Operation Manual

Exposure metering / 135
EXPOSURE METERING
On the Leica M9, exposure metering for the available
ambient light is performed through the lens with the
working aperture. The light reected by the bright
shutter blades in the rst shutter curtain is captured
by a photo diode and measured. This silicon photo
diode with forward-facing convex lens is positioned at
the bottom center, in the case of the camera.
The speed/aperture combinations for a correct expo-
sure are given by the viewnder or monitor displays or
are determined with their assistance.
In aperture priority mode the aperture is selected
manually, and the camera then determines the appro-
priate shutter speed automatically. In this mode a
digital LED display indicates the resulting shutter
speed (e.g. 1000)
If both values are set manually, a light balance made
up of three red LEDs ( • ) is used to correct the ex -
posure. When the setting is correct, only the central
circular LED is lit.
SWITCHING THE EXPOSURE METER ON/OFF
The exposure meter is switched on by lightly pressing
the shutter release button (1.19) to its rst pressure
point, provided the camera is switched on at the main
switch (1.18) and the shutter speed setting dial (1.17)
is not set to B .
When the exposure meter is ready, one of the displays
is continuously lit in the viewnder:
– in aperture priority mode, the digital LED display of
the shutter speed,
– and in manual mode either of the two triangular
LEDs, either individually or in conjunction with the
center circular LED.
If you let go of the shutter release button without
activating the shutter, the exposure meter remains on
for around 12s more, and the corresponding LED(s)
re main lit for the same time.
If the shutter speed setting dial is set to
B , the expo-
sure meter is disabled.
Notes:
• If the displays go out, the camera is in “standby”
mode.
• With very little ambient light, i.e. at the limits of the
exposure meter’s range, it can take around 0.2s for
the LEDs to light up.
• If a correct exposure cannot be achieved using the
available shutter speeds in aperture priority mode,
the shutter speed display gives a warning by ashing
(for more details, refer to the „Aperture priority
mode” section on p. 136).
• In poor lighting conditions when using manual
mode, if the reading is below the exposure meter
range, the left hand triangular LED gives a warning
by ashing. In aperture priority mode the shutter
speed remains displayed. If the required shutter
speed is below the longest possible shutter speed
of 32s, this display also ashes.
• If the camera will not be used for an extended period
or is stored in a case, always switch it o at the
main switch. This prevents any power consumption,
includ ing that which continues to occur in standby
mode after the exposure meter is turned o auto-
matically and the display is extinguished. This also
prevents pictures from being taken accidentally.