Manual Focusing Mastery: Tips for Using Leica M Lenses
One of the hallmarks of Leica photography is its emphasis on precision and control — and nothing embodies that better than the manual focusing experience on Leica M lenses. While today’s digital cameras are brimming with autofocus tech, many photographers still swear by the tactile satisfaction and creative freedom of manual focus.
In this article, we’ll break down how to master manual focusing with Leica M lenses, show you why it’s a game-changing skill, and offer hands-on exercises to help you refine your technique.
Why Manual Focus? The Leica M Philosophy
The Leica M system is built around the concept of deliberate photography. Manual focusing encourages you to slow down, engage with your subject, and make thoughtful decisions. This often results in more meaningful, compelling images — and a stronger connection to the process itself.
Some benefits of mastering manual focus with Leica M lenses include:
More precise control over your focal point.
Greater creative flexibility, especially in low-light or shallow depth-of-field shots.
Better subject engagement, especially in street, portrait, and documentary photography.
Techniques for Achieving Sharp Focus
1. Use the Rangefinder Patch
Leica M cameras use a rangefinder focusing system, which relies on aligning two images in the center patch of the viewfinder. When the images overlap and become one, you’ve nailed the focus. It’s fast, intuitive — and extremely accurate with practice.
2. Zone Focusing
Zone focusing is a technique where you pre-set your focus distance and aperture, allowing you to shoot quickly without adjusting focus for every shot. Perfect for street photography where moments pass in a flash.
Example:
Set your aperture to f/8
Focus to 2 meters
Everything from ~1.5m to 3m will be sharp — just raise your camera and shoot!
3. Focus Peaking (on digital M models)
If you're using a digital Leica M (like the M10 or M11), the Live View mode and focus peaking feature help highlight the areas in sharp focus. This is great for situations where your rangefinder is tough to use (macro shots, wide apertures, etc.)
Practice Exercises to Sharpen Your Manual Focusing Skills
Here are some drills to improve your muscle memory and speed:
1. Speed Focus Drill
Pick a small object (e.g. a bottle cap).
Place it at varying distances.
Practice quickly bringing it into focus using only the rangefinder patch.
2. Target Walk
Place 3–5 targets at different distances in a line (e.g. 1m, 2m, 5m).
Walk toward them and adjust focus as you go.
This helps build eye-hand coordination.
3. Record and Review
Use Live View (if available) or take test shots.
Review them to assess sharpness and improve.
Over time, your focusing speed will increase, and so will your confidence.
Final Thoughts
Manual focusing isn’t just a technical skill — it’s a mindset. Using Leica M lenses encourages a slower, more intentional approach to photography that many find deeply rewarding. With patience and practice, you’ll begin to trust your instincts, move faster, and see sharper results — both technically and artistically.
So take your time, breathe, and enjoy the process. That’s the Leica way.