Leica 20229 M EV1 60 MP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body User Manual

LEICA MEV1

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

FOREWORD

Dear Customer,

We wish you a great deal of fun and success taking

photographs with your new Leica MEV1. Please read

this manual thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the

full scope of functions your camera has to oer. You can

nd all information about the Leica MEV1 whenever

you need it at https://leica-camera.com.

Your Leica Camera AG

SCOPE OF DELIVERY

Before using your camera for the rst time, please check

that the accessories supplied are complete*.

– Leica MEV1

– Camera bayonet cover

– Lithium-ion rechargeable battery Leica BP-SCL7

– Carry strap

– USB-C cable

– Quick Start Guide

– Test certicate

– Registration card

– Rechargeable battery yer

* Subject to change with regard to construction and appearance.

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/acces-

sories

Only the (optional) accessories specied and de-

scribed 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 malfunctions or damage to the product.

Please read the chapters “Legal information”,

“Safety remarks”, and “General information”

before using your camera for the rst time.

Knowledge of the content will prevent inadvertent

damage to the product, possible injuries and other

risks.

LEGAL INFORMATION LEGAL INFORMATION

LEGAL INFORMATION

• Compliance with copyright laws is mandatory. The

recording and publication of pre-recorded media like

tapes, CDs, or other published or broadcast material

may breach copyright laws. The same applies for all

software supplied as part of the scope of delivery.

• The designations SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSDHC and

their associated logos are registered trademarks of

SD-3C, LLC.

DISCLAIMER

“Leica Content Credentials” allow the tracing of im-

age content and changes thereto. Leica Camera AG

assumes no liability with regard to tamper safety or mis-

use, and oers no warranty for the use of the “Content

credentials” for a specic purpose.

LEGAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS

MANUAL

All text, images and graphics are subject to copyright

and other laws to protect intellectual property. They

must not be copied, modied or used for any purpose

including trade purposes.

TECHNICAL DATA

Product changes with regards to the products or

services may occur after the editorial deadline. The

manufacturer reserves the right to eect 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 images 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 oered in specic countries.

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 innova-

tive and informative 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 documenta-

tion does not infer any licensing rights of the intellectual

property of Leica Camera AG.

REGULATORY INFORMATION REGULATORY INFORMATION

4 5

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING

THE USE OF WLAN/BLUETOOTH

• Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure security

and protect against disruptions to the systems in place

where devices or computer systems are in use that re-

quire more stringent security than WLAN devices.

• Leica Camera AG shall not accept liability for dam-

ages arising from the use of the camera for purposes

other than as a WLAN device.

• It is assumed that the WLAN function will be used

in countries where this camera is sold. There may be

a risk of breaching statutory wireless communication

regulations when using the camera in other countries.

Leica Camera AG shall not accept liability for such

breaches.

• Please note that there is a risk of unauthorized third

party interception of wirelessly communicated data.

We highly recommend that you activate encryption

in the wireless access point settings to ensure data

safety.

• Avoid using the camera in areas where it can be

exposed to magnetic elds, static electricity or other

interferences, e.g. near a microwave oven. RF trans-

missions may otherwise not reach the camera.

• Using the camera near devices like microwave ovens

or mobile phones that use the 2.4 GHz RF band may

negatively aect the performance of both devices.

• Do not attempt to connect to wireless networks you

are not authorized to use.

• The device will automatically search for wireless

networks, once the WLAN function is enabled. A list,

including networks you are not authorized to access,

will be displayed (SSID: Network identier for a

WLAN network). Do not attempt to connect to third

party network, as this could be construed as unau-

thorized access.

• We recommend disabling the WLAN function while

on an aircraft.

• Please read the important notes on specic functions

of Leica FOTOS on p. 138.

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING

THE USE OF “LEICA FOTOS CABLE”

• The use of the “Made for Apple” icon signies that

an accessory part was developed specically for

a connection to the Apple product(s) named in the

icon, and was certied by the developer to comply

with Apple performance standards. Apple bears no

responsibility for the operation of that device or its

compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

• Please note that the use of this accessory with an Ap-

ple product may impede RF performance.

REGULATORY INFORMATION

You will nd 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

Specic 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-specic license information can be found in

the camera menu.

→Select

Camera Information in the main menu

→Select

License Information

CE MARK

The CE mark on our products documents

compliance with the fundamental require-

ments of applicable EU guidelines.

English

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

“Leica Camera AG” hereby declares that this product is in com-

pliance 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 Wet-

zlar, Germany in case of any further questions

Depending on product (see technical data)

Type

Frequency band

(center frequency)

Maximum output

(dBm E.I.R.P.)

WLAN 2412–2462 / 5745–5825 MHz 20

Bluetooth

Wireless Technology 2402–2480 MHz 10

DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

(Applies within the EU and for other Euro-

pean countries with active waste separation

policies.)

This device contains electrical and/or electronic com-

ponents 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 author-

ities, waste disposal collection point or the retailer, from

whom you purchased the device for more information

on correct waste disposal.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE

PROTECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA

Your camera can store various personal information

in the internal memory, including user proles, WLAN

passwords, location-specic information in saved

images. These types of sensitive information should

always be deleted before passing on or selling the

camera.

Please note: A simple reset to factory settings may

not suce, as knowledgeable third parties might be

able to restore the data. We recommend a compre-

hensive and safe erasure of all data to protect your

privacy. Please refer to the chapters “Secure Erase

of Internal Memory” and “Resetting the camera to

factor y settings”.

SAFETY REMARKS SAFETY REMARKS

6 7

• Attaching the lens cap and keeping the camera in

the shade or ideally in its camera case, will help pre-

vent damage to the interior of the camera.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERY

• Improper use of the batteries or the use of unap-

proved battery types may result in an explosion!

• Do not expose the rechargeable battery to sunlight,

heat, humidity or moisture for prolonged periods of

time. Likewise, the batteries must not be placed in a

microwave oven or a high-pressure container as this

would pose a re or explosion hazard!

• Do not under any circumstances charge or insert a

damp or wet battery into the camera!

• A safety valve in the battery ensures that any excess

pressure caused by improper handling is discharged

safely. It is nevertheless important to dispose of a

bloated battery immediately. It may pose an explo-

sion hazard!

• Keep the battery contacts clean and easily acces-

sible. Although lithium-ion batteries are secured

against short circuits, they should still be protected

against contact with metal objects like paper clips or

jewelry. A short-circuited battery can get very hot and

cause severe burns.

• When a battery is accidentally dropped, make sure

to check the housing and the contacts immediately

for any damage. A damaged battery can damage

the camera.

• The battery must be removed from the camera or

charger and must be replaced immediately in case of

a strange smell, discoloration, deformation, over-

heating or leakage. Continued use of the battery

may result in overheating, which can cause re and/

or explosion!

• Never throw batteries into a re as they may explode.

• Keep the battery away from sources of heat in case

of leakage or if you smell burning. Leaked uid can

catch re!

• 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-threaten-

ing 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 work-

shops.

• Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Batteries

can cause suocation when swallowed.

FIRST AID

• Battery uid may cause blindness if it comes into

contact with the eyes. Rinse the eyes thoroughly

with clean water immediately. Avoid rubbing.

Seek medical attention immediately.

• Leaked battery uid poses an injury hazard when

it comes in contact with clothing or skin. Rinse the

aected areas thoroughly with clean water.

CHARGER

(optional accessory)

• 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

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Do not use your camera in the immediate vicinity of

devices that generate powerful magnetic, electro-

static or electromagnetic elds (e.g. induction ovens,

microwave ovens, television sets or computer screens,

video game consoles, cell phones, broadcasting

equipment). Their electromagnetic elds can interfere

with image capturing.

• Strong magnetic elds, e.g. from speakers or large

electric motors can damage the stored data or dis-

rupt shooting.

• Switch o the camera, remove the battery briey,

replace it and switch the camera back on in case of

a camera malfunction due to the eects of electro-

magnetic elds.

• Do not use the camera in the immediate vicinity of

radio transmitters or high-voltage power lines. Their

electromagnetic elds 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 discharge. You can easily pick up charges of

several 10,000 volts by simply walking on synthetic

oor 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 hot shoe.

• Take care not to soil or scratch the sensor for lens

detection in the bayonet. You must similarly prevent

direct contact of the bayonet with grains of sand or

similar particles, as these could cause irreparable

damage. This component must only be cleaned with

a dry cloth (in system cameras).

• Use a cotton or linen cloth instead of a microber

cloth from an optician's (synthetic) when cleaning the

contacts. Make sure to discharge any electrostatic

charge by deliberately touching a heating or water

pipe (conductive, grounded material). Dirt deposits

and oxidation on the contacts can be avoided by

storing your camera in a dry location with the lens

cap and the ash shoe/viewnder cap (in system

cameras) attached.

• Only use accessories specied for this model to pre-

vent faults, short circuits or electric shock.

• Do not attempt to remove parts of the housing (cov-

ers) 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 nish.

• 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 malfunc-

tions and irreparable damage to the camera and

memory card.

LENS

• A camera lens can have the eect of a magnifying

glass when exposed to intense frontal sunlight. The

camera must therefore be protected against extended

exposure to direct sunlight.

GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION

8 9

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please read the section about “Care/Storage” for more

information about what to do in case of problems.

CAMERA/LENS

• Make a note of the serial numbers of your camera

and lenses, as this information will be extremely im-

portant in case of loss.

• Depending on model, you will nd the serial number

of your camera on the ash shoe or engraved in the

underside of the camera.

• Make sure to always have a lens or the camera bay-

onet 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 intro-

duced into the camera.

LCD PANEL

• Condensation may form on the LCD panel if the

camera is exposed to great temperature uctuations.

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 specic temperature range. See chapter

“Technical Data” (p. 158) for details about operat-

ing 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 be-

fore their rst use.

• A new battery only reaches its full capacity after it

has been fully charged and – by using it in the cam-

era – depleted 2 to 3 times. This depletion process

should be repeated roughly every 25 cycles.

• Battery and charger heat up during the charging pro-

cess. That is normal and not a malfunction.

• Rapid ashing of the two LEDs (> 2 Hz) when

charging commences indicates a charging error (e.g.

maximum charging time exceeded, voltages or tem-

peratures outside permitted ranges or a short circuit).

Disconnect the charger from the mains and remove

the battery. Ensure that the above temperature condi-

tions 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 internal chemical reactions. These reac-

tions are inuenced 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 battery is depleted,

it must be replenished by inserting a charged main

battery. The time and date will have to be set again

after a full depletion of both batteries.

• As the battery capacity deteriorates or if using an

older battery, warning messages may appear and

some functions may be restricted or blocked entirely.

• Always remove the battery if the camera will not

be used for an extended period of time. Make sure

to switch the camera o via the main switch before

removing the battery. Leaving the battery in the cam-

era will result in a deep discharge after a few weeks.

MEMORY CARD

• Never remove the memory card during a data save

or card reading process. The camera must not be

switched o 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 memory access. Data on the card

may otherwise be destroyed and camera malfunc-

tions 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 suocation.

SENSOR

• Cosmic radiation (e.g. during ights) may cause pixel

defects.

CARRY STRAP

• Carry straps are usually made of very robust mate-

rial. 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 suer damage.

FLASH

• The use of incompatible ash units with your Leica

MEV1 may result in irreparable damage to the cam-

era and/or the ash unit.

GENERAL INFORMATION WARRANTY TERMS LEICA CAMERA AG

10 11

WARRANTY TERMS LEICA

CAMERA AG

Dear Leica Customer,

congratulations on the purchase of your new Leica

product – you are now the proud owner of a world-

class brand product.

In addition to your statutory warranty claims against

your seller, we, Leica Camera AG ("LEICA"), grant you

voluntary warranty services for your Leica product in

accordance with the following stipulations ("Leica War-

ranty"). The Leica warranty therefore does not limit your

statutory rights as a consumer under applicable law or

your rights as a consumer against the dealer with whom

you have concluded the purchase contract.

LEICA WARRANTY

You have purchased a Leica product that has been

manufactured according to special quality guidelines

and tested by experienced specialists during the var-

ious stages of production. We provide the following

Leica Warranty, valid as of April 1, 2023, for this Leica

product and including the accessory parts in the orig-

inal packaging. Please note that we do not oer any

warranty for commercial use.

We oer an extended warranty for some Leica prod-

ucts, provided you register for a Leica account. Please

visit www.leica-camera.com for more details.

LEICA WARRANTY SCOPE

During the warranty period, complaints based on man-

ufacturing and material defects will be remedied free

of charge, at LEICA's discretion, by way of repair, re-

placement of defective parts, or exchange for a similar

Leica product in perfect condition. Replaced parts or

products become the property of LEICA.

Further claims of any kind and on any legal grounds

whatsoever in connection with this Leica Warranty are

excluded.

EXCLUDED FROM THE LEICA WARRANTY

Parts subject to wear and tear (e.g. eyecups, leather

coverings, carry straps, armoring, batteries), and parts

under mechanical stress are excluded from the Leica

Warranty, unless the defect was caused by manufactur-

ing or material defects. That also applies to any exterior

damage.

VOIDED CLAIMS UNDER LEICA

WARRANTY

Claims under the warranty are void if the defect in

question is due to improper handling; they may also be

void if e.g. third-party accessories have been used, the

Leica product has not been opened professionally or

has not been repaired professionally. Claims for war-

ranty services shall similarly be void if the serial number

is unrecognizable.

CLAIMS UNDER THE LEICA WARRANTY

We require a copy of the proof of purchase of your

Leica product from a LEICA-authorized dealer (“Autho-

rized Leica Dealer") before we can accept any claim

under the warranty. The purchase receipt must show the

date of purchase, the Leica product with its article num-

ber and serial number, and details of the Authorized

Leica Dealer. We reserve the right to request the orig-

inal receipt. Alternatively, you may send us a copy of

the warranty card; please note that the Warranty Card

must be lled out correctly, and the product must have

been purchased from an Authorized Leica Dealer.

Please send your Leica product with a copy of your

purchase receipt or the Warranty Card alongside a

description of the issue.

Leica Camera AG, Customer Care, Am Leitz-

Park 5, 35578 Wetzlar, Germany

Email: customer.care@leica-camera.com, phone:

+49(0)6441 2080-189

or to an Authorized Leica Dealer.

