Leica S3 User manual

LEICAS3
Instruction manual

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2
Foreword/Scope of delivery/Accessories
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
We wish you a great deal of fun and success taking photographs with
your new Leica S3. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensurethat you
familiarize yourself with the full scope of functions your camera has to
offer.
Your Leica Camera AG
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
Before using your camera for the first time, please check that the
accessories supplied are complete.
– Leica S3
– Camera bayonet cover
– Eyepiece cover
– Lithium-ion battery Leica BP-PRO 1
– Quick action charger Leica S3
– Flash sync cable with adapter
– USB 3.0 cable
– Carry strap
– Quick Start Guide
– CE flyer
– Creative Cloud flyer
– Test certificate
Subject to changes in design and production.
REPLACEMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES
Please contact Leica Customer Care or visit the Leica Camera AG
website for information on the extensive range of Leica replacement
parts/accessories:
en.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-S/Technical-Equipment
Only the accessories specified and described in this manual or by
Leica Camera AG must be used with the camera (battery, charger,
mains plug, mains cable, etc.). These accessories should only be used
with this product. Third-party accessories may result in malfunctions
or damage to the product.
Please read the chapters “Legal information”, “Safety remarks”,
and “General information” before using your camera for the first
time. Knowledge of the content will prevent inadvertent damage
to the product, possible injuries and other risks.
LEGAL INFORMATION
LEGAL INFORMATION
• Compliance with copyright laws is mandatory. The recording and
publication of pre-recorded media like tapes, CDs or other published or
broadcast material may breach copyright laws.
• The following applies for all video material created with this camera:
This product is governed by the AVC Patent Portfolio license and is
meant for private use by a consumer only. The device may furthermore
be used for purposes for which the consumer receives no remunera-
tion, e.g. (i) encoding in accordance with the AVC Standard (“AVC
Video”) and/or (ii) decoding of AVC Video that was encoded by a
consumer in accordance with the AVC Standard within the scope of
personal use and/or which the consumer has received from the
provider, who is in possession of a license to offer AVC Video. No
license is granted or implied for any other use. Any other use,
specifically the provision of AVC video in exchange for remuneration,
may require a separate license agreement with MPEG LA, L.L.C.
Please visit the MPEG LA, L.L.C. website at: www.mpegla.com for
more information.

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Legal information
REGULATORY INFORMATION
You will find the manufacturing date of your camera on the stickers on the
packaging. The date format is year/month/day.
Specific regional approvals for this device can be found in the camera
menu.
▸ Select SETUPSETUP (Press BR button 15)
▸ Select Camera InformationCamera Information in the main menu
▸ Select Regulatory InformationRegulatory Information in the submenu
The CE mark on our products documents compliance with the fundamen-
tal requirements of applicable EU guidelines.
Type of wireless Frequency band
(central frequency)
Maximum power (dBm
e.i.r.p.)
WLAN 2412 – 2462 MHz/
5180 – 5240 MHz/
5260 – 5320 MHz/
5500 – 5700 MHz
10.0
6.5
Bluetooth 2402 - 2480 MHz 7.0
FOR US ONLY:
FCC NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC CAUTION:
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use only
shielded 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.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Leica
Type No.: 6847
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Model No.: 6847
Responsible party/Support contact:
Leica Camera Inc.
1 Pearl Court, 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.
FCC ID: N5A6847
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter. This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment and meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines. This
equipment is tested for specific absorption ratio (SAR) and complies with FCC/IC radiation
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device complies with FCC/IC
SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg. For body worn operation, this equipment has been tested and meets the
FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines when used with the Leica Camera AG accessories supplied or
designated for this product that have no metallic component in the assembly. Use of other
accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines.
FOR CANADA ONLY:
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
This device complies with RSS-210 of the IC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device. This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set
forth for an uncontrolled environment and meets RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency (RF)
Exposure rules.
This equipment is tested for specific absorption ratio (SAR) and complies with FCC/IC radiation
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device complies with FCC/IC
SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg. For body worn operation, this equipment has been tested and meets the
FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines when used with the Leica Camera AG accessories supplied or
designated for this product that have no metallic component in the assembly. Use of other
accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC/IC RF exposure guidelines.
FOR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ONLY:
REGISTERED No:
ER67106/18
DEALER No:
DA0112968/13
DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
(Applies within the EU and for other European countries with active
waste separation policies)
This device contains electric and/or electronic components which must
not be disposed of in general household waste. Instead, it should be
disposed of at a recycling collection point provided by your local
authority. This service is free of charge. Any standard or rechargeable
batteries used in this device must be removed and disposed of separately
in accordance with local regulations.
Please contact your local authorities, waste disposal collection point or
the retailer, from whom you purchased the device for more information on
correct waste disposal.

