Leica M8 Instruction Manual

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FAQ LEICA M8
Status September 11th, 2007
Overview
1. Downloading/computer connection/saving data
2. Compatibility
3. Rangefinder/ Bright-line frames
4. Use of UV/IR filters
5. General functions
1. Downloading/computer connection/saving data
1.1 When DNG’s are downloaded via the USB Interface onto a PC, they are renamed to TIFF
files.
This is a software bug in Windows XP. Windows is not able to identify the DNG format. Microsoft
has been informed by Leica about this fact. If DNG files are downloaded via a card reader, the files
are identified properly. Nevertheless, even the “wrong” Tiff files can be opened normally in Capture
one and Photoshop Programs.
This problem does not exist with Windows Vista, the files are transferred with the correct ending in
this case.
1.2 When DNG’s are downloaded together with JPG’s via the USB Interface onto a PC, two
TIFF files are copied instead of DNG+JPG.
Please use the Windows Scanner and Camera assistant to transfer the files instead of Windows
explorer.
1.3 I am trying to connect the camera to my Mac computer but the Mac software won’t
recognise the camera. Is the camera compatible with Mac?
Many digital cameras appear as a hard drive on the desktop of Mac-OS. The M8 does not appear as
a hard drive but as a camera device. For file transfer via USB a program like Image capture (part of
Mac-OS) or I-photo is needed.
1.4 With some SD cards, the picture numbers are reset even though the menu item
“Picture Numbering” is set to “Continuously”. Also, with these cards, the frame counter
displays a false amount of remaining pictures immediately after switching on the camera
and before taking the first shot. How can this be avoided?

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This effect can be avoided by formatting the card in “FAT” standard instead of in “FAT32” standard.
Windows users can proceed as follows:
- Insert the card into a card reader
- Click on the respective drive in the Windows Explorer
- Click the right mouse button on the respective drive letter to select the item
“Formatting”
- Select “FAT” instead of “FAT32” under “File System”
- Click on “Start”
Another way of avoiding the effect is to simply keep the camera switched on when changing cards.
We will correct this fault as soon as possible.
1.5 Why is RAW data stored in the 8-bit format?
The LEICA M8 is equipped with a nearly loss-free compression of the image data in the case of files
in DNG format. This doubles storage speed while requiring only half of the storage capacity. During
the prototype phase, tests were performed with a 16 bit version, but they did not reveal any image
quality advantages. As a result, Leica opted for the 8 bit technology.
2. Compatibility
2.1 Why can’t SDHC-standard memory cards be used in the LEICA M8?
The SDHC standard is an extended type of SD standard. This takes very extensive updating of the
camera’s SD driver to accommodate them. Leica is working on such updates and will supply them
in future firmware versions.
2.2 Can I use SD cards other than those listed on the Leica Camera homepage?
Basically, Leica Camera AG can only guarantee operations with the cards listed as compatible.
Other cards may also be used and damaging the card or the camera does not have to be feared.
Problems may however be encountered with “no-name”cards.
2.3 When using one of the external viewfinders mounted on the hot shoe, a flash unit
cannot be triggered due to the missing sync socket.
Remedy: In specialist stores adapters featuring a sync socket are available (e.g. from Hama, art.
no. 00006951, for approximately € 12.50), thus allowing flash units to be triggered. It is not
planned to include the socket in the LEICA M8.
2.4 Is the software delivered with the camera, i.e. Capture One LE (RAW data converter)
and LEICA Digital Capture (for remote control) compatible with Windows Vista?
Capture One LE is Vista compatible. More information is available on the Phase One homepage
under :

