in six steps.

Auto

As well as the ﬁxed settings, the Leica S also features the

function, in

which the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to the ambient bright-

ness.

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

example for compositional reasons. This enables you to limit the range of

sensitivities used and also to set the shutter speed above which the automat-

ic increase in sensitivity is activated.

Notes:

• In digital photography, the higher sensitivities generally result in an

increase in noise. This must be taken into account when thinking about

picture quality.

• For series exposures (see p. 36), bear in mind that the frame rates will be

slightly slower with higher sensitivities.

Setting the function

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select ISO (5.9), and

1. In the

2. call up the submenu. It contains the available ISO values and the

option.

To set the sensitivity manually

3. Select the desired value.

To set the sensitivity automatically

4. Select

Auto.

• A further submenu appears, containing three options

ISO

and Set Maximum Exposure Time.

OK, Set Maximum

To use unrestricted automatic setting

5. Select

OK in this submenu.

The automatic setting uses all sensitivities, as well as shutter speeds

between

/2 s and 1/

500

To restrict the automatic setting range

6. Select

Set Maximum ISO and/or Set Maximum Exposure Time in this sub-

menu.

Set Maximum ISO a list of the available values appears, and for Set

• For

Maximum Exposure Time

1/f and Manual Setting.

natives

a further submenu appears containing the alter-

Auto

Set Maximum ISO list, select the highest sensitivity to be used and

7. In the

thus the range in which the automatic setting will operate, or

Set Maximum Exposure Time submenu, select either 1/f, if you want

8. in the

to leave it up to the camera to ensure that shutter speeds that prevent blur-

ring are used, or

1/f the camera only switches to a higher sensitivity if the shutter speed

For,

would fall below the

er speeds than

Manual Setting list, select the slowest shutter speed you want to use

9. In the

1/2s - 1/500s; in whole steps).

(

Manual Setting.

/f threshold due to a lack of brightness, e.g. at slow-

s with a 70mm lens.

The function is not available when using ﬂash units.

Page 38

Note:

The functions and settings described in the next two sections refer exclu-

sively to pictures in one of the JPEG formats. If one of the two DNG ﬁle

formats is set, these menu functions are not available.

Changes can be made later on a computer.

Picture properties/Contrast, sharpness, color saturation

All three picture properties can be adjusted – independently - to three dif-

ferent levels using the menu, so that you can set the optimum values for any

situation, i.e. the prevailing lighting conditions. In the case of

B & W can be selected as a fourth option.

Saturation also

Working color space

The Leica S allows you to set one of three color spaces -

ECI RGB.

Setting the function

IMAGE menu (see p 13/26), select Color Management (5.14), and

1. In the

2. then the desired function in the submenu.

sRGB, Adobe RGB or

Storing picture data / memory card management

If two memory cards are inserted (see p. 21), on the Leica S you have the

option of selecting,

- whether picture data is to be stored on one of the two cards ﬁrst until its full

capacity is reached and then on the other card -

- always to both cards simultaneously -

Parallel, or

Sequential, or

- whether picture data is to be transferred directly to a computer connected

by a cable -

External.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Data Storage (5.18), and

1. In the

2. then the desired function in the submenu.

Setting the functions

IMAGE menu (see p. 16/26), select Contrast (5.15), or Sharpness

1. In the

(5.16), or

2. then the desired level (

Saturation (5.17), and

Low, Standard, High) in the submenu.

Notes:

Sequential is selected:

• If

- The picture data is ﬁrst stored on the CF card and, once its capacity has

been reached, on the SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

- If only an SD/SDHC/SDXC card is inserted, the picture data is stored

there.

• This applies regardless of the set data formats (see p. 32).

Parallel and both ﬁle formats are selected:

- The DNG data is always stored on the CF card and the JPEG data on the

SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

• If only one card is inserted (regardless of which), all picture data is stored

on it.

• As soon as the camera is connected to a computer, it switches automat-

External, and reverts back to the original setting as soon as it is

ically to

disconnected again.

Page 39

RECORDING MODE

SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON

The Leica S has a three-stage shutter release button (1.1):

1. Brieﬂy tapping it activates the distance and exposure metering systems, as

well as the displays in the viewﬁnder and on the top panel.

Holding the shutter release button at this pressure point keeps the meter-

ing systems and displays active.

When the shutter release button is released, the metering systems and

displays remain active for around 12s.

Notes:

• If review mode was previously set (see p. 56), tapping the shutter release

button switches the camera back to recording mode, and if it was previous-

ly in standby mode (see p. 30), it is reactivated, i.e. metering systems and

displays are turned on.

• The shutter release button is locked

- if the internal buﬀer memory is temporarily full, e.g. after a series of pic-

tures (also applies if no memory card is inserted), or

- if the memory card(s) inserted is/are full.

2. Pressing the shutter release button to the pressure point and holding

it in this position stores the metered exposure value for spot and cen-

ter-weighted metering in

autofocus in

is saved at the same time. Letting go of the shutter release button enables

new measurements to be carried out.

Note:

You can also use the menu to set the joystick (1.17) to store the metered

exposure value and/or the automatic focus setting (see p. 39).

3. Pressing further releases the shutter or starts any preselected self timer

delay time (see p. 46).

AFs - Sharpness priority - mode (see p. 37) the focus setting

, and modes (see p. 44/45). When using

Series exposures

You can not only use the Leica S to take single pictures but also to produce a

series of pictures.

Setting and using the function

CAMERA menu (see p. 10/26), select Drive Mode (5.1), and

1. In the

Continuous in the submenu.

2. then

3. The subsequent function is then determined by how you operate the shut-

ter release button:

- A series of pictures is taken for as long as you hold the shutter release

button all the way down (and the capacity of the buﬀer memory or the

memory card(s) is suﬃcient).

- If you press the shutter release button brieﬂy, the camera continues to

take single pictures.

Notes:

• The camera's buer memory only allows a limited number of pictures to be

taken in a series (see p. 73). When you press the shutter release button to

the pressure point or during a series of pictures, the display in the viewﬁnd-

er (2.10a) indicates how many (more) pictures are possible in a series.

• Regardless of how many pictures have been taken in a series, both review

modes (see p. 56) initially show the last picture in the series or the last

picture in the series saved on the currently active card (see p. 60), if not all

of the pictures in the series have been transferred from the internal buﬀer

memory to the relevant card yet.

Details of how to select the other pictures in the series and further options

in the review modes are described in the corresponding sections starting

on p. 56.

Page 40

DISTANCE SETTING

With all S lenses, the Leica S allows you to choose between manual or auto-

matic distance setting. The autofocus system determines the distance to the

parts of the subject in the center of the image ﬁeld, which is marked by the

cross on the focusing screen.

Regardless of the mode, the display (2.7) in the viewﬁnder shows the rele-

vant setting:

- The left triangle indicates that the set distance is too long (only appears in

manual mode or with manual override of autofocus)

- The center dot indicates a correct setting (continuously lit), or that the sys-

tem cannot determine a distance (ﬂashing)

- The right triangle indicates that the set distance is too short (only appears in

manual mode or with manual override of autofocus)

Further details of the displays can be found on p. 10.

Note:

The metering system works passively based on contrasts, i.e. diﬀerences

between light/dark in the part of the subject you aim at. Thus, it depends on

the subject having a certain minimum brightness.

Setting the mode

CAMERA menu (see p. 16/26), select Sharpness (5.2), and

1. In the

2. then, in the associated submenu, the desired option.

MANUAL SETTING - MF

Turn the distance setting ring (1.8) on the lens until your subject or the most

important part of the subject is shown sharply in the viewﬁnder on the focus-

ing screen.

Note:

• Even if setting the focus manually, you can use the joystick (1.17) at any

time to activate autofocus mode (see next section and information about

the function of the joystick on p. 39).

• The Leica S is supplied with a uniform ground glass focusing screen as

standard, which can be used to reliably focus on parts of the subject

across the entire image ﬁeld. This is suitable for most photographic situa-

tions and subjects. It is particularly advantageous when using longer focal

lengths and in the macro range.

Other focusing screens are available as accessories (see p. 65), which pro-

vide optimum settings for diﬀerent applications and are easy to exchange.

AUTOMATIC SETTING

Two autofocus modes are available. In both of them, the setting procedure is

started by tapping (1st pressure point, see p. 36) the shutter release button

(1.1).

AFs (SINGLE) = SHARPNESS PRIORITY

The part of the subject you aim at is focused.

• The procedure is then ended, even if the shutter release button is held at

pressure point.

the 1

• The setting is stored for as long as the shutter release button is held at the

pressure point.

• Before the focus is set, the shutter cannot be released even by pressing

the shutter release button all the way down.

AFc (CONTINUOUS) = SHUTTER RELEASE PRIORITY

The parts of the subject you aim at are focused.

• The procedure is continued for as long as the shutter release button

is held at the 1

or 2nd pressure point. During this time, the setting is

corrected whenever the metering system detects other objects at other

distances, or the distance from the camera to the part of the subject

you are aiming at changes.

• The only way to store a setting is to press the joystick inwards (see p.

39).

• Even if none of the subject is in focus, you can release the shutter at

any time.

Note:

As well as the shutter release button, you can also use the joystick (1.17) to

store an AF setting (see p. 39).

Page 41

EXPOSURE METERING

EXPOSURE METERING METHODS

The Leica S provides three diﬀerent exposure metering methods:

Setting the function

CAMERA menu (see p. 16/26), select Exposure Metering (5.3), and

1. In the

2. then, in the associated submenu, the desired option.

Spot metering -

For spot metering, only the center of the image ﬁeld is detected and evaluat-

ed. The area is indicated by circle in the center of the focusing screen.

Center-weighted metering -

This metering method takes account of the entire image ﬁeld, although the

parts of the subject situated in the center have more inﬂuence on the expo-

sure value calculation than the areas at the margins.

Multiple ﬁeld metering -

This metering method is based on recording ﬁve metered values. One value

is determined in a ﬁeld in the center of the image, the other four in the sur-

rounding ﬁelds. The ﬁve metered values are used for calculation in an algo-

rithm appropriate to the situation, resulting in an exposure value adjusted to

correctly reproduce the assumed main subject.

METERING MEMORY LOCK

The Leica S records

- diﬀerent parts of the subject, depending on the metering method, for expo-

sure metering, and gives them a diﬀerent weighting,

- only part of the subject for autofocus metering (see p. 37).

The values are initially always stored using the shutter release button (1.1,

see p. 36). Depending on the menu settings, the joystick (1.18) can also be

used to retain one of the (stored) settings when the shutter release button is

released.

In contrast to the shutter release button, this stores the relevant settings not

just for one picture but for as long as it is held down, i.e. possibly for several

pictures.

AE-/AF-Lock menu item (Automatic Exposure / Autofocus) is used to

The

select the assignment of the functions.

Storing with the shutter release button

1. Aim the circle in the viewﬁnder at the area to be metered.

2. Press the shutter release button (1.1) to its 2nd pressure point. As long as

the button is held at this point, the value is stored.

3. In the automatic exposure modes

, and (see p. 44/45) the light

balance (2.6) appears and indicates the variation from the stored metered

value.

If the aperture value or the shutter speed is changed during this time, the

other value adjusts accordingly and is displayed.

4. While holding down the shutter release button, decide on the ﬁnal compo-

sition and

5. release the shutter.

Metering memory lock is canceled when the shutter release button is let go

from the pressure point.

Not all focusing screen versions have this circle (see p. 66).

Page 42

Storing with the joystick

As an alternative to the shutter release button or to split the task, the

focus and exposure settings can also be stored by pressing the joystick

inwards. The functions of both controls are speciﬁed in the menu.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select AE-/AF-Lock (5.32), and

1. In the

2. in the submenu ﬁrst choose whether want to set the function for the AF or

MF mode speciﬁed using the menu.

In autofocus mode

3. Select one of the following options in the corresponding submenu:

AF-L (AF Lock)

The shutter release button stores the exposure and autofocus settings.

Keeping the joystick pressed (1.17) maintains storage of the autofocus

setting even if you let go of the shutter release button.

AE-L (AE Lock)

The shutter release button stores the exposure and autofocus settings.

Keeping the joystick pressed (1.17) maintains storage of the exposure

setting even if you let go of the shutter release button.

AF-L + AE-L

The settings initially stored using the shutter release button are retained

for as long as the joystick (1.17) is kept pressed.

In MF mode

If you are setting the focus manually, you can still use the joystick to activate

AF mode temporarily, i.e. for the current picture, and/or store the exposure,

depending on the setting.

3. Select one of the following options in the corresponding submenu:

AFs On (Autofokus single)

Press the joystick (1.17) inwards to activate this AF mode for one picture.

Any focus setting made subsequently is retained until you change it by

manual adjustment or pressing the joystick again. The exposure and aut-

ofocus settings are stored by pressing the shutter release button (1.1) to

the pressure point.