Leica Product Image Warranty Term

all products 2 years

Voltage levels will decrease signicantly, as the cam-

era 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 bat-

tery. The date format is week/year.

MEMORY CARD

• The range of available SD/SDHC/SDXC cards on

the market is too extensive for Leica Camera AG to

test for compatibility and quality. Generally, any type

of memory card may be used without any damage

to the camera or memory card. As some “no name”

cards may not fully comply with the SD/SDHC/SDXC

standards, Leica Camera AG cannot provide any

guarantee of function.

• We recommend formatting the memory card from

time to time, as fragmented residual data from delet-

ed les 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

rst time.

• We recommend backing up your data on a PC,

because electromagnetic elds, 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 overwrit-

ing. 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

• Depending on particle size, any dust or dirt particles

adhering to the sensor glass may result in notice-

able dark spots or blemishes in recordings (in system

cameras). Alternatively, send your camera to the

Leica Customer Care department for sensor cleaning

(see p. 162). This service is not part of the warranty

oering and will therefore incur charges.

DATA

• All data, including personal information, may be

changed or deleted due to incorrect or accidental

operation, static discharge, accidents, malfunctions,

repairs and other actions.

• Please note that Leica Camera AG does NOT

accept liability for direct or consequential damage

due to the manipulation or destruction of data and

personal information.

FIRMWARE UPDATE

• Leica is continuously working on the further improve-

ment and optimization of Leica MEV1. As digital

cameras have many functions that are controlled

electronically, improvements and enhancements to

the functions can be installed on the camera retro-

actively. Leica releases so-called rmware updates

at irregular intervals. Cameras are always supplied

ex works with the latest rmware 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 rmware 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

rmware updates for your Leica MEV1. Additionally,

you can nd information about changes or additions

to the manual at: https://club.leica-camera.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

12 13

DIOPTER SETTINGS ....................................................32

CAMERA OPERATION ...................................34

CONTROL ELEMENTS ................................................34

MAIN SWITCH .................................................................34

SHUTTER BUTTON ...........................................................35

SHUTTER-SPEED DIAL ....................................................36

THUMBWHEEL ................................................................36

DIRECTIONAL PAD/CENTER BUTTON ...........................37

PLAY BUTTON/MENU BUTTON ...................................... 37

LCD PANEL .....................................................................38

FUNCTION ELEMENTS...................................................38

LCD PANEL (TOUCH SCREEN) .......................................40

MENU CONTROL ........................................................ 41

CONTROL ELEMENTS .................................................... 41

MENU SECTIONS ........................................................... 41

CONTROL CENTER .........................................................43

MAIN MENU ...................................................................45

MENU NAVIGATION ......................................................46

SUBMENU .......................................................................48

KEYBOARD/NUMBER PAD .............................................................48

MENU BAR .......................................................................................49

SCALE MENU .................................................................................. 49

DATE/TIME MENU ..........................................................................50

COMBI MENU ................................................................................. 50

USER-DEFINED OPERATION ...................................... 51

FAVORITES MENU........................................................... 51

MANAGING THE FAVORITES MENU ...........................................51

DIRECT ACCESS TO MENU FUNCTIONS .......................52

CHANGING AN ASSIGNMENT ...................................................52

ACCESSING THE ASSIGNED MENU FUNCTION ..................... 52

THUMBWHEEL ASSIGNMENT .......................................53

FN LEVER ASSIGNMENT ...............................................53

CHANGING AN ASSIGNMENT ................................................... 53

USER PROFILES ...............................................................54

CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS ............................ 58

MENU LANGUAGE ....................................................58

DATE/TIME ..................................................................58

RECEIVING THE SETTINGS FROM A MOBILE DEVICE

.58

MANUAL SETTINGS .......................................................58

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD .................................................... 2

SCOPE OF DELIVERY ....................................... 2

REPLACEMENT PARTS / ACCESSORIES ........... 2

LEGAL INFORMATION .................................... 3

REGULATORY INFORMATION ......................... 4

SAFETY REMARKS ........................................... 6

GENERAL INFORMATION ............................... 9

WARRANTY TERMS LEICA CAMERA AG ..........11

TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................12

PART DESIGNATIONS.....................................16

DISPLAYS .......................................................18

VIEWFINDER ............................................................... 18

LCD PANEL .................................................................. 18

CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON THE LCD PANEL ..20

PREPARATION ............................................... 22

ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP ..................................22

PREPARING THE CHARGER

(optional accessory) .....................................................22

CHARGING THE BATTERY ..........................................23

CHARGING VIA USB .......................................................24

INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY .....................24

INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD ..........25

LENS ............................................................................27

COMPATIBLE LENSES ....................................................27

LENSES WITH LIMITED COMPATIBILITY ........................27

INCOMPATIBLE LENSES ................................................27

CHANGING THE LENS ..................................................28

LENS DETECTION .......................................................... 31

USING A LEICA M LENS WITH 6-BIT ENCODING ....................31

USING A LEICA M LENS WITHOUT 6-BIT ENCODING ............ 31

USING A LEICA R LENS ................................................................. 32

DISABLING LENS DETECTION ....................................................32

POWER SAVE MODE (STANDBY MODE) ...................59

CAMERA STANDBY .........................................................59

DISPLAY STANDBY ..........................................................59

STATUS LED .................................................................60

BOTTOM LED ...............................................................60

LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS........................ 61

LCD PANEL/EVF USE ......................................................61

EYE SENSOR SENSITIVITY .............................................62

BRIGHTNESS ................................................................... 62

AUTOMATIC LCD PANEL AND EVF SHUTDOWN ..........63

STILL IMAGE SETTINGS ................................ 64

FILE FORMAT .............................................................. 64

RESOLUTION ..............................................................65

DNG RESOLUTION.........................................................65

JPG RESOLUTION ...........................................................65

EFFECT OF OTHER SETTINGS ON THE JPG

RESOLUTION ..................................................................66

DIGITAL ZOOM ...........................................................66

FILM STYLE ..................................................................69

IMAGE PROPERTIES .......................................................69

EXTENDED DYNAMIC RANGE ......................................69

COLOR PROFILE .............................................................70

MONOCHROME PROFILE .............................................. 70

CUSTOMIZING PHOTO PROFILES .................................70

AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION ...................................... 71

NOISE REDUCTION ........................................................ 71

NOISE REDUCTION FUNCTION FOR LONG-TERM EXPOSURE

...71

NOISE REDUCTION IN JPG IMAGES ..........................................72

DATA MANAGEMENT .................................................72

STORAGE OPTIONS .......................................................72

FILE BACKUP ...................................................................73

FORMATTING STORAGE LOCATIONS ..........................74

DATA STRUCTURE ...........................................................75

EDIT FILE NAMES ...........................................................76

CREATING A NEW FOLDER ...........................................76

CONTENT CREDENTIALS ............................................... 76

RECORDING THE SHOOTING LOCATION WITH GPS .. 77

DATA TRANSFER .............................................................77

PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS .................... 78

AUXILIARY DISPLAYS ..................................................78

INFO PROFILES ...............................................................78

CHANGING THE INFO PROFILES ...............................................79

CUSTOMIZING THE INFO PROFILES ..........................................80

SHOW AVAILABLE .........................................................80

INFO BARS .......................................................................................80

GRID ..................................................................................................80

CLIPPING ..........................................................................................81

FOCUS PEAKING.............................................................................81

LEVEL GAUGE ................................................................................82

HISTOGRAM ....................................................................................83

PHOTOGRAPHY ............................................. 84

DRIVE MODE .............................................................. 84

FOCUSING ..................................................................85

FOCUS PEAKING............................................................................85

ENLARGEMENT .............................................................................. 86

ISO SENSITIVITY .........................................................88

FIXED ISO VALUES .........................................................88

AUTOMATIC SETTING ....................................................88

LIMITING SETTING RANGES .......................................................89

WHITE BALANCE ........................................................90

AUTOMATIC CONTROL/FIXED SETTINGS.....................90

MANUAL SETTING VIA METERING ............................... 91

WHITE BALANCE FINE TUNING ...................................92

DIRECT SETTING OF THE COLOR TEMPERATURE ........92

EXPOSURE ..................................................................93

SHUTTER TYPE ................................................................. 93

EXPOSURE MODES ........................................................96

APERTURE-PRIORITY MODE- A ......................................................96

MANUAL EXPOSURE SETTING – M ............................................. 97

AUXILIARY EXPOSURE DISPLAYS ..................................................98

LONG-TERM EXPOSURE (

) ..........................................................98

AVAILABLE SHUTTER SPEEDS .......................................................101

NOISE REDUCTION .......................................................................101

EXPOSURE CONTROL .................................................. 103

EXPOSURE PREVIEW .................................................................... 103

EXPOSURE LOCK .......................................................................... 103

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ..................................................... 104

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

14 15

SHOOTING MODES.................................................. 105

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING .......................................... 105

INTERVAL SHOOTING .................................................. 106

EXPOSURE BRACKETING ............................................. 108

SELF-TIMER ................................................................... 109

SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES ................................... 110

PERSPECTIVE CONTROL ............................................... 110

ACTIVE PERSPECTIVE CONTROL ..................................................111

DETECTED PERSPECTIVE IN LIVE VIEW MODE..........................111

CORRECTED PERSPECTIVE IN REVIEW MODE...........................111

JPG FORMAT IMAGES ................................................... 112

DNG FORMAT IMAGES ................................................. 112

PERSPECTIVE CONTROL IN ADOBE LIGHTROOM®

AND ADOBE PHOTOSHOP® ......................................... 112

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY.............................................. 113

COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS........................................... 113

FLASH EXPOSURE METERING (TTL METERING) ......... 114

SETTINGS ON THE FLASH UNIT ................................... 115

HSS (HIGH SPEED SYNC.).............................................................115

FLASH CONTROL ........................................................... 116

SYNC POINT ....................................................................................116

FLASH RANGE ............................................................... 117

FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ........................... 117

REVIEW MODE ............................................120

CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE .............. 120

STARTING/EXITING REVIEW MODE ....................... 122

SELECTING/SCROLLING THROUGH IMAGES ....... 122

STORAGE LOCATIONS............................................. 123

INFO DISPLAYS IN REVIEW MODE ......................... 123

CROPPED SECTION ZOOM ...................................... 124

DISPLAYING MULTIPLE IMAGES AT ONCE ............. 126

TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES .............................. 127

DELETING IMAGES .................................................. 129

DELETING MULTIPLE IMAGES .................................... 130

PREVIEW OF LATEST IMAGE ................................... 132

OTHER FUNCTIONS ......................................134

RESETTING THE CAMERA TO FACTORY SETTINGS 134

FIRMWARE UPDATES ................................................ 134

LEICA FOTOS ...............................................138

SELECTING A WI-FI BAND ....................................... 138

CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users) .................................. 139

FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE ..... 139

CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES ........................ 141

CONNECTIVITY (Android users) ............................... 142

FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE DEVICE ..... 142

CONNECTING WITH PAIRED DEVICES ....................... 143

CONNECTIVITY MODES ........................................... 144

PERFORMANCE MODE ................................................ 145

ECO MODE ................................................................... 145

AIRPLANE MODE ......................................................... 145

EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE.......................... 145

CARE/STORAGE ..........................................146

SENSOR .................................................................... 147

SENSOR CLEANING .................................................... 147

FAQ ..............................................................148

MENU OVERVIEW ........................................ 154

TECHNICAL DATA .........................................158

LEICA CUSTOMER CARE ..............................162

LEICA AKADEMIE ........................................163

Denition of the various categories of information

found in this manual

Note

Additional information

Important

Failure to comply with instructions may result in dam-

age to the camera, the accessories or the data les

Attention

Non-compliance may result in personal injury

PART DESIGNATIONS PART DESIGNATIONS

16 17

LEICA MEV1

Main switch

Shutter button

Shutter-speed dial with stop positions

Index

Strap lugs

button

Self-timer LED

Brightness sensor

Lens release button

Bayonet

6-bit encoding

FN lever

Viewnder eyepiece

Brightness sensor for LCD panel/eye sensor

Accessory shoe

Thumbwheel

PLAY

button

LCD panel

Status LED

Directional pad

Center button

Tripod thread

LED

Battery release lever

Memory card slot

Battery compartment

USB-C socket

Diopter wheel

LENS*

32 33a

34a

34b

33c

31a

Lens hood

Aperture ring with scale

Index for aperture values

Focus ring

Focus tab

Fixed ring

Alignment point for focusing

Depth of eld scale

Alignment button for lens replacement

6-bit encoding

* Not included in the scope of delivery. Representative image. Tech-

nical designs may vary depending on included features.

PART DESIGNATIONS

DISPLAYS / VIEWFINDER DISPLAYS / LCD PANEL

18 19

IN REVIEW MODE

All displays/values refer to the displayed image.

22 17

Storage location

Remaining number of shots

Remaining storage capacity

Flash sync point

Connection to Leica FOTOS

Geotagging (via Leica FOTOS)

Digital zoom

Battery capacity

Light balance

Exposure compensation scale

Exposure mode

Shutter speed

ISO Sensitivity

Exposure compensation value

EVF/LCD toggle

Shooting mode (Drive Mode)

Exposure metering method

White balance

User prole

Lens information

File format

DNG Resolution

JPG resolution

Formatting a memory card

Leica FOTOS

Main menu

Leica Content Credentials

Histogram

Grid lines

Level gauge

Focus peaking

ISO Sensitivity

Light balance

Exposure compensation scale

Shutter speed

File name

File number of the image shown

DISPLAYS

VIEWFINDER

IN SHOOTING MODE

All displays/values refer to the actual settings.

32 34

3531

Note

• The information displayed in the viewnder may

dier in size and layout from the display on the LCD

panel. These dierences are intentional and serve

the purpose of ensuring an optimal use of the view-

nder area available, and the best possible visibility

of image details.

LCD PANEL

CONTROL CENTER

4 5 6 7

2423

17 18

13 14

1 2 3 27

IN SHOOTING MODE

ACTIVATED

Capture Assistants

32 34

3835

DISPLAYS / CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON THE LCD PANEL

20 21

CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR ON

THE LCD PANEL

The charge level of the rechargeable battery is dis-

played in the Control Center and in the header line at

the top right.

