LEICA M11 MONOCHROM
Instruction manual
M11 Monochrom/EN/2023/02/1.0/1
FOREWORD
2
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
We wish you a great deal of fun and success taking photographs with
your new Leica M11 Monochrom. Please read this manual thoroughly
to familiarize yourself with the full scope of functions your camera
has to offer. You can find all information about the Leica M11 Mono-
chrom whenever you need it at https://leica-camera.com.
Your Leica Camera AG
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
Before using your camera for the first time, please check that the
accessories supplied are complete*.
– Leica M11 Monochrom
– Camera bayonet cover
– Lithium-ion rechargeable battery Leica BP-SCL7
– Charger Leica BC-SCL7, incl. power adapter and USB cable
– “Leica FOTOS Cable”
– Carry strap
– CE flyer
– Drawstring pouch for battery, charger and cables
– Quick Start Guide
– Test certificate
– Registration card
* Subject to change with regard to construction and appearance.
FOREWORD / SCOPE OF DELIVERY
REPLACEMENT PARTS / ACCESSORIES
3
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:
https://leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/accessories
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 must only be
used with this product. Third-party accessories may result in mal-
functions or damage to the product.
Important
All mentions of “EVF” or “Electronic Viewfinder” in this manual
refer to the optional accessory Leica Visoflex 2.
Using the older “Leica Visoflex” model with the Leica M11 Mono-
chrom can – as a worst case scenario – result in irreparable
damage to the camera and/or the Visoflex. Please contact Leica
Customer Care if in doubt.
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
4
LEGAL INFORMATION
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
• Compliance with copyright laws is mandatory. The recording and
publication of pre-recorded media like tapes, CDs, or other pub-
lished or broadcast material may breach copyright laws. The same
applies for all software supplied as part of the scope of delivery.
• The designations SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSDHC and their associ-
ated logos are registered trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
LEGAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL
COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved.
All text, images and graphics are subject to copyright and other laws
to protect intellectual property. They must not be copied, modified
or used for any purpose including trade purposes.
TECHNICAL DATA
Product changes with regards to the product or services may have
occurred after the editorial deadline. The manufacturer reserves
the right to effect structural or shape changes, color deviations and
changes to the scope of delivery or service, where these changes or
deviations are reasonably acceptable for the customer, while taking
into consideration the interests of Leica Camera AG. To that extent,
Leica Camera AG reserves the right to changes and errors. The im-
ages in this manual may depict accessory, special features or other
items that are not part of the standard scope of delivery or service.
Some pages may contain model types and services, which are not
offered in specific countries.
LEGAL INFORMATION
5
BRANDS AND LOGOS
The brand names and logos used in this document are protected
trademarks. These brands or logos must not be used without prior
approval by Leica Camera AG.
LICENSE RIGHTS
Leica Camera AG intends to provide you with innovative and informa-
tive documentation. Due to the amount of creativity that has gone
into its design, we ask for your understanding that Leica Camera AG
must protect its intellectual property, including patents, trademarks
and copyrights, and that possession of the documentation does not
infer any licensing rights of the intellectual property of Leica Camera
AG.
REGULATORY INFORMATION
You will find the manufacturing date of your camera on the stickers in
the Warranty Card and/or on the packaging.
The date format is year/month/day.
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC LICENSES
Specific regional approvals for this device can be found in the camera
menu.
▸ Select Camera Information in the main menu
▸ Select
Regulatory information
LICENSE INFORMATION
The device-specific license information can be found in the camera
menu.
▸ Select
Camera Information in the main menu
▸ Select
License Information
LEGAL INFORMATION
6
CE MARK
The CE mark on our products documents compliance with the funda-
mental requirements of applicable EU guidelines.
English
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
“Leica Camera AG” hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the
basic requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU.
Customers can download a copy of the original DoC for our Radio Equipment
products from our DoC server:
www.cert.leica-camera.com
Please contact Leica Camera AG, Am Leitz-Park 5, 35578 Wetzlar, Germany in
case of any further questions
Depending on product (see technical data)
Typ e
Frequency band (center frequency) Maximum output
(dBm E.I.R.P.)
WLAN
2412–2462/5180–5240 MHz/
5260–5320/5500–5700 MHz
5735–5825 MHz
20
Bluetooth
®
Wireless
Technology
2402–2480 MHz 20
DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
EQUIPMENT
(Applies within the EU and for other European countries
with active waste separation policies.)
This device contains electrical 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 infor-
mation on correct waste disposal.
LEGAL INFORMATION
7
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE USE OF
WLAN/BLUETOOTH
®
• Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure security and pro-
tect 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 stat-
utory 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 inter-
ception 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 mag-
netic 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 autho-
rized 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 identi-
fier for a WLAN network). Do not attempt to connect to third party
network, as this could be construed as unauthorized access.
• We recommend disabling the WLAN function while on an aircraft.
• The use of the WLAN-RF band between 5150 MHz and 5350 MHz
is permitted only in enclosed spaces.
• Please read the important notes on specific functions of Leica
FOTOS on p. 150.
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE USE OF
“LEICA FOTOS CABLE”
• The use of the “Made for Apple” icon signifies that an accesso-
ry part was developed specifically for a connection to the Apple
product(s) named in the icon, and was certified by the developer
to comply with Apple performance standards. Apple bears no re-
sponsibility for the operation of that device or its compliance with
safety and regulatory standards.
• Please note that the use of this accessory with an Apple product
may impede RF performance.
SAFETY REMARKS
8
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, broadcast-
ing equipment). Their electromagnetic fields can interfere with
image capturing.
• Strong magnetic fields, e.g. from speakers or large electric motors
can damage the stored data or disrupt shooting.
• 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 transmit-
ters or high-voltage power lines. Their electromagnetic fields may
also interfere with image capturing.
• 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 dis-
charge. 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 irrep-
arable 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 depos-
its 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 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.
SAFETY REMARKS
9
• 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 con-
tainer 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 neverthe-
less 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 dam-
aged 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, discol-
oration, 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 immedi-
ately. 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 thor-
oughly 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 between
the charger and the receiver.
• When the charger is in use, it may emit a buzzing sound – that 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.
SAFETY REMARKS
10
MEMORY CARD
• Never remove the memory card during a data save 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
from the camera while the status LED is lit, which indicates mem-
ory 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).
TRIPOD
• When using a tripod, make sure it is standing securely and turn the
camera only by turning the tripod, not the actual camera. Ensure
that the tripod screw is hand-tightened only. Avoid transporting
the camera while the tripod is attached. You might injure yourself
or others and the camera could get damaged.
FLASH
• The use of incompatible flash units with your Leica M11 Mono-
chrom may result in irreparable damage to the camera and/or the
flash unit.
GENERAL INFORMATION
11
GENERAL INFORMATION
12
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please read the section about “Care/Storage” for more information
about what to do in case of problems.
CAMERA/LENS
(For system cameras)
• Make a note of the serial numbers of your camera and lenses, as
this information will be extremely important in case of loss.
• Depending on model, you will find the serial number of your camera
on the flash shoe or engraved in the underside of the camera.
• 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.
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 rechargeable battery must only be charged within a specific
temperature range. See chapter “Technical Data” (p. 182) for
details about operating conditions.
• 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 exceed-
ed, 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 representative in your region or Leica Camera AG if the
problem persists.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries generate power by way of inter-
nal chemical reactions. These reactions are influenced by ambient
temperature and humidity. Do not expose the battery to extreme
temperatures (high or low) for extended periods of time (e.g. in a
parked car in the summer or winter) to ensure a maximum service
life.
• 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
GENERAL INFORMATION
13
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 re-
stricted or blocked entirely.
• Always 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 qual-
ity. 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, as
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 electro-
magnetic fields, static electricity and any damage to the memory
card or camera defects may result in irretrievable 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.
• All data stored on the memory card will be lost during formatting.
Formatting will not be prevented by a deletion protection set for
individual shots.
SENSOR
• Any dust or dirt particles stuck to the glass cover of the sensor
may result in noticeable dark stains or specks on the images (in
system cameras). Alternatively, send your camera to the Leica
Customer Care department for sensor cleaning (see p. 184). This
service is not part of the warranty offering and will therefore incur
charges.
DATA
• All data, including personal information, may be changed or deleted
due to incorrect or accidental operation, static discharge, acci-
dents, malfunctions, repairs and other measures.
• Please note that Leica Camera AG does NOT accept liability for
direct or consequential damage due to the manipulation or destruc
-
tion of data and personal information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
14
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Leica is continuously working on the further improvement and optimi-
zation of Leica M11 Monochrom. As digital cameras have many func-
tions that are controlled electronically, improvements and enhance-
ments to the functions can be installed on the camera at a later date.
Leica releases so-called firmware updates at irregular intervals. Cam-
eras are always supplied ex works with the latest firmware installed
or you can download the latest version 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
M11 Monochrom. Additionally, you can find information about chang
-
es or additions to the manual at: https://club.leica-camera.com
WARRANTY
15
WARRANTY
In addition to your statutory warranty rights regarding your retailer,
you will receive an additional Leica Camera AG product warranty
valid from the date of purchase from an authorized Leica retailer.
Previously, the product warranty was included in the packaging with
the product. As a new service, the product warranty will from now
on only be available online. You will be able to review the warranty
conditions for your product at any time, without having to search for
the document. Please note that this new policy applies only for prod-
ucts that are no longer delivered with a hardcopy product warranty
included in the delivery. Any products still delivered with the war-
ranty document remain governed exclusively by that document. For
more information regarding the warranty scope, warranty services,
and limitations, please visit: https://warranty.leica-camera.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
16
LENS DETECTION .................................................................................................... 38
USING A LEICA M LENS WITH 6-BIT ENCODING ............................................................ 38
USING A LEICA M LENS WITHOUT 6-BIT ENCODING ..................................................... 38
USING A LEICA R LENS ................................................................................................... 39
DISABLING LENS DETECTION ......................................................................................... 39
DIOPTER COMPENSATION ............................................................................... 40
CAMERA OPERATION .......................................................................... 42
CONTROL ELEMENTS ....................................................................................... 42
MAIN SWITCH .......................................................................................................... 42
SHUTTER BUTTON ................................................................................................... 43
SHUTTER-SPEED DIAL ............................................................................................ 44
ISO DIAL ................................................................................................................... 44
THUMBWHEEL ......................................................................................................... 45
DIRECTIONAL PAD/CENTER BUTTON.................................................................... 45
PLAY BUTTON/MENU BUTTON .............................................................................. 46
LCD PANEL ............................................................................................................... 46
FUNCTION BUTTONS .............................................................................................. 47
LCD PANEL (TOUCH SCREEN) ................................................................................ 48
MENU CONTROL ................................................................................................ 49
CONTROL ELEMENTS .............................................................................................. 49
MENU SECTIONS ..................................................................................................... 49
STATUS SCREEN .......................................................................................................51
MAIN MENU ............................................................................................................. 53
MENU NAVIGATION ................................................................................................. 54
SUBMENU ................................................................................................................ 56
KEYBOARD/NUMBER PAD .............................................................................................. 56
MENU BAR....................................................................................................................... 57
SCALE MENU .................................................................................................................. 57
DATE/TIME MENU........................................................................................................... 58
COMBI MENU .................................................................................................................. 58
USER-DEFINED OPERATION ............................................................................ 59
FAVORITES MENU .................................................................................................... 59
MANAGING THE FAVORITES MENU ................................................................................ 59
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ..............................................................................................2
SCOPE OF DELIVERY ..............................................................................2
REPLACEMENT PARTS / ACCESSORIES ..............................................3
LEGAL INFORMATION.............................................................................4
SAFETY REMARKS ..................................................................................8
GENERAL INFORMATION .....................................................................12
WARRANTY ........................................................................................... 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...........................................................................16
PART DESIGNATIONS .......................................................................... 20
DISPLAYS .............................................................................................. 24
VIEWFINDER ...................................................................................................... 24
LCD PANEL ......................................................................................................... 25
CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON THE LCD PANEL ....................................... 27
PREPARATION ...................................................................................... 28
ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP ....................................................................... 28
PREPARING THE CHARGER .............................................................................. 28
CHARGING THE BATTERY ................................................................................. 29
CHARGING VIA USB ................................................................................................ 30
INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY ........................................................... 30
INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD ............................................... 31
LENS .................................................................................................................... 33
COMPATIBLE LENSES .............................................................................................. 33
LENSES WITH LIMITED COMPATIBILITY ................................................................ 34
INCOMPATIBLE LENSES .......................................................................................... 34
CHANGING THE LENS ............................................................................................. 35
TABLE OF CONTENTS
17
DIRECT ACCESS TO MENU FUNCTIONS ................................................................ 60
CHANGING AN ASSIGNMENT .........................................................................................60
ACCESSING THE ASSIGNED MENU FUNCTION.............................................................. 60
THUMBWHEEL ASSIGNMENT ..................................................................................61
USER PROFILES ........................................................................................................61
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS .................................................................. 64
MENU LANGUAGE ............................................................................................. 64
DAT E/ TIME ......................................................................................................... 64
RECEIVING THE SETTINGS FROM A MOBILE DEVICE .......................................... 64
MANUAL SETTINGS ................................................................................................. 64
POWER SAVE MODE (STANDBY MODE) .......................................................... 65
CAMERA STANDBY .................................................................................................. 65
DISPLAY STANDBY .................................................................................................. 65
STATUS LED ........................................................................................................ 66
BOTTOM LED ...................................................................................................... 66
LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS ............................................................. 67
BRIGHTNESS .............................................................................................................67
RANGEFINDER ................................................................................................................ 67
LCD PANEL ...................................................................................................................... 67
LEICA VISOFLEX 2 (EVF) ......................................................................................... 68
LCD PANEL/EVF USE ...................................................................................................... 68
EYE SENSOR SENSITIVITY .............................................................................................. 69
BRIGHTNESS ................................................................................................................... 69
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS....................................................................... 70
FILE FORMAT ......................................................................................................70
RESOLUTION ...................................................................................................... 71
DNG RESOLUTION ....................................................................................................71
JPG RESOLUTION ......................................................................................................71
EFFECT OF OTHER SETTINGS ON THE JPG RESOLUTION .................................... 72
DIGITAL ZOOM ................................................................................................... 73
TONING ............................................................................................................... 75
IMAGE PROPERTIES .......................................................................................... 75
CUSTOMIZING IMAGE PROPERTIES ........................................................................76
AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION ............................................................................. 76
NOISE REDUCTION ...................................................................................................76
NOISE REDUCTION FUNCTION FOR LONG-TERM EXPOSURE ....................................... 76
NOISE REDUCTION IN JPG IMAGES ................................................................................ 77
DATA MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................... 78
STORAGE OPTIONS ................................................................................................. 78
FILE BACKUP ............................................................................................................ 79
FORMATTING STORAGE LOCATIONS ..................................................................... 79
DATA STRUCTURE .................................................................................................... 80
EDITING FILE NAMES ...............................................................................................81
CREATING A NEW FOLDER ..................................................................................... 82
ADDING COPYRIGHT INFORMATION ..................................................................... 82
LOGGING THE SHOOTING LOCATION .................................................................... 83
DATA TRANSFER ...................................................................................................... 84
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ........................................................ 86
AUXILIARY DISPLAYS ........................................................................................86
INFO PROFILES ........................................................................................................ 86
CHANGING THE INFO PROFILES..................................................................................... 87
CUSTOMIZING THE INFO PROFILES ............................................................................... 88
SHOW AVAILABLE ................................................................................................... 88
INFO BARS ...................................................................................................................... 88
GRID ................................................................................................................................ 88
CLIPPING ......................................................................................................................... 89
FOCUS PEAKING ............................................................................................................. 89
LEVEL GAUGE ................................................................................................................. 90
HISTOGRAM .................................................................................................................... 91
TABLE OF CONTENTS
18
PHOTOGRAPHY .................................................................................... 92
DRIVE MODE ...................................................................................................... 92
SHOOTING TYPES .............................................................................................. 93
USING THE RANGEFINDER ..................................................................................... 93
IMAGE FIELD (BRIGHT-LINE FRAME) .............................................................................. 93
LIVE VIEW MODE ..................................................................................................... 95
AUXILIARY DISPLAYS IN LIVE VIEW MODE ..................................................................... 95
FOCUSING .......................................................................................................... 97
VIA RANGEFINDER .................................................................................................. 97
DOUBLE-IMAGE METHOD............................................................................................... 97
SPLIT-IMAGE METHOD ................................................................................................... 97
IN LIVE VIEW MODE ................................................................................................ 98
FOCUS PEAKING ............................................................................................................. 98
ENLARGEMENT ............................................................................................................... 99
ISO SENSITIVITY .............................................................................................. 101
FIXED ISO VALUES ................................................................................................. 101
AUTOMATIC SETTING ............................................................................................ 10 2
LIMITING SETTING RANGES ......................................................................................... 102
EXPOSURE ........................................................................................................ 104
SHUTTER TYPE ....................................................................................................... 104
EXPOSURE MODES ................................................................................................ 107
APERTURE PRIORITY - A ................................................................................................ 107
MANUAL EXPOSURE SETTING – M ............................................................................... 108
AUXILIARY EXPOSURE DISPLAYS ................................................................................. 10 8
LONG-TERM EXPOSURE (
B) .......................................................................................... 10 9
SELECTABLE SHUTTER SPEEDS ....................................................................................112
NOISE REDUCTION ........................................................................................................112
EXPOSURE CONTROL.............................................................................................11 4
EXPOSURE PREVIEW......................................................................................................114
EXPOSURE LOCK ...........................................................................................................11 4
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION .........................................................................................115
SHOOTING MODES .......................................................................................... 116
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING ......................................................................................116
INTERVAL SHOOTING .............................................................................................117
EXPOSURE BRACKETING .......................................................................................119
SELF-TIMER ............................................................................................................ 120
SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES .......................................................................... 121
PERSPECTIVE CONTROL ........................................................................................121
ACTIVE PERSPECTIVE CONTROL .................................................................................. 12 2
DETECTED PERSPECTIVE IN LIVE VIEW MODE ............................................................. 122
CORRECTED PERSPECTIVE IN REVIEW MODE ............................................................. 122
JPG FORMAT IMAGES .................................................................................................... 123
DNG FORMAT IMAGES .................................................................................................. 12 3
PERSPECTIVE CONTROL IN ADOBE LIGHTROOM
®
AND ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
®
......... 123
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ................................................................................... 124
COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS .................................................................................. 12 4
FLASH EXPOSURE METERING (TTL METERING) ................................................. 125
SETTINGS ON THE FLASH UNIT ........................................................................... 126
HSS (HIGH SPEED SYNC.) ............................................................................................. 126
FLASH CONTROL ................................................................................................... 12 7
SYNC POINT .................................................................................................................. 12 7
FLASH RANGE ........................................................................................................ 128
FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ................................................................... 128
REVIEW MODE .................................................................................... 132
CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE .....................................................132
STARTING/EXITING REVIEW MODE ..............................................................134
SELECTING/SCROLLING THROUGH IMAGES .............................................. 134
STORAGE LOCATIONS .....................................................................................135
INFO DISPLAYS IN REVIEW MODE ................................................................ 135
CROPPED SECTION ZOOM ............................................................................. 136
DISPLAYING MULTIPLE IMAGES AT ONCE ................................................... 13 8
TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES .......................................................................139
DELETING IMAGES .......................................................................................... 1 41
DELETING MULTIPLE IMAGES .............................................................................. 142
PREVIEW OF LATEST IMAGE ..........................................................................14 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
19
OTHER FUNCTIONS ........................................................................... 146
RESETTING THE CAMERA TO FACTORY SETTINGS .....................................146
FIRMWARE UPDATES ......................................................................................147
LEICA FOTOS ...................................................................................... 150
SELECTING A WI-FI BAND .............................................................................. 150
CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users) ....................................................................... 151
FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE ................................................1 51
CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES ................................................................. 153
CONNECTIVITY (Android users) .................................................................... 15 4
FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE ............................................... 154
CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES ................................................................. 155
CONNECTIVITY MODES .................................................................................. 15 6
PERFORMANCE MODE .......................................................................................... 157
ECO MODE .............................................................................................................. 157
AIRPLANE MODE ................................................................................................... 157
EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE ............................................................... 157
CARE/STORAGE ................................................................................. 158
SENSOR ............................................................................................................160
SENSOR CLEANING ............................................................................................... 160
FAQ ...................................................................................................... 162
MENU OVERVIEW .............................................................................. 168
INDEX .................................................................................................. 172
TECHNICAL DATA ............................................................................... 17 8
LEICA CUSTOMER CARE.................................................................... 184
LEICA AKADEMIE ............................................................................... 185
Definition of the various categories of information found in
this manual
Note
Additional information
Important
Failure to comply with instructions may result in damage to the
camera, the accessories or the data files
Attention
Non-compliance may result in personal injury
PART DESIGNATIONS
20
13a
PART DESIGNATIONS
20
19
18
15
21
16
25
29
23
24
22
28
30
17
27
26
1
2
3
4a
4
5
6
511
12
13
14
10
9
3a
7
8
PART DESIGNATIONS
21
LEICA M11 MONOCHROM
1
Main switch
2
Shutter button
3
Shutter-speed dial with stop positions
a
Alignment point for shutter-speed dial
4
ISO dial
a
Index for ISO dial
5
Strap lugs
6
Function button
7
Accessory shoe
8
Rangefinder window
9
Brightness sensor*
10
Self-timer LED
11
Viewfinder window
12
Lens release button
13
Leica M bayonet
a
6-bit encoding
(sensor for lens detection)
14
Frame selector lever
15
Viewfinder eyepiece
16
Brightness sensor for LCD panel
17
Thumbwheel
18
PLAY button
19
FN button
20
MENU button
21
LCD panel
* Leica M lenses with viewfinder attachment cover the brightness sensor. Please
read the sections “Displays (viewfinder)” and “Leica M lenses” for more informa-
tion about how to work with these and other lenses.
22
Status LED
23
Directional pad
24
Center button
25
Tripod thread A ¼, DIN 4503 (¼”)
26
LED
27
Battery release lever
28
Battery compartment
29
Memory card slot
30
USB-C socket
PART DESIGNATIONS
22
LENS*
34
31
32
33 33a
34a
34b
34c
32a
35
* Not included in the scope of delivery. Representative image. Technical designs
may vary depending on included features.
31
Lens hood
32
Aperture ring with scale
a
Index for aperture values
33
Focus ring
a
Focus tab
34
Fixed ring
a
Alignment point for focusing
b
Depth of field scale
c
Alignment button for lens replacement
35
6-bit encoding
23
DISPLAYS ▸ VIEWFINDER
24
DISPLAYS
VIEWFINDER
1
2
3
1
Bright-line frame (e.g. 50 mm + 75 mm)
2
Focus frame
3
Digital display
a.
:
– Displays the automatically calculated shutter speed in
aperture priority mode
A or the countdown of longer
shutter speeds in 1 s increments
– Warning the outside of measuring or setting range in
aperture priority mode
A
– Exposure compensation value (appears for a short time
during setting, and for approx. 0.5 s when activating
exposure metering by tapping the shutter button)
– Notification for (temporarily) full cache
b.
• (top):
– Indicates (when lit) that exposure lock is active
c.
• (bottom):
– Indicates (flashing) that exposure compensation is in use
d.
:
– For manual exposure setting:
Concurrently as light balance for exposure compensation.
The triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the
aperture ring and shutter-speed dial to adjust the
exposure.
– Warning underexposure/overexposure
e.
Flash symbol:
– Flash ready to use
– Details of flash exposure before and after exposure
DISPLAYS ▸ LCD PANEL
25
LCD PANEL
STATUS SCREEN
01
07
06
08
12
18
13
19
14
20
15
21
16
04
17
22
09
10
11
03
05
IN SHOOTING MODE
(Live View)
All displays/values refer to the actual settings.
230907061008
20 19 14 13
03
05
17
IN REVIEW MODE
All displays/values refer to the displayed image.
19 14
24
26
08
10
07
09 27
06
05
ACTIVATED Capture Assistants
32
33
31
29
30
04
02
25
28
15
DISPLAYS ▸ LCD PANEL
26
01
Storage location used
02
Remaining storage capacity
03
Flash sync point
04
Wi-Fi status
05
Battery capacity
06
Light balance
07
Exposure compensation scale
08
Exposure mode
09
Shutter speed
10
ISO Sensitivity
11
Exposure compensation value
12
Live View
13
Shooting mode ( Drive Mode )
14
Exposure metering method
15
Toning
16
User profile
17
Lens information
18
File format
19
DNG Resolution
20
JPG resolution
21
Format storage
22
Main menu
23
Remaining number of shots
24
Histogram
25
Storage location
26
File name
27
File number of the image shown
28
Geotagging
29
Grid lines
30
Clipping
31
Level gauge
32
Focus peaking
(identification of in sharp edges in the object)
33
Display of cropped section size and position
(only visible for enlarged sections)
DISPLAYS ▸ CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON THE LCD PANEL
27
CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON THE LCD PANEL
The battery charge status is displayed in the status screen and in the
header line at the top right.
Display Charge status
Approx. 75 – 100%
Approx. 50 – 75%
Approx. 25 – 50%
Approx. 0 – 25%
Approx. 0%
The battery needs charging or replacing
PREPARATION ▸ ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP / PREPARING THE CHARGER
28
PREPARATION
ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP
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
▸ Connect the power adapter ( ) to the mains via the plug ( )
matching regional standards
▸ Connect the power adapter and charger (
) via USB cable ( )
• Only the appropriate cable supplied must be used.
Notes
• The charger will automatically adapt to local mains voltage.
• Ensure to use only power adapters with sufficient output. Otherwise
the charging process will not commence.
PREPARATION ▸ CHARGING THE BATTERY
29
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The camera is powered by a lithium-ion battery.
INSERTING THE BATTERY IN THE CHARGER
▸ Slide the battery into the charger with the grooves facing down
until the contacts meet
▸ Press down on the battery until you can hear and feel it clicking
into place
▸ Ensure that the battery is fully inserted into the charger
REMOVING THE BATTERY FROM THE CHARGER
▸ Pull the rechargeable battery up and out
CHARGE STATUS INDICATORS ON THE CHARGER
The status LED indicates a correct charging process.
Display Charge status Charge time*
CHARGE flashes green
Battery is charging
80% lights up orange
80% Approx. 2 h
CHARGE continuous
green light
100% Approx. 3.5 h
Disconnect the charger from mains electricity when the charging
process is complete. There is no risk of overcharging.
* starting from a discharged state
PREPARATION ▸ INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY
30
CHARGING VIA USB
The rechargeable battery in the camera can be automatically
charged when the camera is connected to a computer or another
suitable power source via USB cable.
Factory setting:
On
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
USB Charging
▸ Select On / Off
Notes
• Charging will only occur if the camera is in Standby mode or
switched off. The charging process will be interrupted as soon as
the camera is switched on. The charging will start automatically.
• The charging process will be interrupted in shooting mode.
• The bottom LED will flash during charging.
INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 42)
INSERTION
▸ Insert the battery into the slot with the groove pointing towards
the LCD panel and gently push until you hear and feel it clicking
into place
PREPARATION ▸ INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD
31
REMOVAL
▸ Turn the battery release lever
• Battery is pushing out slightly.
▸ Press down on the battery lightly
• The battery unlocks and pushes out fully.
▸ Remove the battery
Important
• Data is still being written to the memory card as long as the bottom
LED remains lit.
• Removing the battery while the camera is switched on may result
in the loss of custom settings or damage to the memory card.
INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD
The camera will save exposures to an SD (Secure Digital), SDHC
(High Capacity) or SDXC (eXtended Capacity) memory card.
Notes
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards are available from various suppliers
in a range of sizes and with differing read/write speeds. Memory
cards with high storage capacities and high read/write speeds offer
quick storage and rendering.
• The memory card may not be supported (capacity) or will have
to be formated in the camera before first use (see p. 79). The
camera will in that case display a relevant message. Please see
the section “Technical Data” for information about supported
cards.
• Check the memory card for correct alignment if you are having
difficulties inserting it into the camera.
• See p. 10 and p. 13 for additional information.
PREPARATION ▸ INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD
32
The memory card slot is located inside the battery compartment and
is covered by the battery.
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 42)
▸ Remove the battery and replace it later (see p. 30)
INSERTION
▸ Push the memory card into the slot until you hear and feel it click-
ing into place
• The beveled corner of the card must be at the top left.
REMOVAL
▸ Push down on the card until you hear a click
• The card pushes out slightly.
▸ Remove the memory card
PREPARATION ▸ LENS
33
LENS
COMPATIBLE LENSES
LEICA M LENSES
Most Leica M lenses can be used with any lens equipment (with or
without 6-bit encoding in the bayonet). Your camera will also deliver
great photographs when using Leica M lenses without encoding. We
recommend entering the lens model type manually to ensure the
best possible image quality (see p. 38).
Please read the following sections for details on the very few excep-
tions and limitations.
Notes
• Our Leica Customer Care department can retrofit many Leica M
lenses with 6-bit encoding.
• Leica M lenses come with a control curve that mechanically trans-
fers the set distance to the camera to allow manual focusing via
the rangefinder of the Leica M camera. Please note the following
when using the rangefinder with wide-aperture lenses (≤ 1.4):
– The focusing mechanism of every camera and every lens is
adjusted individually at the Leica Camera AG factory in Wet-
zlar with the greatest possible precision. Extremely narrow
tolerances are adhered to in this process, which allow precise
focusing of every camera/lens combination in photography.
– If wide-aperture lenses (≤ 1.4) are used with an open aperture,
the then sometimes resulting very low depth of field, and inac-
curacies in focusing with the rangefinder may lead to setting
errors resulting from the (added) overall tolerance of the cam-
era and lens. It can therefore not be ruled out that a specific
camera/lens combination may result in systematic deviations.
– We recommend having the lens and camera checked by Leica
Customer Care if you notice a general deviation of the focal
position in a specific direction over time. Our technicians will
ensure that both products are calibrated within the permissible
overall tolerance. However, a 100% match of the focal position
cannot be achieved for all pairings of cameras and lenses.
LEICA R LENSES (WITH ADAPTER)
The optional accessory Leica R-Adapter M allows the use of Leica R
lenses as well as Leica M lenses. Please visit the Leica Camera AG
website for more information on this accessory.
PREPARATION ▸ LENS
34
LENSES WITH LIMITED COMPATIBILITY
COMPATIBLE, BUT MAY POSE RISK OF DAMAGE TO THE
CAMERA AND/OR LENS
– Lenses with retractable tube must only be used with the tube
extended, i.e. never attempt to retract the tube while the lens
is attached to the camera. This does not apply for the current
Makro-Elmar-M 90 f/4 model, as its tube will not retract into the
camera itself and can therefore be used without restriction.
– When using heavy lenses attached to a tripod-mounted camera,
e.g. Noctilux 50 f/0.95 or Leica R lenses with an adapter: Make
sure that the tilt of the tripod head cannot move inadvertently
when the camera is not held. A sudden tilt and impact could result
in damage to the lower edge of the camera bayonet. That is why
you should always use the tripod mount on relevantly equipped
lenses.
COMPATIBLE, BUT EXACT FOCUSING MAY BE LIMITED
Despite the high precision of the rangefinder on the camera, exact
focusing with 135 mm lenses with an open aperture cannot be guar-
anteed due to the very low depth of field. We therefore recommend
stopping down by at least 2 steps. Live View mode, on the other
hand, plus the various setting aids provided, allow unrestricted use
of this lens.
INCOMPATIBLE LENSES
– Hologon 15 f/8
– Summicron 50 f/2 with close-up function
– Elmar 90 f/4 with retractable tube (manufactured 1954–1968)
– Some examples of the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 (non-aspherical,
manufactured 1961–1995, Made in Canada) cannot be attached to
the camera or cannot focus to infinity. Leica Customer Care can
modify these lenses for use with the camera.
PREPARATION ▸ LENS
35
CHANGING THE LENS
LEICA M LENSES
ATTACHING
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 42)
▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring
▸ Position the alignment button on the lens opposite the release
button on the camera housing
▸ Attach the lens in this position
▸ Turn the lens clockwise until you hear and feel it click into place
DETACHING
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF
▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring
▸ Press and hold the release button on the camera housing
▸ Turn the lens counter-clockwise until the alignment button is
opposite the release button
▸ Detach the lens
Important
• 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.
PREPARATION ▸ LENS
36
OTHER LENSES
(e.g. Leica R lenses)
Other lenses can be attached via an adapter for M bayonets (e.g.
Leica R-Adapter M).
ATTACHING THE ADAPTER
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 42)
▸ Position the alignment point on the adapter opposite the alignment
point on the camera housing
▸ Attach the lens in this position
▸ Turn the adapter clockwise until you hear and feel it click into
place
▸ Attach the lens immediately
DETACHING THE ADAPTER
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF
▸ Detach the lens
▸ Press and hold the release button on the camera housing
▸ Turn the adapter counter-clockwise until the alignment point is
opposite the release button
▸ Detach the adapter
PREPARATION ▸ LENS
37
ATTACHING THE LENS TO THE ADAPTER
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF
▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring
▸ Position the alignment point on the lens opposite the alignment
point on the adapter
▸ Attach the lens in this position
▸ Turn the lens clockwise until you hear and feel it click into place
DETACHING THE LENS FROM THE ADAPTER
▸ Ensure that the camera is switched OFF
▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring
▸ Press and hold the release button on the adapter
▸ Turn the lens counter-clockwise until its alignment point is
opposite the release button
▸ Detach the lens
PREPARATION ▸ LENS
38
LENS DETECTION
The 6-bit encoding in the bayonet of current model Leica M lenses
allows the camera to detect the lens type.
– This information is used for e.g. image data optimization. Edge
darkening, for example, which can become noticeable when
wide-angle lenses and large apertures are used, is compensated
in the relevant image data.
– The information provided by the 6-bit encoding is also written to
the Exif data. The focal length of the lens is additionally displayed
when rendering the extended image data.
– The camera will write an approximate aperture value to the Exif
image data, which is calculated individually using the exposure
metering system. This is done whether or not an encoded or unen-
coded lens or a non-M lens is attached via adapter, and regard-
less of whether the lens type was entered in the menu.
USING A LEICA M LENS WITH 6-BIT ENCODING
The camera will automatically set the correct lens type when a
Leica M lens with 6-bit encoding is used. No manual setting will be
required. The camera will switch to
Auto automatically when an
encoded Leica M lens is attached, regardless of the original lens
setting.
USING A LEICA M LENS WITHOUT 6-BIT ENCODING
The lens type must be entered manually when using a Leica M lens
without 6-bit encoding.
▸ Select
Lens Detection in the main menu
▸ Select
Manual M
▸ Select the attached lens from the list
• The lenses are listed with their focal length, apertures and item
number.
PREPARATION ▸ LENS
39
Notes
• Many lenses have their item number engraved on the opposite
side of the depth of field scale.
• The list also includes lenses that were available without encoding
in the past (pre-June 2006). Newer lenses are all provided with
encoding and can therefore be automatically detected.
• When using the Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21 f/4 ASPH., the set
focal length is not transferred to the camera housing will therefore
also not be included in the Exif image dataset. You can, however,
enter the focal length manually.
• Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50 f/4 ASPH., on the other hand, comes
equipped with a means for mechanical transmission of the set
focal length to the camera for mirroring the correct bright-line
frame in the viewfinder. The focal length is scanned by the camera
electronics and the information is used for focal length-specific
corrections. Due to space limitations, the menu only contains an
item number (11 625). The two other variants – 11 890 and 11 894
– can be used as well and the menu settings will apply.
USING A LEICA R LENS
The lens type must also be entered manually when attaching a Leica
R lens via the Leica R-Adapter M. The camera will automatically
switch to
Manual R when a Leica R lens is attached, no matter what
setting existed originally. You will have to select the lens type from
the list.
▸ Select
Lens Detection in the main menu
▸ Select
Manual R
▸ Select the attached lens from the list
DISABLING LENS DETECTION
Lens detection can optionally be disabled completely. That makes
sense if the shot will not be automatically corrected (DNG and JPG)
to maintain the characteristic features of a lens.
▸ Select
Lens Detection in the main menu
▸ Select
Off
Note
• No lens information will be written to the Exif (Exchangeable
Image File Format) data of the image when lens detection is dis-
abled.
PREPARATION ▸ DIOPTER COMPENSATION
40
DIOPTER COMPENSATION
DIOPTER COMPENSATION ON THE RANGEFINDER
A diopter compensation function for up to ±3 diopter is available for
users of eye glasses.
The rangefinder can be fitted with an optional Leica correction lens
for that purpose.
https://store.leica-camera.com
▸ Attach the correction lens flat against the viewfinder eyepiece
▸ Tighten in clockwise direction
Notes
• Please note the information provided on the Leica homepage for
the selection on an appropriate correction lens.
• Please note that the default viewfinder setting of the Leica M11
Monochrom is -0.5 diopter. If you wear eye glasses with 1 diopter,
you will need a correction lens with +1.5 diopter.
DIOPTER COMPENSATION WITH VISOFLEX 2
Visoflex 2 (optional accessory) comes with an adjustable diopter
compensation function in the range of -3 to +4 diopters. Settings are
selected via the lateral diopter setting wheel.
▸ Turn the wheel in direction of the lens
• The diopter setting is corrected towards plus (+).
or
▸ Turn the wheel in direction of the LCD panel
• The diopter setting is corrected towards minus (-).
PREPARATION ▸ DIOPTER COMPENSATION
41
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS
42
CAMERA OPERATION
CONTROL ELEMENTS
MAIN SWITCH
The main switch switches the camera on and off.
SWITCHING THE CAMERA ON
On
Notes
• Once switched on, the camera will be ready to use after approx.
1 s.
• The LED lights up briefly and the displays in the viewfinder appear.
SWITCHING THE CAMERA OFF
Off
Note
• The function
Camera Standby
(see p. 65) deactivates the camera
automatically if no operation occurs within a preset time.
Use the
main switch to deactivate the camera if this function is
Off to
prevent inadvertent exposures and battery discharge when the
camera is not in use.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS
43
SHUTTER BUTTON
The shutter button works in two stages.
1. Tapping (= Pressing the shutter button to the 1st pressure point)
– Activating the camera electronics and displays
– Exposure lock (metering & saving):
– saves the metered exposure value in aperture priority mode,
i.e. the shutter speed calculated by the camera
– Restarting a running self-timer delay time
– Return to shooting mode
– from review mode
– from menu control
– from standby mode
2. Press down fully
– Shutter release
– Starting a preselected self-timer delay time
– Starting a continuous shooting or interval shooting
Notes
• Press down the shutter button in a smooth motion until you hear
the click of the shutter to prevent camera shake.
• The shutter button remains locked:
– if the memory card inserted and/or the internal buffer memory
are (temporarily) full
– if the battery has exceeded its performance limits (capacity,
temperature, age)
– if the memory card is write-protected or damaged
– if the sensor is too hot
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS
44
SHUTTER-SPEED DIAL
The shutter-speed dial has no stop, which means it can be turned
in either direction from any position. It will click at each engraved
position and for intermediate values. Intermediate positions outside
the click positions must not be used. Please read the section “Expo-
sure” (see p. 104) for details about exposure settings.
– A: Aperture priority
(automatic shutter speed control)
–
4000 – 8s: Fixed shutter speeds of 1⁄4000 s to 8 s
(with intermediate values, clicking in 1⁄2 increments)
–
B: Long-term exposure (bulb)
–
: The shortest possible sync speed (1⁄180 s) for flash mode
ISO DIAL
– A: Automatic ISO sensitivity control
–
125 – 6400: Fixed ISO values
–
M: Manual ISO sensitivity control
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
▸ Push the ISO dial up until you feel it clicking into place and the red
line (fig. 2) is visible
▸ Turn the dial to set the desired value
▸ Push down the ISO dial
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS
45
THUMBWHEEL
– Menu navigation
– Exposure compensation value selection
– Enlarging/reducing viewed images
– Setting selected menu items/functions
– Scrolling through the gallery (while pressing and holding the
PLAY
button)
DIRECTIONAL PAD/CENTER BUTTON
DIRECTIONAL PAD
– Menu navigation
– Setting selected menu items/functions
– Scrolling through the gallery
– Accessing the submenu
CENTER BUTTON
– Accessing the information display
– Applying menu settings
– Displaying settings/data in shooting mode
– Displaying image data in review mode
– Accessing the submenu
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS
46
PLAY BUTTON/MENU BUTTON
PLAY BUTTON
– Activation and deactivation of the (continuous) review mode
– Return to full-screen display
MENU BUTTON
– Accessing the menu (incl. status screen)
– Accessing the review menu
– Exiting the currently displayed (sub) menu
LCD PANEL
– Displaying most important current settings
– Quick access to some menus
– Touch control
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS
47
FUNCTION BUTTONS
6
19
17
Direct access to various menus and functions. All function buttons
can be custom configured (see p. 60).
FACTORY SETTINGS
In shooting mode In review mode
FN button 19
Live View
Function button 6
Focus assist Marking/rating a image
Function button 17 (press thumbwheel)
Exposure Compensation
Changing the magnification
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS
48
LCD PANEL (TOUCH SCREEN)
TOUCH CONTROL* In shooting mode In review mode
“tap” Shifting the focus frame Selecting images
Hide/show info displays
“double tap” Activating Focus Assist Enlarging/reducing viewed images
“swipe” Shifts the enlarged image section
(with Focus Assist activated)
Scrolling through the gallery
Shifts the enlarged image section
“horizontal swipe”
(full length)
Scrolling through the gallery
“vertical swipe”
(full length)
Switching to review mode Switching to shooting mode
“two-finger pinch”
“two-finger spread”
Enlarging/reducing viewed images
“swipe and hold”
“hold and swipe”
Continuous scrolling
* A light touch is enough, don't apply pressure.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
49
MENU CONTROL
CONTROL ELEMENTS
The following elements are used for menu control.
20
17
23
24
23 Directional pad 24 Center button
20 MENU button 17 Thumbwheel
MENU SECTIONS
The following menu sections are available: Status Screen,
Main Menu
and
Favorites .
Status screen:
– quick access to the most important settings
Favorites :
– your custom list (see p. 59 for details on how to manage this list)
• The favorites menu can only be displayed if it has at least one
menu item assigned.
Main Menu :
– offers access to all menu items
– contains various submenus
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
50
STATUS SCREEN
FAVORITES
MAIN MENU
SWITCHING MENU SECTIONS
The status screen will always be displayed as the first menu section.
The top level of the menu is organized into “pages”, which are dis-
played in the header line: Status screen, poss. Favorites menu (up
to 2 pages), and several sections of the Main menu. You can switch
between menu sections by scrolling through the pages. Alternatively,
the status screen and the favorites menu offer access to the main
menu as their respectively last menu item.
Scrolling forward
▸ Press the
MENU button
• The status screen will appear again after the last page of the
main menu.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
51
STATUS SCREEN
The status screen offers an overview of the most important informa-
tion regarding the current camera status and active settings.
It furthermore allows direct access to important settings. The status
screen is optimized for touch control.
B
C
D
A
A
Light balance with exposure compensation scale
B
Exposure settings (see p. 104)
C
Menu items
D
Access to the main menu
Notes
• If touch operation is not possible or desired (e.g. in EVF mode),
the status screen can also be operated using the directional pad
and center button, or the thumbwheel.
• The settings become effective immediately.
• The framed control panels can be selected. The values not outlined
are either automatically set values (in Aperture Priority or Auto
ISO), or fixed values set using the controls (on the shutter-speed
dial or ISO dial).
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
52
SELECTING SETTINGS
Settings can be selected in various ways from within the status
screen. The setting types vary from menu to menu.
▸ Tap the desired control panel
• The relevant menu appears.
DIRECT SETTINGS
A version of the menu bar appears in the lower area of the status
screen (see p. 57).
▸ Select the desired function directly or swipe
Note
• Do not remove the rechargeable battery! Settings are not saved
permanently until the camera is switched off. Unsaved changes
will be lost if the battery is removed while the camera is running.
ACCESSING A STANDARD SUBMENU
These menus behave as if they were accessed from within the main
menu (see p. 54). Touch control is therefore unavailable. From
there, you return to the status screen and not to the next higher
menu item.
▸ Select the desired setting
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
53
FAVORITES MENU
The favorites menu offers quick access to the most frequently used
menu items. It can contain up to 11 menu items. These can be as-
signed individually (see p. 59).
MAIN MENU
The main menu offers access to all settings. Most of these are orga-
nized in submenus.
A
B
C
D
A
Menu sections: Main Menu and Favorites
B
Menu item name
C
Menu item setting
D
Submenu reference
SUBMENU
There are various types of submenus available. The following pages
describe their operation.
A
B
D
A
B
C
A
Current menu item
B
Submenu item
C
References to other submenus
D
Scrollbar
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
54
MENU NAVIGATION
SCREEN BY SCREEN NAVIGATION
Scrolling forward
▸ Press the MENU button (repeatedly if needed)
• The status screen will appear again after the last page of the
main menu.
Scrolling backward
▸ Press and hold the MENU button while pressing the directional pad
right
• The last page of the main menu will appear again after the
status screen.
LINE BY LINE NAVIGATION
(Function/function option selection)
▸ Press the directional pad up/down
or
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
(to the right = down, to the left = up)
• Once the last menu item has been reached scrolling up or
down, the display will automatically jump to the previous or
next screen. The currently active menu section (Favorites, Main
Menu) is not exited.
Note
• Some menu items can only be accessed under specific circum-
stances. The text in the relevant line is displayed in gray to signify
the existence of a submenu.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
55
SHOW SUBMENU
▸ Press the center button/thumbwheel
or
▸ Press the directional pad to the right
CONFIRM SELECTION
▸ Press the center button/thumbwheel
• The screen image changes back to the active menu item. The
set function variant is shown on the right in the relevant menu
line.
Note
• No confirmation is needed for the selection of
On or Off . An
automatic save is done.
GO BACK ONE STEP
(Return to the superordinate menu item)
▸ Press the directional pad left
• This option is only available for list-type submenus.
GO BACK TO TOP MENU LEVEL
▸ Press the
MENU button 1x
• The top level of the currently selected menu section is displayed.
EXITING THE MENU
You can exit the menus and submenus at any time – with/without
applying the settings selected there.
