Leica would like to thank you for purchasing the LeicaS and congratulate
you on your choice. With this unique medium-format digital SLR camera,
you have made an excellent choice.
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
performance camera, we recommend that you first read this instruction
manual.
Your Leica Camera AG
Note:
Leica is constantly working on developing and optimizing the LeicaS. As
many functions on digital cameras are controlled purely electronically,
improvements and extensions to the range of functions may need to be
installed on the camera at a later date. To do this, Leica releases what
are known as firmware updates at irregular intervals. Cameras are always
supplied from the factory with the latest firmware, but you can easily
download the updates to your camera yourself from our website.
If you register as an owner on the Leica Camera website, you will receive
a newsletter informing you when a new firmware update is available.
Further information on registration and on firmware updates for your
Leica S and on any changes or additions to the details in this manual can
be found on our website under "Customer Service" at:
https://owners.leica-camera.com
To check whether your camera and lenses are running the latest firmware
version, select menu option "Firmware" (see p. 66, 16-19).
2
Page 7
FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution:
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use only shielded inter face cables with ferrite core when connecting to com put er or peripheral devices. Any changes or modifications
not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Trade Name: LEICA
Model No.: LEICA S (Typ 007)
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.
LEICA S
(Typ 007)
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
For Canada only:
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
This device complies with RSS-210 of the IC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment and meets RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency
(RF) Exposure rules. This equipment is tested for specific absorption ratio
(SAR) and complies with FCC/IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This device complies with FCC/IC SAR limit
of 1.6 W/kg. For body worn operation, this equipment has been tested
and meets the FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines when used with the Leica
Camera AG accessories supplied or designated for this product that have
no metallic component in the assembly. Use of other accessories may not
ensure compliance with FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines.
EN
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Contains FCC ID: N5AS007
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter. This equipment complies with FCC
radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and
meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines.
This equipment is tested for specific absorption ratio (SAR) and complies
with FCC/IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device complies with FCC/IC SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg.
For body worn operation, this equipment has been tested and meets the
FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines when used with the Leica Camera AG
accessories supplied or designated for this product that have no metallic
component in the assembly. Use of other accessories may not ensure
compliance with FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines.
Index .................................................................................................. 56
Technical data .................................................................................... 58
The displays
In the viewfinder ............................................................................... 60
In the top panel display..................................................................... 61
In the monitor .................................................................................. 62
Menu items ......................................................................................... 66
Leica service addresses ...................................................................... 67
EN
Table of contents
Video recordings ................................................................................. 43
5
Page 10
EN
06820682
0682
Legal information
WARNING MESSAGES
• Modern electronic components react sensitively to electrostatic
discharge. As you 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 lying on a conductive surface. If only the camera body is touched, this discharge is
harmless to the electronics. However, despite built-in safety circuits,
outer contacts such as those in the bottom of the camera should not
be touched if at all possible for safety reasons.
• For any cleaning of the contacts, please do not use an optical microfiber cloth (synthetic); use a cotton or linen cloth instead! Before touching the contacts, you can make sure you discharge any electrostatic
charge by deliberately 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!
• Use only the recommended accessories to prevent faults, short circuits or electric shock.
• The Leica S is protected against spray water and dust. However, it
should not be exposed to rain for prolonged periods.
• Do not attempt to remove parts of the body (covers); qualified repairs
can be carried out only at authorized service centers.
LEGAL INFORMATION
• Please ensure that you strictly observe copyright laws. The recording
and publication of pre-recorded media such as tapes, CDs, or other
published or broadcast material may contravene copyright laws.
• This also applies to all of the software supplied.
• The SD, HDMI, CF and USB logos are trademarks.
• Other names, company and product names referred to in these
instructions are trademarks or registered trademarks of the relevant
companies.
The CE identification of our products documents compliance with
the fundamental requirements of the respective valid EU directives.
0682
The production date of your camera can be found on the stickers in the
warranty card and/or on the packaging.
The date convention is:
In the menu, under Camera Information, you will find the specific
approvals for this camera under the point
This device contains electrical and/or electronic components and should
therefore not be disposed of in general household waste. Instead it
should be disposed of at a recycling collection point provided by the local
authority.
This costs you nothing. If the device itself contains replaceable (rechargeable) batteries, these must be removed first and, if necessary, also be
disposed of in line with the relevant regulations.
Further information on this issue is available from your local administration, your local waste collection company, or in the store where you
purchased this device.
Year/Month/Day
Regulatory Information .
DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
(Applies within the EU, and for other European countries with segregated waste collection systems.)
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Before using your Leica S for the first time, please check that the accessories supplied are complete.
– Li-Ion Battery S BP-PRO 1
– Quick Charger S with interchangeable mains plugs
– Carrying strap
– Bayonet cover
– Eyepiece cover
MEANING OF THE DIFFERENT NOTE CATEGORIES IN THIS
MANUAL
Note:
Additional information
Important:
Failure to observe the instructions may cause damage to the
camera, accessories or the photos.
Caution:
Failure to observe the instructions may cause personal injury.
6
Page 11
DESIGNATION OF PARTS
Front view
1 Shutter release button
2 Self-timer LED / sensor for white balance
3 Microphones
4 Depth of field preview/function button
5 Bayonet with
a. contact strip
b. Index point for fitting the lens
c. Lens release button
Top view
6 Carrying strap attachment
7 Window for range scale
8 Focusing dial
9 Lens hood bayonet
10 Red index button for changing lenses
11 Shutter speed setting dial
12 Live View button
13 Video record button
14 Top panel display
15 Diopter setting dial with
a. scale
b. Eyecup
16 Accessory shoe with
a. center (firing) contact
b. Control contacts
c. Bore for locking pin
17 GPS antenna
Rear view
18 Main switch with stop positions
19 Viewfinder
20 Joystick
21 Rear setting dial
22 Speaker
23 Cover (closed)
24 LED for recording / data storage on card
25 Review / menu control / function button
26 Menu control / function button
27 Monitor
28 Menu control / function button
29 Menu control / function button
30 Cover (closed)
31 Cover (closed)
32 Brightness sensor
View from right (view without cover)
33 CF card slot with
a. ejection slide
34 SD card slot
View from left (view without covers)
35 LEMO
36 HDMI socket
37 LEMO
38 LEMO
®
audio socket
®
USB 3.0 socket
®
remote control / flash synchronization / audio in/out socket
Bottom view
39 Index hole for guide pin of multifunction hand grip
40 Cover
41 Tripod plate with
1
a.
⁄4" thread
3
b.
⁄8" thread
c. Index holes for twist lock
42 Battery release lever
43 Battery
44 Battery compartment (battery removed) with
a. contacts
b. Guide strip
45 Contact strip for multifunction hand grip (cover removed)
Battery
46 Contacts
47 Guide slot
48 Socket for charger plug
Charger
49 Battery connecting cable fixed to camera with
a. 3-pin plug
50 Orange LED for charge indicator
51 Green LED for display of the charging process
52 2-pin socket for car charging cable
53 Interchangeable mains plug (Europe/GB/AUS) with
a. release button
54 USA mains plug (interchangeable plug removed)
55 Car charging cable with
a. 2-pin plug for charger
b. Plug for cigarette lighter
EN
Designation of parts
7
Page 12
EN
PREPARATIONS
ATTACHING THE CARRYING STRAP
Preparations
12
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The Leica S is powered by a lithium ion battery (A).
Important:
Batteries from the earlier Leica S models (Order No.14 429) cannot be
used either in the Leica S (Typ 007) or in the multifunction hand grip.
Please use only the Leica battery S BP-PRO1 (Order No. 16 039).
Caution:
• Only the battery type specified and described in this manual, or battery
types specified and described by Leica Camera AG, may be used in
this camera.
• These batteries may only be used in the units for which they are
designed and may only be charged exactly as described below.
• Using this battery contrary to the instructions and using non-specified
battery types can result in an explosion under certain circumstances!
• The batteries must not be exposed to sunlight or heat for prolonged
periods, or to humidity or moisture. Likewise, the batteries must not be
placed in a microwave oven or a high pressure container as this results
in a risk of fire or explosion!
• Damp or wet batteries must not be charged or used in the camera
under any circumstances!
• Always ensure that the battery contacts are clean and freely accessible. Whilst lithium ion batteries are proofed against short-circuit, 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 noise, discoloration, deformation, overheating or leaking
fluid, the battery must be removed from the camera or charger immediately and replaced. Continued use of the battery results in a risk of
overheating, which can cause fire and/or explosion!
• In case of leaking fluid or a smell of burning, keep the battery away
from sources of heat. Leaked fluid can catch fire!
• Only the charger specified and described in these instructions, 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, can cause
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 power socket used is freely accessible.
• The car charging cable supplied must never be connected while the
charger is connected to the mains.
• Battery and charger must not be opened. Repairs may only be carried
out by authorized service centers.
• Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Batteries can cause suffocation if swallowed.
First aid:
• If battery fluid comes into contact with the eyes, there is a risk of
blinding! Rinse the eyes immediately with clear water. Do not rub the
eyes!
• Obtain medical assistance immediately.
• If leaked fluid gets onto the skin or clothing, there is a risk of injury.
Wash the areas concerned with clear water. Obtain medical assistance.
34
8
Page 13
Notes:
• The battery must have a temperature of +10°to +30°C 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 roughly every 25 cycles.
• Both battery and charger become warm during charging. This is normal
and not a malfunction.
• If the two LEDs flash rapidly (> 2Hz) after the start of 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 partly charged, i.e. not
when fully discharged or fully charged. For very long storage periods,
you should charge the battery for approx. 15 minutes roughly twice a
year to avoid a deep discharge.
• Rechargeable lithium ion batteries generate power through internal
chemical reactions. These reactions are also influenced by the ambient
temperature and humidity. To ensure a maximum service life of the
battery, it should not be exposed to constant extremes of temperature
(e.g. in a parked car in the summer or winter).
• Even when used under optimum conditions, every battery has a limited
service life! After several hundred charging cycles, this becomes
noticeable as the operating times become significantly shorter.
• Dispose of damaged batteries in accordance with the relevant regulations (see p. 6, 54) at an approved collection point for proper recycling.
• The replaceable battery provides power to a back-up battery which is
permanently fitted in the camera. This back-up battery retains the set
time and date for up to 3 months. If this back-up battery becomes
discharged it must be recharged by inserting a charged main battery.
Once the replaceable battery has been inserted, the full capacity of the
back-up battery is recovered after about 60 hours. This process does
not require the camera to be turned on. In this case, however, the time
and date have to be set again.
• 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.
Otherwise after several weeks the battery could undergo deep discharge, i.e. the voltage is sharply reduced, as the camera still consumes a small amount of current (e.g. for saving your settings) even
when it is turned off.
EN
Preparations
9
Page 14
EN
PREPARATION OF THE CHARGER
CONNECTION OF THE CHARGER
for use outside the USA
Preparations
1. Insert the appropriate plug for the local mains power supply into the
charger.
To do this, push up
a. the release button and at the same time push
b. the plug down out of its engaged position.
2. It can then be removed completely downwards.
3. Push the appropriate plug variant into the charger from below until it
engages.
for use in the USA
1. Remove the mains plug fi tted at the factory from the charger. To do
this, push up
a. the release button and at the same time push
b. the plug up out of its engaged position.
2. The two pins of the USA plug that are normally horizontal when not in
use can then be folded out.
Notes:
The charger switches automatically to the prevailing mains voltage. In
combination with the car charging cable supplied with the charger, it can
be used in all vehicles with 12V and 24V power systems. In this case
again, it switches over automatically.
1. Connect up the charger, i.e. insert its cable plug into the socket of
the battery and insert the mains plug into a plug socket.
• The green LED marked
tion that charging is in progress.
• As soon as the battery has charged to at least
CHARGE then starts to fl ash as confi rma-
4
⁄5 of its capacity,
the orange LED marked 80% also lights up.
• When the battery has been completely charged after approx. 3½
hours, 100% capacity has been reached, the fl ashing green
CHARGE LED changes to a steady light.
Notes:
• The 80% LED lights up after around 2 hours due to the charging char-
acteristics. If the full capacity of the battery is not absolutely necessary, the camera can be ready for use again in a relatively short time.
• The steady light of the green CHARGE LED indicates that the charger
has automatically switched to trickle charging.
10
2. The charger should then be disconnected from the mains power
supply. There is, however, no risk of overcharging.
Page 15
CHANGING THE BATTERY
Preparations
Turn off the camera, i.e. set the main switch to OFF.
Insertion
Push the battery with the contacts facing forward and with its guide
groove
facing the middle of the camera fully into the battery compartment.
It engages automatically in this position.
Removal
1. Turn the release lever in clockwise direction until it stops
• A spring in the battery compartment than pushes the battery
approx. 1cm out.
• The locking mechanism has a detent so that the battery cannot
accidentally fall out even if the camera is held upright.
2. Push the battery approx. 1mm back to disengage the detent, and
3. then pull it out of the compartment or, if the camera is held upright,
allow the battery to slide out into your hand.
3
2
1
CHARGE LEVEL DISPLAYS
MonitorTop panel displayCharge status
approx. ≥85%
approx. ≥65%
approx. ≥40%
approx. ≥20%
approx. ≥5%
approx. ≤5%, replacement or
recharging of the battery necessary
CHANGING MEMORY CARDS
The Leica S off ers you the possibility of using 2 card types in parallel for
storing of recorded data. It has two card slots, one for SD/SDHC/SDXC
(Secure Digital) cards and one for CF (Compact Flash up to UDMA 7)
cards.
Preparations
1. Turn off the camera, i.e. set the main switch to OFF.
2. Open the cover on the right-hand side of the camera, i.e. push back
slightly to unlock, then fold open to the right.
Note:
Do not touch the memory card contacts.
CF cards (CompactFlash)
Insertion
Push the card with the contacts facing towards the camera and with the
front facing towards the front of the camera fully into the slot.
Note:
Ensure that the ejection slide is completely pushed in (see "Removal" on
the following page).
Important:
Do not use force! The contacts in the card slot could otherwise be damaged!
EN
Preparations
Note:
Do not turn off the camera as long as the LED for data storage is still lit.
11
Page 16
EN
Removal
1. Push the ejection slide inwards.
• The slide is then pushed out slightly.
2. Press the slide inwards again.
• The card is then pushed slightly out of the slot.
3. Pull out the card.
Preparations
1
2
SD / SDHC / SDXC cards
Insertion
Push the card completely into the slot with the contacts facing to the
rear and with the beveled corner facing upwards against the spring
pressure until it engages audibly.
Important:
Ensure that no SD/SDHC/SDXC card is pushed into the CF card slot as
it might not be possible to remove it again!
Removal
1. Press the card further into the slot.
• The card is released and pushed slightly out of the slot.
2. Pull out the card.
1
2
Close cover
Close the cover and push forward until it engages.
Notes:
• If the memory cards cannot be inserted, check that they are aligned
correctly.
• The range of memory cards available is too large for Leica Camera AG
to be able to completely test all available types for compatibility and
quality. Although using other card types is not likely to damage the
camera or the card, some "no name" cards do not comply with the
memory card standards, and Leica Camera AG is unable to provide any
guarantee that they will function correctly.
• Do not remove either a memory card or the battery as long as the red
LED at the bottom right next to the monitor is fl ashing, indicating
picture recording and/or data saving to the card(s). Otherwise the
unsaved (or not completely saved) picture data may be lost.
• The Leica S off ers diff erent variants for the storage of picture data.
Further information on this topic can be found under "Storage of
picture data / memory card management".
• As electromagnetic fi elds, electrostatic charges, and defects in the
camera or the card(s) can lead to damage or loss of the data on the
memory card(s), we recommend that you also transfer the data to a
computer and save it there.
• For the same reason we also recommend that the cards are always
stored in an antistatic case.
• The proper function of the camera cannot be guaranteed if WiFi cards
are used.
• SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards have a write protection switch,
which 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, marked LOCK, the data is protected.
• Memory cards with a capacity of less than 1GB cannot be used.
12
Displays
Memory card faults are indicated by diff erent messages in the viewfi nder,
monitor and top panel display.
click
Page 17
CHANGING THE FOCUSING SCREEN
The Leica S allows the focusing screen to be changed (see also "System
accessories / Interchangeable focusing screens". As standard the camera is supplied with a completely matt screen.
The other focusing screens are delivered individually in a case with tweezers and a dust brush.
To change the screen
1. Remove the lens, and
B
A
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12. The frame with the focusing screen then opens downwards.
5. Grip the screen to be installed with the tweezers at its tab, place into
the frame and
6. press the frame upwards into its engaged position with the tip of the
EN
Preparations
tweezers.