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Safety remarks
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE USE OF GPS
Legal restrictions on use
• The use of GPS and associated technologies may be restricted in some
countries or regions.
• You should therefore contact your travel agent or the embassy of your
destination country for relevant information beforehand.
• The People's Republic of China and Cuba (exceptions: Hong Kong and
Macao) prohibit the use of GPS within their territories and in the
vicinity of their borders.
Violations will be prosecuted!
Notes on function
• Prerequisite for GPS triangulation is “Line of Sight” (LoS) to at least 3
GPS satellites (up to 9 of the total 24 GPS satellites are available from
any point on Earth at all times). The camera should therefore always be
held with the GPS antenna pointing straight upwards.
• Make sure not to cover the GPS antenna with your hand or any object
(specifically metallic objects).
• Perfect signal reception from GPS satellites may be impossible in the
following locations or under the circumstances listed below. Geo-loca-
tion may then be impossible or erratic at best.
– in enclosed spaces
– underground
– under trees
– in a moving vehicle
– in the vicinity of tall buildings or in narrow valleys
– in the vicinity of high-voltage lines
– in tunnels
– in the vicinity of mobile phones
– with an accessory attached to the flash shoe, e.g. a flash unit
We recommend recommissioning the GPS function in a location with
good signal reception if the camera has not been used for an extended
period of time.
Notes on safe use
The electromagnetic radiation generated by the GPS system may affect
electronic instruments and measuring devices. Make sure to disable the
GPS function on board an aircraft before takeoff or landing, in hospitals
and other locations where RF restrictions apply.
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE USE OF WLAN
(LEICA FOTOS)
• Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure security and protect
against disruptions to the systems in place where devices or computer
systems are in use that require more stringent security than WLAN
devices.
• Leica Camera AG shall not accept liability for damages arising from the
use of the camera for purposes other than as a WLAN device.
• It is assumed that the WLAN function will be used in countries where
this camera is sold. There may be a risk of breaching statutory wireless
communication regulations when using the camera in other countries.
Leica Camera AG shall not accept liability for such breaches.
• Please note that there is a risk of unauthorized third party interception
of wirelessly communicated data. We highly recommend that you
activate encryption in the wireless access point settings to ensure data
safety.
• Avoid using the camera in areas where it can be exposed to magnetic
fields, static electricity or other interferences, e.g. near a microwave
oven. RF transmissions may otherwise not reach the camera.
• Using the camera near devices like microwave ovens or wireless
phones that use the 2.4 GHz RF band may negatively affect the
performance of both devices.
• Do not attempt to connect to wireless networks you are not authorized
to use.
• The device will automatically search for wireless networks, once the
WLAN function is enabled. A list, including networks you are not
authorized to access, will be displayed (SSID: Network identifier for a
WLAN network). Do not attempt to connect to such a network, as this
could be construed as unauthorized access.
• We recommend disabling the WLAN function while on an aircraft.
SAFETY REMARKS
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Do not use your camera in the immediate vicinity of devices that
generate powerful magnetic, electrostatic or electromagnetic fields
(e.g. induction ovens, microwave ovens, television sets or computer
screens, video game consoles, cell phones, broadcasting equipment).
Their electromagnetic fields can interfere with recordings.
• Strong magnetic fields, e.g. from speakers or large electric motors can
damage the stored picture data or disrupt recording.
• Switch off the camera, remove the battery briefly, replace it and switch
the camera back on in case of a camera malfunction due to the effects
of electromagnetic fields.
• Do not use the camera in the immediate vicinity of radio transmitters
or high-voltage power lines. Their electromagnetic fields may interfere
with recordings.
• Always store small parts e.g. the accessory shoe cover as follows:
– out of the reach of children
– in a safe location, where they will not get lost or stolen
• State-of-the-art electronic components are sensitive to static
discharge. You can easily pick up charges of several 10,000 volts by
simply walking on synthetic floor coverings. A static discharge can
occur when you touch the camera and especially if it is placed on a
conductive surface. A static discharge on the camera housing poses
no risk for the electronics. Despite built-in safety circuits, you should
avoid direct contact with external camera contacts like those in the
flash shoe.
• Take care not to soil or scratch the sensor for lens detection in the
bayonet. You must similarly prevent direct contact of the bayonet with
grains of sand or similar particles, as these could cause irreparable
damage. This component must only be cleaned with a dry cloth (in
system cameras).
• Use a cotton or linen cloth instead of a microfiber cloth from an
optician's (synthetic) when cleaning the contacts. Make sure to
discharge any electrostatic charge by deliberately touching a heating
or water pipe (conductive, grounded material). Dirt deposits and
oxidation on the contacts can be avoided by storing your camera in a
dry location with the lens cap and the flash shoe/viewfinder cap (in
system cameras) attached.
• Only use accessories specified for this model to prevent faults, short
circuits or electric shock.
• Do not attempt to remove parts of the housing (covers) yourself.
Repairs must be done at authorized service centers only.
• Protect the camera against contact with insect sprays and other
aggressive chemicals. Petroleum spirit, thinner and alcohol must not