Go to shooting mode
▸ Tap the shutter button
Go to review mode
▸ Press the
PLAY button
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
56
SUBMENU
KEYBOARD/NUMBER PAD
D
C
B
E
A
F
G
D
C
B
E
A
G
G
A
E
C
B
D
A
Entry line
B
Keyboard/Number pad
C
“Delete” button (deletes the last character entered)
D
“Confirm” button
(to apply individual values and existing settings)
E
Return to previous menu level
F
Shift key (toggles between upper and lower case letters)
G
Changing the character type
SELECTING A BUTTON (ICON/FUNCTION BUTTON)
Using button control
▸ Press the directional pad in the relevant direction
• The currently active button will be highlighted.
▸ Press the center button/thumbwheel
or
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
• The currently active button will be highlighted.
• There will be an automatic jump to the next/previous line when
the end/beginning of the line is reached.
▸ Press the center button/thumbwheel
Using touch control
▸ Press the button of your choice
SAVE
▸ Select button D
CANCEL
▸ Press the MENU button
or
▸ Select button
E
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
57
MENU BAR
Using button control
▸ Press the directional pad left/right
or
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
Using touch control
▸ Select the desired function directly or swipe
Notes
• The currently active setting displayed in the center is highlighted
in red.
• The set value is displayed above the scale/below the menu bar.
• The following applies for direct access: The selected function re-
quires no additional confirmation and will be active immediately.
SCALE MENU
Using button control
▸ Press the directional pad left/right
or
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
Using touch control
▸ Select the desired setting directly or swipe
Notes
• The currently active setting displayed in the center is highlighted
in red.
• The set value is displayed above the scale/below the menu bar.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ MENU CONTROL
58
DATE/TIME MENU
Moving to the next settings field
▸ Press the directional pad left/right
or
▸ Press the center button
or
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
Setting values
▸ Press the directional pad up/down
Saving and returning to superordinate menu item
▸ Press the center button on the last setting field
or
▸ Press the thumbwheel
COMBI MENU
The setting of the individual menu items is done via a setting bar in
the lower display area.
Accessing individual menu items
▸ Press the directional pad up/down
Setting individual items
▸ Press the directional pad left/right
or
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
Applying the setting
▸ Press the center button/thumbwheel
Returning to the superordinate menu item
▸ Press the
MENU button
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ USER-DEFINED OPERATION
59
USER-DEFINED OPERATION
FAVORITES MENU
Assign your most frequently used menu items to a favorites menu
(up to 11 items) for quick and easy access. The available functions
are shown in the list on p. 168.
The favorites menu will be represented by an asterisk in the header
line, provided it contains at least one menu item.
MANAGING THE FAVORITES MENU
▸ Select
Customize Control in the main menu
▸ Select Edit Favorites
▸ Select the desired menu item
▸ Select On / Off
• A warning message appears when the favorites menu has
reached the maximum of 11 menu items and no further items
can be added.
Note
• The favorites menu will be deleted completely if all menu items
are set to
Off .
Resetting the Favorites menu
▸ Select Customize Control in the main menu
▸ Select
Reset Favorites
• All menu items are set to Off and the Favorites menu is deleted
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ USER-DEFINED OPERATION
60
DIRECT ACCESS TO MENU FUNCTIONS
You can assign specific menu functions to the function buttons for
extra quick direct access to menu items in shooting mode. The avail-
able functions are shown in the list on p. 168. For factory settings
see p. 47.
CHANGING AN ASSIGNMENT
All function buttons permit a quick and easy reassignment of functions
in addition to access to their currently assigned menu function.
▸ Press and hold the desired function button
• The direct access appears on the LCD panel.
▸ Select the desired menu item
ACCESSING THE ASSIGNED MENU FUNCTION
▸ Briefly press and release the desired function button
• The assigned function is accessed, or a submenu appears on
screen.
Notes
• The submenus accessed via direct access may look differently
than when they are accessed via the main menu. Specifically, they
often appear as menu bars to allow quick settings.
• The settings can be done via key control or using touch control
on the LCD panel. The operating mode depends on the type of
submenu.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ USER-DEFINED OPERATION
61
THUMBWHEEL ASSIGNMENT
Assign a menu function to the thumbwheel for extra quick direct
access:
Exposure Compensation or Focus Aid . The setting has no
impact on the function if focus assist tools are in use.
Factory setting:
No Function
▸ Select Customize Control in the main menu
▸ Select
Customize Wheel
▸ Select Exposure Compensation / Focus Aid or No Function
USER PROFILES
This camera allows the permanent storage of any menu settings, to
e.g. access them quickly and easily for recurring conditions/image
objects. Six memory slots are provided to store custom settings,
plus the factory setting, which is always available and cannot be
modified (
Default Profile ). You can assign names for the saved pro-
files yourself.
Any profiles configured for the camera can be saved to a memory
card for use on another camera. Similarly, profiles saved on a memory
card can be transferred to the camera.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ USER-DEFINED OPERATION
62
CREATING PROFILES
Saving settings/creating a profile.
▸ Create custom settings for the desired functions via menu control
▸ Select
User Profile in the main menu
▸ Select
Manage Profiles
▸ Select Save as Profile
▸ Select a memory slot
▸ Confirm the selection
Notes
• Existing profiles are overwritten with the latest settings.
• A memory slot can only be deleted via the function
Reset Camera
described in the section “Resetting the camera to factory set-
tings” (see p. 146).
RENAMING PROFILES
▸ Select User Profile in the main menu
▸ Select Manage Profiles
▸ Select Rename Profiles
▸ Select a profile
▸ Enter a name for the profile via the associated submenu keyboard
and confirm your input (see p. 56)
• Profile names must be between 3 and 10 characters in length.
CAMERA OPERATION ▸ USER-DEFINED OPERATION
63
APPLYING/ACTIVATING PROFILES
Factory setting:
Default Profile
▸ Select User Profile in the main menu
• A list of profile names is displayed.
▸ Select a profile
• The selected profile is marked as
Active .
• Free memory slots appear in gray.
Note
•
will appear in the original menu list instead of the name of the
profile used if you change one of the settings for the profile cur-
rently in use.
EXPORTING/IMPORTING PROFILES TO/FROM THE MEMORY
CARD
▸ Select
User Profile in the main menu
▸ Select
Manage Profiles
▸ Select Export Profiles or Import Profiles
▸ Confirm the selection
Notes
• When importing and exporting, all profile slots are transferred
to the card, i.e. including any empty slots. Any existing profiles
stored in the camera will be overwritten, during the profile import.
Individual profiles cannot be imported or exported.
• Any existing set of profiles will be replaced on the memory card
during an export without an acknowledgment prompt.
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ▸ MENU LANGUAGE / DATE/TIME
64
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS
For details on how to navigate in the menus and for inputs see chapter
“Menu control”
(see p. 49).
The two menu items
Language and
Date & Time
appear automatically
when switching the camera on for the first time, after a reset to facto-
ry settings (see p. 146), or after a firmware update.
MENU LANGUAGE
Factory setting: English
Available menu languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish,
Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chi-
nese, Korean
▸ Select
Language in the main menu
▸ Select your language
• Aside from a few exceptions, the language will be changed for
all information.
DATE/TIME
RECEIVING THE SETTINGS FROM A MOBILE DEVICE
The date and time settings can be automatically received from the
mobile device.
Factory setting:
On
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Date & Time
▸ Select Via smartphone
• The settings will be re-synched each time the device is paired
again. The pairing process is described in the chapter “Leica
FOTOS” (see p. 150).
MANUAL SETTINGS
DATE
You can choose one of 3 options for the display sequence.
▸ Select
Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Date & Time
▸ Select Date Setting
▸ Select the desired date format
(
Day/Month/Year , Month/Day/Year , Year/Month/Day )
▸ Set the date
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ▸ POWER SAVE MODE (STANDBY MODE)
65
TIME
▸ Select
Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Date & Time
▸ Select Time Setting
▸ Select the desired brightness
(
12 Hours , 24 Hours )
▸ Set the time
(Select
am or pm for the 12-hour format)
TIME ZONE
▸ Select
Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Date & Time
▸ Select Time Zone
▸ Select your time zone/current location
– The Greenwich Mean Time offset is shown on the left of the line
– Major cities in the relevant time zones are shown on the right
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
▸ Select
Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Date & Time
▸ Select Daylight Saving Time
▸ Select On / Off
POWER SAVE MODE (STANDBY MODE)
You can choose one of two power saving functions.
– Standby mode is activated after 30 s/1 min/2 min/5 min/10 min/
30 min/60 min
– Automatic LCD panel shutdown
CAMERA STANDBY
The camera will switch to the power-saving standby mode after a
preset time to extend battery life if this function is activated.
Factory setting:
2 min
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Power saving mode
▸ Select Camera Standby
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Aus , 30 s , 1 min , 2 min , 5 min , 10 min , 30 min , 60 min )
DISPLAY STANDBY
Factory setting:
30 s
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Power saving mode
▸ Select Display Standby
▸ Select the desired setting
(
30 s , 1 min , 5 min )
Notes
• The camera can be woken from standby mode at any time by
pressing the shutter button or by switching the main switch off
and on again.
• This setting will also affect the EVF of an attached Leica Visoflex 2
(see p. 68) accessory.
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ▸ STATUS LED
66
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ▸ STATUS LED / BOTTOM LED
STATUS LED
The status LED indicates a variety of camera processes when the
device is in its factory settings (incl. saving, zooming in/out and de-
leting images). This function can be deactivated for most processes
(except for camera ON/OFF).
▸ Select
Customize Control in the main menu
▸ Select
Backside LED
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Enabled , Disabled )
BOTTOM LED
The bottom LED will flash during the charging process via the USB-C
port and during memory access. It indicates e.g. that data remains
to be transferred from the buffer memory. The rechargeable battery
must not be removed during that time.
This function can be deactivated.
▸ Select
Customize Control in the main menu
▸ Select
Bottom LED
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Enabled , Disabled )
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ▸ LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS
67
LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS
The camera comes equipped with a 2.95” liquid crystal color panel,
which is protected by a glass cover made of extremely hard and
scratch-resistant Gorilla
®
glass.
In shooting mode and with active Live View function, the screen
displays the image captured by the sensor via the attached lens. In
review mode, the images saved on the memory card are displayed
on the screen. In both cases, the screen shows the entire image
field, as well as the selected data and information.
BRIGHTNESS
RANGEFINDER
The brightness sensor automatically adjusts rangefinder brightness.
Note
• This automatic control is not available for Leica M lenses with
viewfinder attachments, as they cover the brightness sensor that
supplies the required information. The frames and displays will
therefore be displayed at a constant brightness when Leica M
lenses are used.
LCD PANEL
You can adjust brightness for best visibility in various lighting condi-
tions. Selection occurs via key control or touch control.
▸ Select
Display Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
LCD Brightness
▸ Select the desired brightness or Auto
▸ Confirm selection
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ▸ LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS
68
LEICA VISOFLEX 2 (EVF)*
An electronic viewfinder (EVF) can be attached to the Leica M11
Monochrom via its accessory shoe. Leica Visoflex 2 is an optional
extra and offers the following functions:
– Swivel function for easy photography with various angles
– Applying screen settings
– Diopter compensation
Important
All mentions of “EVF” or “Electronic Viewfinder” in this manual
refer to the optional accessory Leica Visoflex 2.
Using the older “Leica Visoflex” model with the Leica M11 Mono-
chrom can – as a worst case scenario – result in irreparable
damage to the camera and/or the Visoflex. Please contact Leica
Customer Care if in doubt.
The settings described below will only take effect if Leica Visoflex is
attached.
* Visoflex was developed specifically for the M10 series, and is not compatible
with Leica M11 Monochrom. The newly developed Visoflex 2, on the other hand,
can also be used with some Leica M10 series models.
LCD PANEL/EVF USE
The electric viewfinder can take on a variety screen of functions. The
displays appearing on screen and in the electronic viewfinder are
identical.
You can preset the types of situations in which the EVF or the LCD
panel should show the displays.
Factory setting:
Auto
EVF LCD panel
Auto
The eye sensor in the Visoflex automatically toggles
the camera between LCD panel and EVF.
• Shooting
• Review
• Menu control
LCD
• Shooting
• Review
• Menu control
EVF
• Shooting
• Review
• Menu control
EVF
extended
Only EVF is used for shooting mode. The eye sensor
in the Visoflex automatically toggles the camera
between LCD panel and EVF for review and menu
control.
• Shooting
• Review
• Menu control
BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS ▸ LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS
69
▸ Select Display Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
EVF ⇄ LCD
▸ Select the desired setting
Note
• Select
EVF if you want to keep the LCD panel switched off (e.g.
on dark environments).
EYE SENSOR SENSITIVITY
You can adjust the eye sensor sensitivity to ensure that the change-
over functions reliably if you wear eyeglasses.
Factory setting:
High
▸ Select Display Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Eye Sensor Sensitivity
▸ Select the desired setting
BRIGHTNESS
The brightness in the EVF is set independently of the brightness
selected fort the LCD panel.
▸ Select Display Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
EVF Brightness
▸ Look through the viewfinder
▸ Select the desired brightness
▸ Confirm selection
Note
• The setting
Auto is not available here.
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ FILE FORMAT
70
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS
FILE FORMAT
Choose the JPG format
JPG or the standardized raw data format
DNG (= digital negative). Both can be used individually or simultane-
ously.
When creating JPGs, an initial processing occurs in the camera. Var-
ious parameters, including contrast, saturation, black level, or edge
sharpness are set automatically. The result is then compressed and
stored. The immediate result is an image that is optimized for various
uses and a quick preview. For post-processing, on the other hand,
DNG files are recommended.
DNG files contain all raw data as recorded by the camera sensor at
the time the photo is taken. Special software (e.g. Adobe
®
Photo-
shop
®
Lightroom
®
or Capture One Pro
®
) will be needed to display
DNG format files or to work with this format. Post-processing will
allow exact adjustments of many parameters to your own expecta-
tions.
Factory setting:
DNG + JPG
▸ Select File Format in the main menu
▸ Select a format
(
DNG , DNG + JPG , JPG )
Notes
• The standardized DNG format is used for the storage of raw image
data.
• When saving the image data as
DNG and JPG at the same time,
the resolution used for the JPG file may depend on the
DNG Reso-
lution
setting.
• The DNG format always works with the resolution selected under
DNG Resolution , regardless of the JPG setting.
• The remaining number of shots shown in the LCD panel will not
necessarily change after every shooting. That very much depends
on the object; very fine image structures result in higher data
quantities, while homogeneous surfaces mean less data.
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ RESOLUTION
71
RESOLUTION
DNG RESOLUTION
Three different resolutions (number of pixels) are available for shoot-
ing in raw data format (DNG).
All the benefits of DNG capture (like extensive color depth and
high dynamic range) can therefore be used even if the image size is
reduced.
▸ Select
DNG Resolution in the main menu
▸ Select the desired resolution
(
L-DNG (60 MP) , M-DNG (36 MP) , S-DNG (18 MP) )
JPG RESOLUTION
The
JPG format setting offers 3 image resolution (number of pixels)
options.
L-JPG , M-JPG and S-JPG . This choice allows an alignment
with the intended use and available memory card capacity.
Factory setting:
L-JPG (60 MP)
▸ Select JPG Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Max. JPG Resolution
▸ Select the desired resolution
(
L-JPG (60 MP) , M-JPG (36 MP) , S-JPG (18 MP) )
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ RESOLUTION
72
EFFECT OF OTHER SETTINGS ON THE JPG RESOLUTION
DNG RESOLUTION
If shooting in DNG format or in JPG format only, the relevantly se-
lected resolution applies. If, however, the file format is set to
DNG +
JPG
,
the resolution used for JPG files will depend on the resolution for
DNG files. T
he resolution selected for JPG files can be less than the
one used for DNG files, but it cannot be higher.
DNG Resolution
Max. JPG Resolution
L-JPG M-JPG S-JPG
L-DNG
60 MP 36 MP 18 MP
M-DNG
36 MP 36 MP 18 MP
S-DNG
18 MP 18 MP 18 MP
DIGITAL ZOOM
Digital Zoom is always based on L-DNG or L-JPG. When using the
Digital Zoom function (see p. 73) JPG files are therefore saved with
the following actual resolutions (regardless of the setting for
Max. JPG Resolution ).
The display of the selected resolution will accordingly change to
L-JPG as long as Digital Zoom is active.
Digital Zoom
Max. JPG Resolution
L-JPG M-JPG S-JPG
Off
60 MP 36 MP 18 MP
1.3x
39 MP 39 MP 39 MP
1.8x
18 MP 18 MP 18 MP
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DIGITAL ZOOM
73
DIGITAL ZOOM
There are two sizes for cropped sections available in addition to the
full image section of the attached lens. A frame appears around the
image section on screen, indicating the final image size.
PERMANENT SETTING
▸ Select Digital Zoom in the main menu
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Off , 1.3x , 1.8x )
DIRECT ZOOM CHANGE
The zoom level can be switched quickly if the
Digital Zoom function
is assigned to a function button (see p. 60).
▸ Press the function button with the
Digital Zoom assignment
• In factory settings, that will be function button
6.
• The display cycles through the magnification factors 1x (no
frame), 1.3x, and 1.8x.
• The set level will remain until the next change.
JPG and DNG files appear cropped, i.e. magnified when rendered on
the camera.
Digital Zoom In shooting mode In review mode
Off
Digital zoom
1.3x
1.3x
Digital zoom
1.8x
1.8x
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DIGITAL ZOOM
74
EFFECT ON THE RESULTING IMAGES
The Digital Zoom will have differing effects on the resulting files,
depending on the selected file format.
DNG IMAGES
The relevant information is written to the meta data. The images
appear cropped when they are opened in an image editing software,
but can be reset to their full size.
JPG IMAGES
Only an enlarged cropped section will be displayed and stored for
JPG files. The image areas outside the frame are “cropped”. This
operation cannot be reversed.
Since Digital Zoom is always based on L-DNG/L-JPG, the images will
be stored with the following actual resolutions. The display of the se-
lected resolution will accordingly change to L-JPG as long as Digital
Zoom is active.
Digital Zoom
Max. JPG Resolution
L-JPG M-JPG S-JPG
Off
60 MP 36 MP 18 MP
1.3x
39 MP 39 MP 39 MP
1.8x
18 MP 18 MP 18 MP
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ TONING / IMAGE PROPERTIES
75
TONING
A color tone can be added to images. The color and intensity of this
effect can be adjusted.
Factory setting:
Off
▸ Select Toning in the main menu
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Sepia (weak) , Sepia (strong) , Blue (weak) , Blue (strong) , Seleni-
um (weak)
, Selenium (strong) )
Note
• This setting will only affect images in JPG format.
IMAGE PROPERTIES
One of the many advantages of digital photography is that it is very
easy to change essential image properties. The image properties of
JPG files can be changes slightly using several parameters.
CONTRAST
The contrast setting, i.e. the difference between light and dark im-
age sections, determines whether an image comes across as “flat”
or “brilliant”. Increasing or decreasing this difference impacts on
contrast, meaning that some image sections are rendered brighter
or darker.
SHARPNESS
The impression of sharpness in a image is largely determined by
edge sharpness, i.e. by how slight the transition area between light
and dark is at edges in the image. Expanding or reducing these areas
will therefore change the impression of sharpness.
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION
76
CUSTOMIZING IMAGE PROPERTIES
▸ Select JPG Settings in the main menu
▸ Select Customize image properties
▸ Select Contrast /Sharpness
▸ Select the desired level
(
-2 , -1 , 0 , +1 , +2 )
▸ Confirm
Note
• This setting will only affect images in JPG format.
AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION
NOISE REDUCTION
NOISE REDUCTION FUNCTION FOR LONG-TERM EXPOSURE
In digital photography, the appearance of flawed pixels that can be
white, red, blue or green is referred to as "noise". Image noise be-
comes more apparent when using higher sensitivities, particularly on
uniform dark areas. Long exposure times may cause severe image
noise. In order to reduce this annoying phenomenon, the camera
will take a second “black picture” (taken with the shutter closed)
automatically after a shooting with slow shutter speed and high
ISO value. The noise metered in this parallel image is then digitally
“subtracted” from the data for the actual image. In such cases the
message
Noise reduction in progress... will appear with a relevant
time value.
The doubling of the “exposure” time must be taken into account for
long-term exposure times. The camera must not be switched off
during that time. We recommend disabling Noise Reduction to allow
shooting multiple frames in series and to apply noise reduction later
during the post-editing stage. The images will have to be taken in
raw data format.
Factory setting:
On
▸ Select Noise Reduction in the main menu
▸ Select
On / Off
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION
77
Noise Reduction is used if the following conditions apply:
ISO range Shutter speed longer than
125 – < 160
160 s
160 – < 320
80 s
320 – < 640
40 s
640 – < 1250
20 s
1250 – < 2500
10 s
2500 – < 5000
6 s
5000 – < 10 000
3 s
10 000 – < 20 000
1.5 s
20 000 – < 40 000
0.8 s
40 000 – 200 000
always
NOISE REDUCTION IN JPG IMAGES
Except when high sensitivities are used, noise is luckily negligible.
Nevertheless, noise reduction is a component of data processing
when JPG files are generated. On the other hand, since it also has an
effect on the focus review, you can optionally weaken or strengthen
this noise reduction in comparison to the standard setting.
Factory setting:
Low
▸ Select JPG Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Noise reduction (JPG)
▸ Select the desired setting
(
-1 , 0 , +1 )
Note
• This setting will only affect images in JPG format.
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT
78
DATA MANAGEMENT
STORAGE OPTIONS
Leica M11 Monochrom comes with a 256 GB internal memory. In
combination with an inserted memory card, there will be various
options for storing data.
Factory setting:
DNG+JPG first on SD
▸ Select Storage Management in the main menu
▸ Select
Storage Options
▸ Select the desired setting
An icon in the status screen denotes the selected setting.
Display Storage options
DNG+JPG first on SD
Files will initially be saved to the inserted memory card
until it runs out of space. After that, files will be saved
to the internal memory.
DNG+JPG first on IN
Files will initially be saved to the internal memory until
it runs out of space. Inserted After that, files will be
saved to the memory card.
DNG on SD /JPG on IN
The files are stored by format. JPG files are stored in
the internal memory, and DNG files on the memory
card.
DNG on IN /JPG on SD
The files are stored by format. DNG files are stored
in the internal memory, and JPG files on the memory
card.
DNG+JPG on IN=SD
All files are saved to both storage locations. That will
ensure that there will always be a complete backup of
all files.
DNG+JPG only on SD
All files are saved to the inserted memory card. The
internal memory remains unused.
No storage option.
This is displayed if no SD card is inserted. Files will
be saved to the internal memory (irrespective of the
selected setting).
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT
79
FILE BACKUP
You can choose to transfer all files in the internal memory to the
inserted memory card, or only those images rated as ★. This may be
useful if e.g. the internal memory will be formatted, or if previously
you were saving images to the internal memory, because there was
no memory card available at the time of the shooting.
▸ Select
Storage Management in the main menu
▸ Select
Backup memory (IN ⇒ SD)
▸ Select Copy all / Copy all with ★
▸ Confirm the selection
• The lower status LED will flash during that process.
FORMATTING STORAGE LOCATIONS
It is recommended to format storage locations from time to time, as
some residual data (data accompanying shootings) may use up stor-
age capacity. An inserted memory card and the internal memory can
be formatted independently. Please note the following:
– Never switch off the camera while data transfer is in progress.
– When formatting a storage location, all date in that storage loca-
tion will be irretrievably lost. Formatting will not be prevented by a
deletion protection set for individual shots.
– All images should therefore be regularly transferred to a safe
mass storage medium, e.g. the hard disk of a computer.