Display Charge status

Active charging process

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 PREPARATION / CHARGING THE BATTERY

22 23

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

ashes 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 over-

charging.

* starting from a discharged state

PREPARATION

ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP

Attention

• Once you have attached the carry strap, please

make sure that the clips are mounted correctly to pre-

vent the camera from falling.

PREPARING THE CHARGER

(optional accessory)

→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 sucient

output. Otherwise the charging process will not com-

mence.

PREPARATION / INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY PREPARATION / INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD

24 25

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

• Various manufacturers oer SD/SDHC/SDXC mem-

ory cards in a range of sizes and read/write speeds.

Memory cards with high storage capacities and high

read/write speeds oer quick storage and rendering.

• A memory card may not be supported (depending

on its capacity) and may have to be formatted in

the camera before initial use. The camera will in that

case display a relevant message. Please see the sec-

tion “Technical Data” for information about support-

ed cards.

• Check the memory card for correct alignment if you

are having diculties inserting it into the camera.

CHARGING VIA USB

The rechargeable battery in the camera can be auto-

matically charged when the camera is connected to

a computer or another suitable power source via USB

cable.

Factory setting:

→Select Camera Settings in the main menu

→Select

USB Charging

→Select On or Off.

Notes

• The camera will not switch to Standby mode when

charging via USB.

• The charging process will be interrupted in shooting

mode.

• The bottom LED will intermittently ash green during

charging.

INSERTING/REMOVING THE

BATTERY

→Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see p. 34)

INSERTION

→Insert the battery into the slot with the groove point-

ing towards the LCD panel and gently push until you

hear and feel it clicking into place

PREPARATION / INSERTING/REMOVING THE MEMORY CARD PREPARATION / LENS

26 27

The memory card slot is located inside the battery com-

partment and is covered by the battery.

→Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see

p. 34)

→Remove the battery and replace it later (see p. 24)

INSERTION

→Push the memory card into the slot until you hear and

feel it clicking 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

LENS

COMPATIBLE LENSES

LEICA M LENSES

Most Leica M lenses can be used with any lens equip-

ment (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. 31).

Please read the following sections for details on the

very few exceptions and limitations.

Note

• Our Leica Customer Care department can retrot

many Leica M lenses with 6-bit encoding.

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.

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 Macro-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 tri-

pod-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 cam-

era bayonet. That is why you should always use the

tripod mount on relevantly equipped lenses.

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 can-

not focus to innity. Leica Customer Care can modify

these lenses for use with the camera.

PREPARATION / LENS PREPARATION / LENS

28 29

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. 34)

→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 align-

ment point is opposite the release button

→Detach the adapter

CHANGING THE LENS

LEICA M LENSES

ATTACHING

→Ensure that the camera is switched OFF (see

p. 34)

→Hold the lens by the xed 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 xed 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 bay-

onet 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 PREPARATION / LENS

30 31

LENS DETECTION

The 6-bit encoding in the bayonet of current model Lei-

ca M lenses allows the camera to detect the lens type.

– This information is used for e.g. image data optimi-

zation. Edge darkening, for example, which can be-

come 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 individu-

ally using the exposure metering system. This is done

whether or not an encoded or unencoded lens or a

non-M lens is attached via adapter, and regardless

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

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, aper-

tures and item number.

Notes

• Many lenses have their item number engraved on the

opposite side of the depth of eld 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 there-

fore 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 trans-

mission of the set focal length to the camera for mir-

roring the correct bright-line frame in the viewnder.

The focal length is scanned by the camera electronics

and the information is used for focal length-specic

corrections. Due to space limitations, the menu only

contains an item number (11 625). The two other vari-

ants – 11 890 and 11 894 – can be used as well and

the menu settings will apply.

ATTACHING THE LENS TO THE ADAPTER

→Ensure that the camera is switched OFF

→Hold the lens by the xed 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 xed 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 / DIOPTER SETTINGS PREPARATION / DIOPTER SETTINGS

32 33

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 (Ex-

changeable Image File Format) data of the image

when lens detection is disabled.

DIOPTER SETTINGS

The viewnder has a diopter setting function with a

range between −4 and +2 diopter to allow glasses

wearers the use of the camera without eyeglasses (di-

opter compensation).

→Push the diopter wheel into its groove until you hear

an audible click

• This unlocks the diopter wheel and it pushes out a

little.

→Look through the viewnder

→Aiming at and focusing on an object

→Push the diopter wheel back into its groove until it

audibly clicks into place

CAMERA OPERATION / CONTROL ELEMENTS CAMERA OPERATION / CONTROL ELEMENTS

34 35

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 aper-

ture-priority mode, i.e. the shutter speed deter-

mined 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

– Initiating a preset 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

buer 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

MAIN SWITCH

The main switch switches the camera on and o.

SWITCHING THE CAMERA ON

Notes

• Once switched on, the camera will be ready to use

after approx. 1 s.

• Once switched on, the LED lights up briey and the

displays in the viewnder/on the LCD panel appear.

SWITCHING THE CAMERA OFF

O

Note

• The function Camera Standby (see p. 59) deacti-

vates the camera automatically if no operation occurs

within a preset time. Use the main switch to deac-

tivate the camera if this function is Off to prevent

inadvertent exposures and battery discharge when

the camera is not in use.

Attention

• The camera should only be switched o after it has

reached operational readiness to prevent a possible

malfunction.

• A start-up process interrupted by a camera switch-o

may result in malfunctions.

CAMERA OPERATION / CONTROL ELEMENTS CAMERA OPERATION / CONTROL ELEMENTS

36 37

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

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. Control Center)

– Accessing the Play menu

– Exiting the currently displayed (sub) menu

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 “Exposure”

(see p. 93) for details about exposure settings.

–

: aperture-priority mode

(automatic shutter speed control)

–

4000

–

: Fixed shutter speeds of 1⁄4000 s to 8 s

(with intermediate values, clicking in 1⁄2 increments)

–

: Long-term exposure (bulb)

–

: The shortest possible sync speed (1⁄180 s) for ash

mode

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)

CAMERA OPERATION / CONTROL ELEMENTS CAMERA OPERATION / CONTROL ELEMENTS

38 39

FACTORY SETTINGS

In shooting mode In review mode

button 17

Switchover

LCD panel/viewnder

Shooting mode

Function button 5

Focus assist Marking/rating a image

Function button 15 (press thumbwheel)

ISO Changing the magnication

FN lever 11 (move towards the lens)

Focus Peaking

FN lever 11 (move outward)

Digital Zoom

LCD PANEL

– Displaying most important current settings

– Quick access to some menus

– Touch control

FUNCTION ELEMENTS

Direct access to various menus and functions. All func-

tion buttons can be custom congured (see p. 52).

CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL

40 41

MENU CONTROL

CONTROL ELEMENTS

The following elements are used for menu control.

21 Directional pad 22 Center button

button 15 Thumbwheel

MENU SECTIONS

The following menu sections are available: Control

Center, Main Menu and Favorites.

Control Center:

– quick access to the most important settings

Favorites:

– your custom list (see p. 51 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:

– oers access to all menu items

– contains various submenus

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-nger pinch”

“two-nger spread”

Enlarging/reducing viewed images

“swipe and hold”

“hold and swipe”

Continuous scrolling

* A light touch is enough, don't apply pressure. Touch control* can be switched on/o as of rmware version FW 2.0.0.

CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL

42 43

CONTROL CENTER

The Control Center oers an overview of key data relat-

ing to the current camera status and active settings.

It furthermore allows direct access to important settings.

The Control Center is optimized for touch control.

Light balance with exposure compensation scale

Exposure settings (see p. 93)

Menu items

Access to the main menu

Notes

• Where touch operation is not possible or desired

(e.g. in EVF mode), the Control Center can also be

operated using the directional pad and center but-

ton, or the thumbwheel.

• The settings become eective immediately.

• The framed control panels can be selected. The val-

ues not outlined are either automatically set values (in

Aperture-Priority mode or Auto ISO), or xed values

set using the shutter-speed dial.

CONTROL CENTER

FAVORITES

MAIN MENU

SWITCHING MENU SECTIONS

The Control Center will always be displayed as the rst

menu section. The top level of the menu is organized

into “pages”, which are displayed in the header line:

Control Center, 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 Control Center and the favorites menu

oer access to the main menu as their respectively last

menu item.

Scrolling forward

→Press the

button

• The Control Center will reappear after the last

page of the Main Menu was displayed.

CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL

44 45

FAVORITES MENU

The favorites menu oers quick access to the most

frequently used menu items. It can contain up to 11

menu items. These can be assigned individually (see

p. 51).

MAIN MENU

The main menu oers access to all settings. Most of

these are organized in submenus.

Menu sections: Main Menu and Favorites

Menu item name

Menu item setting

Submenu reference

SUBMENU

There are various types of submenus available. The

following pages describe their operation.

Current menu item

Submenu item

References to other submenus

Scrollbar

SETTINGS

There are a variety of options for changing settings from

within the Control Center. 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 Control Center (see p. 49).

→Select the desired function directly or swipe

Note

• Do not remove the rechargeable battery! Settings

are not saved permanently until the camera is

switched o. Unsaved changes will be lost if the bat-

tery 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. 46). Touch control is

therefore unavailable. From there, you are returned to

the Control Center and not the previous menu item.

→Select the desired setting

CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL

46 47

SHOW SUBMENU

→Press the center button/thumbwheel

→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 conrmation 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

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

MENU NAVIGATION

SCREEN BY SCREEN NAVIGATION

Scrolling forward

→Press the

button (repeatedly if needed)

• The Control Center will reappear after the last

page of the Main Menu was displayed.

Scrolling backward

→Press and hold the

button while pressing the

directional pad right

• The last page of the Main Menu will reappear

after the Control Center was displayed.

LINE BY LINE NAVIGATION

(Function/function option selection)

→Press the directional pad up/down

→Turn the thumbwheel

(to the right = down, to the left = up)

• Once the last menu item has been reached scroll-

ing 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 spe-

cic circumstances. The text in the relevant line is dis-

played in gray to signify the existence of a submenu.

CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL

48 49

MENU BAR

Using button control

→Press the directional pad left/right

→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 requires no additional conrmation and will

be active immediately.

SCALE MENU

Using button control

→Press the directional pad left/right

→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.

SUBMENU

KEYBOARD/NUMBER PAD

Entry line

Keyboard/Number pad

“Delete” button (deletes the last character entered)

“Conrm” button

(to apply individual values and existing settings)

Return to previous menu level

Shift key (toggles between upper and lower case

letters)

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

→Turn the thumbwheel

• The currently active button will be highlighted.

• There will be an automatic jump to the next/pre-

vious 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

button

→Select button

CAMERA OPERATION / MENU CONTROL CAMERA OPERATION / USER-DEFINED OPERATION

50 51

USER-DEFINED OPERATION

FAVORITES MENU

Assign your most frequently used menu items to a favor-

ites menu (up to 11 items) for quick and easy access. The

available functions are shown in the list on p. 154.

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 or 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 O and the Favorites

menu is deleted

DATE/TIME MENU

Moving to the next settings eld

→Press the directional pad left/right

→Press the center button

→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 eld

→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

→Turn the thumbwheel

Applying the setting

→Press the center button/thumbwheel

Returning to the superordinate menu item

→Press the

button

CAMERA OPERATION / USER-DEFINED OPERATION CAMERA OPERATION / USER-DEFINED OPERATION

52 53

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:

Exposure Compensation

→Select Customize Control in the main menu

→Select

Customize Wheel

→Select Exposure Compensation/Focus Aid or No

Function

FN LEVER ASSIGNMENT

The use of the FN lever during shootings is particularly

intuitive. Both positions of the FN lever can have indi-

vidual menu settings (Digital Zoom, Focus Aid or Focus

Peaking) assigned.

Factory setting:

Focus Peaking, Digital Zoom

CHANGING AN ASSIGNMENT

In addition to accessing the relevant menu function, the

FN lever function can also be easily reassigned.

→Move and hold the FN lever in the desired direction

• The direct access appears on the LCD panel.

→Select the desired menu item

DIRECT ACCESS TO MENU FUNCTIONS

You can assign specic menu functions to the function

buttons for extra quick direct access to menu items in

shooting mode. The available functions are shown in

the list on p. 154. For factory settings see p. 38.

CHANGING AN ASSIGNMENT

All function buttons permit a quick and easy reassign-

ment 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

→Briey 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

dierently than when they are accessed via the main

menu. Specically, 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 CAMERA OPERATION / USER-DEFINED OPERATION

54 55

RENAMING PROFILES

→Select User Profile in the main menu

→Select

Manage Profiles

→Select Rename Profiles

→Select a prole

→Enter a name for the prole via the associated sub-

menu keyboard and conrm your input (see p. 48)

• Prole names must be between 3 and 10 charac-

ters in length.

APPLYING/ACTIVATING PROFILES

Factory setting:

Default Profile

→Select User Profile in the main menu

• A list of prole names is displayed.

→Select a prole

• The selected prole is marked as

Active.

• Free memory slots appear in gray.

Note

•

will appear in the original menu list instead of the

name of the prole used if you change one of the

settings for the prole currently in use.

USER PROFILES

This camera allows the permanent storage of any menu

settings, to e.g. access them quickly and easily for re-

curring conditions/image objects. Six memory slots are

provided to store custom settings, plus the factory set-

ting, which is always available and cannot be modied

(Default Profile). You can assign names for the saved

proles yourself.

Any proles congured for the camera can be saved

to a memory card for use on another camera. Similarly,

proles saved on a memory card can be transferred to

the camera.

CREATING PROFILES

Saving settings/creating a prole.

→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

→Conrm the selection

Notes

• Existing proles 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 settings” (see p. 134).

CAMERA OPERATION / USER-DEFINED OPERATION CAMERA OPERATION / USER-DEFINED OPERATION

56 57

EXPORTING/IMPORTING PROFILES TO/FROM

THE MEMORY CARD

→Select

User Profile in the main menu

→Select

Manage Profiles

→Select Export Profiles or Import Profiles

→Conrm the selection

Notes

• When importing and exporting, all prole slots are

transferred to the card, i.e. including any empty slots.