Important:
Proceed exactly as described above when changing the screen. Take
C
particular care to protect the delicate surfaces of the focusing screens
from scratches.
2. Release the screen frame A from its engaged position by pressing the
tab
B with the tip of the tweezers.
3. Then grip the focusing screen C at the small tab using the tweezers,
tilt it forwards slightly and remove.
4. Then place the screen temporarily into the side compartment of the
case.
13
Page 18
EN
LEICA S LENSES
Leica S lenses have a number of characteristic features:
– The focusing ring functions diff erently, depending on the set focus
operating mode:
– In manual mode (MF), the focus is set in the normal way by turning the
ring - in this case it is already mechanically linked to the lens construc-
Preparations
tion.
– In autofocus mode (AFs/AFc) it is initially disconnected – so that
holding the lens at the ring does not hinder the motorized adjustment.
However, you can "override" the automatic setting at any time, i.e. set
the focus manually even during AF mode. In this case the ring is
immediately linked to the lens construction as soon as it is turned.
– The internal range scale can be read off through a window.
– They have no aperture setting ring. The aperture is set using the
thumbwheel on the camera body.
Note:
• Some Leica S lenses are also available with integral central shutter.
• Leica Camera AG manufactures its products to the highest standards
of quality. In order to ensure their perfect function, extensive calibration and testing steps are necessary during the production process.
For this purpose the camera is connected to diff erent testing devices
several times. These important production steps can create minor
shiny spots on the stainless steel bayonet ring. This is not a quality
defect and merely documents the stringent testing of your Leica S.
FITTING AND REMOVING THE LENS
All lenses and accessories with Leica S bayonet can be fi tted to the Leica
S.
2
1
Fitting
1. Align the red dot on the lens mount with the button of the bayonet
release on the camera body
2. In this position, insert the lens straight
3. Turning completely to the right causes the lens to engage audibly
and tangibly
2
3
1
Removing
1. Press the release button
2. Release the lens by turning in anti-clockwise direction
3. Remove the lens in a straight line
Notes:
• To prevent the ingress of dust etc. into the interior of the camera, and
in particular to keep the sensor surface free from dust, it is important
to always have a lens or a cover fi tted to the camera body.
• For the same reason, when changing lenses work quickly and in an
environment that is as dust-free as possible.
• Leica also carries out fi rmware updates for lenses at irregular intervals.
You can download new fi rmware from our website easily yourself to
your lens. Further information can be found under "Installing fi rmware
updates".
14
Page 19
ADJUSTING THE EYEPIECE
The viewfi nder can be adjusted from -3 to +1 diopters to adapt it exactly
to your own eyesight. To do this, turn the knurled ring while observing the
viewfi nder image until the borders of the selective metering fi eld are
sharply focused.
TURNING THE CAMERA ON AND OFF
The Leica S is turned ON and OFF using the main switch. It has three stop
positions:
a. OFF – Camera turned off
After turning on, i.e. after selecting one of the two functions FPS or CS,
the LED at the bottom right next to the monitor lights up until the camera
is ready (2s) and the displays appear in the viewfi nder and in the top
panel display.
Notes:
• Even if the main switch is not set to OFF, the camera is automatically
turned off if an automatic power off time has been set in the menu and
none of the controls are used in this time.
• When the camera is turned off , running functions, i.e. bracketing and
self-timer operation, are aborted and also deactivated in the respective
menus.
EN
Preparations
Note:
If you are not looking through the viewfi nder, e.g. during recordings with a
tripod, we recommend that the eyepiece cover is fi tted. This prevents any
infl uencing of the exposure metering. The cover can be stored on the
carrying strap.
FPS – Camera turned on, focal plane shutter in body in operation
b.
– The shutter speed is controlled via the focal plane shutter in the
camera. All speeds are available (see also "Shutter speed setting
dial").
c.
CS – Camera turned on, central shutter in (correspondingly equipped)
lens in operation
– The shutter speed is controlled via the central shutter in the lens.
Speeds of 8-
1
⁄1000s are available (see also "Shutter speed setting
dial").
Note:
Even when set to
CS, the camera operates with the focal plane shutter
when
– A lens without central shutter is fi tted, and/or shutter speeds of more
than 8s, or
– less than
1
⁄1000s are set.
15
Page 20
EN
MENU CONTROL
Most of the operating modes and settings of the Leica S are operated by
a menu control. Navigation and settings in the whole menu are very quick
and simple as
– the menu items are divided into function groups, and
– also fi ve user-defi ned menu items can be called up directly by holding
the button depressed (quick access).
The menu control
Controls / calling up menu control
Three of the four buttons to the left and right of the monitor are used for
calling up menu control and for direct access to the function groups,
namely the two buttons on the left and the lower right button.
All settings of the menu items can also be made with the rear thumbwheel or the Joystick.
Exiting the menu
You can exit the menu in diff erent ways:
– To switch to recording mode:
Press the shutter release or video record button, or press the Live
View button
– To switch to the recorded data display:
Press the button top right – in this case marked
INFO - briefl y
– To switch to review mode:
Press the button top right while the recorded data are displayed – in
this case marked
PLAY - briefl y again
MENU FUNCTION GROUPS
The menu of the Leica S is divided into 3 function groups (see Annex "The
menu items"):
–
CAMERA
– IMAGE
– SETUP
Note:
All four of these buttons are "soft keys". Outside menu control, e.g. in
Live View and video mode and during the review of pictures on the
monitor, they have diff erent functions that are indicated by corresponding displays.
16
Page 21
Navigating in the menu / setting the functions
1. Select the respective menu function groups by briefl y (≤1s) pressing
the following buttons twice:
– Top left for the menu items of the
– Bottom left for the menu items of the
– Bottom right for the menu items of the
CAMERA function group,
IMAGE function group, and
SETUP function group.
• If the monitor was previously inactive (dark), the recorded data
display appears when the button is pressed briefl y the fi rst time.
The text boxes in the monitor image opposite the three buttons
indicate the corresponding menu function groups.
• If these are displayed from review mode, the button functions
valid in this situation are fi rst displayed in an intermediate step:
– Top left:
– Bottom left:
– Top right:
– Bottom right:
(Menu)
(Delete)
(Protect)
(Recorded data display)
• The menu screen shows as a guide to orientation:
– In white type the respective me nu function group selected
– In group
SETUP, with a scrollbar on the left, which page of the list is
currently displayed
– On each page in the individual lines the menu items are displayed on
the left and to the right the corresponding settings.
– In white type with red underlining the active menu function line (this
applies at all menu levels). The currently set function variant or the
currently set value is always displayed to the right in the line.
When the menu is called up, the last menu item changed is always
active.
2. Select the individual menu items
– either by turning the rear thumbwheel to the right = scroll
down / to the left = scroll up,
– or by pressing the Joystick in the desired direction.
The menu items of all three function groups form a common endless
loop, i.e. they can all be reached in both directions.
EN
The menu control
17
Page 22
EN
Direct setting of the menu items without sub-menu
(In the 4 menu items without a triangle at the right-hand end of the line)
3. Press the rear thumbwheel or the Joystick forwards or to the right
• The set function variant changes. The setting is immediately
active, i.e. it does not have to be confirmed.
The menu control
Further setting of the menu items with sub-menu
3. Press the rear thumbwheel or the Joystick forwards or to the right to
call up the list of the respective function variants
• The sub-menu in which the respective function variant or the
values that can be set appears.
scale is displayed) to select the desired function variant / the
desired value
5. Press the rear thumbwheel or the Joystick forwards to confirm the
set function variant / the set value
• The display returns to the next higher menu level or switches to
the next function variant for functions requiring further settings.
Note:
Briefly pressing the button marked
the menu at any time – without saving the changes made in the submenus up to that point.
Quick access to menu functions
For particularly fast operation you can use all four buttons and, in normal
photo recording mode, also the depth of field preview button to directly
call up as many as 5 of the menu functions most important to you or the
most frequently required menu functions.
First define which (menu) function you wish to call up with each of these
buttons.
Note:
The buttons for the quick access are assigned as follows at the factory:
Button top left:
Button bottom left: Exp. metering
Button top right: Focus mode
Button bottom right: Exp. compensation
Depth of field preview button:
– In normal photo recording mode: Depth of field preview
– In Live View mode: Depth of field preview plus exposure simulation
– In video mode: Access to setting the audio recording level and the
headphone volume.
The functions of the depth of field preview button cannot be changed in
Live View and video mode.
ISO
in this case allows you to return to
4. Turn the rear thumbwheel to the right or left or press the Joystick in
18
the desired direction (this differs, depending on whether a list or a
Page 23
Setting the function / customizing the buttons
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Customize Controls
• A sub-menu appears with the three items Customize Controls, A F/
AE Lock Button and Rear Wheel Direction.
2. In this sub-menu, select Customize Controls
• A further sub-menu appears. If Customize Controls is not set to
Custom, all the other items are inactive.
3. In this sub-menu, select Customize Controls
• A further sub-menu appears.
4. In this sub-menu, select Custom
– (or Default if the factory setting of the button functions is to be
used, or
Off if the function is to be deactivated)
• The menu displayed in step 2. appears again.
5. In the
Custom sub-menu, select the desired button
• A list with the available menu functions is displayed.
6. In the respective sub-menu, select the function you wish to call up or
execute directly in future with the button selected in step 5, or
Off if
you do not wish to assign a quick access to this button
The other buttons are customized in the same way.
• The menu displayed in step 2. then appears again.
Calling up the selected menu functions
You can then call up or execute the respective set (menu) functions
directly at any time and make further settings there:
Hold the buttons alongside the monitor pressed (≥1s), or in normal
photo recording mode press the depth of field preview button
EN
The menu control
Note:
In Live View (photo) and video mode the depth of field preview button is
assigned other functions, i.e. the quick access function that may have
been set is not available in these modes. After exiting the respective
operating mode, the depth of field preview button has the previously
assigned function again.
19
Page 24
EN
PRESETS
Date and time
Time
CAMERA DEFAULT SETTINGS
Menu language
The language used in the default setting of the menu control is English.
German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese Trad.,
Chinese Simp., Korean and Portuguese can also be selected as alterna-
tive menu languages.
Basic camera settings
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Language and
2. select the desired language in the sub-menu.
• Apart from a few exceptions (button names, short designations),
all linguistic information changes.
Date
There are 3 options available for the sequence of the date.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Date & Time and
2. call up the sub-menu
3. Select
Date Setting and call up
the corresponding sub-menu
4. To change the representation,
Year/Month/Day, press the Joystick up or down or turn the rear
Day/Month/Year, Month/Day/Year, or
thumbwheel with the header line active.
5. Pressing the Joystick to the left or right takes you out of the marked
header line to the three setting fields below, or back to the header
line.
6. In the respective marked setting field, make the settings by pressing
the Joystick up or down or by turning the rear thumbwheel.
7. Confirm and save the settings by pressing the button marked
OK in
this case at the bottom right next to the monitor
Setting the function
In sub-menu item Time Setting the settings are made for both the numeri-
cal groups and for the representation in essentially the same way as
described in the previous section for the date.
Of the other three items in the
Daylight Saving Time are activated or deactivated by pressing the rear
thumbwheel or the Joystick forward or to the right, while under
Date & Time sub-menu, Auto GPS Time and
Time Zone
the desired location is selected from the list in the corresponding menu
by turning the rear thumbwheel or pressing the Joystick up or down.
Notes:
•
Auto GPS Time is only available when the GPS function is switched on,
Time Zone and Daylight Saving Time are only available when the GPS
function is switched off.
• Even if no battery is inserted or the battery is discharged, the date and
time settings are retained for roughly three months by an integrated
back-up battery (see also "Charge level displays"). After that period,
however, the date and time must be set again as described above.
Auto power OFF
This function turns the camera off automatically after a preset time. This
state corresponds to the main switch position
Off .
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Auto Power Saving and
2. set the desired time
20
Note:
Even if the camera is in standby mode, i.e. the displays have gone out or
the activated
Auto Power Saving function has turned it off, it can be
reactivated at any time by pressing the shutter button.
Page 25
Signal tones
With the Leica S you can decide whether messages or autofocus mode
should be confi rmed by acoustic signals, or whether the camera operation should be more or less silent. Two volumes can be selected.
The feedback is a beep tone that can be activated separately for autofocus mode to indicate the completed setting and as a signal for a message
or warning.
Note:
In the factory setting the signal tones are deactivated.
Setting the functions
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Acoustic Signals and
2. call up the sub-menu
It consists of the 3 items
3. Under volume select
Volume, AF Confirmation and Warnings.
Low or High
4. In the other sub-menus select whether or not you wish to activate the
tones for the respective functions
If you select
On
With AF confi rmation a signal sounds as soon as the focus – whether
automatic or manual – is set correctly, i.e. together with the lighting up of
the corresponding display in the viewfi nder.
With
Warnings a signal sounds together with all messages and warnings
displayed in the monitor, and on expiry of the self-timer.
Monitor and top panel display
The Leica S has two displays,
– a black-and-white liquid-crystal display, and
– a large 3" liquid-crystal color monitor that is protected by a hard and
therefore very scratch-resistant glass cover.
The top panel display shows i.a. the most important basic information on
the status of the memory card(s) and the battery, and on the exposure
control (see "Displays in the top panel display", p. 61).
The monitor shows the complete image fi eld, along with the selected data
and information (see "Displays in the monitor", p. 62ff ). The brightness of
the monitor is controlled automatically, depending on the ambient brightness. The sensor above the monitor is used for this function. Furthermore, its basic brightness can be adapted to the respective situation or to
your personal wishes.
Setting the functions
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Display Brightness and
2. select the desired setting in the sub-menu
Monitor
Top panel display
EN
Basic camera settings
If you select
Off for Warnings
Even if you select Off , an acoustic warning signal is nevertheless given in
two situations:
– If the cover over the memory card slots is opened during data transfer
– When the shutter closes again at the end of the sensor cleaning pro-
cess
21
Page 26
EN
PICTURE DEFAULT SETTINGS
PHOTO FILE FORMAT
Two file formats, DNG and JPEG, are available for recording the picture
data for photos. You can choose whether your picture data are to be
saved
a. in just one of these formats, or
b. simultaneously in both formats (i.e. two files are always created per
picture).
Basic picture settings
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under IMAGE, select the item Photo File Format and
2. select the desired format(s) or combination in the sub-menu
Notes:
• The standardized DNG (Digital Negative) format is used for storage of
raw picture data.
• The remaining number of pictures shown in the monitor may not
necessarily change after every picture. This depends on the subject;
with JPEG files very fine structures result in higher quantities of data,
homogeneous surfaces in lower quantities. As a result the remaining
memory capacity may be larger than previously calculated and displayed.
JPEG SETTINGS
Resolution
Whereas the full resolution of 37.5MP is always used in DNG format, two
lower resolutions can also be used with the JPEG format.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under IMAGE, select the item JPG Resolution and
2. select
37.5MP , 9.3MP or 2.3MP in the sub-menu
Working color range
The Leica S allows one of three color ranges to be set, i.e.
beRGB or ECI RGB 2.0.
sRGB, Ado-
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under IMAGE, select the item JPG Settings
2. then the menu item Color Space, and
3. select the desired color range in the sub-menu
Picture properties / contrast, sharpness, color saturation
All three picture properties can be set – independently - to three different
levels (with color saturation four) using the menu control, so that you can
set the optimum values for any situation, i.e. the prevailing lighting conditions. In the case of
Saturation, Monochrome can also be selected as a
fourth variant.
Setting the functions
1. In the menu, under CAMERA , select the item JPG Settings and
2. call up the sub-menu
3. In this sub-menu select
4. select the desired level (
Contrast, or Sharpness, or Saturation, and
Low, Medium, High or Monochrome) in the
respective sub-menu
WHITE BALANCE
In digital photography, white balance ensures neutral rendition of color in
any light. It is based on the camera being preset to reproduce a particular
light color as white. In the Leica S you can select between twelve different settings:
(Auto) – for automatic control, which delivers neutral results in
–
most situations,
Eight fixed presets for the most frequent light sources:
e.g. for outdoor pictures in sunshine,
–
e.g. for outdoor pictures with cloudy skies,
–
e.g. for outdoor pictures with the main subject in shadow,
–
e.g. for indoor pictures with (predominantly) incandescent lamp light
–
e.g. for indoor pictures with (predominantly) light from metal halide
–
lamps (HMI)
e.g. for (predominantly) light from fluorescent tubes with warm
–
light color
e.g. for (predominantly) light from fluorescent tubes with cooler
–
light color
e.g. for pictures with (predominantly) electronic flash lighting,
–
– Two
–
Greycard settings for manual setting by metering (separately
for the Live View
and the normal photo mode )
Color Temperature1 –
for direct setting of a color temperature value.