AFs On / AE-L

As for AFs on, but pressing the joystick also stores the exposure setting.

The autofocus setting is still stored using the shutter release button.

AFc On (Autofocus continuous)

Pressing the joystick (1.17) activates this AF mode for one picture. A focus

setting is retained even when the joystick is released, until you change it

by manual adjustment or pressing the joystick again. The exposure setting

is stored by pressing the shutter release button to the pressure point, but

the autofocus setting is not.

AFc On / AE-L

As for AFc on, but pressing the joystick simultaneously stores the expo-

sure setting. The autofocus setting cannot be stored.

AE-L

Pressing the joystick (1.17) stores the exposure setting.

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

Entering and canceling an exposure compensation

CAMERA menu (see p. 16/26), select Exp. Compensation (5.4).

1. In the

• A scale appears in the monitor instead of a submenu, with an EV value

indicated in red and a white triangle to indicate the relevant setting.

If they are a value of

O, this means that the function is deactivated.

2. Set the desired value in the submenu by turning the click wheel (1.18) or

pressing the joystick (1.17) to the left or right.

EV+X

• In the initial menu list, the set compensation is indicated by

The viewﬁnder shows

• the corresponding warning symbol (2.8) and the compensation value on

the light balance (2.6)

The top panel display shows

+ or - (3.9), depending on the compensation direction

•

Notes:

• Once set, a compensation value is retained even if the camera is turned

oﬀ.

• This menu function can also be called up directly by pressing and holding

the corresponding button (1.23) (see p. 29).

Important:

An exposure compensation set on the camera only inﬂuences metering of

the available light, i.e. not ﬂash light (for more information about ﬂash pho-

tography, refer to the sections starting on p. 52).

Example, either plus or minus, "X" stands for the relevant value

Page 43

BRACKETING

The following are available:

- 2 numbers of pictures: 3 or 5

- 4 graduations: 0.5EV, 1EV, 2EV and 3EV

Setting the function

CAMERA menu (see p. 16/26), select Exp. Bracketing (5.5).

1. In the

• The submenu appears in the monitor, containing the three options

ber of Frames

, Aperture Stops and Automatic, with a scale below.

Num-

If an exposure compensation is set at the same time, this is indicated by

a corresponding value below the scale.

Number of Frames, turn the click wheel (1.18) or press the joystick

2. For

(1.17) to the left or right to select whether you want to take a bracketing

exposure series and the number of pictures.

• White triangles appear above the selected graduations on the scale,

shown in red. They indicate the relevant exposure values.

Note:

If an exposure compensation is set at the same time, the zero exposure, i.e.

the starting point of the bracketing series, corresponds to the compensated

exposure value in

, and exposure modes (see . p. 44/45).

3. Conﬁrm the setting by pressing the click wheel or the joystick inwards, up

or down.

• The setting for

Aperture Stops is highlighted as ready for editing.

4. Select the desired graduation by turning the click wheel or pressing the

joystick to the left or right.

• The intervals and triangles displayed change positions according to the

selected graduation.

Note:

• If the bracketing series exceeds the range of ±3EV - due to the combination

of number of pictures and graduation - the scale division changes from

±3EV to ±6EV. The intervals and triangles displayed adjust accordingly.

• Note that both settings have to be made and conrmed, otherwise the

function will not be active.

5. Conﬁrm the setting by pressing the click wheel or the joystick inwards, up

or down.

• The setting for

Automatic is highlighted as ready for editing.

6. Turn the click wheel or press the joystick to the left or right to select the

desired setting,

shutter once,

On for an automatic series of exposures after releasing the

Off for an individual shutter release for each picture.

7. Conﬁrm the setting by pressing the click wheel or pressing the joystick

inwards.

XEV /X

• In the initial menu list, a set bracketing series is indicated by

8. All pictures are produced by pressing the shutter release button once or

several times.

The viewﬁnder shows

• the corresponding warning symbol (2.8)

• the changing displays for shutter speed (2.2) and aperture (2.4) depending

on the graduations

The top panel display shows

• next to the exposure mode

the overexposed pictures,

- before the underexposed pictures(3.9)

and

+ before

0, before the uncorrected picture,

• the display for a bracketing series (3.14b)

The monitor shows (for picture data display, see p. 12)

• the corresponding symbol (4.1.27)

Example, ﬁrst "X" stands for the graduation, the second for the number of pic-

tures

Page 44

Notes:

• Depending on the exposure mode (see "Exposure control“ section on

p. 42) the exposure graduations are produced by changing the shutter

speeds and/or apertures.

• The sequence of the exposures is: over exposure, correct exposure, under-

exposure.

• When using bracketing, all

AUTO ISO settings are deﬁned (see p. 34):

- The sensitivity determined automatically by the camera for the uncorrect-

ed picture is also used for all other pictures in a series, i.e. the ISO value is

not changed during a series.

- The settings in the

AUTO ISO submenus are ineﬀective, i.e. the camera's

full shutter speed range is available.

The working range for the bracketing series can be restricted according to

the initial exposure setting.

• Regardless of this, the specied number of pictures is always taken, which

may mean that several pictures in a series have the same exposure at the

end of the working range.

• The function remains active until it is deactivated in the menu or the cam-

era is turned oﬀ.

VALUES ABOVE AND BELOW THE METERING RANGE

If the level of the ambient brightness is below the camera’s metering range,

accurate exposure metering is not possible. Any values that are then shown

in the viewﬁnder can lead to incorrect exposure results. For this reason, in

such cases, (2.2b) appears in the viewﬁnder.

Page 45

EXPOSURE CONTROL

SETTING THE SHUTTER SPEED AND APERTURE / SELECTING THE EXPOSURE MODE

On the Leica S, the settings for

- both the shutter speed and aperture values are made using a manual prese-

lection,

- or the values in the 3 automatic exposure modes

using only 2 controls, the shutter speed setting dial (1.11) and the click wheel

(1.18).

The relevant settings and the selected modes are displayed in the viewﬁnder

(1.16/2), in the top panel display (1.12/3) and in the monitor (1.23/4), in

the picture data display (4.1) and the

sponding explanations and information on p. 10 and 11).

INFO display (4.5) (see also the corre-

THE SHUTTER SPEED DIAL (1.11)

This dial is used to manually set the shutter speed in

and aperture setting) and

(shutter speed priority) modes.

(manual shutter speed

The following speed ranges are available depending on the shutter used:

- with the camera's focal plane shutter – main switch (1.15) set to

p. 25) - from 6s to

4000

FPS (see

- with the integral central shutter on some Leica S lenses – main switch (1.10)

CS (see p. 25) – from 6s to

set to

s. However, if slower shutter speeds

1000

For automatic and continuous control of the shutter speed by the camera - in

(Automatic program) and (Aperture priority) modes – the Auto position

must be set.

Long-time exposures up to a maximum of 125s are made using the

tion.

When using non system-compatible ﬂash units and the camera´s internal

focal plane shutter, the setting for the fastest ﬂash sync speed (

recommended.

than 8s (using menu, see p. 46) or faster shutter speeds are set, the camera

automatically switches to the focal plane shutter.

- In both cases, half steps can also be set.

CLICK WHEEL (1.18)

Turning the click wheel manually adjusts the aperture in

Half steps are also available.

Note:

The slowest shutter speed that can be set manually (in

and ) is 6s. On the

Pressing the click wheel switches between manual aperture setting and

automatic control by the camera - in

and modes.

setting dial, this corresponds to the position between the last engraved shut-

ter speed of 4s and

(for the ﬂash sync speed).

The table illustrates the functional relationships of the two controls.

Shutter speed dial Mode Click wheel setting

6s to

s Manual setting Changes the aperture value Switches to

4000

Turning Pressing

Shutter speed priority No function Switches to

B posi-

s = ) is

125

and modes.

Auto Aperture priority Changes the aperture value Switches to

Automatic program mode "Shifts" the preset Switch to

shutter speed and

aperture values (see p. 44).

Page 46

As an added safeguard against inadvertent adjustment of the mode, the

response time, i.e. the time for which the click wheel has to be pressed,

can be extended.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Click Wheel Exp. Mode (5.34)

1. In the

and

Short Push (≤1s) or Long Push (≥2s) in the submenu.

2. then

To completely safeguard against inadvertent adjustment of the mode,

shutter speed or aperture, you can deactivate the function of both con-

trols, i.e. turning and pressing does not change the settings at all in picture

mode.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Key Lock (5.33) and

1. In the

2. then the desired function in the submenu.

The top panel display shows the corresponding symbol

(3.14c)

Page 47

EXPOSURE MODES

The Leica S provides you with a choice of four exposure modes.

AUTOMATIC PROGRAM - P

Setting the mode

1. Set the shutter speed dial (1.11) to

2. Press the click wheel (1.18) to set automatic exposure control, i.e. in this

case automatic program mode.

The shutter speed and lens aperture are then calculated automatically based

on the available light and continuously between 125s and

when using the central shutter on some Leica S lenses, and between fully

open and minimum aperture for the relevant lens.

The viewﬁnder and top panel display show

• P (2.3.a/3.8) for the selected exposure mode, and

• the automatically controlled aperture (2.4/3.11) and shutter speed values

(2.2a/3.12).

Notes:

• If the automatic sensitivity setting (see p. 34) is activated at the same time,

even with a fully open aperture the shutter speed will only be extended

beyond

if the maximum set sensitivity is reached.

Focal length

• With very little light or extreme brightness, the available shutter speed/

aperture range may no longer be suﬃcient. In such extremely rare cases,

the viewﬁnder shows

(2.2b) for underexposure (which may also be a

warning message for a value below the metering range, see also "Working

below the metering range", see p. 41), or (2.2b) for overexposure. It is then

no longer possible to correctly meter the exposure.

Auto.

4000

s, or 1/

1000

Program shift

The program shift function on the Leica S enables you to change the shutter

speed/aperture combination set by the automatic program, while the overall

exposure, i.e. the brightness of the image, remains unchanged.

Setting the function

Turn the click wheel (1.18)

- to the right for larger apertures (lower values) or faster shutter speeds

- to the left for smaller apertures (higher values) or slower shutter speeds.

The viewﬁnder and top panel display show

• P (2.3.a/3.8) for the selected exposure mode,

S (3.10) in the top panel display to indicate use of the shift function, and

•

• the automatically controlled aperture (2.4/3.11) and shutter speed values

(2.2a/3.12), which change inversely.

Note:

Shift settings are retained

- after taking a picture

- beyond the exposure metering system's 12s retention time (see p. 36,

but not

- when you switch to a diﬀerent exposure mode (A, T, M)

- when you turn the camera oﬀ and back on (including

Auto power Off).

This means that in these cases when you use the automatic program mode

again the camera initially always sets the default shutter speed and aperture

setting.

APERTURE PRIORITY - A

Setting the mode

1. Set the shutter speed dial (1.11) to

Auto.

2. Press the click wheel (1.18) to set manual exposure control, i.e. in this

case aperture priority mode.

3. Turn the click wheel to set the desired aperture.

The shutter speed is then calculated automatically based on the available

light and continuously between 125s and

4000

s, or 1/

1000

when using the central shutter on some Leica S lenses.

The viewﬁnder and top panel display show

• A (aperture priority) for the selected exposure mode (2.3.b/3.8),

• the manually set aperture value (2.4/3.11) , and

• the automatically set shutter speed value (2.2a/3.12)

Notes:

• If automatic sensitivity setting is activated at the same time (see p. 34), the

control range for aperture priority is extended.

• With very little light or extreme brightness, the available shutter speed/

aperture range for the preselected aperture value may no longer be suf-

ﬁcient. In such extremely rare cases, the viewﬁnder shows

(2.2b) for

underexposure (which may also be a warning message for a value below

the metering range, see also "Working below the metering range", see p.

41), or (2.2b) for overexposure. It is then no longer possible to correctly

meter the exposure.

Page 48

SHUTTER SPEED PRIORITY - T

Setting the mode

1. Set the shutter speed dial (1.11) to the desired exposure time.

2. Press the click wheel (1.18) to set automatic exposure control, i.e. in this

case shutter speed priority mode.

The lens aperture is then controlled automatically based on the available

light and continuously between a fully open and minimum aperture for the

relevant lens.

The viewﬁnder and top panel display show

• T (shutter speed priority) for the selected exposure mode (2.3.c/3.8)

• the automatically controlled aperture value (2.4/3.11)

• the manually set shutter speed value (2.2a/3.12)

MANUAL APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED SETTING - M

Setting the mode

1. Set the shutter speed dial (1.11) to the desired value.

2. Press the click wheel (1.18) to set manual exposure control , i.e. in this

case manual mode.

3. Turn the click wheel (1.18) to set the desired aperture.

The viewﬁnder and top panel display show

• M for the selected exposure mode (2.3.d/3.8),

• the manually set aperture (2.4/3.11) and shutter speed values

(2.2a/3.12), and

• a light balance (2.6), which assists in adjusting the exposure.

