Leica M User manual

129
LEICA M
Instructions

3

136
DESIGNATION OF PARTS
Figures in the front and rear cover pages
Front view
1. Lens release button
2. Eyes for carrying strap
3. Focusing button
4. Range finder viewing window
5. Brightness sensor1
6. Viewfinder viewing window
7. Self-timer LED
8. Bottom cover locking point
1Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachment cover the brightness sensor.
Information about functions with these and other lenses can be found in the
"Displays / In the viewfinder", p. 238, and "Leica M lenses, p. 147 sections.
Top view
9. Microphone
10. Fixed ring with
a. Index for range setting
b. Depth of field scale and
c. Red index button for changing lenses
11. Aperture setting ring
12. White index point for aperture setting
13. Lens hood
14. Focusing ring with
a. Recessed grip
15. Main switch with detent positions for
– OFF (camera turned off)
– S(single pictures)
– C(continuous pictures)
– (self-timer)
16. Shutter release with
a. Thread for cable release
17. Video shutter release
18. Time setting dial with detent positions for
– Afor automatic shutter speed control
– Shutter speeds 1/4000 - 8s (inc. intermediate values)
– B(long-time exposure)
– Flash sync speed (1/180s)
19. Flash unit shoe

137
Rear view
20. SET button
– For calling up the picture parameters menu
– For calling up sub-menus the menu system
– For applying settings/functions selected in sub-menus
21. MENU button for calling up and exiting the main menu and
sub-menus
22. ISO button for calling up the sensitivity setting
23. DELETE button for selecting the delete function
24. PLAY button
– For activating (continuous) review mode
– To return to full-screen display
25. LV button for turning live view mode on and off
26. Viewfinder window
27. Socket for external electronic viewfinder / microphone adapter1
(cover removed)
28. Brightness sensor for monitor
29. Setting dial
– For navigating in the menus
– For setting the selected menu options / functions
– For setting an exposure compensation value
– For enlarging/reducing pictures viewed
– For scrolling through the picture memory
30. Direction pad
– For navigating in the menus
– For setting the selected menu options / functions
– For scrolling through the picture memory
31. INFO button
– For displaying picture settings/data
– For displaying picture data during picture review
– For applying settings
32. Speaker
33. LED for indicating picture mode / recording data
34. Monitor
Bottom view
(with bottom cover fitted)
35. Locking toggle for bottom cover
36. Tripod thread A ¼, DIN 4503 (¼")
37. Bottom cover
(with bottom cover removed)
38. Socket for multifunction M hand grip 1
39. Memory card slot
40. Battery compartment
41. Battery locking slider
1 Available as accessory, see p. 226

130
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Leica would like to thank you for purchasing the Leica M and
congratulate you on your choice. With this unique digital view and
rangefinder camera, you have made an excellent choice.
We wish you a great deal of pleasure and success using your new
Leica M.
In order to make best use of all the opportunities offered by this high
performance camera, we recommend that you first read these
instructions.
Notes:
tLeica is constantly working on developing and optimizing the Leica M.
As many functions on digital cameras are controlled by software,
improvements and extensions to the range of functions may need
to be installed on the camera at a later date. To do this, Leica
releases what are known as firmware updates at irregular intervals.
The cameras always have the latest firmware version when
shipped, and you can also download it easily from our home page
and install it on your camera.
If you register as an owner on the Leica Camera home page, you
will receive a newsletter informing you when a new firmware
update is available.
Further information on registration and firmware updates for your
Leica M, as well as any amendments and additions to the details
provided in the manual, can be found in the "Owners' Login" area
at: https://owners.leica-camera.com
You can tell whether your camera is running the latest firmware
version by selecting Firmware in the main menu (page 5, SETUP ,
see p. 154, 246).
tBefore using your Leica M for the first time, please check that the
accessories supplied are complete.

131
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 guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
t3FPSJFOUPSSFMPDBUFUIFSFDFJWJOHBOUFOOB
t*ODSFBTFUIFTFQBSBUJPOCFUXFFOUIFFRVJQNFOUBOESFDFJWFS
t$POOFDUUIFFRVJQNFOUJOUPBOPVUMFUPOBDJSDVJU different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
t$POTVMUUIFEFBMFSPSBOFYQFSJFODFESBEJP57UFDIOJDJBOGPSIFMQ
FCC Caution:
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions
and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to
computer or peripheral devices. Any changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.
Trade Name: LEICA
Model No.: LEICA M (Typ 240)
Responsible party/
Support contact: Leica Camera Inc.
1 Pearl Count, Unit A
Allendale, New Jersey 07401
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
LEICA M (Typ 240)
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