Note:
Setting to
Automatic allows the white balance to be adjusted for correct
color reproduction when using Leica system flash units or electronic flash
units that satisfy the technical requirements of System 3002 System
Camera Adaption (SCA) and have an SCA-3502 adapter (from Version 5).
If, on the other hand, other flash units not specially adapted to the Leica
S are used, the setting
should be used.
22
1
All color temperatures are specified in Kelvin.
Page 27
Setting the function
Automatic and fixed settings
1. In the menu, under
IMAGE, select the item White Balance and
2. select the desired function in the sub-menu
Direct color temperature setting
You can directly set values between 2000 and 13100 (K1) (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 occurring in practice and within which you can adapt the color reproduction to the prevailing light color and/or your personal preferences.
1. In the menu, under
2. in the sub-menu select the variant
IMAGE, select the item White Balance,
Color Temperature, and
• A further sub-menu appears with a list in which the value to be set
is indicated by the red border.
3. select the desired value there.
Manual setting by metering
1. In the menu, under IMAGE, select the item White Balance and
2. select the desired greycard variant in the sub-menu
The further procedure differs, depending on the greycard variant.
If you have selected the normal photo mode
• The message
Please take a picture for setting the white balance
:
appears in the monitor.
3. Take the picture, making sure that the image field contains a white or
neutral 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
and valid in this situation
4. Press the Joystick 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)
5. Press the button alongside the
display, or press the Joystick
forward.
• The color reproduction of the picture is adapted accordingly and
the button function
valid in this situation is also displayed.
6. You can now either
– either accept this new white balance setting – by pressing the
button alongside the
• The message
display,
White balance is set appears in the monitor.
– or make any number of further settings, as described under 3. - 6.
• The message described under 3. appears each time in the
monitor.
If you have selected the Live View photo mode :
• The corresponding screen appears in the monitor.
1
4
2
1
Indication of button function: Perform white balance metering
2 Indication of button function: Save white balance metering (active
3
only after metering)
3 Indication of button function: Back to normal photo mode (without
saving any metered value)
4 Display of the metering field
3. Move the metering field to a white or neutral gray subject detail by
pressing the Joystick in the desired direction
4. Carry out metering by pressing the
button at top left next to the
monitor, or by pressing the Joystick forward
5. Save the metered value by pressing the
button at bottom left next
to the monitor
• The camera switches back to the normal photo mode and the
monitor image disappears.
EN
Basic picture settings
Notes:
• The corresponding picture is always saved parallel to a saved white
balance setting.
• A value set in this way remains saved for and will be used for all pic-
tures until it is superseded by a new metered value or you use one of
the other white balance settings.
23
Page 28
EN
ISO sensitivity
The ISO setting on the Leica S allows a manual adjustment of the shutter
speed/aperture values to the needs of the particular situation.
As well as the fixed settings, the Leica S also features the
ISO Auto
tion, in which the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to the
ambient brightness. When using the function, however, it is also possible
to specify priorities, for example for compositional reasons. You can both
limit the range of sensitivities used and set the shutter speed below
which the sensitivity is automatically increased.
Basic picture settings
Notes:
A general rule of thumb is digital photography is that higher sensitivities
result in increased noise. This has to be taken into consideration for the
expectations on the picture quality.
Note with picture series that the frame rates decrease with higher sensitivities.
1
func-
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under IMAGE, select the item ISO and
2. call up the sub-menu
It consists of the available ISO values and the point
ISO Auto.
If you wish to set the sensitivity manually
3. select the desired value
If the sensitivity setting is to function automatically and without
limitations
4. select ISO Auto.
The automatic setting uses all sensitivities and shutter speeds
between
1
⁄2 s and 1⁄500s
To restrict the automatic setting range
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Auto ISO Setup and
2. select
Auto ISO Photo in the sub-menu
3. Select Maximum Auto ISO and/or Maximum Exposure Time
• When setting Maximum Auto ISO, a list with the available values
appears, when setting
Maximum Exposure Time a further sub-menu
with several alternatives.
4. In the
Maximum AUTO ISO menu list, select the highest sensitivity to
be used, and hence the range within which the automatic setting is
to operate, or in the
one of the three focal length-specific settings desired slowest shutter speed. With the
Maximum Exposure Time sub-menu set either
1/f, 1/ 2f, 1/4f or the
1
⁄f settings the camera
switches to the higher sensitivity if the shutter speed would drop
below the selected threshold due to a lack of brightness, e.g. with a
70mm lens with shutter speeds lower than
length)), or
1
⁄125s with 1⁄2f, or 1⁄250s with 1⁄4f *.
1
⁄60s (with 1⁄f (f=focal
Note:
The factory setting of
to the rule of thumb adapted for this format for blur-free pictures taken
from the hand, e.g.
The corresponding shutter speeds with
1
be
⁄60s and 1⁄250s.
1
⁄2f results in the slowest shutter speeds according
1
⁄125s with the Summarit-S 1:2.5/70mm ASPH lens.
1
⁄2f and 1⁄4f in this example would
24
1
The function is not available when using flash units.
Page 29
Storage of picture data / memory card management
If two memory cards are used, you have the possibility with the Leica S to
choose
– whether the picture data should first be stored on one of the two cards
until its capacity is reached, and then on the other card, or whether the
data should
– always be stored simultaneously on both cards.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item
Storage Backup (CF & SD) and
2. there select
Off or On
Note:
If
Off is selected:
– The picture data are first stored on the SD/SDHC/SDXC card and
then once its capacity is reached on the CF card. As soon as the
camera is connected to a computer, it stores the picture data only in
the specified folder on the computer.
If
On is selected:
– The picture data are stored simultaneously on both cards.
With both settings:
– If only one card is used (irrespective of which), the picture data are
stored there.
As soon as the camera is connected to a computer, it stores the
picture data on a card and also in the specified folder on the computer.
EN
Basic picture settings
25
Page 30
EN
Recording mode
RECORDING MODE
FOR PHOTOS
SHUTTER BUTTON
1. Pressing briefly activates the range and exposure metering systems,
and the displays in the viewfinder and top panel display. When the
shutter button is released, the metering systems remain active for
approx. 12s.
Notes:
• If Review mode was previously active, the camera switches back to
Recording mode when the shutter button is pressed; it if was previously in Stand-by mode, it is activated again by pressing the shutter
button, i.e. the metering systems and displays are activated.
• The shutter button remains blocked
– if the internal buffer memory is temporarily full, e.g. after a series of
pictures, or
– if the inserted memory card(s) is/are full.
2. Pressing the shutter button to the pressure point and holding in this
position when using Autofocus
saved at the same time. New measurements can be performed once
the shutter button is released.
Note:
The metered exposure value during spot and center weighted metering in
A, T and P modes is saved, if required, by (simultaneously) pressing the
Joystick forwards. Automatic focusing can also be allocated to the Joystick via the menu control.
3. If the button is pressed further, the photo is taken or a preselected
self-timer delay time starts.
AFs mode (focus priority), the focus is
PICTURE SERIES
With the Leica S, the picture series can be taken with a frame rate of
approx. 3.5 fps.
Setting and using the function
1. In the menu, under CAMERA , select the item Drive Mode and
2. select
Continuous in the sub-menu
3. The further function is then determined by the different actuation of
the shutter button:
– Picture series are taken as long as you hold the shutter button
fully depressed (and the capacity of the buffer memory and/or
memory card(s) is sufficient).
– If you only fully depress the shutter button briefly, the camera
continues to take single pictures.
INTERVAL SHOOTING
For picture series of sequences extending over a prolonged period of
time, the Leica S offers interval shooting.
Intervals consist of a defined total number of pictures and a defined
period of time between the pictures.
Setting and using the function
1. In the menu, under CAMERA , select the item Drive Mode and
2. select
Interval in the sub-menu
3. Call up the sub-menu belonging to the interval and
4. there select
Frames or Interval Time
• In both cases a further sub-menu appears with a numerical key-
pad. The activates field is highlighted in each case.
5. Select the (first) desired digit by turning the rear thumbwheel or by
pressing the Joystick up, down, to the left or to the right; in the
Frames sub-menu for the total number of pictures, in the Interval
Time sub-menu for the desired time interval between the individual
pictures – in hours/minutes/seconds.
– To save a digit – to the line above the numerical keypad - press the
rear thumbwheel or the Joystick forwards. Up to 4-digit numbers can
be used; repeat steps 5. and 6. for the second, third and fourth digits.
Further functions of this sub-menu:
–
(top right) = Back to the previous menu level without saving the
inputs
–
OK (bottom right) = Confirm inputs and return to the previous menu
level
6. Confirm your settings by pressing the button marked
SET in this case
at the bottom right next to the monitor
Note:
If step 7. is performed without entering a digit in the line, the camera
automatically sets the numbers of the factory setting.
7. Interval shooting is started by pressing the shutter button.
Note:
The function remains active until it is deactivated again in the menu.
Notes that apply equally for photo series and interval shooting:
• The camera's buffer memory allows only a limited number of pictures
in series. At the pressure point of the shutter button or during a series
of pictures, the number of pictures possible or still possible in the
series is displayed in the viewfinder.
• Regardless of how many pictures have been taken in a series, both
review modes initially show the last picture in the series or the last
picture in the series saved on the currently active card, if not all of the
pictures in the series have been transferred from the internal buffer
memory to the respective card yet.
Details of how to select the other pictures in the series and further
options in review mode are described in the respective sections.
26
Page 31
Live View mode
Whereas the conventional photography mode presupposes use of the
camera viewfinder, Live View mode permits continuous viewing of the
subject on the monitor, i.e. both before and during recording.
Live View mode is switched on and off, and video mode is switched on
(without starting recording) with the
LV button. Pressing the button
displays the functions in turn (in an endless loop)
Live View photo / video mode / conventional photography mode
• When switched on, the functions of the adjacent buttons are displayed
for 3 seconds in the four corners of the monitor picture.
• Video mode is always performed using the monitor picture.
Displays in Live View mode
With the standard setting, the Live View monitor picture contains the
following displays (see "The displays / In the monitor / Recording mode
Live View photo", p. 62):
– In the header some fundamental information
– In the corners of the picture, symbols for the functions of the buttons
The histogram depicts the brightness distribution in the picture. The
horizontal axis shows the brightness values from black (left) through gray
to white (right). The vertical axis corresponds to the number of pixels at
each brightness level. This form of representation – together with the
impression of the picture itself – provides an additional quick and easy
assessment of the exposure setting.
Clipping displays
These displays indicate the picture areas without marking.
EN
Recording mode
Notes:
• Additional autofocus and exposure metering function variants can be
used during Live View mode, see the corresponding sections.
• Live View mode is based on the image captured by the sensor. To use
it, the shutter must be open and it is closed and re-cocked when the
function is canceled. Of course, this is audible and may result in a
delay in the shutter release.
• Frequent use of the Live View mode results in increased power consumption.
Exposure simulation
In the factory setting, the Live View monitor picture shows the subject in
the brightness resulting from the respective exposure setting. This exposure simulation allows the effect on the picture to be assessed before the
photograph is taken, e.g. during exposure corrections or during manual
setting of the exposure. With automatic exposure control (P, A, T, see p.
30/31), on the other hand, the monitor picture generally remains equally
bright, i.e. within the respective setting ranges.
The exposure simulation can be deactivated by pressing the depth of field
preview button so that you generally get a monitor picture with constant
brightness, irrespective of the exposure settings.
The "generally" constant brightness presupposes, however, that the
subject brightness and the set exposure do not result in any excessively
high or low brightness values, and that the internal exposure time is not
longer than
1
⁄30s.
Display settings
Repeatedly pressing the button bottom right next to the monitor calls up
various additional displays/information in turn:
– Histogram and clipping indicators
– Marking of clearly focused subjects
– Grid lines and horizon
– Extended picture data
– Back to the normal view
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Capture Assistants and
2. select
3. In the sub-menu select
Exposure Clipping in the sub-menu
Lower Limit or Upper Limit, and
4. set the desired threshold values on the scale by turning the rear
thumbwheel or by pressing the Joystick to the left or right
• The scale shows the clipping areas relative to the overall exposure
range.
The following then appears in the pictures:
• Excessively light areas are indicated in red, excessively dark areas in
blue, flashing in each case. The clipping symbol ([ ]) also appears in the
top right corner.
Notes on the histogram and the clipping indicators:
• Both are available also in Review mode.
• Both always refer to the currently displayed detail (see "Enlarging the
Live View monitor image").
27
Page 32
EN
Recording mode
Marking of clearly focused subjects (focus peaking)
In Live View mode, the Leica S can mark subjects imaged with optimum
focus in the monitor picture by highlighting their contours. This simplifies
their recognition and hence in particular the manual setting of the focus.
The three available colors permit adaptation to any background.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Capture Assistants and
2. select
Focus Peaking in the sub-menu
3. Call up the sub-menu, and
4. select the desired color there
• All subject details that are in focus at the set range are indicated
by outlines in the selected color.
Further information on setting the focus can be found in the corresponding sections.
Note:
When using high ISO values and/or slow shutter speeds, the function
may not work.
Important:
This function is based on the subject contrast, i.e. light/dark differences.
Therefore, subject details that are not completely in focus but have a
high contrast may also be marked.
Grid
The Leica S offers you two variants of grid lines as an aid to picture
composition.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Capture Assistants,
2. select
3. select
Grids in the sub-menu, and
3x3 or 6x4 in the sub-menu
• If the view with horizon and grid is selected, the selected grid is
displayed in the monitor.
Horizon
Thanks to integrated sensors, the Leica S can show their orientation both
in the viewfinder and on the monitor. These displays enable you to align
the camera precisely in the longitudinal and transverse axes to capture
critical subjects, e.g. architecture pictures.
The corresponding display always appears in the viewfinder, on the
monitor as required.
• If the view with horizon and grid is selected, a vertical scale and a
horizontal bar appear in the monitor. The horizontal orientation in the
longitudinal and transverse axes is indicated by a green line in the
middle, deviations from the respective zero positions by red dotted
lines.
Notes:
• The display precision is ≤1°.
• The display switches over automatically for portrait format pictures.
Masking
In addition to the standard aspect ratio (2:3) for photos, three further
ratios are available when using the DNG format: 1:1, 16:9, 2:1. They
open up further composition possibilities while taking the picture.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Capture Assistants,
2. select
Photo Masks in the sub-menu, and
3. select the desired format there
• The monitor picture is masked accordingly, with 1:1 left and right,
with 16:9 and 2:1 top and bottom. While taking the photograph
the mask is transparent, during review of corresponding photos in
the camera it is not.
Note:
Irrespective of the aspect ratio selected, the whole 2:3 image field is
always recorded, i.e. the masking of the monitor picture affects only the
display in the camera. Although the photo is initially displayed with the
selected aspect ratio in image processing programs, it is possible to
delete the masking there so that the whole 2:3 image field is available
again.
Enlarging the Live View monitor image
Select differently enlarged details:
Press the button bottom left next to the monitor repeatedly
• This gives in turn
– Double the size
– Four times the size
– Back to normal size
• The buttons are not displayed with the enlarged view; a frame appears
in the bottom left-hand corner that indicates the position of the detail
in the picture.
Shift the detail:
Press the Joystick left, right, up or down
Notes:
• The grid line display is not available with the enlarged view.
• After switching Live View mode off and on again, the last displays
selected are active again, but not the enlarged detail.
• Switching the camera off and on again displays the last detail selected.
28
Page 33
DISTANCE SETTING
With all S lenses, the Leica S offers you the choice between manual or
automatic distance setting. The autofocus system determines the distance to the subject details in the middle of the image field; this area is
marked with a crosshair on the focusing screen and, in Live View mode,
also in the monitor.
Irrespective of the operating mode, a display in the viewfinder provides
information on the respective setting:
– The left-hand triangle indicates the focus set too long (appears only in
Manual mode or with manual override of the autofocus) - The middle
dot shows a correct setting (is lit constantly), or if the system cannot
determine the distance (flashes)
– The right-hand triangle indicates the focus set too short (appears only
in Manual mode or with manual override of the autofocus) Further
details on the displays can be found in the Annex under "The displays"
/ "In the viewfinder".
Note:
The metering system operates passively on the basis of contrasts, i.e.
differences in light/dark in the part of the subject being photographed. It
is therefore dependent on a certain minimum brightness and contrast in
the subject.
