User manual LEICA R7

Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals User Manual LEICA R7 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals We wish you a great deal of pleasure and many years of successful photography with your new LEICA R7. To enable you to fully enjoy and take advantage of the wide range of possibilities offered by this high-quality, precision camera, we recommend that you first read this manual carefully. Leica Akademie. Leica not only develops and manufactures highperformance products for photography, projection, observation and photographic reproduction - an additional service available to you is the Leica Akademie. For many years, this internationally famous school has been teaching photographic know-how in application-oriented seminars and training courses. It meets the needs of photo enthusiasts, both beginners and advanced students, for special training in demanding areas of 35mm photography, projection, and enlargement. Up-to-date, well-equipped classrooms at our Solms headquarters are available for courses, which are held by experienced instructors, with syllabuses ranging from general photography to specialized fields of interest. They provide a wealth of practical suggestions, help, and advice. Further information and details of seminars are available from: Leica Camera GmbH, Leica Akademie Oskar-Barnack-Strasse 11, D-35606 Solms, Germany Telephone +49 (06442) 208-421 This user manual was printed on paper bleached without chlorine - a process which protects our natural water resources and the environment. II Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Brief description 1 Window for display and illumination of aperture scale 2 Self-timer LED 3 Coaxial flash-cable contact 4 Eyelet for carrying strap 5 Depth of field lever 6 Bayonet lock 7 Electronic self-timer 8 Connection for independent mirror release 9 Switch for aperture scale illumination 10 Focusing ring 11 Depth of field scale 12 Red dot for alignment of interchangeable lenses 13 Aperture setting ring 14 Release button for override lock 15 Window for override setting display 16 Override setting lever 17 Hinged rewind crank 18 Film speed setting ring 19 ISO film speed control window 20 Release button for setting film speed 21 LED (light diode) 22 Accessory shoe with central hot-shoe and control contacts III Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Contents Page Brief description III, VI Attaching the carrying strap 2 Changing the lens 3 Inserting the batteries 4 Compatible batteries 4 Automatic battery check 5 Exposure release without batteries 5 Quick-wind lever 5 Inserting the film 6 Automatic DX-code film speed setting 8 Manually setting film speed 9 Rewinding and removing the film 9 Exposure metering modes 10 Full-field integral metering 11 Selective metering 11 Working diagram of exposure meter 12 Switching on the exposure meter 14 Using the exposure meter at full aperture 14 Using the exposure meter at working aperture 15 Low-light warning 15 Manual override control 16 Shutter speed setting dial 17 Viewfinder image 18 Mode selection 20 21 Manual setting of shutter speed, selective mode m Aperture priority, full-field integral metering A 22 24 Aperture priority, selective metering A Exposure metering memory 24 Aperture priority, full-field integral metering T 26 Automatic program mode, full-field integral metering P 28 Program functioning in different shutter speed Settings Characteristics, tendencies and application of the variable automatic program mode Supplementary light for aperture scale Eyepiece adjustment Focusing with the universal focusing screen Eyepiece shutter Using flash equipment TTL flash-exposure control in manual mode m TTL flash-exposure control in aperture priority mode A , A TTL fill-in flash control in shutter priority mode T Variable TTL flash-exposure control in automatic program mode P Overview of flash exposure programs Flash readiness display Flash control display Self timer Independent mirror release Multiple exposures Depth of field lever Depth of field scale on lens Holding the camera Using filters Using existing LEICA Lenses and accessories LEICA M-Lenses on the LEICA R7 Tips on care Accessories Camera spare parts Enlarger, Projectors Customer Service Technical Data Reference index 29 32 33 33 34 35 36 37 38 38 39 40 41 41 42 42 44 45 45 46 47 47 48 48 49 54 54 55 57 VII 1 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals 1 2 Attaching the carrying strap 3 4 2 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Changing the lens To avoid damage to your LEICA R7, do not attempt to fit any lens that does not have a control cam for a LEICA R Camera (see page 47). To insert a LEICA R-Lens regardless of the focus and aperture settings, proceed as follows: Hold the lens by the fixed ring [11]. Position the red dot [12] on the lens mount opposite the dot on the bayonet lock [6] on the camera body. Insert the lens in this position. A slight clockwise turn locks the lens into position audibly. Removing the lens: Hold the lens by the fixed ring [11]. Press in the bayonet lock [6] on the camera body. Turn the lens anticlockwise and remove. Always change lenses in the shade or in your body's shadow. 