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Safety remarks
be used for cleaning. Some chemicals and liquids can damage the
camera housing or the surface finish.
• Rubber and plastics are known to expel aggressive chemicals and
should therefore not be kept in contact with the camera for extended
periods of time.
• Prevent any sand or dust or water penetration into the camera, e.g.
during snowfall or rain or on the beach. Be extra careful when changing
the lens (in system cameras) and when inserting or removing the
memory card and rechargeable battery. Sand and dust can damage the
camera, the lens, the memory card and the battery. Moisture can
cause malfunctions and irreparable damage to the camera and memory
card.
LENS
• A camera lens can have the effect of a magnifying glass when exposed
to direct frontal sunlight. The camera must therefore be protected
against extended exposure to direct sunlight.
• Attaching the lens cap and keeping the camera in the shade or ideally
in its camera case, will help prevent damage to the interior of the
camera.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
• Improper use of the batteries or the use of unapproved battery types
may result in an explosion!
• Do not expose the rechargeable battery to sunlight, heat, humidity or
moisture for prolonged periods of time. Likewise, the batteries must
not be placed in a microwave oven or a high-pressure container as this
would pose a fire or explosion hazard.
• Do not under any circumstances charge or insert a damp or wet
battery into the camera!
• A safety valve in the battery ensures that any excess pressure caused
by improper handling is discharged safely. It is nevertheless important
to dispose of a bloated battery immediately. It may pose an explosion
hazard!
• Keep the battery contacts clean and easily accessible. Although
lithium-ion batteries are secured against short circuits, they should still
be protected against contact with metal objects like paper clips or
jewelry. A short-circuited battery can get very hot and cause severe
burns.
• When a battery is accidentally dropped, make sure to check the
housing and the contacts immediately for any damage. A damaged
battery can damage the camera.
• The battery must be removed from the camera or charger and must be
replaced immediately in case of a strange smell, discoloration,
deformation, overheating or leakage. Continued use of the battery may
result in overheating, which can cause fire and/or explosion!
• Never throw batteries into a fire as they may explode.
• Keep the battery away from sources of heat in case of leakage or if you
smell burning. Leaked fluid can catch fire!
• The use of other chargers not approved by Leica Camera AG can cause
damage to the batteries – and in extreme cases – cause serious or
life-threatening injuries.
• Make sure that the power socket is freely accessible at all times.
• Do not attempt to open the battery or the charger. Repairs must only
be carried out by authorized service centers.
• Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Batteries can cause
suffocation when swallowed.
FIRST AID
• Battery fluid may cause blindness if it comes into contact with the
eyes. Rinse the eyes thoroughly with clean water immediately. Avoid
rubbing. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Leaked battery fluid poses an injury hazard when it comes in
contact with clothing or skin. Rinse the affected areas thoroughly
with clean water.
CHARGER
• Using the charger in the vicinity of broadcasting receivers may interfere
with reception. Ensure a distance of at least 1 m (3 ft) between the
charger and the receiver.
• When the charger is in use, it may emit a buzzing sound – this is normal
and not a malfunction.
• Disconnect the charger from the mains when it is not in use, as it
consumes electricity (a very small amount), even if no battery is
inserted.
• Always keep the charger contacts clean, and never short circuit them.
• The in-car charging cable must only be operated in 12V in-car grids and
must never be connected while the charger is connected to mains
electricity.
MEMORY CARD
• Never remove the memory card during a datasave or card reading
process. The camera must not be switched off or be subjected to
impact or vibrations while working.
• Do not open the cover/remove the memory card or the battery while
the status LED is lit, which indicates memory access. Data on the card
may otherwise be destroyed and camera malfunctions may occur.
• Do not drop or bend memory cards as this will cause damage and
result in the loss of stored data.
• Do not touch the connections on the reverse of the memory card and
keep them clean and dry.
• Keep memory cards out of the reach of children. Swallowing a memory
card may cause suffocation.
SENSOR
Cosmic radiation (e.g. during flights) may cause pixel defects.
CARRY STRAP
• Carry straps are usually made of very robust material. You should
therefore keep it out of the reach of children. A carry strap is not a toy
and poses a strangulation risk.
• Use the carry strap only for its intended purpose on a camera or on
binoculars. Any other use poses the risk of injury and may possibly
result in damage to the carry strap and is therefore not permitted.
• Carry straps should also not be used for cameras/binoculars during
sports activities that pose a risk of entanglement (e.g. when mountain
climbing and similar outdoor activities).
Please read the section about “Care/Maintenance” for more information
about what to do in case of problems.

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General information
GENERAL INFORMATION
CAMERA/LENS
• Make a note of the serial numbers of your camera (engraved in the