Setting the operating mode
1. In the menu, under CAMERA , select the item Focus Mode and
2. select the desired option in the sub-menu
Manual setting - MF
Turn the distance setting ring on the lens so that your subject or the most
important part of the subject is fully in focus on the focusing screen or, in
Live View mode, on the monitor.
• In the top panel display, the distances for the set focus (
for the front (
FRONT) and rear (BACK) limits of the depth of field range
FOCUS), and
are displayed when the shutter button is pressed to the pressure point.
In Live View mode you can call up an enlarged detail as a setting aid.
1. In the menu, under
2. select
3. select
Manual Focus Assist in the sub-menu, and
On or Off there
SETUP , select the item Capture Assistants,
• If the function is activated, a central detail magnified 4x is displayed briefly each time the setting ring on the lens is turned. The
detail can be moved using the Joystick.
Notes:
• Autofocus mode can be activated at any time also with manual setting
of the focus using the Joystick (see next section and the section on the
function of the Joystick on page 32).
• The Leica S is supplied as standard with a full matt screen with which
subject details can be reliably focused sharply over the whole image
field. It is suitable for most photographic fields of application and
motifs. It is particularly beneficial when working with longer focal
lengths and for macro photography. Further focusing screens are
available as accessories which offer optimum setting conditions,
depending on the field of application, and are easy to change.
AUTOMATIC SETTING
Two autofocus modes are available. The setting procedure for both is
initiated by tapping (1st pressure point) the shutter button.
AFs (single) = focus priority
The part of the subject you are aiming at will come into focus.
– After that, the process ends and the setting is saved even if you con-
tinue to hold the shutter release button at the first pressure point.
– It is not possible to take a picture before it comes into focus, even if
the shutter button is pressed all the way down.
Note:
An AF setting can be stored not only with the shutter button, but also with
the Joystick.
AFc (continuous) = shutter release priority
The parts of the subject being photographed are fully focused.
– The process continues as long as the shutter release button is held at
the first pressure point. While the button is being held down the camera's settings are corrected, so other objects at other distances may
be recognized by the metering system, or if the distance to the camera
of the part of the subject being photographed changes.
– A setting can only be saved by pressing the Joystick forwards.
– Even if no part of the subject is in focus, a picture can be taken at any
time.
Note:
AFc is not available in Live View mode.
With both AF operating modes:
You can intervene manually at any time even during autofocus mode by
turning the setting ring on the lens.
• In Live View mode the color of the metering crosshair in the monitor
changes from red to green when the focus has been correctly set.
Moving the autofocus metering field in Live View mode
In Live View mode, the metering field can be moved to any point of the
image field with the Joystick.
In the two enlarged details, the detail is first moved together with the
metering field that remains in the middle. Only when the detail reaches
the edge of the image field can the metering field by moved to the edge
of the detail by pushing further.
Note:
If Spot is used as exposure metering method in Live View mode, its
metering field is coupled to that of the autofocus, i.e. both metering fields
are then moved.
EN
Recording mode
29
Page 34
EN
Recording mode
EXPOSURE METERING
EXPOSURE METERING METHODS
The Leica S offers three different exposure metering methods.
Setting the function
1. In the menu under CAMERA, select the item Exp. Metering, and
2. select the desired option in the sub-menu
Spot metering -
Only the middle of the image field is scanned and evaluated for spot
metering. This area is indicated by the circle
screen. In Live View mode, spot metering is linked to the autofocus
metering, i.e. moving the AF metering point also affects the spot metering field.
Center weighted metering -
This metering method takes account of the entire image field, although
the parts of the subject in the center have more influence on the exposure than the areas at the margins.
Multi-field metering -
This metering method is based on detection of five metered values. One
is metered in a field in the middle of the image, the other four in the
surrounding fields. The five metered values are used in an algorithm to
calculate an exposure value appropriate to the situation, resulting in
correct reproduction of the assumed main subject.
1
in the center of the matt
EXPOSURE CONTROL
The four exposure modes automatic program (
shutter speed priority (
T) and manual exposure control (M) are selected
P), aperture priority (A),
on the Leica S with the rear thumbwheel:
Setting the operating mode
1. Hold the thumbwheel depressed (≥1s)
• In the top panel display, the large letter indicating the set operating mode replaces the normal display. Triangles to the left and
right indicate the further settings.
2. Turn the thumbwheel (all four operating modes can be reached in
both directions)
• The normal display appears again in the top panel display without
further operating steps after a short time (approx. 2s), or immediately if the shutter button is pressed to the pressure point. The
settings of shutter speed and aperture are made by turning the
rear thumbwheel and/or the shutter speed setting dial. In both
cases half-steps are available.
The settings for the shutter speed (with
T and M) are always made with
the shutter speed setting dial, for the aperture always with the rear
thumbwheel. In both cases half-steps are available.
In the factory setting, turning the rear thumbwheel to the right decreases
the aperture settings, turning to the left increases the settings. This can
be reversed, if desired.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Customize Controls and
2. select
Rear Wheel Direction in the sub-menu
• A further sub-menu appears.
3. In this sub-menu, select the desired direction of rotation
AUTOMATIC PROGRAM MODE - P
Exposure time and lens aperture are automatically set according to the
prevailing light and steplessly between 125s and
1
⁄4000s, or 1⁄1000s when
using the central shutter on some Leica S lenses, and between open and
smallest aperture of the respective lens.
Displays in viewfinder and top panel display
P for the selected exposure operating mode, and
–
– the automatically controlled shutter speed and aperture values.
Notes:
• If the automatic sensitivity setting (
AUTO ISO) is activated at the same
time, the control range of automatic program mode is extended. Even
with fully open aperture, however, the shutter speed is only extended
beyond the value dictated by the 1/f
1
setting selected in the menu
when the highest set sensitivity is reached.
• With very little light or extreme brightness it is possible that the avail-
able shutter speed range is no longer sufficient for the preselected
aperture value. In such extremely rare cases a warning symbol for
underexposure appears in the viewfinder (possibly also as a warning of
values below the metering range, see also "Values below the metering
range"), or a warning symbol for overexposure. Correct exposure
metering is then no longer possible.
30
1
The circle does not exist in all matt screen variants.
The function of both thumbwheels can be deactivated for complete
protection against inadvertent changing of operating mode, shutter
speed, aperture, etc., i.e. turning and pressing do not then change the
settings in recording mode.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Off or On in the sub-menu
• If
On is selected, the corresponding symbol appears in the top
SETUP , select the item Keylock and
panel display, and in Live View mode also in the monitor
1
Applies also for 1⁄f, 1⁄2f and 1⁄4f
Page 35
PROGRAM SHIFT
Setting the operating mode
Select P with the rear thumbwheel
The program shift function allows the speed/aperture combinations
determined in automatic program mode to be changed, while the overall
exposure, i.e. the brightness of the image, remains unchanged.
The shift is performed with the shutter speed setting dial. Turn
– to the right for larger apertures (smaller values) or faster shutter speed
– to the left for smaller apertures (larger values) or slower shutter speed.
Displays in viewfinder and top panel display, and in Live View
mode also in the monitor
–
S in the top panel display as an indication of the use of the Shift func-
tion, and
– the operating mode display
P in the monitor changes to S,
– the automatically controlled aperture and speed values change in
opposite directions.
Note:
Shift settings are retained
– after a photo is taken,
– beyond the 12s holding time of the exposure metering system,
but not
– when changing to a different exposure operating mode (
– when the camera is switched off and on (also by
A, T, M)
Auto Power Saving).
In these cases the camera always returns initially to the standard setting
of shutter speed and aperture when automatic program mode is used
again.
APERTURE PRIORITY - A
Setting the operating mode
1. Select A with the rear thumbwheel (see also p. 30, "Exposure con-
trol")
2. Set the desired aperture by turning the rear thumbwheel.
The exposure time is then automatically set according to the prevailing light and steplessly between 60s and
1
⁄4000s, or 1⁄1000s when using
the central shutter on some Leica S lenses.
Displays in viewfinder and top panel display, and in Live View
mode also in the monitor
A (Aperture priority) for the selected exposure mode,
–
– the manually set aperture value, and
– the automatically controlled time value.
Notes:
• If the automatic sensitivity setting (
time, the control range of aperture priority is extended. However, the
shutter speed is only extended beyond the value dictated by the
ISO Auto) is activated at the same
1
⁄f1
setting selected in the menu when the highest set sensitivity is
reached.
• With very little light or extreme brightness it is possible that the available shutter speed range is no longer sufficient for the preselected
aperture value. In such extremely rare cases a warning symbol for
underexposure appears in the viewfinder (and possibly also a warning
of values below the metering range, see also "Values below the metering range"), or a warning symbol for overexposure. Correct exposure
metering is then no longer possible.
• In video mode the slowest shutter speeds are dependent on the set
frame rate.
SHUTTER SPEED PRIORITY - T
Setting the operating mode
1. Select T with the rear thumbwheel (see also p. 30, "Exposure con-
trol")
2. Set the desired exposure time with the shutter speed setting dial.
The lens aperture is then automatically controlled according to the
prevailing light and steplessly between open and smallest aperture of
the respective lens.
Displays in viewfinder and top panel display, and in Live View
mode also in the monitor
–
T (Time priority) for the selected exposure mode
– the automatically controlled aperture value
– the manually set time value
Notes:
• If the automatic sensitivity setting (
ISO Auto) is activated at the same
time, the control range of shutter speed priority is extended. A minimum shutter speed that may have been set there, however, is no longer
active.
• With very little light or extreme brightness it is possible that the avail-
able aperture range of the lens used is no longer sufficient for the
preselected shutter speed. If possible, select a different shutter speed.
• As a rule, however, correct exposure can be achieved with an auto-
matic setting of the appropriate shutter speed even in such cases, by
"overriding" your manual preselection. A warning symbol appears,
possibly also as a warning of values below the metering range, see also
"Values below the metering range". Correct exposure metering is then
no longer possible.
EN
Recording mode
31
Page 36
EN
Recording mode
METERING MEMORY LOCK
The shutter button and/or the Joystick can be used to save the exposure
setting (for
P , A and T) and the automatic focus (AF), depending on the
various menu settings.
General notes on the storage function
– With the shutter button:
• Only the
AF setting can be stored, and only in AFs operating mode.
• The storage function of the shutter button always applies to only
one picture.
– With the Joystick:
• The exposure and
AF settings can be stored. Various function
combinations are available which you define via the menu control.
• The storage function of the Joystick is retained as long as it is held
pressed forward, i.e. over any number of pictures, and irrespective
of whether the shutter button is also pressed at the same time.
• The storage function of the Joystick applies to both the
AFc operating mode.
AFs and the
Saving with the shutter button
1. Focus on the part of the subject to be metered with the crosshair1 in
the viewfinder
2. Press the shutter button to the first pressure point. The value stored
is retained as long as this pressure point is held.
3. While holding the pressure point, determine the final picture detail
and take the
4. picture.
Metering memory lock is canceled when you remove your finger from the
shutter button pressure point.
Saving with the Joystick
Setting the function combinations
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Customize Controls and
2. select
AF/AE Lock Button in the sub-menu
• A further sub-menu appears.
In this sub-menu select whether you wish to set the function for
Mode or In MF Mode set via the menu
In AF
In AF mode
3. In the AF-Mode sub-menu, select one of the three variants
In manual focus mode you can nevertheless activate AF mode temporarily, i.e. for the particular picture, and/or – depending on the setting - to
save the exposure setting by pressing the Joystick forwards.
3. In the
MF-Mode sub-menu, select one of the five variants
Effect of the five function variants
AFs On / AE Lock (factory setting)
–
AFs mode activated for one picture, saving of the exposure setting
The resulting AF setting remains stored until it is changed by manual
adjustment or by pressing the button again.
–
AFs on
– As for AFs On / AE Lock, but without saving of the exposure setting
–
AFc On / AE Lock
As for AFs On / AE Lock, but with AFc mode
–
AFc on
As for AFs On / AE Lock, but without saving of the exposure setting
–
AE-L
Saving of the exposure setting
Displays in the viewfinder during saving of the exposure setting
• A light balance appears showing the deviation from the stored metered
value.
• If aperture and/or exposure time are changed during this time, the
respective other value is adapted accordingly and displayed.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
Exposure compensations are possible in automatic program, shutter
speed priority and aperture priority modes.
Entering and canceling an exposure compensation in the menu
1. In the menu under CAMERA, select the item Exp. Compensation.
• The sub-menu shows a scale with a setting mark highlighted in
red. If it is at a value of
O, this means that the function is deacti-
vated.
2. Set the desired value by turning the rear thumbwheel or by pressing
the Joystick to the left or right.
• In the initial menu list, a set compensation is indicated by
EV+X
1
Note:
In the factory setting, this function can be called up directly by holding
the button bottom right next to the monitor depressed.
Displays in viewfinder and top panel display, and in Live View
mode also in the monitor (in the picture data display)
– The compensation value on the light balance (viewfinder and monitor)
– A corresponding warning symbol (viewfinder)
–
+ or - (top panel display)
Notes:
• Once set, a compensation value is retained even when the camera is
switched off.
• An exposure compensation set on the camera only influences meter-
ing of the available light, i.e. not flash light (for more information about
flash photography, refer to the respective sections).
32
1
Example, either plus or minus, "X" stands for the respective value
Page 37
MANUAL SETTING OF APERTURE AND EXPOSURE TIME - M
Setting the operating mode
1. Select M with the rear thumbwheel (see also p. 30, "Exposure con-
trol")
2. Set the desired aperture by turning the rear thumbwheel and the
desired exposure time with the shutter speed setting dial
Displays in viewfinder and top panel display, and in Live View
mode also in the monitor
•
M for the selected exposure operating mode,
• The manually set aperture and shutter speed values, and
– A light balance with which the exposure compensation is performed.
The light balance shows the deviation of the shutter speed/aperture
combination just set from the metered exposure value. In the range of
±3 EV, the deviation is shown clearly in
1
⁄2EV steps. Larger deviations
are indicated by flashing of the outer mark of the light balance.
For correct exposure according to the exposure meter, vary the aperture
and/or speed until only the zero mark of the light balance lights up.
Note:
If the automatic sensitivity setting (
ISO Auto) is activated at the same
time, the last manually set sensitivity is used. A minimum shutter speed
that may have been set, however, is not active.
BRACKETING
Bracketing can be employed with all four exposure operating modes.
The following are available:
– 2 numbers of pictures: 3 or 5
– Graduations: 0.5EV, 1EV, 2EV and 3EV
Setting the function
1. In the menu under CAMERA, select the item Exp. Bracketing
• The sub-menu appears on the monitor with the four items Exp.
Bracketing, Frames, F-Stops and Automatic, and below this a
scale. If an exposure compensation is set at the same time, this is
indicated by a corresponding value below the scale.
2. For
Exp. Bracketing, turn the rear thumbwheel or press the Joystick
to left or right to select whether you wish to carry out bracketing (
or not (
Off )
• If
On is selected, the other three sub-menu items are activated (=
On)
white).
3. Press the rear thumbwheel or the Joystick forward to call up the next
sub-menu item (the same applies to all sub-menu items)
4. In
Frames, set the number of frames, and in F-Stops the desired
exposure graduations between the pictures of the series
• The selected exposures are displayed in red on the scale. An
exposure compensation that may be set is recognizable from the
fact that the whole series around the compensation value is "offset" from the middle of the scale.
5. In
Automatic, select whether you wish to trigger the pictures individu-
ally yourself (
when the shutter button is pressed once (
• A set exposure series is indicated in the initial menu list by
EV
Off ), or whether the pictures should all be taken in series
On)
1
.
X / Y
6. All pictures are produced by pressing the shutter release button once
or several times.
Note:
The function
Exp. Bracketing is not available if an interval shooting series
has previously been set.
Displays in the viewfinder
– A warning symbol
– The changing displays for shutter speed and aperture corresponding to
the graduations
Displays in the top panel display
– Next to the exposure mode in front of the overexposure(s)
the uncorrected picture
0, in front of the underexposure(s) -
+ , in front of
– A symbol indicating an exposure series
Displays in the monitor (in the picture data display)
– A symbol indicating an exposure series
THE B SETTING
With the B setting, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter button
is held depressed (max. 60s).
Display in the viewfinder
bulb instead of a shutter speed
–
Display in the top panel display
B
–
– After opening of the shutter, the running exposure time
Displays in the monitor in Live View mode
bulb instead of a shutter speed
–
In conjunction with the self-timer, a T function is also available: If both
B
is set and the self-timer is activated 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 the button down. This enables you to
largely prevent any blurring, even with long exposures, by pressing the
shutter release button. In both cases the exposure meter remains deactivated.
