118
Note:
The functions and settings described in the following
three sections only affect pictures in one of the JPEG
formats. If DNG file format is specified, they have no
effect as in this case the picture data is always saved
in its original form (changes must be made later on the
computer).
IMAGE PROPERTIES /
CONTRAST AND SHARPNESS
One of the many advantages of electronic photography
is that it is very easy to change critical properties of a
picture. While photographic software – after taking the
picture and transferring it to a computer – provides
great scope for doing this, the Leica M Monochrom
itself allows you to influence two of the most important
picture properties even before taking the picture:
• The contrast, i.e. the difference between light and
dark areas, determines whether a picture has a more
“matt” or “glossy” effect. As a consequence, the
contrast can be influenced by increasing or reducing
this difference, i.e. by lighter reproduction of light
sections of the image and darker reproduction of dark
sections.
• Sharp reproduction – at least of the main subject –
using the correct distance setting is a prerequisite
for a successful picture. In turn, the impression of
sharpness of a picture is to a great extent determined
by the sharpness of the edges, i.e. by how small the
transition area between light and dark is at the edges
in the picture. The impression of sharpness can thus
be changed by expanding or reducing these areas.
Both picture properties can be adjusted independently
to five different levels using the menu, allowing you
to set the optimum values for any situation, i.e. the
prevailing lighting conditions.
Note:
These settings only affect pictures in one of the JPEG
formats. If one of the two
DNG formats is specified,
these settings have no effect, as in this case the picture
data is always saved in its original form (changes must
be made later on the computer).
Setting the functions
1. In the main menu (see p. 97/110), select
Sharpening (4.1.6), or Contrast (4.1.7), and
2. select the desired level (
Low, Medium low,
Standard, Medium high, High
) in the relevant sub-
menu.
TONES
Toning has always been a very popular stylistic device
in B&W photography. Slight "toning" of a black and
white picture gives it a very different character. For
example, a brown toning can create an "antique" effect,
while blue creates a cold feel.
On the Leica M Monochrom, you can choose between
three tonings, each of which has two intensity levels.
Setting the functions
1. In the main menu (see p. 97/110), select
TONING
(4.1.8) and
2. then select the type of toning,
HUE or STRENGTH in
the subsequent sub-menu, and
3. in the relevant sub-menu, select the desired level,
the shade for coloring (
sepia, blue or selenium),
and/or the color saturation for the intensity, (Off,
Medium low
or High).