base of the camera housing) and lenses, as this information will be
extremely important in case of loss.
• Make sure to always have a lens or the camera bayonet cover attached
to prevent dust or other foreign bodies penetrating the camera.
• That is why you should always replace lenses quickly and in a dust-free
environment.
• Never store the camera bayonet cover or the lens back cover in a
pants pocket, as they will attract lint and dust, which could then be
accidentally introduced into the camera.
• Leica releases firmware updates for lenses at irregular intervals. You
can download any new firmware version from our homepage and
transfer it to your lens. Please read the section “Installing firmware” (p.
61) for more information.
LCD PANEL
• Condensation may form on the LCD panel if the camera is exposed to
great temperature fluctuations. Wipe the screen carefully with a soft,
dry cloth.
• The screen image will initially be slightly darker than normal if the
camera is very cold when it is switched on. The normal level of
brightness will be reached as soon as the LCD panel warms up.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
• The battery must have a temperature between +10°C and+ 30°C for
charging, as the charger will otherwise not switch on or will switch off
again.
• Lithium-ion batteries can be charged at any time, regardless of their
current charge level. A partially charged battery will charge to full
capacity faster than a fully discharged one.
• The rechargeable batteries come only partly charged ex works and
should therefore be charged fully before their first use.
• A new battery only reaches its full capacity after it has been fully
charged and – by using it in the camera – depleted 2 to 3 times. This
depletion process should be repeated roughly every 25 cycles.
• Battery and charger heat up during the charging process. That is
normal and not a malfunction.
• Rapid flashing of the two LEDs (>2Hz) when charging commences
indicates a charging error (e.g. maximum charging time exceeded,
voltages or temperatures outside permitted ranges or a short circuit).
Disconnect the charger from the mains and remove the battery. Ensure
that the above temperature conditions are met and then restart the
charging process. Please contact your dealer, the Leica office in your
country or Leica Camera AG if the problem persists.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries generate power by way of internal
chemical reactions. These reactions are influenced by ambient
temperature and humidity. To ensure a maximum service life of the
battery, it should not be exposed to extreme temperatures (high or
low) for extended periods of time (e.g. in a parked car in the summer
or winter).
• However, every battery has a limited service life! After several hundred
charging cycles, this limitation will become evident as the operating
times get significantly shorter.
• The replaceable battery supplies power to a backup battery, which is
permanently installed in the camera. This backup battery retains the
date and time for some weeks. Once the backup battery is depleted, it
must be replenished by inserting a charged main battery. The time and
date will have to be set again after a full depletion of both batteries.
• As the battery capacity deteriorates or if using an older battery,
warning messages may appear and some functions may be restricted
or blocked entirely.
• Remove the battery if the camera will not be used for an extended
period of time. Make sure to switch the camera off via the main switch
before removing the battery. Leaving the battery in the camera will
result in a deep discharge after a few weeks. Voltage levels will
decrease significantly, as the camera uses a low idle current to
maintain settings.
• Dispose of damaged batteries in accordance with the relevant
regulations at an approved collection point for proper recycling.
• The date of manufacture can be found on the battery.
The date format is week/year.
MEMORY CARD
• The range of available SD/SDHC/SDXC cards on the market is too
extensive for Leica Camera AG to test for compatibility and quality.
Generally, any type of memory card may be used without any damage
to the camera or memory card. As some "no name" cards may not fully
comply with the SD/SDHC/SDXC standards, Leica Camera AG cannot
provide any guarantee of function.
• We recommend formatting memory cards from time to time, because
fragmented residual data from deleted files may block some of the
storage capacity.
• Generally, it is not necessary to format (initialize) memory cards that
have been previously used. Formatting will, however, be necessary if
you insert an unformatted memory card or a card that was formatted
in another device (e.g. a computer) for the first time.
• We recommend backing up your data on a PC, because electromag-
netic fields, static electricity and any memory card or camera defects
could result in permanent damage or loss of your data.
• SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards come with a write protection
slider to prevent accidental overwriting. This slider is located on the
non-beveled side of the card. All data on the card is protected when
the slider is set to its lower position, marked LOCK.
SENSOR
• Any dust or dirt particles stuck to the glass cover of the sensor may
result in noticeable dark stains or specks on the pictures.
DATA
• All data, including personal information, may be changed or deleted
due to incorrect or accidental operation, static discharge, accidents,
malfunctions, repairs and other measures.
• Please note that Leica Camera AG does accept liability for direct or
consequential damage due to the manipulation or destruction of data
and personal information.