EN
Recording mode
1
" X " stands for the number of pictures, " Y " for the graduation
33
Page 38
EN
Recording mode
Notes:
• Depending on the exposure mode, the exposure graduations are
created by changing the shutter speeds and/or apertures.
• The sequence of the exposures is: Overexposure(s), correct exposure,
underexposure(s).
• When using automatic bracketing, all
ISO Auto settings are fixed:
– The sensitivity automatically determined by the camera for the
uncorrected picture is also used for all other pictures in a series, i.e.
this ISO value is not changed during a series.
– The settings in the
AUTO ISO sub-menus have no influence, i.e. the
full shutter speed range of the camera is available.
• Depending on the initial exposure setting, the working range for automatic bracketing may be limited.
• Regardless of this, the specified numbers of pictures are always taken,
which may mean that at the end of the working range, several pictures
in a series have the same exposure.
• The function remains active until it is deactivated again in the menu or
the camera is switched off.
Notes:
• The longest possible exposure time depends on the set sensitivity.
• Long exposure times can be associated with picture noise. To reduce
this annoying phenomenon, the Leica S automatically takes a second
“black picture” (taken with the shutter closed) after pictures with slow
shutter speeds. The noise present in this parallel picture is then digitally “subtracted” from the data for the real picture.
• This doubling of the “exposure” time can be significant at longer
exposure times, and must be allowed for. During this time the camera
should not be turned off.
• When taking pictures with long exposures we recommend that the
eyepiece cover supplied is fitted. This prevents any undesirable additional exposure.
• With shutter speeds slower than
1
⁄2s, the message Noise Reduction
appears in the monitor.
• Pictures taken with long exposures with the B setting are taken only
with the camera's internal focal plane shutter even if the main switch
is set to
CS.
Taking photographs with the self-timer
You can use the self-timer of the Leica S to take a picture with a delay of
either 2 or 12s.
Setting / performing the function
1. In the menu, under CAMERA , select the item Drive Mode and
2. select the required delay time in the sub-menu
3. To start the process, press the shutter button (see also "Shutter
button")
Note:
During the delay time, the delay time can be restarted, i.e. prolonged, by
pressing the shutter button again.
Procedure
With 2 s delay time:
Exposure metering is performed first, in autofocus mode the focus is
adjusted and the mirror is folded up. Only then does the delay time start.
Values above and below the metering range
If the values are below the metering range of the camera, exact exposure
metering is not possible. The metered values that may then be displayed
in the viewfinder can result in incorrect exposure results.
For this reason the display
LO always appears in the viewfinder if the
values are below the metering range.
Note:
If the values are above and below the metering range, the time or aperture value in the top panel display flashes.
With 12 s delay time:
The delay time starts immediately after the shutter button is pressed, the
mirror is folded up 2s before the picture is taken.
Displays
The running delay time is displayed:
– In the monitor by the display
Capture in 12s and the countdown of the
remaining time until the picture is taken.
– By the LED on the front of the camera – for the first 10s with 12s
delay time - first flashing slowly, then flashing fast.
34
Page 39
Aborting the function
A running self-timer delay time can be aborted by turning off the camera
at the main switch.
A running 12s self-timer delay time can also be aborted during the first
10s by pressing any of the four buttons next to the monitor.
If the self-timer is no longer to be used, it must be switched off in the
menu, as even switching off the camera does not cancel the setting of
this function.
Note:
If the self-timer function is set and the mirror lock-up activated (see next
section) at the same time, the shutter is always actuated after the
selected delay time, i.e. without the shutter button having to be pressed
again.
Mirror lock-up
In order to preclude the minimal residual influences of mirror movement
and closing of the lens shutter, the Leica S offers the possibility of the
mirror lock-up.
Setting / performing the function
1. In the menu, under CAMERA , select the item Mirror Up Mode and
2. select
On or Off in the sub-menu.
3. Press the shutter button to cause the mirror to be folded up
4. Press the shutter button again to take the picture
Procedure
When the shutter button is pressed the first time, exposure metering is
performed, in autofocus mode the focus is adjusted, then the mirror is
folded up and the aperture closes to the corresponding value.
The shutter procedure - and hence the taking of the picture - starts only
when the shutter button is pressed a second time.
After the picture is taken, the mirror is folded down again and the aperture opens in the normal way.
Aborting the function
The mirror lock-up procedure can be aborted without a picture being
taken after the shutter button is pressed the first time.
Simply switch off the camera at the main switch and the mirror is folded
down again.
If the mirror lock-up is set, on the other hand, the function remains active
even after turning the camera off and on again, i.e. if the next picture is to
be taken without mirror lock-up, the function must be set to
Off in the
menu.
Notes:
• The picture must be taken within 2 minutes of the shutter button being
pressed the first time. If this is not the case, the mirror is folded down
again automatically to protect the battery capacity (without the shutter
opening beforehand).
• While the mirror is folded up, the 2 minutes holding time can be
restarted at any time by pressing the shutter button again.
• If the mirror lock-up is activated and the self-timer function set at the
same time, the shutter is always actuated after the selected delay time,
i.e. without the shutter button having to be pressed again.
Depth of field preview button
With the Leica S you can close the lens aperture to the set or automatically controlled aperture value in any exposure mode. In the factory
setting, this is done with the depth of field preview button.
The correct values continue to be displayed in the monitor and top panel
display, and in Live View mode also in the monitor. However, exposure
metering is deactivated.
Preconditions for closure of the lens aperture are
– Exposure metering has been activated with the shutter button, and
– The shutter button has not been pressed (again).
The shutter is blocked as long as the button is held depressed.
Note:
The function of the depth of field preview button differs, depending on the
operating mode:
Operating modeFunction
Photo modeNormal, i.e. use of
the viewfinder
image
Live View, i.e. use
of the viewfinder
image
Video preview and recording modeAccess to setting the audio recording level
Close the aperture by holding the button
depressed or quick access to the set menu
function by pressing
Activating/deactivating exposure simulation
by (multiple) pressing
and the headphone volume by holding
depressed, function independent of the
setting for normal photography mode and
cannot be changed
EN
Recording mode
35
Page 40
EN
Recording mode
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
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 to 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
2. In the menu, under
3. select
Save as User Profile in the sub-menu
• A further sub-menu appears with four lines for the available profile
slots.
4. In this sub-menu, select the desired memory slot
• A corresponding confirmation prompt appears
5. Confirm
Ye s or cancel No your selection there
• The sub-menu from step 4. appears again, and the selected memory slot is marked as occupied.
Selecting a profile
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Load Profile in the sub-menu
• A further sub-menu appears with five lines, the first for the factory
settings, the others for the four profile slots.
Only the lines with occupied profiles can be called up.
3. In this sub-menu, select the desired profile
• The selected profile is marked as
SETUP , select the item User Profiles and
SETUP , select the item User Profiles and
active.
Renaming profiles
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Rename User Profile in the sub-menu
SETUP , select the item User Profiles, and
• A further sub-menu appears with four lines for the profile slots.
Only the lines with occupied profiles can be called up.
3. Select the desired profile
• A keyboard sub-menu is displayed.
4. First delete the existing designation in the title line there, then select
the desired characters
– Turning the rear thumbwheel or pressing the Joystick to left or
right allows each character to be selected in an endless loop.
– Pressing the Joystick up or down allows you to move between
lines.
– Pressing the rear thumbwheel or the Joystick forward copies the
selected character to the title line.
– Special "buttons":
12
43
– 1 Switch between capital and small letters
–
2 Delete characters
–
3 Switch between letter and number, or punctuation marks and
special characters
–
4 Spacebar
5. Confirm your inputs with the function keys marked
O or OK to the top
right or bottom right of the monitor
• The sub-menu from step 2. appears again, the edited profile has
the new designation.
Saving profiles to a card / transferring profiles from a card
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Import from card or Export to Card in the sub-menu.
SETUP , select the item User Profile and
• A corresponding confirmation prompt appears
3. Confirm there that you really wish to import or export the profile.
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 delete all previous custom settings in the
menu at once, and to reset them to the factory default settings.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Reset Camera and
2. select
No or Ye s in the sub-menu.
Note:
This reset also applies to the profiles that may have been created and
saved with
Save as User Profile (see left column).
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.
36
Page 41
FOLDER MANAGEMENT
The picture 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 free
number is always assigned as the folder number; a maximum of 999
folders are possible. If the number capacity is exhausted, 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 this 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 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).
With the Leica S you can also create new folders at any time, give them
names of your choice and change the file names.
Create new folder / Assign names of your choice
1. In the menu, under
2. select
New Folder in the sub-menu
SETUP , select the item Image Numbering and
• A keyboard sub-menu appears with the folder names in the title
line (initially always "XXXLEICA").
3. First delete the existing designation in the title line there, then select
the desired characters
• The procedure corresponds exactly to step 4. under 'Renaming
profiles' on p. 36.
4. Confirm your inputs with the function keys marked OK to the top right
or bottom right of the monitor
• A corresponding confirmation prompt appears.
5. Confirm
Ye s or cancel No your settings there
• The keyboard sub-menu appears again.
Note:
If memory cards are used that were not formatted with this camera (see
next section), the camera automatically creates a new folder.
Resetting picture numbers
The picture numbers can also be reset without having to create a new
folder first.
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Reset in the sub-menu
SETUP , select the item Image Numbering and
The keyboard sub-menu appears.
3. Make the desired settings there
The procedure corresponds exactly to that described in the previous
section under 3. - 5.
Changing file names
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Change Filename in the sub-menu.
SETUP , select the item Image Numbering and
• A keyboard sub-menu appears with the file names (initially always
L100 001).
3. Make the desired settings there
The procedure corresponds exactly to that described in step 4. under
'Renaming profiles' on p. 36.
• The sub-menu from step 2. appears again, the edited file name has
the new designation.
FORMATTING THE MEMORY CARDS
It is not normally necessary to format (initialize) memory cards that have
already been used. If an unformatted card or a card formatted in a different device (e.g. a computer) is used for the first time, it has to be formatted.
Important:
Formatting does not necessarily and irrevocably delete all the data on the
card.
It may be possible to access some of the data again using appropriate
software. Only the data that is then overwritten by saving new data is
actually permanently deleted.
Notes:
• Do not turn the camera off while memory cards are being formatted.
• If the memory card has been formatted in another device, such as a
computer, you should reformat it in the Leica S.
• If a memory card cannot be formatted, you should ask your dealer or
the Leica Product Support department for advice.
• Formatting of memory cards deletes even delete-protected pictures
(see p. 50).
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Format Cards and
2. select in the sub-menu which of the two cards you wish to format, or
whether you wish to format both
• A corresponding confirmation prompt appears on the monitor to
prevent inadvertent deletion.
3. Confirm
Ye s or cancel No your selection there
EN
Recording mode
1
The "X" characters are placeholders
37
Page 42
EN
Recording mode
MARKING THE PICTURE FILES FOR COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
The Leica S enables you to mark your picture files by entering text or
other characters. You can enter up to 17 characters under 2 headings for
each picture.
1. In the menu, under
SETUP , select the item Copyright Information
• The sub-menu containing the three options Copyright, Information
and
Artist appears in the monitor. Only the Copyright Information
line is initially activated.
2. Activate the
• The
3. Select
Copyright function.
Information and Artist lines are activated.
Information or Artist, and
• The keyboard sub-menu appears in both cases.
4. Make the desired settings there
The procedure corresponds exactly to that described in section
"Resetting picture numbers" in steps 3./5.
• The sub-menu from step 2. appears again.
RECORDING THE LOCATION WITH GPS
The Global Positioning System enables the current position of the
receiver to be determined worldwide. When the function is activated the
Leica S continuously receives the corresponding signals and updates the
position data. You can write this information - latitude and longitude,
height above sea level - to the "EXIF" data.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item GPS and
2. switch the function
On or Off
• The "Satellite" symbol in the top panel display indicates the status:
–
Last position determined up to 6 minutes ago
–
Last position determined up to 24 hours ago
–
No position data available
Notes on the function:
• GPS positioning requires as clear a path as possible to at least 3 of the
GPS satellites (of the total of 24 satellites, up to 9 are available from
any point on earth). We therefore recommend holding the camera with
the GPS aerial pointing vertically upwards.
• Make sure that the GPS aerial 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,
positioning may not be possible at all, or may be incorrect:
– In closed rooms
– Underground
– Under trees
– In a moving vehicle
– Close to high buildings or in steep valleys
– Close to high voltage cables
– In tunnels
– Close to mobile telephones
– With accessories attached to the flash shoe, e.g. a flash unit
Information for safe use
The electromagnetic radiation generated by the GPS system can affect
instruments and measuring equipment. Therefore, make sure the GPS
function is deactivated e.g. 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 technologies 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 national laws.
• Violations will be prosecuted by the authorities. The GPS function is
therefore deactivated automatically in these areas.
38
We recommend that when activating the GPS function after prolonged
storage of the camera, this is always done first at a point with good
"reception".
Page 43
FLASH MODE
GENERAL INFORMATION ON FLASH EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT AND
CONTROL
The Leica S determines the necessary flash power by firing several 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 (e.g. filters, aperture setting,
distance from the main subject, reflective ceilings, etc.) are automatically
taken into consideration.
COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS
Connection via the flash shoe
– All flash units and studio flash systems conforming to the latest ISO
standard 10330 and the older DIN 19014 standard
at the X contact)
®
Connection via the lower LEMO
jack
– All flash units and studio flash systems that allow control via corre-
sponding special cables
Connection via the flash connection socket
– Studio flash systems and other flash units with flash cable and stan-
dard flash plug
1
(positive polarity
The following flash units allow all the functions described in this manual
together with the Leica S:
• Leica system flash units
• Flash units that satisfy the technical requirements for a System 3002
System Camera Adaption (SCA), are fitted with the SCA-3502-M5
2, 3
adapter and allow guide number control.
Other commercially available attachable flash units with standard flash
4, 5
foot
and positive center contact, and fired via the center contact (X
contact) (without TTL flash control) can also be used.
FLASH SYNC SPEED
The flash sync speed of the Leica S with conventional flash technology,
i.e. with the camera's internal focal plane shutter is
shutter of correspondingly equipped lenses is used, all the shutter speeds
1
up to
⁄1000s are available.
1
⁄125s. If the central
With system-compatible and HSS-compatible flash units, all faster shutter
speeds can also be used.
Notes:
• Studio flash systems in particular often have burning times that are far
longer than the above sync times. Lower speeds are recommended to
make full use of light yield from these flash units.
• With all shutter speeds up to the sync time
1
⁄125s, X lights up in the
viewfinder as an indication that normal flash mode is possible with
these speeds.
• If the shutter speed setting dial is set
, the set exposure operating
modes may be changed due to the then resulting shutter speeds, i.e.
from
P to T, or from A to M. As soon as a shutter speed is set again, the
original operating modes are activated again.
• If an HSS-compatible Leica system flash unit is used and faster shutter
speeds are set at the camera, i.e. ≤
1
⁄1500s with central shutter, the flash unit automatically switches to HSS
1
⁄180s with focal plane shutter, and ≤
mode.
EN
Recording mode
1
If you wish to connect a studio flash system that does not conform to the ISO standard to the Leica S,
please contact the Customer Care department at Leica Camera AG or the customer service department
of a Leica agency.
2
When using the SCA-3502 adapter (from Version 5), the white balance can be set to Automatic for
correct color reproduction.
3
The use of system flash units from other camera manufacturers and of SCA adapters for other camera
systems is not recommended, as their different contact position and assignment can result in malfunc-
tions or even damage.
4
If flash units not specially adapted to the Leica S are used, the white balance of the camera should
possibly be set manually to .
5
The aperture and sensitivity of the lens may have to be entered manually in the flash unit.
39
Page 44
EN
Recording mode
SELECTING THE SYNC SPEED / THE SYNC SPEED RANGE
The Leica S allows you to combine flash operation with the shutter speed
generated with the automatic program and aperture priority modes to
subtly change the lighting conditions for the relevant subject to suit your
compositional ideas. You can choose here between one automatic and
several manual settings.
Setting the function
1. In the menu under CAMERA, select item Max. Flash Sync. Time , and
2. in the sub-menu select either one of the three automatic, focal
length-specific settings -
1/f , 1/(2f) , 1/(4f) , or the desired slowest
shutter speed
Note:
The setting of
rule of thumb for blur-free pictures taken from the hand, e.g.
Summarit-S 1:2.5/70mm ASPH lens. The corresponding shutter speeds
with
1/(2f) and 1/(4f) in this example would be
1/f results in the slowest shutter speeds according to the
1
⁄125s and 1⁄250s.