Any existing proles stored in the camera will be

overwritten, during the prole import. Individual pro-

les cannot be imported or exported.

• Any existing set of proles will be replaced on the

memory card during an export without an acknowl-

edgment prompt.

CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS / MENU LANGUAGE CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS / POWER SAVE MODE (STANDBY MODE)

58 59

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 oset 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 or Off.

POWER SAVE MODE (STANDBY MODE)

You can choose one of two power saving functions.

– Activating the standby mode

– Automatic LCD panel/viewnder deactivation

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

(

Off, 30 s, 1 min, 5 min)

Note

• The camera can be woken from standby mode at any

time by pressing the shutter button or by switching the

main switch o and on again.

CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS

For details on how to navigate in the menus and for

inputs see chapter “Menu control” (see p. 41).

The two menu items

Language and Date & Time

appear automatically when switching the camera on

for the rst time, after a reset to factory settings (see

p. 134), or after a rmware update.

MENU LANGUAGE

Factory setting: English

Available menu languages: English, German, French,

Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Tradi-

tional Chinese, Simplied Chinese, 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 re-

ceived from the mobile device.

Factory setting:

→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. 138).

MANUAL SETTINGS

DATE

You can choose one of 3 options for the display se-

quence.

→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

CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS / STATUS LED CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS / LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS

60 61

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 glass.

The following functions can be congured and used

individually:

– Use of the LCD panel and EVF (electronic viewnd-

er)

– Eye sensor sensitivity

– Brightness

– Automatic LCD panel and EVF shutdown

LCD PANEL/EVF USE

You can preset the situations in which EVF and LCD

panel should be used.

Factory setting:

Auto

EVF LCD panel

Auto The eye sensor in the viewnder automat-

ically toggles the camera between LCD

panel and EVF.

• Shooting

• Review

• Menu control

LCD • Shooting

• Review

• Menu control

EVF • Shooting

• Review

• Menu control

EVF ex-

tended

Only EVF is used for shooting mode. The

eye sensor in the viewnder automatically

toggles the camera between LCD panel

and EVF for review and menu control.

• Shooting

• Review

• Menu control

→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 o (e.g. on dark environments).

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 deleting 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 ash during the charging process

via the USB-C port and during memory access. It indi-

cates e.g. that data remains to be transferred from the

buer 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)

CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS / LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS CAMERA BASIC SETTINGS / LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER SETTINGS

62 63

AUTOMATIC LCD PANEL AND EVF

SHUTDOWN

The LCD panel and EVF deactivate automatically to

save power. The time until power o can be set.

Factory setting:

30 s

→Select Camera Settings in the main menu

→Select

Power Saving Mode

→Select Display Standby

→Select the desired setting

(

Off, 30 s, 1 min, 5 min)

EYE SENSOR SENSITIVITY

You can adjust the eye sensor sensitivity to ensure that

the changeover 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

You can adjust brightness for best visibility in various

lighting conditions. Brightness is set individually for the

LCD panel and the viewnder. Selection occurs via key

control or touch control.

LCD PANEL

→Select

Display Settings in the main menu

→Select

LCD Brightness

→Select the desired brightness or Auto

→Conrm selection

EVF

→Select

Display Settings in the main menu

→Select

EVF Brightness

→Look through the viewnder

→Select the desired brightness or

Auto

→Conrm selection

STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / FILE FORMAT STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / RESOLUTION

64 65

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 simultaneously.

When creating JPGs, an initial processing occurs in

the camera. Various parameters, including contrast,

saturation, black level, or edge sharpness are set au-

tomatically. 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 images are recommended.

DNG les contain all raw data as recorded by the

camera sensor at the time the photo is taken. Special

software (e.g. Adobe

Photoshop

Lightroom

or Cap-

ture One Pro

) will be needed to display DNG format

les or to work with this format. Post-processing will

allow exact adjustments of many parameters to your

own expectations.

Factory setting:

DNG

→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 le

may depend on the DNG Resolution 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 shoot-

ing. That very much depends on the object; very ne

image structures result in higher data quantities, while

homogeneous surfaces mean less data.

RESOLUTION

DNG RESOLUTION

Three dierent resolutions (number of pixels) are avail-

able for shooting in raw data format (DNG).

All the benets 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 oers 3 image resolution (number

of pixels) options. The following le formats are avail-

able:

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 / DIGITAL ZOOM STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DIGITAL ZOOM

66 67

EFFECT OF OTHER SETTINGS ON THE JPG

RESOLUTION

DNG RESOLUTION

If shooting in DNG format or in JPG format only, the rel-

evantly selected resolution applies. If, however, the le

format is set to

DNG + JPG, the resolution used for JPG

les will depend on the resolution for DNG les. The

resolution selected for JPG les can be less than the

one used for DNG les, but it cannot be higher.

DNG Reso-

lution

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

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 nal 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.

→Press the function button with the

Digital Zoom as-

signment

• The display cycles through the magnication fac-

tors 1x (no frame), 1.3x, and 1.8x.

• The set level will remain until the next change.

JPG and DNG les appear cropped, i.e. magnied

when rendered on the camera.

Digital

Zoom

In shooting mode In review mode

O

Digital

zoom 1.3x

1.3x

Digital

zoom 1.8x

1.8x

STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DIGITAL ZOOM STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / FILM STYLE

68 69

EFFECT ON THE RESULTING IMAGES

The Digital Zoom will have diering eects on the re-

sulting les, depending on the selected le format.

DNG IMAGES

DNG les are always saved unchanged (at full size).

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.

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 selected resolution will

accordingly change to L-JPG as long as Digital Zoom

is active.

Digital

Zoom

DNG Resolution

L-DNG M-DNG S-DNG

O 60 MP 36 MP 18 MP

1.3x 39 MP 39 MP 39 MP

1.8x 18 MP 18 MP 18 MP

JPG IMAGES

Only an enlarged cropped section will be displayed

and stored for JPG les. 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 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

O 60 MP 36 MP 18 MP

1.3x 39 MP 39 MP 39 MP

1.8x 18 MP 18 MP 18 MP

FILM STYLE

IMAGE PROPERTIES

One of the many advantages of digital photography is

that it is very easy to change essential image proper-

ties. The image properties of individual frames can be

changed easily using various parameters. These are

summarized in pre-congured Film Style proles.

CONTRAST

The contrast setting, i.e. the dierence between light

and dark image sections, determines whether an im-

age comes across as “at” or “brilliant”. Increasing or

decreasing this dierence impacts on contrast, mean-

ing 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.

COLOR SATURATION

The saturation factor in color shots determines, whether

colors in the picture appear “pale” and pastel-like or

“vivid” and bright. While lighting conditions and weath-

er (e.g. foggy/clear) are a given in terms of shooting

conditions, their rendering can be inuenced.

EXTENDED DYNAMIC RANGE

This function corrects light and shadow locally to im-

prove the overall image contrast and maintain detail

in the relevant gradation value ranges. This facilitates

the display of image content with a very high dynamic

range on standard output devices, and more closely re-

sembles the perception of the human eye. This function

is applicable only for JPG format. Available are Off,

Medium, and High.

Factory setting:

Off

→Select JPG Settings in the main menu

→Select

Extended Dynamic Range

→Select the desired setting

(Off, Medium, High)

STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / FILM STYLE STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION

70 71

COLOR PROFILE

3 pre-congured color proles are available:

Factory setting:

Standard

– Standard

– Vivid

– Natural

→Select Film Style in the main menu

→Select a prole

MONOCHROME PROFILE

Two pre-congured monochrome proles are available:

–

Monochrome

– Monochrome High Contrast

→Select JPG Settings in the main menu

→Select

Film Style

→Select a prole

CUSTOMIZING PHOTO PROFILES

These parameters can be adjusted for all available pro-

les (Saturation only for color proles). See p. 41 for

details on menu operation.

→Select

JPG Settings in the main menu

→Select

Film Style

→Select Film Style Settings

→Select a prole

→Select

Contrast/Sharpness/Saturation

→Select the desired level

(

-2, -1, 0, +1, +2)

→Conrm

AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION

NOISE REDUCTION

NOISE REDUCTION FUNCTION FOR LONG-

TERM EXPOSURE

In digital photography, the appearance of awed pix-

els that can be white, red, blue or green is referred to

as "noise". 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 “dark frame” (taken

with the shutter closed) automatically after a shoot-

ing with slow shutter speed and high ISO value. The

noise metered in this parallel shot will then be “sub-

tracted” digitally from the data for the actual shot. In

such cases the message

Noise reduction in progress...

will appear with a relevant time value. This “exposure

time” doubling must be taken into account in long-term

exposures. The camera must not be switched o during

that time.

Factory setting:

→Select Noise Reduction in the main menu

→Select

On or Off.

Noise Reduction is used if the following conditions

apply:

ISO range Shutter speed longer

than

ISO 64 – ISO 125 160 s

ISO 160 – ISO 250 80 s

ISO 320 – ISO 500 40 s

ISO 640 – ISO 1000 20 s

ISO 1250 – ISO 2000 10 s

ISO 2500 – ISO 4000 6 s

ISO 5000 – ISO 8000 3 s

ISO 10000 – ISO 16000 1.5 s

ISO 20000 – ISO 32000 0.8 s

STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DATA MANAGEMENT STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DATA MANAGEMENT

72 73

NOISE REDUCTION IN JPG IMAGES

Except when high sensitivities are used, noise is luckily

negligible. Nevertheless, noise reduction is a compo-

nent of data processing when JPG les are generated.

On the other hand, since it also has an eect on the fo-

cus 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

→Select the desired setting

(-1, 0, +1)

Note

• This setting will only aect images in JPG format.

DATA MANAGEMENT

STORAGE OPTIONS

Leica MEV1 comes with a 64 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 Options in the main menu

→Select the desired setting

An icon in the Control Center denotes the selected

setting.

Display Storage options

DNG+JPG first on SD

Files will initially be saved to the inserted memo-

ry card until it runs out of space. After that, les

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, les

will be saved to the memory card.

DNG on SD /JPG on IN

The les are stored by format. JPG les are

stored in the internal memory, and DNG les on

the memory card.

DNG on IN /JPG on SD

The les are stored by format. DNG les are

stored in the internal memory, and JPG les on

the memory card.

DNG+JPG on IN=SD

All les are saved to both storage locations. That

will ensure that there will always be a complete

backup of all les.

DNG+JPG only on SD

All les are saved to the inserted memory card.

The internal memory remains unused.

FILE BACKUP

You can choose to transfer all les in the internal mem-

ory to the inserted memory card, or only those images

rated as ★. This may be useful if e.g. the internal mem-

ory 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.

Always use an empty, formatted card.

→Select

Storage Management in the main menu

→Select

Backup Memory (IN ⇒ SD)

→Select Copy All/Copy All with ★

→Conrm the selection

• The lower status LED will ash during that process.

STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DATA MANAGEMENT STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DATA MANAGEMENT

74 75

FORMATTING STORAGE LOCATIONS

It is recommended to format storage locations from time

to time, as some residual data (data accompanying

shootings) may use up storage capacity. An inserted

memory card and the internal memory can be format-

ted independently. Please note the following:

– Never switch o the camera while data transfer is in

progress.

– When formatting a storage location, all date in that

storage location 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 accumulated over time, or to free up the

storage capacity quickly.

→Select

Storage Management in the main menu

→Select

Format Storage

→Select Format Internal Memory

→Conrm the selection

• The lower status LED will ash during that process.

SECURE ERASE OF INTERNAL MEMORY

The internal memory can be formatted to remove

residual data accumulated over time, or to free up the

storage capacity quickly.

→Select Storage Management in the main menu

→Select

Format Storage

→Select Format internal memory (secure)

→Conrm the selection

Note

• During basic formatting, only the le index is deleted,

so the data remains on the storage but is no longer

readily accessible. Data access can be restored with

appropriate software. Only data that is overwritten

when new data is saved will actually be irretriev-

able. For a thorough and permanent deletion of all

images, image fragments, and personal data, select

Format internal memory (secure). This process may

take up to 75 minutes.

MEMORY CARD

Memory cards that have already been in use with this

camera will usually not require formatting. An unformat-

ted memory card that is inserted into the camera for the

rst 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

→Conrm the selection

• The lower status LED will ash during that process.

Notes

• 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. 162).

DATA STRUCTURE

FOLDER STRUCTURE

The les (= photos) on the memory cards are saved in

automatically generated folders. The rst three charac-

ters signify the folder number (numerals), the last ve

the folder name (letters). The rst 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 le names in these folders consist of eleven char-

acters. In the factory settings, the rst le is named

“L1000001.XXX”, the second “L1000002.XXX”, etc. The

rst three characters can be changed. The initial “L”

in the factory settings denotes the camera brand. The

next four digits denote the sequential le number. Once

le number 9999 is reached, then a new folder will be

automatically created, in which the le numbering be-

gins at 0001 again. The last three places after the dot

denote the le format (DNG or JPG).

Notes

• When using memory cards that were not formatted

with this camera, the le numbering will begin with

0001 again. Should the memory card already con-

tain a le 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 le 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.

STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DATA MANAGEMENT STILL IMAGE SETTINGS / DATA MANAGEMENT

76 77

EDIT 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 “L10” at

the start of the le name. The rst three characters

of the le name are editable.

→Enter a letter of your choice (see p. 48)

→Conrm

Notes

• The change to a le name applies to all subsequent

les or until a new change is made. The sequential

number will not be aected; but it will be reset when

a new folder is created.

• After a reset to factory settings, the start of the le

name will automatically revert to “L10”.

• Lower case letters are unavailable.

CREATING A NEW FOLDER

→Select Camera Settings in the main menu

→Select

Reset Image Numbering

• A relevant prompt is displayed.

→Conrm the creation of a new folder (

Yes) or cancel

the new folder (No)

Note

• The name part (rst letter) of a new folder created

this way remains unchanged. The le numbers in that

folder will start again at 0001.

CONTENT CREDENTIALS

Signing the images with Leica Content Credentials al-

lows you to add allocation details to each frame.

They contain information about the identity of the

creator, as well as data in compliance with the C2PA

standard regarding the specic camera used for taking

the images. These may oer useful allocation informa-

tion for target groups, once the image is shared or pub-

lished. Relevant images are marked with an icon.

