M8
M System
- M Lenses
- Non-Leica M Lenses
- M Accessories
- Non-Leica M Accessories
M8 FAQ
- The Leica M8 is rangefinder as opposed to a single lens reflex camera. The sensor is a 1.3 crop, the recorded field of view of lenses designed for FF (35mm) changes accordingly.
- The M8 uses manual focus lenses, with manual setting of the f-stop. There is no image stabilization in the lenses or the camera body. The camera is generally designed for use with wide-angle up to short-telephoto lenses (normally 90 mm max).
- There is a viewfinder which is separate from the lens ie you dont view the image through the lens as you do with a DSLR. Focusing is achieved using the rangefinder in the viewfinder. An excellent animation of how the rangefinder works can be seen on the Leica website. Frame lines present in the viewfinder indicate the the boundaries of the image to be captured. They change depending on the lens fitted and are accurate at the closest focus distance of the lens (often 0.7m). At longer distances the frame lines show less than the image captured. In the viewfinder the photographer can see what is inside and outside the frame lines. This is a great aid for composition and capturing that 'decisive moment'.
- External viewfinders which fit into the camera's hotshoe are used with lenses wider than 24 mm. Focusing the image is still carried out using the rangefinder in the camera body's viewfinder. With very wide lenses the depth of field can be so great that zone focusing using the distance scales on the lens barrel can be used instead of the rangefinder.
- For proper colour reproduction and best sharpness, lenses must be fitted with uv/ir cut filters. These are not the standard uv filters that are fitted to help protect lenses nor are they filters for ir photography. Having bought your M8 you can order two FOC from Leica. If you borrow an M8 for a trial make sure the lens is fitted with a uv/ir cut filter.
- The sensor is not fitted with an anti-aliasing filter. As a result great image sharpness can be achieved using the M8, at the expense of increased moire in a few situations.
- The menu is very very simple compared to DSLR cameras. There is a battery indicator on the top plate.
- The camera is designed primarily for one-shot operation although the continuous setting allows about 2fps for up to 10 frames. There is also a self-timer. The shutter is apparently louder than previous film M Leicas (which are renown for their quiet shutters).
- The camera uses SD cards not SDHC cards. Don't worry about getting fast expensive memory cards - the camera can't utilize them. 133x is fine. You need to remove the baseplate of the camera to access the SD card and the battery.
- The metering is centre-weighted as opposed to the 'matrix' system used in many DSLRs. The metering pattern is shown in the user manual and taking note of it helps greatly in making correct exposures. There are no alternative metering patterns.
- Two shooting modes are available. Fully manual mode uses the shutter speed dial on the camera and the aperture ring on the lens. In this case LEDs in the viewfinder indicate the correct exposure but note that the shutter speed is not indicated. Alternatively in Auto mode the user sets the aperture ring on the lens and the camera determines the shutter speed which is indicated in the viewfinder. Exposure compensation can be set in Auto mode.
- Current Leica lenses are coded. As a result the camera knows which lens is fitted and makes corrections in software to negate both vignetting and colour shifts that occur when using uv/ir cut filters. Although the camera knows which lens is fitted it does not know which f-stop is used, thus this information is not included in the exif. However, the latest version of Capture 1 (v4.1) includes an 'educated guess' of the f-stop used. Most old Leica lenses can be coded by Leica at the customer's expense but Leica does not code Zeiss or CV lenses, users can make their own arrangements for these lenses. Coding is most useful for lenses wider than 35mm.
- The camera outputs RAW files and jpg files. Best results are obtained in RAW mode. Leica provides a copy of Capture 1 LE v3.7 for the processing of RAW files (dng). Capture 1 LE v3.7 will not run on Windows Vista or the latest Mac OS, however the latest version – Capture 1 v4.1 can be downloaded from the Pase One website and activated with the key included on the Capture 1 LE v3.7 disc. Other RAW converters can be used including Adobe Camera Raw, Adobe Lightroom, Aperture and others. The choice of RAW convertor is often decided by personal workflow arrangements but some users feel that Capture 1 gives the best overall results.
- The ISO setting ranges from 160 up to 2500. Using Auto and 160 ISO many users find that setting -1/3 or -2/3 ev is useful for avoiding blown highlights in some situations. Conversely, at ISO 640 and above, under exposure should be avoided for the best results in terms of keeping digital noise as low as possible.