1
⁄60s with the
SELECTING THE FIRING MOMENT
The Leica S allows you to choose between the flash firing moment at the
start of the exposure and the synchronisation at the end of the exposure.
The function is available with all flash units, i.e. even with non-systemcompatible flash units, irrespective of whether they are fitted to the flash
or connected via cable, and with all camera and flash unit settings. The
displays are identical in both cases.
Setting the function
1. In the menu under SETUP, select item Flash Sync. Mode , and
2. select the desired option in the sub-menu
ATTACHING THE FLASH UNIT
When attaching a flash unit, you should ensure that the foot of the flash
unit is fully inserted into the accessory shoe of the Leica S and, if fitted,
the clamping nut 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 broken, leading to malfunctions.
Note:
Camera and flash unit must be switched off before attaching.
40
Page 45
SETTINGS FOR CAMERA-CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC FLASH MODE
When the flash unit used has been switched on and set to the appropriate
mode for TTL mode, exposure metering must be carried out on the Leica
S
1. before taking each flash picture by gently pressing the shutter
release, so that the display in the viewfinder shows the shutter speed
or switches to the light balance. If this stage is missed out by fully
depressing the shutter release in one quick movement, the flash unit
will not fire even if required.
2. the desired exposure mode and the desired shutter speed and/or
aperture must be set. The shortest flash sync speed must be taken
into account as this determines whether a "normal" flash is fired or an
HSS flash.
TTL flash mode
The fully automatic, i.e. camera-controlled, TTL flash mode is available
with the Leica S with system-compatible flash units, and with all exposure
operating modes of the camera. In addition, an automatic fill flash control
is available. This means that in order to ensure a balanced relationship
between flash and other lighting at all times, the flash power is reduced
by up to 1
the prevailing brightness requires a faster shutter speed than the sync
speed (
2
⁄3 EV as ambient brightness increases (fill flashes). If, however,
1
⁄125s with focal plane shutter, 1⁄1000s for lenses with central shutter)
or if this is set manually, a system-compatible flash unit will be automatically switched to linear flash mode (HSS, see next section) by the camera. In addition, the Leica S transfers the set sensitivity and aperture to
the flash unit. If it has such displays, the flash unit can then automatically
adapt its distance setting accordingly.
Notes:
• The following sections describe only those settings and functions that
are available when using the Leica S with system-compatible flash
units.
• An exposure compensation set at the camera influences only the
measurement of the prevailing light! If you want to simultaneously use
compensation of the TTL flash exposure metering in flash mode – in
parallel or in the opposite direction, you must make this additional
setting (on the flash unit).
• More details of flash use, in particular for other flash units not specially
adapted to the Leica S and for different flash modes, can be found in
the relevant manuals.
LINEAR FLASH MODE (HIGH SPEED SYNCHRONIZATION)
Fully automatic, i.e. camera controlled, linear flash operation is available
with the Leica S when using system-compatible flash units (see p. 39),
with all shutter speeds and in all exposure modes of the camera. It is
automatically activated by the camera when the selected or calculated
shutter speed is faster than the sync speed, i.e. ≤
1
⁄180s with focal plane
shutter. If the flash unit is set correctly, this changeover requires no
further action on the part of the photographer.
STROBOSCOPE FLASH MODE WITH SYSTEM-COMPATIBLE FLASH
UNITS
This flash method in which several consecutive flashes are fired during an
exposure is possible with all exposure operating modes of the camera.
With the operating modes and the camera automatically sets the shutter
speed necessary for the selected number and frequency of flashes. If the
required shutter speed results in an overexposure due to the prevailing
light, this is indicated by the light balance. With the operating modes and
flashing of the time display in the viewfinder and top panel display signals
that the shutter speed is too high. In such cases exposure compensation
is possible by changing the number and/or frequency of the flashes and/
or the aperture and/or the shutter speed (with and ). For successful
stroboscope photography in which e.g. several phases of a sequence of
movements are recorded in one picture, the working range of the flash
unit, the number of flashes, the distance and naturally the aperture are of
crucial importance. Information on this can be found in the manual of the
flash unit in question.
Note:
The HSS flash technology results in shorter ranges.
EN
Recording mode
41
Page 46
EN
Recording mode
FLASH EXPOSURE DISPLAYS IN THE VIEWFINDER WITH SYSTEMCOMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS
In the viewfinder display of the Leica S, a flash symbol serves as a feedback and display of various operating states.
•
does not appear despite the flash unit being switched on and ready
for use:
In such cases the Leica S will not fire the flash unit even though it is
switched on and ready for use. (e.g. because the wrong operating mode
is set on the flash unit)
•
flashes before the picture is taken:
– The flash unit is not yet ready to use
•
is lit up before the picture is taken:
– The flash unit is ready for use
•
continues to light up constantly after firing:
– The flash is still ready to use.
• In the case of a flash exposure compensation set at the flash unit
– ± appears additionally in the viewfinder as an indicator
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE FLASH UNIT-INTEGRATED AUTOMATIC COMPUTER
When working with the automatic exposure of system-compatible flash
units, the light reflected by the subject is metered and evaluated by a
sensor integrated into the flash unit, not by the camera. The exposure
operating modes of the camera function essentially in the same way as
without flash. If the flash sync speed drops below the set value with
A , or a speed is set below the sync speed with T or M, the flash is not
P or
triggered.
As the operating modes, and already generate a normally exposed picture due to the ambient lighting, the flash power should be reduced, i.e. a
flash exposure compensation of e.g. –1EV to –2EV should be set.
With system-compatible flash units, the aperture set at the lens is transmitted to the flash unit and automatically taken as the basis as computer
aperture. For the metering, the sensitivity set at the camera and any
exposure compensation set for the ambient lighting (camera) and flash
(flash unit) are taken into consideration.
MANUAL FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH CONSTANT FLASH POWER
If the flash unit is used in manual flash mode with full power or fixed
partial power (if this can be set at the flash unit), the emitted flash light
power is not controlled. The exposure operating modes of the camera
function essentially in the same way as without flash.
If the flash sync speed drops below the set value with
is set below the sync speed with
T or M, the flash is suppressed. The lens
A or T , or a speed
aperture to be set is determined by the flash power, sensitivity and
distance to the subject, or vice versa, the flash partial power to be set is
determined by the aperture, sensitivity, focal length and distance to the
subject (see flash unit manual).
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY VIA THE X CONTACT
No information is transmitted if a non-system-compatible flash unit is
connected via the accessory shoe. As the camera cannot "recognize"
such a flash unit, it acts as if no flash unit were attached. The flash time
must be set manually to the flash sync speed
1
⁄125s, or 1⁄1000s with central
shutter, or to slower speeds; an automatic changeover does not take
place. The flash unit ready and indicator lamps are not active.
If the flash unit is suitable, the light control can be performed with an
automatic aperture, i.e. via the sensor on the flash unit, or manually by
selecting corresponding partial light power levels (see flash unit manual).
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY VIA THE LOWER LEMO
Flash units and large studio flash systems can be connected by cable
with LEMO
The LEMO
®
plug (supplied) can be connected to the lower LEMO® jack.
®
jack with its automatic locking reliably prevents an inadver-
®
JACK
tent interruption in the connection. As the camera cannot "recognize" a
flash unit connected in this way, it acts as if no flash unit were attached.
The flash time must be set manually to the flash sync speed
1
⁄125s, or 1⁄1000s
with central shutter, or to slower speeds; an automatic changeover does
not take place. The flash unit ready and indicator lamps are not active.
42
Page 47
VIDEO RECORDINGS
You can also use the Leica S to make video recordings.
Notes:
• As only part of the sensor surface is used, the effective focal length is
increased in each case, i.e. the details become correspondingly
smaller.
• Uninterrupted video recordings are possible up to a maximum length of
29 minutes.
The following settings are available for video recordings:
RESOLUTION / IMAGE FREQUENCY
1. In the menu, under
2. set the desired resolution in the sub-menu
The two resolutions available have a fixed relationship to different image
frequencies. 1080p, for example, can be combined with three different
image frequencies in order to match the reproduction to the TV system
used: 25 fps for PAL, 24 and 30 fps for NTSC while the 4K resolution is
only possible with 24 fps.
Note:
4k video recordings can only be stored on SD cards (see p. 25).
ISO SENSITIVITY
All variants described on p. 24, but
ings is set separately in the
IMAGE, select the item Video Resolution and
Maximum Auto ISO for video record-
Auto ISO Video sub-menu.
COLOR SPACE
Video recordings are only possible with sRGB (see p. 22).
Note:
This applies irrespective of a possible deviating setting for photos which
remains unchanged.
CONTRAST, FOCUS, SATURATION
All variants described on page 22, but they are set separately for video
recordings.
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Video Contrast, Video Sharpness or Video Saturation in the
IMAGE, select the item Video Settings and
sub-menu, and
3. select the desired level/function in the sub-menu
TIME CODE
The time code is a data set that is generated and recorded parallel to the
image and audio data. It allows the correct time synchronization of picture and audio signals even after cutting, or after a later separate processing.
You can choose between a continuous 'running'
Timecode – Free Run and a time code for the particular recording –
Rec Run
1. In the menu, under IMAGE, select the item Video Settings and
2. select
3. In the
Timecode in the sub-menu
Timecode sub-menu select Timecode Mode and
4. select the desired function or deactivate the function in the sub-menu
While the time code signal at camera time is always generated and
recorded parallel to the video recording, with
Free Run and Rec Run you
can define the start yourself, i.e. how large the time offset is to be
between the start of recording and the start of time code signal generation. In these two cases, the otherwise inactive second line of the
code sub-menu can therefore be selected.
5. In the
Timecode Mode sub-menu select Starting Time and
Time-
6. set the delay in the sub-menu
– Setting the numerical groups (
onds] and
frame [frame number within the respective second]):
hh [hours], mm [minutes], ss [sec-
Turn the rear thumbwheel or press the Joystick up or down
– Switching between the numerical groups:
Press the rear thumbwheel or the Joystick forwards, to the left or
to the right
EN
Recording mode
Notes:
• The limitation described below under exposure operating modes
applies.
• Vertical and horizontal lines may become visible all over the image,
especially when shooting dark subjects with high ISO values containing
very bright, spot light sources.
43
Page 48
EN
EXPOSURE METERING METHODS
All the variants described on page 30
STARTING / ENDING THE RECORDING
Starting:
Press the video record button
Ending:
Press the video record button again
EXPOSURE MODES
– Aperture priority (see p. 30-31)
– Manual control with shutter speeds of
Recording mode
Set slower shutter speeds are dealt with in the same way as
1
⁄30 - 1⁄4000s.
Notes:
• If a correct exposure is not possible even with the maximum aperture,
the ISO sensitivity is automatically increased, regardless of any manual
setting.
• The automatic exposure control takes all brightness fl uctuations into
consideration. If this is not desired, e.g. for landscape recordings and
pans, you should set the exposure manually.
DISTANCE SETTING
All the variants described on page 29
1
⁄30s.
Single pictures during video recordings
Single pictures can be taken during a running video recording. Pressing
the shutter button interrupts the video recording for the duration of the
single picture. The individual pictures are taken with the relevant settings
on the camera.
#
• A video recording in progress is indicated in the monitor by a fl ashing
red dot and the elapsed recording time.
• As video recordings with the Leica S are made with diff erent aspect
ratios, depending on the selected resolution, the monitor image
appears with corresponding masking.
44
Page 49
Sound recording
The sound can be recorded using the integral microphones or with external microphones connected using the LEMO
®
audio adapter supplied.
The integral microphones record in stereo.
Note:
The automatic distance setting (autofocus) generates noises that are also
recorded.
Setting the audio recording level is possible automatically or manually
before or during the recording.
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Audio Level in the sub-menu, and
IMAGE, select the item Video Settings,
3. set the desired function there
Manual setting
1. Hold the depth of fi eld preview/function button depressed, and
2. press the Joystick to the left (= decrease level) or right (= increase
level)
The level should be set so that input override is avoided, i.e. such that the
'bars' do not or only seldom change from white to red (at the far right end
of the scale).
Note:
The level is not controlled separately for each channel.
Deactivate sound recording
Move the setting mark completely to the left until the microphone symbol
changes from
to
To reduce any noise caused by wind during sound recording, a damping
function is available.
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Audio Wind Elimination in the sub-menu, and
IMAGE, select the item Video Settings,
3. activate or deactivate the function there
Note:
When no wind noise is to be feared, you should always select
Off to
ensure optimum sound.
Checking the sound recording
You can check your recording level even during the recording using
connected headphones.
1. Connect the headphones to the camera via the LEMO
®
audio jack
using the audio adapter S (supplied)
• The corresponding display appears in the monitor image
2 Setting mark
3 Left channel level
4 Right channel level
= No sound recording)
Setting headphone volume
2. Hold the depth of fi eld preview/function button depressed, and
3. press the Joystick down (= reduce volume) or up (= increase volume)
45
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EN
Review mode
REVIEW MODE
Note:
Two functions are available for the review of your recordings:
– Automatic review after each recording
– Review for unlimited time
AUTOMATIC REVIEW OF LAST
PICTURE
Auto Review mode, each picture is displayed on the monitor immedi-
In
ately after it is taken. You can set the time for which the picture is to be
displayed.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Auto Review and
2. select the desired function or time in the sub-menu: (
s, Hold)
Off , 1 s, 3 s, 5
REVIEW FOR UNLIMITED TIME
Setting the function
Call up Review mode by briefly pressing the button to the top right of the
monitor.
• The last picture taken appears in the monitor along with the corresponding displays. However, if the memory card(s) inserted do(es) not
contain any image files, the following message appears when you
switch to review mode:
No media file to display.
Displays in Review mode
For undisturbed viewing of the recordings, only the following are displayed during review for unlimited time:
– In the header some fundamental information
– The functions of the adjacent buttons for 3 seconds in the four corners
of the monitor picture when switched on:
Change of display,
– Top right
and for the functions of the two thumbwheels
– Bottom right
= Delete menu and = Menu
for button lock (if activated)
= Protect menu, =
If the memory card or the selected file cannot be read, a corresponding symbol appears in the right-hand margin of the black picture.
Notes:
• From
Auto Review mode, you can switch back at any time to normal
unlimited PLAY review mode.
• Even pictures that have not yet been transferred from the camera's
internal buffer memory to a card – the LED at bottom right on the rear
of the camera is still flashing – can be viewed immediately.
• On the other hand, the pictures on the cards are not accessible while
data are being transferred.
• If the masking function was used during recording (see p. 28), the
photo appears with the selected aspect ratio.
• Only picture data recorded with Leica S cameras can be reviewed with
the Leica S.
• If the picture data are stored in parallel in JPEG and DNG format, the
picture displayed is always based on the DNG file.
• If photographs were taken with the picture series function or automatic
bracketing, the last picture in the series is shown first in both review
modes.
• To select other pictures from the series, see p. 48.
VIDEO PLAYBACK
A video recording can be recognized from the following characteristics:
– Picture format (16:9 with Full HD, approx. 17:9 with 4K)
– Additional video-related information in a footer
– A field with the video and audio control symbols when switching on
and each time the Joystick is pressed to the left:
Louder
Fast forward
Play/Pause
Quieter
Fast rewind
= Press up
= Press right
= Press forward
= Press down
= Press left
Fast forward and fast rewind start in slow motion and get faster the
longer the button is held down in the appropriate direction.
Turning the rear thumbwheel once to the left or right takes you directly to
the beginning or end of a video.
46
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Setting the volume
Press the Joystick down (= reduce volume) or up (= increase volume)
2
1
1 Symbol for camera loudspeaker/connected headphones
2 Volume bar; at the far left-hand end of the bar the audio playback is
deactivated (
/
).
Displays in Review mode
For undisturbed viewing of the recordings, only the following are displayed
during review for unlimited time:
– In the header some fundamental information
– The functions of the adjacent buttons for 3 seconds in the four corners
of the monitor picture when switched on:
Change of display,
– Top right
and
= Delete menu and = Menu
for the functions of the two thumbwheels
= Protect menu, =
If the memory card or the selected fi le cannot be read, a corresponding
symbol appears in the right-hand margin of the black picture.
During both the unlimited review and the video payback, various additional displays and information can be called up in turn, in addition to the
displays described above, by repeatedly pressing the button bottom right
next to the monitor as in Live View mode:
– Histogram and clipping indicators
– Grid lines and horizon
– Extended picture data
– Back to the normal view
The settings for grid lines, histogram and marking of clearly focused
subjects are made in exactly the same was as described for Live View
mode on pages 27-28.
