This is a Class B product based on the standard of the Voluntary
Control Council for Interference from Information Technology
Equipment (VCCI).
If this is used near a radio or television receiver in a domestic
environment, it may cause radio interference. Install and use the
equipment according to the instruction manual.
FCC Note: (U. S. only)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interfer ence in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guar antee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
different from
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
modications 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 X Vario (Typ 107)
Responsible party/
Support contact: Leica Camera Inc.
1 Pearl Count, Unit A
Allendale, New Jersey 07401
Tel.: +1 201 995 0051
Fax: +1 201 995 1684
technicalinfo@leicacamerausa.com
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
LEICA X Vario (Typ 107)
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
99
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Page 4
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
We wish you a great deal of pleasure and success using your new
Leica X Vario. Thanks to its outstanding optical performance, the
With fully automatic program control, the Leica X Vario provides an
uncomplicated photography experience. Alternatively, you can take
over picture composition yourself at any time using the manual
settings.
You can select from numerous special functions to improve the
picture quality even in very dicult exposure conditions.
Please read these instructions so that you can make the most of
your Leica X Vario's capabilities.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Before using your Leica X Vario for the first time, please check that
the accessories supplied are complete.
a. Leica BP-DC8 battery
b. Battery protection case
c. BC-DC8 battery charger with interchangeable plugs
d. USB cable
e. Leather carrying strap
f. Lens cap
g. Flash shoe / viewnder socket cover
h. Camera registration booklet with TAN for downloading Adobe
Photoshop
®
Lightroom® (after registering the camera on the
Leica Camera AG website)
THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE
FOR THE PERSONAL USE OF A CONSUMER OR OTHER USES IN WHICH IT
DOES NOT RECEIVE REMUNERATION TO (i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE
WITH THE AVC STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO
THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL ACTIVITY
AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE
AVC VIDEO. NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY
OTHER USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA,
L.L.C. SEE HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM
ANY OTHER USE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PROVIDING AVC VIDEO
AGAINST REMUNERATION MAY REQUIRE A SEPARTE LICENSE AGREEMENT
WITH MPEG LA, L.L.C. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM
MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM
®
100
Page 5
The CE identification of our products documents compliance
with the fundamental requirements of the valid EU directives.
WARNING MESSAGES
• Modern electronic elements 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 camera, particularly if it is placed
on a conductive surface. If only the camera housing is affected,
this discharge is harmless to the electronics. However, despite
built-in safety circuits, outer contacts should not be touched if at
all possible for safety reasons.
• For any cleaning of the contacts, do not use an optical micro-fiber
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 any soiling
and oxidation by storing your camera in a dry location with the lens
cap and ash shoe / viewnder socket cap attached.
• You should use only the recommended accessories to prevent
faults, short circuits or electric shock.
• Do not attempt to remove parts of the body (covers); specialist
repairs can be carried out only at authorized service centers.
LEGAL INFORMATION
• Please ensure that you observe copyright laws. The recording and
publication of pre-recorded media such as tapes, CDs, or other
published or broadcast material may contravene copyright laws.
• This also applies to all of the software supplied.
• The SD, HDMI, and USB logos are registered trademarks.
• Other names, company or product names referred to in these
instructions are trademarks or registered trademarks of the
relevant companies.
DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
(Applies within the EU, and for other European countries
with segregated waste collection systems)
This device contains electrical and/or electronic components and
should therefore not be disposed of in general household waste.
Instead it should be disposed of at a recycling collection point
provided by the local authority. This costs you nothing. If the device
itself contains replaceable (rechargeable) batteries, these must be
removed first and, if necessary, also be disposed of in line with the
relevant regulations.
You local authority or waste disposal authority, or the shop where you
bought this device, can provide you with further information on this
issue.
Viewing pictures in portrait format ......................................... 164
Viewing with HDMI devices .................................................... 164
Leica service addresses ..............................................................192
103
Page 8
DESIGNATION OF PARTS
Figures in the front and rear cover pages
Front view
1. Eyes for carrying strap
2. Self-timer LED / AF auxiliary light
3. Lens
Top view
4. Flash
5. Distance setting / focusing ring
6. Focal length setting / zoom ring
7. Main switch
8. Shutter button
9. Video shutter button
10. Aperture setting dial
11. Shutter speed dial
12. Speaker
13. Flash / hot shoe (cover removed)
14. Microphones
Rear view
15.
MENU/SET button
– For opening the menu
– For saving menu settings and exiting submenus and menus
16.
ISO button for opening the sensitivity menu
17.
WB button for opening the white balance menu
18.
DELETE/FOCUS button
– For opening the delete menu
– For opening the menu for the distance metering method
– For activating the AF metering range frame
19.
PL AY button
– For activating (continuous) review mode
– For returning to full 1:1 picture review
20. Flash release slider
21. Socket for external electronic viewnder
1
(cover removed)
22. Status LED
a. Flashing: Distance setting not possible / writing or reading
picture data
b. Continuously lit: Distance and exposure setting completed
and saved
23. Thumb wheel
– For manual distance setting
– For setting slow shutter speeds
– For scrolling through menus and submenus
– For setting a value for exposure compensation, bracketing and
ash exposure compensation
– For enlarging/reducing pictures viewed
24. Door over USB and HDMI sockets
1
Only the Leica EVF2 can be used (see also p. 171)
104
Page 9
25. Direction pad
– For scrolling through menus and submenus
– For scrolling through the picture memory
– For moving the AF metering range frame
– For opening the menus for exposure compensation, automatic
bracketing and ash exposure compensation (
EV+/-)
– For opening / making settings in the ash mode menu /
opening submenus (
)
– For opening / making settings in the self timer menu / exiting
menus and submenus without saving the menu settings (
26.
INFO button
– For selecting monitor displays in picture and review mode
– For resetting the manually moved autofocus metering frame to
the center
27. Monitor
View from right (cover opened)
28. USB socket
29. HDMI socket
Bottom view
30. Door for battery compartment / memory card slot with
a. Locking lever
31. Tripod thread A ¼, DIN 4503 (¼")
32. Hole for hand grip guide pin
)
(door opened)
33. Memory card slot
34. Battery compartment
35. Battery locking slider
105
Page 10
QUICK GUIDE
Required parts:
– Camera
– Battery
– Charger with appropriate mains plug
– Memory card (not supplied)
–
Note:
The settings recommended here allow you to take good photographs
easily, quickly and reliably when you first start to try out the Leica X
Vario. For details of the various modes/functions, refer to the cor–
responding sections on the specified pages.
Preparations:
1.
Attach a suitable mains plug to the charger (see p. 111)
2.
Insert the battery in the charger to charge it (see p. 111)
3.
Connect the charger to a mains socket
4.
Set the main switch (7) to
5.
Insert the charged battery in the camera (see p. 112)
6.
Insert the memory card (see p. 114)
7.
Remove the lens cap
8.
Set the main switch (7) to S (see p. 116)
9.
Set the menu language (see p. 118/122)
10.
Set the date and time (see p. 118/122)
OFF
(see p. 116)
106
Page 11
Taking photographs
Set the adjusting dials for the shutter speed (11) and aperture
1.
(10) to
A
2.
Set the exposure metering method to (see p. 118/138)
3.
Set the distance setting ring (5) to AF
4.
Set the distance metering method to
5.
Select the desired trimming by turning the focal length setting
11 P oi n t
(see p. 135)
ring (6)
6.
Press the shutter buttton (8) to the first pressure point to
activate distance setting and exposure metering and save
the values (see p. 117)
7.
Push the shutter button all the way down to take the photo
Viewing photographs:
Press the
To view different pictures:
PL AY
button (19)
Press right or left on the direction pad (26)
Enlarging pictures:
Turn the thumb wheel (23) clockwise (see p. 160)
Deleting pictures:
Press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button (18), and select the required
function in the menu that opens
107
Page 12
DETAILED GUIDE
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The Leica X Vario is powered by a lithium ion battery.
PREPARATIONS
ATTACHING THE CARRYING STRAP
Caution:
• Only the battery types speci ed and described in this manual and/
or specifi ed and described by Leica Camera AG may be used in
this camera.
• Using battery types not specifi ed in these instructions can result in
an explosion.
• These batteries may only be used in the units for which they are
designed and may only be charged exactly as described below.
• Using the battery contrary to these instructions can result in
explosion under certain circumstances.
• The batteries must not be exposed to sunlight, heat, moisture or
condensation for long periods. To prevent a risk of re or explosion,
batteries must not be placed in a microwave oven or in a high
pressure vessel.
• Never throw batteries into a re as this can cause them to explode!
• Humid 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 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.
108
Page 13
• If a battery is dropped, check the casing and the contacts immediately for any damage. Using a damaged battery can damage the
camera.
• If the battery causes noise, is discolored, deformed or overheated,
or if any fluid leaks out, it must be removed from the camera or
charger immediately and replaced. Continued use of the battery
can cause overheating, and a risk of re and/or explosion.
• If liquid is leaking or you smell burning, keep the batteries away
from heat sources. Leaked fluid can catch fire.
• Only the charger specified and described in these instructions, or
chargers specified and described by Leica Camera AG, may be
used. The use of other chargers that are not approved by Leica
Camera AG can cause damage to the batteries and, in extreme
cases, 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.
• Heat is generated during charging. Therefore, the batteries must
not be charged in small, sealed, i.e. unventilated, spaces.
• The battery and charger must not be opened. Repairs may only be
carried out by authorized service centers.
• Make sure that the batteries are kept out of reach of children.
Swallowing batteries can cause suffocation.
• Dispose of used batteries according to the respective information
in these instructions.
First aid:
• If battery fluid comes into contact with the eyes, there is a risk of
blinding. Immediately wash the eyes thoroughly with clean water.
Do not rub the eyes. Seek medical attention right away.
• If leaked fluid gets onto the skin or clothing, there is a risk of injury.
Wash the affected areas with clean water. Medical treatment is not
required.
109
Page 14
Notes:
• The battery can only be charged outside the camera.
• Batteries must be charged before starting up the camera.
• For the battery to charge, it must have a temperature of between
0°C and 35°C /32° and 95°F (otherwise the charger does not
turn on or 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.
