Leica CM User manual

LEICA CM
The most professional among the compacts

The most professional among the compacts : LEICA CM
The letter “M” in the name of the new LEICA CM is eminently justified :
Its outstanding performance is unusual for a compact camera and
makes it as unique in its class as the Leica M cameras are in the cat-
egory of rangefinder photography. The LEICA CM has a solid titanium
body and is fabricated with precision craftsmanship in Germany. A Leica
lens with a speed of f/2.4 masters virtually every application and it
achieves impressive pictorial results with the finest nuances. Whether it
is used in the fully automatic mode or with manual settings – with its
extensive, easy-to-operate settings, this compact camera offers the best
conditions for individual picture composition. With its brilliant view-
finder, the subject coverage can be evaluated confidently, even under
poor light conditions. A detailed LED display in the viewfinder helps in
controlling the photographic parameters. And its looks ? Typically Leica !
The top quality 40 mm f/2.4 LEICA SUMMARIT lens was improved even further for the LEICA CM : Innovative processes permit
multiple coatings on the 6 lens elements of high-grade optical glass. The suppression of reflections, optimized in this manner,
reduces degrading stray light, thus leading to outstanding sharpness and brilliance into the very corners of the image – even under
extreme light conditions such as backlit situations, for example. Every single lens is individually adjusted and balanced by our
specialists in Germany, who use complex processes to ensure the highest possible imaging performance. That is how we achieve
the image quality that you expect from a Leica, especially also for slide photography.

Direct implementation of picture ideas The LEICA CM combines the quick
and easy use that is typical of fully automatic compact cameras with the
optical quality and important setting possibilities of system cameras. If you
wish to work quickly and conveniently, the autofocus feature accurately sets
the distance between 70 cm (271⁄2inches) and infinity, and the automatic pro-
gram feature ensures the correct exposure. The program can be modified
without taking the camera away from the eye, because all the information is
displayed in the viewfinder. This makes it possible to select different shutter
speed and aperture combinations within the range of exposure latitude.
But you also have the freedom of setting the distance and the aperture manually.
You thus have control over the pictorial result. Sharpness can be placed creatively
and the aperture can be used judiciously for controlling the shutter speed and
the depth of field. And there is the additional feature of the fast shutter speed
of up to 1/1,000 second and the versatile flash possibilities. From the focusing
aid for setting the distance manually and the quick selection of the parameters
with two separate setting dials to the clearly legible displays in the viewfinder
and the LC-Display on the back of the camera – never before could so much be
set so easily, never before have you had so much control so very conveniently.
LEICA CM Great performance in a titanium body – the LEICA CM
sets new standards in the compact class of cameras.
Manual craftsmanship from Germany
“Made in Germany” : A worldwide synonym
for top technical performance. It also right-
eously applies to the LEICA CM, which is
subject to the highest quality standards in
optical and mechanical craftsmanship.
Fabrication and installation of the filigree
yet complex viewfinder display, for instance,
require know-how and intuitive sensitivity.
To meet the stringent Leica tolerances, this
can only be accomplished with genuine
manual craftsmanship. Masterful as well is
the fabrication of the solid titanium body
and its classic leather covering.

Clear information
The large illuminated LC-Display on the
camera back keeps you informed at all
times. Flash readiness, exposure over-ride,
exposure counter, battery condition, self-
timer, date setting and exposure mode are
clearly legible. In addition, when focusing
is performed manually, the corresponding
distance is also displayed. In combination
with the exceptionally detailed viewfinder
display one is kept informed about the
camera’s functions at all times.
Ease of use
The LEICA CM fits and feels well in the
hand. Size, shape and leather covering
are optimally tailored to one another.
Large operating elements without dual
functions and the clear LC-Display on the
camera back make it easy, fast and pre-
cise to select all the parameters. The
correct settings can be controlled in the
viewfinder display without taking the
camera away from the eye – very impor-
tant for not missing that “magic moment” !
Judicious use of flash The LEICA CM is equipped with a strong built-in flash that
is also activated automatically for fill-in flash in backlit situations. The camera’s
external flash accessory shoe also permits the attachment of SCA flash units.
With the new dedicated LEICA SF 24D flash unit in place, the camera doses the
amount of light as a function of aperture and subject distance. This so-called
automatic guide number control enables you to make accurately exposed flash
pictures with well-balanced subject illumination. The slow mode, with which the
flash can also be synchronized to the second shutter curtain, significantly expands
the creative composition freedoms even further.
All the information is available in the viewfinder The large real-image viewfinder with diopter com-
pensation keeps you fully informed at all times. LED displays present complete, detailed information
concerning focusing, flash readiness, aperture and shutter speed. On the new LEICA CM, the familiar
light balance of modern Leica M cameras serves as a focusing aid for manual distance setting. In
addition, there are warnings for over- and under-exposures, activated over-ride, films without DX
coding and film not having been loaded. The brightness of the display adapts to ambient illumination,
so that it is not blinding in darkness and easy to read in bright light. That keeps you informed about
your camera’s next step at all times, so that you can make corrections when needed. This
diversity of information is unique among compact cameras.
Durable quality
With the LEICA CM, Leica Camera has
achieved a new level of quality and value in
compact cameras. Its styling has benefited
from decades-long experience in camera
design and from the wishes expressed by
numerous customers. High durability and
timeless elegance position it well above
today’s trend to short-lived products. Leica
cameras are made to last a lifetime. Their
quality stands up to the highest demands –
and we underline this by providing you
with a three-year warranty.