INTERNAL MEMORY
The internal memory can be formatted to remove residual data accu-
mulated over time, or to free up the storage capacity quickly.
▸ Select
Storage Management in the main menu
▸ Select
Format Storage
▸ Select Format internal memory
▸ Confirm the selection
• The lower status LED will flash during that process.
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT
80
MEMORY CARD
Memory cards that have already been in use with this camera will
usually not require formatting. An unformatted memory card that
is inserted into the camera for the first time must be formatted. We
recommend formatting memory cards from time to time, because
residual data traces (data pertaining to individual shots) may reduce
the card’s memory capacity.
▸ Select
Storage Management in the main menu
▸ Select
Format Storage
▸ Select Format SD Card
▸ Confirm the selection
• The lower status LED will flash during that process.
Notes
• A simple formatting process will initially not irretrievably destroy
existing data on the card. Only the directory will be deleted, which
means the data will no longer be directly accessible. Data access
can be restored with appropriate software. Only data that is over-
written when new data is saved will actually be irretrievable.
• A memory card should be formatted again in the camera if it was
formatted in another device, e.g. a computer.
• Contact your retailer or Leica Customer Care for assistance if the
memory card cannot be formatted/overwritten (see p. 184).
DATA STRUCTURE
FOLDER STRUCTURE
The files (= photos) on the memory cards are saved in automatically
generated folders. The first three characters signify the folder num-
ber (numerals), the last five the folder name (letters). The first folder
is assigned the name “100LEICA”, the second “101LEICA”. A folder
will always be created with the next available number; you can have
max. 999 folders.
FILE STRUCTURE
The file names in these folders consist of eleven characters. In the
factory settings, the first file is named “L1000001.XXX”, the second
“L1000002.XXX”, etc. The first letter can be selected, the “L” from
the factory settings denotes the camera brand. The first three char-
acters signify the folder number (numerals). The next four digits de-
note the sequential file number. Once file number 9999 is reached,
then a new folder will be automatically created, in which the file
numbering begins at 0001 again. The last three places after the dot
denote the file format (DNG or JPG).
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT
81
Notes
• When using memory cards that were not formatted with this
camera, the file numbering will begin with 0001 again. Should the
memory card already contain a file with a higher number, then
numbering will be continued from that number.
• A relevant message will be displayed on the LCD panel once folder
number 999 and file number 9999 are reached, and all numbering
must be reset.
• Format the memory card and reset the frame number right after
to reset the folder number to 100.
EDITING FILE NAMES
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select Edit File Name
• A keyboard submenu is displayed.
• The input line contains the factory setting “L” as the first letter
of the file name. Only this letter can be changed.
▸ Enter a letter of your choice (see p. 56)
▸ Confirm
Notes
• The change to a file name applies to all subsequent files or until a
new change is made. The sequential number will not be affected;
but it will be reset when a new folder is created.
• During a reset to factory settings, the first letter will always be
reset to “L”.
• Lower case letters are unavailable.
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT
82
CREATING A NEW FOLDER
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select Reset Image Numbering
• A relevant prompt is displayed.
▸ Confirm the creation of a new folder (
Yes ) or cancel the new
folder (
No )
Note
• The name part (first letter) of a new folder created this way remains
unchanged. The file numbers in that folder will start again at 0001.
ADDING COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
This camera allows you to enter letters and other characters as a
copyright mark for your image files.
You can enter up to 20 characters of information under 2 headings
per shot.
▸ Select
Camera Information in the main menu
▸ Select
Copyright Information in the submenu
▸ Activate the
Copyright function ( On )
▸ Select
Information / Artist in the submenu
• A keyboard submenu is displayed.
▸ Enter the desired information (see p. 56)
▸ Confirm
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT
83
LOGGING THE SHOOTING LOCATION
(ONLY IN CONNECTION WITH THE LEICA FOTOS APP)
Location information can be sourced from a mobile device in con-
nection with the Leica FOTOS app. Current location information will
then be written to the Exif data of the images (geotagging).
▸ Activating GPS functions on a mobile device
▸ Activate Leica FOTOS and connect to the camera (see chapter
“Leica FOTOS”)
▸ Activate geotagging for this camera in Leica FOTOS
• We recommend choosing the
Always
option to ensure continuous
geolocation for up to the minute location information.
Notes
• The use of GPS and associated technologies may be restricted in
some countries or regions. Violations will be prosecuted by local
authorities. You should therefore contact your travel agent or
the embassy of your destination country for relevant information
beforehand.
• It will take a few seconds for the Bluetooth connection to estab-
lish. The configured shutdown time should be considered when
choosing a delay time if shutdown is enabled in the camera.
• All images with location information are marked with the geotag-
ging icon in review mode.
GEOTAGGING STATUS
The status of existing location information is displayed on screen,
provided the info bars are displayed and geotagging is enabled. The
status screen will always show the current geotagging status.
The location information is current (most recent
geolocation max. 15 mins prior).
The location information is not necessarily current
anymore (most recent geolocation max. 12 h prior).
The available location information is outdated (most
recent geolocation more than 12 h in the past).
No location data will be written to Exif data.
No icon Geotagging is deactivated.
Location information will be continuously updated as long as the
camera is connected to Leica FOTOS. The Bluetooth function of the
camera and the mobile device must therefore remain enabled to
ensure latest information. It is, however, not necessary for the app to
be running in the foreground.
STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ▸ DATA MANAGEMENT
84
DATA TRANSFER
Data can be conveniently transferred to mobile devices via Leica
FOTOS. Alternatively, the transfer can be done via a card reader or a
cable connection.
ABOUT LEICA FOTOS
▸ See chapter “Leica FOTOS” (p. 150)
VIA USB CABLE OR “LEICA FOTOS CABLE”
The camera supports multiple transfer options (
PTP or Apple MFi ).
This requires an appropriate camera setting.
Factory setting:
Apple MFi
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
USB mode
▸ Select the desired setting
▸ Switch the camera off and on again
–
Apple MFi
is used for the communication with iOS devices (iPhone
and iPad)
– PTP
allows a data transfer to computers using MacOS or Windows
with PTP-capable programs, as well as tethering to Capture One
Pro
Notes
• We recommend using a card reader for the transfer of large files.
• The USB connection must not be interrupted while data is being
transferred, as the computer or the camera could otherwise
“crash” and irreparable damage could occur on the memory card.
• The camera must not be turned off or automatically shut itself
down due to a lack of battery power while data is being transferred,
as this can cause the computer to crash. For the same reason, the
battery must never be removed from the camera while the connec-
tion is active.
85
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ▸ AUXILIARY DISPLAYS
86
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS
AUXILIARY DISPLAYS
The Leica M11 Monochrom has 4 independent info profiles, which
contain differing combinations of the available auxiliary displays. The
following functions are available:
– Info Bars (see p. 88)
– Grid (only shooting mode, see p. 88)
– Focus Peaking (see p. 89)
– Clipping (see p. 89)
– Level Gauge (only shooting mode, see p. 90)
– Histogram (see p. 91)
A
A
B
D
E
CF
A
Info Bars (= header and footer line)
B
Grid
C
Focus peaking
D
Clipping
E
Level gauge
F
Histogram
INFO PROFILES
Up to 4 independent profiles can be used. The desired function can
be selected and adjusted individually for each profile. Access and
changeover from one info profile to another is done via the center
button during running operation. It allows quick switches between
various views.
Empty profiles appear below the menu item
Info Profiles as Off .
The profile will appear in the parent menu as
On and is available for
display if at least one function is activated.
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ▸ AUXILIARY DISPLAYS
87
EXAMPLE
Profile Configuration
Only info bars (header and footer lines)
Clipping , Histogram
Focus Peaking
Info Bars , Clipping , Focus Peaking , Histogram
CHANGING THE INFO PROFILES
All active info profiles, i.e. those marked as
On , can be accessed in
Live View mode.
▸ Press the center button
• The view switches from full screen without auxiliary displays to
the first active profile.
▸ Press the center button
• The view switches to the next active profile.
• The view will revert to full screen without auxiliary displays if no
other active profile is available.
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ▸ AUXILIARY DISPLAYS
88
CUSTOMIZING THE INFO PROFILES
▸ Select
Capture Assistants in the main menu
▸ Select a profile
▸ Select the desired function
▸ Select
On / Off
• The function is activated or deactivated.
or
▸ Access to submenu
▸ Select the desired settings
Function Available settings
Info Bars On , Off
Grids On , Off
3 x 3 , 6 x 4
Clipping On , Off
Upper limit
(value between 200 and 255)
Focus Peaking On , Off
Color ( Red , Green , Blue , White )
Sensitivity
Level Gauge On , Off
Histogram On , Off
The profile will appear in the parent menu as On and is available for
display if at least one function is activated.
SHOW AVAILABLE
INFO BARS
The header and footer lines show the currently active settings and
exposure values. See chapter “Displays” for a full list of the various
displays (see p. 24).
GRID
The grids divide the image frame into multiple fields. They facilitate
pictorial composition and an exact camera orientation. The grid line
distribution can be adjusted to fit the object.
You can choose one of two grid displays. They divide the image field
into 3 x 3 or 6 x 4 fields.
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ▸ AUXILIARY DISPLAYS
89
CLIPPING
The Clipping display marks very bright image areas. This function is
a very easy and exact tool for checking the correct exposure setting.
Overexposed areas flash black.
SETTING THE LIMIT VALUE
You can set a threshold value for these displays, i.e. define a value
at what degree of overexposure they will appear, so that you can
adjust these displays to specific conditions or in line with your own
composition ideas.
▸ Select
Capture Assistants in the main menu
▸ Select a profile
▸ Select
Clipping
▸ Select Upper limit
▸ Select the desired value
(
200 to 255 )
FOCUS PEAKING
This assist function highlights the edges of in focus subject elements
in color.
When Focus Peaking is activated, will appear to the right of the
frame with a display of the color used.
HIGHLIGHT COLOR
The color can be user-specified.
Factory setting:
Red
▸ Select Capture Assistants in the main menu
▸ Select a profile
▸ Select
Focus Peaking
▸ Select Color
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Red , Green , Blue , White )
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ▸ AUXILIARY DISPLAYS
90
SENSITIVITY
The sensitivity can be additionally adjusted. This setting will apply for
all info profiles.
Factory setting:
High
▸ Select Capture Assistants in the main menu
▸ Select a profile
▸ Select
Focus Peaking
▸ Select Sensitivity
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Low , High )
Note
• Focus peaking is based on subject contrast, i.e. differences be-
tween light and dark. As a result, high contrast subject elements
could be marked, even if they are not completely in focus.
LEVEL GAUGE
The integrated sensors of the camera show its orientation. These in-
dicators ensure exact camera orientation along the longitudinal and
transverse axes of critical objects, e.g. architecture.
Deviations in relation to the longitudinal axis (i.e. when the camera
is tilted up or down in the direction of view) are indicated by a short
line in the center of the image (
1).
Deviations in relation to the trans-
verse axis (when the camera is tilted to the left or right) are indicated
by two long lines to the left and right of the image center
(2).
2
1
Note
• The camera will switch the aspect of the level gauge autonomously
for shoots in vertical format.
PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS ▸ AUXILIARY DISPLAYS
91
Correct alignment
Tilted laterally to the left Tilted downward in the direction
of view
Tilted laterally to the right Tilted upward in the direction
of view
HISTOGRAM
Histogram represents the brightness distribution in the image. The
horizontal axis shows the graduated values from black (left) through
gray to white (right). The vertical axis corresponds to the number of
pixels at each brightness level.
This type of rendering allows an additional quick and easy assessment
of the exposure setting.
Notes
• The histogram is always based on the brightness displayed;
depending on the settings used, it may not represent the final
exposure.
• In shooting mode, the histogram should be regarded as a “trend
indicator”.
• The histogram during rendering may differ slightly from the one
during exposure.
• The Histogram always refers to the currently displayed cropped
section of the image.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ DRIVE MODE
92
PHOTOGRAPHY
DRIVE MODE
The functions and settings described in the following generally refer
to the exposure of individual shots. In addition to single frame shoot-
ing, the Leica M11 Monochrom offers a number of other exposure
modes. Please read the relevant sections for information about func-
tionalities and setting options.
▸ Select
Drive Mode in the main menu
▸ Select the desired function options
Mode Setting options / Variants
Single frame shooting
Single
Continuous shooting
(see p. 116)
Speed:
–
Continuous - Low Speed
– Continuous - High Speed
Interval shooting
(see p. 117)
Number of Frames
Interval between the shootings ( Interval )
Delay time (
Countdown )
Exposure bracketing
(see p. 119)
Number of Frames (3 or 5)
EV Steps
Exposure Compensation
Self-timer
(see p. 120)
Delay time:
–
Self-timer 2 s
– Self-timer 12 s
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING TYPES
93
SHOOTING TYPES
USING THE RANGEFINDER
IMAGE FIELD (BRIGHT-LINE FRAME)
The bright-line rangefinder of this camera is not just a very
high-quality, large, brilliant and bright viewfinder – it also doubles as
a highly precise, lens-coupled metering device. All Leica M lenses
with focal lengths between 16 and 135 mm are coupled automatical-
ly when they are attached to a camera. The viewfinder has a magnifi-
cation factor of 0.73x.
The bright-line frame is coupled with the focusing function in such
a way that the parallax – the offset between the lens axis and the
viewfinder axis – is compensated automatically. At ranges under 2 m,
the sensor captures slightly less than indicated by the inner edges
of the bright-line frame, and slightly more at longer ranges (see ad-
jacent diagram). These slight – in practical terms never important –
deviations are unavoidable. The bright-line frames of a camera with
viewfinder must be adjusted to the view angle of the focal length of
the lens. The nominal view angle changes slightly when focusing due
to the changing draw-out, i.e. the distance of the lens system to the
sensor level. When the set distance is below infinity (and the draw-
out accordingly greater), the actual view angle also decreases – the
lens captures less of the image object. The view angle differences at
greater focal lengths tend to be larger due to the greater draw-out.
22:45 PM 22.02.2012
999-9000
8234/999912MP
2.8F 1/8000 12500ISO EV
A
B
All shots and bright-line frame positions at 50 mm focal length
A
Bright-line frame
B
Actual image field
Set to 0.7 m The sensor captures around one frame width less
Set to 2 m The sensor captures the exact image field shown with-
in the inner edges of the bright-line frame
Set to infinity The sensor detects around 1 or 4 more (vertical or
horizontal) frame width(s)
Notes
• The bright-light frames illuminated by white light LEDs appear
alongside the exposure meter LEDs at the lower edge of the view-
finder image, once the camera electronics are activated.
• The rectangular focus frame, which is brighter than the surround-
ing title frame, is in the center of the viewfinder frame. Please
read the relevant sections for more information about focusing
and exposure metering.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING TYPES
94
SHOW ALTERNATIVE IMAGE RANGES/FOCAL LENGTHS
The relevant bright-line frame will light up in the combinations
35 mm + 135 mm, 50 mm + 75 mm or 28 mm + 90 mm when lenses
with a focal length of 28 (Elmarit as of serial number 2 411 001), 35,
50, 75, 90 and 135 mm are used. The frame selector lever is set to
the relevant position automatically.
Additional bright-line frames may be displayed depending on the
attached lens. These allow a simulation of the relevant focal lengths.
This process helps in the selection of the right lens for the desired
image range.
▸ Move the frame selector lever to the desired position
• The frame selector lever will snap back automatically when
released.
35 mm + 135 mm
22:45 PM 22.02.2012
999-9000
8234/999912MP
2.8F 1/8000 12500ISO EV
50 mm + 75 mm
22:45 PM 22.02.2012
999-9000
8234/999912MP
2.8F 1/8000 12500ISO EV
28 mm + 90 mm
22:45 PM 22.02.2012
999-9000
8234/999912MP
2.8F 1/8000 12500ISO EV
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING TYPES
95
LIVE VIEW MODE
The Live View mode allows viewing the image object on the LCD
panel during shooting. The image is show exactly as it is rendered by
the attached lens.
LIVE VIEW MODE ON/OFF
▸ Press the function button with the
Live View assignment
• In factory settings, that will be the
FN button.
or
▸ Press the
MENU button
• The status screen appears.
▸ Tap the
LV control panel
AUXILIARY DISPLAYS IN LIVE VIEW MODE
In Live View mode, the LCD panel can be used for displaying a range
of settings. You can select a number of other displays in addition
to the standard information contained in the header and footer to
adapt the screen image to your needs.
The following assist functions are available:
– Info Bars (header and footer line)
– Grid
– Clipping
– Focus peaking
– Level gauge
– Histogram
The assist functions are organized in user-definable info profiles.
See p. 86 for settings and for a description of the individual assist
functions.
Additionally, an exposure preview can be displayed in Live View (see
p . 114 ).
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING TYPES
96
Showing or hiding the auxiliary displays
999-9000
999-9000
▸ Press the center button
• The display toggles between a visualization with or without
information displays.
or
▸ Tap anywhere on the LCD panel
Displaying the exposure information (only)
The exposure information is displayed in the middle part of the
footer: ISO value, light balance and shutter speed. Depending on
the initial situation, the display toggles to the other setting when the
shutter button is held at the first pressure point. That applies to the
info bars only.
▸ Tap and hold the shutter button
• Exposure information is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
• All other visible displays of the info bars will be hidden.
Notes
• Live View mode is based on the image captured by the sensor.
The camera must control the shutter. Shutter control is audible
and may result in a slight delay in shutter release.
• The camera will warm up when Live View mode is used for an
extended period of time. Power consumption will simultaneously
increase.
• Alternating current causes brightness fluctuations invisible to the
human eye in many light sources. This may result in a flickering of
the Live View screen image due to the sensitivity and scan rate of
the image sensors. Image quality will not be impacted. The effect
can be avoided by selecting a slower shutter speed.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FOCUSING
97
FOCUSING
Various assist functions are provided for focusing, depending on
whether you use the camera's rangefinder or Live View mode.
VIA RANGEFINDER
The rangefinder of this camera is very precise due to its wide and
effective measurement base. Image sharpness can be set via the
double-image or the split-image method.
DOUBLE-IMAGE METHOD
For a portrait, you might focus on the eyes using the focus frame of
the rangefinder, turning the focus ring on the lens until the contours
are aligned exactly inside the focus frame.
out of focus in focus
SPLIT-IMAGE METHOD
For an architectural photograph, you might aim the focus frame of
the rangefinder at e.g. the vertical edge or any other clearly defined
vertical line and keep turning the focus ring on the lens until the
edge contour or the line is visible at the outer edges of the focus
frame without any offset.
out of focus in focus
Notes
• Very precise focusing are particularly beneficial when using
wide-angle lenses with a relatively large depth of field.
• The focus frame of the rangefinder is displayed as a bright, sharp-
edged rectangle in both methods. The position of the focus frame
cannot be changed. It will always be at the center of the viewfinder.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FOCUSING
98
IN LIVE VIEW MODE
(WITH ASSIST FUNCTIONS)
You can set the image sharpness in Live View mode via the screen
image – it will show the image object at the exact sharpness as it is
rendered by the lens based on the focusing and aperture setting.
Your camera offers two useful assist functions to facilitate and im-
prove setting accuracy:
– The magnification of an (initially) central cropped section of the
screen image (Zooming).
• The enlargement function (
Focus Aid ) can be activated auto-
matically during focusing or independently.
– Marking of screen image sections where subject elements are in
clear focus (Focus Peaking)
FOCUS PEAKING
This assist function highlights the edges of in focus subject elements
in color. The color can be user-specified.
The Focus Peaking function is configured and activated/deactivated
alongside the other auxiliary displays via the info profiles (see
p. 86).
▸ Configure and display info displays
▸ Select an image section
▸ Turn the focus ring to mark the desired subject elements
• All subject elements that are rendered in focus with the selected
distance setting are marked with a silhouette in the selected
color.
Notes
• Focus peaking is based on subject contrast, i.e. differences be-
tween light and dark. As a result, high contrast subject elements
could be marked, even if they are not completely in focus.
• Display accuracy decreases when a wide-angle lens is used with a
small aperture (= high depth of field).
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FOCUSING
99
ENLARGEMENT
The larger the details of the object are shown, the better you can
assess their sharpness and the more accurately you can focus.
In the image at the bottom left, the position and zoom level of the
displayed cropped section is shown. The cropped section displayed
can also be unenlarged.
The most recently used function and zoom factor will still be set the
next time the function is accessed.
Adjusting the enlargement function
Use the thumbwheel to choose one of two magnification factors.
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
Changing the position of the enlarged section
▸ Move the position of an enlarged cropped section by swiping
or
▸ Press the directional pad in the relevant direction
The magnification function can be accessed or hidden at any time
regardless of the focus setting.
Accessing the enlargement function
There are various options for accessing the magnification function.
– Via the focus ring (automatic)
– Via a function button
– Via touch control
– Via the thumbwheel
Via the focus ring
The magnification function can be accessed automatically during
focusing.
▸ Select
Capture Assistants in the main menu
▸ Select
Focus Aid
▸ Select Automatic
▸ Turn the focus ring
• Magnification is activated.
Automatic magnification is active in the factory settings. The function
can be disabled if desired.
▸ Select Capture Assistants in the main menu
▸ Select
Focus Aid
▸ Select Manual
Note
• The magnification will end approx. 5 s after the last movement of
the focus ring. That does not apply if the magnification level was
changed.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FOCUSING
100
Via a function button
▸ Press the function button with the
Focus Aid assignment
• In factory settings, that will be function button
6.
• Magnification is activated.
Using touch control
▸ Double-tap the LCD panel in the desired position
• Magnification is activated.
Via the thumbwheel
The magnification function is additionally accessible via the thumb-
wheel.
▸ Select
Customize Control in the main menu
▸ Select
Customize Wheel
▸ Select Focus Aid
▸ Turn the thumbwheel to the right
• Magnification is activated.
Exiting the assist functions
The manually activated magnification remains active until it is explicitly
exited. That applies regardless of which operating element was used
for its activation.
▸ Press the function button again
or
▸ Double-tap anywhere on the LCD panel
or
▸ Tap the shutter button
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ ISO SENSITIVITY
101
ISO SENSITIVITY
The ISO setting covers a range between ISO 125 and ISO 200000,
allowing you to adapt to the relevant situation as required.
There is more leeway for the use of preferred shutter-speed/aperture
combinations when choosing an automatic ISO setting.
You can set
priorities within the scope of the automatic setting, e.g. for reasons
of pictorial composition.
Choose a click value engraved on the ISO dial or the positions:
–
M: for intermediate values, as well as for higher values
–
A: for automatic setting; for values between ISO 125 and 200000
FIXED ISO VALUES
VALUES ENGRAVED ON THE ISO DIAL
▸ Turn the ISO dial to the desired value
(
125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400)
ALL AVAILABLE SETTINGS
Values between ISO 125 and ISO 200 000 can be selected in 33
increments.
Factory setting:
ISO 12500
▸ Set the ISO dial to M
▸ Select M-ISO in the main menu
▸ Select the desired value
Note
• When high ISO values are used or the image is edited later, image
noise, as well as vertical and horizontal stripes may become visible,
particularly in larger, evenly lit areas of the object.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ ISO SENSITIVITY
102
AUTOMATIC SETTING
The camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to ambient bright-
ness and/or to the configured shutter-speed/aperture combination.
In conjunction with aperture priority mode, this function extends the
range for automatic exposure control.