- The M8 is compatible with a very large selection of Leica M-mount and Leica Thread Mount (LTM) lenses, which include those that are manufactured today and back to lenses that were manufactured 50 or more years ago. Other manufacturers such as Zeiss, Cosina Voigtländer and Canon have produced lenses in M-mount and LTM, which offers a wide range of lenses with differing characteristics, quality and price points.
- When using the camera's auto review feature on the LCD a histogram can be displayed at the same time. This is most useful for checking that the correct exposure has been used. The histogram is generated from an in-camera jpg. If shooting in RAW the histogram from the jpg may show blown highlights, whereas the dng file will not. Of course if the image is significantly overexposed this will affect the RAW file also.
- The rangefinder used in the M8 viewfinder is extremely precise – the user's eyesight might not be. Many benefit from using diopter correction lenses to achieve that sharp 'snap-into-focus' that the rangefinder will give. Another useful add-on is a magnifier for the viewfinder. This is especially helpful when using lenses longer than 50mm.
- The M8 retains the traditional and aesthetically pleasing rounded body of previous M series cameras. It is completely unlike the molded body of a DSLR camera. Many users find the M8 body comfortable as is but others prefer the extra grip that can be provided by the Leica hand grip. Other non-Leica accessories which 'improve' grip include custom cases or a small curved bracket which fits into camera's hotshoe known as the 'Thumbs Up'.
- The battery for the Leica M8 is designed with concealed contacts, no cover is required when storing batteries. It is advisable to carry spare batteries.
- The Leica bayonet, in combination with the small size of the lenses, provides for rapid and easy lens changes when required, an important feature as the great majority of lenses used with the M8 – and rangefinder cameras in general – are prime lenses.
- Early versions of the M8's firmware (FW) gave erratic Auto White Balance (AWB) performance. This problem was resolved by Leica with the latest FW version 1.201. Those users shooting exclusively in RAW can correct (or adjust) the white balance in post processing. As choice of white balance is often an aesthetic decision this is one of the real advantages of RAW capture.
Specification
Camera type - Compact digital view- and rangefinder system camera for professional use with Leica M lenses. Microprocessor-controlled metal blade focal plane shutter.
Image sensor - Low-noise CCD chip, specially optimized for the requirements of the Leica M lens system, Pixels: 10.3 Million. Dimensions: 18 x 27mm. Extension factor: 1.33x. Aspect ratio: 3:2. Moiré filter: No, lens imaging power is fully utilized through recognition and softwarebased elimination of moiré.
Sensitivity range - Manual setting from ISO 160/23° to ISO 2500/35°.
Viewfinder - Large, bright bright-line frame range and viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation. Viewfinder optics with reduced susceptibility to stray light and optimal perceptibility of all bright-line frames in any lighting conditions.
Eyepiece - Adjusted to –0.5 dptr. Correction lenses from –3 to +3 dpt. available.
Framing - By projection of pairs of bright-line frames: For 24 and 35mm, or for 28 and 90mm, or for 50 and 75mm. Automatic projection when lens is attached.
Frame selector - Can be used to select any of the bright-line frame pairs and so emulate any focal length.
Parallax compensation - The horizontal and vertical difference between the viewfinder and the lens is automatically compensated according to the relevant distance setting, i.e. the bright-line frames automatically align with the subject detail recorded by the lens.
Enlargement - 0.68× (for all lenses).
Wide base rangefinder - Split or superimposed image rangefinder shown as a bright field in the center of the viewfinder image. Effective base width 47.1mm (mechanical base width 69.25mm x viewfinder enlargement 0.68x).
Lenses - Lens attachment Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for identification of 6-Bit coded lenses.
Lens system - Current 6-Bit coded Leica M lenses from 16 to 90mm. Almost all 16 to 90mm Leica M lenses manufactured since 1954 without 6-Bit coding can also be used. Most lenses can be updated to the 6-Bit coded standard.
6-Bit functions - Lens-specific reduction of system-immanent vignetting. Lens information is added to image file to facilitate easier digital archiving. Adjustment of the motor-driven reflector with accordingly equipped flash units. Auto slow sync mode with aperture priority mode.
Exposure control - Aperture priority mode (A) Automatic setting of correct shutter speed for the manually preset aperture with according viewfinder display. Manual mode Manual setting of shutter speed and aperture according to camera’s exposure metering system, indicated by light balance in viewfinder.
Main switch settings - S - Single exposures. one per pressing of the shutter release button. C - Continuous (serial) exposures with 2fps and a maximum of 10 per series Self timer Delay selectable with 2 0r 12s, countdown indicated by an LED in the viewfinder window on the camera front.