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General information
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Leica is constantly working on developing and optimizing the LeicaS3. As
many functions on digital cameras are controlled purely electronically,
improvements and extensions to the range of functions may need to be
installed on the camera at a later date. Leica releases what are known as
firmware updates at irregular intervals. Cameras are always supplied from
the factory with the latest firmware. Otherwise you can download it from
our website yourself and transfer it to your camera.
You will receive a newsletter informing you of the availability of a new
firmware update if you register your camera on the Leica Camera
homepage.
Visit the download section or the "Customer Area" for information about
how to register or how to get firmware updates for your Leica S3.
Additionally, you can find information about changes or additions to the
manual at:
https://owners.leica-camera.com
Select menu item "Firmware" (see p. 7) to check whether your camera
and lenses are running the latest firmware version.
WARRANTY
In addition to your statutory warranty rights regarding your dealer, you will
receive an additional Leica Camera AG product warranty valid from the
date of purchase at an authorized Leica retailer. For more information
regarding the warranty scope, warranty services and limitations, please
visit:
warranty.leica-camera.com
Definition of the various categories of information found in this
manual
Note
Additional information
Important
Failure to observe the instructions may result in damage to the
camera, the accessories or the pictures.
Attention
Non-compliance may result in personal injury

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Table of Content
INHALTSVERZEICHNIS
FOREWORD ..................................................................................................2
SCOPE OF DELIVERY ...................................................................................2
REPLACEMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES ......................................................2
LEGAL INFORMATION .................................................................................2
LEGAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 2
REGULATORY INFORMATION ................................................................................... 3
DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................ 3
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE USE OF GPS ............................................... 3
SAFETY REMARKS .......................................................................................4
GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................6
WARRANTY...................................................................................................7
PART DESIGNATIONS ...............................................................................10
CAMERA ...................................................................................................................10
LENS* .......................................................................................................................11
DISPLAYS....................................................................................................12
VIEWFINDER ............................................................................................................12
TOP DISPLAY............................................................................................................13
START SCREEN .......................................................................................................................13
STANDARD VIEW ....................................................................................................................13
DEPTH OF FIELD DISPLAY.......................................................................................................13
DISPLAY WHEN SETTING EXPOSURE MODE............................................................................13
LCD PANEL ...............................................................................................................14
WHEN TAKING A PICTURE..............................................................................................14
INFO DISPLAY.........................................................................................................................14
IN LIVE VIEW MODE................................................................................................................14
VIDEO.....................................................................................................................................14
IN PLAYBACK MODE.......................................................................................................16
PHOTO....................................................................................................................................16
VIDEO.....................................................................................................................................16
PREPARATION ............................................................................................18
ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP..............................................................................18
PREPARING THE CHARGER.....................................................................................18
FOR USE OUTSIDE THE US .....................................................................................................18
FOR USE IN THE US................................................................................................................18
CHARGING THE BATTERY........................................................................................19
CHARGE STATUS INDICATORS ON THE CHARGER ........................................................19
INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY ..................................................................19
CHARGE LEVEL DISPLAY ON THE LCD PANEL......................................................20
INSERTION/REMOVAL OF MEMORY CARDS.........................................................20
CF CARDS........................................................................................................................20
SD/SDHC/SDXC CARDS ................................................................................................21
CHANGING THE FOCUSING SCREEN.....................................................................22
COMPATIBLE LENSES..............................................................................................22
LEICA S LENSES..............................................................................................................22
ATTACHING/DETACHING LENSES .........................................................................23
DIOPTER SETTINGS .................................................................................................23
CAMERA OPERATION.................................................................................24
OPERATING ELEMENTS........................................................................................... 24
MAIN SWITCH .................................................................................................................24
SHUTTER BUTTON ..........................................................................................................24
DEPTH-OF-FIELD PREVIEW BUTTON ..............................................................................25
MENU CONTROL......................................................................................................26
CONTROL ELEMENTS .....................................................................................................26
STRUCTURE OF THE MENU SCREEN .............................................................................26
FUNCTION GROUPS................................................................................................................26
MAIN MENU ...........................................................................................................................26
SUBMENU ..............................................................................................................................26
SHOW MENU PAGES.......................................................................................................27
SHOW FUNCTION GROUP
(ACCESS TO MENU CONTROL) ...............................................................................................27
SHOW SUBMENU ...................................................................................................................27
MENU NAVIGATION ........................................................................................................27
NAVIGATING WITHIN THE MENUS ...........................................................................................27
CONFIRM SELECTION.............................................................................................................27
GO BACK ONE STEP (LEAVE SUBMENU)..................................................................................27
EXITING THE MENU ................................................................................................................27
KEYPAD SUBMENU OPERATION ..............................................................................................28
OPERATING THE NUMBER PAD SUBMENU ..............................................................................28
QUICK ACCESS (SHORT CUT) ........................................................................................28
MANAGE QUICK ACCESS........................................................................................................29
ACCESSING A QUICK ACCESS MENU ITEM.............................................................................29
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ........................................................................30
MENU LANGUAGE ...................................................................................................30
DATE/TIME...............................................................................................................30
DATE ................................................................................................................................30
TIME.................................................................................................................................30
AUTOMATIC TIME VIA GPS .............................................................................................30
TIME ZONE ......................................................................................................................30
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.................................................................................................30
AUTO POWER SAVING (STANDBY MODE) .............................................................30
ACOUSTIC SIGNALS ................................................................................................31
VOLUME ..........................................................................................................................31
LCD PANEL/TOP DISPLAY/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS............................................31
BRIGHTNESS...................................................................................................................31
INFORMATION DISPLAYS ...............................................................................................31
BASIC PICTURE SETTINGS........................................................................32
PHOTO ......................................................................................................................32
FILE FORMAT...................................................................................................................32
JPG COLOR SPACE ..........................................................................................................32
JPG RESOLUTION............................................................................................................32
IMAGE PROPERTIES........................................................................................................32
CONTRAST .............................................................................................................................32
SHARPNESS ...........................................................................................................................32
COLOR SATURATION...............................................................................................................33
MONOCHROME RECORDINGS................................................................................................33
MEMORY CARD MANAGEMENT..............................................................................33
PICTURE MODE (FOTO) .............................................................................34
LIVE VIEW MODE.....................................................................................................34
FOCUSING................................................................................................................34
FOCUS METERING METHODS ........................................................................................34
AFS (SINGLE)..........................................................................................................................34
AFC (CONTINUOUS) ...............................................................................................................34
MANUAL FOCUSING.......................................................................................................35
ASSIST FUNCTIONS FOR MANUAL FOCUSING IN LIVE VIEW MODE ...........................35
ENLARGEMENT.......................................................................................................................35
FOCUS PEAKING.....................................................................................................................35
ISO SENSITIVITY......................................................................................................36
WHITE BALANCE .....................................................................................................36
AUTOMATIC CONTROL/FIXED SETTINGS......................................................................36
DIRECT SETTING OF THE COLOR TEMPERATURE..........................................................37
MANUAL SETTING AFTER MEASUREMENT....................................................................37
EXPOSURE................................................................................................................38
EXPOSURE METERING METHODS..................................................................................38
SPOT METERING.....................................................................................................................38
CENTER-WEIGHTED METERING...............................................................................................38
MULTI-FIELD METERING..........................................................................................................38
SHIFTING THE AF/SPOT METERING FIELD IN LIVE VIEW MODE..................................38
VALUES ABOVE/BELOW THE MEASURING RANGE.......................................................38
EXPOSURE MODES.........................................................................................................38
AUTOMATIC PROGRAM – P .....................................................................................................39
PROGRAM SHIFT ....................................................................................................................39
APERTURE PRIORITY - A..........................................................................................................39
SHUTTER SPEED PRIORITY - T.................................................................................................40
MANUAL SETTING OF APERTURE AND EXPOSURE TIME - M ...................................................40
EXPOSURE CONTROL/FUNCTIONS FOR AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE ...............................40
EXPOSURE SIMULATION.........................................................................................................40
METERING MEMORY LOCK .....................................................................................................41
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION...................................................................................................42
AUTOMATIC BRACKETING.......................................................................................................42
LONG-TERM EXPOSURE (B).....................................................................................................43
OTHER FUNCTIONS.................................................................................................43
DEPTH OF FIELD .............................................................................................................43

