Film cameras
Leica M4 User manual
User manual for Leica M4. 31 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Leica
- Model / document
- Leica M4
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 31
- File size
- 3.3 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 5 · Read text
1 Automaticframecounter I Lensmountbayonetlock 2 Shutterreleasebutton I Raisedred dot for lens changing 3 Rapidadvancelever 10 Accessoryshoe 4 Reversinglever, tor rewindingfilm 11 Depth-of-fieldscale 5 Self-timer 12 Lensfocusinglever. 6 Shutterspeeddial l3 Distancescale 7 Rangefinderwindow 4 www.orphancameras.comView original page 5
Page 6 · Read text
l4 Aperture scale 20 Combined range-viewfindei eyepiece 15 Focal frame illuminator 2 1 Baseplate latch l6 Focal frame pre-selector lever 22 Electronic-flash synchronizationcontact | 7 Viewfinder window 23 Flash bulb synchronizationcontact 18 Folding rewind crank 24 Film type/speed indicator l9 Strap lugs 25 l/a" tripod bushingView original page 6
Page 7 · Read text
Holcling the LETCA
For steady three-point support, the right
hand grasps that side of the camera, with
forefinger on the releasebuttoh, ?nd thumb
against the transport lever. The left hand
cradles the lens from below, and the fore-
head presses against the camera back.
For vertical pictures, keep both hands in
the same positions described for horizon-
tal shoo t i n g , a n d s i m p l y s w i n g t h e r i g h t
side of the camera upward into the verti-
cal position. This method keeps you in
full com m a n d o f a l l L E I C A c o n t r o l s , y o u r
fingers performing the same functions inL
6 www.orphancameras.comView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
both positions.An alternativemethod often vertical pos i t i o n .I n t h i s c a s e t h e s h u t t e r i s favored by professionals is to swing the released wi t h t h e t h u m b , t h e o t h e r f i n g e r s rig h t s i de of t h e L E I cA d o w nward into the squ eezinga g a i n s tt h e c a m e r a b a s e p l a t e .View original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
of the LEICA M 4 combines the functions
of a particularly efficient viewfinder and
an unusuallyaccurate coupled rangefinder'
Brilliantlyilluminatedfinder frames are pro-
vided for the four most important focal
lengths: 35-, 50-, 90-, and 135mm. These
frames are coupled to the focusing move-
ment so thatthey shifttheir positionswithin
x the viewfinder field to provide automatic
parallax compensation over the full focus-
ing range. This ensures that everything
visible within the frames will be recorded
o n t h e f i l m .
The sharp rectangular rangefinder focusing
field is centered in the finder, and appears
brighter than the surrounding area. All 'l35mm LEICA lenses from 21- to focus
couple automatically to the rangefinder.
When LEICA lenses from 35- to 135mm
are inserted into the M 4 bayonet lens-
The universal mount, the proper frame appears auto-
range-vievYfinder matically.
I
www.orphancameras.comView original page 9Page 11 · Read text
The frarne pr€-s€lector
lewer (fG)
permits you to preview the effect of any
focal length within the 35-50-90-135mm
r a n g e , w i t h o u t a c t u a l l yc h a n g i n g l e n s e s . l t
i s a l s o s p e c i a l l y i m p o r t a n t i n c o m b i n a t i o n
w i t h t h e L E I C A M E T E RM R , a s d e s c r i b e d
on page 23. When the preselector lever is 35rn r e l e a s e di t a u t o m a t i c a l l yr e t u r n s t o i t s o r i -
g i n a l p o s i t i o n , a n d t h e a d d i t i o n a lf i n d e r
f r a m e d i s a p p e a r s .
Lever pointing upward:
F i e l do f v i e w f o r 5 0 m m l e n s e s .
Lever pointingtoward lens:
F i e l do f v i e w f o r 9 0 m m l e n s e s * )
Lever pointing away from lens:
F i e l do f v i e w f o r 3 5 - a n d 1 3 5 m ml e n s e s .
. ) L e v e r t a k e s 9 0 m m p o s l t i o n w h e n ' 1 3 5 m m E L M A B I T
f i 2 8 w r t h o o t i c a l v e w f i n d e r a t t a c h m e n t i s u s e d
1 0 www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 15 · Read text
The film transportlever (3) simultaneously
tensions the LEICA's focal-planeshutter
and advancesthe film by one frame. Push
the lever all the way to the right until a
firm stop is felt. This can be done with a
single thumb-stroke,or by a series of
shorter strokes.