→Select Camera Information in the main menu

→Select

Leica Content Credentials

→Activate the function (On) under the menu item Sign

Content

→Select Copyright/Produced by from the submenu

• A keyboard submenu is displayed.

→Enter the desired information (see p. 48)

→Conrm

Disclaimer

• “Leica Content Credentials” allow the tracing of

image content and changes thereto. Leica Camera

AG assumes no liability with regard to tamper safety

or misuse, and oers no warranty for the use of this

function for a specic purpose.

RECORDING THE SHOOTING LOCATION

WITH GPS

(only in connection with the Leica FOTOS

app)

The GPS (global positioning system) allows the pin-

pointing of a receiver anywhere in the world. The GPS

function is activated automatically when a connection

to the Leica FOTOS app is active and if the GPS func-

tion is active on the mobile device. The camera will then

continuously receive the current GPS data (latitude and

longitude, elevation above sea level) and writes this

information into the Exif data of the images.

→Activate the GPS function on the mobile device

→Activate Leica FOTOS and connect to the camera

Notes

• This function is available only as long as the camera

is on line with the Leica FOTOS app.

• 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 infor-

mation beforehand.

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.

VIA LEICA FOTOS

→See chapter “Leica FOTOS” (p. 138)

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:

PTP

→Select Camera Settings in the main menu

→Select

USB Mode

→Select the desired setting

→Switch the camera o 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

– The Tethering function allows a tethering to Capture-

One and Adobe Lightroom

Notes

• We recommend using a card reader for the transfer

of large les.

• 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 o 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

connection is active.

* Optional accessory

PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS / AUXILIARY DISPLAYS PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS / AUXILIARY DISPLAYS

78 79

PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS

AUXILIARY DISPLAYS

The Leica MEV1 has 4 independent info proles, which

contain diering combinations of the available auxiliary

displays. The following functions are available:

– Info Bars (see p. 80)

– Grid (only shooting mode, see p. 80)

– Focus Peaking (see p. 81)

– Clipping (see p. 81)

– Level Gauge (only shooting mode, see p. 82)

– Histogram (see p. 83)

Info Bars (= header and footer line)

Grid

Focus peaking

Clipping

Level gauge

Histogram

INFO PROFILES

Up to 4 independent proles can be used. The desired

function can be selected and adjusted individually for

each prole. Access and changeover from one info

prole to another is done via the center button during

running operation. It allows quick switches between

various views.

Empty proles appear below the menu item

Info Pro-

files as Off. The prole will appear in the parent menu

On and is available for display if at least one func-

tion is activated.

EXAMPLE

Prole Conguration

Only info bars (header and footer lines)

Clipping, Histogram

Focus Peaking

Info Bars, Clipping, Focus Peaking, Histogram

CHANGING THE INFO PROFILES

All active info proles, i.e. those marked as

On, can be

accessed in shooting mode.

→Press the center button

• The view switches from full screen without auxiliary

displays to the rst active prole.

→Press the center button

• The view switches to the next active prole.

• The view will revert to full screen without auxiliary

displays if no other active prole is available.

PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS / AUXILIARY DISPLAYS PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS / AUXILIARY DISPLAYS

80 81

CUSTOMIZING THE INFO PROFILES

→Select

Capture Assistants in the main menu

→Select a prole

→Select the desired function

→Select

On or Off.

• The function is activated or deactivated.

→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

The prole 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. 18).

GRID

The grids divide the image frame into multiple elds.

They facilitate pictorial composition and an exact

camera orientation. The grid line distribution can be

adjusted to t the object.

You can choose one of two grid displays. They divide

the image eld into 3 x 3 or 6 x 4 elds.

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 ash

black.

SETTING THE LIMIT VALUE

You can set a threshold value for these displays, i.e.

dene a value at what degree of overexposure they will

appear, so that you can adjust these displays to specic

conditions or in line with your own composition ideas.

→Select

Capture Assistants in the main menu

→Select a prole

→Select

Clipping

→Select Upper Limit

→Select the desired value

(200 to 255)

FOCUS PEAKING

This assist function highlights the edges of in focus sub-

ject 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-specied.

Factory setting:

Red

→Select Capture Assistants in the main menu

→Select a prole

→Select

Focus Peaking

→Select Color

→Select the desired setting

(Red, Green, Blue, White)

PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS / AUXILIARY DISPLAYS PRACTICAL DEFAULT SETTINGS / AUXILIARY DISPLAYS

82 83

SENSITIVITY

The sensitivity can be additionally adjusted. This setting

will apply for all info proles.

Factory setting:

High

→Select Capture Assistants in the main menu

→Select a prole

→Select

Focus Peaking

→Select Sensitivity

→Select the desired setting

(Low, High)

Note

• Focus peaking is based on subject contrast, i.e.

dierences between 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 orienta-

tion. These indicators 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 transverse 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).

Note

• The camera will switch the aspect of the level gauge

autonomously for shoots in vertical format.

Correct alignment

Tilted laterally to the left Tilted downward in the

direction of view

Tilted laterally to the right Tilted upward in the direc-

tion 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 ver-

tical 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 dis-

played; depending on the settings used, it may not

represent the nal exposure.

• In shooting mode, the histogram should be regarded

as a “trend indicator”.

• The histogram during rendering may dier slightly

from the one during exposure.

• The Histogram always refers to the currently displayed

cropped section of the image.

PHOTOGRAPHY / FOCUSING

84 85

PHOTOGRAPHY

DRIVE MODE

The functions and settings described in the following

generally refer to the exposure of individual shots. In

addition to single frame shooting, the Leica MEV1

oers a number of other exposure modes. Please read

the relevant sections for information about functional-

ities 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. 105)

Speed:

Continuous - Low Speed

Continuous - High Speed

Interval shooting

(see p. 106)

Number of Frames

Interval between the shootings

(Interval)

Delay time (Countdown)

Exposure bracketing

(see p. 108)

Number of Frames (3 or 5)

EV Steps

Exposure Compensation

FOCUSING

Image sharpness is set up in Live View mode via the

image on the LCD panel or in the viewnder – it will

show the image object at the exact sharpness as it is

rendered by the lens based on the focus and aperture

setting.

Your camera oers two useful assist functions to facili-

tate and improve setting accuracy:

– The magnication of an (initially) central cropped

section of the screen image (Zooming).

• The enlargement function (

Focus Aid) can be

activated automatically during focusing or inde-

pendently.

– Marking of screen image sections where subject ele-

ments are in clear focus (Focus Peaking)

FOCUS PEAKING

This assist function highlights the edges of in focus sub-

ject elements in color. The color can be user-specied.

This function can be set up and activated/deactivated

at the same time as other auxiliary displays via Info

Proles using the FN lever

11 (see p. 85).

→Congure and display info displays

→Select an image section

→Turn the focus ring to mark the desired subject ele-

ments

• 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.

dierences between 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 eld).

PHOTOGRAPHY / FOCUSING PHOTOGRAPHY / FOCUSING

86 87

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 magnica-

tion factors.

→Turn the thumbwheel

Changing the position of the enlarged section

→Move the position of an enlarged cropped section

by swiping

→Press the directional pad in the relevant direction

The magnication 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 magnica-

tion function.

– Via the focus ring (automatic)

– Via a function button

– Via touch control

– Via the thumbwheel

Via the focus ring

The magnication function can be accessed automati-

cally during focusing.

→Select

Capture Assistants in the main menu

→Select

Focus Aid

→Select Automatic

→Turn the focus ring

• Magnication is activated.

Automatic magnication is deactivated in the factory

settings. Where this is not desirable, the function can

also be activated.

→Select

Capture Assistants in the main menu

→Select

Focus Aid

→Select Automatic

Note

• The magnication will end approx. 5 s after the last

movement of the focus ring. That does not apply if

the magnication level was changed.

Via a function button

→Press the function button with the

Focus Aid assign-

ment

• In factory settings, that will be function button

• Magnication is activated.

Using touch control

→Double-tap the LCD panel in the desired position

• Magnication is activated.

Via the thumbwheel

The magnication function is additionally accessible via

the thumbwheel.

→Select

Customize Control in the main menu

→Select

Customize Wheel

→Select Focus Aid

→Turn the thumbwheel to the right

• Magnication is activated.

Exiting the assist functions

The manually activated magnication remains active

until it is explicitly exited. That applies regardless of

which operating element was used for its activation.

→Press the function button again

→Double-tap anywhere on the LCD panel

→Tap the shutter button

PHOTOGRAPHY / ISO SENSITIVITY PHOTOGRAPHY / ISO SENSITIVITY

88 89

ISO SENSITIVITY

The ISO setting covers a range between ISO 64 and

ISO 50000, allowing you to adapt to the relevant situ-

ation as required.

There is more leeway for the use of preferred shutter-

speed/aperture combinations when setting the expo-

sure manually. You can set priorities within the scope

of the automatic setting, e.g. for reasons of pictorial

composition.

FIXED ISO VALUES

Values between ISO 64 and ISO 50000 can be select-

ed in 30 increments.

Factory setting:

Auto ISO

→Select 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.

AUTOMATIC SETTING

The camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to ambi-

ent brightness and/or to the congured shutter-speed/

aperture combination. In conjunction with aperture-pri-

ority mode, this function extends the range for automatic

exposure control.

→Select 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 congured. Focal length-re-

lated settings (

1/f s

1/(2f) s

1/(4f) s

)* and xed max. shut-

ter speeds between 1/2 s and 1/2000 s are provided.

The camera will only switch to a higher sensitivity in the

focal length-specic settings, when the shutter speed

falls below the set threshold due to low light. Example:

Speeds below 1⁄60 s at 1/f s, 1⁄125 s at 1/(2f) s, or

1⁄250 s at

1/(4f) s in conjunction with a 50 mm lens.

Separate settings are available for ash photography.

* This function requires the use of encoded lenses or a manual set-

ting of the lens type used in the menu.

LIMITING ISO VALUES

All values from ISO 64 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 64 are available.

Factory setting:

3200

→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 / WHITE BALANCE PHOTOGRAPHY / WHITE BALANCE

90 91

WHITE BALANCE

In digital photography, White Balance ensures neutral

color rendering in any light. White Balance relies on the

setting made in the camera, which light color is to be

rendered as 'white'.

Four methods are available:

– automatic control

– xed presets

– manual setting via metering

– direct setting of the color temperature

Factory setting:

Auto

AUTOMATIC CONTROL/FIXED SETTINGS

– Auto: for automatic control, which delivers neutral

results in most situations

– Various xed presets for most frequently encountered

light sources:

Daylight

For outdoor shootings in sunlight

Cloudy

For outdoor shootings in cloudy

conditions

Shadow

For outdoor shootings with the

main subject in shadow

Tungsten

For indoor shootings with (pre-

dominantly) incandescent lamp

light

HMI

For indoor shootings with (pre-

dominantly) light from metal

halide lamps

Fluorescent (warm)

For indoor shootings with (pre-

vailing) light from uorescent

tubes with warm light color

Fluorescent (cool)

For indoor shootings with (pre-

vailing) light from uorescent

tubes with cool light color

Flash

For ash photography

→Select White Balance in the main menu

→Select the desired setting

MANUAL SETTING VIA METERING

( Gray Card)

This metering variant captures only the color hue me-

tered within the metering eld and calculates the mean

gray value from it. The variant

Gray Card is suited

best for subjects in which you can clearly identify a neu-

tral gray or pure white area.

→Select

White Balance in the main menu

→Select

Gray Card

• The following appears on the LCD panel:

– the image based on automatic white balance

– a cross in the middle of the image

→Aim the metering eld at a white or neutral gray area

• The screen image changes dynamically in line with

the reference area in the frame.

Repositioning the focus frame

→Press the directional pad in the relevant direction

Performing measurement

→Aim the metering eld at a white or neutral gray area

→Shutter release

→Press the center button/thumbwheel

• The measurement is taken.

• The setting will now be saved.

Cancelling measurements

→Press the

button

Note

• A value congured using this method will remain un-

changed (i.e. it will be used for all subsequent photo-

graphs) until new measurements are taken or one of

the other white balance settings is selected.

PHOTOGRAPHY / WHITE BALANCE PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE

92 93

WHITE BALANCE FINE TUNING

This function allows the manipulation of the white point

setting calibrated ex works. This will not replace the au-

tomatic white balance. Instead, it will be supplemented

by ne tuning.

→Select White Balance in the main menu

→Select

White Balance Adjustment

• The following appears on the LCD panel:

– the image based on automatic white balance

– a cross in the middle of the image

→Implementing the desired color correction

→Conrm selection

Note

• Color rendering can be individually adjusted – to-

wards warmer, colder, or more neutral colors. These

adjustments will then also be applied to the perma-

nent presets (see p. 90).

DIRECT SETTING OF THE COLOR

TEMPERATURE

Values between 2000 and 11500 K (Kelvin) can be set

directly. That gives you a very wide range, which covers

virtually all color temperatures occurring in real life and

within which you can adapt color rendering to any light

color and your personal preferences with incredible

detail.

→Select White Balance in the main menu

→Select

Color Temperature

→Select the desired value

EXPOSURE

The readiness of the exposure meter is signaled by

continuously lit displays in the viewnder or on the LCD

panel:

– in Aperture-priority Mode: display of the exposure

time

– for manual settings in the viewnder via Exposure

Preview (see p. 103)

The exposure meter is disabled when the shutter-speed

dial is set to

SHUTTER TYPE

The Leica MEV1 comes equipped with a mechanical

shutter and a purely electronic shutter function. The

electronic shutter expands the available shutter area

and functions completely noiseless, which may be im-

portant 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 PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE

94 95

USE

The classic shutter sound of the mechanical shutter con-

veys an auditive 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 aperture in very bright due to very fast shutter

speeds. The distinctive “rolling shutter” eect makes it

less suitable for moving objects.

Notes

• The electronic shutter function does not allow ash

photography.

• The electronic shutter function in combination with

fast shutter speeds can result in stripe eects on the

images when used with LED or uorescent tube

lighting.

EXPOSURE METERING METHODS

The following exposure metering methods are selectable.

Factory setting: Multi-Field

Spot

Center-weighted

Highlight-Weighted

Multi-eld

→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 LCD panel in shooting mode; it will

appear in the Control Center if the viewnder is

used.