• Lithium ion batteries should only be stored partly charged, i.e. not
when fully discharged or fully charged. For very long storage
periods, batteries should be charged for around 15 minutes twice a
year to prevent total discharge.
• The batteries warm up during the charging process. This is normal
and not a malfunction.
• A new battery only reaches its full capacity after it has been fully
charged and – by use in the camera – discharged 2 or 3 times. This
discharge procedure should be repeated every 25 cycles.
• Rechargeable lithium ion batteries generate power through internal
chemical reactions. These reactions are also influenced by the
external temperature and humidity. To maximize the life of the
battery, it should not be exposed to extremely high or low
temperatures (e. g. in a parked car in summer or winter) for long
periods.
• Even with optimum conditions of use, every battery has a limited
service life. After several hundred charging cycles, this becomes
noticeable as the operating times get significantly shorter.
• In line with the applicable regulations (see p. 101) defective
batteries should be sent to an appropriate collection point for
proper recycling .
• The replaceable battery supplies another back-up battery that is
built into the camera. This back-up battery ensures that the date
and time data entered is retained for up to 2 days. 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. However, in this case the date and time have to be
entered 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 become
totally discharged, i.e. the voltage is significantly reduced, as the
camera uses a low no-load current (to save the settings) even when
it is turned off.
110
Page 15
PREPARING THE CHARGER
The charger must be fi tted with the appropriate plug for the local
sockets.
ATTACHING THE BATTERY TO THE CHARGER
1
Plug
Attaching Removing
2
1
Note:
The charger automatically adjusts to the relevant mains voltage.
2
CHARGE STATUS DISPLAYS
Correct charging is indicated by the red status LED. When it turns
green, the battery is fully charged.
111
Page 16
CHANGING THE BATTERY / MEMORY CARD
Turn off the camera, i.e. set the main switch (7) to
Opening the battery compartment / memory card slot door
OFF
Inserting the battery
1
„click“
2
112
Page 17
Removing the battery
2
1
Note:
Removing the battery with the camera turned on can delete the
settings you have made in the menus and may damage the memory
card.
Charge level displays
The charge level of the battery is indicated on the monitor (see p. 180).
Notes:
• Remove the battery if you will not be using the camera for a long
period of time.
• The date and time must be reset within 2 days after the capacity of
a battery in the camera has expired.
113
Page 18
Inserting the memory card
You can use SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards in the Leica X Vario.
The 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.
"Click"
Removing the memory card
1
"Click"
2
114
Page 19
Notes:
• Do not touch the memory card contacts.
• If the memory card cannot be inserted, check that it is aligned
correctly.
• The range of SD/SDHC/SDXC cards 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 SD/SDHC/SDXC standards, and Leica Camera AG is unable to
provide any guarantee that they will function correctly.
• Video recordings in particular require a high write speed.
• Do not open the door and do not remove the memory card or the
battery while the status LED (22) is lit to indicate that the camera
is accessing the memory. Otherwise, the data on the card may be
destroyed and malfunctions can occur on the camera.
• As electromagnetic fi elds, electrostatic charges, and defects on
the camera or the card can lead to damage or loss of the data on
the memory card, we recommend that you also transfer the data to
a computer and save it there.
• For the same reason, it is recommended that the card is always
stored in an antistatic case.
Closing the battery compartment / memory card slot door
115
Page 20
THE MOST IMPORTANT SETTINGS / CONTROLS
MAIN SWITCH
The Leica X Vario is turned on and off using the main switch (7).
–
OFF = Off
–
S = Single pictures
–
C = Continuous (picture series)
Frame Rate
Frequencies of 3 fps (
Select
Continuous Shooting
setting in the submenu
• If the camera is turned on, the monitor image appears.
Low) or 5 fps (High) are available:
in the menu and then the required
Notes:
• Picture series are not possible when using the fl ash. If a fl ash
function is activated, only one picture is taken.
• If the main switch is set to
C and the self timer is used at the same
time, only a single picture is taken.
• The maximum picture frequency of 5 fps is only available with
shutter speeds of
1
/60s or faster (1/4s at 3 fps).
• After a series with the maximum length of 7 pictures, the frequency
with which they are taken declines slightly. This is due to the time
required to transfer the data from the buff er memory to the card.
• Regardless of how many pictures are taken in a series, the last
picture is always shown when they are reviewed. You can select
the other pictures in the series by pressing right or left on the
direction pad (25).
116
Page 21
SHUTTER BUTTON
The shutter button (8) works in two stages. Pressing it gently (to the
pressure point) activates both the automatic distance setting /
autofocusing (if set) and the exposure metering and control systems,
and saves the relevant settings/values. If the camera was previously
in Standby mode, this reactivates it and the monitor image appears
again.
Pressing the shutter button all the way down takes a picture.
Before pressing the shutter button all the way down, check that the
distance setting / autofocus (if active) and exposure metering are
complete (for details of exposure setting,
AF and the corresponding
displays on the monitor refer to p. 138, 132 and 180 respectively).
Notes:
• The menu system can be used to select or set key acknowledge-
ment (response) tones and shutter sound and to adjust their
volume.
• The shutter buttton should be pressed gently and not jerkily to
prevent blurring.
117
Page 22
MENU CONTROL
You can navigate in the menu using the MENU/SET button (15) and
the direction pad (25). Alternatively, you can use the thumb wheel
(23) instead of the direction pad.
OPENING THE MENU:
Press the
• The menu list appears. The active menu option is underlined in red,
MENU/SET
with its characters in white. The current setting is displayed on the
right. The white fi eld in the scrollbar on the left edge indicates
which of the fi ve pages of the menu you are currently on.
button
SCROLLING THROUGH THE MENUS:
Press up / down on the direction pad or turn the thumb wheel
OPENING A SUBMENU FOR AN OPTION:
Press right on the direction pad
• The submenu list appears. The active option is underlined in red,
with its characters in white.
118
Page 23
Selecting a setting / value in a submenu:
Press up / down on the direction pad or turn the thumb wheel
• The currently active option changes.
Confi rming a setting:
Press the
MENU/SET
button
• The menu list appears again, and the confi rmed (new) setting is
shown on the right in the active menu option line.
Exiting a submenu without confi rming a setting:
Press left on the direction pad, or the shutter button (8)
With the direction pad:
• The menu list appears again, and the retained (previous) setting is
shown on the right in the active menu option line.
With the shutter button:
• The monitor screen for picture mode appears.
119
Page 24
Exiting the menu:
Press the
MENU/SET
button again
• The monitor screen for picture mode appears.
or
Press the shutter button (8)
• The monitor screen for picture mode appears.
or
Notes:
• Depending on the other settings, some functions may not be
available. In this case, the relevant option is displayed in dark gray
in the menu and cannot be selected.
• The menu is normally opened at the position of the last option set.
• For some options, there are settings in a second level of submenus.
Settings in these submenus are opened and made in exactly the
same way as described above.
Press the
PL AY
button (19)
• The monitor screen for review mode appears.
120
Page 25
• A range of additional functions are also controlled in the same
basic way once they have been opened by pressing the corresponding buttons or the corresponding directions on the direction
pad:
–
ISO (16) for sensitivity
–
WB (17) for white balance
–
DELETE/FOCUS (18) for deleting image les / selecting the
distance setting method (only in review or picture mode)
–
EV+/- (up on direction pad/25) for exposure compensation,
automatic bracketing and ash exposure compensation settings
– (right on direction pad/25) for selecting the ash modes
– (left on direction pad/25) for activating the self-timer and
selecting the delay time
Unlike with the menu functions, for these functions you can confirm
your settings with the shutter button (by pressing to the first pressure
point).
Further details can be found in the relevant sections.
121
Page 26
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS
MENU LANGUAGE
Select
Language
submenu
DATE / TIME
Select
1.
2.
Select
3.
Select
Time
4.
Make the desired settings in the respective third level submenus
In the Setting submenus:
Press up / down on the direction pad (25) or use the thumb wheel
(23) to change the gures and the month and press left / right on the
direction pad to switch between the groups
Note:
Even if no battery is inserted or the battery is flat, an integrated
back-up battery retains the date and time setting for around 2 days.
However, after this time they have to be reset.
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
Date / T ime
Date
Setting
in the menu
or
Time
in the first submenu
or
Format
(for
Date
) or
Setting
) in the respective second level submenus
or
Format
(for
AUTOMATIC CAMERA SHUTDOWN
Select
Auto P ower Off
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
If this function is active, the camera switches to energy-saving
standby mode after the selected time.
Note:
Even if the camera is in standby mode, it can be turned on again at
any time by pressing the shutter button (8) or by turning it off and
back on with the main switch (7).
KEY TONES AND SHUTTER NOISE
With the Leica X Vario, you can decide whether you want your
settings and other functions to be acknowledged by an acoustic
signal – two volumes are available - or whether operation of the
camera and actually taking photographs should be predominantly
free of noise.
For shutter noise:
Select
Shutter Volume
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
For key tones and to indicate the memory card capacity limit:
Select
Acoustic Signal
in the menu, and the desired settings for the
three options in the submenu
122
Page 27
MONITOR / VIEWFINDER SETTINGS
Note:
The displays are identical regardless of whether they appear in the
monitor or in the Leica EVF 2 external electronic viewnder available
as an accessory (see p. 171).
Where they are displayed depends on whether the viewfinder is
turned on or off with its button.
The relevant setting is retained if
– the camera automatically switches to standby,
– the camera is turned off with the main switch, or
– the battery is removed.
For further details about the Leica EVF 2, refer to its instructions.
Changing the displays
Use the
INFO
button (27) to select between various displays (see also
p. 180-186)
You scroll through the different options in an endless loop and select
them by pressing the button once or several times:
In picture mode
a. Only basic exposure settings, as well as AF and exposure
metering ranges
b. a. With additional displays plus histogram, if set
c. a. With grid, plus histogram, if set
In review mode
a. Only basic exposure settings
b. With additional information
Selecting the monitor as the display for review
You can specify that the picture always appears in the monitor when
you press the
PL AY button (19), even if you are otherwise using the
Leica EVF 2.
Select
Play on Monitor
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
123
Page 28
Selecting the monitor as the display for menu settings
You can determine that the menu list always appears in the monitor
when you press the
MENU/SET button (15), even if you are otherwise
using the Leica EVF 2.