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http://www.phaseone.com/HOME/Content/Support/Article.aspx?articleid=1650&LanguageID=1
&layoutid=SupportSite%20-%20Main
The current version of LEICA Digital Capture is not compatible with Vista. Leica is working on a
compatible version and will supply it to M8 users upon request as soon as it becomes available.
2.5 When will the 6 bit coding of the new Summarit-M lenses, along with the respective
data files, be included in the LEICA M8 firmware?
A new firmware version will be available before delivery of the Summarit-M lenses commences (as
of the end of November 2007)
2.6 Some of the SUMMILUX-M 35mm/f1.4 models (built from1961-1995, non-aspherical,
Made in Canada) cannot be mounted on the LEICA M8 or cannot be focused to infinity.
In certain cases, these lenses’ rear baffle may collide with internal camera parts. These lenses can
be modified by Leica Camera AG’s Customer Service, allowing them to be used on the LEICA M8.
2.7 Rechargeable batteries of other makes are now being offered for the LEICA M8. Can I
use them without hesitation in my camera?
Tests with these batteries have revealed that they sometimes have considerably less capacity than
the original Leica battery 14 464 (e.g. 1400mAh instead of1900mAh as in the case of the original).
The other make battery is not equipped with the charging circuitry dedicated to the camera
electronics, therefore malfunctions may occur, such as a false indication of the remaining capacity,
or the camera may switch itself off suddenly and unexpectedly. Above all, the camera’s warranty
expires if malfunctioning is caused by the use of none-dedicated accessories (see warranty
conditions in the Warranty Card).
The mandatory protective measures for Li-ion batteries may be different from the original and
therefore insufficient in the case of these other make products. As a result, Leica will not accept
any liability concerning any damage caused by using these batteries, including damage occurring
during charging and transportation.
3. Rangefinder/ Bright-line frames
3.1 Why do I get considerably larger images with my LEICA M8 than indicated by the bright-
line frames?
In the LEICA M8’s range-/viewfinder, the bright-line frames for 24 to 90mm are mirrored in
automatically upon attaching the respective lenses. A lens’ absolute angle of view changes slightly
though, depending on the distance set, this effect is termed image field loss. On the other hand,
the bright-line frames are adjusted to a certain distance meaning that the frame’s size will match
only this one setting.
In the case of the analogue Leica M models, at a setting of 2 metres, the frames show exactly the
image field visible in a mounted slide. The inner frame edges correspond to the common near
setting limit of 0.7m, the outer edges approximately to a setting of infinity.

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The frames in the LEICA M8 are adjusted to show precisely the image field at the near setting limit
of 0.7m. At longer distances a proportionately larger image field is captured than indicated by the
bright-line frames. This makes sure the user will capture everything she/he aligned within the
frames, i.e. without any image field loss. Since it is very simple to crop the image after the taking, it
was decided to opt for this adjustment.
4. Use of UV/IR Filters
4.1 Why should I use a UV/IR filter with my LEICA M8?
The M8’s very high image quality was achieved by – among other things - employing an especially
thin IR blocking filter on the CCD sensor. However, this also causes a raised sensitivity to long-
waved IR light. In most cases, this will not have any effect whatsoever on the resulting images. In
certain situations however, e.g. when black (synthetic) fabrics are illuminated by incandescent
light, these are rendered purple or dark red.
Using Leica UV/IR filters on the lenses is a very simple and effective way to eliminate these effects
without otherwise impairing image quality with the LEICA M8. Additionally, they protect your
valuable lenses’ front elements against mechanical damage.
4.2 Will using these filters lead to a light loss (Which extension factor must I consider with
theses UV/IR filters)?
The LEICA UV/IR filters limit only the infrared and ultraviolet light from passing through. The
extension factor is 1.0, so you do not have to calculate any exposure compensation.
4.3 Do my lenses have to be 6 bit coded when using UV/IR filters?
Using the Leica UV/IR interference filters on wide-angle lenses from 16 to 35mm causes annoying
colour casts in the frame corners. Therefore, Leica recommends using coded lenses in this focal
length range. The LEICA M8 recognizes 6 bit coded lenses and compensates the specific colour
cast for each lens by digitally modifying the image data accordingly. With lenses beyond 35mm, the
colour cast is negligible.
The colour cast compensation for every 6 bit coded lens used with an UV/IR-filter is included in
every firmware as of version 1.10.
4.4 Can I leave the UV/IR filters attached when photographing with analogue M cameras?
Leaving the UV/IR filters attached when photographing with conventional film would cause colour
casts in the frame corners. Therefore, Leica recommends removing the attached UV/IR filters
when using lenses from 16 to 50mm in analogue photography.
4.5 Why could the filter not be built into the camera?
In the LEICA M8, a very thin glass cover consisting of an IR blocking filter and a protective plate is
mounted on the sensor. Keeping this cover as thin as possible ensures that the lenses’ full capacity
in terms of rendition quality can be utilised. This is a result of the Leica M system’s especially

