Tethering with a M8

[Guest BigSplash]

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I understand that the Digilux 2 worked a treat when tethered, and was very reliable.

 

However I hear that the M8 could also work in a tethered mode via the USB port when it was first introduced. I do not know which software people used and I believe that with the M8 it kind of worked most of the time with JPEG but hardly ever with DNG.

 

Does anyone have information on what works on the M8 and what software people use. Does it only work with JPEG or can it be used with DNG?

By tethering I am thinking of doing the following:

1. Downloading each image shot on the camera (as they are taken) such that they can be viewed on a monitor.
   
2. An ability to have the PC trigger the camera at fixed time intervals.
   

Thanks for any help.

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[andybarton]

Didn't tethering software came in the box?

 

 

There have been numerous discussions here about the software not working on later Mac OSX builds, but the Windows version seems to be OK (on XP at least, as that's a very old system)

[Photon42]

If I remember properly, Apple Aperture 2.0 does allow some basic remote control and direct image transfer. Not sure about intervals, though.

 

Regards

Ivo

[Redridge]

Apple has a program called Image capture.... you can download pics as you take them and have it automatically use another to view/edit the images.

[andybarton]

Frank wants to actually control the camera from the computer, not just download images

 

And he doesn't use a Mac.

 

I'm sure he should find something in the box that will work with his PC, unless it's onE of these PC builds that isn't standard.

[Guest BigSplash]

Frank wants to actually control the camera from the computer, not just download images

 

And he doesn't use a Mac.

 

I'm sure he should find something in the box that will work with his PC, unless it's onE of these PC builds that isn't standard.

 

I received two disks with the camera, one marked Leica(black) the other Phase One.(White)...The Leica one (black disk) has a LE version of Phase One plus the manual as a PDF. I do not see any tethering software on either disk.

[wstotler]

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Hey, BigSplash,

 

I can confirm that the M8 can be tethered and shot via Aperture 2.0. There is a slight amount of lag between shots, generally 7 to 15 seconds after the shot while the data is transferred into Aperture. Not ideal, in terms of speed, but fast enough.

 

There is no timer capability.

 

I recently used these capabilities to shoot an extensive, semi-archival project, which can be found here: Sketch Books - Home - Victor Letonoff

 

No help on the PC end, sorry.

 

Cheers!

Will

[andybarton]

Do a search on here for tethering

[Guest BigSplash]

Do a search on here for tethering

 

Andy I actually did that prior to posting this thread and found some entries but nothing that really helped. Some people suggested Aperture (on Mac) andother software that was referred to was Studio (not sure if that is any good and if it is available on PC). That is about it that I found. So I continue to look.

 

I am surprised that Leica do not supply (possibly at a price) such software as this is available from Canon. I also feel that Leica actually has a product that would work well with tethering as it is small and easy to handle.

 

It is also a camera that can be safely used with studio lights and old flash guns (according to Stefan Daniel) but they do not market this capability, nor do the provide a synch socket.

[bill]

I am surprised that Leica do not supply (possibly at a price) such software as this is available from Canon.

 

I'm not. Leica don't sell photocopiers either.

[SJP]

I think I am nearly there. On Windows XP the tethered M8 is visible in "my computer" - if you open this "folder" you get a list of "tif" files - these actually are the DNG files on the card, incorrectly named "tif".

 

You can actuate the shutter via the camera tasks box on the left "take a new picture" - there is no remote shutter speed etc. so you need to set focus, aperture and all the other stuff manually, which is reasonable enough. So you have tethered actuation of the shutter without any add-ons being necessary. Windows itself is smart enough for that.

 

The next problem is how to view the files. If you do nothing you get very small previews which I think is the thumbnail data - no use whatsoever for serious viewing. If you select and copy the files and rename to DNG then you can view the DNG in their full glory via C1.4 or whatever takes your fancy (Irfanview can also be used as a rapid DNG viewer).

 

So the only obstacle is how to get an automatic transfer and rename up and running. I think that you can do this automatically but you really need to know your (Windows) stuff (e.g. if you mess around in the registry you can have two folders in different locations with the same content, but I have no idea how to implement that). Another option would be to make a "bat" file (remember those? They still can be used!) that contains a intelligently constructed xcopy command. Something like "xcopy camera folder/*.tif computer folder/*.DNG" but presumably slightly more complicated.

 

Workflow is then click the "take a new picture" button, when you want to review "click the transfer.bat icon" and then the target folder can be inspected with irfanview.

 

How does this sound..... too Heath Robinson:D ???

[bill]

I think I am nearly there.

[lots of complex twiddling]

How does this sound..... too Heath Robinson:D ???

 

No more so than a Visoflex

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[SJP]

No more so than a Visoflex

Regards,Bill

tssk living dangerously;)

[andybarton]

Andy I actually did that prior to posting this thread and found some entries but nothing that really helped. .

 

Here's a thread to which you contributed back in November

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/105995-tethering-would-nice.html

[Guest BigSplash]

I think I am nearly there. On Windows XP the tethered M8 is visible in "my computer" - if you open this "folder" you get a list of "tif" files - these actually are the DNG files on the card, incorrectly named "tif".