Select
Menu on Monitor
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
In both cases:
On if you always want the monitor image to appear / Off if you want
to use the Leica EVF 2 instead (if turned on).
Note:
On for Play on Monitor is only effective with PL AY review mode. If
Auto Review is selected and the Leica EVF 2 is turned on, this is
used for review regardless of whether
Play on Monitor is turned on or
off.
Brightness and color reproduction
For optimum visibility and to adapt to different light conditions, the
brightness and color reproduction of both the monitor and the Leica
EVF2 can be changed.
Brightness settings:
Select
Monitor Brightness
or
EVF Brightness
in the menu, and the
desired settings in the respective submenus
Color settings:
1.
Select
Monitor Color Adjustment
or
EVF Color Adjustment
in
the menu
• An image with crosshairs appears. The ends of the cross have
color markings for the possible settings - yellow, green, blue
and magenta.
2.
Move the cursor - which is initially in the center - to the desired
position using the direction pad
• The color reproduction in the monitor / viewnder image
changes according to your setting.
124
Page 29
Automatic monitor shutdown
If this function is active, the monitor is turned off after a selected
time. As well as saving power, this ensures that the camera is ready
to use more quickly when reactivated.
Select
Auto L CD Off
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
125
Page 30
BASIC PICTURE SETTINGS
FILE FORMAT / COMPRESSION RATE
Two different JPEG compression rates are available:
Super F ine. These two can be combined with simultaneous recording
in
DNG (raw picture data) format.
Select
File Format
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
Note:
The indicated remaining number of pictures or recording time are an
approximation, as the le size for compressed images can vary
considerably depending on the subject of the photograph.
JPG Fine and JPG
JPEG RESOLUTION
If one of the JPG formats is selected, pictures can be taken with 5
dierent resolutions (numbers of pixels). This allows you to adjust the
setting precisely to the intended use or to the available memory card
capacity.
Select
JPEG Resolution
in the menu, and the desired value in the
submenu
Note:
Raw data (DNG format) is always stored at the maximum resolution
regardless of the settings for JPEG images.
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WHITE BALANCE
In digital photography, white balance ensures neutral, i.e. natural,
reproduction of color in any light. It is based on the camera being
preset to reproduce a particular color as white. You can choose
between several presets, automatic white balance, two xed manual
settings and direct setting of the color temperature.
In addition, you have the option of adapting all settings precisely to
the relevant photographic conditions and/or your own preferences.
The following settings are available (split between several
pages)
Page 1:
1.
Automatic
2. Incandescent (for incandescent lighting)
3. Daylight (for outdoor pictures in sunlight)
4. Flash (for illumination with electronic flash)
Fixed presets:
1.
Press the WB button (17)
2.
Select the required setting by pressing up / down on the
direction pad (25) or using the thumb wheel (23)
3.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15) to save the setting
Page 2:
Cloudy (for outdoor pictures with cloudy sky)
5.
6. Shade (for outdoor pictures with the main subject in shadow)
7. Greycard 1 (memory slot for custom measured results)
8. Greycard 2 (memory slot for custom measured results)
Page 3:
Color temperature (memory slot for xed set value)
9.
10.
SET Greycard 1 (for selective metering and storage)
11.
SET Greycard 2 (for selective metering and storage)
12.
Set Color temperature (for manual color temperature entry)
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Manual setting by metering:
Press the WB button (17)
1.
2.
Select
SET
or
SET
3.
Press right on the direction pad (25)
• A yellow frame appears in the center of the monitor with an
instruction below it.
4.
Aim the frame at a uniform white or gray object that completely
fi lls the frame
5.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15) to carry out metering and store
the result
The settings can then be retrieved using or .
Direct color temperature setting:
Press the WB button (17)
1.
2.
Select
Set Color temperature
3.
Press left / right on the direction pad (25) to select the required
setting
4.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15) to save the setting
The setting can then be retrieved using Color temperature.
Precise adjustment of white balance settings
Manual precise adjustment is available for all settings:
1.
Press the WB button (17)
2.
Press right on the direction pad (25)
• An image with crosshairs appears. The ends of the cross have
color markings for the possible settings - yellow, green, blue
and magenta.
3.
Use the direction pad to move the cursor - which is initially in the
center - to the position that results in the required color repro–
duction in the monitor screen, i.e. towards the corresponding
colored squares at the edges
• The color reproduction in the monitor screen changes according
to your setting.
4.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15) to save the setting
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ISO SENSITIVITY
The ISO setting specifies the possible shutter speed and aperture
combinations at a particular brightness. Higher sensitivities allow
movements or to increase the depth of field), although this can also
result in greater noise.
Press the
page) list (i.e.
ISO
button (16) and select the desired setting in the (2
AUTO ISO
for the automatic setting or one of the eight
xed settings)
Within the AUTO ISO option, it is possible to limit the sensitivity range
to be used (e.g. to control noise), and the slowest shutter speed to be
used can also be specified (e.g. to prevent blurred pictures of moving
subjects):
1.
Select
Auto ISO Settings
2.
Select
Slowest Speed
3.
Select the desired values in the respective second level
in the menu
or
Max ISO
in the first submenu
submenus
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PICTURE PROPERTIES
Note:
The functions and settings described in the next two sections refer
exclusively to pictures in one of the two JPEG formats. If the DNG le
format is specified, these settings have no effect as in this case the
image data is always saved in its original form.
Contrast, sharpness, color saturation
One of the many advantages of digital photography is that it is very
easy to change critical properties of a picture, i.e. those that deter–
mine its character. With the Leica X Vario, you can influence three of
the most important picture properties before you actually take the
picture:
– The contrast, i.e. the difference between light and dark sections of
the image, determines whether an image has a more “flat” or
“brilliant” effect. As a consequence, the contrast can be influenced
by increasing or reducing this difference, i.e. by lighter reproduction of light sections of the image and darker reproduction of dark
sections.
– Sharp reproduction – at least of the main subject – using the
correct distance setting is a prerequisite for a successful picture.
In turn, the impression of sharpness of a picture is to a great
extent determined by the edge sharpness, i.e. by how small the
transition area between light and dark is at edges in the picture.
The impression of sharpness can thus be changed by expanding or
reducing these areas.
– The color saturation determines whether the colors in the picture
tend to appear as “pale” and pastel like or “bright” and colorful.
While the lighting and weather conditions (hazy/clear) are given as
conditions for the picture, there is definite scope for influencing
the reproduction here.
For all three picture properties, you can independently choose
between five levels:
Select
Sharpness
,
Saturation
, or
Contrast
in the menu and the
desired settings in the respective submenus
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Color reproduction
In addition to the sharpness, saturation and contrast settings, you
can also determine the basic color reproduction options:
Select
Preset Film
in the menu and then the desired setting in the
submenu
You can choose between Standard, Vivid – for highly saturated
colors – and
contrast. There are also two black and white settings
(natural) and
Natural – for slightly less saturated colors and a softer
B&W Natural
B&W High Contr ast (high contrast).
Notes:
• The settings for
Preset Film can be adapted further using the
options described in the previous section for the picture properties. In these cases, the color reproduction options are indicated
by an additional asterisk, e.g.
• The settings for
Film only affect JPG files, while DNG files remain unchanged.
Sharpness, Saturation, Contrast and Preset
Standard*.
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PICTURE MODE
SETTING THE TRIMMING
Select the desired trimming by turning the focal length setting ring
(6), i.e. by zooming
Shorter focal lengths result in larger trimming, with smaller reproduction of the subject, while longer focal lengths produce smaller
trimming with an enlarged reproduction of the subject.
• The monitor image changes accordingly.
DISTANCE SETTING
On the Leica X Vario, the distance can be set either automatically or
manually. Both modes cover a distance range of 30cm to infinity.
AUTOMATIC DISTANCE SETTING / AUTOFOCUS
1.
Turn the distance setting ring (5) - overcoming the slight
resistance – to the
2.
Press the shutter button (8) to the pressure point to have the
AF
position
sharpness and thus the distance automatically determined, set
and stored
•
A successfully stored AF setting is indicated as follows:
–
The color of the rectangle changes to green
–
Up to 9 green rectangles appear with the 11-field metering
–
An acoustic signal is generated (if selected)
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Notes:
• The setting is stored along with the exposure setting.
• In certain situations the AF system is unable to set the distance
correctly, e.g. when:
– the distance to the subject you are aiming at is outside the
available range, and/or
– the subject is not suciently illuminated (see next section).
Such situations and subjects are indicated by:
– The color of the rectangle changing to red
– The 11-field metering display changes to a single red rectangle
Important:
The shutter button (8) is not locked regardless of whether or not the
distance setting is correct for the relevant subject.
AF AUXILIARY LIGHT
The built-in AF auxiliary light (2) extends the operating range of the AF
system to take account of poor lighting conditions. If the function is
active, this light is lit under appropriate conditions as soon as the
shutter button (8) is pressed.
Select
AF Assist Lamp
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
Note:
The AF auxiliary light illuminates a range of approximately 4m.
Therefore, in poor lighting conditions AF mode is not available at
distances beyond this limit.
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AUTOFOCUS METERING METHODS
For optimum adjustment of the AF system to different subjects,
situations and picture composition ideas, you can choose between
four AF metering methods on the Leica X Vario:
1.
Press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button (18) and select the required
setting in the submenu
2.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15) to save the setting
Spot / 1 field metering
These two metering methods only record the parts of the subject in
the center of the monitor screen. The relevant fields are indicated by
a small AF frame.
Thanks to the exceptionally small metering range for spot metering, it
allows you to concentrate on tiny details of the subject. For portrait
pictures, it is normally recommended that the eyes are reproduced
completely in focus.
The slightly larger metering range for 1 field metering is less critical
when aiming, making it easier to use, but still allows selective
metering.
With both metering methods, you can move the AF frame to any point
on the monitor screen, e.g. to make it easier to use for off-center
subjects:
1.
Press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button (18) for ≥1s
• All displays apart from the AF frame disappear. Red triangles
on all sides of the frame indicate the possible movement
directions.
2.
Use the direction pad (25) to move the AF frame to the desired
position
• To indicate the limits of movement, the relevant triangles
disappear close to the edges.