EN
9
AUXILIARY DISPLAYS IN LIVE VIEW MODE....................................................................43
HISTOGRAM ...........................................................................................................................43
GRID LINES.............................................................................................................................43
CLIPPING................................................................................................................................44
HORIZON................................................................................................................................44
MIRROR UP MODE ..........................................................................................................44
FRAME.............................................................................................................................45
SERIAL EXPOSURES .......................................................................................................45
INTERVAL SHOOTING .....................................................................................................46
SELF-TIMER.....................................................................................................................46
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ...........................................................................................47
COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS............................................................................................47
CONNECTION VIA FLASH SHOE..............................................................................................47
CONNECTION VIA THE LOWER LEMO® JACK..........................................................................47
CONNECTION VIA THE FLASH CONNECTION JACK .................................................................47
ATTACHING THE FLASH UNIT.........................................................................................47
FLASH EXPOSURE METERING (TTL METERING) ............................................................47
FLASH MODES ................................................................................................................48
AUTOMATIC (A).......................................................................................................................48
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE.............................................................48
HSS (HIGH SPEED SYNC.).......................................................................................................48
FLASH CONTROL ............................................................................................................48
FLASH RANGE ........................................................................................................................48
SYNC POINT ...........................................................................................................................48
FLASH SYNC SPEED ...............................................................................................................48
STROBOSCOPE FLASH MODE.................................................................................................49
MANUAL FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH UNIFORM FLASH OUTPUT ..........................................49
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY VIA THE LOWER LEMO®JACK ............................................................49
FLASH EXPOSURE DISPLAYS IN THE VIEWFINDER.......................................................49
VIDEO MODE..............................................................................................50
STARTING/ENDING THE RECORDING ...................................................................50
VIDEO SETTINGS .....................................................................................................50
RESOLUTION...................................................................................................................50
ISO SENSITIVITY .............................................................................................................50
IMAGE PROPERTIES........................................................................................................50
COLOR SPACE ........................................................................................................................50
CONTRAST, SHARPNESS, SATURATION...................................................................................50
TIME CODE......................................................................................................................50
EXPOSURE METERING METHODS..................................................................................50
EXPOSURE MODES.........................................................................................................50
FOCUSING.......................................................................................................................50
AUDIO LEVEL ..................................................................................................................51
MANUAL VOLUME ADJUSTMENT.............................................................................................51
DEACTIVATE SOUND RECORDING...........................................................................................51
WIND NOISE DAMPING ..................................................................................................51
CHECKING THE SOUND RECORDING ............................................................................51
SETTING THE HEADPHONE VOLUME.............................................................................51
TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS DURING A VIDEO RECORDING .....................................51
PLAYBACK/REVIEW MODE.......................................................................52
PHOTO REVIEW .......................................................................................................52
PICTURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................52
AUTOMATIC REVIEW OF THE LAST RECORDING...........................................................52
VIDEO PLAYBACK ....................................................................................................52
DISPLAYS IN PLAYBACK MODE..............................................................................53
SELECTING/SCROLLING THROUGH RECORDINGS..............................................54
CROPPED SECTION ZOOM......................................................................................54
INCREMENTAL ENLARGEMENT......................................................................................54
MAX. ENLARGEMENT IN ONE STEP ...............................................................................54
MOVING THE CROPPED SECTION..................................................................................55
DISPLAYING MULTIPLE RECORDINGS AT ONCE...................................................55
MARKING/UNMARKING A RECORDING................................................................55
DELETING A RECORDING........................................................................................56
OTHER FUNCTIONS ...................................................................................58
USER PROFILES.......................................................................................................58
SAVE CURRENT SETTING AS USER PROFILE .................................................................58
RENAMING PROFILES.....................................................................................................58
APPLY/ACTIVATE PROFILES ...........................................................................................58
EXPORTING/IMPORTING PROFILES TO/FROM THE MEMORY CARD...........................58
DATA MANAGEMENT ...............................................................................................58
DATA STRUCTURE ON THE MEMORY CARD...................................................................58
FOLDER STRUCTURE ..............................................................................................................58
FILE STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................................58
EDIT FILE NAMES............................................................................................................59
CREATING A NEW FOLDER .............................................................................................59
RESETTING IMAGE NUMBERING....................................................................................59
ADDING COPYRIGHT INFORMATION..............................................................................59
RECORDING THE IMAGE LOCATION WITH GPS .............................................................59
FORMATTING A MEMORY CARD.....................................................................................60
DATA TRANSFER ...................................................................................................... 60
USING RAW DATA (DNG).........................................................................................60
RESETTING THE CAMERA TO FACTORY SETTINGS...............................................60
FIRMWARE UPDATES ..............................................................................................61
EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE.................................................................................61
CARE/STORAGE.........................................................................................62
CAMERA HOUSING..................................................................................................62
LENS .........................................................................................................................62
VIEWFINDER/LCD PANEL.......................................................................................62
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY ......................................................................................62
MEMORY CARDS......................................................................................................62
SENSOR....................................................................................................................63
SENSOR CLEANING ........................................................................................................63
MENU OVERVIEW ......................................................................................64
INDEX..........................................................................................................66
TECHNICAL DATA.......................................................................................68
LEICA CUSTOMER CARE............................................................................70
LEICA ACADEMY ........................................................................................70
Table of Content

EN
10
Part Designations
PART DESIGNATIONS
CAMERA
4
5a 5
5b
5c
12
3 3
20
18
19
16 14
12
15
17
7
8
69
11
10
13
Front view
1Shutter button
2Self-timer LED/Sensor for white balance
3Microphone
4Depth of field preview / Function button
5Bayonet
aContact strip
bAlignment point for fitting the lens
cRelease button
Rear view
6Main switch
7Viewfinder
8Joystick
9Thumbwheel
10 Speaker
11 Cover for memory card slot (closed)
12 Picture/Recording and Datasave LED
13 LCD panel
14 Playback/Menu control/Function button
(TR button = Top Right button)
15 Menu control/Function button
(BR button = Bottom Right button)
16 Menu control/Function button
(TL button = Top Left button)
17 Menu control/Function button
(BL buttom = Bottom Left button)
18 Cover for LEMO® audio / HDMI jack
19 Cover for LEMO® USB3.0 / Remote control /
Flash synchronization jack
20 Brightness sensor for LCD panel
21a
21
22 25
24
23
26
28
29 30
27
31
32
32a
32b
33c
33b
33a
34
27
39
36
38
35
37
37b
37a

EN
11
Part Designations
View from right
21 Memory card slot (CF)
aEjector pin
22 Memory card slot (SD)
View from left
23 LEMO® audio jack
24 HDMI jack
25 LEMO® USB3.0 jack
26 LEMO® Remote control / Flash synchronization jack
Top view
27 Carry strap attachment
28 Shutter speed setting wheel/Function wheel
29 Live View button (LV button)
30 Video button
31 Top display
32 Diopter dial
aScale
bEyecup
33 Accessory shoe
aCenter (firing) contact
bControl contacts
cBore for locking pin
34 GPS antenna
Bottom view
(Cover removed)
35 Guide pin index hole for multifunction hand grip
36 Contact strip for multifunction hand grip
37 Tripod plate
a1⁄4”tripod thread
b3⁄8”tripod thread
38 Battery release lever
39 Battery compartment
LENS*
40
42
43
44
45
41b
41a
41c
40a
40 Lens hood
aAlignment point
41 Front mount
aMale bayonet for lens hood
bAlignment points for lens hood
cInternal thread for filters
42 Focus ring
43 Distance scale window
44 Fixed ring
aRed alignment button for lens change
45 Contact strip
*Representative image. Technical features may vary depending on model.