You cannotadvancethe film more than one
frameat a time or makean exposurebeforethe
film has been properly advanced. Accidental
double-exposures are impossible.
The release button (2) is threaded for a
standardcable rejeasewith a conical fitt-
ing. The LEITZ cable releasewith locking
screw forTime exposuresis Cat.No. 14097.
Always press the release button gently,
never iab it! You will hear the click as the
shutter runs down to exposethe film.
The shutter speed selector dial (6) can be
set either before or after tensioningthe
shutter. The engraved figures represent
fractionsof a second.Thus 1000indicates
r/1eess€c, 4 islla sec, and so on. When set
to "B", the shutter remainsopen as long(t
(3 as the releasebutton is pressed.The red
(o f symbol between 1/36and 1/5ssec indicates \trr F the electronic-flash synchronization speed
of the r/5ssec. Intermediate shutter speeds
settings, may be set between the click-stop I A except between 1/sandr/15 sec and between\lt
15777-110 r/3s and f symbol. www.orphancameras.comView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
The
depth-of-field scale (tl)
The lens images most sharply objects at as f/8, produces greater depth-of-field than
the exact distance - in a plane parallel to wider apertures, such as f 14.
the film - on which it is focused. This The double aperture engravings at either
sharpness gradually falls off in front of, side of the focusing mark indicate the
and behind the focused distance, produc- sharply focused distances in front of and
ing a zone in which all objects are behind the focused distance. The 50mm
acceptably sharp. The extent of this zone SUMMICRON@ f 12 scale shows that when
\ of acceptable sharpness - the depth-of- focused at 15 ft (5m) the depth-of-field at
field - depends upon the object distance, f l4 ranges from about 12112ft (am) to about
the focal length, and the lens aperture. 20 ft (6m). Note also the very much greaterI Stopping down to a smaller aperture, such depth obtained at f 111.
1 5View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
The lens aperture n4,
works very much like the iris of your eye
which opens and closes to adapt itself to
weaker or stronger light. Thus, in very
b r i g h t l i g h t w e " s t o p d o w n " t o a s m a l l
a p e r t u r e l i k e t l B o r f 1 1 1 .C o n v e r s e l y , i n
d i m l i g h t w e " o p e n u p " t o o n e o f t h e l a r -
ger apertures like f 12 or f 12.8.The f/stops
( t 1 1 . 4- 2 - 2 . 8 - 4 - s . 6 - 8 - 1 1 - 1 6 - 2 2 " )
fol low an i nternationally standardizedsca le.
Closing down the aperture by one f/stop
reduces the light reachingthe film by 50o/o,
o p e n i n g u p b y o n e f / s t o p d o u b l e s t h e l i g h t .
The distance scale (13) One f/stop interval on the aperture scale
corresponds to one shutter speed interval
is used when setting the lens for a specific o n t h e L E I C A s o e e d s e l e c t o r d i a l . R e m e m -
depth-of-field requirement, as well as in ber: The larger the f/number, the smaller
flash photography.In this case, thefocused the aperture. h
d i s t a n c e i s d i v i d e d i n t o t h e f l a s h g u i d e
number to obtain the correct exposure ") Thln esolemen g thcasesof thisthescalefir st,dependsor m aximuponum thelenslensapertypetur e fa pe rtu re. will h a ve an inter m ediatevalue. such as f/3 5
t o www.orphancameras.comView original page 17Page 19 · Read text
Flash synchronization
means that the flash lights up at the exact
The built-in self-tirner (5) instant in which the shutter opens. All elec-
can be used with all shutter speeds, and tronic-flash units and most types of flash
can be set either before or after the shut- bulbs can be used with the LEIcA M 4. At
ter is wound. For delayed-action exposu- the rear of the camera you will find two
res, release the shutter by means of the internationallystandardized co-axial flash
small chromed button indicated by the contacts.The left-handcontact marked ,
arrow in the illustrationabove. Do not use is used with electronic-flash and several
the shutter release button, as this will by- types of miniature flash bulbs. The right-
pass the self-timer. When turned all the hand contact marked is used with all I
way down, the self-timer lever will give a other types of flash bulbs. The flash syn-
delayed action of about 10 seconds; turn- chronizationtable gives the needed infor-
ing half-waydown will give adelay of about mation for working with the most widely
5 seconds. used flash sources.