Notes:

• If automatic sensitivity setting is activated at the same time (see p. 34), the

control range for shutter speed priority is extended.

By contrast, any maximum shutter speed set as part of the automatic sen-

sitivity setting is ineﬀective.

• With very little light or extreme brightness, the available aperture range of

the lens you are using may no longer be suﬃcient for the selected expo-

sure time. Set a diﬀerent shutter speed if possible. However, a correct

exposure is normally still achieved in such cases, by automatic setting of

the appropriate shutter speed, i.e. by "overriding" your manual selection.

(2.2b) may appear as a warning message to indicate that you are below

the metering range (see p. 41). It is then no longer possible to correctly

meter the exposure.

(=1/

• If the shutter speed dial is set to

s) the camera switches to M

125

(see next section). As soon as a diﬀerent shutter speed is set, it switches back to T.

The light balance shows the deviation of the set shutter speed/aperture

combination from the metered exposure value. The display clearly shows the

range ±3 EV in

/2 EV steps. Larger deviations are shown by ﬂashing of the

outer markings on the light balance.

To achieve the correct exposure according to the result of the exposure

metering, the aperture and/or shutter speed should be adjusted until the

zero marking lights up on the light balance.

Notes:

• If automatic sensitivity setting is activated at the same time (see p. 34), the

last manually set sensitivity is used.

• Any maximum shutter speed set as part of the automatic sensitivity setting

has no eﬀect.

Page 49

THE B SETTING

With the B setting, the shutter remains open

- either for as long as the shutter release button is held down,

- or for the time you have previously set

(in both cases for a maximum of 125s).

To determine the exposure time (times above 8s are available):

1. Press the click wheel (1.18),

• The monitor shows the setting menu and the times available for the set

sensitivity. A triangle and the red marking indicate the current setting.

2. Turn the click wheel or press the joystick to the left or right to select the

desired exposure time, or B if you do not want to determine a certain time.

3. Conﬁrm your setting by pressing the click wheel again or the joystick

inwards.

• The setting menu disappears.

If an exposure time is determined, the shutter release button does not have

to be held down.

The viewﬁnder shows

• instead of a shutter speed

(2.2c)

The top panel display shows

• B (3.13)

• the set time or

0, if none is determined, (3.12)

• after opening the shutter

- if no time was determined, the elapsed exposure time,

- if a time was determined, the remaining time, both in seconds

In conjunction with the self timer, an additional T function is also available:

If you set

B and activate the self-timer by pressing 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 it down. This enables you to largely prevent

any blurring caused by pressing the shutter release button, even with long

exposures. The exposure meter remains oﬀ in both cases.

Notes:

• The longest possible exposure time depends on the set sensitivity:

ISO100 -125s / ISO200 -60s / ISO400 -32s / ISO800 -16s / ISO1600

-8s

• The exposure time setting is retained until

- either B is selected again in the setting menu,

- or the camera is turned oﬀ.

• Long exposures can be associated with picture noise. To reduce this

annoying phenomenon, after pictures taken with long exposure times

the Leica S automatically takes a second "black picture" (with the shutter

closed). The noise present in this parallel picture is then digitally "subtract-

ed" from the data set for the actual picture.

• This doubling of the “exposure” time can be signicant in particular with

extended exposure times, and must be allowed for. During this time the

camera should not be switched oﬀ.

• For long-time exposures, attaching the eyepiece cover (G) is recommend-

ed. This prevents unwanted additional exposure.

• For shutter speeds of >

/2s, the noise reduction messages appears in the

monitor.

• Long-time exposures with the

B setting are produced exclusively using the

camera's internal focal plane shutter, even if the main switch (1.15) is set

CS (see p. 25).

TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS WITH THE SELF-TIMER

You can use the Leica S's self-timer function to take pictures with a delay of

either 2 or 12s.

Setting / using the function

1. In the

CAMERA menu (see p. 10/26), select Drive Mode (5.1), and

2. then the required delay time in the associated submenu.

3. To start the process, press the shutter release button all the way down

(see also "Shutter release button", p. 36).

Note:

During the countdown, you can restart the delay time, i.e. extend it, by press-

ing the shutter release button again.

Process

With 2s delay time:

Exposure metering is carried out ﬁrst, in autofocus mode the focus is set and

the mirror ﬂips up. The delay time then begins.

With 12s delay time:

The delay time begins immediately after the shutter release button is pressed

and the mirror ﬂips up 2s before the picture is taken.

Displays

The elapsed delay time is indicated:

- on the monitor (1.23) by the display

Releasing in 12s and a countdown of

the remaining time until the picture is taken.

- by the LED on the front of the camera (1.2) – for the ﬁrst 10s with a 12s

delay time - ﬂashing slowly at ﬁrst, then rapidly.

Page 50

Canceling the function

A self-timer delay time in progress can be canceled

- by turning oﬀ the camera, i.e. by turning the main switch (1.15) to the

OFF

position,

- during the ﬁrst 10s of a 12s self-timer delay time by pressing the button

(1.22) - in this case labeled

ABORT.

If you no longer want to use the self-timer, it must be deactivated in the

menu. The function is also deactivated by turning oﬀ the camera.

Note:

If the self-timer function is set and mirror pre-release is activated at the same

time (see next section), the shutter is released after the selected delay time,

i.e. without the need to press the shutter release button again.

MIRROR PRE-RELEASE

To eliminate the remaining minimal eﬀects of mirror movement and closing

of the lens aperture, the Leica S includes the option of using mirror pre-re-

lease.

Process

The ﬁrst time the shutter release button is pressed, exposure metering and -

in autofocus mode - focusing are ﬁrst carried out, then the mirror ﬂips up and

the aperture closes to the appropriate value.

The shutter is not released and thus the actual picture is not taken until the

shutter release button is pressed again.

After the exposure, the mirror moves back down into place and the aperture

opens again in the normal way.

Canceling the function

The mirror pre-release process can be canceled without taking a picture

after pressing the shutter release button for the ﬁrst time.

This is done by turning oﬀ the camera at the main switch, i.e. turning the

main switch (1.15) to the

OFF position - the mirror then ﬂips back down

again.

If mirror pre-release is set, the function remains active even after turning the

camera oﬀ and back on, i.e. if you want to take the next picture without mir-

ror pre-release, the function must be set to

Off in the menu.

DEPTH OF FIELD PREVIEW BUTTON AND DEPTH OF FIELD

On the Leica S, you can close the open lens aperture for every exposure

mode to the set or automatically determined aperture value. This is done

using the depth of ﬁeld preview button (1.4).

The correct values remain displayed in the monitor and the top panel display.

However, the exposure meter is turned oﬀ.

Prerequisites for stopping down:

1. The exposure meter has been turned on with the shutter release button

(see p. 36), and

2. the shutter release button is not (no longer) being pressed.

The shutter release button is locked when the depth of ﬁeld preview button

is pressed.

Setting / using the function

CAMERA menu (see p. 16/26), select Mirror Up Mode (5.8), and

1. In the

On or Off in the submenu.

2. then

3. Press the shutter release button all the way down, i.e. to the third pressure

point (see also "Shutter release button", p. 36) to ﬂip up the mirror.

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

Notes:

• The picture must be taken within 2 min of pressing the shutter release

button for the ﬁrst time. If not, the mirror ﬂips back down automatically to

preserve the battery capacity (without the shutter being released).

• While the mirror is ipped up, the 2 min delay time can be restarted at any

time by tapping the shutter release button.

• If the self-timer function is set and mirror pre-release is activated at the

same time (see previous section), the shutter is released after the selected

delay time, i.e. without the need to press the shutter release button again.

Page 51

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

HORIZON

Thanks to its integrated sensors, the Leica S can display its alignment both

in the viewﬁnder and on the monitor. While the corresponding display always

appears in the viewﬁnder (2.1, see p. 10), the monitor display is called up as

required.

This monitor display enables you to align the camera precisely in the lon-

gitudinal and transverse axis to capture critical subjects, e.g. architecture

pictures from a tripod.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Horizon (5.30), and

1. In the

2. then the desired function in the submenu.

• A vertical scale and a horizontal bar appear in the monitor. Variations

from the relevant zero positions are indicated graphically

– by red markings – and the horizontal alignment in the longitudinal and

transverse axis by a central green marking. The corresponding ﬁgures

are also indicated.

Notes:

• The display accuracy is ≤1°.

• The monitor screen remains visible until it is deactivated by pressing the

shutter release button or by pressing button (1.21), in this case labeled

BACK.

USER / APPLICATION SPECIFIC PROFILES

On the Leica S, any combination of menu settings can be permanently

stored, e.g. so that they can be retrieved quickly and easily at any time for

recurring situations / subjects. A total of four memory slots are available for

these combinations, as well as a factory default setting that can be retrieved

at any time and cannot be changed. You can change the names of the saved

proﬁles.

Proﬁles set on the camera can be transferred onto one of the memory cards,

for example for use in other camera units, while proﬁles stored on a card can

be transferred onto the camera.

Saving settings / Creating a proﬁle

1. Set the desired functions in the menu.

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select User Profile (5.35),

2. In the

3. select

SAVE as Profile in the submenu, and

4. then the associated sub-menu the desired memory slot.

Selecting a proﬁle

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select User Profile (5.35).

1. In the

• If any user proles are saved, the prole names appear in gray, with

unused memory slots in green.

2. Select the desired proﬁle in the submenu, either one of the saved proﬁles

Default Profile.

Note:

If you change one of the settings for the proﬁle currently in use --- appears

instead of the name of the proﬁle you were previously using in the initial menu

list.

Page 52

Renaming proﬁles

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select User Profile (5.35),

1. In the

Administrate Profiles in the submenu, and

2. select

Rename Profiles in the associated submenu.

3. then

• The prole number and name appear, with the number marked as ready

for editing.

4. Select the proﬁle to be renamed by turning the click wheel (1.18) or press-

ing the joystick (1.17) up or down.

5. Conﬁrm your setting by pressing the click wheel or pressing the joystick

inwards or right.

• The next character is marked as ready for setting.

6. The numbers and letters in the name are changed by turning the click

wheel or by pressing the joystick up or down and other characters are

selected by pressing the click wheel or by pressing the joystick inwards.

The available characters are upper case letters from

0 to 9 and a space _; you can scroll through them in this order in an end-

A to Z, numbers from

less loop.

7. Conﬁrm your setting by pressing the click wheel or by pressing the joystick

inwards.

Transferring proﬁles from / to a card

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select User Profile (5.35),

1. In the

2. select

3. then

Administrate Profiles in the submenu, and

Import Profiles from Card or Export Profiles to Card in the sub-

menu.

• The corresponding query appears in the monitor.

4. Conﬁrm that you really want to import or export the proﬁle(s) using the

click wheel (1.18) or the joystick (1.17).

Note:

When exporting, all proﬁle slots are transferred to the card, i.e. including any

empty proﬁles. As a result, when importing proﬁles any existing proﬁles in

the camera will be overwritten, i.e. deleted.

Resetting all custom settings

This function allows you to reset all custom settings previously made in the

menu at once and restore the factory default settings.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Reset (5.36), and

4. In the

5. then select

No or Yes in the submenu.

Note:

This reset also aﬀects any individual proﬁles deﬁned and saved using

As Profile

(see previous section).

Save

FOLDER MANAGEMENT

The image data on the memory cards is stored in folders, which are created

automatically. The folder names always consist of eight characters - three

ﬁgures and ﬁve letters. In the factory default setting, the ﬁrst folder is named

100LEICA, the second 101LEICA, etc. The next available number is always

used as the folder number, and a maximum of 999 folders are possible. If

the number capacity has been used up, a corresponding warning message

appears in the monitor.

The individual pictures are given continuous numbers up to 9999 unless

a the memory card in use already contains a picture with a higher number

than the last number assigned by the camera. In such cases, the numbering

used on the card is continued. If the current folder contains picture number

9999, a new folder is created automatically and the numbering begins again

at 0001. If the folder number 999 and picture number 9999 are reached, a

corresponding warning message appears in the monitor and the numbering

must be reset (see below).

On the Leica S you can also create new folders at any time, give them names

of your choice and change the ﬁle names.

Creating new folders / Setting names / Resetting picture numbers

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Image Numbering (5.19), and

1. In the

New Folder in the submenu.

2. then

• The folder name appears (initially always

XXXLEICA). The ﬁrst of the ﬁve

characters that can be set is marked as ready for editing.

Characters 4-8 can be changed.

Note:

If you are using memory cards that were not formatted with this camera (see

next section), the camera automatically creates a new folder.

The "X" characters are used as placeholders.

Page 53

3. The numbers and letters are changed by turning the click wheel (1.18) or

pressing the joystick (1.17) up or down, and other characters are selected

by pressing the click wheel or pressing the joystick inwards, left or right.

