124
BASIC PICTURE SETTINGS
SWITCHING LENS TYPE IDENTIFICATION ON/OFF
The 6-bit coding in the bayonet (1.10) on current
Leica M lenses allows the Leica M-E to identify the
type of lens. It does this using the sensor in the
bayonet flange (1.9).
– Among other things, this information is used to opti-
mize the picture data. Thus vignetting which can be
particularly noticeable with wide-angle lenses and
large apertures can be compensated in the relevant
picture data.
– Control of the flash and the flash reflector also uses
the lens data (see “Compatible flash units”, p. 143).
– In addition the information supplied by this 6-bit
coding is written to the relevant EXIF file for the
pictures. The picture data shown in the INFO display
(see “The monitor”, p. 117) also includes an indica-
tion of the lens focal length (3.3.7 b, see p. 100).
Note:
When using lenses without 6-bit coding the identifi-
cation function must be switched off to prevent
malfunctions and the lens type used must be entered
manually (see p. 124).
SETTING THE FUNCTION
1. In the main menu (see p. 102/119) select
Lens Detection (4.1.1), and
2. the desired option in the sub-menu:
– Off, or
– Auto, if a coded lens is fitted, or
– Manual, if a non-coded lens is fitted.
MANUAL ENTRY OF LENS TYPE/FOCAL LENGTH
Due to a lack of coding, older Leica M lenses are not
identified by the camera body, but “identification” can
be carried out using the menu.
3. In the list in the Manual sub-menu,
select the lens used.
• A lens list appears in the monitor (1.31), which
also contains the respective item numbers to
allow definitive identification.
Notes:
• The item number is engraved on the opposite side
to the depth of field scale on many lenses.
• The list contains lenses that were available without
coding (before around June 2006). Lenses launched
more recently are only available with coding and
therefore cannot be selected manually.
• When using the Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm
ASPH. f/4, the set focal length is not transferred to
the camera and therefore is not included in the EXIF
data for the pictures. However, you can enter the
relevant focal length manually if you wish.
• By contrast, the Leica Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm
ASPH. f/4 features the mechanical transfer of the
set focal length to the camera necessary to activate
the appropriate bright-line frames. The camera
electronics detect the focal length and use it to set
a focal length specific correction. However, due to a
lack of space only one item number appears in the
menu – 11 625. Of course, the two other versions
– 11 890 and 11 894 – can also be used and the
settings made in the menu also apply to them.