Leather case with belt loop.
Order No. 18 560
LEICA SF 24D flash unit for LEICA CM.
With two diffusers (for focal lengths of
24–28 mm and 85 mm), velour pouch.
Connections Guide number automatic
exposure control with LEICA CM, TTL
flash exposure dosing with LEICA
R8/R9, LEICA M7 and M6 TTL, auto-
matic operation with all Leica R and M
cameras with center contacts. Guide
number 24 (m) or 79 (feet) with 85 mm focal length.
Functions Exposure over-ride can be set for up to ± 3
aperture stops ; Normal illumination covers the field of
35 mm focal length ; with WW diffuser, the field covered
by focal lengths up to 24 mm ; with the tele diffuser, fields
covered by focal lengths from 85 mm and up ; Six auto-
matic apertures in the A mode : f/2.0, f/2.8, f/4.0, f/5.6,
f/8, f/11 ; Displays All settings and corrections can be
read in the illuminated display ; Successful flash confirma-
tion in the viewfinder of LEICA M7 and LEICA M6 TTL ;
Film speeds M mode : from ISO 12/12° to 3,200/36°,
A/TTL/GNC mode : from ISO 25/15° to ISO 800/30°.
Power supply Two lithium batteries à 3 Volts, Type 123A
allow rapid flash sequences. Dimensions (WxHxD):
66 x 109 x 40 mm (2 5⁄8x45⁄16 x1
9⁄16 in). Weight (without
batteries) : approx. 180 g (6.3 oz).
titanium-colored Order No. 14 448
black/silver chrome Order No. 14 444
Carrying strap approx. 50 cm
(20 in) long. Order No. 18 529
Mini-tripod with ball- and socket head, fits in any pocket.
Order No. 14 320
Wrist loop
Order No. 18 528
Electric cable release approx. 30 cm (11 1⁄4in) long.
Order No. 18 540
Technical Data and accessories
Camera
Order No.
Camera type
Film format
Camera body
Lens
Autofocus system
Viewfinder system
Viewfinder displays
Viewfinder magnification
Focusing range
Smallest object field
Exposure
operating modes
Exposure metering
Exposure override
Focusing modes
Measured value storage
Shutter speeds
Flash range with
ISO 100/21° slide film
Flash range with SF 24D
Control of accessory
flash unit
Functions shown in the
LC display
Film speed setting
Picture series function
Selftimer
Data imprinting
Power supply
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight (without battery)
Delivery scope
Other features
LEICA CM
18130
Compact 35 mm viewfinder camera with fast
lens and hot shoe for external flash (SCA 3000).
35 mm ; 24 x 36 mm
Solid, extremely rugged titanium body
40 mm f/2.4 LEICA SUMMARIT (6 elements in
4 groups) with improved multi-layer coating
Passive phase-detecting autofocus
Real image viewfinder with markings of the
autofocus measuring field, parallax ; diopter
compensation from –3 to +1 diopters ; suitable
for eyeglass wearers.
Data indication inside the viewfinder of shutter
speed, f-stop, flash condition and focus.
0.40 x, viewfinder field corresponds to approx.
90 % of the film format
0.7 m–∞ (271
/
2in–∞)
377 x 566 mm (14 7/
8x 225
/
16 in)
Automatic program, optional flash activation
(also in back lit situations), aperture-preferred
automatic exposure, pre-light to reduce redeye
effect ; Slow (slow shutter speeds) ; Flash OFF ;
Slow with synchronization at the end of the exp.
Center-weighted 2-zone metering
with backlight recognition.
From –2 EV to +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Autofocus, manual focusing
Storage of metered exposure value and
measured distance by a light pressure on the
shutter release button.
1/1000 s–99 s
5.8 m (19 ft) Guide no. : 14 (m), 46 (ft)
8.5 m (28 ft) Guide no. : 20 (m),79 (ft)
SCA flash units with SCA 3502M4 adapter and
LEICA SF 24D can be controlled by the camera.
Flash function ; exposure over-ride ; exposure
counter ; battery condition ; selftimer ; exposure
progr. ; manually set focusing distance, date/time.
Automatic for films with DX coding from ISO
25/15° to ISO 5000/38° ; for films without DX
coding or with speeds below ISO 25/15°, the
speed is set at ISO 100/21°.
The picture series function is activated by
pressing the shutter release button continuously.
2- or 10-second exposure delay
Integrated dating device for imprinting the day
and time or the date on the film.
Lithium battery CR 123A
117 x 65 x 36 mm (4 5
/
8x29
/
16 x17
/
16 in)
300 g (10.6 oz)
Camera and carrying strap, wrist loop, battery
and high-grade velour pouch in a case.
Tripod socket, film cartridge window, automatic
film advance ; manual start of rewinding poss-
ible ; connector for remote release.

Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms
www.leica-camera.com / [e-mail]
Telephone + 49(0)6442-208-0 / Fax [phone]
Trademark of the Leica Camera Group / “Leica” and product names =® Registered trademarks / © 2003 Leica Camera AG / All rights to change construction, design and range reserved Concept and Design : Heine/Lenz/Zizka, Frankfurt am Main / Image indication : Product photography : Tom Vack / Author’s photography : Florence Levillain / Brochure order number : Deutsch 91162 / English 91163 / Française 91164 / 09/03/LLX/B