The available characters are upper case letters from

0 to 9 and a space _ ; you can scroll through them in this order in an end-

A to Z, numbers from

less loop.

4. Conﬁrm your settings by pressing button (1.18), in this case labeled

OK or

by pressing the click wheel or moving the joystick inwards after setting the

last character.

• A further submenu appears containing the query

ing?

5. Select

Yes or No.

Reset image number-

• Once you have conrmed your selection by pressing the click wheel

or the joystick forwards, the setting menu described under 2. appears

again.

Note:

You can also reset the picture numbers without creating a new folder ﬁrst.

To do this, select

Reset in the picture numbering submenu and proceed as

described in 4. and 5. above.

Changing ﬁle names

1. In the SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Image Numbering (5.19), and

2. then

Change filename in the associated submenu.

• The le name appears. The rst character (initially always

LXXXXXX1) is

marked as ready for editing.

Characters 1-4 can be changed.

3. The numbers and letters are changed by turning the click wheel (1.18) or

pressing the joystick (1.17) up or down, and other characters are selected

by pressing the click wheel or pressing the joystick inwards, left or right.

The available characters are upper case letters from

0 to 9 and a space _; you can scroll through them in this order in an endless

A to Z, numbers from

loop.

4. Conﬁrm your settings by pressing the click wheel or by pressing the joy-

stick inwards.

• The initial menu list appears.

FORMATTING THE MEMORY CARD(S)

It is not normally necessary to format (initialize) a memory card that has

already been used. However, when an unformatted card or a card formatted

in another device (e.g. a computer) is used for the ﬁrst time, it must be for-

matted.

Important:

When formatting, all existing data on the card is not necessarily irretrievably

lost.

It may be possible to access some of the data again using appropriate soft-

ware. Only the data that is then overwritten by saving new data is actually

permanently deleted.

Notes:

• Do not turn the camera o while memory cards are being formatted.

• If the memory card has been formatted in another device, such as a com-

puter, you should reformat it in the Leica S.

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

Leica Information Service (address, see p. 74) for advice.

• Even protected pictures (see previous section) are deleted when format-

ting the memory card.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Format (5.20), and

1. In the

2. then which of the two cards you want to format, or both, in the submenu.

• To prevent unintentional settings, a corresponding query appears in the

monitor.

3. Press the click wheel (1.18) or the joystick forwards (1.17) to conﬁrm that

you really want to format the memory card(s).

Page 54

RECORDING THE LOCATION WITH GPS

The Global Position System enables the current position of the receiver to

be determined worldwide. When this function is activated, the Leica S contin-

uously receives the corresponding signals and updates the position data.

The camera writes this information - latitude and longitude, height above sea

level - to the "EXIF" data.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select GPS (5.37), and

3. In the

On or Off.

4. then

• The "satellite" symbol ((4.1.17), only visible in the picture data display

(4.1)) in the monitor indicates the current status:

Position last determined maximum of 1min ago

Position last determined maximum of 24hrs ago

Position last determined at least 24hrs ago,

or no position data available

Notes on the function:

• The prerequisite for GPS positioning is to have as clear a view as possible

of at least three GPS satellites (out of the total of 24, up to 9 are available

from every location on earth). We therefore recommend holding the cam-

era with the GPS antenna pointing vertically upwards (1.3).

• Make sure that the GPS antenna is not covered with your hand or any other

item, particularly metal objects.

• It may not be possible to receive good signals from GPS satellites at the

following locations or in the following situations. In such cases, either no

positioning at all or only inaccurate positioning is possible.

- Closed rooms

- Underground

- Under trees

- In a moving vehicle

- Close to tall buildings or in steep valleys

- Close to high voltage cables

- In tunnels

- Close to mobile telephones

- With accessories attached in the ﬂash shoe, e.g. a ﬂash unit

Information for safe use

The electromagnetic radiation generated by the GPS system can inﬂuence

instruments and measuring equipment. Therefore, make sure the GPS func-

tion is deactivated on board an aircraft before takeoﬀ or landing, in hospitals

or in other locations where there are restrictions on wireless transmissions.

Important (legal restrictions on use):

• In certain countries or regions, the use of GPS and associated technolo-

gies may be restricted. Therefore, before traveling in other countries you

should consult the relevant country's embassy or your travel agent.

• The use of GPS inside the People's Republic of China and Cuba and close

to their borders (exceptions: Hong Kong and Macao) is prohibited by the

law of those countries.

Contravention will lead to prosecution by the national authorities. The GPS

function is therefore deactivated automatically in these areas.

Page 55

FLASH OPERATION

GENERAL INFORMATION ON FLASH EXPOSURE METERING AND CONTROL

The Leica S determines the required ﬂash power by ﬁring one or more ranging

ﬂashes in quick succession, fractions of a second before taking the actual

picture. Immediately after this, at the start of exposure, the main ﬂash is ﬁred.

All factors that inﬂuence the exposure (such as ﬁlters, aperture setting, dis-

tance to the main subject, reﬂective surfaces, etc.) are automatically taken

into account.

COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS

Connection using the ﬂash shoe (1.14)

- All ﬂash units and studio ﬂash systems that comply with the currently valid

ISO standard 10330 and the older DIN 19014

tact)

Connection using the lower LEMO

socket (1.34)

- All ﬂash units and studio ﬂash systems that allow control using correspond-

ing special cables

Connection using the ﬂash connecting socket (1.31)

- Studio ﬂash systems and other ﬂash units with ﬂash cable and standard

ﬂash connector

The following ﬂash units, when used on the Leica S, are capable of all the

functions described in this manual:

(positive polarity at X con-

• The Leica SF 58 system ash unit (see p. 65). With a maximum guide num-

ber of 58 (for ISO 100 and 105mm setting), an automatically controlled

zoom reﬂector, an optional second reﬂector and many other functions, it is

both powerful and versatile. Thanks to its permanently attached ﬂash foot

with additional control and signal contacts, which are used to automatically

transfer a range of data and settings, it is very easy to use.

• Flash units that meet the technical requirements for System Camera Adap-

2, 3

tion (SCA) System 3002, are equipped with an SCA-3502-M5

adapter,

allow guide number control and are HSS compatible (see p. 54).

However, other commercially available ﬂash units with a standard ﬂash

4, 5

and positive center contact, and ﬁred by the center contact (X con-

foot

tact, 1.14a) can also be used (without TTL ﬂash control). We recommend

the use of modern thyristor-controlled electronic ﬂash units.

FLASH SYNC SPEED

With conventional ﬂash technology, i.e. when setting the shutter speed dial

(see p. 8) with the camera's focal plane shutter, the ﬂash sync speed

on the Leica S is

24/65) is used, all shutter speeds up to

s. If the central shutter in compatible lenses (see p.

125

s are available.

1000

With system compatible HSS (see p. 54) ﬂash units, all faster shutter

speeds can also be used.

Studio ﬂash systems in particular often have luminosity times that are

considerably longer than the speciﬁed sync speeds. In order to take full

advantage of the light quantity provided by these ﬂash units, slower shutter

speeds are recommended.

Notes:

• At all shutter speeds up to the sync speed

lights up to indicate that normal ﬂash operation is possible at these

s in the viewﬁnder (2.5b)

125

speeds.

• If the shutter speed dial is set to

mean that the preset exposure modes may be changed, i.e. from

, the deﬁned shutter speeds then

, or from to (see p. 42). As soon as a shutter speed is speciﬁed

again, the original modes are reset.

• If you are using the Leica SF 58 (see p. 65) and faster shutter speeds

are set on the camera, i.e. ≤

s with central shutter, the ﬂash unit automatically switches to HSS

1500

s with focal plane shutter, and ≤

180

mode (see p. 54).

If, for example, you want to connect a studio ﬂash system to the Leica S that does not

comply with the ISO standard, contact Leica Camera AG's Customer Care department

(for address see p. 74) or the customer service department of a Leica agent.

When using the SCA-3502 adapter (version 5 onwards) the white balance (see p. 33)

can be set to Automatic for correct color reproduction.

The use of ﬂash systems from other camera manufacturers and SCA adapters for

other camera systems is not recommended as their diﬀering contact positions and

assignments can result in malfunctions or even damage to the camera.

If ﬂash units not specially designed for the Leica S are used, the white balance on the

camera should be manually set to if required.

The set aperture and the sensitivity may need to be entered manually on the ﬂash unit.

Page 56

SELECTING THE SYNC SPEED / THE SYNC SPEED RANGE

The Leica S allows you to combine ﬂash operation with the shutter speed

used in the automatic program and aperture priority exposure modes to

subtly adjust the lighting conditions for the relevant subject or to suit your

picture composition ideas. You can choose between one automatic and

several manual settings.

Setting the function

CAMERA menu (see p. 16/26), select Auto Slow Synch.. (5.6), and

5. In the

6. then the automatic lens-speciﬁc setting -

determine a particular shutter speed yourself -

1/f - or whether you want to

Manual Setting - in the

submenu.

Manual Setting submenu, set the range of shutter speeds permit-

7. In the

ted by determining the fastest speed permitted.

Notes:

1/f results in the slowest possible shutter speeds based on the rule of

•

thumb for blur-free pictures taken from the hand, e.g. Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 ASPH. However, in the

is limited to

• The setting eld in the

"default setting" of

s even if the focal length used is longer.

125

Manual Setting submenu initially contains the

1/f.

/60 s with the

Manual Setting menu it

SELECTING THE FIRING MOMENT

The Leica S allows you to choose between a ﬂash ﬁring moment at the

beginning or the end of the exposure.

The function is available with all ﬂash units, including non-system compati-

ble units, regardless of whether they are mounted in the ﬂash shoe or con-

nected by a cable, and with all camera and ﬂash unit settings. The displays

are identical in both cases.

Setting the function

1. In the

CAMERA menu (see p. 16/26), select Flash Synch Mode (5.7), and

2. then the desired option, in the associated submenu.

ATTACHING THE FLASH UNIT

When attaching a ﬂash unit to the Leica S ﬂash shoe (1.14), you should

ensure that the foot of the ﬂash unit is fully inserted and the clamping nut (if

available) is tightened to prevent it accidentally falling out. This is particularly

important for ﬂash units with additional control and signal contacts, because

if the position in the ﬂash shoe changes the necessary contacts can be inter-

rupted, leading to malfunctions.

Note:

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

Page 57

SETTINGS FOR CAMERA-CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC FLASH MODE

Once the ﬂash unit you are using has been turned on and set to the appropri-

ate mode for TTL operation, on the Leica S

1. the exposure metering must ﬁrst be performed by gently pressing the

shutter release button before taking each ﬂash picture, 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 required.

2. set the preferred exposure mode or the desired shutter speed and/or

aperture. The faster ﬂash sync speed must be taken into account as this

determines whether a "normal" ﬂash is ﬁred or an HSS ﬂash.

TTL FLASH MODE

Fully automatic, i.e. camera controlled, TTL ﬂash operation is available with

the Leica S when using system-compatible ﬂash units (see p. 52), and in all of

the camera's exposure modes.

Automatic illumination control is also provided. This means that in order to

ensure a balanced relationship between ﬂash and available light at all times,

the ﬂash power is reduced by up to 1

/3 EV as ambient brightness increases

(ﬁll-in ﬂash). However, if the available brightness requires a faster shutter

speed than the set sync speed (

s for the focal plane shutter, 1/

125

1000

s for

lenses with central shutter) or it is set manually, the camera will automatically

switch a system-compatible ﬂash unit to linear ﬂash mode (HSS, see next

section).

In addition, the Leica S transfers the set sensitivity and aperture to the ﬂash

unit. Provided it has the right displays, the ﬂash unit can then automatically

adjust its displayed range accordingly.

Notes:

• The settings and functions described in the following sections relate exclu-

sively to ﬂash units that are system compatible to the Leica S.

• An exposure compensation set on the camera (see p. 39) 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 ash use, in particular for other ash units not specially

adapted to the Leica S and for diﬀerent ﬂash modes can be found in the

respective instructions.

HIGH SPEED SYNC MODE

Fully automatic, i.e. camera controlled ﬂash operation is available with the

Leica S when using system-compatible ﬂash units (see p. 52), with all shutter

speeds and in all of the camera's exposure modes. It is automatically activat-

ed by the camera if the selected or calculated shutter speed is faster than the

sync speed, i.e. ≤

s for the focal plane shutter. If the ﬂash unit is set cor-

180

rectly, this change does not require any further action by the photographer.

STROBE FLASH MODE WITH SYSTEM COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS

This ﬂash method, in which several ﬂashes are emitted in succession during

an exposure, is possible in all of the camera's exposure modes.

and modes, the camera automatically sets the necessary shutter

speed for the selected ﬂash number and frequency. If the required shutter

speed results in overexposure due to the available light, this is indicated by

the light balance (2.6b).

and modes, an excessively fast shutter speed is indicated by the shut-

ter speed display ﬂashing (2.2a/3.12) in the viewﬁnder and in the top panel

display.