3 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Notes on battery care and use: Store battery cells in a cool, dry place. Keep away from children. Never use old and new battery cells together. Do not mix battery cells of different makes. These battery cells are not rechargeable. Batteries contain toxic and environmentally damaging substances. Do not discard used battery cells, but return them to your camera dealer for recycling or dispose of them at special waste collection points. Compatible batteries Silver oxide button cells suitable for the LEICA R7 (valid Spring 1992): Duracell EverReady Kodak Maxell National Panasonic Philips Ray-o-vac Sony Ucar Varta D 357 (10 L 14) EPX 76 KS76 SR44 SR44 SR44 357 357 SR44 EPX 76 V 76 PX Inserting the batteries The exposure meter and shutter release of the LEICA R7 require a 6V power supply, either four silver oxide button cells (1.5V) or two lithium cells (3V). Open the battery compartment cap [37] by pressing the locking button [36] and push the cap in the direction of the camera front. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any oxidization on the surface of the battery cells and insert the batteries in the battery cap; position them as marked by symbols in the battery cap. Close battery compartment cap and push it toward the camera back until it clicks shut. 4 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Lithium cells (valid Spring 1992): Duracell Kodak Philips Ucar Varta DL J N K 58 L CR J N 2 L 76 CR J N Automatic Battery Check If battery power is low, the symbol "BC" lights up in the lower right corner of the viewfinder. This indicates sufficient power for the camera to operate, but the batteries should be replaced as soon as possible. If battery power is too low for camera functioning, the exposure release is blocked and all displays, except the "BC" symbol extinguish. If the battery is completely flat, the "BC" symbol no longer lights up. Shutter release without batteries You can still use the camera when the battery cells are flat or have been removed. To do so, set the shutter speed to "B" or "100 ". Quick-wind lever The quick-wind lever [27] winds the film, cocks the shutter, and turns the frame counter [28]. When hinged out in the stand-by position, there is room to slide your thumb behind it and firmly support the camera. After each exposure, the film should be advanced immediately to the next frame to ensure instant readiness for the next photograph. 5 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Inserting the film Pull up the rewind crank [17] and knob past the spring resistance to release and open the camera back. The frame counter resets to "S" (start). 6 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Incorrect Correct Pull up the rewind crank as far as it will go and insert the film cartridge in the empty cartridge chamber, then push in the rewind crank. The edge of the film must be parallel with the film guide. As you move the quick-wind lever, the sprockets of the transport drum must engage in the edge perforations of the film. Use the quick-wind lever to wind the film one frame forward, to ensure that it lies tensioned in the film guide and that the mouth of the cartridge does not project too far. You may occasionally wish to take out a partly exposed film and later insert it again. 7 Pick up the film cartridge as shown above, with the emulsion side facing up. Slide the end of the film obliquely from above into one of the slots of the take-up spool, making sure that the film is gripped by at least one of the retaining clips and projects under the next clip. Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals To ensure that the film is always inserted under the same conditions, use the quick-wind lever to cock the shutter, then release the shutter before you insert the film. Snap shut the camera back to close the camera. Release the shutter. Wind the film one frame forward, release the shutter again, then wind on one more frame. The camera is now ready for use. The frame counter [28] stands at "1". It counts up to "36". Important: Bright light may enter through the mouth of the cartridge and damage your film. Always insert film in your body's shadow; never in bright light. Normally, the film speed setting ring [18] can be left in the "DX" position, other film speeds can be manually set (see following section). The camera is now ready for exposure. Automatic DX-Setting If DX-coded films are used, push the locking button [20] to switch the setting ring [18] to the "DX" position, as displayed in the window. It appears at the end of the ASA scale, i.e. next to the ASA setting "12800". "Reading" and setting the film speed occurs automatically for all speeds from ISO 25/15° to ISO 5000/38°. If, in this setting, a non DX-coded film is inserted, or if there is no film in the camera at all, the symbol "ASA" blinks in the viewfinder display. The outer LED [21] also blinks. 