You can return the frame to the central position at any time:
Press the
INFO
button (27)
To return to the normal monitor screen:
Either press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button again or the shutter button
(8)
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11 FIELD METERING
This metering method records the subject in a total of 11 fi elds which
are indicated by AF frames. Focusing is carried out automatically on
the parts of the subject at the shortest distance, thus providing
maximum reliability for snapshots. Normally, 9 of the 11 elds are
used. These are positioned to cover the majority of the central part of
the image.
If required, you can concentrate the metering on any part of the
image by selecting groups from either the three upper or lower or the
four left or right AF fi elds:
1.
Press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button (18) for ≥1s
• All displays except for the 11 AF frames disappear. Initially only
the 9 frames in the central group have red outlines. Red
triangles on all sides indicate the possible settings.
2.
Use the direction pad (25) to select the desired frame group
• The selections available are indicated by the triangles.
To return to the normal monitor screen:
Either press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button again or the shutter button
(8)
Face detection
In this mode, the Leica X Vario automatically detects faces in the
picture and focuses on the one at the shortest distance. If no faces
are detected, 11 fi eld metering is used.
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Manual distance setting
For certain subjects and situations, it can be beneficial to set the
distance yourself, rather than using autofocus. For example, if you are
using the same setting for several pictures and it would be more work
to use exposure lock, or if you want to keep the setting at innity for
landscape pictures, or if you want to allow no or only a slower AF
mode in poor, i.e. very dark, lighting conditions.
Use the corresponding ring on the lens (5) to set the distance
manually
From the AF position, you first have to overcome a slight resistance.
The optimum setting is reached when the monitor image shows the
critical part(s) of your subject as you want it to be reproduced.
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ASSISTANCE FUNCTION FOR MANUAL FOCUSING
To make it easier to set the distance and to increase the accuracy of
the setting, the Leica X Vario provides you with assistance by showing
an enlarged view of a central detail of the picture.
Reason: The larger details of the subject are shown in the monitor,
the better you can assess their sharpness and the more accurately
you can set the distance. This "magnifying glass function" enlarges a
central detail of the monitor screen:
1.
Select
MF Assist
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
2.
Determine the trimming
3.
Turn the distance setting ring (5) on the lens so that the desired
parts of the subject have optimum focus
• If the function is active, an approximately 6x enlarged detail of
the image appears above the scale. It disappears approximate-
ly 5s after the last distance setting.
You can move the trimming to any position in the monitor using the
direction pad, e.g. for off-center subjects or so that other parts of the
image remain visible.
Note:
You can display the enlarged detail at any time by pressing the
DELETE/ FOCUS button (18), e.g. to check the setting again and
thus rule out any risk of it accidentally being changed.
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EXPOSURE METERING AND CONTROL
Exposure metering methods
To adjust to the prevailing lighting conditions, the situation and your
working method and compositional ideas, the Leica X Vario provides
you with three exposure metering methods:
Select
Exposure Metering
in the menu, and the desired setting in
the submenu
Multiple field metering -
With this metering method, the camera automatically analyses the
brightness differences in the subject and, by comparing them with
programmed brightness distribution patterns, arrives at the likely
position of the main subject and the corresponding best exposure.
As a result, this method is particularly suitable for spontaneous,
uncomplicated and yet reliable photography, even under difficult
conditions, and therefore for use in conjunction with automatic
program mode.
Center weighted metering -
This metering method allocates the highest weighting to the center of
the image field, but also records all other areas.
Particularly when used in conjunction with metering memory lock, it
allows the exposure to be selectively adjusted to particular parts of
the subject, while simultaneously taking account of the entire image
field.
Spot metering -
This metering method is concentrated exclusively on a tiny area in the
center of the image. It allows exact measurement of small or tiny
details for precise exposure – preferably in conjunction with a manual
setting. For backlit pictures, for example, you normally need to
prevent the brighter surroundings causing underexposure of the main
subject. The much smaller metering field with spot metering enables
these subject details to be selectively evaluated.
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Histogram
The histogram depicts the brightness distribution in the picture. The
horizontal axis shows the tone values from black (left) through gray to
white (right). The vertical axis corresponds to the number of pixels at
each brightness level.
For normal review mode (PL AY ):
Select
Play Histogram
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
Select an option with a clipping function if you want excessively bright
parts of the pictures to be indicated.
This form of representation – together with the impression of the
picture itself – provides an additional quick and easy assessment of
the exposure setting.
The histogram is available in both picture and review mode.
For picture mode:
Select
Rec. Histogramm
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
Note:
For a picture with flash, the histogram cannot represent the final
exposure as the ash is red after it is displayed.
Notes:
• In picture mode the histogram should be seen as a "tendency
indicator" and not as a depiction of the exact numbers of pixels.
• The histogram is not available for simultaneous review of several
reduced pictures or for enlarged pictures.
• When viewing a picture, the histogram may differ slightly from that
shown when taking the picture.
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EXPOSURE CONTROL
The Leica X Vario provides four exposure modes for optimum adjustment
to the relevant subject or your preferred working methods.
These four modes and the manual shutter speed and aperture setting
option are selected using the corresponding setting dials (10/11).
They both have manual adjustment ranges with detent positions - the
shutter speed dial in whole steps, the aperture setting dial in
steps, and both have an
A position for automatic mode.
1
/3
Setting shutter speeds of 1s and slower:
1.
Set the shutter speed dial to the 1+ position
• This is indicated by .
2.
Set the desired shutter speed with the thumb wheel (23)
Note:
Depending on the prevailing light conditions, the brightness of the
monitor screen can differ from that of the actual pictures taken.
Particularly for long exposures on dark subjects, the monitor screen
appears considerably darker than the – correctly exposed – picture.
AUTOMATIC PROGRAM MODE - P
For fast, fully automatic photography. The exposure is controlled by
an automatic shutter speed and aperture setting.
Taking a picture in this mode:
1.
Turn the aperture and speed setting dials (10/11) to the A
position
2.
Press the shutter button (8) to the pressure point
• The shutter speed and aperture are displayed in white. In
addition, a reference to the program shift function
appears. If even a fully open or closed aperture combined with
the slowest or fastest shutter speed results in under or overexposure, both values are displayed in red.
If the automatically set pair of values appears to be appropriate for
the intended composition:
3.
Push the shutter button all the way down to take the photo
If not, you can change values before taking the picture:
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CHANGING THE PRESET SHUTTER SPEED / APERTURE
COMBINATIONS (SHIFT)
Changing the preset values using the Shift function combines the
security and speed of fully automatic exposure control with the
freedom to adjust the speed/aperture combination selected by the
camera to your own preferences at any time.
For faster speeds, e.g. for sports shots, turn the thumb wheel 23 to
the left, for larger depth of field, e.g. for landscape shots turn it to the
right (provided you are prepared to accept the slower shutter speeds
that this entails)
• Shifted values are indicated by an asterisk next to the shutter
speed or the aperture.
The overall exposure, i.e. the brightness of the image, remains
unchanged. To guarantee correct exposure, the adjustment range is
limited.
To prevent accidental use, after each picture and also if exposure
metering is automatically turned off after 12s, the values revert to
those set by the camera.
APERTURE PRIORITY - A
Aperture priority mode sets the exposure automatically according to
the manually selected aperture. It is particularly suitable for pictures
where the depth of field is the critical compositional element.
With a correspondingly low aperture value, you can reduce the depth
of eld range, for example to "release" a face fully in focus from an
unimportant or distracting background in a portrait or, conversely,
you can use a higher aperture value to increase the depth of field
range so that everything from the foreground to the background is in
focus in a landscape shot.
Taking a picture in this mode:
1.
Turn the shutter speed setting dial (11) to the A position
• The set aperture value is displayed in white.
2.
Set the desired aperture value with the corresponding dial (10)
3.
Press the shutter button (8) to the pressure point
• The automatically calculated shutter speed is displayed in
white. If even the slowest or fastest shutter speed combined
with the set aperture results in under or overexposure, both
values are displayed in red.
If the automatically set shutter speed appears to be appropriate for
the intended composition:
4.
Push the shutter button all the way down to take the photo
If not, you can change the aperture value before taking the picture.
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SHUTTER SPEED PRIORITY - T
Shutter speed priority mode sets the exposure automatically
according to the manually selected shutter speed. Therefore, it is
particularly suitable for pictures of moving subjects, where the
sharpness of the movement depicted is the critical compositional
element.
For example, with a correspondingly fast shutter speed you can avoid
undesirable blurring of the movement, i.e. "freeze" your subject or,
conversely, you can use a slower shutter speed to express the
dynamic nature of the movement with a deliberate "wiping effect".
Taking a picture in this mode:
1.
Turn the aperture setting dial (10) to the A position
• The set shutter speed is displayed in white.
2.
Set the desired shutter speed with the corresponding dial (11)
3.
Press the shutter button (8) to the pressure point
• The automatically calculated aperture value is displayed in
white. If even the lowest or highest aperture value combined
with the set shutter speed results in under or overexposure,
both values are displayed in red.
If the automatically set aperture value appears to be appropriate for
the intended composition:
4.
Push the shutter button all the way down to take the photo
If not, you can change the shutter speed before taking the picture.
MANUAL SETTING - M
If, for example, you want to achieve a particular eect, which is only
possible with a quite specic exposure, or if you want to ensure that
several pictures with different trimming have an absolutely identical
exposure, then you can set the shutter speed and aperture manually.
Taking a picture in this mode:
1.
Set the desired shutter speed / aperture values using the
corresponding dials (10/11)
2.
Press the shutter button (8) to the pressure point
• The shutter speed and aperture are displayed in white. The
light balance scale also appears. This covers a range of ±3EV
(exposure value) in
1
/3EV increments. Settings within ±3EV
are indicated by red lines on the scale, outside ±3EV by red
- or + symbols at the ends of the scale.
3.
If necessary, adjust the settings for a correct exposure so that
the central marking is displayed in red
If the set values and/or the exposure appears to be appropriate for
the intended composition:
4.
Push the shutter button all the way down to take the photo
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METERING MEMORY LOCK
For composition reasons, it can be beneficial not to have the main
subject in the center of the picture. In such cases, the metering
memory lock function - in
P, T and A exposure modes, and with AF
single field and spot metering modes - enables the main subject to
be metered first and the relevant settings retained until you have
determined your final trimming and take the picture.