1 B www.orphancameras.comView original page 19Page 21 · Read text
Filrn loa<ling Before opening the LEICA, make sure that Turn baseplate latch (21) to the left, and it isn't already loaded by unfolding the re- remove baseplate; back panel will swing wind crank (t8) and turning gently in the open, and frame counter will spring 2 marks arrow direction. lf resistance is felt, a film before 0. Set the LEICA on its top, with the is in the camera. See rewinding instruc- lens facing you. tions on page 21. Start the cartridge into the left-hand cham- 20 www.orphancameras.comView original page 21
Page 23 · Read text
that all fllm goes into the cartridge. A par- Lens care
tially exposed film can be removed from
the LEICA, and then re-loaded.Note frame
number of last exposed picture, rewind The hard LEITZ anti-reflectioncoating onfilm, and be sur to leave film-end protrud- the outer surfaces of LEICA lenses ising from cassette as explainedabove.When abraision resistant, but not scratch-proof!re-inserting,proceed as with an unexposed Treat lens surfaces with great care, starting
film, but cover the lens with its cap, and any cleaning by dusting with a soft camel's
keep releasing the shutter and advancing hair lens brush. lf this doesn't suffice,wipe
the film until counter indicates 2 frames gently with a soft, well-launderedpiece of
more than the number of previously ex- linen, a clean chamois leather, or a high-posed pictures.
grade (white) optical lens tissue. Avoid
colored or chemically impregnated papers
or cleaning cloths. Use lens cleaning fluids
sparingly,if at all. When not in use, protect
your lens by using front and back caps.
Above all, remember: lt is better to keep
your lens clean, than to keep cleaning your
lens.
When photographing in sandy, dusty, or
other potentially dangerous places, protect
the front lens surface by using a clear
LEITZ UVa (ultra-violet absorbing) filter.
This will not affect the exposure time.
Should salt water splash onto your camera
or lens, clean by first wiping with a cloth
dampened in ordinary tap-water, then dry
thoroughlywith a second clean cloth.
22 www.orphancameras.comView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
Critical exposu re control
is afforded b y t h e L E I C A M E T E R @M R w h i c h
couples to t h e s p e e d s e l e c t o r d i a l o f t h e
LEICA l\A4. This sensitive,battery-powered
CdS met e r h a s a s e l e c t i v em e a s u r i n gf i e l d
equivalen tt o t h a t o f a 9 0 m m L E I C A l e n s .
s)/stelTl
The 90m m f o c a l f r a m e b u i l t i n t o t h e M 4
viewfinder system is therefore used, by
means of t h e f r a m e p r e - s e l e c t o r ( 1 6 ) , t o
give accu r a t e l y a i m e d e x p o s u r e r e a d i n g s .
A L E I C A M E T E R M R b e l o n g s o n y o u r
LEICA M 4 b e c a u s e i t l e t s y o u m e a s u r e
exactly what you want, and lets you know
exactly w h a t y o u a r e m e a s u r i n g .
23View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
Interchangeable 21mmSUPER-ANGULON@f lS.q and 28mm
LEICA lenses ELMARIT@fl2.Bultra-wideanglelensesare
used with optical bright-lineviewfinders
Your LEICA M 4 accepts rnore than 20 whichf it intothe accessoryshoe.
interchangeableLEITZ lenses. The range- The 90mm ELMARITtl2.B and SUMMI-
finder couples with all lenses from 21 to CRON f/2, ohd the 135mmTELE-ELMARf/4
135mm, and focal frames are provided for and ELMARITfl2.B can also be used for
the important 35-50-90-135mm range. The reflex groundglassfocusingwith the VISO-
24 FLEXlll reflexhousing. www.orphancameras.comView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
15789-100 15t8/-160
VISOFLEX TII Focusing Bellows ll
Whenever groundglassfocusing and image This valuable VISOFLEX accessory is ideal
control are needed, the VISOFLEX@lll con- for techn i c a l , s c i e n t i f i c , a n d a l l c l o s e - u p
verts your LEICA M 4 into a compact single- and macro assignments.With the Focusing
lens reflex camera with instant-return mir- Bellows l l , v a r i o u s 9 0 m m L E I C A l e n s e s
ror. LEICA lenses giving infinityto close-up give a continuous focusing range from in-
fo c us w i t h t h e V I S O FL EX lll include the finity to 1 : 1, a n d o p t i c a l u n i t s o f 1 3 5 m m
65mm ELMAR@f/3.5,and the TELYT@series LEICA len s e s f o c u s f r o m ( - a t, o 1 : 1 . 5 .H i g h
o f 2 0 0 , 28 0 , 4 0 0 , a n d 560mm long-focus magnifications are achieved with 35 and
le ns es . Mo st 9 0 mm a n d all 135mm LEICA 50mm LEICA lenses and the special 50mm
lenses can also be used. FOCOTAR@t14.5 and 24mm REPRO SUM-
MAR@ t 14.5 lenses.