 

You can actuate the shutter via the camera tasks box on the left "take a new picture" - there is no remote shutter speed etc. so you need to set focus, aperture and all the other stuff manually, which is reasonable enough. So you have tethered actuation of the shutter without any add-ons being necessary. Windows itself is smart enough for that.

 

The next problem is how to view the files. If you do nothing you get very small previews which I think is the thumbnail data - no use whatsoever for serious viewing. If you select and copy the files and rename to DNG then you can view the DNG in their full glory via C1.4 or whatever takes your fancy (Irfanview can also be used as a rapid DNG viewer).

 

So the only obstacle is how to get an automatic transfer and rename up and running. I think that you can do this automatically but you really need to know your (Windows) stuff (e.g. if you mess around in the registry you can have two folders in different locations with the same content, but I have no idea how to implement that). Another option would be to make a "bat" file (remember those? They still can be used!) that contains a intelligently constructed xcopy command. Something like "xcopy camera folder/*.tif computer folder/*.DNG" but presumably slightly more complicated.

 

Workflow is then click the "take a new picture" button, when you want to review "click the transfer.bat icon" and then the target folder can be inspected with irfanview.

 

How does this sound..... too Heath Robinson:D ???

 

Steve thanks....I shall give it a go. Much appreciated.

It would be good if there was a nice software that could download to something like Lightroom (or maybe that can do it already?) and see the images full size, and in all their glory.

[Guest BigSplash]

Here's a thread to which you contributed back in November

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/105995-tethering-would-nice.html

 

Andy you are corect and I missed that one. I read all 3 pages this evening and found that it relates to M9 ( maybe not M8) and the level of tethering seems variable, limited, and does not always work. Thread No36 suggests to use "Studio & Lightroom tether" with a "ptpcam" plug in ....if I understand it correctly. I shall try to check this out.

 

Thanks for the link in anycase. However I do think Leica could do themselves a favour by providing an appropriate software even if Bill who does not have a M8 or M9 does not agree!

[andybarton]

There was definitely software for the DMR in the box, as I have used it myself.

[Guest BigSplash]

I'm not. Leica don't sell photocopiers either.

 

I agree and this is something that does not worry me.

However the point I was trying to make is that the do NOT sell things that complete their offering as a system...and that limits the size of the niche that they serve properly.

 

They do not offer for example:

• Filters for their older lenses and their dealers can't get them either in the UK at least
  
• Lens hoods are difficult to get hold of
  
• Tethering software, and leads
  
• Electric remote shutter release cable
  
• Software for sending images via a cellphone /PC easily as supplied by Canon
  
• Macro / Telephoto attachment (next gen Visoflex)
  
• Macro Lens heads and Bellows
  
• Telephoto Lens Heads
  
• Mini ball for use on the mini tripod that they do sell...The large ball that they sell is the same size as the mini tripod, which is intended for the traveller!
  
• Hot shoe to synch adapter for use with Visoflex attached (Michael Bass low profile attachment)
  
• Large battery and base plate for sustained shooting
  
• Cold weather power cable to camera and battery housing to fit in the pocket.
  
• White Card ( as per Rayworkflow.com)
  
• Colour Checker (as per Munsell.com)
  
• Sensor cleaning kit (VDust Plus kit or similar)
  
• A range of leather items such as:
  
  • Nappa Leather slip case to protect the M body in any briefcase when travelling
    
  • A briefcase with a tailored part for M body, spare battery, Three Lenses, and a place for a notebook and note pad, plus a place for passport and airtickets.
    
  • Luigi's range of items
    

  [*]Other?

Now Bill you with your M film cameras probably do not need these and indeed a photocopier can be useful. My needs for one stop shopping for quality products that fit the M digital is of interest to me...and judging from requests for data on this or that product from the likes of Michael Bass I am not alone.

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[stunsworth]

Frank are you really saying that Leica are remiss for not selling a card for white balancing their digital cameras?

 

Leica made the decision decades ago not to sell all those poor selling widgets that they used to sell. Presumably so that they could concentrate on items that people actually wanted to buy - and by people I mean people in substantial numbers.

 

Look at it as a positive situation. It give high flying CEO entrepreneurs like yourself the chance to corner the market in Visioflex adapted hot shoes - something that I'm sure the market is crying out for. Go for it Frank, I'm sure you'll make a million.

[Guest BigSplash]

Frank are you really saying that Leica are remiss for not selling a card for white balancing their digital cameras?

 

Leica made the decision decades ago not to sell all those poor selling widgets that they used to sell. Presumably so that they could concentrate on items that people actually wanted to buy - and by people I mean people in substantial numbers.

 

Look at it as a positive situation. It give high flying CEO entrepreneurs like yourself the chance to corner the market in Visioflex adapted hot shoes - something that I'm sure the market is crying out for. Go for it Frank, I'm sure you'll make a million.

 

I think they made the decision as they were losing money as a company each quarter making this like R lenses for R8/R9 which were expensive, did not have the features of their competitors within a market where they had a 0.2% share.

 

I bought my M8 last June and I have ever since been finding out small items that I need to complete my system.........I really think that Leica could enhance their offer by moving towards providing a complete system, plus enjoy pull thru revenue. Many of the items that I have listed are things that Leica could have made by 3rd parties, who in some cases are already making the items but have a difficult access to the market.