Taking a picture with this function:
1.
Aim the relevant AF frame at the part of your subject to which
you want to adjust the focus and exposure
2.
Press the shutter button (8) to the first pressure point to set and
store the focus and exposure
3.
Continue holding the shutter button half way and move the
camera to determine the final trimming
4.
Push the shutter button all the way down to take the photo
Note:
You can save any number of exposure locks before taking the picture.
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EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
Some subjects are made up of predominantly of excessively light or
dark surfaces, for example large areas of snow or a full-format black
steam locomotive. In
P, T, and A exposure modes, it may be more
useful in such cases to set an appropriate exposure compensation
instead of using exposure lock each time. The same applies if you
want to ensure an identical exposure for several pictures.
1.
Press up
EV+/-
on the direction pad (25) once
• The corresponding scale appears.
2.
Set the desired compensation value by pressing left / right on
the direction pad (25) or using the thumb wheel (23).
Values from +3 to -3EV in 1/3EV increments are available.
• The set compensation value is displayed in red on the scale.
During setting, you can observe the eff ect on the monitor
image, which gets darker or lighter.
3.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15)or the shutter button (8) to
save the setting
• The exposure compensation symbol and the set value are
displayed.
Notes:
• If you set the exposure manually, exposure compensation is not
possible.
• Pressing up
EV+/- on the direction pad also opens the menus for
automatic bracketing and ash exposure compensation. They scroll
through in an endless loop and can therefore be selected by
repeatedly pressing.
• A set compensation remains active until it is reset to
±0 (see step
2), i.e. after any number of pictures and even after turning off the
camera.
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AUTOMATIC BRACKETING
High contrast subjects that have both very bright and very dark areas
can result in very di erent e ects depending on the exposure.
The automatic bracketing function enables you to take a series of
three pictures with graduated exposure. You can then select the most
adequate picture for further use.
1.
Press up
EV+/-
on the direction pad (25) twice
• The corresponding scale appears.
2.
Set the desired graduation by pressing left / right on the
direction pad or using the thumb wheel (23)/
Values from +3 to -3EV in 1/3EV increments are available.
• The set increments are displayed in red on the scale.
3.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15)or the shutter button (8) to
save the setting
• The bracketing symbol appears.
Notes:
• Depending on the exposure mode, the graduations are produced
by changing the shutter speed (
P/A/M) or the aperture (T).
• The sequence of the exposures is: correct exposure, underexposure, overexposure.
• Depending on the available shutter speed/aperture combination,
the working range of the automatic bracketing function may be
limited.
• Pressing up
EV+/- on the direction pad also opens the menus for
exposure compensation and ash exposure compensation. They
scroll through in an endless loop and can therefore be selected by
repeatedly pressing.
• An automatic bracketing setting remains active until it is reset to
±0 (see step 2), i.e. after any number of pictures and even after
turning off the camera.
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FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
Whenever you want to take pictures without flash, leave it retracted or
press it down carefully until it clicks into place.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH UNIT
Die Leica X Vario has a built-in flash unit (4). When not in use, it is
retracted into the camera housing and turned off. To take pictures
using the ash it must be extended:
Press the release slider (20) towards the center of the camera
The flash unit then pops up automatically into its working position and
is also turned on.
• The display for the set flash mode appears in white. If the flash unit
is not yet fully charged and therefore is not ready, it flashes in red
for a short time.
Notes:
• To determine the ash exposure a metering ash is red immediately before taking the picture - and the main flash.
• Continuous series of pictures and automatic bracketing are not
possible when using flash. In such cases, even when the flash unit
is extended no ash display appears and the ash is not red.
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FLASH MODES
Selecting the mode:
Extend the ash unit
1.
2.
Press right / on the direction pad (25)
3.
In the submenu, select the desired setting by pressing up / down
/ right on the direction pad or using the thumb wheel (23)
4.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15)or the shutter button (8) to
save the setting
• The flash mode display changes accordingly.
Automatic flash activation -
This is the default mode. The flash is activated automatically when–
ever longer exposure times could lead to blurred pictures in poor
lighting conditions.
Automatic flash and pre-flash activation -
This function reduces the "red eye" effect when using the flash to take
pictures of people. If possible, the people should not look directly at
the camera. As the effect is worsened when the pupils are wide open
in conditions of low lighting, when taking photographs indoors for
example, you should turn on as much room lighting as possible.
The pre-flash, which is fired shortly before the main flash when you
press the shutter button, narrows the pupils of people looking at the
camera thereby reducing the effect.
Manual flash activation -
For backlit pictures, where your main subject does not fill the entire
frame and is in shadow, or situations where you want to mitigate high
contrasts (e. g. due to direct sunlight).
As long as this mode is activated, the flash unit will be activated for
every whatever the prevailing lighting conditions.
The ash power is controlled according to the metered external
brightness: in poor light, as in automatic flash mode, with increasing
brightness at a lower power (up to a maximum of -1
2
/3 EV). The flash
then works as a fill-in light, e.g. to light up dark shadows in the
foreground or backlit subjects, in order to create more balanced
overall lighting.
Manual flash and pre-flash activation -
For a combination of the situations and functions described above.
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Automatic flash activation with slower shutter speeds -
For simultaneous appropriate, i.e. brighter, reproduction of dark
backgrounds and fill-in flash for the foreground. To minimize the risk
of blurring, the shutter speed is not extended beyond
1
/30s in the
other modes with flash activation. For pictures where the flash is
used, this means that objects in the background, which the flash
cannot reach, are often badly under exposed.
To take adequate account of the available ambient light, the longer
exposure times required in such situations (up to 30s) are allowed
here.
Notes:
• Depending on the
Auto ISO Settings it is possible that the camera
may not support slower shutter speeds, as in such cases the in–
crease in ISO sensitivity takes precedence.
• The maximum shutter speed can be specied using
Speed.
Slowest
Automatic flash and pre-flash activation with slower shutter
speeds -
For a combination of the situations and functions described above.
Studio mode -
This mode is intended exclusively for wireless ring of additional ash
units, e.g. studio flash units equipped with a slave function. They are
fired optically by the camera flash. The function cannot be used for
normal flash photography.
Note:
To prevent blurred pictures with the slower shutter speeds in
,
, and modes, you should hold the camera steady, i.e.
rest it on something or use a tripod. Alternatively, you can select a
higher sensitivity.
FLASH RANGE
The available flash range depends on the aperture and sensitivity
values set manually or calculated by the camera. For sufficient
illumination by the flash light, it is crucial for the main subject to be
within the range of the flash. For details, refer to the technical data
on p. 190.
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SYNCHRONIZATION POINT
Flash photographs are illuminated by two light sources, the available
ambient light and the light from the flash. The time at which the flash
is fired normally determines where the parts of the subject illumi-
nated exclusively or predominantly by the ash are shown in the
image field.
The conventional ash ring point at the beginning of the exposure
can lead to apparent contradictions, e.g. a vehicle being "overtaken"
by the light trail from its own tail lights.
The Leica X Vario allows you to choose between this conventional
ash ring point and the end of the exposure:
Select
Flash Sync
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
In the example cited, the light trail from the tail lights then follows the
vehicle as expected. This ash technique gives a more natural im–
pression of movement and dynamics.
Note:
When using the flash with faster shutter speeds, in terms of the image
there is no difference, or only for rapid movements, between the two
flash firing points.
FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
This function can be used to selectively reduce or strengthen the
ash exposure regardless of the exposure of the available light, e.g. in
a picture taken outside in the evening, to lighten the face of a person
in the foreground while retaining the lighting atmosphere.
1.
Press up /
EV+/-
on the direction pad (25) three times
• The corresponding scale appears.
2.
Set the desired compensation value by pressing left / right on
the direction pad or using the direction pad
Values from +3 to -3EV in 1/3EV increments are available.
• The set compensation value is displayed in red on the scale.
3.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15)or the shutter button (8) to
save the setting
• The set compensation value appears.
Notes:
• Brighter flash illumination selected using a positive compensation
requires a higher flash power, and vice versa. Therefore, flash
exposure compensation has a more or less signicant impact on
the flash range. A positive compensation reduces the range, while
a negative compensation increases it.
• Pressing up
EV+/- on the direction pad also opens the menus for
automatic bracketing and exposure compensation. They scroll
through in an endless loop and can therefore be selected by re–
peatedly pressing.
• A set compensation remains active until it is reset to
±0 (see step
2), i.e. after any number of pictures and even after turning off the
camera.
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USING EXTERNAL FLASH UNITS
The ISO ash / hot shoe (13) on the Leica X Vario enables you to use
more powerful external ash units. We particularly recommend the
Leica SF 24D (see p. 171).
Attaching the flash unit:
Turn off the camera and flash unit
1.
2.
Remove the cover that protects the hot shoe and the socket (21)
when not in use to the rear
3.
When attaching, make sure that the flash unit’s foot is pushed all
the way into the hot shoe and, if fitted, that it is secured against
accidentally coming off using the clamping nut
This is important as changes of position in the flash shoe breaks
the required contacts and may cause malfunctions.
As soon as an external ash unit is attached, the preset ash modes
with pre-flash function (
wise identical modes without pre-flash (
//) are reset to the other–
/ /) and displayed
accordingly.
When the flash unit is removed the camera is reset to the previously
set mode.
On the Leica SF 24D,
matic control by the camera. When set to
TTL/GNC mode should be set to allow auto–
A, subjects with above or
below average brightness may not be optimally exposed. When set to
M, the ash exposure must be adjusted to the aperture and distance
values specified by the camera by setting a corresponding reduced
power output level.
Notes:
• To use external ash units, the built-in ash unit must be retracted.
• If an external ash unit is attached, it must also be turned on, i.e.
ready to use, otherwise there may be incorrect exposures and
error messages on the camera.
• Simultaneous use of the EVF 2 electronic viewfinder is not
possible.
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ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
VIDEO RECORDINGS
You can also use the Leica X Vario to make video recordings.
The following functions are available:
Resolution:
Select
Video Resolution
submenu
ISO sensitivity:
All settings available in the menu
Distance setting:
All options described on pages 132-137
Exposure metering methods:
All options described on page 138
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
Exposure control:
Carried out completely independently of the settings from the shutter
speed (11) and aperture dial (10).