Review with histogram and clipping indicators
• Also displayed are:
– The histogram at top left
– Areas that are too bright are marked in red, areas that are too dark
in blue, fl ashing in each case, and at bottom right the clipping symbol ([])
The clipping displays
You can use the menu to set the clipping thresholds for displaying both
the light and dark areas.
Setting the function
1. In the menu, under SETUP , select the item Capture Assistants and
2. select
3. In the sub-menu select
Exposure Clipping in the sub-menu.
Lower Limit or Upper Limit, and
4. set the desired threshold values on the scale by turning the thumbwheel or by pressing the Joystick to the left or right.
• The scale shows the clipping areas relative to the overall exposure
range.
Notes:
• The histogram and the clipping indicators are available both during
review of the whole picture and during review of a detail, but not
• during the simultaneous review of 4 or 9 reduced pictures.
• The histogram and clipping indicators always relate to the detail of the
part of the picture currently being displayed.
Marking of clearly focused subjects
• All clearly focused subjects are marked by highlighted contours.
The four available colors permit adaptation to any background.
1. In the menu, under
2. select
Focus Peaking in the sub-menu
SETUP , select the item Capture Assistants and
3. Call up the sub-menu, and
4. select the desired color there
Extended picture data
• A wide variety of additional picture data is displayed.
Note:
This review option only allows you to view the entire picture, even if only a
section was previously selected
EN
Review mode
47
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EN
Review mode
VIEWING OTHER PICTURES / SCROLLING
2
1
ENLARGING THE DETAIL
Enlarging in steps
The displayed detail can be enlarged by turning the shutter speed setting
dial to the right. The further you turn, the greater the enlargement and
the smaller the detail. Enlargement is possible in 4 steps until 1 pixel of
the monitor displays 1 pixel of the picture.
• The displays in the header and the symbols for the functions of the
keys and thumbwheels disappear. The rectangle inside the frame
shows the size and position of the detail.
Maximum enlargement in one step
Holding the rear thumbwheel depressed (≥1s) switches between the
review of the whole picture and maximum enlargement.
Note:
The function is available at all zoom levels. If a detail was previously
displayed, pressing the fi rst time displays the whole picture again.
Turning the rear thumbwheel allows you to select other pictures.
Turning to the left takes you to the pictures with lower numbers,
turning to the right to the pictures with higher numbers. After reaching
the highest and lowest
numbers, the series of the pictures arranged in an endless loop
starts again from the beginning so that you can reach all the
pictures in both directions.
• The picture and fi le numbers in the monitor change accordingly.
Note:
This is possible in all review modes, at all zoom levels, including off -center details, and during the simultaneous review of several reduced pictures.
You can enlarge a detail of the picture
– in steps
or
– call up the highest possible enlargement in one step.
48
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MOVING THE DETAIL
SIMULTANEOUS VIEWING OF SEVERAL REDUCED PICTURES
SELECTION OF ONE OF THE REDUCED PICTURES
1. Select the desired picture by pressing the Joystick up, down, left or
right
• The frame changes to an endless loop in lines from picture to
picture.
2. The framed picture can be enlarged in steps by turning the shutter
speed setting dial to the right
EN
Review mode
Press the Joystick in the desired direction - up, down, right or left
• The rectangle inside the frame moves in the direction the Joystick is
pressed.
Turning the shutter speed setting dial to the left reduces possibly previously enlarged pictures, and turning beyond the review of the whole
picture allows simultaneous viewing of 4 or 9 pictures.
• The red frame marks the picture previously displayed in full size during
the viewing of 4 or 9 pictures.
49
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EN
Review mode
PROTECTING PICTURES / CLEARING DELETE PROTECTION
1. Press any of the button top or bottom left, or top or bottom right of
the monitor
• In the image field the button functions valid in this situation are
displayed - for 4s – alongside the corresponding buttons
up menu control),
menu) and
2. Press the button marked
(Call up delete menu), (Call up protect
(Change view, see p. 47)
in this case
(Call
• The image field displays:
– The button functions valid in this situation
and
Protect single? in the footer
– Possibly the symbol (
) for a delete-protected picture.
ALL, Back, and OK,
3. With the button top left of the monitor, select whether you wish to
protect only the displayed picture or all the pictures, or (if one or
more pictures is/are already protected) whether you wish to cancel
the delete protection for the displayed picture or all the pictures
• The corresponding displays change: Alongside the button between
ALL and SINGLE, in the footer according to the situation.
Notes:
• Even when protection or canceling of the delete protection of individ-
ual pictures is activated, you can enlarge the picture or call up other
pictures.
• Pressing the button marked
BACK in this case (see above under 2.)
returns you to the respective normal view.
4. Press the
OK button to protect the picture(s) or to cancel the delete
protection.
• The symbol
for a delete-protected picture appears or disap-
pears in the monitor.
DELETING PICTURES
1. Press any of the button top or bottom left, or top or bottom right of
the monitor
• In the image field the button functions valid in this situation are
displayed - for 4s – alongside the corresponding buttons
up menu control),
menu) and
2. Press the button marked
(Call up delete menu), (Call up protect
(Change view, see p. 47)
in this case
(Call
• The image field displays
– the button functions valid in this situation
and
Delete single? in the footer.
– Possibly the symbol
for a delete-protected picture.
ALL, BACK, and OK,
3. With the button top left of the monitor, select whether you wish to
delete only the displayed picture or all the pictures
• The corresponding displays change: Alongside the button between
ALL and SINGLE, in the footer according to the situation.
Notes:
• When deletion is activated, you can enlarge the picture or call up other
pictures.
• Pressing the button marked
BACK in this case (see above under 2.)
returns you to the respective normal view.
If only one picture is to be deleted
4. Press the
OK button to delete the picture(s).
• The next undeleted picture appears in the monitor. If this was the
only picture a message is displayed:
No media file to display.
If all pictures are to be deleted
5. Press the button marked
• A safety confirmation prompt appears on the monitor:
OK in this case.
Delete all?
Notes:
• Pressing the button marked
in this case (see above under 2.)
returns you to the respective normal view.
• Protected pictures are not deleted. After deletion, the last (highest
number) of the undeleted pictures appears.
6. Confirm and start the deletion with the
• A message appears in the monitor:
OK button.
No media file to display.
50
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ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
TRANSFERRING DATA TO A COMPUTER
The Leica S is equipped with a USB 3.0 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
connection of the Leica S), or be equipped with a card scanner for CF or
SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Furthermore, an up-to-date USB 3.0 driver must
be installed
If the Leica S is connected to the computer with the LEMO
cable, it is automatically recognized by the operating system. Use the
®
Windows
Note:
Apple
Explorer to copy/save the picture data to your computer.
®
Mac® computers allow the transfer of video files only up to a
maximum file size of 4GB. If larger video files are copied, an error message is displayed.
Important:
• Use only the LEMO
®
USB cable supplied.
• While data is being transferred from the Leica S to the computer, the
connection may not under any circumstances be broken by removing
the USB cable, as otherwise the computer and/or the Leica S may
crash, and the memory card may even be irreparably damaged.
• While data is being transferred from the Leica S to the computer, the
camera must not be turned off or turn itself off due to a lack of battery
capacity, as otherwise the computer can 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 camera (see p. 15) and
charge the battery (see p. 8).
®
USB3.0
Connecting and transferring the data using card scanners
The picture data can be transferred to a computer using a commercially
available card scanner for CF or SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. These
devices, as well as further information, can be obtained in a computer
accessories store.
Data structure on the memory card
The 100LEICA, 101LEICA, etc. folders can each hold up to 9999
pictures.
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 computer'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 website. Further details on the
download of the two programs can be found on the registration card in
the camera packaging.
System requirements
Microsoft
®
Windows® Vista® / 7; Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. In some
Windows versions it is possible that the operating system will display a
warning about a missing Windows signature. Please ignore this message
and continue with the installation.
Installing firmware updates
Leica is constantly working on developing and optimizing its products. As
digital cameras have many functions that are purely 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 this manual can be found
at:
http://www.s.leica-camera.com/downloads-overview
You can check in the sub-menu of menu item
Camera Information
whether your camera and/or the attached lens has the latest firmware
version (see also pp. 16-19 and 66).
You can easily download new firmware yourself from our
website and install it on your camera.
1. Format a memory card in your Leica S
2. Switch off the camera and insert the card into a card scanner –
either integrated or connected to your computer. (A scanner is
required for firmware updates)
3. Download the firmware file under the link:
https://owners.leica-camera.com/login
4. Save the firmware file S-X_xxx.FW to the highest level of the card
folder structure. X_xxx stands for the relevant version.
5. Eject the card properly from your card scanner, insert it into the
camera and close the cover.
6. Turn on the camera
7. In the menu, under
SETUP , select the item Camera Information
• If the camera detects a newer firmware version than the one
installed, this will be indicated in the respective line (
Lens) by characters in front of and behind the firmware number.
Camera or
8. Open the corresponding sub-menu
• Apart from the two version numbers, the sub-menu contains a
confirmation prompt.
9. Start the update with
Yes or reject with No
• A progress screen appears during the process.
• The update process begins. This can take several minutes.
• After a successful update, a corresponding message is displayed
for confirmation.
EN
Additional functions
Note:
If the battery is not charged sufficiently, a corresponding warning message is displayed.
51
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EN
WIRELESS DATA TRANSMISSION AND REMOTE CONTROL OF THE
CAMERA
You can control the camera remotely using a smartphone/tablet or use
the smartphone/tablet as an external storage medium. In order to do
this, the Leica S app must first be installed on your smartphone. This app
is available in the Apple App Store™ for iOS™ devices.
WLAN settings
Additional functions
1. In the menu, under
2. activate
Create personal password
For security reasons you should change the default password for the
connection to your Leica S. The data are encrypted with the WPA2 standard during the data transfer.
1. In the
2. Enter the characters for your personalized password using the Joystick or the rear thumbwheel
3. Press the button marked
SETUP, select the item WLAN and
WLAN Connection in the sub-menu
WLAN sub-menu, select Network Key
OK
Change device name (SSID)
You can change the device name (SSID) of the camera. A name has
already been assigned here at the factory (LEICA-S...).
1. In the
WLAN sub-menu, select Device Name
2. Enter the characters for your personalized device name using the
Joystick or the rear thumbwheel
3. Press the button marked
OK
Create connection to the camera
(Settings are made at the smartphone/tablet)
1. Select the camera from the list of available WiFi networks
2. Enter the camera password
Data transfer and remote control
1. Start the app on your smartphone/tablet
2. Create connection to the camera
3. Execute the desired function using the app
Notes:
• When using devices or computing systems that require more reliable
security than WLAN devices, appropriate measures must be taken to
ensure security and protect against disruptions to the systems used.
• Leica Camera AG accepts no liability for damage arising from the use
of the camera for purposes other than as a WLAN device.
• It is assumed that the WLAN function will be used in the countries
where this camera is sold. If used in other countries than the one
where the camera is sold, there is the risk that communications transmission conditions may be violated. Leica Camera AG assumes no
responsibility for violations of this kind.
• Please also notice that data transmitted and received wirelessly may
be intercepted by third parties. We highly recommend that you activate
encryption in the wireless access point settings in order to ensure that
the information is secure.
• Don't use the camera in places where there are magnetic fields, static
electricity, or disturbances, such as near microwaves. Otherwise the
wireless transmissions may not reach the camera.
• Using the camera near devices such as microwaves or cordless telephones that use the 2.4 GHz radio frequency wavelength may negatively affect the performance of both devices.
• Do not connect to wireless networks you are not authorized to use.
• When the WLAN function is activated, the device will automatically
search for wireless networks. When this happens, networks that you
are not authorized to use (SSID: indicates the name used to identify a
network over a WLAN connection) may be displayed. Do not attempt to
connect to such a network, since this would be seen as unauthorized
access.
52
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MISCELLANEOUS
LEICA SYSTEM ACCESSORIES
Interchangeable lenses
The range of interchangeable lenses in the Leica S system covers focal
lengths from wide angle to telephoto, including a macro lens for closeups. Some models may be available with the option of an integral central
shutter – for flash photography with sync speeds up to 1/1000s. All
Leica S lenses are characterized by a high light intensity - in relation to
the picture format, and always by maximum imaging performance.
S ADAPTER
The Leica S adapter allows the use of lenses from other manufacturers
with Leica S cameras. The three purely mechanical bayonet adapters
transmit no mechanical or electrical controls, signals or
data between housing and lens. There is also a further Leica S adapter for
use with Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses and one for the use of the Contax
645 lens on Leica S cameras that allow the use of all the functions of
these lenses.
Leica S Adapter V ........................................................ Order No. 16 024
(for lenses from the Hasselblad V system)
Leica S Adapter M645.................................................. Order No. 16 025
(for lenses from the Mamiya 645 system)
Leica S Adapter P67..................................................... Order No. 16 026
(for lenses from the Pentax 67 system)
Leica S Adapter H ........................................................ Order No. 16 030
(for lenses from the Hasselblad H system)
Leica S Adapter C ........................................................ Order No. 16 038
(for lenses from the Contax 645 system)
Interchangeable focusing screens
Interchangeable focusing screens are available for the Leica S. They are
delivered individually in a case with changing tweezers and a dust brush.
Completely matt screen ............................................... Order No. 16 000
(Standard, supplied with the camera)
Matt screen with microprism ring and wedge ................ Order No. 16 001
Completely matt screen with grid lines ......................... Order No. 16 002
Multifunction S hand grip
The multifunction grip simplifies handling for portrait format pictures
thanks to its form and appropriately positioned operating elements. It also
allows the use of an additional battery to increase the capacity. Its attachment – with tripod screw - is quick and easy. (Order No. 16 028)
Grip strap S
The grip strap S is fastened to the multifunction hand grip and significantly simplifies the carrying and holding of the camera/hand grip combination. (Order No. 16 004)
Professional charger S
This charger allows you to significantly boost and safeguard the availability of your Leica S system: It can charge two batteries at the same time.
(Order No. 16 011)
AC adapter S (power pack)
If the Leica S (Typ 007) is used in a fixed position and/or for a very large
number of pictures over a prolonged period, and particularly when it
cannot be monitored, then it is expedient to ensure a continuous power
supply by using this power pack. (Order No. 16 041)
Flash units
The Leica SF 26 system flash unit is characterized by very simple operation. (Order No. 14 622)
Remote cord S
The electric remote cord S is highly recommended where maximum
jitter-free photography is demanded. (Order No. 16 029)
HDMI cable
The HDMI cable allows exceptionally fast transfer of picture data to
display equipment with corresponding HDMI sockets. Length = 1.5m
(Order No. 14 491)
Audio adapter S
The audio adapter S that is connected to the camera via LEMO plug
allows the simultaneous connection of headphones and a microphone
(both with 3.5mm jack). (Order No. 16 042)
SPARE PARTS Order No.
Camera bayonet cover S ...............................................................16 021
Carrying strap S ............................................................................ 16 037
Standard focusing screen ..............................................................16 000
Li-Ion Battery S BP-PRO1 ..............................................................16 039
Quick Charger S (with integrated USA mains plug and
EU, UK and AUS interchangeable mains plugs, car charging cable) 16 009
EN
Miscellaneous
Note:
The power pack S (Order No. 16 022) cannot be used with the Leica S
(Typ 007).
53
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EN
Precautions and care instructions
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
consoles, 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 fields, e.g. from speakers or large electric motors,
can damage the stored data or the pictures.
• If the Leica S malfunctions due to the effects of electromagnetic fields
then turn the camera off, remove the battery, and then turn the camera on again after reinserting the battery. Do not use the Leica S in the
immediate vicinity of radio transmitters or high-voltage power lines.
• Their magnetic fields can also interfere with picture recordings. Protect
the Leica S from contact with insect sprays and other aggressive
chemicals. Petroleum spirit, thinner and alcohol may not be used for
cleaning.
• Certain chemicals and liquids can damage the housing of the Leica S
or the surface coating.
• As rubber and plastics sometimes emit aggressive chemicals, they
should not remain in contact with the Leica S for a long time. The
Leica S is protected against moisture and dust to a certain extent by a
number of design measures. Ensure nevertheless that neither water,
sand nor dust can get into the camera, e.g. when it is snowing or
raining or on the beach.
• Sand and dust can damage the camera and memory cards. Take
particular care when changing lenses and when inserting and removing
the cards. If moisture does get in, it can cause malfunctions and even
permanent damage to the Leica S and the memory cards. If salt water
spray gets onto the Leica S, wet a soft cloth with tap water, wring it
out thoroughly and wipe the camera with it. Then wipe down thoroughly with a dry cloth.