Controls - Front - Lens release button, frame selector. Top Main switch, shutter release button, shutter speed dial, LCD for remaining exposures and battery status. Back - 2.5” color monitor, setting ring for navigation in menu and enlarging, 4 direction buttons for navigation in menu and frame trimming, MENU, SET, PLAY, DELETE, PROTECT, and INFO buttons. Bottom Locking bottom cover protects battery and SD card from dust and moisture.
Color Monitor - Large (2.5”), bright LCD with 230.000 pixel resolution for image replay and menu control. Brightness adjustable in 5 steps. Controllable by replay: General quality of images, exposure control by RGB histogram including indication of over-saturated highlights (also available with magnified images), focus plane, indication of image parameter settings, and of the attached lens’ focal length (when current, 6-Bit coded lenses are employed).
Image replay sizes - 4/9 thumbnails, full size, and enlargement up to 100% (1 sensor pixel = 1 LCD pixel).
Image parameter menu / Main menu - Image parameter menu is accessed with SET button and includes the following image-relevant parameters: User profile, Sensitivity, Exposure compensation, White balance, Quality/Compression rate, and Resolution. Main menu is accessed with MENU button and includes settings such as monitor brightness and color space.
Menu languages - German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Chinese.
Resolution - DNG™: 3916 x 2634 pixels (10.31MP);JPEG: 3936 x 2630 pixels (10.35MP), 2952 x 1972 pixels (5.8MP), 1968 x 1315 pixels (2.6MP), 1312 x 876 pixels (1.15MP).
Data formats - DNG™ (camera-manufacturer independent Digital Negative Format), 2 JPEG compression levels.
DNG™ file information - 16 Bit color depth, file size 10.2MB per exposure.
Storage media - SD cards with up to 4GB, complete list of compatible SD cards for the LEICA M8 available under: www.leica-camera.de/photography/m_system/m8 (as of market introduction).
White balance - Automatic, 6 presets, manual, color temperature setting from 2000K to 13.100K.
Color spaces - Adobe® RGB, sRGB, ECI RGB.
Viewfinder display - (at lower edge of viewfinder image) LED symbol for flash status, four-digit seven-segment digital display with dots above and below (with automatic brightness control, adapts to the ambient brightness) for: Display of the automatically determined shutter speed for aperture priority mode, information that metering memory lock is being used, information that an exposure compensation is set, warning that the metering or setting ranges are overshot or undershot using aperture priority mode, for counting down exposure times longer than 1s, and information that the SD card memory is full.
LED light balance with two triangular and one circular LEDs for manual exposure control. They indicate underexposure by at least one aperture stop, underexposure by 1/2 an aperture stop, Correct exposure, overexposure by 1/2 an aperture stop, overexposure by at least one aperture stop.
Triangular LEDs indicate which way to turn shutter speed dial and aperture ring for correct exposure. Flashing LED indicates lighting conditions above or below the metering range.
Exposure metering - Heavily center-weighted TTL- metering with preset working aperture.
Metering range - EV0 to 20 at room temperature, f/1, and ISO 160/23°.
Metering cell - Silicon photo diode with collection lens, positioned at the center in the camera bottom.
Flash exposure control employing M-TTL technology - Principle The necessary output for a correct exposure is determined by firing a pre-flash fractions of a second before taking the actual picture.
Flash interface - M-TTL guide number control with pre-flash when using dedicated flash unit with SCA-3502 adapter (as of version 4) or LEICA SF 24D in hot shoe.
Flash sync speed - Fast 1/250s allows creative full-stop photography even in bright ambient light. Manual Flash sync speeds up to 1/250s and B available.
Aperture priority - Auto Slow Sync: Automatic extension of the flash sync speed range to the longest speed according to the rule of thumb 1/focal length (only available with 6-Bit coded lenses). Limits selectable down to 1/8s for available light flash photography:
Flash firing moment - Selectable, 1st or 2nd shutter curtain (with dedicated flash units and SCA-3502 adapter or LEICA SF 24D).
Flash exposure compensation - ±31/3 EV in 1/3 EV steps settable on the SCA-3501/3502 adapter. On the LEICA /SF 24D ±3EV in 1/3 EV steps or 0 to –3EV in 1EV steps can be set using computer control.
Shutter and release - Shutter - Microprocessor-controlled metal blade focal plane shutter with vertical movement.
Shutter speeds - In aperture priority mode (A) steplessly from 32s to 1/8000s. Using manual setting 4s to 1/8000s in half steps, B for long exposures of any duration.