– Shutter speed: Depending on the selected video format,
1
/60s
1
/50s or
– Aperture: Automatic If a correct exposure is not possible even with
the maximum aperture, the ISO sensitivity is automatically in–
creased, regardless of any manual setting.
Color space:
Video recordings are only possible with
sRGB.
Contrast, sharpness, color saturation, color reproduction:
All options described from page 130
Image stabilization:
Select
Video Stabilization
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
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Starting / ending the recording
Starting:
Press the video shutter button (9)
• A video recording in progress is indicated by a flashing red dot. The
remaining recording time is also displayed.
Ending:
Press the video shutter button again
SOUND RECORDING
Sound is recorded in stereo using the built-in microphones (14).
An external microphone with better directional characteristics is
available as an accessory (see p. 170).
To reduce any noise caused by wind during sound recording, a
damping function is available:
Select
Wind noise cancellation
in the menu, and the desired setting
in the submenu
Note:
Both focusing and zooming cause noises which are also recorded. In
order to prevent this, you should refrain from using these functions
during an ongoing recording.
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SELF-TIMER
You can use the self-timer to take a picture with a delay of either 2 or
12s. This is particularly useful for group photographs, where you want
to appear in the picture yourself or if you want to avoid the picture
being out of focus due to camera shake when releasing the shutter. In
such cases we recommend that the camera is placed on a tripod.
Setting:
1.
Press left / on the direction pad (25)
• The corresponding sub-menu appears.
2.
Set the desired delay time by pressing up / down / left on the
direction pad or using the thumb wheel (23)
3.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15)or the shutter button (8) to
save the setting
Operation:
Push the shutter button (8) all the way down to take the picture
• The countdown is indicated by the flashing self timer LED (2):
– 12s delay time: Slowly at first, faster for the last 2s
– 2s delay time: As described above for the last 2s
• The remaining time is counted down in the monitor.
Notes:
• A delay time in progress can be restarted at any time by pressing
the shutter button again.
• The only way to cancel a delay time in progress is to turn off the
camera or select a dierent exposure mode.
• It is only ever possible to take single pictures when the self timer is
active, i.e. picture series and automatic bracketing cannot be
combined with self timer mode.
• In self timer mode, the focus and exposure are not set when the
shutter button reaches its pressure point, but immediately before
the picture is taken.
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FORMATTING THE MEMORY CARD
It is not normally necessary to format memory cards that have al–
ready been used. However, if a card that has yet to be formatted is
inserted for the first time, it must be formatted. In such cases, the
Format submenu appears automatically.
Nevertheless, it is recommended that the memory card be reformatted occasionally, as a certain amount of residual data (information
accompanying pictures) can take up memory capacity.
Select
Format
in the menu, and the desired setting in the submenu
Notes:
• Formatting does not cause the data on the card to be irretrievably
lost. Only the directory is deleted, which means that the existing
files are no longer directly accessible. The data can be accessed
again using appropriate software. Only the data that is subsequently overwritten by saving new data is actually permanently
deleted.However, we recommend that you get into the habit of
transferring all your pictures to a secure mass storage medium,
e.g. the hard drive on your computer, as soon as possible.
• Do not turn the camera off while the memory card is being for–
matted.
• If the memory card has been formatted in another device, such as
a computer, you should reformat it in the camera.
• If the memory card cannot be formatted, you should ask your
dealer or the Leica Information Service (address, see p. 192) for
advice.
• When formatting the memory card, even protected pictures are
deleted.
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SELECTING THE WORKING COLOR SPACE
The requirements in terms of color reproduction differ considerably
for the various possible uses of digital picture files. Different color
spaces have therefore been developed, such as the standard RGB
(red/green/blue) that is perfectly adequate for simple printing. For
more demanding image processing using appropriate programs, e.g.
for color correction, Adobe
• If you want to have your prints produced by major photographic
laboratories, mini labs or Internet picture services, you should
always select
• The
Adobe RGB setting is only recommended for professional
sRGB.
image processing in completely color-calibrated working environments.
CREATING NEW FOLDER NUMBERS
The Leica X Vario saves the picture numbers in ascending order.
Initially, the corresponding files are all stored in one folder. To
structure the storage of pictures more clearly, you can create a new
folder at any time so that subsequent pictures can be grouped
together.
Select
Reset Image Numbering
in the menu and confirm or reject the
reset process in the submenu
Notes:
• The file names (e. g. L1002345.jpg) are made up of two groups of
numbers,
100 and 2345.. The first three figures are the number of
the relevant folder, the 4th to 7th figures are the consecutive
picture number within that folder. This ensures that there are no
duplicate file names after using the function and transferring the
data to a computer.
• To reset the folder number to 100, format the memory card or the
internal memory and reset the picture number immediately after–
wards. This also resets the picture number (to 0001).
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USER PROFILES
On the Leica X Vario, 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. Of course, you
can also reset all menu options to the factory default settings.
Creating a profile:
1.
Set the desired functions in the menu
2.
Select
User Profile
3.
Select
Save as profile
4.
Select the memory slot you want to use in the second level
in the menu
in the submenu
submenu
5.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15) to save the setting
Using a profile:
Select
User Profile
in the menu, and the respective memory slot in
the submenu
RESETTING ALL MENU SETTINGS TO THE FACTORY DEFAULTS:
Select
User Profile
in the menu, and
Default profile
in the submenu
Note:
When resetting to the factory default settings, your settings for the
date, time and language are not reset.
PICTURE STABILIZATION
Particularly in poor lighting conditions, even with the
AUTO ISO
function activated the selected shutter speed may be too slow to
produce sharp pictures. The Leica X Vario provides a function that
normally results in sharp pictures even with very slow shutter speeds:
Select
Image Stabilization
in the menu, and the desired setting in the
submenu
Notes:
• With this function, the camera automatically takes two pictures in
succession (the shutter noise can be heard twice). It then com–
bines the pictures into one by digital processing.
• Hold the camera steady until after the shutter is released the
second time.
• As the function uses two exposures, it can only be used for static
subjects.
• Image stabilization is only possible with shutter speeds in the range
1
from
/4s to 1/30s and sensitivities up to ISO 1600.
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Page 62
REVIEW MODE
REVIEW MODES
You can use the
mode to review mode at any time.
However, you can also review every picture automatically immediately
after taking it:
1.
Select
2.
Select
or duration
3.
Select
Notes:
• If you have taken pictures using the continuous series or automatic
bracketing function, the last picture in the series is shown fi rst, or
the last picture saved if all pictures in the series have not yet been
transferred from the camera’s internal buff er memory.
• This camera stores pictures in line with the DCF standards (Design
Rule for Camera File System).
• It may not be possible to view fi les created on another device on
this camera.
• In some cases, the monitor image may not have the usual quality or
the monitor will remain blank and only display the fi le name.
PL AY button (19) to switch from picture or menu
Auto Review
Duration
Histogram in the submenu, and the desired setting
in the menu
in the submenu, and enter the desired function
NORMAL REVIEW
To allow straightforward viewing of the pictures, in normal review
mode only the information in the header appears, along with
to
indicate the enlarging function.
If one of the Histogram modes with clipping indication was selected,
excessively bright areas in the image without any detail, i.e. “blown
highlights”, are marked in red.
If there are no picture fi les on the memory card,
play. appears instead.
No valid image to
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VIDEO PLAYBACK
If a video recording is selected, this is indicated by
Playback:
1.
Press the
INFO
button (27) to open the next view
• The corresponding control symbols appear.
1 2 3 4 5
1
Back to the beginning
2
Fast rewind
3
Play/Pause
4
Fast forward
5
Advance to end
Select the desired function by pressing left / right on the
2.
.
direction pad (25) or using the thumb wheel (23)
• The currently active function symbol is white and underlined in
red and white
3.
Activate the selected function using the
MENU/SET
button (15),
either by pressing it or - for fast forward/rewind - by holding it
down
Playback begins in slow motion and gets faster the longer the button
is held down for.
Note:
The protection menu cannot be opened from this view. To do this,
switch to another view by pressing the
INFO button.
In addition to normal review mode, for both single pictures and video
recordings a further option with diff erent additional information is
available:
Press the
The gure shows an example of this review option for a single pictures
INFO
button (27)
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SELECTING PICTURES:
Press left / right on the direction pad (25)
Pressing left selects pictures with lower numbers, pressing right
those with higher numbers. A long press scrolls through the pictures
at approx. 2s per picture.
After the highest and lowest numbers, the sequence of pictures
arranged in an endless loop starts again.
Turn the thumb wheel (23) to the right to enlarge a detail of the
picture, up to max. of 16x, e.g. to study it in more detail
Turn the thumb wheel to the left, starting from normal size, to
simultaneously display 16 reduced pictures, e.g. to get an overview or
to fi nd the picture you are looking for more quickly
Opening additional views when viewing an enlarged picture:
Press the
• You will see:
In the 16-picture display, the picture you were previously viewing at
normal size is indicated by a red frame.
INFO
button (27)
– The zoom factor
– The approximate size of the detail
– The current thumb wheel function
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Selecting di erent pictures in the 16-picture display:
Press left / right on the direction pad (25)
Pressing and holding scrolls through quickly.
Returning the selected picture to normal size:
Turn the thumb wheel (23) to the right, or press the
MENU/SET
button (15)
Notes:
• When using an enlarged/reduced view, the display with additional
information cannot be opened.
• The more the picture is enlarged, the more the reproduction quality
deteriorates – due to the proportionately lower resolution.
• Pictures taken using other camera types cannot normally be
enlarged.
SELECTING THE DETAIL
In an enlarged picture, you can move the enlarged detail from the
center, e.g. to check the reproduction of off -center subject details:
Press the appropriate directions on the direction pad (25)
• The approximate position of the detail in the picture is indicated.
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DELETING PICTURES
Pictures on the memory card can be deleted at any time - individually
as desired or all at the same time. However, they can also be pro–
tected against accidentally being deleted.
Notes:
• For protected pictures, the delete protection must be cancelled
before they can be deleted.
• When a picture is deleted, the subsequent pictures in the frame
counter are re-numbered as follows: For example, if you delete
picture no. 3, what was previously picture no. 4 then becomes no.
3, the previous no. 5 becomes no. 4 and so on. However, this does
not apply to the numbering of the remaining picture files in the
folder, which always remains unchanged.