▸ Set the ISO dial to
A
or
▸ Set the ISO dial to
M
▸ Select M-ISO in the main menu
▸ Select
Auto ISO
LIMITING SETTING RANGES
A max. ISO value can be set, which will then limit the automatic
setting (
Maximum ISO ). A max. exposure time can also optionally be
configured. Focal length-related settings (
1/f s , 1/(2f) s , 1/(4f) s )*
and fixed max. shutter speeds between
1/2 s and 1/2000 s are
provided.
In the focal length-specific settings, the camera will only switch to a
higher sensitivity if the shutter speed would fall below the set thresh-
old due to low light; for example with a 50 mm lens at speeds slower
than 1⁄60 s at
1/f s , 1⁄125 s at 1/(2f) s or 1⁄250 s at 1/(4f) s .
Separate settings are available for flash photography.
* This function requires the use of encoded lenses or a manual setting of the lens
type used in the menu.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ ISO SENSITIVITY
103
LIMITING ISO VALUES
All values from ISO 125 are available.
Factory setting:
3200
▸ Select Auto ISO Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Maximum ISO
▸ Select the desired value
LIMITING SHUTTER SPEED RANGES
Factory setting:
1/(4f) s
▸ Select Auto ISO Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Shutter Speed Limit
▸ Select the desired value
(
1/(4f) s
,
1/(2f) s
,
1/f s
,
1/2000 s
,
1/1000 s
,
1/500 s
,
1/250 s
,
1/125 s , 1/60 s , 1/30 s , 1/15 s , 1/8 s , 1/4 s , 1/2 s )
LIMITING ISO VALUES (FLASH)
All values from ISO 125 are available.
Factory setting:
200
▸ Select Auto ISO Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Maximum ISO (Flash)
▸ Select the desired value
LIMITING SHUTTER SPEED RANGES (FLASH)
Factory setting:
1/f s
▸ Select Auto ISO Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Shutter Speed Limit (Flash)
▸ Select the desired value
(
1/(4f) s , 1/(2f) s , 1/f s , 1/250 s , 1/125 s , 1/60 s , 1/30 s ,
1/15 s , 1/8 s , 1/4 s , 1/2 s )
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
104
EXPOSURE
The readiness of the exposure meter is signaled by continuously lit
displays in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel:
– the shutter speed is displayed in aperture priority mode
– one of the two triangular LEDs lights up in the viewfinder, possibly
in conjunction with the round LED in the middle, and the light bal-
ance is shown on the LCD panel for a manual setting
The exposure meter is disabled when the shutter-speed dial is set
to
B.
SHUTTER TYPE
The Leica M11 Monochrom comes equipped with a mechanical shut-
ter and a purely electronic shutter function. The electronic shutter
expands the available shutter area and functions completely noise-
less, which may be important in some work environments.
Factory setting:
Hybrid
▸ Select Shutter Type in the main menu
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Mechanical , Electronic , Hybrid )
Mechanical
Only the mechanical shutter is used.
Working range: 60 min – 1⁄4000 s.
Electronic
Only the electronic shutter function is used.
Working range: 60 s to 1⁄16000 s.
Hybrid
You can add the electronic shutter function if you
need faster shutter speeds than can be achieved
with the mechanical shutter.
Working range: 60 min – 1⁄4000 s + 1⁄4000 s –
1⁄16000 s.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
105
USE
The classic shutter sound of the mechanical shutter conveys an au-
ditive feedback. It is well suited for long-term exposures, as well as
for shots of moving objects.
The electronic shutter function allows photography with an open ap-
erture in very bright due to very fast shutter speeds. The distinctive
“rolling shutter” effect makes it less suitable for moving objects.
Notes
• The electronic shutter function does not allow flash photography.
• The electronic shutter function in combination with fast shutter
speeds can result in stripe effects on the images when used with
LED or fluorescent tube lighting.
EXPOSURE METERING METHODS
The following exposure metering methods are selectable.
Factory setting:
Multi-Field
Spot
Center-weighted
Highlight-Weighted
Multi-field
▸ Select
Exposure Metering in the main menu
▸ Select the desired metering method
(
Spot , Center-Weighted , Highlight-Weighted , Multi-Field )
• The selected metering method is displayed in the header of
the screen image in Live View mode; it appears on the status
screen if the viewfinder is used.
Spot metering allows a shifting of the focus point:
▸ Tap the LCD panel in the desired position
or
▸ Press the directional pad in the relevant direction
All exposure metering methods are available for use, irrespective of
whether Live View is currently active. Exposure metering will in any
case occur via the shooting sensor. The displays used for assessing
the correct exposure differ in rangefinder and Live View mode (see
p. 108).
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
106
SPOT
Spot metering only captures and analyzes a small area in the middle
of the screen image, which is shown in a circle. The focus point may
shift.
CENTER-WEIGHTED
This method considers the entire image field. The subject elements
captured in the center will, however, impact on the calculation of the
exposure value more so than areas around the edges.
MULTI-FIELD
This metering method is based on the detection of multiple values.
These values are used in an algorithm to calculate an exposure value
appropriate for a good rendering of the assumed main subject.
HIGHLIGHT-WEIGHTED
This method considers the entire image field. The exposure value
will, however, be adjusted to very bright subject elements. That
prevents the overexposure of bright subject elements without having
to measure them individually. This metering method is particularly
useful for objects that are significantly more brightly lit than the rest
of the image (e.g. people in a spotlight), or that reflect the light sig-
nificantly (e.g. white clothing).
Multi-field Highlight-weighted
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
107
EXPOSURE MODES
The camera offers two exposure modes: aperture priority mode or
manual setting. Choose one of the two options depending on image
object, situation or individual preference.
SELECTING A MODE
▸ Set the shutter-speed dial
A
(Aperture priority) or select the desired
shutter speed (Manual setting
= M)
APERTURE PRIORITY - A
Aperture priority mode sets the exposure automatically according
to the manually selected aperture. This mode is suitable for shots in
which the depth of field is a critical compositional element.
By selecting an appropriately low aperture value, you can reduce
the depth of field range, for example to make a face “stand out” in
sharp focus against an unimportant or distracting background for a
portrait. Conversely, you can use a higher aperture value to increase
the depth of field range, so that everything from the foreground to
the background will be in full focus in a landscape shot.
▸ Select the operating mode A (see p. 107)
▸ Set the desired aperture value
• The automatically selected shutter speed is displayed.
▸ Shutter release
Notes
• The resulting shutter speed is displayed in half increments for
more transparency.
• The remaining exposure time after shutter release is counted down
in seconds in the viewfinder for shutter speeds greater than 2 s.
The actual calculated and steplessly controlled exposure time may
vary from the exposure time displayed in half step increments:
if e.g.
the display shows 16
(the closest value) before shutter
release, but the calculated exposure time is longer, then the count-
down after shutter release can start from
19 .
• Under extreme lighting conditions and based on all the parameters,
the exposure metering may generate a shutter speed that is out-
side the metering range, i.e. brightness values that would require
shorter exposures than 1⁄4000 s or longer than 4 min. The camera
will use the stated min. or max. shutter speeds and these values
will flash as a warning in the viewfinder if that is the case.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
108
MANUAL EXPOSURE SETTING – M
The following manual settings for shutter speed and aperture are a
good choice:
– to create a special image mood that can only be achieved with a
very specific type of exposure
– to ensure a perfectly identical exposure for multiple images with
different cropped sections
▸ Set the desired shutter speed and aperture value
• The shutter-speed dial must be clicked to one of the engraved
exposure shutter speeds or to one of the intermediate values,
or must be set in
B to a user-defined time.
▸ Shutter release
AUXILIARY EXPOSURE DISPLAYS
DISPLAY IN THE VIEWFINDER
When the measuring range of the exposure meter is undercut in a
manual setting and very low light density, then the triangular LED
(
) in the viewfinder on the left will flash as a warning; the LED on
the right (
) will flash when the measuring range of the exposure
meter is surpassed. The shutter speed icon will flash as a warning if
a correct exposure cannot be achievable using the available shutter
speeds in aperture priority mode.
The relevant icon will flash if the
required shutter speed would undercut the fastest possible shutter
speed or overshoot the longest possible shutter speed. As exposure
metering is done with the working aperture, the same can be achieved
by stopping down the lens.
Underexposure by at least one aperture stop
Underexposure by a 1⁄2 aperture stop
Correct exposure
Overexposure by 1⁄2 aperture stop
Overexposure by at least one aperture stop
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
109
DISPLAY ON THE LCD PANEL
Die exposure information (ISO value, shutter speed and light balance
with exposure compensation scale) assists in determining the set-
tings required for correct exposure.
Correct exposure
Underexposure or overexposure by the displayed
value
Underexposure or overexposure by more than 3 EV
Live View mode additionally offers the following assist functions for
the exposure setting:
– Clipping (see p. 89)
– Histogram (see p. 91)
– Exposure Preview (see p. 114)
LONG-TERM EXPOSURE (
B)
Leica M11 Monochrom offers shutter speeds up to 60 min. These
can be used in several variations.
FIXED SHUTTER SPEEDS
This function can also be used to permanently set shutter speeds
longer than 8 s.
▸ Set the shutter-speed dial to
B
▸ Accessing the status screen
▸ Tap the control panel for the shutter speed setting
• The active control panel is highlighted in red.
• A setting band appears instead of the light balance. A dot marks
the current setting. The current setting value is displayed above
the dot.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
110
▸
Tap the setting band briefly in the desired position, or drag the dot
to the desired position
▸ Shutter release
B FUNCTION
In setting
B , the shutter remains open as long as the shutter button
is held down (up to max. 60 min depending on ISO setting).
▸ Set the shutter-speed dial to B
▸ Accessing the status screen
▸ Tap the control panel for the shutter speed setting
▸ Set exposure as
B
▸ Shutter release
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
111
T FUNCTION
In this setting, the shutter remains open after shutter release until
the shutter button is pressed again (up to max. 60 min depending on
ISO setting).
This function can also be used in conjunction with the self-timer (see
p. 120).
The shutter remains open until the shutter button is tapped
again. This prevents blurring in long-term exposures when the shutter
button is pressed.
▸ Set the shutter-speed dial to B
▸ Accessing the status screen
▸ Tap the control panel for the shutter speed setting
▸ Set exposure as
T
Taking a photo
▸ Shutter release
• The shutter opens.
▸ Press the shutter button down fully
• The shutter closes.
or
▸ Select
Self-timer 2 s /Self-timer 12 s
▸ Shutter release
• The shutter opens once the selected delay time has elapsed.
▸ Tap the shutter button
• The shutter closes.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
112
SELECTABLE SHUTTER SPEEDS
Max. selectable shutter speeds depend on the current ISO setting.
ISO range Max. Shutter Speed
125
60 min
160 – 250
30 min
320 – 500
15 m in
640 – 1000
8 min
1250 – 2000
4 min
2500 – 4000
2 min
5000 – 8000
60 s
10 000 – 16 000
30 s
20 000 – 32 000
15 s
40 000 – 200 000
8 s
NOISE REDUCTION
Image noise becomes more apparent when using higher sensitivities,
particularly on uniform dark areas. Long exposure times may cause
severe image noise. In order to reduce this annoying phenomenon,
the camera will take a second “black picture” (taken with the shutter
closed) automatically after a shooting with slow shutter speed and
high ISO value. The noise metered in this parallel image is then
digitally “subtracted” from the data for the actual image. In such
cases the message
Noise reduction in progress... will appear with a
relevant time value.
The doubling of the “exposure” time must be taken into account for
long-term exposure times. The camera must not be switched off
during that time. We recommend disabling Noise Reduction to allow
shooting multiple frames in series and to apply noise reduction later
during the post-editing stage. The images will have to be taken in
raw data format.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
113
Noise Reduction is used if the following conditions apply:
ISO range Shutter speed longer than
125 – < 160
160 s
160 – < 320
80 s
320 – < 640
40 s
640 – < 1250
20 s
1250 – < 2500
10 s
2500 – < 5000
6 s
5000 – < 10 000
3 s
10 000 – < 20 000
1.5 s
20 000 – < 40 000
0.8 s
40 000 – 200 000
Always
Noise Reduction can be optionally deactivated (see p. 76).
Notes
• In each of these cases, the exposure meter remains deactivated;
after shutter release, however, the digital number display in the
viewfinder counts the elapsed exposure time in seconds.
• Leica M cameras are very compact cameras that combine optical
and electronic functions in a tiny installation space. It is therefore
impossible to shield the sensor 100% against extraneous light.
In dark environments, this will not have any negative effect – not
even on long-term exposures of several minutes. Should, however,
the camera be exposed to additional direct light during a long-
term exposure, then light incidence may result in light spots on
the sensor that will distort the image. This will occur typically in
long-term exposures in daylight via an ND filter. In such cases we
recommend protecting the camera from extraneous light. Ideally,
that would be done with a dark cloth covering the entire camera
and the lens mount.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
114
EXPOSURE CONTROL
EXPOSURE PREVIEW
You can now assess the effect of the relevant exposure setting on
the image before taking the photo. This will apply as long as the sub-
ject brightness and the set exposure don’t result in excessively low
or high brightness values.
There are two assessment methods available.
–
Shutter button half pressed
The brightness of the screen image mirrors the effects of the
selected exposure settings when pressing and holding the shutter
button on the first pressure point. This is displayed as
. At all
other times, the display in Live View shows an optimal exposure
setting.
–
Permanent
The brightness of the screen image always reflects the effects of
the currently selected exposure settings. This is displayed as
.
▸ Select
Capture Assistants in the main menu
▸ Select
Exposure Preview
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Off , Shutter button half pressed , Permanent )
Note
• Depending on ambient lighting conditions, the brightness of the
screen image may differ from that of the actual images, despite
the settings described above.
EXPOSURE LOCK
We often want to arrange important subject elements outside the
center of the image for reasons of pictorial composition and these el-
ements may sometimes be very bright or very dark. Center-weighted
metering and spot metering, however, mainly capture an area in the
center of the image and are calibrated to an average gray scale value.
In that case, the exposure lock initially allows a metering of the main
subject, as well as storing of the relevant settings until the final im-
age section is set.
▸ Aim at the key subject element (using the focus point) or alterna-
tively at another detail with average brightness.
▸ Tap the shutter button
• The measurement is taken and saved.
• As long as the shutter button is held at the first pressure point,
a small red dot will appear in the viewfinder at the top in the
number line for confirmation, and the exposure time won’t
change, even if lighting conditions change.
▸ Pan the camera to capture the final image section while keeping
the shutter button pressed
▸ Shutter release
Notes
• An exposure lock doesn’t make much sense in conjunction with
multi-field metering, because a targeted capture of an individual
object element will not be possible.
• A change in the aperture setting after the exposure lock is set
will not result in an adjustment of the shutter speed, i.e. the end
result would be an incorrect exposure.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ EXPOSURE
115
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
Exposure meters are calibrated for a medium gray scale value, which
matches a standard, i.e. average image object. Should the measured
image detail not fulfill that requirement, then the a relevant exposure
compensation can be effected.
Specifically where several shots are taken in sequence, for example
if for a series a slightly lesser or greater exposure is desired for a
particular reason, then exposure compensation can be a very useful
function: Unlike with exposure lock, the setting remains active until
it is reset.
Exposure compensation values can be set in the range ±3 EV in
1⁄3 EV increments.
A
A
Set compensation value (marks at 0 = Off)
Using thumbwheel control
▸ Select
Customize Control in the main menu
▸ Select
Customize Wheel
▸ Select Exposure Compensation
▸ Set the desired value using the thumbwheel
Using menu control
▸ Select
Exposure Compensation in the main menu
• A scale appears as a submenu item on the LCD panel.
▸ Set the value on the scale
Notes
• The following applies for set compensation values, no matter how
they were initially set: They remain effective until they are manu-
ally reset to
0 , even if the camera is switched off and on again in
the meantime. They can be reset using either menu control or the
thumbwheel.
• In case of
A,
the compensation value is displayed in the viewfinder,
for exampl
e 1.0 - (temporary display instead of the shutter speed).
It will then be displayed as changed shutter speeds and a flashing
dot at the bottom or as a value for about 0.5 s, when the display is
activated.
• The set exposure compensation is indicated by a mark on the
exposure compensation scale in the footer line.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING MODES
116
SHOOTING MODES
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING
The camera is set to single shots by default (
Single ). Series of shots
can also be created to e.g. capture motion sequences at various
stages.
▸ Select
Drive Mode in the main menu
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Continuous - Low Speed , Continuous - High Speed )
Once you have finalized your settings, the camera will do continuous
shootings as long as you keep the shutter button pressed down fully
(and you have sufficient space on your memory card).
Notes
• We recommend deactivating the preview mode (
Auto Review )
when using this function.
• The specified framing speed stated in the technical information
refers to a default setting (
ISO 200 , JPG format L-JPG ).
• Regardless of how many frames were taken in a series, the last
image in the series or the last image saved on the memory card
while the saving process is ongoing will be displayed first in both
review modes.
• Continuous shooting is not possible if a flash is used. Only a single
shot will be taken if the flash function is activated.
• Continuous shooting mode is not available in combination with
the self-timer function.
• The buffer memory of the camera only allows a limited number
of frames in series and in the selected exposure frequency. The
exposure frequency is reduced, once the capacity limit of the
camera's buffer memory is reached.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING MODES
117
INTERVAL SHOOTING
This camera allows you to automatically capture motion sequences
over extended periods of time using the interval shooting function.
You specify the number of frames, the intervals between shots, and
the start time of the series.
The exposure and focus settings are no different from those for
normal images, but you should remember that the lighting conditions
may change during the shooting.
SPECIFYING THE NUMBER OF FRAMES
▸ Select
Drive Mode in the main menu
▸ Select Interval Shooting
▸ Select Number of Frames
▸ Enter the desired value
SPECIFYING THE INTERVALS BETWEEN SHOTS
▸ Select
Drive Mode in the main menu
▸ Select
Interval Shooting
▸ Select Interval
▸ Enter the desired value
SETTING THE DELAY TIME
▸ Select
Drive Mode in the main menu
▸ Select
Interval Shooting
▸ Select Countdown
▸ Enter the desired value
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING MODES
118
Getting started
▸ Press the shutter button
• The remaining time until the next shoot and its number is dis-
played at the top right.
Cancelling a running series of shots
▸ Press the
PLAY button
• A small menu appears.
▸ Select End
Notes
• Interval shooting over an extended period of time in a cold loca-
tion or in a place with high temperature and humidity may result in
malfunctions.
• Interval shooting will be interrupted or canceled in the following
situations:
– if the battery is depleted
– if the camera is switched off
Make sure to check the battery for sufficient charge.
• The interval function remains active after the shoot, and also after
the camera is switched off and on again, until another shooting
mode (Drive Mode) is set.
• Availability of the interval function does not mean that the camera
is suitable for use as a monitoring device.
• Regardless of how many frames were taken in a series, the last
image in the series or the last image saved on the memory card
while the saving process is ongoing will be displayed first in both
review modes.
• We recommend deactivating Live View mode for longer interval or
continuous shooting.
• The shots of an interval shooting are marked with
in review
mode.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING MODES
119
EXPOSURE BRACKETING
Many attractive objects are rich in contrast, which means they have
very bright and very dark areas. The image effect can be dramatical-
ly different, depending on which of these areas you choose to align
your exposure with. The automatic bracketing function in aperture
priority mode allows you to produce several alternatives with grad-
uated exposure values and varying shutter speeds. You can then
select the image you like best or use relevant photo editing software
to calculate an image with a particularly broad contrast spectrum
(HDR).
A
B
C
D
E
A
Number of frames
B
Exposure difference between shots
C
Exposure compensation
D
Light value scale
E
Exposure values of the images marked in red
(The scale will be offset by the relevant value if exposure com-
pensation is set concurrently.)
You can select the desired number of frames (3 or 5). The exposure
difference, which can be set via
EV Steps , can be up to 3 EV.
▸ Select
Drive Mode in the main menu
▸ Select
Exposure Bracketing
▸ Select the desired number of frames under Number of Frames in
the submenu
▸ Select the desired exposure offset under
EV steps in the sub-
menu
▸ Select the desired
Exposure Compensation value in the submenu
• The marked exposure values change positions according to the
settings selected. In the case of exposure compensation, the
scale also shifts.
• The selected exposure compensation value will be applied to
the entire series of shots.
▸ Shutter release
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SHOOTING MODES
120
Notes
•
appears on the LCD panel if the bracketing function is activated.
You can watch the effect of the function on screen during shooting
(brighter or darker).
• The sequence of shots: underexposure/correct exposure/overex-
posure.
• The working range for automatic bracketing may be limited de-
pending on the available shutter-speed/aperture combination.
• With automatic ISO sensitivity control enabled, the sensitivity cal-
culated by the camera automatically for the raw files will also be
applied to all other shots in the series, i.e. the ISO value will not
change during bracketing. This may mean that the slowest shutter
speed specified under
Shutter Speed Limit is exceeded.
• The working range for automatic bracketing may be limited (de-
pending on the originally set shutter speed). The specified num-
bers of frames will be taken regardless. Several shots in a series
may consequently have the same exposure values.
• The function remains active until another function is selected from
the
Drive Mode submenu. If no other function is selected, another
bracketing is taken each time the shutter button is pressed.
SELF-TIMER
The self-timer function allows shoot with a preset time delay. We
recommend that the camera is placed on a tripod.
▸ Select Drive Mode in the main menu
▸ Select
Self-timer 2 s /Self-timer 12 s
▸ Shutter release
• The remaining time until exposure is counted down on the LCD
panel. The self-timer LED at the front of the camera counts
down the delay time. It flashes slowly during the first 10 s, then
fast for the last 2 s.
• A running self-timer delay time can be canceled at any time by
pressing the
MENU button and restarted by pressing the shutter
button.
Notes
• In self-timer mode, the exposure value is set just before shoot..
• The self-timer function is only available for single frame shootings.
• The function remains active until another function is selected from
the
Drive Mode submenu.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES
121
SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES
PERSPECTIVE CONTROL
This assist function displays a frame showing the expected cropped
section of the image after a correction of the perspective of ver-
tical falling lines. Perspective Control helps to achieve a generally
straighter vertical line and straight horizon, which ensures a natural
image effect, specifically in architectural images.
The function “Perspective Control” calculates the image section
and the required distortion correction based on the actual panning
angles of the camera and the lens used. In effect, the camera ori-
entation during shooting (determined by internal camera sensors) is
the decisive factor and not the lines visible in the image object. The
function is therefore unlike automatic perspective control features
used for post-editing, which are generally based on the image con-
tent.
The functionality depends on the image file format used (JPG or
DNG). For JPG format images, the correction occurs directly in the
camera and the corrected image is stored. For DNG format images,
the relevant information is written to the meta data of the original
image. Image correction is done later on using a program like Adobe
Photoshop Lightroom
®
or Adobe Photoshop
®
*.
Factory setting:
Off
* See p. 123 for more information.
Notes
• In case of large panning angles, the distortion correction needed
for a complete perspective control would be too extreme. That is
why this function is automatically skipped or only partially used
where angles are too large. In that case, we recommend creating
DNG format images and effecting the desired corrections in a
post-editing step.
• The focal length of the camera lens must be known to use this
function. It is automatically detected when M lenses with 6-bit
encoding are used. The lens type must be entered manually when
other lenses are used (
Lens Detection ).
• A histogram will not be available for technical reasons, while the
function
Perspective Control is active.