132
CONTENTS
Foreword ...........................................................................................130
Warning messages ........................................................................... 134
Legal information .............................................................................. 134
Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment..................................135
Designation of parts...........................................................................136
Quick guide....................................................................................... 138
Detailed guide....................................................................................140
Preparations....................................................................................140
Attaching the carrying strap..........................................................140
Charging the battery.....................................................................141
Replacing the battery and memory card........................................144
Leica M lenses .............................................................................147
Attaching the lens .....................................................................149
Detaching the lens ....................................................................149
The most important settings / controls ..........................................150
Turning the camera on and off......................................................150
The shutter release.......................................................................151
Serial exposures ........................................................................152
Shutter speed dial ........................................................................153
Menu control................................................................................154
Presets ..............................................................................................158
Basic camera settings .....................................................................158
Menu language.............................................................................158
Date and time...............................................................................158
Automatic power off.....................................................................160
Signal tones .................................................................................161
Basic picture settings......................................................................162
Turninglens type identification on and off......................................162
Compression rate/file format .......................................................163
Resolution....................................................................................163
White balance...............................................................................165
ISO sensitivity...............................................................................167
Picture properties / Contrast, sharpness, color saturation ...........169
Film styles................................................................................... 170
Working color space.....................................................................170
Bright line view and range finder ...................................................171
The monitor..................................................................................173
Live view mode ............................................................................174

133
Range measurement.....................................................................175
With the optical range finder .....................................................175
With the monitor in live view mode ............................................177
By identifying in focus subject details in the monitor ..................178
Turning the exposure meter on/off...............................................179
Exposure metering methods ........................................................180
Exposure modes...........................................................................182
Aperture priority ........................................................................182
Exposure lock .........................................................................183
Exposure compensation..........................................................184
Automatic bracketing.................................................................186
Manual exposure setting............................................................188
The B setting / The T function ...................................................188
Values above and below the metering range .................................189
Flash mode ..................................................................................190
Additional functions.........................................................................196
Video clips ...................................................................................196
Sound recording...........................................................................197
Taking photographs with the self-timer..........................................198
Marking image files for copyright protection .................................198
Recording the shooting location using GPS ...................................198
Spirit level ...................................................................................201
User / application specific profiles ..............................................201
Resetting all custom settings........................................................203
Review mode...................................................................................204
Additional functions.........................................................................216
Folder management......................................................................216
Formatting the memory card.........................................................218
Transferring data to a computer....................................................219
Adobe®Photoshop®Lightroom®..................................................222
Leica Image Shuttle®...................................................................222
Working with DNG raw data ..........................................................222
Installing firmware updates ...........................................................223
Miscellaneous ...................................................................................224
Leica M system accessories............................................................224
Spare parts .....................................................................................227
Safety and care instructions...............................................................228
General precautionary measures .....................................................228
Care instructions.............................................................................230
Cleaning the sensor / dust detection ..............................................234
Storage...........................................................................................236
Malfunctions and their resolution .......................................................236
Appendix ...........................................................................................238
Displays ..........................................................................................238
Menu options..................................................................................246
Index .................................................................................................248
Technical data .................................................................................. 250
Leica addresses ................................................................................254

134
The CE identification of our products documents compliance
with the fundamental requirements of the valid EU directives.
WARNING MESSAGES
tModern electronic elements react sensitively to electrostatic
discharge. As people can easily pick up charges of tens of
thousands of volts, by walking on synthetic carpets for example, a
discharge can occur when you touch your Leica M, 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, the outer contacts, such as the
battery or rear panel contacts, should not be touched if at all
possible for safety reasons.
t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 soiling and
oxidization of the contacts by storing your Leica M in a dry place
with the lens or bayonet cover fitted.
tYou should use only the recommended accessories to prevent
faults, short circuits or electric shock.
tDo not attempt to remove parts of the body (covers); specialist
repairs can be carried out only at authorized service centers.
LEGAL INFORMATION
t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.
tThis also applies to all of the software supplied.
tThe SD, HDMI, and USB logos are registered trademarks.
tOther names, company or product names referred to in this
manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of the relevant
companies.

135
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.

138
QUICK GUIDE YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
– Camera
– Battery
– Memory card (not supplied)
– Charger and mains cable

139
PREPARATIONS
1. Charge the battery (see p. 141)
2. Insert the battery (see p. 144)
3. Insert the memory card (see p. 146)
4. Turn on the camera (see p. 150)
5. Set the menu language (see p. 158)
6. Set the date and time (see p. 158)
7. Format the memory card, if necessary (see p. 218)
TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
8. Attach the lens (see p. 149)
9. Set the shutter speed dial to A (see p. 153)
10. Set the subject focus (see p. 174)
11. Turn on the camera (see p. 150)
12. Turn on exposure metering (see p. 151)
13. Correct the exposure, if necessary (see p. 182)
14. Release the shutter (see p. 151)
Note:
For details of how to shoot videos, see p. 196
VIEWING PICTURES
The camera is preset to display the last picture automatically for a
short time (see p. 204).
You can turn on review mode (for an unlimited period) at any time
using the PLAY button (see p. 204).
To view different pictures, press left or right on the direction pad (see
p. 210).
To enlarge the picture turn the setting dial to the right (see p. 211).
DELETING PICTURES
Press the DELETE button and follow the instructions in the monitor
(see p. 212).