8 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals The setting range covers all values from ISO 6/9° to ISO 12800/42° inclusive. (However, only the ASA-value is displayed, i.e. "6" to "12800") Rewinding and removing the exposed film Exposure of the last frame blocks the action of the quick-wind lever. Rewind the film into its cartridge before removing it from the camera. Press the rewind release button [39] in the camera's baseplate, hinge out the rewind crank [17] and turn it clockwise in the direction indicated by the arrow until you feel a slight resistance as the film is pulled out of the take-up spool. Pull up the rewind crank and knob to open the camera back, and remove the cartridge with the exposed film. If exposure is nevertheless released, the selected aperture and shutter speed settings are activated, regardless of the camera mode chosen. In the case of discrepancy between the manually set film speed and the DX-code, the manually set value becomes operative. The warning symbol lights up at right in the viewfinder display. Setting the film speed manually To set the film speed in ISO units, press the release button [20] and turn the setting ring [18] at the same time until the window [19] displays the required film speed in ASA. 9 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Full-field integral metering Exposure metering modes The LEICA R7 has an exposure-meter system that provides two alternative metering modes: Full-field integral metering Selective metering The exposure metering modes are linked to the camera mode chosen, i.e. they form independent programs. Selective metering The exposure meter measures the light that passes through the lens (TTL exposure metering system). It uses a silicon photodiode, placed in the base of the camera to protect it from stray light. When you use any LEICA R-Lens with an automatic spring-back diaphragm, the exposure meter works at full aperture. The symbol displayed in the window [23] next to the mode selector [26] and at the lower left of the viewfinder indicates the program (mode) selected. 10 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Full-field integral mode Most photographic subjects contain details of varied brightness. The light reflected by this type of subject has a mean grey value of 18%, i.e. it is the same as that of a standard grey area that reflects 18% of the light it receives. This is the calibration value for all exposure meters. The full-field integral mode is suitable for all subjects in normal light, with no extremes of light or color, and where the light and dark areas are fairly evenly distributed over the entire visual field. For this type of subject, choose one of the programs that use the full-field integral mode A , T or P . 11 Selective mode This is the method of choice with highcontrast subjects that have a wide brightness range and correct exposure of a certain detail is particularly important. The large central circle in the viewfinder indicates the field covered in this mode, in which the exposure meter measures only the light reflected by the exact area of the subject that you want determine the exposure. The field is the same size on all focusing screens and for all lenses, whatever their focal length, and is clearly marked in the viewfinder. For selective mode, choose programs A and m . Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Working diagram of the exposure meter The diagram shows the relationship between film speed Sv (speed value) and brightness Bv (brightness value) on the one hand, and between shutter speed Tv (time value) and aperture Av (aperture value) on the other, together with the resulting exposure value Ev. The diagram is in two parts connected by diagonal lines that represent the exposure values Ev. A typical example, marked in red, shows how these values correlate. Assuming a film speed of ISO 400/27°, follow the vertical line to the point where it intersects with the horizontal 2 line for brightness, in this case 0.5 cd/m , typical for night-time photography. A diagonal which passes through this point of intersection leads to the relevant exposure value, in this case Ev 4. Various combinations of aperture and shutter speed can produce this value, i.e. transfer to the camera's working range. For correct exposure, the points of intersection of the vertical Av and the horizontal Tv lines must always lie exactly on a diagonal Ev line. In the example, three such combinations are shown: A = stop 2 at ¼s; B = stop 8 at 4s; and C = stop 16 at 15s. Each corresponds to the correct exposure value. In the modes shutter priority and aperture priority, one of these values