25View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
1578Si16S LEICA copying stands TELEVIT F or o c c a isio n a lco p yin g and reproduction This ligh t - w e i g h t f a s t f o c u s i n g m o u n t i s jobs, the LEICA System offers two handily used with t h e V I S O F L E X l l l f o r r a p i d - a c t i o n c omp a c t co p yin g st a n d s giving a variety of long-lens photography. The TELEVIT ac- fixe d rep ro d u ct io nra t io s .The small column cepts 280, 400, and 560mm TELYT lenses s t a n d ( N o . 1 6 5 1 1 ) i s u s e d w i t h y o u r L E I C A and incorporates many professional fea- M 4 an d a n y 5 0 mm L EICA lens. Metal t u r e s : p u s h - p u l l p i s t o l g r i p f o c u s i n g ; f i n e ma s k s p ro vid e t h e f ie ld s for reproduction focusing t h u m b - w h e e l ; p r e - s e t t a b l e d i s t - r a t i o so f i : 1 , 1 : 1 . 5 ,1 : 2 , a n d 1 : 3 . F o r l a r g e r ance bloc k s ;h o r i z o n t a fl v e r t i c a sl w i n g; i n t e - forma t ap p lica t io n s,t h e LEIZ four-legged gral filter s l o t f o r s t a n d a r d S e r i e s V l l f i l - copying stand covers three formats with a ters; attachable shou lder stock. 5 0 m m l e n s . 26 www.orphancameras.comView original page 27
Page 28 · Read text
LEICA lenshoods The errer-rGady case
improveopticalqualityby blocking-offstray for the LEICA M 4 holdsthe camerawith a
lightfrom all sidesof the subjectfield,thus 35 or 50mm lens, or the 90mm TELE-
reducingscatter inside the camera.They ELMARITf 12.8,and affords excellentpro-
are alsoa big help in rain or snow, as they tection when carrying the camera.
help to keep the front lens surfacedry. LEICAoutfit cases, for carryingthe camera
LEITZlenshoodswith spring-clampfittings with a number of lenses and accessories
are provided for all of the shorter focus keep your equipmentwell organized,and
lenses,ofld in many cases can be reversed ready for use.
for easier transport.The 90mm SUMMI-
CRON, 135mm ELMARIT,and all of the
TELYT lenses have integral telescoping
hoods.
27View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
T h e h i gh qu a lit y o f yo u r LEICA camera and its interchangeableLEIZ lenses depends, in t he l ast a n a lysis,u p o n the quality of the e q ui pme n tyo u u se t o e nlarge and project. This is why precision LEITZ FOCOMAT@ en largers and PRADOVIT@and PRADO- LUX@slide projectors play such an impor- tant role in the LEICA System. Enlarging and Proiection LEIZ FOCO MAT auto-focus en largers to 2'ltx3l ll' (6 x 9cm). Both offer uniform utilize sturdy parallelogram construction negative i l l u m i n a t i o n f, i r s t c l a s s e n l a r g i n g for lasting accuracy. The FOCOMAT lc is optics, and the f ilter drawer required for designed for all negatives up to 24 x 36mm, color print i n g . the l arg e r FO CO MA T llc for negativesup 28 www.orphancameras.comView original page 29
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A wide range of LEITZ projectors are avail- able for every projection need, at home, in le c t ure ha lls, f o r b u sin ess,advertisingand a n d pro f e ssio n a l p u rp oses.View original page 30
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@ L E t c A , S U P E R - A N G U L O NS, U M M I c R o N , E L M A R , E L M A R I T ,T E L Y T , L E I C A - METER,VISOFLEX, FOCOMAT, FOCOTAR, SUMMAR, PBADOVIT, PRADOLUX, COLORPLAN are registered trademarks Design subject to alteration without notice. E R N S T L E I T Z G M B H W E T Z L A R G E R M A N Y S u b s i d i a r y : E r n s t L e i t z ( C a n a d a ) L t d . , M i d l a n d , O n t a r i o r - i r t @www.orphancameras.comView original page 31
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