In such cases, exposure compensation can be carried out by changing the

number of ﬂashes and/or the ﬂash frequency and/or the aperture and/or

the shutter speed (with

and ).

For a successful strobe photograph, for example when several phases of one

sequence of movement are recorded on one picture, the operating range of

the ﬂash unit, the number of ﬂashes, the distance and of course the aperture

are of crucial importance. You can ﬁnd information about this in the instruc-

tions for your ﬂash unit.

Note:

The HSS ﬂash mode results in shorter ranges.

Page 58

FLASH DISPLAYS IN THE VIEWFINDER WITH SYSTEM COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS

A ﬂash symbol (2.5a) appears in the viewﬁnder display on the Leica S as con-

ﬁrmation and to indicate diﬀerent operating statuses.

•

does not appear despite the ﬂash unit being turned on and ready:

In such cases, the Leica S will not ﬁre the ﬂash unit. (e.g. because the incorrect

mode is set on the ﬂash unit)

ﬂashes before taking the picture:

•

The ﬂash unit is not yet ready to operate.

•

lights up before taking the picture:

The ﬂash unit is ready to operate.

•

remains continuously lit after releasing the shutter:

The ﬂash unit is still ready.

• If a ash exposure compensation is set on the ash unit, ± (2.8) appears in

the viewﬁnder as an indication.

FLASH USING THE FLASH UNITS OWN AUTOMATC MODE

When using system-compatible ﬂash units in automatic exposure mode,

the quantity of light reﬂected by the subject is metered and evaluated by an

integrated sensor in the ﬂash unit rather than by the camera. The exposure

modes on the camera generally function in the same way as without ﬂash. In

or , if the ﬂash sync speed is not reached or, in or , if the set speed is

faster than the sync speed, the ﬂash is not ﬁred.

, and modes already produce a normally exposed photograph using

the ambient light, the ﬂash power should be reduced, i.e. a ﬂash exposure

compensation set, e.g. –1EV to –2EV. On system-compatible ﬂash units, the

aperture set on the lens is transmitted to the ﬂash unit and used as a basis

for its own automatic mode. Metering takes account of the sensitivity set on

the camera and any exposure compensation set for the ambient light (cam-

era) and the ﬂash (ﬂash unit).

MANUAL FLASH WITH CONSTANT FLASH POWER

If the ﬂash unit is used in manual ﬂash mode at full power or ﬁxed partial

power (if this can be set on the ﬂash unit), there is no control of the ﬂash light

quantity emitted. The exposure modes on the camera generally function in

the same way as without ﬂash.

or , if the ﬂash sync speed is not reached or, in or , if the set speed

is faster than the sync speed, the ﬂash is not ﬁred.

The lens aperture to be set is derived from the ﬂash power, the sensitivity and

the distance to the subject or vice versa, the partial ﬂash power to be set is

derived from the aperture, the sensitivity, the focal length and the distance to

the subject (see ﬂash unit instructions).

FLASH USING THE X-CONTACT

When you connect a non-system compatible ﬂash unit using the accessory

shoe, no information is transferred. Because the camera "cannot recognize"

the ﬂash unit, it behaves in the same way as if no ﬂash unit were connected.

The shutter speed should be manually set to match the ﬂash sync speed

125

s, or 1/

s with central shutter (see p. 25), or or to slower speeds;

1000

there is no automatic adjustment. The ﬂash ready and control displays are

inactive.

If the ﬂash unit is equipped accordingly, the light can be controlled using its

own automatic mode, (by means of its own sensor), or manually by selecting

the appropriate partial light power level (see ﬂash unit instructions).

FLASH USING THE FLASH/LOWER LEMO

The ﬂash connecting socket (1.31) or the lower LEMO

SOCKET

socket (1.34) can

be used to connect ﬂash units and large studio ﬂash systems using cables

with a standardized ﬂash connector or with a LEMO

connector. The LEMO®

connection has an automatic locking mechanism to reliably prevent the

connection from being inadvertently interrupted. A corresponding cable is

supplied (see p. 67)

Because the camera "cannot recognize" a ﬂash unit connected in this way, it

behaves in the same way as if no ﬂash unit were connected. The shutter

speed should be manually set to match the ﬂash sync speed

125

s, or 1/

1000

s with central shutter (see p. 21), or or to slower speeds; there is no auto-

matic adjustment. The ﬂash ready and control displays are inactive.

Page 59

REVIEW MODE

SELECTING PICTURE AND REVIEW MODES

When turned on, the Leica S is always in recording mode.

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

PLAY Review for an unlimited time

Auto Review. Automatic review after each picture

REVIEW FOR UNLIMITED TIME –

Setting the function

Select normal review mode by brieﬂ y pressing button (1.21), regardless of

whether this is done

- from recording mode, i.e. with the monitor turned oﬀ , or

- from the picture data display (4.1, see p. 12/26), or

Auto Review. mode.

- from

• The last picture taken appears in the monitor, along with the correspond-

ing displays (4.2.1 – 4.2.9) (see p. 13).

However, if there are no picture ﬁ les on the memory card(s) in use, when

you switch to review mode the following message appears:

display

PLAY

No image to

AUTOMATIC REVIEW OF LAST PICTURE

Auto Review. mode, each picture is displayed in the monitor (1.23)

immediately after it has been taken. You can determine how long the

picture is displayed for.

Setting the function

1. In the

3. then the required function or time in the next submenu: (

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26), select Auto Review (5.24),

Duration in the submenu, and

Off, 1 Second,

3 Second, 5 Second, Hold).

Notes:

Auto Review.-mode, you can switch to PLAY mode (see above) at

• From

any time.

• Even pictures that have not yet been transferred from the camera's buf-

fer memory onto a card - the LED (1.20) is still ﬂ ashing - can be viewed

immediately.

However, the pictures on the card cannot be accessed while data trans-

mission is still in progress.

• The Leica S stores pictures in line with the DCF standards (Design Rule

for Camera File System).

• The Leica S can only review pictures taken with Leica S cameras.

• If you save the picture data in JPEG and DNG format in parallel (see p.

32), the picture displayed is always based on the DNG ﬁ le.

• If you are taking photographs using the series exposure or bracketing

functions (see p. 36/40), the last picture in the series is shown ﬁ rst in

both review modes. For details of how to select the other pictures in the

series, see p. 58.

NORMAL REVIEW (4.1)

To ensure that the pictures can be viewed unobstructedly in the monitor,

normal review only shows

- the information in the header (4.2.1 -4.2.6), and

- a symbol in the top right (4.2.7) that indicates whether the click wheel is set

to scroll or zoom mode.

- If a detail is shown (see p. 58), a rectangle with an internal frame (4.2.8)

also appears, indicating approximately to the position and size of the detail

displayed.

In addition to normal review, 3 other options with diﬀ erent additional informa-

tion are available. All 4 can be selected in an endless loop.

Page 60

REVIEW WITH HISTOGRAM (4.2)

In normal review mode, press the joystick (1.17) inwards once (starting from

normal review) to also display the histogram (4.3.1).

• The histogram appears in the lower half of the picture.

REVIEW WITH CLIPPING INDICATORS (4.3)

In normal review mode, press the joystick (1.17) inwards twice (starting from

normal review) to display the areas that lack deﬁ nition.

• Excessively bright areas are indicated in red, excessively dark areas in

blue, ﬂ ashing in each case. The clipping symbol (4.4.1) also appears in the

bottom right.

INFO REVIEW (4.4)

In normal review, press the joystick (1.17) inwards three times (starting from

normal review mode) to display a whole range of additional picture data and

a reduced image.

Notes:

• The histogram is available both when reviewing the entire picture and

when showing a detail (see p. 58), but not when simultaneously reviewing

4 or 9 smaller pictures (see p. 59).

• The histogram always relates to the detail of the picture currently dis-

played (see p. 58).

The histogram

You can choose between two types of histogram: Either related to the total

brightness (

RGB).

(

Standard), or related to the 3 color channels red/green/blue

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26) select, Histogram (5.25), and

1. In the

Standard or RGB in the submenu.

2. then

Notes:

• The clipping displays are available both when reviewing the entire pic-

ture and when showing a detail (see p. 58), but not when simultaneously

reviewing 4 or 9 smaller pictures (see p. 59).

• The clipping displays always relate to the detail of the picture currently

displayed (see p. 58).

Clipping displays

You can use the menu to set the clipping thresholds for displaying both the

light and dark areas.

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26) select, Clipping-Setting (5.26), and

1. In the

2. set the lower and upper threshold in the submenu.

• The scale shows the clipping areas in relation to the total exposure

range.

Note:

With this review option, the entire picture is displayed, regardless of whether

a detail was previously selected.

Page 61

VIEWING OTHER PICTURES / "SCROLLING" IN THE MEMORY

1. Brieﬂ y pressing the click wheel (1.18, ≤1s) switches between scroll and

zoom mode.

• The symbol in the top right shows the current mode,

for scroll, and

for zoom.

is displayed, you can select other pictures by turning the click

2. If

wheel.

Turn to the left to select pictures with lower numbers, or to the right for

higher numbers. When you reach the highest and lowest numbers, the

series of pictures starts again in an endless loop, which means that can

reach all pictures in both directions.

• The picture and  le numbers in the monitor change accordingly.

IMAGE REVIEW ZOOM IN

You can

- gradually zoom in

- select the maximum possible zoom level.

Gradual zoom

1. Brieﬂ y pressing the click wheel (1.18, ≤1s) switches between scroll and

zoom mode.

is displayed, you can zoom in on the detail shown by turning the

2. If

click wheel to the right. The more you turn the ring, the greater the

enlargement and the smaller the detail. Four zoom levels are possible,

until 1 pixel in the monitor shows 1 pixel in the picture.

• The rectangle inside the frame (4.2.8) shows the size and position of

the current detail.

Maximum zoom in one step

Pressing and holding the click wheel (≥1s) switches between review of the

entire picture and maximum zoom.

Notes:

• This function is available in both scroll and zoom mode. It does not change

the mode previously selected, i.e. turning the click wheel either displays

the same detail of a diﬀ erent picture (with

), or a lower zoom level (with

• The function is available at every zoom level. If a detail was previously set,

the ﬁ rst press initially displays the entire picture.

Note:

This can be done with all 4 review options (see p. 56/57), for every

zoom level including oﬀ -center details (see below) and when viewing

several smaller pictures simultaneously (see next page).

Page 62

MOVING THE TRIMMING

SIMULTANEOUSLY VIEWING SEVERAL SMALLER PICTURES

SELECTING ONE OF THE SMALLER PICTURES

Press the joystick (1.17) in the desired direction - up, down, right, or left.

• The rectangle moves in the frame (4.2.8) in the direction you press.

If is displayed, turning the click wheel (1.18) to the left

- zooms out of pictures already enlarged,

or turning beyond review of the entire picture

- simultaneously displays 4 or 9 pictures for review.

• The green frame indicates

- a single picture when viewing 4 or 9 (the one previously shown at

full size),

- all 9 pictures if you continue turning to the left.

1. Press the click wheel (1.18) to activate the selection function.

• The frame color changes from green to red.

2. By

- turning the click wheel with a green frame, or

- pressing the joystick up, down, left, or right with a red or green frame,

you can select the other pictures.

• If the frame is around a single picture, it switches from one picture to the

next, line by line, in an endless loop; if it is around 9 pictures, it moves to

the next group of 9, one block at a time.

3. Pressing the click wheel again deactivates the selection function.

• The frame color changes back to green.

4. Turning the click wheel to the right again allows you to gradually zoom in

on the framed picture again (see p. 58) or, by pressing and holding the

click wheel (≥1s) you can return directly to normal review mode.

Page 63

SWITCHING TO THE OTHER MEMORY CARD

1. Turn the click wheel (1.18) to the left beyond review of 9 pictures.

• The selection menu appears in the monitor, with illustrations of the two

cards. The currently active card is indicated by a green frame.

2. Pressing the click wheel activates the selection function.

• The frame color changes from green to red.

PROTECTING PICTURES / CLEARING DELETE PROTECTION

Notes:

• If protection or canceling protection for single pictures is active, other pic-

tures can be called up by turning the click wheel (1.18).

• You can use the

BACK button (see above under 2.) to return to the normal

view.

• You can use button (1.23) to switch directly to the menu for canceling pro-

tection or to return from that menu.

Notes:

• This is only possible if an appropriate card is inserted.

• This change of card only applies to the review mode, i.e. it does not change

how the picture data is stored (see p. 35).

3. Turning the click wheel again allows you to switch from one card to the

other.

• The red frame switches between the cards accordingly.

4. Pressing the click wheel again deactivates the selection function, and acti-

vates the framed card.

• The frame color changes back to green.

Note:

This function is not available in

INFO review mode (4.5).

