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This post summarises my preferences for setting up the DL8 for still photography.
In keeping with Leica tradition there is no mode dial and no
beginner modes on the DL8. In fact the number of options available is quite
limited, which makes the process easier than is the case with many other
current model cameras.
Getting ready
I store and carry the DL8 in a Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 5
shoulder bag which fits as if bespoke with space for spare batteries, cards and
microfiber cloth. I chose a nondescript black/grey color for the bag to avoid
attracting attention.
One or two spare batteries is a good investment. These are
Leica BP-DC15 or the identical Lumix Panasonic BLG-10E.
We need a USB-C cable and power supply to charge the
batteries in camera or a separate charging unit of which there are many
varieties available.
I have a B+W 43mm protect filter fitted as I prefer to clean
this in preference to the expensive front element of the lens. There is no facility for a lens hood and none
is required.
Adjust the EVF diopter while looking at the camera data not
the image preview.
The camera has a flat front with no hand grip. When out and about I carry my cameras by the handle so they are always ready for use. Leica can supply an accessory grip which is neat and expensive but does not allow access to the battery or memory card. Several aftermarket suppliers offer more practical grips which do allow access to the battery compartment.
The thumb support is small and smooth and not very secure.
Several aftermarket thumb supports are available. These slip into the hotshoe.
Unfortunately they impede access to the shutter speed dial which is moderately
resistant to turning, presumably to prevent unintentional change, and requires
both thumb and index finger to operate.
Some people like to fit red shutter button extenders and
elaborate neck straps and carry the camera in an expensive looking leather bag
with gold buckles. This is one way of inviting thieves to take your expensive
gear.
When out and about with people around, I prefer to go the
other way which is to de-identify the camera by obscuring the red dot and Leica
logos with black electrical tape which
can be removed safely when it comes time to sell the camera.
The basic, no-frills wrist strap supplied in the box works
just fine to provide a little bit of security against dropping the camera or
having it removed from one’s hand by a bump-and-grab thief.
The DL8 is compatible with UHS-1 SD memory cards. I use
SanDisk Extreme Pro 64 GB cards and carry one spare, although I have never had
to use the spare during a day out with the camera.
The Quick Start guide is worth a read if we are not already
familiar with Leica menu and control systems.
I find it is good practice to check all settings before
powering off after a photo session and again before starting the next session.
Inspect the aperture ring, Shutter speed dial, aspect ratio
slider, AF/Macro/MF slider (watch out for this one it is easily overlooked).
Then check ISO, exposure compensation, Position of active AF
area, stabiliser, User profile and battery status.
Failure to routinely do this can result in mess-ups with the
potential for much disappointment if we discover after the event that we have
completed an entire day’s photography
with the stabiliser off or the wrong user profile or some other error.
This is not a point-and-shoot camera.
Thumb wheel function
Menu, screen 4, There are several options but Exposure
Compensation works best for me. Having EC here allows direct access.
Warning: EC does not self cancel when the camera is powered
off.
Button functions
Note: Long press to access a list of options for the function of each button.
* Button in thumb wheel, ISO. This is the most convenient
and ergonomically logical use for this button.
* Button in center of cross keys, Toggle info levels. This function needs to go
somewhere. This button works OK.
* Left button above screen, User Profile. The DL8 does not
have a Mode Dial so there are no custom modes in the sense we have them on a
mode dial camera. Instead we have User Profiles which perform the same
function.
* Right button above screen,
AF Lock. Press the button once, the camera focusses, the AF area box
goes green and focus stays locked while the box is green. Press again to unlock
focus.
Menus
The DL8 has a simplified menu system consisting of 6
screens, accessed by pressing the Menu button repeatedly.
The first screen is a camera status information summary display.
It works like a quick menu on other cameras but the items
displayed cannot be changed by the user.
Several functions can be changed from this screen
These are Photo/Video, Scene Mode, ISO, Autofocus Mode,
Autofocus Area, Drive Mode, JPG profile, User Profile, Metering Mode, White
balance, Capture Mode, Wi-Fi, Jump to Main Menu.
Note: To advance moving right press the Menu button.
To retreat
moving left press the left cross key.
Main Menu
* Drive Mode. Single will be used for most photos with this
camera. The user who wishes to change drive mode fairly often can allocate it
to one of the function buttons or access it via the status summary screen.
* Self timer Off. If we wish to use the camera on a tripod
we can create a User Profile which includes self timer.
* Focussing.
Focus Mode, AFS.
AF Mode, Field
Focus aid, Auto magnification Off, Focus Peaking Off, AF
assist lamp Off.
* Touch AF Off With
most cameras I turn this feature on and I did so initially with the DL8. But I
found that almost every time I handled the camera, a finger would touch the
screen somewhere near the edge, sending the AF area there. Unfortunately the AF
area is not displayed boldly so it can easily happen that I fail to notice that
the AF area is in the wrong place. I can still move the AF area with the cross
keys with no problem and no risk of accidental misplacement.
* Touch AF in EVF On.
This feature allows us to move the AF area by dragging, not touching,
the screen while looking through the EVF. I leave this On as it can sometimes
be useful.
* Exposure metering
I always use Muli-Field, nothing else, ever.
* Exposure Compensation is adjusted with the thumb wheel not
in the menu.
* ISO is adjusted
with the top button and thumbwheel, not in the menu
* Auto ISO settings,
Maximum ISO 6400, Shutter speed limit Auto.
* White balance Auto.
* File Format DNG
* JPG Settings Resolution L, Noise reduction Medium, Film
style STD. Raw files are not affected
by these settings but the screen and EVF displays are affected.
* Highlight/Shadow, Standard.
* iDR, Off.
* Scene Mode, PASM.
* OIS On.
* Shutter type, Hybrid.
* Flash settings, OK Confession time here, I have never used
the accessory flash unit on this camera or on the DL7 and LX100 models I had
previously. But if I ever use it I will set up minus 1 EV flash output so it
works as fill, not the main light.
* Exposure preview,
PASM.
* Auto Review, Off.
* Noise reduction long exposures, Off.
* Thumb wheel, Exposure compensation.
* User profile. On
this camera I set up just one user profile for tripod work, with ISO 100, 2
second timer delay, IS off and f8.
Scroll down to Manage Profiles and follow the prompts.
* Capture assistants,
Grids On (this is useful for re-centering the AF area as there is no button to
do this directly), Zebras On (useful for checking potentially blown highlights)
, Level gauge On, Histogram Off, Clipping On.
* Display settings. EVF<> LCD Auto, Eye sensor
sensitivity Low, LCD brightness Auto, LCD color adjustment Default, LCD frame rate 60 fps, EVF Color
adjustment Default.
* Leica Fotos, see the Owners Manual for instructions. It
works OK with the DL8.
* Format storage. We have to scroll through to here every
time we want to format the card. This action cannot be accessed via the info
screen.
* Camera settings. After setting the time, date and time
zone, I leave these at default.
End of post.
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