• The functions
Digital Zoom and Perspective Control cannot be
activated at the same time. Selecting one of these functions will
automatically disable the other.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES
122
This function can only be used in Live View mode.
▸ You may have to activate Live View
▸ Select Perspective Control in the main menu
▸ Select
On
ACTIVE PERSPECTIVE CONTROL
DETECTED PERSPECTIVE IN LIVE VIEW MODE
CORRECTED PERSPECTIVE IN REVIEW MODE
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES
123
JPG FORMAT IMAGES
For JPG format images, the correction occurs directly in the camera
and only the corrected image is stored. Any image content outside
the frame will be lost.
DNG FORMAT IMAGES
In DNG format, the entire sensor image is stored unchanged. The
data calculated by Perspective Control is written to the meta data
of the image. Image correction is done later, using appropriate
software like Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
®
or Adobe Photoshop
®
*.
A corrected preview version of the image (thumbnail) is displayed in
Review mode. The same applies for automatic review directly after
the image is taken.
However, when opening the file in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
®
or
Adobe Photoshop
®
, the original image will be displayed. Depending
on the default settings of the software, the image can also be direct-
ly displayed with the corrections from the auxiliary frame.
PERSPECTIVE CONTROL IN ADOBE LIGHTROOM
®
AND ADOBE
PHOTOSHOP
®
Perspective Control can be done as part of the post-editing process
for DNG format images using e.g. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
®
or
Adobe Photoshop
®
. Read the Adobe Online Help for more detailed
information about the topic.
ADOBE LIGHTROOM
®
:
https://helpx.adobe.com/en/lightroom-classic/help/guided-up-
right-perspective-correction.html
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
®
:
https://helpx.adobe.com/en/photoshop/using/perspective-warp.html
CORRECTION AND DISPLAY OF AUXILIARY LINES
Select the function “With auxiliary lines” under “Geometry” > “Up-
right” to apply the correction defaults of the camera and display the
auxiliary lines.
Correction will automatically applied if the RAW default setting
“Camera Settings” is selected.
Correction can be disabled under “Upright” at any time.
https://helpx.adobe.com/en/photoshop/kb/acr-raw-defaults.html
▸ Select “Camera Settings” as the RAW default setting
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
124
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
The camera determines the necessary flash intensity by firing one or
more pre-flashes before taking the actual photo. The main flash fires
immediately after, i.e. during exposure. All factors influencing ex-
posure (e.g. filters, aperture settings, distance to the main subject,
reflective ceilings, etc.) are automatically considered.
COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS
The entire scope of functions described in this instruction manu-
al, incl. TTL flash metering, is available only for Leica system flash
units like the SF 40. Other flash units, which only have a positive
center contact, can be safely fired via the Leica M11 Monochrom,
but cannot be controlled via the camera. Correct function cannot be
guaranteed when using any other flash unit.
Important
• The use of incompatible flash units with your Leica M11 Mono-
chrom may result in irreparable damage to the camera and/or the
flash unit.
Notes
• A flash unit that is not ready to flash may cause incorrect expo-
sures or error messages.
• Studio flash systems may have a very long flash firing duration. It
may therefore be advantageous to select a slower shutter speed
than 1⁄180 s when using such a system. The same applies for
RF-controlled flash firing for so-called “off-camera” flashes, as
the transmission time may cause a delay.
• Serial exposures and automatic bracketing with flash are not
available.
• Use a tripod to prevent blurring at slow shutter speeds. Alterna-
tively, you can select a higher sensitivity.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
125
ATTACHING THE FLASH UNIT
▸ Switch off the camera and flash unit
▸ Slide the foot of the flash unit all the way into the accessory shoe
and use the clamping nut (where available) to secure it against
accidental movement
• Movement inside the accessory shoe can interrupt required
contacts and therefore cause malfunctions.
DETACHING THE FLASH UNIT
▸ Switch off the camera and flash unit
▸ Release the lock as needed
▸ Detach the flash unit
Note
• Make sure that the accessory shoe cover is always in place when
no accessory is attached (e.g. a flash unit).
FLASH EXPOSURE METERING (TTL METERING)
In conjunction with system-compatible flash units (see p. 124), the
camera offers a fully automated flash mode, which is also available
in the exposure modes Aperture Priority and Manual.
In aperture priority mode and with manual setting, the camera
furthermore allows the use of other interesting flash techniques like
flash synchronization and firing with slower shutter speeds than the
max. sync time.
The camera additionally communicates the sensitivity setting to the
flash unit. The flash unit can use this information to automatically
adjust its range data, provided the device comes with these displays
and the aperture setting selected on the lens is also entered manual-
ly on the flash unit. The ISO sensitivity setting cannot be altered via
the flash unit on system-compatible units, because the information
is received from the camera.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
126
SETTINGS ON THE FLASH UNIT
Operating mode
TTL
Automatic control by the camera
A
SF 40, SF 60:
Automatic camera control, no flash exposure compen-
sation
SF 58, SF 64:
Control via the flash unit using a built-in exposure sensor
M
The flash exposure must be set to an output level to
match the aperture and shutter speed settings deter-
mined by the camera.
Notes
• Set the flash unit to
TTL mode to allow automatic control of the
unit by the camera.
• When set to
A, objects with above or below average brightness
may not be exposed correctly.
• Please read the relevant manual provided with third party flash
units regarding their various operating modes.
HSS (HIGH SPEED SYNC.)
Automatic flash activation at fast shutter speeds
A fully automated, camera-controlled HSS flash mode for all shutter
speeds and all exposure modes is available in the Leica M11 Mono-
chrom for use with system-compatible flash units (see p. 124). It is
activated by the camera automatically if the selected or calculated
shutter speed is faster than the sync speed (1⁄180 s).
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
127
FLASH CONTROL
The settings and functions described in the following sections only
apply to settings and functions available in this camera and in sys-
tem-compatible flash units.
SYNC POINT
Flash exposures are lit by two light sources:
– existing light from the environment
– the additional flash
Any subject elements lit primarily by the flash will almost always be
rendered in perfect focus by the short burst of light, provided the
focus is set correctly. All other subject elements in the same frame
lit by ambient light or lit from within will be rendered with varying
degrees of sharpness. Whether or not these object elements will be
rendered in sharp focus or blurred, as well as the degree of “blurri-
ness” depends on two interdependent factors:
– the shutter speeds
– the speed of movement of the subject elements or camera during
shooting
The longer the shutter speed and the faster the motion, the greater
the difference between the two superimposed partial images.
A flash is usually fired at the start of exposure ( Start of Exposure ).
This may result in apparent contradictions, e.g. the image of a vehi-
cle being overtaken by its own light trail. This camera alternatively
allows synching with the end of exposure (
End of Exposure ). The
sharp image will in this case be a rendering of the end of the cap-
tured motion. This flash technique creates a more natural impression
of movement and dynamics in the image.
This function is available with all camera and flash unit settings.
Factory setting:
Start of Exposure
▸ Select Flash Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Flash Sync
▸ Select the desired setting
(
Start of Exposure , End of Exposure )
• The set sync point is shown in the header line.
Notes
• Do not use sync cables that are longer than 3 m.
• When using the flash with faster shutter speeds, a difference be-
tween the two flash firing points will be barely discernible or only
noticeable for very fast movements.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
128
FLASH RANGE
The usable flash range depends on the aperture and sensitivity val-
ues set manually or calculated by the camera. It is important to en-
sure that the subject is within the relevant flash range for sufficient
illumination. A permanent setting to the shortest available shutter
speed for flash mode (sync time) may often result in unnecessary
underexposure of those subject elements that are not lit sufficiently
by the flash.
This camera allows the fine tuning of the shutter speed used in flash
mode in combination with aperture priority depending on the condi-
tions of the object or your own pictorial composition ideas.
Factory setting:
1/f s
▸ Select Flash Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Shutter Speed Limit (Flash)
▸ Select the desired value
(
1/(4f) s , 1/(2f) s , 1/f s , 1/250 s , 1/125 s , 1/60 s , 1/30 s ,
1/15 s
, 1/8 s , 1/4 s , 1/2 s )
Note
• The menu item
Shutter Speed Limit (Flash) in submenu Flash
Settings
is identical to the menu item of the same name in sub-
menu
Auto ISO Settings . A setting in one menu will affect the
other.
FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
This function can be used to selectively reduce or enhance flash
exposure regardless of ambient light, e.g. to brighten the face of a
person in the foreground when taking a photo outdoors in the eve-
ning while retaining the same general lighting mood.
Factory setting:
0 EV
▸ Select Flash Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Flash Exp. Compensation
• The submenu displays a scale with a red setting mark. The
function is deactivated if the value is set to
0 .
▸ Set the value on the scale
• The set value is displayed above the scale.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
129
Notes
• The following applies for set compensation values, no matter how
they were initially set: They remain effective until they are manu-
ally reset to
0 , even if the camera is switched off and on again in
the meantime.
• The menu item
Flash Exp. Compensation can only be used in con-
junction with flash units on which the compensation value cannot
be set manually (e.g. Leica SF 26).
•
Flash Exp. Compensation is unavailable, if flash units with an own
compensation function are used (e.g. Leica SF 58 or Leica SF 60).
A compensation value set on the camera would in that case have
no effect.
• A brighter flash illumination with Plus compensation will require
a greater flash intensity. Flash exposure compensation will there-
fore impact on the flash range: A Plus correction will decrease it, a
Minus correction will increase it.
• An exposure compensation set on the camera will only affect the
measurement of ambient light. If a simultaneous TTL flash expo-
sure metering compensation is desired in flash mode, then it must
be additionally set on the flash unit.
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
▸ Switch on the flash unit
▸ Set the desired guide number control mode (e.g. TTL or GNC =
Guide Number Control) on the flash unit
▸ Switch the camera on
▸ Set the desired exposure mode, shutter speed and/or aperture
setting
• It is imperative to take note of the shortest flash sync speed, as
it determines whether a “normal” flash or an HSS flash is fired.
▸ Tap the shutter button before each flash exposure to activate
exposure metering
• The flash unit may not fire if this step is missed by pressing the
shutter button down completely and skipping these settings.
Note
• It is recommended to use a different exposure metering method
than
Spot in flash photography.
PHOTOGRAPHY ▸ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
130
FLASH EXPOSURE DISPLAYS IN THE VIEWFINDER
(with system-compatible flash units)
The flash icon in the viewfinder display of the Leica M11 Monochrom
gives feedback on and indicates various operating states.
does not appear
(despite the flash unit
being switched on and
ready)
• The flash unit cannot fire
• A correct operating mode must
be set on the flash unit or an
HSS-compatible flash unit must be
connected
flashes slowly before
the shutter release (2 Hz)
• The flash unit is not yet ready for
use
lights up permanently
before shutter release
• The flash unit is ready for use
only in TTL flash mode
remains continuously lit
after shutter release
• The flash is still ready
flashes rapidly after
shutter release (4 Hz)
• Successful flash photography
• The flash unit is not yet ready for
further use
switches off after shutter
release
• Flash intensity was insufficient
131
REVIEW MODE ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE
132
REVIEW MODE
There are two completely independent review functions available:
– short-term rendering directly after shooting (
Auto Review )
– normal review mode, in which the stored mages can be viewed
and managed for any length of time
Notes
• Recorded images are not automatically rotated in review mode to
utilize the full screen area.
• It may not be possible to render files with this camera that were
not recorded with this device.
• In some cases, the screen image may not have the expected
quality, or the LCD panel will remain blank and only display the file
name.
• You can toggle back from review mode to shooting mode at any
time by tapping the shutter button.
CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE
CONTROL ELEMENTS ON THE CAMERA
18
19
20
23
6
24
17
6
Function button
20
MENU button
17
Thumbwheel (turn or press)
23
Directional pad
18
PLAY button
24
Center button
19
FN button
REVIEW MODE ▸ CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE
133
DIRECT ACCESS IN REVIEW MODE
The
FN button can have various menu functions assigned in review
mode.
Factory setting:
Delete single
▸ Press and hold the FN button
• A list of functions of the play menu will appear.
▸ Select the desired function
• The function is assigned to the
FN button.
The descriptions in the next few sections presume factory settings.
Note
• The assigned function is unavailable if the
FN button controls a
control element on the screen (e.g. in the “Delete” screen).
CONTROL ELEMENTS ON THE LCD PANEL
On-screen control elements generally function by intuitively by
touch. Many can also be selected by pressing one of the three
buttons to the left of the LCD panel. A control element in the header
is accompanied by an icon denoting the relevant button. A control
element on the edge of the screen will be positioned directly next to
the relevant button.
Example: The “Go back” icon
can be selected in one of two ways:
– tap on the “Go Back” icon directly
– press the relevant button
(top button =
PLAY button)
A
B
A
Control element “Go back”
B
Control element “Delete”
C
Display of the relevant button
REVIEW MODE ▸ STARTING/EXITING REVIEW MODE / SELECTING/SCROLLING THROUGH IMAGES
134
STARTING/EXITING REVIEW MODE
▸ Press the PLAY button
• The last captured image appears on the screen.
• The following message appears if the inserted memory card
does not contain any image data:
No valid picture to play .
• The
PLAY button function differs, depending on the current
camera setting:
Initial situation
After pressing the PLAY
button
Full screen display of an image Shooting mode
Display of an enlarged cropped
section/or several thumbnails
Full screen display of the
image
SELECTING/SCROLLING THROUGH IMAGES
The images are visually arranged in a horizontal reel. When the end
of an image series is reached, the display automatically jumps back
to the first image in the series. All images can therefore be reached
by scrolling either right or left.
Using touch control
▸ Swipe to the left or right
Using button control
▸ Press the directional pad left/right
Notes
• Only files from one storage location are considered during scroll-
ing.
• The files on the SD card and those stored in the internal memory
will never appear in the same view.
• Menu items like
Delete All or Remove all ★ generally only apply
to files located in the currently selected storage location.
REVIEW MODE ▸ STORAGE LOCATIONS / INFO DISPLAYS IN REVIEW MODE
135
STORAGE LOCATIONS
Leica M11 Monochrom offers with two separate storage locations.
When review mode is accessed, the last captured image will always
be displayed first. That also applies on the storage location displayed
first.
When scrolling through images and also in the overview, the images
saved to the same storage location are available first.
Switching the displayed storage location
▸ Reduce the view as much as possible (see p. 138)
• The storage location selection view appears.
• The currently selected storage location is displayed with a color
fill.
▸ Press the directional pad left/right
• The newly selected storage location appears with a color
frame.
▸ Press the center button
▸ Re-enlarge the view
INFO DISPLAYS IN REVIEW MODE
For undisturbed viewing, images appears without the information in
header and footer in the factory default setting.
22:45 PM 22.02.2012
999-9000
8234/999912MP
2.8F 1/8000 12500ISO EV
The configured displays can be accessed at any time. The displays
for
Histogram and Clipping will appear if these functions are acti-
vated. The assist functions
Focus Peaking , Grids , and Level Gauge
are not displayed in review mode.
REVIEW MODE ▸ CROPPED SECTION ZOOM
136
Using touch control
▸ Tap anywhere on the LCD panel
Using button control
▸ Press the center button
Note
• The histogram and clipping displays always refer to the currently
shown image section.
CROPPED SECTION ZOOM
You can zoom in to any section of an image for closer inspection.
You have a four-level zoom factor available via the thumbwheel, while
magnification is stepless if you use touch control.
Using touch control
▸ Two-finger pinch/spread
• The image will be zoomed in/zoomed out at the desired point.
REVIEW MODE ▸ CROPPED SECTION ZOOM
137
▸ Move the position of an enlarged cropped section by swiping
• The rectangle in the frame in the bottom left corner shows the
current level of magnification, as well as the position of the
displayed section within the image.
▸ Double tap
• Toggles between max. zoom at the tap position and full screen
view.
Using button control
▸ Turn the thumbwheel
(to the right: increase magnification, to the left: decrease magni-
fication)
or
▸ Press the thumbwheel
• Toggles between max. zoom at the tap position and full screen
view.
▸ Press the directional pad to move the enlarged section anywhere
in the image
• The rectangle in the frame in the bottom left corner shows the
current level of magnification, as well as the position of the
displayed section within the image.
You can move directly from one image to the next in magnification
mode, which will then also be displayed with the same magnification.
▸ Press and hold the
PLAY button while pressing the directional pad
left/right
or
▸ Press and hold the
PLAY button while turning the thumbwheel
Note
• It may not be possible to enlarge images taken with other camera
types.
REVIEW MODE ▸ DISPLAYING MULTIPLE IMAGES AT ONCE
138
DISPLAYING MULTIPLE IMAGES AT ONCE
The camera offers an overview function in which several thumbnail
images can be viewed on one screen, which makes it easier to find a
specific image. You can choose 12 or 30 images per overview.
OVERVIEW
Using touch control
▸ Two-finger pinch
• The display toggles from 12 to 30 thumbnails.
Viewing other images
▸ Swipe up or down
Using button control
▸ Turn the thumbwheel to the left
• 12 thumbnails are shown at the same time. Another turn on the
thumbwheel increases the number of displayed thumbnails to
30.
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
Currently selected image
B
Number of the currently selected images
C
Scrollbar
The currently viewed image is framed in red and can be selected for
a closer look.
REVIEW MODE ▸ TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES
139
Navigating between images
▸ Press the directional pad in the relevant direction
Returning to full screen
Using touch control
▸ Two-finger spread
or
▸ Tap the desired image
Using button control
▸ Turn the thumbwheel to the right
or
▸ Press the
PLAY button or center button
TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES
Images can be marked as favorites to find them quicker or to simplify
the later deletion of multiple images.
Notes
• Other images can be selected while the Play menu is active.
• You can exit the Play menu at any time by pressing the
MENU
button.
TAGGING INDIVIDUAL IMAGE AS FAVORITE
▸ Press the function button 6
• The image is marked with ★.
or
▸ Press the
MENU button
▸ Select Add ★
• The image is marked with ★.
The icon appears in the right of the image when viewing an image in
normal size, and in the top left corner of thumbnails in the overview.
REVIEW MODE ▸ TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES
140
REMOVING INDIVIDUAL TAGS
▸ Press the function button 6
• The ★ marking disappears.
or
▸ Press the
MENU button
▸ Select
Remove ★
TAGGING ALL IMAGES AS FAVORITE
▸ Press the MENU button
▸ Select
Add ★ to all
• The prompt appears.
▸ Select
Yes
• The LED will flash during this operation.
REVIEW MODE ▸ DELETING IMAGES
141
REMOVING ALL TAGS
▸ Press the MENU button
▸ Select Remove all ★
• The prompt appears.
▸ Select
Yes
• The LED will flash during this operation.
DELETING IMAGES
There are several methods available to delete images:
– deleting individual images
– deleting multiple images
– deleting all images without a icon/ranking
– deleting all images
Important
• Once deleted, images are no longer retrievable.
Notes
• Other images can be selected while the Play menu is active.
• You can exit the Play menu at any time by pressing the
MENU
button.
REVIEW MODE ▸ DELETING IMAGES
142
DELETING INDIVIDUAL IMAGES
▸ Press the MENU button
▸ Select Delete single in the play menu
• The Delete screen appears.
▸ Select the Delete icon
(tap the icon directly or press the FN button)
• The LED will flash during the delete process. The process may
take a few seconds.
• The next image will be displayed once deletion is complete. The
following message appears if no other images are saved on the
card:
No valid picture to play .
Cancelling a deletion and returning to normal review mode
▸ Select the “Go back” icon
(tap the icon directly or press the PLAY button)
Notes
• The “Scroll” and “Magnify” functions continue to be available
when the “Delete” screen is active.
DELETING MULTIPLE IMAGES
Several images can be marked in a Delete overview with twelve
thumbnails and can then be deleted all at once. This overview can
be reached in two ways.
▸ Turn the thumbwheel to the left
• The overview screen appears.
▸ Press the
MENU button
▸ Select
Delete Multi in the play menu
• The Delete overview appears.
or
▸ Press the
MENU button
▸ Select
Delete single in the play menu
• The Delete screen appears.
▸ Turn the thumbwheel to the left
• The Delete overview appears.
REVIEW MODE ▸ DELETING IMAGES
143
Any number of images can be selected in this view.
Selecting images for deletion
▸ Select an image
▸ Press the center button
or
▸ Tap the desired image
• The images selected for deletion are marked with a red Delete
icon
.
Deleting the selected images
▸ Select the Delete icon
(tap the icon directly or press the FN button)
• The prompt
Do you really want to delete ALL selected files?
appears.
▸ Select
Yes
Cancelling a deletion and returning to normal review mode
▸ Select the “Go back” icon
(tap the icon directly or press the PLAY button)
DELETING ALL IMAGES
▸ Press the MENU button
▸ Select Delete All in the play menu
• The prompt appears.
▸ Select
Yes
Note
• The message
No valid picture to play. appears after successful
deletion. The same image is displayed again if deletion was unsuc-
cessful. When deleting several or all images, a notification screen
may appear for the time needed to process the data.
REVIEW MODE ▸ PREVIEW OF LATEST IMAGE
144
DELETING UNRATED IMAGES
▸ Press the MENU button
▸ Select Delete All without ★ in the play menu
• The prompt appears.
▸ Select
Yes
• The LED will flash during the deletion process. The process may
take a few seconds. The next marked image appears once dele-
tion is complete. The message
No valid picture to play appears
if no other images are saved on the card.
PREVIEW OF LATEST IMAGE
Photos can be displayed automatically directly after they are taken
to e.g. check the success of the shots quickly and easily. A duration
for the automatic display can be configured.
▸ Select
Auto Review in the main menu
▸ Select the desired function or duration in the submenu
(
Off , 1 s , 3 s , 5 s , Permanent , Shutter button pressed )
Permanent : The most recent frame is displayed until automatic re-
view is ended by pressing the PLAY button or by tapping the shutter
button.
Shutter button pressed : The most recent frame is displayed for as
long as the shutter button is pressed down.
Notes
• Various control elements change back to regular review mode to
execute their normal functions while automatic review is selected.
The camera will remain in review mode until it is exited.
• Marking and deleting can only be done in regular review mode and
not during automatic review.
• When shooting with the Continuous Shooting or Interval Shooting
functions, then the last image in the series will be displayed or – if
the save process is still incomplete – the last image in the series
saved to the memory card.
• Where display times were configured (
1 s , 3 s , 5 s ) automatic
review can be ended immediately by pressing the PLAY button or
tapping the shutter button.
145
OTHER FUNCTIONS ▸ RESETTING THE CAMERA TO FACTORY SETTINGS
146
OTHER FUNCTIONS
RESETTING THE CAMERA TO FACTORY SETTINGS
This function allows you to reset all your custom menu settings back
to the factory settings. You can optionally exclude the user profiles
and image numbering from the reset individually.
▸ Select
Reset Camera in the main menu
• The prompt
Do you want to reset the camera settings? appears.
▸ Confirm or reject the reset to factory settings (
Yes ) / ( No )
• Selecting
No will cancel the reset and the display will return to
the main menu. Selecting
Yes will trigger additional prompts
regarding the settings you can opt to keep.
▸ Confirm or reject the reset of the user profiles (
Yes ) / ( No )
• The prompt
Do you want to export user profiles to card? ap-
pears.
▸ Confirm or reject exporting the user profiles (
Yes ) / ( No )
▸ Confirm or reject the reset of the image numbering (
Yes )/ ( No )
• The message
Please Restart the Camera appears.