1. Press any of the four buttons (1.21, 1.22, 1.24, or 1.25).

• The functions valid in this situation appear in the picture - for 5 s - next to

the corresponding buttons - they are

2. Press the

Protect button.

Protect, Delete and MENU.

• The image  eld shows:

- the button functions valid in this situation -

ALL

, and All/Single (if the picture is already protected, Unprotect ALL

appears instead of

Protect? in the center and Single?/All? underlined in red for the func-

Protect ALL)

BACK, OK, Unprotect

tions activated

- if applicable, the symbol (4.2.9) for a protected picture. In such cases,

Unprotect? appears in the center instead of Protect?

3. Use button (1.25) to select whether you want to protect only the picture

shown or all pictures, or whether you want to cancel the existing protection

for only the picture shown or for all pictures.

• The relevant displays change: Between

All and Single next to the button

and vice versa in the center.

4. Press the

OK button to start the protection process or to cancel the protec-

tion.

• The symbol (4.5.7) for a protected picture appears in the monitor or

disappears.

Page 64

DELETING PICTURES

Note:

This function is not available in

INFO review mode (4.5).

Notes:

• If deletion of single pictures is active, other pictures can be called up by

turning the click wheel (1.18).

• You can use the

BACK button (see above under 2.) to return to the normal

view.

• You can use button (1.22) to switch directly to the menu for protecting

pictures (see p. 60).

To delete only one picture

4. Press the

OK button to start the delete process.

• The next picture that has not been deleted appears in the monitor.

If the picture deleted was the only one, the following message appears:

No image to display

To delete all pictures

4. Press the

• The following query appears in the monitor:

OK button.

Delete ALL pictures?

1. Press any of the four buttons (1.21, 1.22, 1.24, or 1.25).

• The functions valid in this situation appear in the picture - for 5 s - next to

the corresponding buttons - they are

2. Press the

Delete button.

Protect, Delete and MENU.

• The image  eld shows

- the button functions valid in this situation -

Single

BACK, Protect, OK and All/

- Delete? in the center and Single/All underlined in red for the activated

functions

- if applicable, the symbol (4.2.9) for a protected picture. In such cases,

OK does not appear.

3. Use button (1.25) to select whether you want to delete only the picture

shown or all pictures.

• The relevant displays change: Between

All and Single next to the button

and vice versa in the center.

Note:

You can use the

BACK button (see above under 2.) to return to the normal

view.

5. Conﬁ rm and press the

• The monitor shows the message:

OK button to start the delete process.

No image to display

Note:

Protected pictures are not deleted. After deleting, the last (highest number)

of the remaining pictures appears.

Page 65

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

TRANSFERRING DATA TO A COMPUTER

The Leica S is compatible with the following operating systems:

Microsoft

Apple® Macintosh®: Mac® OS X (10.5 or higher)

The Leica S 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 either have a USB port (for direct connec-

tion to the Leica S) or a card reader for CF or SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

: Windows® XP / Vista® / 7

CONNECTING AND TRANSFERRING DATA USING THE PTP PROTOCOL

If the Leica S is set to

PTP and is detected by the connected computer, pro-

ceed as follows:

Note:

When transferring data using the PTP standard, all pictures on the memory

card used are displayed on the computer, provided storage of the image data

Sequential or Parallel (see p. 35). By contrast, if External is set, no

is set to

data is transferred.

In Windows

Vista®/7

• After installation, a message appears above the taskbar to indicate that the

device driver software is being installed.

At the same time,

USB Connection appears on the camera display.

Successful installation is conﬁrmed by a further message window.

The "Autoplay" menu opens, with various device options.

4. You can use the Windows wizard to "Import Images" or "Open Device to

View Files" in the normal way to

5. access the card directory structure using Windows Explorer.

Note:

Connecting two or more devices to a computer or connecting using a USB

hub or extension cables can result in malfunctions.

Via USB connection

The Leica S allows data to be transferred via a USB cable using two diﬀerent

standards. It thus takes accounts of the fact that some programs for transfer-

ring picture data require a connection complying with the PTP protocol.

In addition, it is always possible to operate the camera as an external drive

("bulk storage").

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26) select, USB Mode (5.21), and

1. In the

PTP or Mass Storage in the submenu.

2. then

In Windows

XP® / Vista® / 7

3. Use the LEMO® USB cable supplied (D) to connect the LEMO® data output

socket (1.33) on the Leica S to a free USB port on the computer. To do this,

ﬁrst open the cover (1.26) over the socket to the front.

In Windows

• After connecting, a message appears on the desktop to conrm that the

Leica S has been detected as new hardware (1

4. Double-click on the message (not necessary after the 1

connection only).

connection).

• A pull-down menu entitled "S Digital Camera" opens for the data transfer

wizard.

5. Click on "OK" and follow the subsequent instructions in the wizard to copy

the pictures to a folder of your choice and access them in the normal way.

In Mac

1. Use the LEMO

OS X® (10.5 or higher)

USB cable supplied (D) to connect the LEMO® data output

socket (1.33) on the Leica S to a free USB port on the computer. First, the

cover (1.26) over the socket on the camera must be opened to the front.

• When a connection has been successfully established between the cam-

era and the computer, USB-Verbindung 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 "S Digital Camera" appears in the

program title bar.

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

Page 66

CONNECTING AND TRANSFERRING DATA WITH THE CAMERA AS AN EXTERNAL DRIVE (BULK STORAGE)

In Windows

If the Leica S is connected to the computer using the LEMO

operating systems:

USB cable

(supplied), it is detected as an external drive by the operating system and is

assigned a drive letter. Use Windows

Explorer to transfer/save the image

data to your computer.

operating systems:

In Mac

If the Leica S is connected to the computer using the LEMO

USB cable (sup-

plied), the memory card used appears as a storage medium on the desktop.

Use the Finder to transfer/save the image data to your computer.

Note:

As long as this function is active, all other camera functions are blocked.

Important:

• Only use the LEMO

USB cable (D) supplied.

• While data is being transferred from the Leica S to the computer, the con-

nection may not under any circumstances be broken by removing the USB

cable, as otherwise the computer and/or the Leica S may crash, and the

memory card may even be irreparably damaged.

• The Leica S should not be turned o or be allowed to automatically 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 is about to run out

during data transfer, stop the data transfer, turn oﬀ the Leica S (see p. 25)

and charge the battery (see p. 18). p. 18).

CONNECTING AND TRANSFERRING DATA USING CARD READERS

The image ﬁles can also be transferred to a computer using a standard card

reader for CF or SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. These devices, and fur-

ther information about them, is available from a computer accessory dealer.

DATA STRUCTURE ON THE MEMORY CARD

Up to 9999 pictures can be stored in the

100LEICA-, 101LEICA- etc. fold-

ers.

ADOBE

PHOTOSHOP® LIGHTROOM

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® is available as a free download when you

be found in the “Owners’ Login” area at:

https://owners.leicacamera.com.

LEICA IMAGE SHUTTLE

The exclusive LEICA Image Shuttle software enables you to remotely control

the camera from a computer and to directly store the image data on the com-

puter's hard drive for "tethered shooting". All of the key camera functions

can be controlled. This convenient solution provides ideal support in the

studio and on location.

Leica Image Shuttle is available as a free download when you register your

Leica S on the Leica Camera AG home page. Further details can be found in

the “Owners’ Login” area at: https://owners.leicacamera.com.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Microsoft

Windows® Vista® / 7®; Mac® OS X 10.6 or higher

On some Windows versions, it is possible that the operating system will issue

a warning about a missing Windows signature. Ignore this message and con-

tinue with the installation.

Page 67

INSTALLING FIRMWARE UPDATES

Leica is constantly working on developing and optimizing 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.

Leica provides ﬁrmware updates at irregular intervals for this purpose.

Information about any resulting changes or additions to the details in these

instructions can be found at: http://www.s.leica-camera.com/down-

loads-overview

You can check whether your camera is running the latest ﬁrmware version

by selecting the

Firmware (5.41) option in the menu (see also p. 17 and 26

to 29).

You can easily download new ﬁrmware from our home page and transfer it to

your camera:

1. Format a memory card in your Leica S.

2. Turn oﬀ the camera and insert the card into a card reader – either integrat-

ed or connected to your computer.

(A reader is required for ﬁrmware updates).

3. Download the ﬁrmware ﬁle from

"https://owners.leica-camera.com/login".

4. Save the ﬁle S-X_xxx.FW at the top level of the card folder structure. X_xxx

stands for the relevant version.

5. Remove the card properly from your card reader, insert the card into the

camera and close the cover. Hold down the joystick inwards forwards and

turn on the camera with the main switch (1.15).

The update process begins. This may take several minutes.

After a successful update, a corresponding message appears as conﬁrma-

tion.

Note:

If the battery does not have suﬃcient charge, you will see a corresponding

warning message.

HDMI SLIDE SHOW

With the Leica S you can view the saved pictures at any size and in excellent

quality via an HDMI cable connection using external playback equipment.

Setting the function

1. In the

SETUP menu (see S. 17/26), select HDMI (5.22),

Resolutuion in the submenu, and

3. then the required format or the automatic setting.

Note:

For optimum playback quality,

4. Select

5. Select

Slideshow in the ﬁrst submenu.

Select Images in the next submenu.

1080p should be selected.

• The image eld shows

- the button functions valid in this situation -

All/Single, Select ALL for the button functions valid in this situation

Select? in the center and - Single /ALL for the activated functions, and

BACK, – OK , Discard ALL and

- if applicable the symbol (4.6.7) for a picture already selected.

To select only one picture

6. Press the

OK button.

• The symbol (4.6.7) appears in the monitor.

To select all pictures

6. Use button (1.25) to select whether you want to delete only the picture

shown or all pictures.

• The relevant displays change: Between

All and Single next to the button

and vice versa in the center.

7. Conﬁrm with the

OK button.

• The LED (1.21) ashes during the processing time, and the symbol

(4.6.7) then appears in the monitor.

Note:

BACK button takes you back to step 4.

The

To undo a selection

6. Press the

OK button.

• The displays (4.6.5) and (4.6.3) change

7. The subsequent procedure is exactly the same as that described above for

selecting pictures.

• The symbol (4.6.7) disappears for the relevant pictures.

8. Select

9. select the required time or

10. Finally, select

Duration in the ﬁrst submenu, and

Manual if you want to change pictures yourself.

Start Show in the ﬁrst submenu to start the slide show.

• Field (4.6.3) shows

END, ﬁeld (4.6.2) BACK, ﬁeld (4.6.4) OK, and there is

a message indicating that the slide show is running.

11. Other pictures can be selected either

- using the

BACK- and OK buttons, or

- using the click wheel (1.18) in exactly the same way as for viewing on

the monitor.

Note:

Even if the pictures are set to change automatically after a speciﬁed time, you

can call up the previous/next picture manually at any time.

12. The slide show can be stopped at any time by pressing the

END button.

Notes:

Auto Power Off function is activated (see p. 30), a slide show in prog-

• If the

ress is stopped after the set time.

• During a slide show, you can take a new picture at any time by fully pressing

the shutter release button to the 3rd pressure point (see p. 36).

Page 68

MISCELLANEOUS

SYSTEM ACCESSORIES

INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES

The range of interchangeable lenses in the Leica S system includes focal

lengths from wide angle to the telephoto range, including a macro lens for

close-up pictures. Some models are available with an optional integral cen-

tral shutter - for ﬂash pictures with sync speeds of up to

lenses are extremely fast - with respect to the picture format, and all deliver

outstanding image performance.

LEICA S ADAPTERS

Leica S adapters allow lenses from other manufacturers to be used on Leica

S cameras. The three purely mechanical bayonet adapters do not transfer

any mechanical or electrical controls, signals or data between the body and

the lens.

There is also another Leica S adapter for using Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses

on Leica S cameras, which allow all the functions of these lenses to be used.

Leica S adapter V

(for lenses from the Hasselblad V system, order no. 16 024)

Leica S adapter M645

(for lenses from the Mamiya 645 system, order no. 16 025)

Leica S adapter P67

(for lenses from the Pentax 67 system, order no. 16 026)

Leica S adapter H

(for lenses from the Hasselblad H system, order no. 16 030)

1000

s. All Leica S

INTERCHANGEABLE FOCUSING SCREENS

There are three focusing screens for the Leica S:

• Uniform ground glass screen

(standard, included with camera, order no. 16 000)

• Uniform ground glass screen with grid division

(order no. 16 002).

• Ground glass screen with micro-prism ring and split-image wedge

(order no. 16 001)

The focusing screens are supplied separately in a container with tweezers and

a dust brush.

LEICA SF 58

With a maximum guide number of 58 (for ISO 100 and 105mm setting), an

automatically controlled zoom reﬂector, an optional second reﬂector and

many other functions, the Leica SF 58 system ﬂash unit is both powerful and

versatile. Thanks to its additional control and signal contacts, which are used

to automatically transfer a range of data and settings, it is very easy to use.