Important:
Deleting pictures is irreversible. Pictures cannot subsequently be
recovered.
Opening the delete function:
Press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button (18)
• The delete menu appears.
The subsequent steps depend on whether you want to delete a single
picture or all pictures at once.
Deleting single pictures:
1.
Select
Single
in the Delete menu
2.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15)
• After deleting, the next picture appears. If the picture is pro–
tected, it continues to be displayed and the message
protected. briefly appears.
This is
Deleting all pictures:
Select
All
1.
2.
Press the
in the Delete menu
MENU/SET
button (15)
• A submenu appears.
3.
Select the desired option
4.
Confirm with the
MENU/SET
button (15)
• After deleting, the message No valid image to play. appears, or
the original picture is displayed again if the pictures could not
be deleted. If some of the pictures were protected,
images were not deleted. appears briefly instead. The first of
Protected
these protected pictures is then displayed.
Exiting the Delete menu before deleting:
Press the
DELETE/FOCUS
button (18) again
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PROTECTING PICTURES / CLEARING DELETE PROTECTION:
Select
Protect
1.
in the menu
• The previously displayed picture appears again with the menu
shown.
2.
Select the desired option
3.
Press the
MENU/SET
button (15) to confirm the setting
• Protected pictures are indicated by .
Depending on whether or not the picture is protected, it
contains the options
Unprotect or Protect.
Selecting dierent pictures in the protect / clear delete protection
menu:
Press left / right on the direction pad (25)
Exiting the protect / clear delete protection menu before performing
the action and returning to normal review mode:
Press the
PL AY
button (19)
Notes:
• If you attempt to delete protected pictures, warning messages
appear. If you still want to delete these pictures, clear the protec–
tion as described above.
• Protection is only effective on this camera.
• Even protected pictures are deleted when formatting the memory
card.
• You can prevent accidental deletion by sliding the write protection
switch on the card to the position marked LOCK.
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VIEWING PICTURES IN PORTRAIT FORMAT
If the camera was held horizontally when taking the picture, the
picture is also displayed in this way. For portrait format pictures, i.e.
taken with the camera held vertically, it may be impractical when
viewing with the camera held horizontally if the monitor image is not
displayed as an upright picture.
The Leica X Vario provides a remedy for this problem:
Select
Auto Rotate Display
in the menu, and the desired setting in
the submenu
• If On is selected, portrait format pictures are automatically
displayed upright.
Notes:
• Portrait format pictures displayed upright are necessarily
significantly smaller.
• This function is not available for automatic review.
VIEWING WITH HDMI DEVICES
The Leica X Vario enables you to view your pictures on a TV, projector
or monitor with HDMI input and thus in an optimum picture quality.
You can also choose between three resolutions: 1080i, 720p and
480p:
Select
HDMI
in the menu, and the desired setting in the submenu
Connecting / viewing the pictures:
Insert the plugs on the HDMI cable into the HDMI sockets on the
1.
camera and the TV, monitor or projector
2.
Turn on the TV, projector or monitor; if the HDMI connection is
not detected automatically, select the correct input
3.
Turn on the camera
4.
Activate review mode by pressing the
PL AY
button (19)
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Notes:
• An HDMI cable is required to connect to a TV, monitor or projector.
Only use the model supplied by Leica for this camera (see p. 171).
• If the connected TV, monitor or projector has a lower maximum
resolution than that set on the camera, it automatically switches to
the maximum resolution of the connected device. For example, if
you have set 1080i on the camera but the connected device only
has a maximum resolution of 480p, the camera changes the
setting automatically.
• For details of the required settings, refer to the instructions for the
respective TV, projector or monitor.
• The image reproduced on an external display does not contain any
of the information shown in the camera monitor / viewnder.
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MISCELLANEOUS
TRANSFERRING DATA TO A COMPUTER
The Leica X Vario is compatible with the following operating systems:
Microsoft
Apple®Macintosh®: Mac® OS X (10.6) or later
The camera is equipped with a USB 2.0 high-speed interface for
transferring data. This allows fast data transfer to computers with the
same kind of interface.
Via the USB cable connection and using the camera as an
external drive
With Windows operating systems:
The operating system detects the camera as an external drive and
assigns it a drive letter. Transfer the picture data to your computer
using Windows Explorer and save it.
With Mac operating systems:
The memory card appears as a storage medium on the desktop.
Transfer the picture data to your computer using the Finder and save it.
®
: Windows® XP / Vista® / 7® / 8
®
Important:
• Only use the USB cable supplied.
• While data is being transferred, the USB connection must not be
interrupted as this can cause the computer and/or the camera to
crash and may even cause irreparable damage to the memory
card.
• While data is being transferred, the camera must not be turned off
or should not shut down due to a lack of battery capacity, as this
can cause the computer to crash.
• For the same reason the battery must never be removed from the
camera while the connection is active. If the capacity of the battery
runs low during data transfer, the
INFO screen appears, with the
battery capacity flashing. In this case, cancel the data transfer,
turn off the camera and charge the battery.
USING CARD READERS
Picture data can also be transferred using card readers for SD/
SDHC/SDXC memory cards (including UHS I types) on the computer
itself. External card readers are also available that connect to the
computer using a USB interface.
Note:
The Leica X Vario is equipped with an integral sensor, which detects
the position of the camera – horizontal or vertical (both directions) –
for each picture. This information allows the pictures to be presented
upright automatically when subsequently displayed on a computer
running the appropriate programs.
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WIRELESS DATA TRANSMISSION
The Leica X Vario allows the use of WiFi memory cards such as the
FlashAir™ card from Toshiba. These cards can operate as a WLAN
hotspot and enable wireless data transmission between the camera
and all WLAN compatible devices, e.g. notebooks, tablets, smart
phones and other cameras, but also with social networks and cloud
memory services using WiFi and an Internet browser.
Turning the function on/o:
Select
FlashAir
in the menu, and the desired setting in the submenu
Notes:
• Note that the WiFi function is powered by the camera battery
because of the transmission power required to transfer the data.
Always turn off the function in the menu when it is not needed.
• For further details on using WiFi cards, refer to the respective
instructions.
Important:
For further details on using WiFi cards, refer to the respective
instructions.
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USING RAW DATA (DNG)
If you have selected the standardized and future-proof DNG (Digital
Negative) format, you require highly specialized software to convert
the saved raw data into optimum quality, for example the professional
raw data converter Adobe
®
Photoshop® Lightroom® . It provides
quality optimized algorithms for digital color processing, delivering
exceptionally low noise photographs with incredible resolution.
During editing, you have the option of adjusting parameters such as
noise reduction, gradation, sharpness etc. to achieve an optimum
image quality.
®
Adobe
Photoshop® Lightroom® is available as a free download when
you register your Leica X Vario on the Leica Camera AG home page.
Further details can be found on the registration form supplied in the
camera packaging.
INSTALLING ADOBE
®
PHOTOSHOP® LIGHTROOM
®
To start the installation, your computer must have an active Internet
connection. You also need a valid e-mail address.
Have the required software license code ready. You will receive this in
the response mail from Leica once you have chosen to download the
software.
If you require support for Adobe
®
Photoshop® Lightroom®: You will
find a support form in the customer area on the Leica Camera AG
home page, where you registered your camera and downloaded the
software.
System requirements
Like any software, Lightroom
®
has certain requirements depending
on which version of the operating systems you are using (Windows/
Mac). Therefore, you should check the compatibility of your operating
system before you launch Lightroom
®
.
In some Windows versions, it is possible that the operating system
will issue a warning about a missing Windows signature. Ignore this
message and continue with the installation.
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INSTALLING FIRMWARE UPDATES
Leica is constantly working on developing and optimizing its products.
As digital cameras have many functions that are controlled electronically, some of these improvements and enhancements to the func–
tions can be installed on the camera at a later date.
To do this, Leica provides firmware updates at irregular intervals,
which you can conveniently download from our homepage to your
camera yourself:
Once you have registered your camera, Leica will notify you of all new
updates.
To identify which firmware version is installed:
Select
Firmware Version
in the menu
• The current version number is displayed.
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ACCESSORIES
Important:
You should only use the accessories supplied by Leica Camera AG,
which are listed and described here, with the camera.
X Vario camera protector
The protector allows free access to all controls when attached to the
camera. The camera can also remain in the protector during use.
Made of high quality genuine leather.
(Order no. 18 780 [black] / 18 781 [cognac])
X Vario ever ready case
High quality genuine leather case in traditional design. The front
section can be opened, allowing the camera to remain in the rear
section of the case during use. Supplied with a long carrying strap.
(Order no. 18 778 [black] / 18 779 [cognac])
Small system case
Small soft system case, made of high quality waterproof canvas
(black). Provides enough space for the camera and additional
accessories such as the hand grip, the viewfinder and a flash unit.
(Order no. 18 757)
X Vario wrist strap
Ergonomically cut, made of high quality genuine leather.
(Order no. 18 782 [black] / 18 783 [cognac])
X Vario carrying strap
Made of high quality genuine leather.
(Order no. 18 776 [black] / 18 777 [cognac])
X Vario hand grip
The hand grip allows the camera to be held securely and carried
conveniently. It is attached to the tripod thread on the camera using
the knurled screw on the underside of the hand grip.
(Order no. 18 712)
X Vario lens hood
The lens hood provides effective protection against contrast-reducing
stray light and also against damage and soiling of the front lens, e.g.
from accidental fingerprints.
The EVF2 delivers almost 100% TTL reproduction of the image field
with a resolution of 1.4 megapixels. This allows easy and precise
picture composition along with complete control of all relevant data.
It is particularly useful where the lighting conditions impair the
visibility of the monitor screen and - thanks to the tilting eyepiece - for
worm's eye view pictures.
The viewfinder is attached to the camera's flash show in the same
way as an external ash unit, which means the two cannot be used
together.
(Order no. 18 753)
Leica Microphone adapter set
The microphone adapter set allows recording video with stereo
sound. Just like an external ash unit, it is attached to the camera’s
hot shoe, which means the two cannot be used together. Attaching
also includes all necessary connections.
(Order no. 14 634)
Flash units
With its compact dimensions and design that matches the camera,
the Leica SF 24D system flash unit is the perfect solution. It is
extremely easy to operate.