▸ Switch the camera off and on again
Notes
• Date & time, as well as the preferred language will have to be set
up again after a reset. Relevant prompts will appear on screen.
• You reset the image numbering separately via the menu item
Re-
set Image Numbering
(see p. 146).
OTHER FUNCTIONS ▸ FIRMWARE UPDATES
147
FIRMWARE UPDATES
Leica is continuously working on the further improvement and opti-
mization of your camera. Since many camera functions are entirely
controlled by software, some of these improvements and additions
to the functional scope can be installed in retrospect. Leica offers
firmware updates at irregular intervals, which you can download
from our website.
Leica will notify you of any new updates, once you have registered
your camera. Users of Leica FOTOS will also be automatically noti-
fied about firmware updates for their Leica cameras.
There are two options for installing firmware updates.
– conveniently via the Leica FOTOS app (see p. 150)
– directly via the camera menu
Finding the currently installed firmware version
▸ Select
Camera Information in the main menu
• The current firmware version is displayed next to the menu
item
Camera firmware version .
More information about registering, firmware updates and how to
download them to your camera, as well as any amendments and
additions to this manual can be found in the customer area of our
website at:
https://club.leica-camera.com
OTHER FUNCTIONS ▸ FIRMWARE UPDATES
148
EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE
Any interruption of a running firmware update may cause serious
and irreparable damage to your equipment!
You will therefore have to take particular note of the following,
when carrying out a firmware update:
• Do not switch off the camera!
• Do not remove the memory card!
• Do not remove the rechargeable battery!
• Do not detach the lens!
Notes
• A warning message will appear if the battery is insufficiently
charged. Recharge the battery and then repeat the process de-
scribed above.
• You will find additional device and country-specific registration
marks and numbers in the
Camera Information submenu.
PREPARATION
▸ Fully charge and insert the rechargeable battery
▸ Any stored firmware files on the memory card must be removed
• We recommend saving any images on the memory card and
reformatting it before the update.
(Caution: Loss of data! All data stored on the memory card will
be lost during formatting.)
• Make sure to back up any files saved to the internal memory as
a precaution.
▸ Download the latest firmware version
▸ Save the download to the memory card
• The firmware file must be stored in the main directory of the
memory card (not in a sub-directory).
▸ Insert the memory card into the camera
▸ Switch the camera on
OTHER FUNCTIONS ▸ FIRMWARE UPDATES
149
UPDATING THE CAMERA FIRMWARE
▸ Preparation
▸ Select Camera Information in the main menu
▸ Select
Camera firmware version
▸ Select Firmware update
• A prompt with information about the camera is displayed.
▸ Check the version information
▸ Select Yes
• The prompt Do you want to save profiles on SD card? appears.
▸ Select
Yes / No
• The update will start automatically.
• The lower status LED will flash during this process.
• Once the process has completed successfully, a relevant mes-
sage will appear and the camera will restart.
Note
• Date & time, as well as the preferred language will have to be
set up again after the restart. Relevant prompts will appear on
screen.
LEICA FOTOS ▸ SELECTING A WI-FI BAND
150
LEICA FOTOS
The camera can be controlled remotely using a smartphone/tablet
PC. This will require an installation of the Leica FOTOS app on the
mobile device.
Leica FOTOS furthermore offers a variety of other useful functions:
– Geotagging for images (see p. 83)
– File transfer
– Downloading firmware updates
– Self-timer delay time selection via remote control, e.g. for group
photographs
A list of available functions and instructions for their use can be found
in the Leica FOTOS app. Please read the legal notes on page 7.
▸ Scan the following QR code with the mobile device
or
▸ The app is available from Apple App Store™/Google Play Store™
SELECTING A WI-FI BAND
Leica M11 Monochrom supports the use of various Wi-Fi frequencies
in a number of regions.
▸ Select
Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Wi-Fi band
▸ Select the desired setting
Note
• The menu item will appear grayed out, where this option is un-
available.
LEICA FOTOS ▸ CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users)
151
CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users)
FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE
A pairing of the camera and the mobile device is required for a first-
time connection to a mobile device. A connection is established via
the connection wizard at initial setup of the camera or later via the
menu.
CONNECTION WIZARD
The connection wizard appears at initial startup of the camera or
after a camera reset. These settings are also available via the menu
item
Leica FOTOS .
The following screen appears after you have selected the language.
Starting the connection wizard
▸ Select
Connect to app
Exiting the connection wizard
▸ Tap the icon in the top right corner of the screen
Going back one step
▸ Tap the icon in the top left corner of the screen
VIA LEICA FOTOS CABLE (for iPhone only)
▸ Select iOS
• The following screen appears.
▸ Connect the camera and mobile device via the Leica FOTOS cable
▸ Follow the instructions provided by the Leica FOTOS app
LEICA FOTOS ▸ CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users)
152
VIA WI-FI
IN THE CAMERA
▸ Select iOS
• The following screen appears.
▸ Select I don't have a cable
▸ Select Next
▸ Wait until the QR code appears on the LCD panel
ON THE MOBILE DEVICE
▸ Launch the Leica FOTOS app
▸ Select “Add Camera”
▸ Select the camera model
▸ Select “Scan the QR code”
▸ Scan the QR code
• Connection is being established. The process may take a few
seconds.
• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will light briefly,
and the camera displays a relevant message.
LEICA FOTOS ▸ CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users)
153
USING THE MENU TO
Where the connection wizard was not used or other mobile devices
should be connected, the same settings are always accessible via
the menu item
Leica FOTOS .
IN THE CAMERA
▸ Select Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select
Pairing
▸ Wait until the QR code appears on the LCD panel
ON THE MOBILE DEVICE
▸ Launch the Leica FOTOS app
▸ Select “Add Camera”
▸ Select the camera model
▸ Select “Scan the QR code”
▸ Scan the QR code
• Connection is being established. The process may take a few
seconds.
• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will light briefly,
and the camera displays a relevant message.
Notes
• The pairing process may take a few minutes to complete.
• Each mobile device only needs to be paired with the camera once.
The process adds the device to the list of known devices.
• The Bluetooth function is disabled if the connectivity mode
Air-
plane mode
is selected (see p. 156). Pairing will not be available,
and the relevant menu item will be grayed out.
CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES
VIA LEICA FOTOS CABLE (for iPhone only)
The Leica FOTOS Cable makes connectivity particularly easy and
quick.
▸ Connect the camera and mobile device via the Leica FOTOS cable
• The connection is established automatically.
VIA WI-FI
IN THE CAMERA
▸ Select Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select Connectivity
▸ Select Performance mode or Eco mode
ON THE MOBILE DEVICE
▸ Launch the Leica FOTOS app
▸ Select the camera model
▸ Confirm the prompt
• The camera connects to the mobile device automatically.
LEICA FOTOS ▸ CONNECTIVITY (Android users)
154
CONNECTIVITY (Android users)
FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE
The connection is established via WLAN. A pairing of the camera
and the mobile device is required for a first-time connection to a
mobile device. A connection is established via the connection wizard
at initial setup of the camera or later via the menu.
CONNECTION WIZARD
The connection wizard appears at initial startup of the camera or
after a camera reset. These settings are also available via the menu
item
Leica FOTOS .
The following screen appears after you have selected the language.
Starting the connection wizard
▸ Select
Connect to app
Exiting the connection wizard
▸ Tap the icon in the top right corner of the screen
Going back one step
▸ Tap the icon in the top left corner of the screen
IN THE CAMERA
▸ Select Android
▸ Select Next
▸ Wait until the QR code appears on the LCD panel
ON THE MOBILE DEVICE
▸ Launch the Leica FOTOS app
▸ Select “Add Camera”
▸ Select the camera model
▸ Select “Scan the QR code”
▸ Scan the QR code
• Connection is being established. The process may take a few
seconds.
• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will light briefly,
and the camera displays a relevant message.
LEICA FOTOS ▸ CONNECTIVITY (Android users)
155
USING THE MENU TO
Where the connection wizard was not used or other mobile devices
should be connected, the same settings are always accessible via
the menu item
Leica FOTOS .
IN THE CAMERA
▸ Select Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select
Pairing
▸ Wait until the QR code appears on the LCD panel
ON THE MOBILE DEVICE
▸ Launch the Leica FOTOS app
▸ Select “Add Camera”
▸ Select the camera model
▸ Select “Scan the QR code”
▸ Scan the QR code
• Connection is being established. The process may take a few
seconds.
• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will light briefly,
and the camera displays a relevant message.
Notes
• The pairing process may take a few minutes to complete.
• Each mobile device only needs to be paired with the camera once.
The process adds the device to the list of known devices.
• The Bluetooth function is disabled if the connectivity mode
Air-
plane mode
is selected (see p. 156). Pairing will not be available,
and the relevant menu item will be grayed out.
CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES
IN THE CAMERA
▸ Select
Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select
Connectivity
▸ Select Performance mode or Eco mode
ON THE MOBILE DEVICE
▸ Launch the Leica FOTOS app
▸ Select the camera model
▸ Confirm the prompt
• The camera connects to the mobile device automatically.
LEICA FOTOS ▸ CONNECTIVITY MODES
156
CONNECTIVITY MODES
Three connection options are available.
Factory setting:
Performance mode
▸ Select Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select
Connectivity
▸ Select Performance mode / Eco mode / Airplane mode
Faster connection
(Factory setting)
Extended battery life All RF connections deactivated
Performance mode Eco mode Airplane mode
Geotagging
(Bluetooth)
On On -
Data transfer
Remote control
(Wi-Fi)
Always On Automatic On / Off -
Wi-Fi Sleep Timer
Never After 5 min -
LEICA FOTOS ▸ EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE
157
PERFORMANCE MODE
Bluetooth is permanently activated, allowing anytime Geotagging
(where enabled). Wi-Fi is similarly permanently activated. This option
offers the fastest access to Leica FOTOS and therefore an excellent
user experience.
▸ Select
Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select
Connectivity
▸ Select Performance mode
ECO MODE
Bluetooth is permanently activated, allowing anytime Geotagging
(where enabled). Camera Wi-Fi will be enabled only during the trans-
fer of settings or files, and will otherwise remain off. This is a power
saving option.
▸ Select
Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select
Connectivity
▸ Select Eco mode
AIRPLANE MODE
All RF connections are deactivated when this function is enabled.
▸ Select
Leica FOTOS in the main menu
▸ Select
Connectivity
▸ Select Airplane mode
EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE
Any interruption of a running firmware update may cause serious
and irreparable damage to your equipment!
You will therefore have to take particular note of the following,
when carrying out a firmware update:
• Do not switch off the camera!
• Do not remove the memory card!
• Do not remove the rechargeable battery!
• Do not detach the lens!
Leica FOTOS will notify you when firmware updates are available for
your Leica cameras.
▸ Follow the instructions provided by the Leica FOTOS app
Notes
• A warning message will appear if the battery is insufficiently
charged. Recharge the battery and then repeat the process de-
scribed above.
• Alternatively, firmware updates can also be installed via the camera
menu
(see p. 147).
CARE/STORAGE
158
CARE/STORAGE
We recommend the following if the camera will not be used for an
extended period of time:
– Switching the camera off
– Remove the memory card
– Remove the battery (after approx. 2 months the set date and time
will be lost)
CAMERA HOUSING
• Keep your equipment meticulously clean, as any kind of dirt residue
presents a breeding ground for micro organisms.
• Only clean the camera with a soft, dry cloth. Stubborn dirt should
first be moistened with a watered-down detergent and can then
be wiped away with a dry cloth.
• Wet a soft cloth with tap water, wring it out thoroughly and use
it to wipe down the camera. Then wipe it down thoroughly with a
dry cloth.
• Wipe the camera with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove stains and
fingerprints. Tougher dirt in hard to reach corners of the camera
housing can be removed with a small brush. Take care not to
touch the shutter blades.
• Store the camera in a closed and padded container to prevent
friction damage and protect it against dust accumulation.
• Keep the camera in a dry, sufficiently ventilated place, where it
will not be subjected to high temperatures and humidity. Make
sure to remove all moisture from the camera if it was used in
humid conditions.
• Do not store the camera in a leather case for extended periods of
time to prevent fungal contamination.
• Empty you camera bag completely if it ever gets wet during use.
Your equipment might otherwise be subjected to moisture and
tanning residue released by the moist leather.
• All mechanical bearings and sliding surfaces on your camera are
lubricated. Remember to press the shutter button several times
every three months to prevent the lubrication points hardening if
the camera will not be used for an extended period of time. We
also recommend repeated adjustment and use of all the other
operating elements.
• When using your camera in tropical climates, make sure to expose
the equipment to daylight and fresh air as much as possible to
prevent fungal growth. Storage in airtight containers or cases is
recommended only in conjunction with a desiccant like silica gel.
LENS
• A soft-bristle brush will usually suffice to remove dust from the
outer lenses. Remove more severe soiling with a clean, soft cloth
that is completely free of foreign matter. Wipe the lens in a circu-
lar motion from the center outward. We recommend using micro-
fiber cloths that come in a protective container and are available
from photography shops and other optical retailers. These cloths
are machine-washable at 40°C. Do not use fabric softener and do
not iron them. Never use spectacle lens cleaning cloths, as these
are soaked in chemicals, which could damage the glass of the
camera lenses.
• Attach a transparent UVA filter for optimal front lens protection
in unfavorable conditions (e.g. sand, salt water spray). Please
remember that the filter may create unwanted light reflections in
some backlight situations and in case of high contrasts.
• Lens caps also protect the lens against accidental fingerprint
smudges and rain.
CARE/STORAGE
159
• All mechanical bearings and sliding surfaces on your lens are
lubricated. Make sure to periodically move the focus ring and the
aperture ring to prevent seizing if the lens will not be used for an
extended period of time.
• Make sure not to apply too much lubricant to the bayonet and
take particular care not to apply grease to the 6-bit encoding. Too
much lubricant will result in grease residue lodging in the gap,
where dirt will then accumulate. The legibility of the code will be
impacted, which may cause malfunctions in digital M models.
VIEWFINDER/LCD PANEL
• Switch off your camera and leave it to stand at room temperature
for around 1 hour if condensation has formed on or in the camera.
The condensation will disappear, once the camera temperature
has reached room temperature.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
• Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries should only be stored partially
charged, i.e. not fully depleted or fully charged. The camera LCD
panel will show the current charge level of the battery. Charge
the battery twice a year for around 15 minutes to avoid deep dis-
charge in case of very long storage periods.
MEMORY CARDS
• Make sure to store memory cards in their anti-static container
when not in use.
• Do not store memory cards where they will be exposed to high
temperatures, direct sunlight, magnetic fields or static electricity.
Always remove the memory card if the camera will not be used for
an extended period of time.
• We recommend formatting memory cards from time to time, as
fragmented residual data from deleted files may block some of
the storage capacity.
CARE/STORAGE ▸ SENSOR
160
SENSOR
SENSOR CLEANING
Alternatively, send your camera to the Leica Customer Care depart-
ment for sensor cleaning (see p. 184). This service is not part of the
warranty offering and will therefore incur charges.
Note
• Leica Camera AG will not accept any responsibility for damage
caused by the user when cleaning the sensor.
▸ Select Camera Settings in the main menu
▸ Select
Sensor Cleaning
• The prompt Do you want to start the sensor cleaning? appears.
▸ Select
Yes / No
• The battery capacity must be at least 60% for the shutter to
open.
• A warning message
Battery low for sensor cleaning will appear
if the battery capacity is lower to indicate that the function is
currently not available and
Yes cannot be selected.
▸ Clean the sensor
• Make sure you follow the instructions below.
▸ Switch off the camera after you finish cleaning
• The following message appears:
Please stop sensor cleaning immediately. Shutdown in %d s. .
• The shutter will remain open for another 10 s.
CARE/STORAGE ▸ SENSOR
161
Important
• Any inspection or cleaning of the sensor should be done in an en-
vironment that is as much as possible dust-free to prevent further
contamination.
• A message will appear on the LCD panel, once the capacity of
the rechargeable battery falls below 40% with the shutter fully
open:
Please stop sensor cleaning immediately. Shutdown in
%d s.
. The shutter will automatically close when the camera is
switched off.
• Make sure that the aperture is unobstructed and that nothing can
prevent the shutter from closing correctly, as this would result in
damage to the equipment!
• Do not attempt to physically blow dust particles off the cover
glass of the sensor. The smallest droplets of saliva could cause
stains that will be difficult to remove.
• Do not use high pressure compressed air cleaners as they may
also cause damage.
• Avoid touching the sensor surface with any hard object during
inspection and cleaning.
FAQ
162
FAQ
Important
All mentions of “EVF” or “Electronic Viewfinder” in this manual refer to the optional accessory Leica Visoflex 2.
Using the older “Leica Visoflex” model with the Leica M11 Monochrom can – as a worst case scenario – result in irreparable damage to the
camera and/or the Visoflex. Please contact Leica Customer Care if in doubt.
Problem Possible causes to check Troubleshooting suggestions
Battery issues
Battery is depleted too quickly Battery too cold Warm the battery (e.g. in pants pocket) and only insert
directly before use
Battery too hot Allow battery to cool down
LCD panel or EVF set too bright Reduce brightness
Power save mode deactivated
Enable Camera Standby and/or Display Standby
Camera WLAN is permanently activated (the connectivity
mode
Performance mode is selected)
Select another connectivity mode
(
Eco mode or Airplane mode , see p. 150)
Continuous use of LCD panel (e.g. in Live View mode) Deactivate the function
Battery has been recharged too many times The battery has reached the end of its operating time
Replace battery
Preview of the recorded images ( Auto Review ) activated
Deactivate the function
Charging process not starting Incorrect battery polarization or faulty charger connection Check polarization and connection
Charging takes too long Battery too hot or too cold Charge the battery at room temperature
Charging pilot light is on, but battery isn't
charging
The battery contacts are dirty Clean the contacts with a soft, dry cloth
Battery has been recharged too many times The battery has reached the end of its operating time
Replace battery
Camera problems
The camera suddenly switches itself off Battery is depleted Charge or replace the battery
The camera won’t switch on Battery is depleted Charge or replace the battery
Battery too cold Warming the battery (e.g. in pants pocket)
Battery was inserted incorrectly Check its polarization
Bottom cover was inserted incorrectly Check the directionality and lock
FAQ
163
The camera switches off again immediately
after it is switched on
Battery is depleted Charge or replace the battery
Camera does not recognize the memory card The memory card is not compatible or defective Replace the memory card
Memory card is incorrectly formatted Format the memory card in the camera
Menus and displays
Electronic viewfinder is dark EVF brightness is set too low Set the EVF brightness
Display language is not English -
Select English in the Language menu
The LCD panel is to dark or too bright/not
clear
The brightness setting is incorrect Adjust the display brightness
Viewing angle is too small View the LCD panel at a perpendicular angle
Brightness sensor is blocked Make sure that the brightness sensor is not blocked
Favorites menu does not appear
The favorites menu is empty Add at least one function
The brightness in Live View mode is not the
same as in the images
The brightness settings for the LCD panel have no
influence over the exposures
Adjust the brightness settings as needed
Exposure Simulation is deactivated Activate the function
The number of remaining shots does not count
down after shooting
The image requires only very little memory space This is not a fault; the number of remaining shots is
calculated as approximations
Desired shutter speed cannot be set The working range of the set shutter type is undercut/
surpassed
Select a different setting via Shutter Type
The set ISO value prevents very slow shutter speeds Select a different ISO value
Focus peaking does not appear automatically
during focusing
The function Focus Peaking is now independent of
the
Focus Aid function
Display Focus Peaking alongside the other auxiliary
displays
Shutter speeds cannot be set in the status
screen
The shutter-speed dial is set to a fixed shutter speed or to
A (aperture priority)
Set the shutter-speed dial to
B
ISO value cannot be set in the status screen
The ISO dial is set to a fixed ISO value or to A (Auto ISO) Set the ISO dial to M
FAQ
164
Shooting
The camera won’t release/shutter button is
deactivated/shooting not passible
Memory card is full Replace the memory card
The memory card is not formated Reformat the memory card
(Caution: Loss of data!)
The memory card is write protected Deactivate the write protection on the memory card (small
lever on the side of the memory card)
Dirt on the memory card contacts Clean the contacts with a soft cotton or linen cloth
The memory card is damaged Replace the memory card
The sensor is overheating Allow camera to cool down
Camera has switched off automatic ( Camera Standby )
Switch the camera on again
deactivate auto shutdown as needed
Image data is being written to the memory card and the
cache is full
Wait
Noise reduction function is working (e.g. after night
photography with long exposure times)
Wait or deactivate noise reduction
Battery is depleted Charge or replace the battery
Camera is processing a image Wait
Image numbering has reached its limit See section “Data Management”
Image noise appears on the LCD panel/in the
viewfinder when the shutter button is pressed
to the first pressure point
The gain is increased to aid image composition if the
object is insufficiently lit with reduced lens aperture
Not a fault – image quality will not be impacted
LCD panel/viewfinder deactivates after a very
short time
Power Save settings are activated Change the settings as needed
The display switches off after the shooting/the
LCD panel goes dark after the shooting
Flash loads after shooting, LCD panel deactivates during
load time
Wait until the flash is loaded
Flash won't fire Battery is depleted Charge or replace the battery
Pressing the shutter button while flash is still loading Wait until the flash is loaded
Automatic bracketing or continuous shooting is activated Change the setting
The electronic shutter function does not allow flash
photography
Select a different setting via Shutter Type
The flash does not fully illuminate the object Object is outside the flash range Move object into flash range
Flash is covered Make sure the flash unit is not covered by your finger or
some object
FAQ
165
No continuous shooting available The camera is overheated and the function was
temporarily disabled to protect the camera
Allow camera to cool down
The image on the LCD panel displays lots of
noise
Light enhancement function of the LCD panel in dark
surroundings
Not a fault – image quality will not be impacted
Image storage takes a long time Noise Suppression is activated for long-term exposures Deactivate the function
The memory card inserted is slow Use a suitable memory card
Electronic viewfinder is dark Switchover between EVF and LCD incorrectly set Select a suitable setting
Review and photo management
Selected images cannot be deleted Some of the selected images are write protected Remove write protection (using the device with which the
file was originally set to write protected)
File numbering does not start at 1 The memory card contains previously stored images See section “Data Management”
The time and date settings are incorrect or are
not displayed
The camera has not been in use for an extended period of
time (the battery was removed)
Insert a charged battery and configure the correct settings
Lens information is not displayed
Lens Detection disabled
Change the setting
The attached lens is not encoded Contact Leica Customer Care
Images are damaged or missing The memory card was removed while the readiness
indicator was flashing
Never remove the memory card while the readiness
indicator is flashing. Charge the battery.
The memory card formatting is faulty or the card is
damaged
Reformat the memory card
(Caution: Loss of data!)
