Leica M11 Quick Start Guide
Part Designations
The Leica M11 camera features numerous controls and components. Key parts include:
- 1. Main switch: For switching the camera ON/OFF.
- 2. Shutter button: Tap to activate exposure metering and control; press fully to release the shutter.
- 3. Shutter speed setting dial: Allows automatic control (8s - 4000s) or long-term exposure settings (via menu, 1/16000s - 60 min, Bulb). Includes flash sync speed (1/180s).
- 4. ISO dial: For automatic ISO sensitivity control or fixed ISO values (64-6400).
- 5. Strap lugs: For attaching a camera strap.
- 6. Function button: Customizable function.
- 7. Rangefinder window: For focusing.
- 8. Brightness sensor: Adjusts display brightness.
- 9. Self-timer LED: Indicates self-timer operation.
- 10. Viewfinder window: For composing shots.
- 11. Lens release button: For changing lenses.
- 12. Bayonet: Mount for Leica M lenses.
- 13. 6-bit encoding: Sensor for lens detection.
- 14. Image field selector: Selects bright-line frame pairs (35/135mm, 50/75mm, 28/90mm).
- 15. Viewfinder eyepiece: For viewing through the viewfinder.
- 16. Brightness sensor for LCD panel: Adjusts LCD brightness.
- 17. Accessory shoe: For external accessories like flashes or viewfinders.
- 18. Thumbwheel: Navigates menus, selects settings, and adjusts exposure compensation. Can also be used as a function button.
- 19. PLAY button: Switches between shooting and review/playback mode, or returns to full-screen display.
- 20. FN button: Customizable function button.
- 21. MENU button: Accesses status screen, menus, and favorites; exits sub-menus.
- 22. LCD panel: Displays camera information and images.
- 23. Status LED: Indicates camera status.
- 24. Directional pad: Navigates menus and scrolls through images.
- 25. Center button: Confirms menu settings or accesses information displays.
- 26. Tripod thread: For mounting on a tripod (1/4" DIN 4503).
- 27. LED: General indicator light.
- 28. Battery release lever: For removing the battery.
- 29. Memory card slot: For inserting memory cards.
- 30. Battery compartment: Houses the rechargeable battery.
- 31. USB-C socket: For charging and data transfer.
Preparing the Charger and Changing the Battery
Preparing the Charger: Use the provided plug to connect the charger to mains electricity. The charger automatically adapts to local mains voltage.
Charging the Battery: The camera is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The status LED indicates a correct charging process.
Changing the Battery: Ensure the camera is switched OFF before changing the battery.
Live View
Press the FN button to activate Live View, provided this function is assigned to the FN button (factory setting).
Displays on the LCD Panel
The LCD panel displays various information, including:
- 1. Storage location
- 2. Remaining number of recordings
- 3. Remaining storage capacity
- 4. Flash sync point
- 5. Leica app connection
- 6. GPS function via Leica FOTOS app
- 7. Digital zoom
- 8. Battery capacity
- 9. Light balance
- 10. Exposure compensation scale
- 11. Exposure mode
- 12. Shutter speed
- 13. ISO Sensitivity
- 14. Exposure compensation value
- 15. Live View On/Off
- 16. Shooting mode (Drive Mode)
- 17. Exposure metering method
- 18. White balance mode
- 19. User profile
- 20. Light intensity/focal length or lens type
- 21. File format
- 22. DNG Resolution
- 23. JPG resolution
- 24. Formatting a memory card
- 25. Leica FOTOS
- 26. Main menu
Displays in the Viewfinder
The bright-line rangefinder in the viewfinder is coupled to the lens, assisting with focusing. It displays bright-line frames for various focal lengths (e.g., 35/135mm, 28/90mm, 50/75mm). It also includes a metering field for focusing and a digital display.
Leica FOTOS App
The Leica FOTOS app allows users to connect to their WLAN-capable Leica cameras via a single app to transfer images, manage, optimize, and share photos. It is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Initial Start/App Connection
Connection via cable involves connecting the camera to a smartphone using the Leica FOTOS cable and USB-C. This enables automatic settings like Leica FOTOS Pairing, Date & Time, and Shooting location.
Focusing
The camera supports two focusing methods:
- Superimposed Image Method (Double Image): Correct focus is achieved when the two images align perfectly.
- Split Image Method: Correct focus is achieved when the split vertical lines align perfectly.