(Order no. 14 444)
HDMI cable
The HDMI cable allows exceptionally fast transfer of picture data to
display equipment with corresponding HDMI sockets. Length =
GB/Hong Kong mains plug .....................................423-089.003-018
China mains plug ...................................................423-089.003-020
Korea mains plug ...................................................423-089.003-028
Australia mains plug ...............................................423-089.003-030
1
To ensure you will have sufficient power when using the camera for long periods,
we recommend always carrying a spare battery.
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PRECAUTIONS AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Do not use your camera 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 camera 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 camera mal–
functions due to the effects of electromagnetic fields, remove the
battery and then turn the camera on again. Do not use the camera
in the immediate vicinity of radio transmitters or high-voltage
power lines. Their magnetic fields can also interfere with picture
recordings.
• Protect the camera from contact with insect sprays and other
aggressive chemicals. Petroleum spirit (cleaning solvent), thinner
and alcohol may not be used for cleaning. Certain chemicals and
liquids can damage the camera’s housing or the surface finish.
• As rubber and plastics sometimes emit aggressive chemicals, they
should not remain in contact with the camera for a long time.
• Ensure that sand and dust cannot get into the camera, e.g. on the
beach. Sand and dust can damage the camera and the memory
card. Take particular care when inserting and removing the card.
• Ensure that water cannot get into the camera, e.g. when it is
snowing or raining and on the beach. Moisture can cause mal–
functions and even permanent damage to the camera and the
memory card.
• If salt water spray gets onto the camera, 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.
Important:
You should only use the accessories specified and described in these
instructions or by Leica Camera AG with the camera.
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Monitor
• If the camera is exposed to signicant temperature uctuations,
condensation can form on the monitor. Wipe it carefully with a soft
dry cloth.
• If the camera is very cold when turned on, the monitor image will
initially be slightly darker than normal. As soon as the monitor
warms up, it will reach its normal level of brightness.
The monitor is manufactured using a high-precision process. This
ensures that, of the total of around 920,000 pixels, more than
99.995% work correctly and only 0.005% remain dark or are always
light. However, this is not a malfunction and it does not impair the
reproduction of the picture.
Sensor
• Cosmic radiation (e.g. on ights) can cause pixel defects.
Condensation
If condensation has formed on or in the camera, 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.
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CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• As any soiling also represents a growth medium for microorganisms,
you should take care to keep the equipment clean.
For the camera
• Only clean the camera 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, wipe the adapter with a clean
lint-free cloth. Tougher dirt in hard to reach corners of the camera
body can be removed with a small brush.
• All mechanically operated bearings and sliding surfaces on your
camera 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 the lens
• Normally, a soft hair brush is sufficient to remove dust from the
outer lens elements. However, in case of more stubborn dirt, they
can be carefully cleaned with a very clean, soft cloth that is com–
pletely free of foreign matter, using circular motions from the inside
to the outside. We recommend micro-fiber cloths (available from
photographic and optical specialists) that are stored in a protective
container and can be washed at temperatures of up to 40°C/
104°F (without fabric softener, never iron!). Cloths for cleaning
glasses, which are impregnated with chemicals, should not be used
as they can damage the lens glass.
• The lens cap supplied also protects the lens from fingerprints and
the rain.
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For the battery
Rechargeable lithium ion batteries generate power through internal
chemical reactions. These reactions are also influenced by the
external temperature and humidity. Very high or low temperatures
reduce the life of the battery.
• Always remove the battery, if you will not be using the camera for a
long period of time. Otherwise, it could become totally discharged
after a few weeks, i.e. its voltage will fall considerably.
• Lithium ion batteries should only be stored partly charged, i.e. not
when fully discharged or fully charged (see corresponding display).
For very long storage periods, the battery should be charged for
around 15 minutes twice a year to prevent total 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.
• For the battery to charge, it must have a temperature of between
0°C and 35°C/32° and 95°F (otherwise the charger does not turn
on or off again).
• If a battery is dropped, check the casing and the contacts immediately for any damage. Using a damaged battery can damage the
camera.
• Batteries have only a limited service life.
• Take damaged batteries to a collection point for proper recycling.
• Never throw batteries into a re as this can cause them to explode.
For the charger
• If the charger is used in the vicinity of radio receivers, it can
interfere with the reception; make sure there is a distance of at
least 1m/3ft 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.
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For memory cards
• While a picture is being stored or the memory card is being read,
it may not be removed, the camera turned o or exposed to
vibrations.
• For safety, memory cards should only ever be stored in the anti–
static 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 it and
result in loss of the stored data.
• Always remove the memory card, if you will not be using the camera
for a long period of time.
• Do not touch the connections on the rear of the memory card and
keep them free of dirt, dust and moisture.
• It is recommended that the memory card be reformatted from time
to time, as fragmentation occurs when deleting, which can block
some of the memory capacity.
Storage
• If you are not using the camera for a longer period of time, we
recommend that you:
a.
Turn it off (see p. 106),
b.
Remove the memory card (see p. 114),
c.
Remove the battery (see p. 113) (the date and time will be
lost after a maximum of 3 days, see p. 122).
• A lens works like a magnifying glass if bright sunlight shines on the
front of the camera. The camera must therefore never be set aside
in strong sunlight without protection. Use the lens cap and keep
the camera in the shade (or immediately put it away in the case)
help to prevent damage to the interior of the camera.
• You should preferably store the camera in a closed and padded
container so that nothing can damage it and it is protected from
dust.
• Store the camera in a dry, adequately ventilated place, where
neither high temperatures nor high humidity will occur. When used
in humid conditions, the camera 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.
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• To prevent fungal growth during use in hot, humid tropical climates, the
camera equipment should be exposed to the sun and air as much as
possible. Storage in airtight containers or cases is recommended only
if a desiccant such as silica gel is placed in the container.
• To prevent the formation of fungus, do not store the camera in a
leather case for extended periods of time.
• Note down the serial number of your Leica X Vario, as this is
White balance ............................................................................. 127
Zoom, Selection of, see Review mode
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APPENDIX
DISPLAYS
When taking a picture
1 234 5678
10
9
11
12
Note:
The displays appear either in the monitor or in the Leica EVF2
electronic viewfinder (available as an accessory, see p. 170),
depending on whether the latter is turned on or off at the corresponding button.
For further details about the Leica EVF2, refer to its manual.
Shutter speed (appears immediately for manual setting, i.e. in
shutter speed priority and manual modes; for automatic setting, i.e.
automatic program and aperture priority modes, only after tapping
the shutter button; after pressing the shutter button to the pressure
point red if outside the setting range in automatic program, aperture
priority or shutter speed priority modes, otherwise white)
3
Indicates a changed shutter speed / aperture combination (only
appears with automatic program and shift)
4
Indicates that program shift is possible (change of shutter speed /
aperture combination) / slower shutter speed setting with the
thumb wheel
(only appears for automatic program / when setting the shutter
speed dial to the 1+ position)
5
Exposure metering method
: Center weighted metering
: Multiple field metering
: Spot metering
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6
Aperture value (appears immediately for manual setting, i.e. in
aperture priority and manual modes; for automatic setting, i.e.
automatic program and shutter speed priority modes, only after
tapping the shutter button; after pressing the shutter button to
the pressure point red if outside the setting range in automatic
program, aperture priority or shutter speed priority modes,
otherwise white)
7
Exposure compensation set, including compensation value
(not with manual shutter speed and aperture setting)
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, multimedia cards.
Sensitivity setting Automatic, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400,
ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500.
White balance Automatic, presets for daylight, cloud, halogen
lighting, shade, electronic flash, 2 manual settings, manual color
temperature setting, fine adjustment option for all settings.
16M - 4928 x 3274 pixels,
Autofocus system Contrast-based Autofocus system.
Distance setting range 30cm / 1ft (Focal length 70mm) to innity.
Autofocus metering methods1-field, 11-field, spot, face detection.
Exposure modes Automatic program, aperture priority, shutter
speed priority and manual setting.
Exposure metering Multi-field, center-weighted, spot.
Exposure compensation ±3EV in
1
/3EV increments.
Automatic bracketing 3 pictures in graduations up to 3 EV,
adjustable in
Shutter speed range 30s to
1
/3 EV increments.
1
/
s.
2000
Continuous picture series 3 fps or 5 fps, max. 7 pictures with
Working range of built-in flash unit (for ISO 100/21°, guide
number 5) Minimum distance: 30cm/1ft, maximum range approx.:
ISO 100 - 1.5m/4ft, ISO 200 – 2m/6ft, ISO 400 - 2.8m/9ft, ISO
800 - 4m/13ft, ISO 1600 - 5.6m/18ft, ISO 3200 - 8m/26ft, ISO
6400 - 11m/36ft, ISO 12500 - 16m/53ft, these ranges apply at an
aperture setting of 3.5, with other aperture settings the ranges are
correspondingly shorter.
Recovery time of built-in flash unit Approx. 5s with fully charged
battery.
Monitor 3" TFT LCD, approx. 920,000 pixels.
Self timer Delay time 2 or 12s.
Connections Mini USB 2.0 socket, HDMI socket, special socket
exclusively for external Leica EVF2 electronic viewnder
1
.
Power supply Lithium ion battery, rated voltage 3.7V, capacity
1600mAh (to CIPA standard): Approx. 350 pictures, charging time
(after total discharge): approx. 200 min
Charger Input: 100 - 240V AC, 50/60Hz, automatic switching.
Housing In Leica design, extremely lightweight, made of solid of
magnesium and aluminum, two eyelets for carrying strap. ISO hot
shoe with center and control contacts for attaching of more powerful
external ash units, e.g. the Leica SF 24D, and for attaching the Leica
EVF2 electronic viewfinder
Tripod thread A
1
1
.
/4 DIN 4503 (1/4“).
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 133 x 73 x 95mm /
515/64 x 27/8 x 347/64in.
Weight Approx. 594/628g / 20.95/22.15oz (without/with battery).
Subject to changes in design and production.
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LEICA INFORMATION SERVICE
The Leica Information Service 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
instructions.
Alternatively, you can send us your questions using the contact form
on the Leica Camera AG homepage.
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.
Leica Camera AG
Customer Care
Solmser Gewerbepark 8