is preset, the corresponding value is set automatically; in automatic program mode, the camera automatically sets both. 12 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals 13 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Exposure metering at full aperture Most LEICA R-Lenses feature an automatic spring-back diaphragm. This means that, when you take an exposure meter reading, a spring opens the diaphragm to full aperture regardless of the preset stop and then closes it again to the required aperture setting for the exposure. When using the following lenses, exposure metering takes place at working aperture: · PC-SUPER-ANGULON-R f/2,8/28 mm, · PA-CURTAGON-R f/4/35 mm, · TELYT-R f/6,8/400 mm, · TELYT-R f/6,8/560 mm und · TELYT-S f/6,3/800 mm Switching on the exposure meter Turn the shutter speed setting dial to any value between 1/2000 s and 4 s. Press lightly on the shutter-release button [25] as far as the first pressure point or press the locking button on the selector switch [29]. When the LEICA R7's exposure meter is switched on, the LED display in the viewfinder lights up. If the shutter is cocked when you release the button you have used to activate the system, the LEDs continue to light for about 12s. If the shutter is not cocked, they extinguish at once. 14 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Exposure metering at working aperture Some lenses and accessories do not have an automatic spring back diaphragm or lack the linkage mechanism for it. In these cases, you have to obtain the exposure-meter reading at working aperture, stopping up or down to adjust the amount of light reaching the exposure meter's photocell. With lenses and accessories not equipped with automatic springback diaphragm, the modes A , A and m can be used. Low-light warning The given measuring range of the LEICA R7 has a linear characteristic. If the light intensity level is below the minimum requirement, this characteristic is no longer guaranteed due to the insufficient photocell current. This can lead to incorrect measurements. 15 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Example for "plus" (+) override correction For a very brightly lit subject, such as snow, sand, or water, the high reflectivity causes the exposure meter to indicate too short an exposure. The snow itself is likely to appear grey, people much too dark: underexposure. To correct this, the time of exposure must be increased, i.e. set the override control to +2. Example for "minus" (-) override correction For a very dark subject that reflects only a small amount of light, the exposure meter indicates too long an exposure. A black car appears grey: overexposure. The exposure time must be reduced i.e. set the override control to -1. To set the override control, press the locking button [14] and turn the setting scale [15] to the required value by lever [16]. To lock the button [14], press it in and turn it anticlockwise. When the override control is at 0, the lever [16] fits snugly into the camera body. The override control can be set in steps of one-half of an exposure value, from Ev +3 to Ev -3. When override is active, the symbol flashes at bottom left in the viewfinder. Manual override control (exposure correction) Exposure meters are calibrated to a standard grey (18% reflection) value for an average photographic subject. If the subject does not conform to this standard, manual override correction of the exposure-meter reading becomes necessary. Manual override is more often necessary with full-field integral exposure metering. In selective mode, the more limited metering field makes it possible to measure a representative detail with an average grey value, thus ensuring accurate measurement. 16 Not For Resale ­ Free Download at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/manuals Shutter speed setting dial The shutter speed setting dial should be set to "OFF" when the camera is not in use. In this setting, the exposure meter is switched off and the electronic shutter release blocked, preventing unnecessary battery drain. In the program modes T and m the shutter speed between 1/2000 s and 4s must be set manually by turning the setting dial [26]. Half values can also be set. In the P program mode, the shutter speed setting influences the tendency of the automatic program mode. In program modes A and A , the shutter speed setting dial can be engaged at any value except "B" or "100 ". The shutter speed is automatically computed to values between 1/2000 s and 16s. When using non-system flash units, the shutter speed must be set to "100 ". In the "B" setting, the shutter remains open for a long as the exposure release button is pressed down. The symbol "bulb" is displayed in the viewfinder. In "B" and "100 ", the shutter can be released without battery power. In these settings, no exposure metering occurs (except TTL-flash exposure metering), even if batteries have been inserted. 17