Spot metering allows a shifting of the focus point:

→Tap the LCD panel in the desired position

→Press the directional pad in the relevant direction

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 eld. 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 eld. The ex-

posure 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 signicantly more brightly lit than

the rest of the image (e.g. people in a spotlight), or that

reect the light signicantly (e.g. white clothing).

Multi-eld Highlight-weighted

PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE

96 97

EXPOSURE MODES

The camera oers two exposure modes: Aperture-pri-

ority Mode or Manual settings. Choose one of the

two options depending on image object, situation or

individual preference.

SELECTING A MODE

→Set the shutter-speed dial

(Aperture-priority) or se-

lect the desired shutter speed (Manual setting =

)

APERTURE-PRIORITY MODE- 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 eld is a criti-

cal compositional element.

A correspondingly small aperture value will allow you

to shrink the depth of eld range. This can be helpful

when e.g. osetting the highly focused face in a portrait

against an unimportant or distracting background.

Conversely, you can use a higher aperture value to in-

crease the depth of eld 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. 96)

→Set the desired aperture value

• The automatically selected shutter speed is dis-

played.

→Shutter release

Notes

• The resulting shutter speed is displayed in half incre-

ments for more transparency.

• The remaining exposure time after shutter release is

counted down in seconds in the viewnder 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 countdown 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 outside the working range, i.e.

brightness values that would require exposures short-

er than 1⁄4000 s or longer than 4 min. The camera

will use the stated min. or max. shutter speeds and

these values will ash as a warning in the viewnder

if that is the case.

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 specic type of exposure

– to ensure a perfectly identical exposure for multiple

images with dierent 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

to a

user-dened time.

→Shutter release

PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE

98 99

AUXILIARY EXPOSURE DISPLAYS

Die exposure information (ISO value, shutter speed

and light balance with exposure compensation scale)

assists in determining the settings required for correct

exposure.

Correct exposure

Underexposure or overexposure by the

displayed value

Underexposure or overexposure by more

than +3 EV

LONG-TERM EXPOSURE (

)

Leica MEV1 oers 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 shut-

ter speeds longer than 8 s.

→Set the shutter-speed dial to

→Accessing the Control Center

→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 bal-

ance. A dot marks the current setting. The current

setting value is displayed above the dot.

→Tap the setting band briey 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 depend-

ing on ISO setting).

→Set the shutter-speed dial to

→Accessing the Control Center

→Tap the control panel for the shutter speed setting

→Set exposure as

→Shutter release

PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE

100 101

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. 109). The shutter remains open until

the shutter button is tapped again. This prevents blur-

ring in long-term exposures when the shutter button is

pressed.

→Set the shutter-speed dial to

→Accessing the Control Center

→Tap the control panel for the shutter speed setting

→Set exposure as

Taking a photo

→Shutter release

• The shutter opens.

→Press the shutter button down fully

• The shutter closes.

→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.

AVAILABLE SHUTTER SPEEDS

The max. number of available shutter speeds depend

on the current ISO setting.

ISO range Max. Shutter Speed

ISO 64 – ISO 125 60 min

ISO 160 – ISO 250 30 min

ISO 320 – ISO 500 15 min

ISO 640 – ISO 100 8 min

ISO 1250 – ISO 2000 4 min

ISO 2500 – ISO 4000 2 min

ISO 5000 – ISO 8000 60 s

ISO 10000 – ISO 16000 15 s

ISO 20000 – ISO 32000 8 s

ISO 40000 – ISO 50000 4 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 “dark frame” (taken with the shutter

closed) automatically after a shooting with slow shutter

speed and high ISO value. The noise metered in this

parallel shot will then be “subtracted” digitally from

the data for the actual shot. In such cases the message

Noise reduction in progress... will appear with a rele-

vant time value. This “exposure time” doubling must be

taken into account in long-term exposures. The camera

must not be switched o during that time.

PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE

102 103

Noise Reduction is used if the following conditions

apply:

ISO range Shutter speed longer

than

ISO 64 – ISO 125 160 s

ISO 160 – ISO 250 80 s

ISO 320 – ISO 500 40 s

ISO 640 – ISO 100 20 s

ISO 1250 – ISO 2000 10 s

ISO 2500 – ISO 4000

6 s

ISO 5000 – ISO 8000 3 s

ISO 10000 – ISO 16000 1.5 s

ISO 20000 – ISO 32000 0.8 s

Noise Reduction can be optionally deactivated (see

p. 101).

Notes

• In each of these cases, the exposure meter remains

deactivated; after shutter release, however, the

digital number display in the viewnder 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 eect –

not even on long-term exposures of several minutes.

Should, however, the camera be exposed to addi-

tional 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 lter. 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.

EXPOSURE CONTROL

EXPOSURE PREVIEW

You can now assess the eect of the relevant exposure

setting on the image before taking the photo. This will

apply as long as the subject brightness and the set ex-

posure 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 eects

of the selected exposure settings when pressing and

holding the shutter button on the rst pressure point.

This is displayed as .

– Permanent

The brightness of the screen image always reects

the eects 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 bright-

ness of the screen image may dier 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 elements 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 meter-

ing of the main subject, as well as storing of the relevant

settings until the nal image section is set.

→Aim at the key subject element (using the focus point)

or alternatively at another detail with average bright-

ness.

→Tap the shutter button

• The measurement is taken and saved.

• As long as the shutter button is held at the rst

pressure point, a small red dot will appear in the

viewnder at the top in the number line for conr-

mation, and the exposure time won’t change, even

if lighting conditions change.

→Pan the camera to capture the nal image section

while keeping the shutter button pressed

→Shutter release

Notes

• An exposure lock doesn’t make much sense in con-

junction with multi-eld 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 expo-

sure.

PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY / SHOOTING MODES

104 105

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

Exposure meters are calibrated for a medium gray

scale value, which matches a standard, i.e. average im-

age object. Should the measured image detail not fulll

that requirement, then the a relevant exposure compen-

sation can be eected.

Specically where several shots are taken in sequence,

for example if for a series a slightly lesser or greater ex-

posure 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 (EV: Exposure Value).

Set compensation value (marks at 0 = O)

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

eective until they are manually reset to

0, even if the

camera is switched o and on again in the mean-

time. They can be reset using either menu control or

the thumbwheel.

• In case of

, the compensation value is displayed in

the viewnder, for example 1.0 - (temporary display

instead of the shutter speed). It will then be displayed

as changed shutter speeds and a ashing 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.

SHOOTING MODES

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

The camera is set to single shots by default (Single). Se-

ries 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 nalized your settings, the camera will

do continuous shootings as long as you keep the shutter

button pressed down fully (and you have sucient

space on your memory card).

Notes

• The shot frequency stated in the technical documen-

tation is based on a default setting (ISO 200, JPG

format L-JPG). The picture sequence may dier in

conjunction with other settings or depending on the

picture content, White Balance setting and the mem-

ory card used.

• 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 pro-

cess is ongoing will be displayed rst in both review

modes.

• Continuous shooting with

Continuous - High Speed

set are taken at a frequency of max. 4.5 fps, provided

shutter speeds of 1/180 s or faster are used.

• Continuous shooting is not possible if a ash is used.

Only a single shot will be taken if the ash function is

activated.

• Continuous shooting mode is not available in combi-

nation with the self-timer function.

• The buer memory of the camera only allows a

limited number of frames in series and in the selected

exposure frequency. The exposure frequency is re-

duced, once the capacity limit of the camera's buer

memory is reached.

PHOTOGRAPHY / SHOOTING MODES PHOTOGRAPHY / SHOOTING MODES

106 107

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 dierent 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

Getting started

→Press the shutter button

• The remaining time until the next shoot and its num-

ber is displayed 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 location 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 o

Make sure to check the battery for sucient charge.

• The interval function remains active after the shoot,

and also after the camera is switched o 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 rst in both review modes.

• The shots of an interval shooting are marked with

in review mode.

PHOTOGRAPHY / SHOOTING MODES PHOTOGRAPHY / SHOOTING MODES

108 109

EXPOSURE BRACKETING

Many attractive objects are rich in contrast, which

means they have very bright and very dark areas. The

image eect can be dramatically dierent, depend-

ing on which of these areas you choose to align your

exposure with. The automatic bracketing function in

aperture-priority mode allows you to produce sever-

al alternatives with graduated 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).

Number of frames

Exposure dierence between shots

Exposure compensation

Light value scale

Exposure values of the images marked in red

(The scale will be oset by the relevant value if

exposure compensation is set concurrently.)

You can select the desired number of frames (3 or 5).

The exposure dierence, 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 oset under

EV Steps in

the submenu

→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

Notes

•

appears on the LCD panel if the bracketing func-

tion is activated. You can watch the eect of the func-

tion on screen during shooting (brighter or darker).

• The sequence of shots: underexposure/correct expo-

sure/overexposure.

• The working range for automatic bracketing may be

limited depending on the available shutter speed/

aperture combination.

• With automatic ISO sensitivity control enabled, the

sensitivity calculated by the camera automatical-

ly for the raw les 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 specied under

Shutter Speed Limit is

exceeded.

• The working range for automatic bracketing may

be limited (depending on the originally set shutter

speed). The specied numbers of frames will be tak-

en regardless. Several shots in a series may conse-

quently 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 Self-timer 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 ashes

slowly during the rst 10 s, then fast for the last 2 s.

• A running self-timer delay time can be canceled at

any time by pressing the

button and restarted

by pressing the shutter button.

Notes

• In self-timer mode, the exposure value is set just be-

fore shoot.

• The self-timer function is available only for single

frame shooting and for bracketing.

• The function remains active until another function is

selected from the Drive Mode submenu.

PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES

110 111

SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES

PERSPECTIVE CONTROL

This assist function displays a frame showing the ex-

pected cropped section of the image after a correction

of the perspective of vertical falling lines. Perspective

Control helps to achieve a generally straighter vertical

line and straight horizon, which ensures a natural image

eect, specically 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 eect, the camera orientation 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 con-

trol features used for post-editing, which are generally

based on the image content.

The functionality depends on the image le 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 informa-

tion 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. 110 for more information.

Notes

• In case of large panning angles, the distortion cor-

rection 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 eecting the de-

sired 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 rea-

sons, 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.

→Select Perspective Control in the main menu

→Select

ACTIVE PERSPECTIVE CONTROL

DETECTED PERSPECTIVE IN LIVE VIEW MODE

CORRECTED PERSPECTIVE IN REVIEW MODE

PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL SHOOTING MODES PHOTOGRAPHY / FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

112 113

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 un-

changed. 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 cor-

rected preview version of the image (thumbnail) is dis-

played in review mode. The same applies for automatic

review directly after the image is taken.

In contrast, the original image will usually appear when

opening the le in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® or

Adobe Photoshop®. Depending on the default settings

of the software, the image can also be directly dis-

played 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-ed-

iting 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-upright-perspective-correction.html

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP®:

https://helpx.adobe.com/en/photoshop/using/perspec-

tive-warp.html

CORRECTION AND DISPLAY OF AUXILIARY LINES

Select the function “With auxiliary lines” under “Geom-

etry” > “Upright” to apply the correction defaults of the

camera and display the auxiliary lines.

Correction will automatically applied if the RAW de-

fault 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

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

The camera determines the necessary ash intensity by

ring one or more pre-ashes before taking the actual

photo. The main ash res immediately after, i.e. during

exposure. All factors inuencing exposure (e.g. lters,

aperture settings, distance to the main subject, reective

ceilings, etc.) are automatically considered.

COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS

The entire scope of functions described in this instruction

manual, incl. TTL ash metering, is available only in

conjunction with Leica system ash units like the SF 40.

Other ash units, which only have a positive center con-

tact, can be safely red via the Leica MEV1, but cannot

be controlled via the camera. Correct function cannot

be guaranteed when using any other ash unit.

Note

• When using ash units that are not specically

designed for the camera and can therefore not

automatically switch over the white balance of the

camera should be used in the

ash setting.

Important

• The use of incompatible ash units with your Leica

MEV1 may result in irreparable damage to the cam-

era and/or the ash unit.

Notes

• A ash unit that is not ready to ash may cause incor-

rect exposures or error messages.

• Studio ash systems may have a very long ash ring

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 ash

ring for so-called “o-camera” ashes, as the trans-

mission time may cause a delay.

• Continuous shooting and automatic bracketing with

ash are not available.

• Use a tripod to prevent blurring at slow shutter

speeds. Alternatively, you can select a higher sensi-

tivity.

PHOTOGRAPHY / FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY / FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

114 115

ATTACHING THE FLASH UNIT

→Switch o the camera and ash unit

→Slide the foot of the ash 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 malfunc-

tions.

DETACHING THE FLASH UNIT

→Switch o the camera and ash unit

→Release the lock as needed

→Detach the ash unit

Note

• Make sure that the accessory shoe cover is always

in place when no accessory is attached (e.g. a ash

unit).

FLASH EXPOSURE METERING

(TTL METERING)

The camera-controlled, fully automatic ash mode is

available in this camera in conjunction with system-com-

patible ash units (see p. 113), and in both exposure

modes (Aperture-priority Mode and Manual).

In aperture-priority mode and with manual setting, the

camera furthermore allows the use of other interesting

ash techniques like ash synchronization and ring

with slower shutter speeds than the max. sync time.

The camera additionally communicates the sensitivity

setting to the ash unit. The ash unit can use this infor-

mation to automatically adjust its range data, provided

the device comes with these displays and the aperture

setting selected on the lens is also entered manually

on the ash unit. The ISO sensitivity setting cannot be

altered via the ash unit on system-compatible units,

because the information is received from the camera.

SETTINGS ON THE FLASH UNIT

Operating mode

TTL

Automatic control by the camera

SF 40, SF 60:

Automatic camera control, no ash exposure com-

pensation

SF 58, SF 64:

Control via the ash unit using a built-in exposure

sensor

The ash exposure must be set to an output level to

match the aperture and shutter speed settings deter-

mined by the camera.

Notes

• Set the ash unit to

TTL

mode to allow automatic

control of the unit by the camera.

• When set to

, objects with above or below average

brightness may not be exposed correctly.

• Please read the relevant manual provided with third

party ash units regarding their various operating

modes.