Shutter cocking - Cocking mechanism optimized for minimal noise, motor driven with friction transmission in the high-rev 1st gear and cam disc for sustained torgue throughout cocking process.
Shutter release button - Three steps through pressing levels: 1. Camera electronics and exposure metering on – 2. memory lock (in aperture priority mode) – 3. shutter release. Integrated standard cable release thread.
Power supply - 1 lithium ion battery, nominal voltage 3.7V, capacity 1900mAh.
Interface - 5-pin mini-USB 2.0 High-Speed socket on left side of camera for quick data transfer to computer. Softwarebased camera remote control possible using LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE.
Camera body - Material All-metal body of high-grade magnesium alloy for sustained professional use, black leatherette cladding. Top and bottom covers of milled brass, black or silver chromium plated.
Tripod socket - DIN4503 - A1/4 (1/4") tapped socket in bottom cover, in line with the center of the lens.
Dimensions (w x d x h) approx. 138.6mm x 36.9mm x 80.2mm.
Weight excl. battery - 545g.
Scope of delivery - Camera LEICA M8 (10 701 black / 10 702 silver, carrying strap with slip-stop (14 312), camera bayonet cap (14 195), lithium ion battery (14 464), battery charger with 3 mains plug adaptors (Euro, UK, USA) and car cable (14 463), USB connection cable, software: DVD with Capture One LE, CD-ROM with LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE and user manual in all languages as PDFs, LEICA M8 printed instructions, LEICA M8 Warranty Card.
Current Pricing
Price in US Dollars - $4,195.
M8 Firmware History
- 1.06
- 1.09 (Dec 2006)
- 1.091 (28 Feb 2007)
- 1.092 (05 Mar 2007)
Version 1.092 Includes: In Review mode the bar above the image is black and now includes displays for the shutter and ISO speeds as well as the image number. The clipping function is now accessible directly in Auto Review mode, i.e. without having to press the INFO button first. The color rendition with Adobe Camera Raw was improved. If Auto Review and Histogram are both selected in the menu, this is now indicated as „Hold/Histogr.” The word „disabled” has been replaced by „off”. Numerous internal procedures were improved and so-called bug-fixes implemented.
- 1.102 (14 Mar 2007)
Version 1.102 Addresses: Image quality problems resulting from the M8 sensor sensitivity for infrared light. Depending on the angle of the light it can lead to color offsets near the image edges with focal lengths from 16 to 35mm and will give an undesirable magenta-colored offset effect. Leica has therefore recommended the use of special Leica UV/IR filters. Together with coded lenses, this new firmware version corrects these color offsets.
- 1.107 (27 Jul 2007)
Version 1.107 Includes: Changes within the firmware allowing Leica Camera an even saver and more efficient production process. Modification of internal procedures, optimisation of the general image reproduction and the functional features of the LEICA M8 has been accomplished.
- 1.110 (05 Nov 2007)
Version 1.110 Includes: 6 Bit lens codes for Summarit-M lenses 35, 50, 75 and 90 mm; Time shortened between pre-flash and main flash in M-TTL mode with flashes LEICA SF24 D and SCA compatible flashguns function of the central setting wheel on the camera back improved (unintentional scrolling of the menu now prevented) battery capacity display improved Change in the French menu: «Marche +UV/IR» instead «Marche avec»
- 1.201 (02 Feb 2008)
Version 1.201 Includes: New and considerably improved algorithms for the automatic white balance (AWB), Bug fixes: The following effects have been remedied: With certain SD card types, images were bouncing while being reviewed. In few cases, wrong exposures were reported when the camera was released from stand-by mode. In the Exif data, the Max-Aperture-Value of the TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21mm/f4 ASPH was incorrect.
- 2.000 (03 Sep 2008) - Released 18 Sep 2008
Version 2.000 update adds these improvements to your camera: Compatibility to memory cards in the SDHC standard up to 32GB capacity.
Note: The choice of SD and SDHC cards in the market is already very big and is constantly growing. Therefore, Leica Camera AG is not able to do comprehensive compatibility- and quality testing with all available cards in the market. We recommend “Extreme III” or “Professional” from the leading brands such as “SanDisk” or “Lexar”. Using other card types, will not damage camera or card, but as especially “no name” cards do not respect the full SD or SDHC standards, Leica Camera AG cannot warranty full function with those cards.
New function “AUTO-ISO” with setting options for maximum ISO values and the slowest shutter speed (please see also instructions for LEICA M8.2 from page 121) Note: It is not possible to “downdate” LEICA M8 cameras to previous firmware releases, once the version 2.000 has been installed.