(Order no. 14 488)

The additional diﬀuser screen available allows you to achieve soft illumi-

nation, which covers the angle of view of an 18mm lens due to the greater

dispersion of the light.

(Order no. 14 489)

MULTI-FUNCTION HAND GRIP S

Thanks to its shape and conveniently positioned controls, the multi-function

hand grip makes it much easier to take portrait format pictures. It also allows

an additional battery to be used to extend the capacity. It is quick and easy to

attach using a tripod screw.

(Order no. 16 028)

GRIP STRAP S

The grip strap S is attached to the Multi-Function Hand Grip S and makes it

much easier to carry and hold the camera/hand grip combination. (Order no.

16 004)

PROFESSIONAL CHARGER S

The S Pro charger allows you to signiﬁcantly increase or safeguard the avail-

ability of your Leica S system. It can charge two batteries simulta neously.

(Order no. 16 011)

AC-ADAPTER S

If the Leica S is used in a ﬁxed location and/or for a very large number of pic-

tures over a longer period, particularly if it is or cannot be monitored during

this time, it may be useful to ensure a continuous power supply to the camera

by using the mains adapter S.

(Order no. 16 022)

REMOTE RELEASE CABLE S

The electric remote release cable S is ideal if you require the maximum possi-

ble freedom from blurring.

(Order no. 16 029)

HDMI CABLE

The HDMI cable allows exceptionally fast transfer of picture data to playback

equipment with corresponding HDMI sockets. Length = 1.5m (Order no. 14

491 / 14 492 [Jp/Tw])

REPLACEMENT PARTS Order no.

Camera bayonet cap ........................................................................16 021

Carrying strap ................................................................................. 16 006

Standard focusing screen ................................................................16 000

Viewﬁnder cover ..............................................................................16 015

Lithium ion battery...........................................................................14 429

Battery charger S (with integrated US mains connector and

EU, UK and AUS power plugs and car charging cable) ........................16 009

sync cable ..........................................................................16 031

LEMO

USB cable ...........................................................................16 014

LEMO

Page 69

PRECAUTIONS AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Do not use your Leica S in the immediate vicinity of devices with powerful

magnetic, electrostatic or electromagnetic ﬁelds (e.g. induction ovens,

microwave ovens, television sets or computer monitors, video game con-

soles, cell phones, radio equipment).

• If you place the Leica S 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 elds, e.g. from speakers or large electric motors, can

damage the stored pictures.

• If the Leica S is not working correctly due to the inuence of electromag-

netic ﬁelds, turn it oﬀ, remove the battery, then replace the battery and

turn it back on.

Do not use the Leica S in the immediate vicinity of radio transmitters or

high voltage cables.

• Their electromagnetic elds can also interfere with picture recordings.

Protect the Leica S from contact with insect sprays and other aggressive

chemicals. Petroleum, thinner and alcohol should not be used for cleaning.

• Certain chemicals and liquids can damage the Leica S body or the surface

ﬁnish.

• As rubber and plastics sometimes emit aggressive chemicals, they should

not remain in contact with the Leica S for long periods.

• The Leica S has a range of design features to provide a certain amount of

protection against moisture and dust. Nevertheless, you should ensure

that neither water nor sand and dust can get into the camera body, e.g.

when it is snowing or raining and on the beach.

• Sand and dust can damage the camera and memory cards. Pay particular

attention when changing lenses and when inserting and removing the

memory cards.

If any moisture does get in, this can cause malfunctions and even irrepara-

ble damage to the Leica S and the memory cards.

If salt water spray gets onto the Leica S, moisten a soft cloth with tap water,

wring it out thoroughly and wipe the camera with it. Then wipe down thor-

oughly with a dry cloth.

MONITOR AND TOP PANEL DISPLAY

• If the Leica S is exposed to signicant temperature uctuations, condensa-

tion can form on the displays. Wipe them carefully with a soft dry cloth.

• If the Leica S is very cold when it is turned on, the displays may at rst

appear darker than usual. As soon as they warm up, they achieve their nor-

mal brightness.

• The monitor is manufactured using a high precision method. This en sures

that, of the total of around 921,600 pixels, more than 99.995% work cor-

rectly and only 0.005% remain dark or are always light. However, this is not

a malfunction and it does not impair 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 S, 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 disap-

pear by itself.

Page 70

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 S with a soft, dry cloth. Stubborn dirt should rst of all

be covered with a well-thinned cleaning agent and then wiped oﬀ with a dry

cloth.

• To remove stains and ngerprints, 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 and mirror surface, for instance with the shaft of the

brush.

• All mechanically operated bearings and sliding surfaces on your Leica S 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.

FOR LENSES

• Dust on the outer lenses should be removed with a soft hair brush or care-

fully using a clean, dry, soft microﬁber cloth. To remove marks or ﬁnger-

prints, wipe the lens carefully with such a cloth starting in the middle and

working towards the edge in a circular motion. The Leica Aquadura

coat-

ing makes it easy to clean. Do not exert excessive pressure, to maintain

this property for as long as possible. Never use acetone for cleaning.

• 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 reﬂec-

tions in certain backlight situations and with high contrasts. The generally

recommended lens hood also protects the lens from unintentional ﬁnger-

prints 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 S for a long peri-

od of time. Otherwise, after several weeks the battery could become totally

discharged, i.e. the voltage is signiﬁcantly reduced, as the Leica S uses a

low no-load current (to save the date and time) even when it is turned oﬀ.

• Lithium ion batteries should only be stored in a partially charged condition,

i.e. not completely discharged or fully charged (indicated in the top panel

display (1.12)), If stored for very long 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 jew-

elry. 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 S.

• Batteries have only a limited service life.

• Take damaged batteries to a collection point to ensure correct recycling.

• Never throw batteries into a re as this can cause them to explode.

FOR THE CHARGER

• If the charger is used in the vicinity of radio receivers, 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 nor-

mal 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.

FOR MEMORY CARDS

• While a picture is being stored or the memory card is being read, it should

not be removed, nor should the Leica S be turned oﬀ or exposed to vibra-

tions.

• For safety, memory cards should only ever be stored in the supplied

antistatic container.

• Do not store memory cards where they will be exposed to high tempera-

tures, direct sunlight, magnetic ﬁelds or static discharge.

• Do not drop or bend memory cards as this can damage them and result in

loss of the stored data.

• Always remove the memory cards if you will not be using the Leica S for a

long period of time.

• Do not touch the terminals on the memory card and keep them free of dirt,

dust and moisture.

• It is recommended that memory cards be reformatted from time to time, as

fragmentation occurs when deleting, which can block some of the memory

capacity.

Page 71

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 S can be sent to Leica Camera AG’s Customer Care department

for the sensor to be cleaned at a cost (address: see p. 74) – this cleaning is

not included in the warranty.

You can also perform the cleaning yourself, using the

tion in the menu. This allows access to the sensor by keeping the shutter

open.

Notes:

• Generally: To protect the Leica S against ingress of dust etc. into the inte-

rior of the camera, it is important always to have a lens or a cover attached

to the camera body.

• For the same reason, change lenses quickly and in an environment that is

as dust-free as possible.

• As plastic parts can easily pick up a static charge and then attract more

dust, individual lens caps and covers should only be stored for short peri-

ods in pockets in clothing.

Sensor Cleaning func-

Setting the function

SETUP menu (see p. 17/26) select Sensor Cleaning (5.23).

1. In the

• The relevant submenu appears.

2. Conﬁrm the function in the submenu, if there is suﬃcient battery capacity,

i.e. at a minimum of 60%.

• The message

Please switch off camera after inspection. appears.

Note:

However, if the battery capacity is lower, the warning message

- Battery too low for sensor cleaning

function is not available, i.e.

Yes cannot be selected

appears instead to indicate that the

Attention

3. Press the shutter release button (1.1). The shutter opens and remains

open.

4. Perform the cleaning. Make sure you follow the instructions under

"Notes".

5. After cleaning, the shutter is closed by turning oﬀ the camera.

• The message

Attention - Please stop sensor cleaning immediately

appears.

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 o 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.

• If the particles cannot be removed from the sensor in this way, please refer

the matter to your Leica Information Service (address: see p. 74).

• If the battery capacity falls to less than 40% while the shutter is open, a

warning message "

Attention Please stop sensor cleaning immediately.”

" appears on the monitor. At the same time a sustained beep tone will sound,

which continues until the camera is switched oﬀ. Turning oﬀ also closes the

shutter.

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 o 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.

Page 72

STORAGE

• If you will not be using the Leica S for a long period, we recommend

a. turning it oﬀ (see p. 25),

b. removing the memory cards (see p. 21), and

c. removing the battery (see p. 21), (the set date and time will be lost after a

maximum of 3 months, see p. 30).

• 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 cap 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.

• Store the Leica S in a dry, adequately ventilated place, where neither high

temperatures nor high humidity will occur. When used in humid conditions,

the Leica S 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 stored in airtight containers for the shortest

time possible. This is only recommend if a desiccant such as Silica gel is

used.

• To prevent the formation of fungus, do not store the Leica S in a leather

case for extended periods of time

• In dry surroundings, you should preferably store the Leica S in a closed and

padded container so that nothing can damage it and it is protected from

dust.

• Note the serial numbers of your Leica S and lenses, as these are extremely

important in case of loss.

Page 73

INDEX

Accessories

Focusing screens .......................................................................... 65

Grip strap S .................................................................................. 65

HDMI cable .................................................................................. 65

Interchangeable lenses ................................................................. 65

Leica SF 58 .................................................................................. 65

Multi-function hand grip S ............................................................. 65

Power pack S ............................................................................... 65

Professional charger S .................................................................. 65

Remote release cable S ................................................................ 65

S adapter ..................................................................................... 65

Aperture, setting ............................................................................. 42

Aperture priority ............................................................................. 44

Autofocus

Shutter release priority (AFc) ......................................................... 37

Sharpness priority (AFs) ................................................................ 37

Battery

Charging ...................................................................................... 18

Charge level displays ....................................................................21

Insertion / removal ...................................................................... 21

Bulk storage .................................................................................... 63

Card reader .................................................................................... 63

Care instructions ............................................................................ 67

Carrying strap ................................................................................. 18

Color saturation, see image properties ............................................ 35

Color space .................................................................................... 35

Compression rate............................................................................ 32

Contrast, see image properties ....................................................... 35

Data structure on the memory card ................................................. 63

Date 30

Deleting pictures ............................................................................. 61

all pictures on the memory cards .................................................. 61

single pictures .............................................................................. 61

Depth of ﬁeld .................................................................................. 47

Preview button.............................................................................. 47

Designation of parts .......................................................................... 8

Displays

in the monitor .............................................................................. 12

in the top panel display ................................................................. 11

in the viewﬁnder ........................................................................... 10

Distance setting .............................................................................. 37

Depth of ﬁeld ................................................................................ 47

Metering ﬁeld ............................................................................... 37

Setting ring ..................................................................................... 8

DNG 32

Enlarging, see Review mode ............................................................ 58

Exposure control / Exposure metering

Exposure compensation ................................................................ 39

Bracketing .................................................................................... 40

Modes

Aperture priority ......................................................................... 44

Long time exposure B ................................................................. 46

Manual setting ........................................................................... 45

Programmed automatic exposure mode ...................................... 44

Program shift ........................................................................... 44

Shutter speed priority ................................................................. 45

Metering methods

Center-weighted metering .......................................................... 38

Metering memory lock ............................................................... 38

Multiple ﬁeld metering ................................................................ 38

Spot metering ............................................................................ 38

Values above and below the metering range .................................. 41

File format / Compression rate .................................................. 32

Firmware downloads .................................................................. 64

Flash operation

Attaching a ﬂash unit .................................................................... 53

Automatic computer mode ............................................................ 55

Flash connection socket ............................................................... 55

Flash exposure compensation ....................................................... 54

General ........................................................................................ 52

High speed sync ........................................................................... 54

Manual ﬂash mode with ﬁxed output ............................................. 55

Ready and control displays ........................................................... 55

Strobe ﬂash mode ........................................................................ 54

Synchronization ............................................................................ 53

Sync speed / Sync speed range .............................................52/53

TTL ﬂash mode ............................................................................. 54

X contact ..................................................................................... 55

Flash units .............................................................................. 52/65

Page 74

Focusing ......................................................................................... 37

Autofocus ..................................................................................... 37

Manual setting .............................................................................. 37

Focusing screens ...................................................................... 23/65

Changing ...................................................................................... 23

Formatting the memory card ........................................................... 50

Frame rate ...................................................................................... 36

GPS ............................................................................................... 51

HDMI .............................................................................................. 64

Histogram ................................................................................. 13/57

Horizon ........................................................................................... 48

Image properties (contrast, sharpness, color saturation) .................. 35

Info service, Leica ........................................................................... 74

Interchangeable lenses .............................................................24/65

Internet / Leica homepage.............................................................. 74