140
DETAILED GUIDE
PREPARATIONS
ATTACHING THE CARRYING STRAP

141
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The Leica M is powered by a lithium ion battery.
tThe green LED marked CHARGE starts flashing to confirm that
charging is in progress. As soon as the battery has charged to at
least 4/5of its capacity, the yellow LED marked 80% also lights up.
When the battery if fully charged, the green LED also changes from
flashing to continuously lit.
Note:
The 80% LED lights up after around 2 hours due to the charging
characteristics.
The charger should then be disconnected from the mains. There is
therefore no risk of overcharging.
1(in live view / Classic mode)

142
Attention:
tOnly the battery type specified and described in this manual
(order no. 14 499), or battery types specified and described by
Leica Camera AG, may be used in this camera.
tThese batteries may only be used in the units for which they are
designed and may only be charged exactly as described below.
tUsing this battery contrary to the instructions and using non-
specified battery types can result in an explosion under certain
circumstances.
tThe batteries may not be exposed to heat, sunlight, humidity or
moisture for long periods. Likewise, the batteries may not be
placed in a microwave oven or a high pressure container as this
results in a risk of fire or explosion.
tA safety valve in the battery guarantees that any excess pressure
caused by improper handling is discharged safely.
tOnly the charger specified and described in this manual (order no.
14 494) is to be used. The use of other chargers not approved by
Leica Camera AG can cause damage to the batteries and, in
extreme cases, can cause serious or life-threatening injuries.
tThe charger supplied should be used exclusively for charging this
battery type. Do not attempt to use it for other purposes.
tThe car charging cable supplied may never be connected while the
charger is connected to the mains.
tEnsure that the mains outlet used for charging is freely accessible.
tThe battery and charger may not be opened. Repairs may only be
carried out by authorized workshops.

143
Notes:
tThe battery should be charged before the Leica M is used for the
first time.
tThe battery must have a temperature of 10°-30°C to be charged
(otherwise the charger will not turn on, or will turn offagain).
t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.
tThe batteries warm up during the charging process. This is normal
and not a malfunction.
tIf the two LEDs on the charger flash rapidly (> 2Hz) after starting
charging, this indicates a charging error (e.g. maximum charging
time exceeded, voltages or temperatures outside the permitted
ranges, or short circuit). In this case, disconnect the charger from
the mains and remove the battery. Ensure that the above
temperature conditions are met and then restart the charging
process. If the problem persists, please contact your dealer, the
Leica office in your country or Leica Camera AG.
tA new battery only reaches its full capacity after it has been fully
charged and – by use in the camera - discharged again 2 or 3
times. This discharge procedure should be repeated every 25
cycles. To maximize the life of the battery, it should not be exposed
to extremely high or low temperatures (e. g. in a stationary vehicle
in summer or winter) for long periods.
tEven when used in optimum conditions, every battery has a limited
service life. After several hundred charging cycles, this becomes
noticeable as the operating times get significantly shorter.
tThe battery should be replaced after a maximum of four years, as
its performance deteriorates and reliable operation can no longer
be guaranteed, particularly in cold conditions.
tDefective batteries should be disposed of in line with the applicable
regulations (see p. 231).
tThe replaceable battery provides power to a back-up battery which
is permanently fitted in the camera. This back-up battery retains
the set date and time for up to 2 months. If this back-up battery
becomes discharged it must be recharged by inserting the
replaceable main battery. Once the replaceable battery has been
inserted, the full capacity of the back-up battery is recovered after
about a few days. This process does not require the camera to be
turned on.

144
REPLACING THE BATTERY AND MEMORY CARD
Set the main switch (1.18) to OFF.
Important:
Do not open the bottom cover or remove the memory card or battery
whilst the red LED (33) at the bottom right of the monitor (34) is
flashing, indicating picture recording and/or data saving to the card.
Otherwise the unsaved (or not completely saved) picture data may be
lost.
Removing the bottom cover
Inserting the battery
Removing the battery

145
Charge level displays
In picture mode, the battery charge level is displayed in the monitor
(34) by pressing the INFO button (31).
Notes:
tRemove the battery if you will not be using the camera for a long
period of time.
tA maximum of 2 months after the capacity of a battery left in the
camera is exhausted (see also the last note under “Charging the
battery”, p. 141), the date and time need to be re-entered.
tAs the battery capacity deteriorates or if using an older battery,
depending on the function being used warning messages and
displays may appear and functions may be restricted or blocked.
Compatible memory cards
The Leica M saves the pictures on an SD (secure digital), SDHC (high
capacity), or SDXC (eXtended capacity) card.
SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards are available from various suppliers
and with different capacities and read/write speeds. Particularly
those with high capacities and read/write speeds allow data to be
recorded and retrieved very quickly. 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 on the card is protected.
Note:
Do not touch the memory card contacts.