EN
12
Displays
DISPLAYS
VIEWFINDER
1 2 3 5 6 97 8 1210 114
1Horizon
(Tilt along the longitudinal axis/transverse axis; displays are
provided as an example of tilting in a clockwise direction; other
directions are displayed similarly)
– max. ±0.5°
– 0.5-2.5°
– 2.5-5°
– 5-10°
– flashing ≥10°
2Shutter speed
– manually set value at /
– automatically controlled value at /
– (high) overexposure at , , or due to flash
– (low) underexposure at , , or due to flash,
undercutting of measuring range
– Long-term exposure (Bsetting)
– Memory card full warning
3Exposure mode
– Automatic program
– Aperture priority
– Shutter priority mode
– Manual settings for shutter speed and aperture
4Aperture
– manually set value at /
– automatically controlled value at /
5Flash display
– Continuously lit: Flash ready
– Flashing: Flash loading, flash not ready
6Light balance
(Markings: 1⁄2EV increment each, last markings/digits flash at ≤
-3EV/≥ +3EV) to show
– manual exposure balance
– Deviation of the current measurement to the saved exposure
setting (with metering memory lock in the automatic exposure
modes , , )
– Exposure compensation
7Flash display
Illuminated = shutter speed ≤ sync speed set
8Focus displays
– only appears in manual mode or for manual AF override:
continuously lit if setting is too large
– in manual mode: continuously lit if the setting is correct
– for AFsAFs: continuously lit if the setting is correct; flashes if
no correct setting is possible
– for AFcAFc: continuously lit if the setting is correct; goes out
when focusing restarts
– only appears in manual mode or for manual AF override:
continuously lit if setting is too short
9Exposure compensation/flash exposure compensation set
10 Exposure metering method
– Multi-field metering
– Center-weighted metering
– Spot metering
11 Picture counter
– Total remaining number of pictures
– External memory
– (flashing at 2Hz) = memory card full
– (flashing at 2Hz) = no memory card inserted
– Maximum number in a picture series (L 14)
– Error message
12 ISO sensitivity
– manual setting
– automatic setting
– HI 1HI 1 (ISO3200)/HI 2HI 2 (ISO6400)/HI 3HI 3 (ISO12500)/HI 4HI 4
(ISO25000)/HI 5HI 5 (ISO50000) = currently set sensitivity
Note
The viewfinder LCD is always lit when the camera is switched on. The
light level automatically adjusts to ambient brightness for reasons of
legibility.

EN
13
Displays
TOP DISPLAY
Start screen
(appears for approx. 5s after camera is switched on)
4
1
2
3
Standard view
15
11
16
12
13
14
5
6
7
8
9
10
Depth of field display
(tap shutter button for manual focusing, see p. <?>)
17
18
19
1Time
2Date
3Camera/memory card status
–READY: Ready to take picture
–CARD SEARCH: Memory card check
– NO CARD: No readable memory card found
4Battery capacity (on the right for the battery in the camera;
where applicable: on the left for battery in the hand grip) or icon
for connected AC adapter S
5WLAN activated
6Memory card in use or PCPC if connected via USB 3.0 cable
7ISO setting, alternatively interval shooting is set
8Exposure mode
9Exposure compensation set
10 Program shift set
11 Aperture
12 Shutter speed, ssas reminder for speeds ≥ 0.5 seconds
13 ISO value
14 Picture counter; remaining video time in case of video recording
15 Battery capacity (on the right for the battery in the camera;
where applicable: on the left for battery in the hand grip) or icon
for connected AC adapter S
16 GPS
– most recent geolocation max. 6min ago
– most recent geolocation max. 24hrs ago
– no geolocation data available
17 Lower limit of depth of field range
18 Set focal length
19 Upper limit of depth of field range
Display when setting exposure mode
(appears briefly after pressing and holding the thumbwheel)

EN
14
Displays
LCD PANEL
WHEN TAKING A PICTURE
INFO DISPLAY
24
23
22
21
17
20
18
19
15 16
1
3
5
2
4
76
8
9
12
10 13
11
29 25
14
28 26
27
In Live View mode
Standard view
30 30
30 30
31
32
33
520 27 15
16
Standard view plus additional displays
AHistogram and clipping displays
34
35
BFocus peaking
36
CGrid and level display
37
38
DAdditional picture data
24
23
22
1819
1
3
2
412
11
28
Video
4039
26
42 21 41
44 43

EN
15
Displays
1Drive Mode
– S Single picture
– C Picture series
– i Interval shooting
– / Self-timer mode
2Bracketing
3Focusing mode
4Exposure metering method
5Shutter speed
6GPS status
7WLAN status
8Focal length
9Function of the TL button
10 Flash ready indicator
11 Light balance
12 Exposure compensation
13 Flash sync time
14 Function of the TR button
15 Picture counter
16 Memory card(s) used
17 Status of the hand grip battery/mains power operation
18 Camera battery status
19 Exposure mode
20 Aperture
21 Video resolution/Frame rate
22 Photo file format/JPG resolution
23 Mirror up mode
24 Keylock
25 Function of the BR button
26 Profile memory slot in use
27 ISO sensitivity/setting
28 White balance setting
29 Function of the BL button
30 Button functions
(appear briefly – in all Live View views - after pressing one of the
four buttons next to the LCD panel)
– Magnification function
– Menu control
– Playback mode
– Change views
31 Spot exposure metering field
32 Autofocus metering field
33 Exposure simulation deactivated
34 Histogram
35 Clipping icon
36 Focus Peaking icon
37 Grid lines
38 Horizon display
39 Indicates recording in progress
40 Remaining recording time
41 Current recording time
42 Sound control display
43 Sound recording mode
– Automatic control
– Manual control
– Deactivate sound recording
44 Light balance or earphone volume ,
Volume off

