SL3 connectivity to Apple Mac computers

[hmarkweidman]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I just got a new SL3, quite a camera. I cannot seem to make a connection with an Apple iMac or Apple Mac Book Pro.  I previously used Leica Image Shuttle for other SL cameras, and it worked fine.  Leica Image Shuttle does not recognize the SL3.  Checking the computer’s system report I can see the SL3 is connected and recognized via USB-C.  I read about Leica Photos ap for iPhones & iPads, but I don’t think that is designed for a computer connection. Any suggestions will be welcome!

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[hmarkweidman]

So, I just found Apple's Image Capture app, which does automatically import the photos from the camera, via USB-C, to that program.  But, then it is a whole another step to Export the files from Image Capture to a designated Folder on my Mac; which I then view in Bridge.  This is a cumbersome process and really not practical when shooting commercially in the studio, with clients hovering about, waiting to see the photos.  There has to be a better way ?!?

[FlashGordonPhotography]

You can just use mass storage mode and the cards will appear on your desktop as drives. Then you can copy the files to anywhere you want in a single step. You don't need image capture for the SL3.

Gordon

[Fred Newberry]

I would use a card reader and import your photographs  from your SL3 SD card  into Lightroom.  It’s fairly seamless and fast for me on my Mac Studio and MacBook Pro.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Mind you I don't see why you wouldn't tether via Lightroom or Capture One for studio shoots with clients in the room.

Gordon

[hmarkweidman]

54 minutes ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

You can just use mass storage mode and the cards will appear on your desktop as drives. Then you can copy the files to anywhere you want in a single step. You don't need image capture for the SL3.

Gordon

I will test this tomorrow, thanks.  With the SL, SL2 and SL2-S I simply used Leica Image Shuttle for the connection, and specified a specific Folder to which the files would automatically, and quickly, download. Simultaneously I would have Adobe Bridge open, where we would review the files as we shot. Using a card reader would be really slow as I might shoot one frame, we review in Bridge, make a slight adjustment to the subject, shoot another frame for review, etc. I've shot tethered in the studio ever since going digital, and it really is the way to go.  Thanks for all the responses.

[hmarkweidman]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

20 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

You can just use mass storage mode and the cards will appear on your desktop as drives. Then you can copy the files to anywhere you want in a single step. You don't need image capture for the SL3.

Gordon

Yes, you are correct.  When I followed your suggestion I could see the two memory cards on my computer and download the files from the cards to the computer.  But, my SL3 completely freezes when I connect it in this manner.  So, I cannot continue to shoot while new images appear in the desktop icons.  Unless I am doing something wrong?

[rcusick]

Using mass storage mode on a Mac and importing into lr works fine for me. 

[MediaFotografie]

vor 4 Stunden schrieb rcusick:

Using mass storage mode on a Mac and importing into lr works fine for me. 

same here

[FlashGordonPhotography]

23 hours ago, hmarkweidman said:

Yes, you are correct.  When I followed your suggestion I could see the two memory cards on my computer and download the files from the cards to the computer.  But, my SL3 completely freezes when I connect it in this manner.  So, I cannot continue to shoot while new images appear in the desktop icons.  Unless I am doing something wrong?

No. You can't use the camera AND have it in mass storage mode.

Have you tried using LR rather than Bridge? An option would be Leica Fotos on an iPad or Samsung Tab, which would also work wirelessly. I rather like this option because it respects the Leica looks you set in camera. And wireless=good.

Gordon

[hmarkweidman]

I don't have an iPad nor do I use Capture One.  Someone at Leica also suggested Lightroom, which I have but never use.  There is even a Lightroom plugin on the Leica web site, which I have downloaded and plan to test in the next few days.  And my contact at Leica is checking in with Germany to see what the status is of getting Leica Image Shuttle to work with the SL3.  

[ALScott]

On 4/6/2024 at 9:10 AM, rcusick said:

Using mass storage mode on a Mac and importing into lr works fine for me. 

 

On 4/6/2024 at 1:13 PM, MediaFotografie said:

same here

Are you connecting the SL3 to the Mac via usb-c cord?

[rcusick]

1 hour ago, ALScott said:

 

Are you connecting the SL3 to the Mac via usb-c cord?

Yes