MONITOR AND TOP PANEL DISPLAY
• If the Leica S is exposed to significant temperature fluctuations, condensation can form on the displays. Wipe it off carefully with a soft dry
cloth.
• If the Leica S is very cold when it is turned on, the displays may at first
appear darker than usual. As soon as they warm up, they will reach
their normal level of brightness. The monitor is manufactured using a
high-precision process. This ensures that, of the total of around
921,600 pixels, more than 99.995% work correctly and only 0.005%
remain dark or are always bright. 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 disappear by itself.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• As any soiling also represents a growth medium for microorganisms,
you should take care to keep the equipment clean.
FOR THE CAMERA
• Clean the Leica S only with a soft, dry cloth. Stubborn dirt should first
of all be covered with a well-thinned cleaning agent and then wiped off
with a dry cloth.
• To remove stains and fingerprints, the camera and lenses 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. Take care not
to damage the shutter blades and mirror surface, e.g. 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 outside of the lens should be removed only with a softhaired brush or a soft, clean, dry microfiber cloth. This cloth is
included in the scope of supply of this lens. If stains and finger have to
be removed, use such a cloth and clean carefully with a circular movement starting at the center of the lens and working towards the edge.
The Leica Aquadura coating allows simple cleaning. Do not apply any
high pressure in order to maintain this property for as long as possible.
On no account may acetone be used 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 reflections in certain backlight situations and with high
contrasts. The generally recommended lens hood also protects the
lens from unintentional fingerprints and the rain.
FOR THE BATTERY
Rechargeable lithium ion batteries generate power through internal chemical reactions. These reactions are also influenced by the ambient temperature and humidity. Very high and low temperatures shorten the
operating time and service life of the batteries.
• Always remove the battery if you will not be using the Leica S for a
longer period of time. Otherwise after several weeks the battery could
undergo deep discharge, i.e. the voltage is sharply reduced, as the
Leica S still consumes a small amount of current (e.g. for saving 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 (in the corresponding display in the top panel display). For very long storage periods, you should charge the battery for approx. 15 minutes roughly
twice a year to avoid a deep discharge.
• Always ensure that the battery contacts are clean and freely accessible. Whilst lithium ion batteries are proof against short circuits, they
should still be protected against contact with metal objects such as
paper clips or jewelry. A short-circuited battery can get very hot and
cause severe burns.
• If a battery is dropped, check the casing and the contacts immediately
for any damage. Using a damaged battery can damage the Leica S.
• Batteries have a limited service life.
• Take damaged batteries to a collection point to ensure correct recycling.
• Never throw batteries into a fire as this can cause them to explode.
54
Page 59
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
normal and is not a malfunction.
• When it is not in use, disconnect the charger from the mains as otherwise it uses a certain (very small) amount of power even when no
battery is inserted in it.
• Always keep the charger contacts clean, and never short circuit them.
Notes:
• Generally: To protect the Leica S against ingress of dust etc. into the
interior of the camera, it is important always to have a lens or a cover
fitted to the camera body.
• For the same reason, when changing lenses work 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 periods in pockets in clothing.
Important:
• Leica Camera AG accepts no liability for damage caused by the user when
cleaning the sensor.
• Do not attempt to blow dust particles off the sensor cover glass using
your mouth; even tiny droplets of saliva can cause marks that are
difficult to remove.
• Compressed air cleaners with high gas pressure may not be used as
they can also cause damage.
• Take care to avoid touching the sensor surface with a hard object
during inspection and cleaning.
EN
Precautions and care instructions
FOR MEMORY CARDS
• Whilst a picture is being stored or the memory card is being read, it
may not be removed, nor may the LeicaS be turned off or exposed to
vibrations.
• For safety, memory cards should only ever be stored in the antistatic cover supplied.
• Do not store memory cards where they will be exposed to high temperatures, direct sunlight, magnetic fields or static discharge.
• Do not drop or bend 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 longer period of time.
• Do not touch the connections on the memory card and keep them free
of dirt, dust and moisture.
• It is recommended that the memory cards are reformatted from time to
time, as fragmentation occurs when deleting, which can block some of
the memory capacity.
CLEANING THE SENSOR
If any dust or dirt particles should adhere to the sensor cover glass,
depending on the size of the particles this can be identified by dark spots
or marks on the pictures.
The Leica S can be returned to Leica Camera AG Customer Service
(address: see p. 67) for chargeable cleaning of the sensor; this cleaning is
not covered by warranty. You can also carry out cleaning yourself, using
the
Sensor Cleaning function in the menu. This allows access to the
sensor by keeping the shutter open.
Setting the function
1. In the menu under SETUP, select (Sensor Cleaning
• The relevant sub-menu appears.
2. Confirm with
Ye s
• The mirror is folded up and the shutter opens.
3. Carry out cleaning. Make sure you follow the instructions under
"Notes" below.
4. After cleaning, the shutter is closed again by turning off the camera.
• The message
Please stop sensor cleaning immediately. is displayed.
Notes:
• This function is only available when the battery has at least 50% of its
full capacity. Otherwise a corresponding warning is displayed.
• 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 helpful during the inspection
before and after cleaning.
• Lightly adhering dust can be blown off the sensor cover glass using
clean and, if necessary ionized gases such as air or nitrogen. It makes
sense to use a (rubber) bellows with no brush for this purpose. Special,
low pressure cleaning sprays such as "Tetenal Antidust Professional"
can also be used in line with their specified usage.
• If the particles cannot be removed in this way, please contact the Leica
Product Support department.
• If the battery capacity falls to lower than 40% while the shutter is open,
the warning message "
tely." appears in the monitor. At the same time a continuous beep tone
Attention Please stop sensor cleaning immedia-
will sound which can only be stopped by turning off the camera. Turning the camera off will cause the shutter to be closed again. Be absolutely sure in this case that the shutter window is clear, i.e. that no
object can obstruct the closing movement of the shutter, otherwise
damage may occur.
Storage
• If you will not be using the Leica S for a longer period of time, we
recommend that you
a. Switch it off (see p. 15),
b. Remove the memory cards (see p. 12), and
c. Take out the battery (see p. 11), (the entered time and date are lost
after max. 3 months, see p. 20).
• A lens acts 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. Using the lens cover and keeping the
camera in the shade (or immediately putting 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 free 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 not be kept in air-tight containers for longer
than absolutely necessary. This is only recommended if a desiccant
such as silica gel is placed in the container
• To prevent the formation of fungus, do not store the Leica S in a leather
case for long periods of time.
• In a dry environment, store the Leica S preferably in a closed and
padded container so that nothing can rub against it and it is protected
from dust.
• Note the serial numbers of your Leica S and lenses, as these are
14 pictures in series with DNG, unlimited with JPEG, interval shooting:
Time until start, number of pictures and interval can be selected
Shutter button Two position: Activation of exposure and focus meter-
ing and metered value storage - shutter release
Self-times Delay time either 2s or 12s, indicated by flashing LED on
the front of the camera and corresponding display in the monitor
Mirror lock-up 1st pressure: Mirror is folded up, lens aperture is
closed to the set value, 2nd pressure: Shutter is released
Turning the camera on/off With main switch on camera top panel,
optionally auto power off after approx. 2/5/10 minutes
Power supply Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery, rated voltage 7.3V, capac-
ity 2300 mAh, capacity display in top panel display; charge current /
voltage: DC 1250mA / 7.4V. Model number: BP-PRO1; Manufacturer:
PT. VARTA Microbattery Indonesia; Made in Indonesia, permanent power
supply possible using mains power pack (available as an accessory)
Lithium-Ion Battery Charger Quick Charger S; Inputs: 100-240 V AC,
50/60Hz, 200mA, automatic switching, or 12/24 V DC, 1A; Output:
Nominal 7.4V DC, 1250mA / max. 8.25V, 1265mA Model number:
9C94270; Manufacturer: Ansmann; Made in China
GPS Optional (not available everywhere due to country-specific legisla-
tion, i.e. enforced automatic shutdown in those countries), data are
written to EXIF header in picture files
WLAN (802.11n-Standard), Integrated into camera, camera control and
picture monitoring possible with smartphone or tablet app
Horizon Metering with acceleration sensor, metering range: inclination
(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 All-metal die cast magnesium body with non-slip plastic
coating, top panel of magnesium, bottom cover of aluminum, bayonet of
stainless steel
1
Tripod thread A
⁄4 (1⁄4") DIN and A 3⁄8 (3⁄8") DIN (steel inserts) each with
twist lock to DIN 4503, in metal tripod plate, under the center of the lens
axis
Operating conditions 0 to +45°C, 15%-80% relative humidity
Interfaces ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts and
®
bore for locking pin, HDMI socket Type C, LEMO
®
(USB 3.0 standard), 9-pin LEMO
jack for remote control accessory/
jack for data output
remote flash trigger, audio out/in possible with audio adapter (available
as an accessory)
Dimensions (width x depth x height) approx. 160 x 80 x 120mm
Weight approx. 1260g (with battery)
Package contents Charger 100-240V with integrated USA mains
plug, and interchangeable mains plugs (Euro, GB, AUS) and car charging
cable, lithium ion battery, carrying strap, bayonet cover, eyepiece cover,
image processing software: can be downloaded from the Leica Camera
AG website after registration of the camera
Subject to changes in design, production and availability.
EN
Technical data
59
Page 64
EN
THE DISPLAYS
IN THE VIEWFINDER
The displays
1235697 8121011
1 Horizon
(Tilting about the longitudinal axis/inclination about the transverse axis;
values apply as examples for inclination in clockwise direction; other
directions are shown analogously)
max. ±0.5°
–
0.5-2.5°
–
2.5-5°
–
4
2 Shutter speed/exposure time
5-10°
–
flashing ≥10°
–
– Manually set value for
and , automatically controlled value for
and ; display in half steps, or
(high) or (low) for overexposure or underexposure in the
612
–
automatic exposure modes
, , and by flash light, or for
values below the metering range.
B setting for long exposures
–
Warning message for full memory card(s)
–
3 Exposure operating mode
–
Automatic program
–
Aperture priority
–
Shutter speed priority
–
Manual setting of shutter speed and aperture
4Aperture
Manually set value for
; display in half steps
and
5 Flash display
and , automatically controlled value for
8 Focus displays
Appears only in manual mode or in the case of manual override
–
of the AF: Lights up continuously if the distance is set too far
In manual mode: Lights up continuously with correct setting
–
AFs: Lights up continuously with correct setting, flashes
– With
if correct setting is not possible,
AFc: Lights up continuously with correct setting, goes
– With
out if focusing is restarted
–
Appears only in manual mode or in the case of manual override
of the AF: Lights up continuously if the distance is set too short
9 Exposure compensation / flash exposure compensation set
10 Exposure metering method
–
Multi-field metering
–
Center weighted metering
–
Spot metering
11 Picture counter
–
Total remaining number of pictures
–
External storage
–
(flashing with 2 Hz) = Memory card full
–
(flashing with 2 Hz) = No memory card inserted
–
Maximum number for picture series
–
Error message
12 ISO sensitivity
For manual setting
–
For automatic setting
–
–
HI 1
(ISO3200) /
(ISO6400) /
HI 2
(ISO12500)=
HI 3
Currently set sensitivity
Lit Ready
Flashing Flash charging, not ready
6 Light scale
(Marks: each
to indicate
– Manual exposure compensation,
– Deviation of the current metering from the stored exposure setting
(with metered value storage in the automatic exposure modes
, )
1
⁄2 EV step, last marks/figures flash at ≤ -3EV/≥ +3EV )
Note:
The viewfinder LCD is always lit when the camera is switched on. The
brightness of this lighting is automatically adapted to the ambient bright-
(appear – in all Live View screens – for approx. 3s after pressing
any of the four buttons next to the monitor)
–
Magnifi cation function
–
Menu control
–
Review mode
–
Change views
28 Spot exposure metering fi eld
29 Autofocus metering fi eld
30 Exposure simulation deactivated
62
Page 67
Standard view plus additional displays
A Histogram and clipping indicators
C Grid and horizon
Video recording mode
EN
4039
The displays
31
31 Histogram
32 Clipping symbol
B Focus display (peaking)
32
33
34 Grid lines
35 Horizon
D Additional picture data
34
35
36
444342
4645
39 Indication of a recording in progress
40 Possible recording time
41 see 6, 5, 4, 16
42 Current recording time
43 Video resolution / frame rate
44 Audio recording level display
45 Sound recording mode
–
Automatic recording level control
–
Manual recording level contol
–
Sound recording deactivated
46 Light scale, or headphone volume ,
26
Volume off (mute)
41
33 Peaking symbol
37
38
36 see 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
37 see 2, 25, 24, 23, 22, 20
38 see 19, 17
63
Page 68
EN
Photo review mode
Standard view
49
Standard view plus additional displays
A Histogram and clipping indicator
D Additional picture data
47
The displays
48
#
47
47 Button functions
(appear when switching on Review mode in all photo and video views
or after pressing any of the four buttons next to the monitor, disappear after approx. 3s)
–
Delete menu
–
Menu control
–
Protect menu
–
Change views
48 Detail size and position
49 see 6, 5, 4, 16
50 Number of picture displayed / total number of pictures
51 Symbol for delete-protected pictures
52 Operating instructions for scroll function (shutter speed setting dial)
52 and 53 appear / disappear together with 47)
(
53 Operating instructions for enlargement function (rear thumbwheel)
50
47
51
52
53
47
54
54 Histogram
55 Clipping symbol
B Focus display (peaking)
55
56
58
57
57 Date of picture
58 Time of picture
59 Image fi le number
60 see 7, 9, 10, 11, 12
61 Profi le memory slot
62 see 19, 17
63 Employed focal length
70 mm
63
59
60
61
62
64
56 Peaking symbol
Page 69
Video review mode
Standard view
66
67
Standard view plus additional displays
A Histogram and clipping indicator
C Additional picture data
EN
The displays
65
64
72
64 Recording date and volume setting ,
Volume off (mute)
65 Video control symbols (for Joystick)
–
Playback (press forward)
–
Fast forward (press to right or hold depressed)
–
Fast rewind (press to left or hold depressed)
–
Volume: louder (press up or hold depressed)
–
Volume: quieter (press down or hold depressed)
66 Total recording time
67 see 4, 50, 16
68 Operating instructions for scroll function (shutter speed setting dial)
69 Operating instructions for enlargement function (rear thumbwheel)
70 Elapsed playback time
71 Video resolution / frame rate
72 Elapsed playback time bar
, see also
71
65
68
69
70
73
73 Histogram
74 Clipping symbol
B Focus display (peaking)
74
75
76
77
76 see 7, 9, 10, 11, 59
77 see 58, 61
75 Peaking symbol
65
Page 70
EN
THE MENU OPTIONS
AreaMenu optionPage
AreaMenu optionPage
The menu items
Drive mode
Focus mode
Exp. metering
Exp. compensation
Exp. bracketing
Mirror up mode
Max. flash sync. time
ISO
White balance
Photo file format
JPG resolution
JPG settings
Video resolution
Video setting
26/34
29
30
32
33
35
40
24
22
22
22
22
43
43/45
Storage backup (CF & SD)
Format cards
Image numbering
Auto review
Capture assistants
Copyright information
User profiles
Auto ISO setup
Flash sync. mode
Keylock
Customize controls
Display brightness
Acoustic signals
Auto power saving
WLAN
GPS
Date & time
Language
Reset camera
Sensor cleaning
Camera information
25
37
37
46
27/28/29/47
38
36
24
40
30
32
21
21
20
52
38
20
20
36
55
2/51
66
Page 71
LEICA PRODUCT SUPPORT
The Product Support Department at Leica AG can provide you with an
answer to any technical questions relating to Leica products, including
software supplied, either in writing, on the telephone, or by e-mail. They
are also the contact point for purchasing advice and to order instruction
manuals. Alternatively, you can send us your questions using the contact
form on the Leica Camera AG homepage.
Leica Camera AG
Product Support / Software Suppor t
Am Leitz-Park 5
D-35578 Wetzlar, Germany
Telephone: +49(0)6441-2080-111 /-108
Fax: +49(0)6441-2080-490
info@leica-camera.com / software-support@leica-camera.com
LEICA CUSTOMER CARE
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, Germany
Telephone: +49(0)6441-2080-189
Fax: +49(0)6441-2080-339
customer.care@leica-camera.com
EN
Leica service addresses
67
Page 72
Leica Camera AG I Am Leitz-Park 5 I 35578 WETZLAR I DEUTSCHLAND
Telefon +49 (0) 6441-2080-0 I Telefax +49 (0) 6441-2080-333 I www.leica-camera.com
93572 VI/15/ LW/B
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