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compact dimensions which lead to light rays at the frame edges reaching the sensor at
comparatively oblique angles.
On the other hand, a thin filter also results in a reduced filter effectiveness which is why the LEICA
M8 displays an above-average sensitivity to IR light.
Increasing the filter thickness would have led to a deterioration of the image quality, especially in
the frame corners. The solution of utilizing UV/IR filters that are attached on the lenses does not
reduce image quality since the filter is located outside of the optical system.
4.6 Is the filter solution going to be permanent? Will the sensor / the camera be modified in
the future?
Considering the LEICA M8’s compact dimensions, the solution of employing a thin absorption filter
in front of the sensor and an additional filter on the lens presently represents the best possible one
from a technical point of view allowing full utilisation of the M lenses’ imaging power.
As soon as alternative technologies come to market that will ensure this imaging power, Leica will
make these available for our customers. Today, statements as to when and in which camera model
they could be introduced cannot be made.
4.7 Can a colour profile in a raw data converter be utilised to eliminate the IR effect?
Professional ICC profiles allow substituting individual colours, e.g. black for purple. Theoretically,
this may seem to be a solution but in everyday practise, certain colours which occur in nature, such
as that of an aubergine or certain complexions, would also be influenced by such a profile.
Additionally, according to tests evaluated by Leica, this would only shift the effect not eliminate it.
4.8 Why does this effect occur mainly with black fabrics?
When textiles are coloured black, this is achieved by a high degree of colour saturation. To do so,
highly concentrated magenta (dark violet), blue black, or brown red is use in the colouring baths.
Especially in the case of modern synthetic fabrics such as polyamide, polyester, and polyurethane
compounds a true black colouring involves enormous problems. Due to the human eye’s
imperfection the viewer registers these colours as black – even though it is only e.g. deep dark
violet. Under incandescent lighting especially, these fabrics do not appear black, but rather display
a distinct colour shift towards violet or also brown violet.
As a result of its above-average sensitivity for infrared light, the LEICA M8 “sees” these “red”
fabrics quite intensely.
4.9 Why does the LEICA M8 have such IR sensitivity when even very cheap compact
cameras do not have such a problem?
Compatibility with the existing Leica M lenses enjoyed the highest priority when developing the M8
in order to secure the value of our customers’ investments in their lenses. Only by keeping the
protective glass cover on the sensor as thin as possible could the full potential of Leica lenses on
the LEICA M8 with respect to their sharpness and contrast rendition be ensured. This is due to the

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especially compact Leica M system in which the light arrives at the sensor’s edges at
comparatively oblique angles.
In completely new systems this parameter can be considered from the start, for example by an exit
pupil with as great a distance to the sensor as possible.
4.10 What is the difference between absorption and interference filters?
Interference filters operate according to the principle of destructive elimination of light of certain
wavelengths. In the case of the LEICA UV/IR filter, an interference filter, this has the advantage of
allowing a precisely determined part of the light to be eliminated. Here, it is ultraviolet and infrared
light. Such filters are mostly colourless – but they do call for greater thickness than absorption
filters. The absorption filters fitted on sensors which usually suffice for an optimal colour rendition
can be made much thinner. They operate by filtering out certain wavelengths with the help of
applied colour dyes.
4.11 Do the UV/IR filters interfere with other filters such as polarisers?
Combinations of filters, i.e. polarisers and UV/IR filters can be used in conjunction without
restrictions. The order in which the light travels through the filters is also irrelevant.
4.12 Are there any seasonal effects that must be considered?
In winter indoor shots under incandescent light are more common. Since these light sources have
a stronger infrared proportion, the annoying effect of black colours reproduced in magenta can be
expected more often.
In spring and summer there are stronger IR reflections from the chlorophyll in green vegetation.
This can lead to a yellowish rendition of plants during this season and therefore make it necessary
to employ a UV/IR filter.
4.13 Why doesn’t this effect appear with the LEICA Digital-Modul-R?
Since the Digital-Modul-R is adapted to the Leica SLRs R9 and R8, only considerably less critical
incident angles had to be considered when developing this system. SLRs generally have a longer
back focal length (the distance between last lens element and the sensor surface) due to the mirror
box. Therefore a filter with a thicker coating could be used in the LEICA Digital-Modul-R. This
allowed the use of the interference technology, which filters out the IR light more effectively.
4.14 Does this problem also affect me in B/W photography with the Leica M8?
If you intend to do B/W photography with your Leica M8, the camera’s increased infrared
sensitivity does not come into effect. Only synthetic black fabrics are rendered slightly brighter
than they appear to the eye. This phenomenon was not considered to be important in any of the
investigated cases.