ISO sensitivity ................................................................................. 34

Lenses, Leica S ......................................................................... 24/65

Attaching and removing ................................................................ 24

Main switch .................................................................................... 25

Memory cards

Inserting and removing ................................................................. 21

Saving image data ........................................................................ 35

Selecting the memory card ........................................................... 60

Menu items ..................................................................................... 16

Menu control .................................................................................. 26

Menu language ............................................................................... 30

Mirror pre-release ........................................................................... 47

Monitor .....................................................................................12/31

Setting the brightness / illumination ............................................. 31

Noise reduction .............................................................................. 46

PTP ............................................................................................... 62

Package contents..............................................................................7

Parts, designation ............................................................................. 8

Programmed automatic exposure mode .......................................... 44

Protecting pictures / Clearing delete protection .............................. 60

Raw data / DNG ............................................................................. 32

Recording and review modes .....................................................36/56

Repairs / Leica Customer Care ....................................................... 74

Replacement parts .......................................................................... 65

Resetting all menu settings ............................................................. 49

Resolution ....................................................................................... 32

Review mode .................................................................................. 56

Enlarging ...................................................................................... 58

Four / nine single pictures simultaneously .................................... 59

Scrolling ....................................................................................... 58

Selecting the memory card ........................................................... 60

Single pictures.............................................................................. 56

Self-timer ........................................................................................ 46

Sensitivity ....................................................................................... 34

Sensor Cleaning .............................................................................. 68

Series exposures ............................................................................. 36

Sharpness....................................................................................... 35

Shutter, see Shutter release button and Technical Data .............36/73

Central shutter .......................................................................25/65

Focal plane shutter ....................................................................... 25

Shutter release button, see Shutter and Technical Data ............. 36/73

Shutter speed priority ..................................................................... 45

Shutter speed, setting ..................................................................... 42

Setting dial ................................................................................... 42

Sounds (acknowledge (response) tones) .......................................... 31

Storing the Leica S .......................................................................... 69

Switch oﬀ, automatic ...................................................................... 30

Sync cable S ............................................................................... 7/65

Technical data ................................................................................. 72

Time and date ................................................................................. 30

Top panel display ......................................................................11/31

Setting the brightness ................................................................... 31

Transferring data to a computer.......................................................62

Turning on / oﬀ .............................................................................. 25

Automatic power oﬀ ..................................................................... 30

USB connection .............................................................................. 62

Viewﬁnder

Displays ....................................................................................... 10

Setting the eyepiece ..................................................................... 25

Viewing pictures ............................................................................. 56

with Auto Review .......................................................................... 56

with PLAY ..................................................................................... 56

Volume, setting the button acknowledge (response) tones ............... 31

Warning messages ............................................................................ 6

White balance ................................................................................. 33

Automatic ..................................................................................... 33

Fixed settings ............................................................................... 33

Manual ......................................................................................... 33

Metered ....................................................................................... 33

Page 75

TECHNICAL DATA

Camera type Leica S (Typ 006) Digital medium format reﬂex camera Lens connection Leica S bayonet Lens system Leica S lenses

Picture format / Aspect ratio 30 x 45mm / 2:3 Image sensor / Resolution Low noise CCD sensor with 6µm pixel pitch,

with micro-lenses and micro-lens shift / 7500 x 5000 (37.5MP)

Dynamic range 12 stops Color depth 16Bit Low pass ﬁlter None, for maximum transmission of sharpness, suppres-

sion of Moiré by external digital processing

IR ﬁlter On sensor Data formats

DNG + JPEG fine, DNG + JPEG basic, JPEG fine, JPEG basic.

DNG/JPEG resolution

File size DNG: Approx. 72/42 MB (uncompressed/compressed), JPEG: Approx. 1-16 MB (depending on resolution/compression used and

picture content) Buﬀer memory 2GB, maximum number of pictures in series (depending

on memory card used):

JPEG:unlimited

Color space Adobe White balance Automatic, manual, 8 presets, color temperature meter-

ing Storage medium CF cards (max. UDMA7), SD cards up to 2GB, SDHC

cards up to 32GB, SDXC cards Menu languages German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese,

traditional Chinese, simpliﬁed Chinese, Russian Compatibility Windows

DNG (raw data, uncompressed or loss free compression),

DNG: 37.5MP, JPEG: 37.5MP, 9.3MP, 2.3MP

DNG uncompressed/compressed: maximum 28/32,

RGB, sRGB, ECI RGB V2

XP / Vista® / 7®; Mac® OS X (10.5 and higher)

Exposure control Exposure metering Open aperture metering through the lens (TTL) Metering methods Spot (3.5%), center weighted, multiple ﬁeld metering

(5 ﬁelds) Metering memory lock Pressing shutter release button to pressure

point, storing for 1 picture or continuously using joystick Exposure compensation ±3 EV (exposure values), adjustable in half

steps

Bracketing Choice of 3 or 5 pictures, with choice of

/2 EV, 1EV, 2EV, 3EV

variation between individual pictures, change of exposure produced by aper-

ture and/or shutter speed depending on set exposure mode Metering range (at f/2.5 and ISO 100) Spot metering: EV2,1 - 20, cen-

ter-weighted and multiple ﬁeld metering: EV1,1 - 20, warning display in view-

ﬁnder for values above/below metering range, measuring cell for available

light: multiple ﬁeld photo diode (continuous light measurement) Sensitivities

ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600, Automatic

Exposure modes Automatic program with shift function

), aperture priority ( ), shutter speed priority ( ), manual setting ( )

(

Flash exposure control Flash unit connections Accessory shoe with center and control con-

tacts, LEMO Synchronization Flash sync speed:

or standard ﬂash connecting socket without output control

125

s, or 1/

s for lenses with

1000

central shutter, slower shutter speeds available, choice of start or end of

exposure; ﬂash with faster shutter speeds (

180

s – 1/

s) also possible

4000

with ﬂash units with corresponding features (HSS mode)

Flash measuring cell Multiple ﬁeld photo diode Flash exposure metering / control (with Leica SF 58 or system-compat-

ible ﬂash units, mounted on camera) Control by ﬂash unit with TTL pre-ﬂash

metering, with automatic transmission and consideration of sensitivity and

set/controlled lens aperture, all exposure modes available, automatic adap-

tation of ﬂash light component to available light

High speed sync mode(with Leica SF 58 or system-compatible ﬂash

units, with TTL pre-ﬂash metering and automatic TTL HSS control) For ﬂash

photography with faster shutter speeds than the sync time by emitting sever-

al ﬂashes in rapid succession, automatic switch to TTL HSS mode (with TTL

HSS mode on the ﬂash unit) if sync speed is not reached Strobe ﬂash mode (multiple ﬂashes ﬁred during one exposure) Auto-

matic adjustment of exposure time in

P and A exposure modes and with

system compatible ﬂash units with appropriate features Flash exposure compensation Can be set on ﬂash units with appropri-

ate features (Leica SF 58: ±3EV in

/3 EV steps)

Displays in ﬂash mode Ready status indicated by ﬂashing or constant

illumination of ﬂash symbol in viewﬁnder Flash reﬂector illumination angle Automatic adaptation to the focal

length used with Leica SF 58 or system-compatible ﬂash units with motor-

ized zoom reﬂector

Page 76

Focusing Focus detection Using phase detection method Sensor / Metering ﬁeld Central cross sensor, deﬁned by cross hairs on

ground glass screen Modes Choice of

Shutter release priority,

AFs (single) = Sharpness priority, AFc (continuous) =

MF (manual), Manual override of automatic setting

possible at any time Metering memory lock Pressing shutter release button to pressure

point, storing for 1 picture or continuously using joystick

Drive In lenses Displays See p. 10

Viewﬁnder system Eyepiece High eye point viewﬁnder, diopter compensation from -3 to

+1dpt. adjustable on viewﬁnder Focusing screens Interchangeable, 3 models available: Ground glass

screen with micro-prism ring and split-image wedge (standard), ground glass

screen with cross hairs, ground glass screen with grid division.

Viewﬁnder ﬁeld 98 % Magniﬁcation 0.87x with 70mm lens set to inﬁnity and 0 dpt.

Displays Viewﬁnder LCD line below viewﬁnder image, for displays see p. 10 Top panel Colored, self-illuminating OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode),

for displays see p. 11 Monitor 3"color TFT LCD monitor with 16 million colors and 921.600 pix-

els, approx. 100% image ﬁeld, max. 170° angle of view, anti-reﬂection/

dirt protective glass Color space: sRGB, for displays see p. 12

Shutter and shutter release Shutter Selectable using main switch, in camera: Microprocessor-con-

trolled metal blade focal plane shutter with vertical movement, in Leica CS

lenses with appropriate feature: Central shutter Shutter speeds Manual setting (in

s with central shutter), B for long time exposures up to maximum

(6-

1000

125s, ﬂash synchronization up to

Automatic setting (in

and ): continuous from 32s to 1/

and ): 6s to

s (1/

125

1000

s in half steps

4000

s with central shutter)

s (8-1/

4000

1000

with central shutter)

High speed sync ﬂash with all faster shutter speeds than

s possible

125

(with Leica SF58 and HSS compatible, SCA 3002 standard ﬂash units) Series exposures Approx. 1.5 fps, max. 32/28 pictures in series with

DNG compressed/uncompressed, unlimited with JPEG Shutter release buttonThree positions: Exposure and focus metering on

– Metering memory lock – Shutter release Self-timer Delay time either 2 or 12s, indicated by ﬂashing LED on front of

camera and corresponding display in monitor

Mirror pre-release 1

closed to set value, 2

release: pivoting mirror ﬂips up, lens aperture

release: Shutter is tripped

Turning camera on / oﬀ With main switch on top left back of camera,

optional auto switch oﬀ after approx. 2/5/10 minutes Power supply1 lithium ion battery, rated voltage 7.4V, capacity

2100mAh, remaining capacity indicated in top panel display, number of pic-

tures to CIPA standards Charger Inputs: 100-240 V AC, 50/60Hz, automatic switching, or

12/24V DC; Output: 7.4V DC, 1250mA.

GPS Selectable (not available everywhere due to country-speciﬁc legis-

lation, i.e. automatic forced deactivation in some locations), data written to

EXIF header of image ﬁles. Spirit level Measured by acceleration sensor, measuring range: Inclina-

tion (about transverse axis) and tilt (about longitudinal axis) each ±90°, mea-

suring accuracy / display sensitivity: ≤1° at 0-40°C, display in monitor

Camera body Material Cast magnesium solid metal chassis with non-slip plastic ﬁnish,

magnesium top panel, ﬁberglass reinforced polycarbonate base.

Tripod thread A

/4 (1/4") DIN and A 3/8 (3/8") DIN (steel inserts) each

with locking mechanism complying with DIN 4503, in metal tripod plate, cen-

tral under lens axis

Operating conditions 0 to +45°C /32°-113°F, 15%-80% humidity Interfaces ISO ﬂash shoe, standard ﬂash connecting socket, HDMI socket

type C, 4-pin LEMO

socket for data output (USB 2.0 standard), 7-pin LEMO®

socket for remote control accessories / remote ﬂash ﬁring, contact strip for

multi-function hand grip S Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height) Approx. 160 x 80 x 120mm /

65/16 x 35/32 x 43/4”

Weight Approx. 1260g /2lb 12.4oz (with Battery)

Items supplied Charger 100-240V with integrated US mains plug, inter-

changeable mains plugs (Euro, GB, AUS) and car charging cable, lithium

ion battery, LEMO

cover, eyepiece cover, software: Leica Image Shuttle, Adobe

Lightroom

USB cable, LEMO® sync cable, carrying strap, bayonet

(can be downloaded after registering the camera on the Leica

Photoshop®

Camera AG home page, see p. 63)

Subject to changes to design, manufacture and range.

Page 77

LEICA INFORMATION SERVICE

Should you have any technical questions regarding the use of Leica products

or the software included in some cases, the Leica Information Service will be

happy to answer in writing or by phone, fax, or email.

They are also your contact if you need advice concerning an acquisition or if

you would like us to send you instructions. Alternatively, you can also send us

your questions through the contact form on the Leica Camera AG homepage

(see previous page).

Leica Camera AG

Product Support / Software Support

Am Leitz-Park 5

D-35578 Wetzlar

Telefon: +49(0)6441-2080-111 /-108

Telefax: +49(0)6441-2080-490

info@leica-camera.com / software-support@leica-camera.com

LEICA CUSTOMER SERVICE

For servicing your Leica equipment or in the event of damage, the Leica

Camera AG Customer Care department or the repair service provided by

authorized Leica agents in your country are available (see the Warranty Card

for a list of addresses).

Leica Camera AG

Customer Care

Am Leitz-Park 5

D-35578 Wetzlar

Telefon: +49(0)6441-2080-189

Telefax: +49(0)6441-2080-339

customer.care@leica-camera.com