FN Button Assignments
The FN button can be assigned various functions. Pressing and releasing it calls up the assigned function, while pressing and holding it allows for modification of the assignment from a drop-down list. Available functions include Live View, Lens Detection, Drive Mode, Self Timer, Exposure Bracketing, and more.
Touch Control
The camera supports various touch gestures:
- Tap: For single actions.
- Double tap: For specific functions.
- Horizontal swipe / Vertical swipe: For navigation or scrolling.
- Two-finger pinch / Two-finger spread: For zooming or adjusting view.
Technical Data
Camera:
- Designation: Leica M11
- Type: Digital system camera with rangefinder
- Type no.: 2416
- Order No. (Color): Black (20200 EU/US/CN, 20202 JP, 20206 ROW), Silver (20201 EU/US/CN, 20203 JP, 20207 ROW)
- Wi-Fi: 5 GHz (11a/n/ac, channels 149-165 or 36-48), 2.4 GHz (11b/g/n, channels 1-11)
- Bluetooth: 4.2 BR/EDR/LE
- Storage medium: SD cards (up to 2 TB), internal memory 64GB
- Material: Top/bottom cover: chromed brass (silver) or coated aluminum (black); housing panels: magnesium.
- Lens mount: Leica M bayonet
- Interfaces: ISO accessory shoe with additional contacts, USB-C for data transfer and charging.
- Compatible lenses: Leica M-lenses, Leica R-lenses (via adapter).
- Operating conditions: 0/+40°C
- Rated input voltage / current: DC 7.4V, 1.5A
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 139 x 38.5 x 80 mm
- Weight: Silver: approx. 640g (with battery), Black: approx. 530g (with battery)
Sensor:
- Sensor size: CMOS chip, active surface approx. 24x36mm
- Image resolution: DNG™ (60.3 MP, 36.5 MP, 18.4 MP), JPG (60.1 MP, 36.2 MP, 18.2 MP)
LCD Panel:
- Size: 2.95" TFT LCD, 1080x720 pixels
Equipment:
- WLAN/Bluetooth: Requires Leica FOTOS app. Supports 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual band WLAN.
Power Supply:
- Charger: Leica BC-SCL7 (USB-C DC 5V input, DC 8.4V output)
- AC-Adapter: Leica ACA-SCL7 (AC 100V-240V input, DC 5V output)
- Rechargeable battery: Leica BP-SCL7 (Li-Ion, 7.4V, 1800mAh)
Safety Remarks
General Information: Avoid using the camera near strong magnetic or electromagnetic fields. Protect the camera from static discharge, sand, dust, water, and aggressive chemicals. Do not attempt to open the housing yourself; repairs should be done by authorized service centers.
Lens: Protect the lens from direct sunlight, as it can act as a magnifying glass and damage the camera's interior.
Battery/Charger: Use only the specified Leica battery (BP-SCL7) and charger (BC-SCL7). Do not expose batteries to extreme temperatures or damage them. Keep battery contacts clean. Never throw batteries into fire.
Memory Card: Do not remove the memory card during data saving or reading. Do not drop or bend memory cards. Keep connections clean and dry. Keep memory cards away from children.
Sensor: Cosmic radiation may cause pixel defects.
Carry Strap: Ensure the strap is securely attached. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use for sports activities with a risk of entanglement.
Tripod: Ensure the tripod is stable. Hand-tighten the tripod screw. Do not transport the camera with a tripod attached.
Flash: Use only compatible flash units to avoid irreparable damage.
Regulatory Information
Specific regional approvals can be found in the camera menu under 'Camera Information' > 'Regulatory Information'.
Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Dispose of the device and batteries at designated recycling collection points, not in household waste.
CE Mark
The CE mark indicates compliance with essential EU requirements. Declaration of Conformity is available at www.cert.leica-camera.com.
Warranty
Leica Camera AG offers a product warranty valid from the date of purchase at an authorized retailer. Warranty conditions can be reviewed online at warranty.leica-camera.com.
FCC Note (For US Only)
This equipment complies with FCC Part 15 Rules. It may cause interference if not installed correctly. Measures to correct interference include reorienting antennas, increasing separation, and connecting to a different circuit. Consult a dealer or technician if problems persist.
Canada Only (CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B))
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s) and meets RF exposure limits.
US and Canada Only
This equipment is tested for SAR and complies with FCC/IC RF exposure limits. Use only designated Leica Camera AG accessories for body-worn operation.
Made for iPhone | iPad
The 'Made for Apple' badge indicates accessories designed for specific Apple products. Apple is not responsible for the operation or regulatory compliance of these accessories.
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