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4.15 I had some reddish corners in pictures taken with my LEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-
21mm/f4 ASPH in spite of the fact that I used a UV/IR filter and set the menu item “Lens
Detection” to “On with UV/IR”. What did I do wrong?
Probably a shorter focal length was set in the menu than on the lens, leading to an over-
compensation. Please make sure that both the focal length set on the lens and in the menu are the
same.
5. General functions
5.1 In some rare cases, after switching the camera on, entering the menu, and operating
the control dial, the frame indicating the active menu item may scroll across the whole
menu list.
This fault will be corrected with one of the next updates.
5.2 The battery status indicator does not show full capacity even if the battery is fully
charged according to the charging unit.
Occasionally, the battery’s true capacity and the status indicator may not coincide. Remedy: Totally
discharge the battery in the camera. To do so, please proceed as follows: Select in the menu item
“Auto Power off” the option “Off” and leave the camera switched on in play mode until the battery
is totally discharged. This is the case when the red LED only flashes shortly after switching the
camera on and the shutter cannot be released. Subsequently, charge the battery in the charger.
Afterwards, the status indicator should function properly.
5.3 When taking a picture with the camera coming from stand-by, 0/0 is displayed in the
bar above the automatically replayed image.
The LEICA M8 takes approx. 1 second to power up. It takes approx. 3-4 seconds to read the SD
card completely. If the shutter is released before the card is read completely, information on the
card is not accessible. In such cases the automatically replayed image will be referred to as
number 0/0, but, when the camera is switched to permanent reviewing, the camera will show the
correct image number.
5.4 Why isn’t it possible to select lower sensitivities than ISO 160, e.g. ISO 100 and 50?
The basic sensitivity of the LEICA M8’s sensor is ISO 160. Lower settings would reduce the
dynamic bandwidth and thus impair image quality.
5.5 Bright sources of light near the image edges occasionally lead to a green stripe
reaching all the way to the centre of the image.
Leica is aware of this effect and its cause and is working on a firmware solution. This calls for
extensive programming and testing, so we cannot say exactly when the firmware will be ready.

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5.6 The automatic white balance does not always function satisfactorily.
Leica knows that the AWB must be improved. In the mean time we have realised that it will not
help to refine the presently employed algorithms. Therefore Leica is presently working on a new set
of algorithms. To implement these into the existing firmware architecture has proven to be more
complicated than initially expected. Extensive testing is still necessary so we cannot say exactly
when the solution will be ready.
5.7 Why is there an option to disable the lens detection when, according to my experience,
it makes no difference?
If uncoded lenses are used with this option active a false code may be “recognised”, because with
some lenses, there is a screw in exactly that position in the bayonet flange. This may lead to faulty
results as was the case several times during internal tests.
5.8 How does Leica recommend cleaning the sensor?
All commercially available products specially designed for cleaning DSLR camera sensors can be
used. We recommend systems based on Isopropanol (alcohol). Generally, removing the
contamination with a bellows blower or a specialised pressured-air blower should be attempted
first. In case of doubt, cleaning should be performed by specialists.