Some images are not displayed in review mode The files are in another storage location (internal memory/
memory card)
Reduce the view as much as possible to get to the storage
location selection
The most recent image is not displayed on the
LCD panel
Preview is deactivated
Activate Auto Review
No shots/only shots taken in DNG format are
saved to the memory card
All No shots/only shots taken in DNG format are saved to
the internal memory
Select a different setting via Storage Options
No images are displayed No memory card inserted Insert a memory card
The photos were taken with another camera Transfer the files to another device to view them
This is a video file Use another device for review
Images cannot be displayed File name was changed on a PC Use suitable software for file transfers from a PC to the
camera
FAQ
166
Image quality
The Image is too bright Light sensor was covered during shooting Make sure that the light sensor is not obstructed
Image noise Long exposure times (> 1 s) Activate the noise suppression function for long exposure
times
ISO sensitivity set too high Decrease ISO sensitivity
Round white stains, similar to soap bubbles Flash photography in a very dark environment: reflections
of dust particles
Deactivate the flash
Images are out of focus Lens is dirty Clean the lens
Camera moved during shooting Use flash
Mount the camera on a tripod
Use faster shutter speeds
The desired subject elements were not congruent in the
viewfinder
Ensure perfect congruence of the object in the rangefinder
Images are overexposed Flash is activated in bright surroundings Change the flash mode
Strong light source in the image Avoid strong light sources in the image
(Half) backlight falling into the lens (also from light sources
outside the image range)
Use the lens hood or change to another object
Selected exposure time is too long Select a shorter exposure time or turn the shutter-speed
dial to
A
The image is grainy or there is image noise ISO sensitivity set too high Decrease ISO sensitivity
Unnatural brightness Shooting in artificial light or extreme brightness Try shorter shutter speeds
Shots in JPG format have a lesser resolution
than was set via
Max. JPG Resolution
DNG + JPG is selected for File Format, and a lesser
resolution is set via
DNG Resolution
Select a higher DNG resolution or only save in JPG format
Smartphones/WLAN
WLAN connection gets interrupted Camera deactivates when it overheats (safety feature) Allow camera to cool down
Mobile device connection/image transfer not
working
The mobile device is too far away Bring the devices closer to each other
Interference from other devices in the vicinity, e.g. other
smartphones or a microwave oven
Increase distance to interfering devices
Interference from multiple mobile devices in the vicinity
Re-establish the connection/disconnect other mobile devices
The connectivity mode Airplane mode is selected
Select another connectivity mode
(
Eco mode or Performance mode , see p. 150)
Mobile device is currently connected to another device Check connection
Camera does not appear on the WLAN
configuration screen of the mobile device
Mobile device does not recognize camera Switch the WLAN function of the mobile device off and on
again
FAQ
167
MENU OVERVIEW
168
MENU OVERVIEW
DIRECT ACCESS
Function Status screen Favorites Function buttons Page
Live View
u
l l
(rear left)
93
Focus Aid
H
l
l
(top right)
61, 98–100
Lens Detection
u H
l
38–39
Drive Mode
u H
l
92, 116–120
Interval shooting
H
l
117
Exposure Bracketing
H
l
119
Self-timer
l
120
Exposure Metering
u H
l
105
Exposure Compensation
H
l
l
(Press the thumb-
wheel)
47, 61, 115, 119
M-ISO
H
l
101
Auto ISO Settings
H
l
102
Maximum ISO
l
102
Shutter Speed Limit
l
102
File Format
u H
l
70
DNG Resolution
u H
l
71
MENU OVERVIEW
169
Function Status screen Favorites Function buttons Page
JPG Settings
H
71
Max. JPG Resolution
u
l
71
Customize image properties
H
l
76
Toning
u H
l
75
Auto Review
H
144
Noise Reduction
H
76 –7 7, 113
Shutter Type
H
l
104
Flash Settings
H
l
127–129
Flash exp. compensation
H
l
128
Digital Zoom
H
l
73
Perspective Control
l
121–123
Storage Management
78
Storage Options
H
78
Customize Control
H
59–61, 66, 100,
116
Edit Favorites
H
59
Capture Assistants
H
l
86–91
User Profile
u H
l
61
u
=
Accessible via the status
screen
H
=
Available for the favorites
menu
l
=
Available for function
buttons
l
=
Factory setting on the
function buttons
MENU OVERVIEW
170
Function Status screen Favorites Function buttons Page
Display Settings
H
67–69
EVF ⇄ LCD
H
l
68
Leica FOTOS
H
l
150–154
Storage Management
79–80
Format Storage
u H
l
79
Camera Settings
H
30, 64–65, 81–82
Power saving mode
H
65
Date & Time
H
64–65
Edit File Name
H
81
Camera Information
H
5, 82, 147–149
Language
H
64
Reset Camera
H
146
171
INDEX
172
INDEX
A
A (Aperture priority) ....................................................................107
Academy, Leica .......................................................................... 18 5
Accessories.................................................................................... 3
Adapter ........................................................................................ 36
AE-L ............................................................................................11 4
Airplane mode .............................................................................157
Aper ture ......................................................................................107
Aperture priority .........................................................................107
App ............................................................................................ 150
Assist function ....................................................................... 86, 98
Auto ISO ............................................................................... 44, 102
Automatic review ....................................................................... 144
Auxiliary displays .......................................................................... 86
B
Basic image settings .............................................................. 70, 86
Basic settings, camera ................................................................. 64
Basic settings, image ............................................................. 70, 86
B function ....................................................................................110
Bl ue to ot h ....................................................................................156
Brightness, EVF ............................................................................ 69
Brightness, LCD panel .................................................................. 67
Brightness, rangefinder ................................................................ 67
Button assignment ....................................................................... 60
C
Camera information ....................................................................147
Camera, reset ............................................................................ 146
Care ........................................................................................... 15 8
Carry strap ..............................................................................10, 28
Center button ............................................................................... 45
Center-weighted metering .......................................................... 106
Charger .....................................................................................9, 28
Charge status, charger ................................................................. 29
Charge status, LCD panel ............................................................. 27
Charging the battery .................................................................... 29
Clipping ................................................................................. 89, 135
Connection, mobile devices ....................................................... 15 0
Connectivity ................................................................................156
Contact, Leica ............................................................................ 184
Continuous shooting ...................................................................11 6
Contrast, image properties .......................................................... 75
Copyright ..................................................................................... 82
Customer Service ...................................................................... 184
D
Data management ........................................................................ 78
Data structure .............................................................................. 80
Data transfer ................................................................................ 84
Date ....................................................................................... 58, 64
Deletion, photos .......................................................................... 141
Deletion, user profiles .................................................................. 62
Digital zoom ................................................................................. 73
Direct access ..................................................................60, 61, 168
Directional pad ............................................................................. 45
INDEX
173
Displays ....................................................................................... 86
Display, settings ........................................................................... 67
Disposal ......................................................................................... 6
DNG ............................................................................................. 70
DNG Resolution ............................................................................ 71
Drive Mode ....................................................................92 , 116, 117
E
Electronic shutter ....................................................................... 104
EVF .............................................................................................. 68
Exposure .................................................................................... 104
Exposure bracketing....................................................................119
Exposure compensation ..............................................................115
Exposure compensation, flash ....................................................128
Exposure lock .............................................................................114
Exposure, long-term ..............................................................76, 109
Exposure, manual ....................................................................... 108
Exposure metering, flash ............................................................. 125
Exposure, metering methods ..................................................... 105
Exposure, modes ........................................................................107
Exposure preview ........................................................................ 114
Exposure simulation .................................................................... 114
Exposure time, max.................................................................... 109
Eye sensor .................................................................................... 69
F
Factory settings ......................................................................... 146
FAQ .............................................................................................16 2
Favorites, menu ...............................................................53, 59, 168
Favorites, shots ...........................................................................139
File format .................................................................................... 70
File name ..................................................................................... 81
Files, RAW .................................................................................... 70
Firing point, flash.........................................................................127
Firmware ............................................................................... 14, 147
Fixed ISO value .................................................................... 44, 101
Flash ...........................................................................................124
Flash, control ..............................................................................127
Flash, exposure compensation ....................................................128
Flash, exposure metering ............................................................12 5
Flash, firing point .........................................................................127
Flash, range.................................................................................128
Flash, setting ...............................................................................126
Flash, synchronization .................................................................127
Flash units, compatible ...............................................................124
FN button .............................................................................. 47, 168
Focusing ...................................................................................... 97
Focusing methods via rangefinder ................................................ 97
Focus peaking .........................................................................89, 98
Folder, creating new ..................................................................... 82
Folders ......................................................................................... 80
Folder structure ........................................................................... 80
Format ......................................................................................... 70
Formatting, memory card ............................................................ 79
G
General information ......................................................................12
Grid .............................................................................................. 88
INDEX
174
H
HDR ............................................................................................119
Highlight-Weighted, exposure ..................................................... 106
Histogram .................................................................................... 91
Horizon ........................................................................................ 90
HSS .............................................................................................126
I
Image, delete ..............................................................................141
Image field ................................................................................... 93
Image, marking............................................................................139
Image numbering ......................................................................... 80
Image numbering, reset ............................................................... 82
Image properties .......................................................................... 75
Image, rating ...............................................................................139
Image, series .................................................................116 , 117, 119
Individual button assignment ....................................................... 60
Info Bars ....................................................................................... 88
Info profiles .................................................................................. 86
Information displays ............................................................... 86, 95
Information, legal ........................................................................... 4
Information, regulatory ................................................................... 5
Inserting/removing the battery .................................................... 30
Internal memory ........................................................................... 78
Interval shooting .........................................................................117
ISO Sensitivity ...................................................................... 44, 101
ISO value, greatest ..................................................................... 102
J
JPG ............................................................................................... 70
K
Keyboard ...................................................................................... 56
L
La nguage ..................................................................................... 64
LCD panel ...................................................................25, 46, 67, 68
LED .............................................................................................. 66
Legal information ........................................................................... 4
Leica Academy ........................................................................... 185
Leica Customer Care .................................................................. 184
Leica FOTOS............................................................................7, 150
Leica FOTOS Cable......................................................................... 7
Lens ................................................................................. 8, 33, 158
Level gauge .................................................................................. 90
Light balance .............................................................................. 108
Live View ................................................................................ 95, 98
Long-term exposure ..............................................................76, 109
M
Magnification, assist function ...................................................... 99
Magnification, review mode ........................................................136
Magnifying glass .......................................................................... 99
Main menu ................................................................................... 53
Main switch .................................................................................. 42
Manual exposure setting ............................................................ 10 8
Maximum Exposure Time ........................................................... 109
Memory card ................................................. 10, 13, 31, 78, 79, 159
Menu bar ...................................................................................... 57
MENU button ............................................................................... 46
Menu control ................................................................................ 49
INDEX
175
Menu language ............................................................................. 64
Menu navigation ..................................................................... 50, 54
Menu screen ................................................................................ 49
Metering method, exposure ....................................................... 105
M (Manual exposure setting) ...................................................... 10 8
Multi-field metering, exposure ................................................... 106
N
Name, file ............................................................................... 80, 81
Name, folder ................................................................................ 80
Navigation, menu ................................................................... 50, 54
Noise reduction ...............................................................76, 77, 109
Number pad ................................................................................. 56
O
Offline mode ...............................................................................157
Operating mode, exposure ..........................................................107
Operation, customized ................................................................. 59
Overview, parts ............................................................................ 20
P
Part Designations ......................................................................... 20
Perspective Control.....................................................................121
PLAY button ................................................................................. 46
Power off, automatic .................................................................... 65
Power save mode ......................................................................... 65
Preview ...................................................................................... 144
Problems .....................................................................................162
Profile, user ...................................................................................61
Q
Quick access ...........................................................................59, 60
R
Rangefinder .................................................................................. 93
Rating, photos .............................................................................13 9
Raw data ...................................................................................... 70
Rechargeable battery, capacity .................................................... 27
Rechargeable battery, notes ............................................. 9, 12, 159
Regulatory information ................................................................... 5
Repair ......................................................................................... 184
Replacement parts ......................................................................... 3
Reset, camera ............................................................................ 14 6
Reset, image numbering ............................................................... 82
Resolution .................................................................................... 71
Review, automatic ...................................................................... 14 4
Review mode ...............................................................................132
S
Safety remarks ............................................................................... 8
Saving, energy ............................................................................. 65
Scale ............................................................................................ 57
Scope of delivery ........................................................................... 2
SD card ......................................................... 10, 13, 31, 78, 79, 159
Self-timer ....................................................................................12 0
Sensitivity, eye sensor .................................................................. 69
Sensitivity, ISO ..................................................................... 44, 101
Sensor .............................................................................10, 13, 160
Sensor cleaning ......................................................................... 160
Service ....................................................................................... 184
INDEX
176
Setting, LCD panel ....................................................................... 67
Settings, store ...............................................................................61
Sharpness, image properties ....................................................... 75
Shooting, continuous ..................................................................116
Shooting, interval ........................................................................ 117
Shooting mode ............................................................................. 92
Short cut .................................................................................59, 60
Shutter button .............................................................................. 43
Shutter, electronic ..................................................................... 104
Shutter release............................................................................. 43
Shutter-speed/aperture combination .........................................107
Shutter-speed dial ........................................................................ 44
Smartp hone ............................................................................... 15 0
Split-image method ...................................................................... 97
Spot metering, exposure ............................................................ 10 6
Standby mode .............................................................................. 65
Status LED ................................................................................... 66
Status screen ..........................................................................25, 51
Storage ...................................................................................... 158
Storage options ............................................................................ 78
Submenu ...................................................................................... 53
Superimposed image method....................................................... 97
Switching, mode......................................................................... 134
Switching on/off, camera ............................................................. 42
Sync point ...................................................................................127
T
Tagging, photo .............................................................................139
Technical Data ............................................................................178
T function .................................................................................... 111
Thumbwheel ................................................................................. 45
Time ....................................................................................... 58, 65
Time lapse ...................................................................................117
Time zone ..................................................................................... 65
Toning .......................................................................................... 75
Touch control ............................................................................... 48
Transfer, data ............................................................................... 84
Troubleshooting...........................................................................162
TTL metering ....................................................................... 124, 125
U
Update, firmware...................................................................14, 147
USB .............................................................................................. 30
User-defined operation ................................................................ 59
User profiles ..................................................................................61
V
View finder .................................................................................... 24
W
Warranty .......................................................................................15
Wi-Fi/WLAN............................................................................7, 156
INDEX
177
TECHNICAL DATA
178
TECHNICAL DATA
32.55 mm
35.9 mm
38.45 mm
19.62 mm
59.9 mm
67.7 mm
5.92 mm
23.3 mm
33.4 mm
59.9 mm
72.0 mm
51.5 mm
78.9 mm
80.3 mm
74.9 mm
49.1 mm
33.7 mm
138.8 mm
147.2 mm
TECHNICAL DATA
179
CAMERA
DesignationDesignation
Leica M11 Monochrom
Camera typeCamera type
Digital system camera with rangefinder
Type No.Type No.
2416
Order No.Order No.
20 208 (EU/US/CN), 20 209 (JP), 20 210 (ROW)
Buffer memoryBuffer memory
3 GB
DNG™: 15 shots
JPG: > 100 shots
Storage mediumStorage medium
UHS-II (recommended), UHS-I, SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
SDXC cards up to 2 TB
Internal memory: 256 GB
MaterialMaterial
Top/bottom cover: coated aluminum
Front and rear housing panels: magnesium
Lens mountLens mount
Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit encoding
Operating conditionsOperating conditions
0°C to +40°C
InterfacesInterfaces
ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts for Leica flash units
and Leica Visoflex 2 viewfinder (optional accessory)
USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C
Tripod threadTripod thread
A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base
WeightWeight
Approx. 542 g/461 g (with/without battery)
SENSOR
Sensor sizeSensor size
Monochrome BSI CMOS sensor, pixel pitch: 3.76 µm
35 mm: 9536 x 6336 pixels (60.4 MP)
ProcessorProcessor
Leica Maestro series (Maestro III)
File formatsFile formats
DNG™ (raw data, loss-free compression), DNG + JPG, JPG (DCF, Exif 2.30)
Image resolutionImage resolution
DNG™ L-DNG 60.4 MP 9536 x 6336 pixels
M-DNG 36.6 MP 7424 x 4936 pixels
S-DNG 18.5 MP 5280 x 3506 pixels
JPG L- J P G 60.1 MP 9504 x 6320 pixels
M-JPG 36.2 MP 7392 x 4896 pixels
S-JPG 18.2 MP 5248 x 3472 pixels
The entire sensor surface will always be used irrespective of format and
resolution.
Digital Zoom 1.3x and 1.8x available (always based on L-DNG or L-JPG)
File sizeFile size
DNG™ L-DNG approx. 70–120 MB
M-DNG approx. 40–70 MB
S-DNG approx. 20–40 MB
JPG L- J P G approx. 15–30 MB
M-JPG approx. 9–18 MB
S-JPG approx. 5–9 MB
JPG: depending on resolution and image content
Color spaceColor space
sRGB
TECHNICAL DATA
180
VIEWFINDER/LCD PANEL
ViewfinderViewfinder
Large, bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation
Suitable for -0.5 dpt, optional corrective lenses available: -3 to +3 dpt
DisplayDisplay
Four-digit digital display with items show on the top and bottom
Image field limiter: two lit frames: 35 mm + 135 mm, 28 mm + 90 mm,
50 mm + 75 mm (automatic switchover when lens is attached)
Parallax compensationParallax compensation
The horizontal and vertical difference between viewfinder and lens is
compensated automatically in line with the relevant focus setting.
Congruence of viewfinder and actual image.
The size of the bright-line frame matches the distance:
– at 2 m: the exact sensor size of approx. 23.9 x 35.8 mm
– at infinity: (depending on focal length) approx. 7.3% (28 mm) to 18%
(135 mm)
– less than 2 m: less than sensor size
Viewfinder magnificationViewfinder magnification
0.73x (all lenses)
Large-base rangefinderLarge-base rangefinder
Split or superimposed image rangefinder shown as a bright field at the
center of the viewfinder image
LCD panelLCD panel
2.95” (Active Matrix TFT), sapphire glass, 2 332 800 dots, format 3:2,
Touch control available
SHUTTER
Shutter typeShutter type
Electronically controlled focal plane shutter and electronic shutter
function
Shutter speedsShutter speeds
Mech. shutter: 60 min to 1⁄4000 s
Electro. shutter function: 60 s to 1⁄16000 s
Flash Synch: up to 1⁄180 s
Optional noise reduction via additional “black picture” (can be disabled)
Shutter buttonShutter button
Two-stage
(Step 1: activation of the camera electronics including exposure metering
and
exposure lock, Step 2: release)
Self-timerSelf-timer
Delay time: 2 s or 12 s
Drive modeDrive mode
Single
Continuous - Low Speed
3 fps
Continuous - High Speed
4.5 fps
Interval shooting
Exposure Bracketing
FOCUSING
Focusing rangeFocusing range
Rangefinder: 70 cm to ∞
Live View: depending on the attached lens
Focus modeFocus mode
Manual (focus assist functions Magnification and Focus Peaking available)
EXPOSURE
Exposure meteringExposure metering
TTL (exposure metering through the lens), with working aperture
Metering principleMetering principle
Exposure metering is done by the image sensor for all exposure metering
methods (in Live View mode and in rangefinder mode)
TECHNICAL DATA
181
Exposure metering methodsExposure metering methods
Spot , Center-Weighted , Hightlight-Weighted , Multi-Field
Exposure modesExposure modes
Aperture priority mode (A): automatic shutter speed control with manual
aperture preselection
Manual (M): manual setting for shutter speed and aperture
Exposure compensationExposure compensation
±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Automatic bracketingAutomatic bracketing
3 or 5 frames, graduations between shoots up to 3 EV, in 1⁄3 EV increments
additional optional exposure compensation: up to ±3 EV
ISO sensitivity rangeISO sensitivity range
Auto ISO: ISO 125 (native) to ISO 200 000, also available in flash mode
Manual: ISO 125 to ISO 200 000
FLASH EXPOSURE CONTROL
Flash unit connectorFlash unit connector
Via the accessory shoe
Metering principleMetering principle
Flash exposure metering is done by the image sensor for all exposure
metering methods (in Live View mode and in rangefinder mode)
Flash sync timeFlash sync time
: 1⁄180 s, slower shutter speeds available, automatic switchover to
TTL linear flash mode with HSS-compatible Leica system flash units if
sync time is undercut
Flash exposure meteringFlash exposure metering
Using center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units
(SF 26, SF 40, SF 58, SF 60, SF 64) or with system-compatible flash units,
remote controlled flash SF C1
Flash exposure compensationFlash exposure compensation
SF 40: ±2 EV in 1⁄2 EV increments
SF 60: ±2 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Other: ±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Displays in flash modeDisplays in flash mode (in the viewfinder only)
Flash icon: connection of an external flash unit
EQUIPMENT
WLANWLAN
The Leica FOTOS app is required to use the WLAN function. The Leica
app is available from the Apple App Store™ or the Google Play Store™.
2.4 GHz/5 GHz* dual band IEEE802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wave2 WLAN (stan-
dard WLAN protocol), encryption method: WLAN-kompatible WPA™/
WPA2™, access method: infrastructure mode
Regional variant
EU/US/CN JP ROW
Wi-Fi
5 GHz
11 a/n/ ac:
Channel 149–165
(5745–5825 MHz)
11 a/ n/ a c:
Channel 36–48
(5180 –5240 M Hz)
-
Wi-Fi
2.4 GHz
11 b / g /n:
Channel 1–11 (2412–2462 MHz)
BluetoothBluetooth
Bluetooth v4.2 BR/EDR/LE, BR/DR-channel 1–79, LE-channel 0–39
(2402–2480 MHz)
GPSGPS
Geotagging via Leica FOTOS app using Bluetooth
Menu languagesMenu languages
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese,
Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean
* Unavailable for regional variant "ROW".
TECHNICAL DATA
182
POWER SUPPLY
Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL7)Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL7)
Li-Ion (Lithium-Polymer) rechargeable battery, rated voltage: 7.4 V,
capacity: 1800 mAh, charging current/voltage: DC 7.4 V/1000 mA, oper-
ating conditions: +10°C to +35°C (charging) / +0°C to +40°C (discharg-
ing), manufacturer: Fuji Electronics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., made in China
Approx. 700 shots (in accordance with CIPA Standard in rangefinder
mode), up to approx. 1700 shots (Leica adapted shooting cycle)
Charger (Leica BC-SCL7)Charger (Leica BC-SCL7)
Input: USB-C DC 5 V, 2 A, output: DC 8.4 V, 1 A, operating conditions:
+10°C to +35°C, manufacturer: Dee Van Enterprises Co., Ltd., made in
China
Switching adapter (Leica ACA-SCL7)Switching adapter (Leica ACA-SCL7)
Input: AC 110 V - 240 V ~ 50/60 Hz, 0.3 A, output: DC 5 V, 2 A, operating
conditions: +10°C to +35°C, manufacturer: Dee Van Enterprises Co.,
Ltd., made in China
USB power supplyUSB power supply
When in standby mode or Off: USB charging function
When On: USB power supply and intermittent charging
TECHNICAL DATA
183
LEICA CUSTOMER CARE
184
LEICA CUSTOMER CARE
Please contact the Customer Care department of Leica Camera AG
for the maintenance of your Leica equipment and for help and advice
regarding Leica products and how to order them. You can also con-
tact the Customer Care department or the repair service provided by
your regional Leica subsidiary for repairs or warranty claims.
LEICA GERMANY
Leica Camera AG
Leica Customer Care
Am Leitz-Park 5
35578 Wetzlar
Germany
Phone: +49(0)6441 2080-189
Fax: +49(0)6441 2080-339
Email: customer.care@leica-camera.com
https://leica-camera.com
YOUR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
You will find the Customer Care department responsible for your
locality on our homepage:
https://leica-camera.com/en-US/contact
LEICA AKADEMIE
185
LEICA AKADEMIE
Have a look at our full seminar program with many interesting work-
shops on the topic of photography at:
https://leica-camera.com/en-US/leica-akademie