HSS (HIGH SPEED SYNC.)

Automatic ash activation at fast shutter speeds

A fully automated, camera-controlled HSS ash mode

for all shutter speeds and all exposure modes is avail-

able in the Leica MEV1 for use with system-compatible

ash units (see p. 113). 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 PHOTOGRAPHY / FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

116 117

FLASH CONTROL

The settings and functions described in the following

sections only apply to settings and functions available

in this camera and in system-compatible ash units.

SYNC POINT

Flash exposures are lit by two light sources:

– existing light from the environment

– the additional ash

Any subject elements lit primarily by the ash 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 “blurriness” 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 dierence between the two superim-

posed partial images.

A ash is usually red at the start of exposure (Start of

Exposure). This may result in apparent contradictions,

e.g. the image of a vehicle 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

captured motion. This ash technique creates a more

natural impression of movement and dynamics in the

image.

This function is available with all camera and ash 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 ash with faster shutter speeds, a

dierence between the two ash ring points will

be barely discernible or only noticeable for very fast

movements.

FLASH RANGE

The usable ash range depends on the aperture and

sensitivity values set manually or calculated by the cam-

era. It is important to ensure that the subject is within the

relevant ash range for sucient illumination. A perma-

nent setting to the shortest available shutter speed for

ash mode (sync time) may often result in unnecessary

underexposure of those subject elements that are not lit

suciently by the ash.

This camera allows the ne tuning of the shutter speed

used in ash mode in combination with aperture-prior-

ity mode depending on the conditions 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 sub-

menu Flash Settings is identical to the menu item of

the same name in submenu Auto ISO Settings. A

setting in one menu will aect the other.

FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

This function can be used to selectively reduce or en-

hance ash exposure regardless of ambient light, e.g.

to brighten the face of a person in the foreground when

taking a photo outdoors in the evening 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

→Set the value on the scale

• The set value is displayed above the scale.

PHOTOGRAPHY / FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY / FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

118 119

Notes

• The following applies for set compensation values,

no matter how they were initially set: They remain

eective until they are manually reset to 0, even if the

camera is switched o and on again in the mean-

time.

• The menu item

Flash Exp. Compensation can only

be used in conjunction with ash units on which the

compensation value cannot be set manually (e.g.

Leica SF 26).

•

Flash Exp. Compensation is unavailable, if ash 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 eect.

• A brighter ash illumination with Plus compensation

will require a greater ash intensity. Flash exposure

compensation will therefore impact on the ash

range: A Plus correction will decrease it, a Minus cor-

rection will increase it.

• An exposure compensation set on the camera will

only aect the measurement of ambient light. If a

simultaneous TTL ash exposure metering compensa-

tion is desired in ash mode, then it must be addition-

ally set on the ash unit.

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

→Switch on the ash unit

→Set the desired guide number control mode (e.g. TTL

or GNC = Guide Number Control) on the ash unit

→Switch the camera on

→Select the desired exposure mode, shutter speed

and/or aperture setting

• It is imperative to take note of the shortest ash

sync speed, as it determines whether a “normal”

ash or an HSS ash is red.

→Tap the shutter button before each ash exposure to

activate exposure metering

• The ash unit may not re if this step is missed by

pressing the shutter button down completely and

skipping these settings.

Note

• We recommend not using

Spot as your exposure me-

tering method for ash photography.

FLASH EXPOSURE DISPLAYS IN THE

VIEWFINDER

(with system-compatible ash units)

The ash icon in the viewnder display of the Leica

MEV1 gives feedback on and indicates various operat-

ing states.

does not appear

(despite the ash unit being

switched on and ready)

• The ash unit doesn’t re.

• A correct operating mode

must be set on the ash

unit or an HSS-compat-

ible ash unit must be

connected.

ashes slowly before shutter

release (2 Hz)

• The ash unit is not ready.

lights up before the picture

is taken

• The ash unit is ready.

remains continuously lit after

shutter release*

• The ash is still ready.

ashes rapidly after shutter

release (4 Hz)*

• Successful ash photog-

raphy

• The ash unit is not yet

ready for further use.

switches o after shutter

release*

• Flash intensity was insuf-

cient.

* only in TTL ash mode

REVIEW MODE / CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE REVIEW MODE / CONTROL ELEMENTS IN REVIEW MODE

120 121

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 les 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 le 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

Function button

button

Thumbwheel

(turn or press)

Directional pad

PLAY

button

Center button

button

DIRECT ACCESS IN REVIEW MODE

The

button can have various menu functions as-

signed in review mode.

Factory setting:

Delete Single

→Press and hold the

button

• A list of functions of the play menu will appear.

→Select the desired function

• The function is assigned to the

button.

The descriptions in the next few sections presume factory

settings.

Note

• The assigned function is unavailable if the

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 intui-

tively 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)

Control element “Go back”

Control element “Delete”

Display of the relevant button

REVIEW MODE / STARTING/EXITING REVIEW MODE REVIEW MODE / STORAGE LOCATIONS

122 123

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 diers, 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 dis-

play automatically jumps back to the rst 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 les from one storage location are considered

during scrolling.

• The les on the SD card and those stored in the inter-

nal memory will never appear in the same view.

• Menu items like

Delete All or Remove all ★ generally

only apply to les located in the currently selected

storage location.

STORAGE LOCATIONS

Leica MEV1 oers with two separate storage locations.

When review mode is accessed, the last captured im-

age will always be displayed rst. That also applies on

the storage location displayed rst.

When scrolling through images and also in the over-

view, the images saved to the same storage location

are available rst.

Switching the displayed storage location

→Reduce the view as much as possible (see p. 126)

• The storage location selection view appears.

• The currently selected storage location is displayed

with a color ll.

→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

INFO

The congured displays can be accessed at any time.

The displays for Histogram and Clipping will appear if

these functions are activated. The assist functions Focus

Peaking, Grids, and Level Gauge are not displayed in

review mode.

REVIEW MODE / CROPPED SECTION ZOOM REVIEW MODE / CROPPED SECTION ZOOM

124 125

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 magnication is stepless if

you use touch control.

Using touch control

→Two-nger pinch/spread

• The image will be zoomed in/zoomed out at the

desired point.

→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 magnication, 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 magnication, to the left: de-

crease magnication)

→Press the thumbwheel

• Toggles between max. zoom at the tap position

and full screen view.

→Press the directional pad to move the enlarged sec-

tion anywhere in the image

• The rectangle in the frame in the bottom left corner

shows the current level of magnication, as well

as the position of the displayed section within the

image.

You can move directly from one image to the next in

magnication mode, which will then also be displayed

with the same magnication.

→Press and hold the

PLAY

button while pressing the

directional pad left/right

→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 REVIEW MODE / TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES

126 127

DISPLAYING MULTIPLE IMAGES AT

ONCE

The camera oers an overview function in which several

thumbnail images can be viewed on one screen, which

makes it easier to nd a specic image. You can choose

12 or 30 images per overview.

OVERVIEW

Using touch control

→Two-nger 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.

Currently selected image

Number of the currently selected images

Scrollbar

The currently viewed image is framed in red and can be

selected for a closer look.

Navigating between images

→Press the directional pad in the relevant direction

Returning to full screen

Using touch control

→Two-nger spread

→Tap the desired image

Using button control

→Turn the thumbwheel to the right

→Press the

PLAY

button or center button

TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES

Images can be marked as favorites to nd 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

button.

TAGGING INDIVIDUAL IMAGE AS

FAVORITE

→Press the function button 5

• The image is marked with ★.

→Press the

button

→Select

Add ★

• The image is marked with ★.

The icon appears in the right of the image when view-

ing an image in normal size, and in the top left corner

of thumbnails in the overview.

REVIEW MODE / TAGGING/RATING OF IMAGES REVIEW MODE / DELETING IMAGES

128 129

REMOVING INDIVIDUAL TAGS

→Press the function button 5

• The ★ marking disappears.

→Press the

button

→Select

Remove ★

TAGGING ALL IMAGES AS FAVORITE

→Press the

button

→Select

Add ★ to all

• The prompt appears.

→Select

Yes

• The LED will ash during this operation.

REMOVING ALL TAGS

→Press the

button

→Select

Remove all ★

• The prompt appears.

→Select

Yes

• The LED will ash 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

button.

REVIEW MODE / DELETING IMAGES REVIEW MODE / DELETING IMAGES

130 131

DELETING INDIVIDUAL IMAGES

→Press the

button

→Select

Delete Single in the play menu

• The Delete screen appears.

→Select the Delete icon

(tap the icon directly or press the

button)

• The LED will ash during the delete process. The

process may take a few seconds.

• The next image will be displayed once deletion is

complete. The message

No valid picture to play

appears if no other images are saved on the card.

Cancelling a deletion and returning to normal

review mode

→Select the “Go back” icon

(tap the icon directly or press the

PLAY

button)

Note

• The “Scroll” and “Magnify” functions will always be

available, even if 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

button

→Select

Delete Multi in the play menu

• The Delete overview appears.

→Press the

button

→Select

Delete Single in the play menu

• The Delete screen appears.

→Turn the thumbwheel to the left

• The Delete overview appears.

Any number of images can be selected in this view.

Selecting images for deletion

→Select an image

→Press the center button

→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

button)

• The prompt

Do you really want to delete ALL se-

lected 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

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 unsuccessful. When deleting

several or all images, a notication screen may ap-

pear for the time needed to process the data.

REVIEW MODE / PREVIEW OF LATEST IMAGE REVIEW MODE / PREVIEW OF LATEST IMAGE

132 133

DELETING UNRATED IMAGES

→Press the

button

→Select

Delete All without ★ in the play menu

• The prompt appears.

→Select

Yes

• The LED will ash during the deletion process. The

process may take a few seconds. The next marked

image appears once deletion 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 congured.

→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 recording is

displayed until automatic review

is ended by pressing the

PLAY

button or by tapping the shutter

button.

Shutter Button Pressed The most recent recording is dis-

played 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 congured (

1 s, 3 s, 5 s)

automatic review can be ended immediately by

pressing the

PLAY

button or tapping the shutter button.

OTHER FUNCTIONS / RESETTING THE CAMERA TO FACTORY SETTINGS OTHER FUNCTIONS / FIRMWARE UPDATES

134 135

Finding the currently installed rmware version

→Select Camera Information in the main menu

The current rmware version is displayed next to the

menu item

Camera Firmware Version.

More information about registering, rmware updates

and their downloads for your camera, as well as any

amendments and additions to the details provided in

this manual can be found in the customer area of our

website at: https://club.leica-camera.com

EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE

Any interruption of a running rmware 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 rmware update:

• Do not switch o 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

insuciently charged. Recharge the battery and then

repeat the process described above.

• You will nd additional device and country-specic

registration marks and numbers in the

Camera Infor-

mation submenu.

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 proles and image numbering from the

reset individually.

→Select

Reset Camera in the main menu

• The prompt

Do you want to reset the camera set-

tings? appears.

→Conrm (

Yes) or reject (No) restoring the default

settings

• Selecting

No will cancel the reset and the display

will return to the main menu. Selecting Yes will trig-

ger additional prompts regarding the settings you

can opt to keep.

→Conrm (

Yes) or reject (No) resetting the user proles

→Conrm (

Yes) or reject (No) resetting the Leica FO-

TOS settings

→Conrm (

Yes) or reject (No) resetting the image

numbering

• The message

Please Restart the Camera appears.

→Switch the camera o 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

Reset Image Numbering (see p. 134).

FIRMWARE UPDATES

Leica is continuously working on the further improve-

ment and optimization of your camera. Since many

camera functions are entirely controlled by software,

some of these improvements and additions to the func-

tional scope can be installed in retrospect. Leica oers

rmware 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ed about rmware updates

for their Leica cameras.

There are two options for installing rmware updates.

– conveniently via the Leica FOTOS app (see p. 138)

– directly via the camera menu

OTHER FUNCTIONS / FIRMWARE UPDATES OTHER FUNCTIONS / FIRMWARE UPDATES

136 137

PREPARATION

→Fully charge and insert the rechargeable battery

→Any stored rmware les 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 les saved to the internal

memory as a precaution.

→Download the latest rmware version

→Save the download to the memory card

• The rmware le must be stored in the main direc-

tory of the memory card (not in a sub-directory).

→Insert the memory card into the camera

→Switch the camera on

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 ash during this process.

• Once the process has completed successfully, a

relevant message will appear and the camera will

restart.

LEICA FOTOS / SELECTING A WI-FI BAND LEICA FOTOS / CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users)

138 139

LEICA FOTOS

The camera can be controlled remotely using a smart-

phone/tablet PC. This will require an installation of the

Leica FOTOS app on the mobile device. Leica FOTOS

oers additional useful functions like the quick transfer

of recordings and uploads of rmware updates.

Please read the legal notes on page 3.

→Scan the following QR code with the mobile device

→The app is available from Apple App Store™/Google

Play Store™

SELECTING A WI-FI BAND

Leica MEV1 supports the use of various Wi-Fi frequen-

cies 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 unavailable.

CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users)

FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A MOBILE

DEVICE

A pairing of the camera and the mobile device is re-

quired for a rst-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) LEICA FOTOS / CONNECTIVITY (iPhone users)

140 141

VIA WI-FI

IN THE CAMERA

→Select iOS

• The following screen appears.

→Select I don't have a cable

→Select Next

ON THE MOBILE DEVICE

→Launch the Leica FOTOS app

→Select “Add Camera”

→Select the camera model

• Connection is being established. The process may

take a few seconds.

• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will

light briey, and the camera displays a relevant

message.

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

ON THE MOBILE DEVICE

→Launch the Leica FOTOS app

→Select “Add Camera”

→Select the camera model

• Connection is being established. The process may

take a few seconds.

• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will

light briey, and the camera displays a relevant

message.

Notes

• The pairing process may take a few minutes to com-

plete.

• 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

Off is selected (see p. 144). 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

→Conrm the prompt

• The camera connects to the mobile device auto-

matically.

LEICA FOTOS / CONNECTIVITY (Android users) LEICA FOTOS / CONNECTIVITY (Android users)

142 143

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

rst-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

ON THE MOBILE DEVICE

→Launch the Leica FOTOS app

→Select “Add Camera”

→Select the camera model

• Connection is being established. The process may

take a few seconds.

• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will

light briey, and the camera displays a relevant

message.

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

ON THE MOBILE DEVICE

→Launch the Leica FOTOS app

→Select “Add Camera”

→Select the camera model

• Connection is being established. The process may

take a few seconds.

• Once successfully connected, the Status LED will

light briey, and the camera displays a relevant

message.

Notes

• The pairing process may take a few minutes to com-

plete.

• 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

Off is selected (see p. 144). 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

→Conrm the prompt

• The camera connects to the mobile device auto-

matically.

LEICA FOTOS / CONNECTIVITY MODES LEICA FOTOS / EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE

144 145

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/Off

Faster connection

(Factory setting)

Extended battery life All RF connections

deactivated

Performance Mode Eco Mode Off

Bluetooth

(Geotagging)

On On

Wi-Fi

(Data transfer)

(Remote control)

Always On

The connection to the Leica

FOTOS app is permanently

active

Automatic On / O

The connection to the Leica

FOTOS app is established

automatically as needed,

and disconnected after

≥ 5 min. of inactivity

Wi-Fi Sleep Timer Never After 5 min

Remote Camera Activation Always available

This function is available up

to 7 days after the camera

was switched o

PERFORMANCE MODE

Bluetooth is permanently activated, allowing anytime

Geotagging (where enabled). Wi-Fi is similarly perma-

nently activated. This option oers the fastest access to

Leica FOTOS and therefore an excellent user experi-

ence.

→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 transfer of settings or les, and

will otherwise remain o. This is a power saving option.

→Select

Leica FOTOS in the main menu

→Select

Connectivity

→Select Eco Mode

AIRPLANE MODE (Off)

All RF connections will be deactivated if this option is

selected.

→Select

Leica FOTOS in the main menu

→Select

Connectivity

→Select Off

EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPDATE

Any interruption of a running rmware 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 rmware update:

• Do not switch o 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 rmware 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

insuciently charged. Recharge the battery and then

repeat the process described above.

• Alternatively, rmware updates can also be installed

via the camera menu.

CARE/STORAGE CARE/STORAGE / SENSOR

146 147

VIEWFINDER/LCD PANEL

• Switch o 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 bat-

tery twice a year for around 15 minutes to avoid deep

discharge 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 ex-

posed to high temperatures, direct sunlight, magnetic

elds 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

les may block some of the storage capacity.

SENSOR

SENSOR CLEANING

Alternatively, send your camera to the Leica Customer

Care department for sensor cleaning (see p. 162).

This service is not part of the warranty oering 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 clean-

ing? appears.

→Select

Yes/No

• The battery capacity must be at least 60% for the

shutter to open.

• A warning message

Battery low for sensor clean-

ing 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 o the camera after you nish cleaning

• The following message appears:

Please stop sensor cleaning immediately. Shut-

down in %d s..

• The shutter will remain open for another 10 s.

Important

• Any inspection or cleaning of the sensor should be

done in an environment 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 clean-

ing immediately. Shutdown in %d s.. The shutter will

automatically close when the camera is switched o.

• 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 o

the cover glass of the sensor. The smallest droplets

of saliva could cause stains that will be dicult 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.

CARE/STORAGE

We recommend the following if the camera will not be

used for an extended period of time:

– Switch o the camera

– 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. Stub-

born dirt should rst be moistened with a wa-

tered-down detergent and can then be wiped away

with a dry cloth.

• Wet a soft cloth with tap water, wring it out thorough-

ly 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 ngerprints. 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, suciently ventilated

place, where it will not be subjected to high tempera-

tures 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 extend-

ed 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 recom-

mend repeated adjustment and use of all the other

operating elements.

• When using your camera in tropical climates, make

sure to expose the equipment to sunlight and fresh air

as much as possible to prevent fungal growth. Stor-

age in airtight containers or cases is recommended

only in conjunction with a desiccant like silica gel.

LENS

• A soft-bristle brush will usually suce to remove dust

from the outer lenses. Remove more severe soiling

with a clean, soft cloth that is completely free of for-

eign matter. Wipe the lens in a circular motion from

the center outward. We recommend using micro-

ber 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 lter for optimal front lens

protection in unfavorable conditions (e.g. sand, salt

water spray). Please remember that the lter may

create unwanted light reections in some backlight

situations and in case of high contrasts.

• Lens caps also protect the lens against accidental

ngerprint smudges and rain.

• 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 would be

impacted, which may cause camera malfunctions in

digital M models.

FAQ FAQ

148 149

FAQ

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

Permanent WLAN connection Deactivate WLAN when not in use

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

The charging process via the USB of

my PC will not commence

USB ports of dierent output currents are

distinguished according to USB charging

specications:

– Standard Downstream Port (SDP)

– Charging Downstream Port (CDP)

– Dedicated Charging Port (DCP)

Any device connected to a USB port will

automatically recognize the port type. The

charging process will not commence if the

available output current of that port is too low:

– USB 2.0 (SDP): max. 500 mA, battery will

not charge

– USB 3.0 (CDP): max. 900 mA, battery will

be charged at low current

– USB charger M11 (DCP): max. 1.5 A, battery

will charge normally

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

o

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

The camera switches o 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 viewnder 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 of the LCD panel

des not reect the brightness of the

images

The brightness settings for the LCD panel

have no inuence 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 dierent setting via Shutter Type

The set ISO value prevents very slow

shutter speeds

Select a dierent 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

Control Center

The shutter-speed dial is set to a xed

shutter speed or to

(aperture-priority

mode)

Set the shutter-speed dial to

FAQ FAQ

150 151

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 reduction is activated for long-term

exposures

Deactivate the function

The memory card inserted is slow Use a suitable memory card

Electronic viewnder 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 le 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 congure 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 ashing

Never remove the memory card while the

readiness indicator is ashing. 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 les 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 dierent 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 les to another device to view them

This is a video le Use another device for review

Images cannot be displayed File name was changed on a PC Use suitable software for le transfers from a

PC to the camera

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 formatted 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 o automatic

(

Camera Standby)

Switch the camera back on

Deactivate auto standby 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 viewnder when the

shutter button is pressed to the rst

pressure point

The gain is increased to aid image

composition if the object is insuciently lit

with reduced lens aperture

Not a fault – image quality will not be

impacted

LCD panel/viewnder deactivates

after a very short time

Power Save settings are activated Change the settings as needed

Flash won't re Battery is depleted Charge or replace the battery

Pressing the shutter button while ash is still

Wait until the ash is loaded

Automatic bracketing or continuous

shooting is activated

Change the setting

The electronic shutter function does not

allow ash photography

Select a dierent setting via Shutter Type

The ash does not fully illuminate

the object

Object is outside the ash range Move object into ash range

Flash is covered Make sure the ash unit is not covered by your

nger or some object

FAQ FAQ

152 153

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 reduction function for

long-term exposure

ISO sensitivity set too high Decrease ISO sensitivity

Round white stains, similar to soap

bubbles

Flash photography in a very dark

environment: reections of dust particles

Deactivate the ash

Images are out of focus Lens is dirty Clean the lens

Camera moved during shooting Use ash

Mount the camera on a tripod

Use faster shutter speeds

Images are overexposed Flash is activated in bright surroundings Change the ash 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

The image is grainy or there is

image noise

ISO sensitivity set too high Decrease ISO sensitivity

Unnatural colors and brightness Shooting in articial 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

Mobile device is currently connected to

another device

Check connection

Camera does not appear on the

WLAN conguration screen of the

mobile device

Mobile device does not recognize camera Switch the WLAN function of the mobile

device o and on again

MENU OVERVIEW MENU OVERVIEW

154 155

MENU OVERVIEW

DIRECT ACCESS

Function Control Center Favorites Function buttons

Focus Aid

l l

(top right)

Lens Detection

u H

Drive Mode

u H

Interval Shooting

Exposure Bracketing

Self-timer

Exposure Metering

u H

Exposure Compensation

l l

(Press the

thumbwheel)

Auto ISO Settings

Maximum ISO

Shutter Speed Limit

White Balance

u H

Gray card

File Format

u H

DNG Resolution

u H

Function Control Center Favorites Function buttons

JPG Settings

Max. JPG Resolution

Extended Dynamic Range

Film Style

Auto Review

u H

Noise Reduction

Shutter Type

Flash Settings

Flash Exp. Compensation

Digital Zoom

Perspective Control

Customize Control

Capture Assistants

User Profile

u H

Display Settings

Leica FOTOS

u H

Storage Management

Storage Options

Format Storage

u H

Accessible via

the Control Center

Available for

the favorites menu

Available for function

buttons

Factory setting on the

function buttons

MENU OVERVIEW

156 157

Function Control Center Favorites Function buttons

Camera Settings

Power Saving Mode

Date & Time

Edit File Name

Reset Camera

Leica Content Credentials

Camera Information

Language

TECHNICAL DATA TECHNICAL DATA

158 159

TECHNICAL DATA

32.55 mm

35.9 mm

38.45 mm

19.62 mm

59.9 mm

5.92 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

CAMERA

DesignationDesignation

Leica MEV1

Camera typeCamera type

Digital system camera

Type No.Type No.

4246

Order No.Order No.

20 229 (EU/US/CN), 20 233 (JP), 20 334 (ROW)

Buer memoryBuer memory

3 GB

DNG™: 15 shots

JPG: > 100 shots

Storage mediumStorage medium

SD cards 1-2 GB / SDHC cards up to 32 GB / SDXC

cards up to 2 TB, internal memory 64 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, USB-C socket for data transfer and

battery charging

Tripod threadTripod thread

A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base

WeightWeight

Approx. 413 g (without battery), approx. 495 g (with

battery)

SENSOR

Sensor sizeSensor size

CMOS sensor, pixel pitch: 3.76 µm

35 mm: 9528 x 6328 pixels (60.3 MP)

ProcessorProcessor

Leica Maestro series (Maestro III)

FilterFilter

RGB color filter, UV/IR filter, no low-pass filter

File formatsFile formats

DNG™ (raw data, loss-free compression), DNG + JPG,

JPG (DCF, Exif 2.30)

Image resolutionImage resolution

DNG™ L-DNG

60.3 MP 9528 x 6328 pixels

M-DNG

36.5 MP 7416 x 4928 pixels

S-DNG

18.4 MP 5272 x 3498 pixels

JPG L-JPG

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-JPG

approx. 15–30 MB

M-JPG

approx. 9–18 MB

S-JPG

approx. 5–9 MB

JPG: depending on resolution and image content

Color depthColor depth

DNG™: 14 bit

JPG: 8 bit

Color spaceColor space

sRGB

TECHNICAL DATA TECHNICAL DATA

160 161

FLASH EXPOSURE CONTROL

Flash unit connectorFlash unit connector

Via the accessory shoe

Metering principleMetering principle

Flash exposure metering occurs via the image sensor for

all exposure metering methods

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 ash modeDisplays in ash mode (in the viewnder 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 (standard

WLAN protocol), encryption method: WLAN-compati

ble WPA™/WPA2™, access method: infrastructure mode

Regional variant

EU/US/CN JP ROW

Wi-Fi

5 GHz

11a/n/ac:

Channel 149–165

(5745–

5825 MHz)

11a/n/ac:

Channel 36–48

(5180–

5240 MHz)

Wi-Fi

2.4 GHz

11b/g/n:

Channel 1–11 (2412–2462 MHz)

BluetoothBluetooth

Bluetooth v4.2, 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

Leica Content CredentialsLeica Content Credentials

The certificate stored in the camera has a validity of

10 years. Once the then years have elapsed, the certifi-

cate can be renewed via Leica Camera AG.

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 voltage/

current: DC 1000 mAh, 7.4 V, operating conditions:

+10°C to +35°C (charging) / +0°C to +40°C (discharged),

manufacturer: Fuji Electronics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. made

in China

The date of manufacture can be found on the battery.

The date format is year/month/day.

Charger (Leica BC-SCL7)Charger (Leica BC-SCL7)

(optional)

Input: USB-C DC 5 V, 2 A, output: DC 8.4 V, 1 A, operat-

ing 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)

(optional)

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, manu-

facturer: 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

VIEWFINDER/LCD PANEL

Viewnder (EVF)Viewnder (EVF)

Resolution: 5,760,000 dots, 60 fps, magnification:

0.76x at aspect ratio: 3:2, frame coverage: 100%, exit

pupil position: 21 mm, setting range -4/+2 dpt, with eye

sensor for automatic switchover between viewfinder

and LCD panel

LCD panelLCD panel

2.95” (Active Matrix TFT), Gorilla Glass, 2 332 800

dots, format 3:2, touch control available

SHUTTER

Shutter typeShutter type

Electronically controlled focal plane shutter and elec-

tronic 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 “dark frame”

(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

40 cm to ∞

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 occurs via the image sensor for all

exposure metering methods

Exposure metering methodsExposure metering methods

Spot, Center-Weighted, Multi-Field, Highlight-Weighted

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 64 (native) to ISO 50 000, also available

in flash mode

Manual: ISO 64 to ISO 50 000

White balanceWhite balance

Automatic (

Auto), default (Daylight - 5200 K,

Cloudy - 6100 K, Shadow - 6600 K, Tungsten - 2950 K,

HMI - 5700 K, Fluorescent (warm) - 3650 K, Fluorescent

(cool) - 5800 K, Flash - 6600 K), manual metering (Gray

Card), manual color temperature setting (Color Tem-

perature - 2000 K to 11,500 K)

LEICA CUSTOMER CARE LEICA AKADEMIE

162 163

LEICA AKADEMIE

Have a look at our full seminar program with many in-

teresting workshops on the topic of photography at:

https://leica-camera.com/en-US/leica-akademie

LEICA AKADEMIE

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 contact

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 nd the Customer Care department responsi-

ble for your locality on our homepage:

https://leica-camera.com/en-US/contact

Leica Camera AG | Am Leitz-Park 5

35578 WETZLAR | GERMANY

Telephone: +49(0)6441-2080-0

Fax: +49(0)6441-2080-333

www.leica-camera.com

M EV1/EN/2025/3.0/1

Leica 20229 M EV1 60 MP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body Only M-EV1

Product's Documents

Instruction Manual

Specifications

Leica 20229 Questions and Answers