EN
16
Displays
IN PLAYBACK MODE
Photo
Standard view
46 46
48
46 46
50
49
51
47
Standard view plus additional displays
AHistogram and clipping displays
52
53
BFocus peaking
54
DAdditional picture data
70mm
57
62
59
55
56
58
Video
Standard view
61
62
60 65
66
6364
67
Standard view plus additional displays
AHistogram and clipping displays
68
69
BFocus peaking
70
CAdditional picture data
57
67
55
56 58

EN
17
Displays
46 Button functions
(appear when review/playback mode is activated in all photo
and video views, or after pressing one of the four buttons next to
the LCD panel; disappear after approx. 3s)
– Delete menu
– Menu control
– Marking
– Change views
47 Size and position of cropped section
48 Number of the picture displayed / Total number of pictures
49 Icon for marked pictures
50 Operating hint for browse function
(shutter speed setting dial)
51 Operating hint for magnification function (thumbwheel)
52 Histogram
53 Clipping icon
54 Focus Peaking icon
55 Picture date
56 Recording time
57 Image file number
58 Profile memory slot
59 Focal length used
60 Recording date or volume setting ,
volume off
61 Video control icons (for the joystick)
– Playback (press forward)
– Fast forward (press to the right or press and hold)
– Rewind (press to the left or press and hold)
– Volume: up (press upwards or press and hold)
– Volume: down (press downwards or press and hold)
62 Total recording time
63 Operating hint for browse function (shutter speed setting dial)
64 Operating hint for magnification function (thumbwheel)
65 Elapsed playback time
66 Video resolution/Frame rate
67 Status bar for elapsed playback time
68 Histogram
69 Clipping icon
70 Focus Peaking icon

EN
18
Preparation
PREPARATION
ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP
1
3
2
4
Attention
Once you have attached the carry strap, please make sure that the clips
are mounted correctly to prevent the camera from falling.
PREPARING THE CHARGER
FOR USE OUTSIDE THE US
▸ Attach the plug suitable for local mains outlets to the charger.
▸ Pull the release button upward
▸ Slide the plug attachment downward from its stop position
▸ Then fully remove the plug
▸ Slide the required plug version into the charger until it clicks into place
FOR USE IN THE US
▸ Remove the default mains plug installed from the charger
▸ Pull the release button upward
▸ Slide the plug attachment downward from its stop position
▸ Unfold the two pins of the US plug connector from their rest position
Notes
• The charger will automatically adapt to local mains voltage.
• The supplied car charging cable can be used in all vehicles with 12V or
24V on-board power supply. The charger will automatically adapt to
the relevant in-car voltage.

EN
19
Preparation
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The camera is powered by a lithium-ion battery.
▸ Connect the cable plug to the battery jack
▸ Plug the mains plug into a wall socket
CHARGE STATUS INDICATORS ON THE CHARGER
The status LED indicates a correct charging process.
Display Charge status Charge time
(for a completely
discharged battery)
CHARGE flashes green battery is charging
80% lights up orange 80% approx. 2hours
CHARGE continuous
green light
100% approx. 3½ h
Notes
• Disconnect the charger from mains electricity when the charging
process is complete. There is no risk of overcharging.
INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 24)
Insertion
▸ Slide the battery as far as it will go into the battery compartment with
the contacts facing forward and the guide groove facing the middle of
the camera
• It will automatically engage in that position.
Removal
1
2
3
▸ Turn the unlock lever clockwise as far as it will go
• A spring in the battery compartment will then push the battery out
by approx. 1cm.
• The locking mechanism has a catch to prevent the battery from
accidentally falling out, even if the camera is held upright.
▸ Push the battery back approx. 1mm to release the lock
▸ Extract the battery from its slot or hold the camera upright so the
battery falls into your hand

EN
20
Preparation
CHARGE LEVEL DISPLAY ON THE LCD PANEL
Display Charge status
approx. 88 - 100%
approx. 63 - 87%
approx. 47 - 62%
approx. 36 - 46%
approx. 26 - 35%
approx. 0 - 25%
The battery needs charging or replacing
INSERTION/REMOVAL OF MEMORY CARDS
You can use 2 card types simultaneously in the Leica S3 to store
recorded data. It has one card slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC (secure digital)
and one for CF (compact flash up to UDMA 7) cards.
Notes
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards are available from various suppliers in
various sizes and with differing read/write speeds. Memory cards with
high storage capacities and high read/write speeds offer quick storage
and rendering.
• Memory cards with a capacity of less than 1GB are not supported.
Memory cards with capacities between 1GB and 2GB must be
formated before first use.
• Check the memory card for correct alignment if you are having
difficulties inserting it into the camera.
Open the cover 11
▸ Push the cover backward and flip it open on the right
Close the cover 11
▸ Close the cover and push forward until it clicks into place
CF CARDS
▸ Make sure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 24)
Insertion 1
▸ Push the memory card as far as it will go into the slot with the contacts
facing towards the camera and the front of the card facing the front of
the camera
▸ Make sure that the ejector pin 21a is fully pushed in
Important
Do not use excessive force! Excessive force can damage the internal
contacts in the memory card slot.