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Function of Front Button???


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Here's what is probably a really silly question but I can't find any explanation in the manual as to the function of the button on the front of the M above the lens release button.

 

I have tried pressing it and can't see anything happening at all. Google hasn't given me an answer either.

 

I am sure one of you long term users will know and be able to educate me so I know if its going to be useful before I use the camera in anger for the first time on Friday.

 

Thanks a lot for any advice you can give

 

Gareth

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In my manual it's page 177, maybe there are different versions...

Best regards, Gerd

 

BTW: The focus button can also be used for exposure button. Then you have to press the focus button and turn the settings dial. I am new to the M and find this awkward. Maybe, I need a little bit of practice here... In my manual this is described on page 185.

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It's called the Focus Button and  has a few functions.   Primarily used like a digital zoom toggle when in Live View (or if you have the EVF)   to check your focus (pg. 180).  Take a look at Pgs. 181,187 and 190 for other uses.

 

Enjoy.

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Great thanks

 

As I don't have an EVF and already had the AUTO focus assist thing switched on in liveview (which I have hardly looked at as I don't really like it) there is no wonder I couldn't see what it did :)

 

But now I know just in case I need it in the future.

 

Seems this is a geat place to get extremely fast feedback and information. I look forward to contributing more productively myself once I start using the camera properly.

 

Thanks again

 

Gareth

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BTW: The focus button can also be used for exposure button. Then you have to press the focus button and turn the settings dial. I am new to the M and find this awkward. Maybe, I need a little bit of practice here... 

You can avoid this by setting up direct exposure compensation, per Jono's description...   http://www.slack.co.uk/2014/Leica_M_Firmware_Update.html   

I prefer shooting manual, and avoid exposure comp....far more controlling IMO.

 

For the OP....in addition to the page references noted above, the front and back flaps of the manual show buttons and controls.

 

Jeff

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Great thanks

 

As I don't have an EVF and already had the AUTO focus assist thing switched on in liveview (which I have hardly looked at as I don't really like it) there is no wonder I couldn't see what it did :)

 

But now I know just in case I need it in the future.

 

Seems this is a geat place to get extremely fast feedback and information. I look forward to contributing more productively myself once I start using the camera properly.

 

Thanks again

 

Gareth

Its handy if you want to confirm focus (if you are locked off on a tripod, and want to zoom to confirm focus between frames without refocusing)

Or

If you are using a non rangefinder coupled lens, the RF cam needs to move to activate the auto zoom - with a no coupled lens that never happens (i use it frequently when shooting with my Olympus 28 f2.8 and OM-M adapter)

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Great thanks

 

As I don't have an EVF and already had the AUTO focus assist thing switched on in liveview (which I have hardly looked at as I don't really like it) there is no wonder I couldn't see what it did :)

 

But now I know just in case I need it in the future.

 

Seems this is a geat place to get extremely fast feedback and information. I look forward to contributing more productively myself once I start using the camera properly.

 

Thanks again

 

Gareth

Some people have a little difficulty and you can add a little plastic furniture bumper to the button to aid in pressing it as well.

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@Jeff S: Thanks for the tip! I took already a look at Jono's article and will dig deeper into this in due course. I will also consider your "manual option".

Best regards, Gerd

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Some people have a little difficulty and you can add a little plastic furniture bumper to the button to aid in pressing it as well.

IMO the trick is to push soft and short then it activates its function. But if you press maintaining the pressure it fails and seems not to do anything.

Best regards, Francisco.

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  • 1 year later...

IMO the trick is to push soft and short then it activates its function. But if you press maintaining the pressure it fails and seems not to do anything.

Best regards, Francisco.

 

I find it much easier to activate the button (when I need it to assist the evf with my 135 Elmarit, or Canon 70-210) after attaching a small rubber or silicone bumper to the button. Mine is a 3M product used for bumpers on cabinet doors. Other forum members have mentioned that too. Also makes the camera look younger as it now has a nice acne spot on its face  :D

Jean-Michel

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