Leica M8 – Tethering – Is It Possible?
Right after the Leica M8 was released in 2006 I bought one. Even back then I was dabbling with tethering cameras to a computer and the advantages of that process. Leica M8 tethering just wasn’t as problem free as I thought it would be.
Back then Windows XP was the operating system of choice for most. Leica had a hunk of software called Digital Capture but kind of sort of abandoned it quickly.
In the camera tethering world usually someone else picks up the slack. Not in this case. Capture One doesn’t support it and neither does Adobe Lightroom. Open source software such as Darktable or Entangle don’t get the job done either.
A Solution?
Let’s take a look at Smart Shooter 5 from Tethertools. I bought this a while back and I’m going to be honest. I barely use it. Capture One is my go to hunk of tethering software.
Additionally, I will use the OEM software from Canon (EOS Utility) and from Nikon (Camera Control Pro2, NX Tether). I’ve also been know to frequently use PS Remote from Breeze. PS Remote is abandonware but still works on Windows 10 better than anything else.
Smart Shooter 5
When I’m trying to accomplish this kind of thing I have been known to try EVERYTHING. Because you just never know. And sure enough, that is what happened here. As soon as I connected my Leica M8 to my MacBookAir M1 it was recognized and worked just fine. This video demonstrates:
After all these years……..I have done it!
A Caveat!
So now I’m excited as can be and run upstairs to my Studio/Office/Man Cave and connect the M8 to my Mac Mini 4.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch. No connection.
Not to worry. I have TWO Mac Mini M4’s upstairs. The second one doesn’t respond either. Dig deep in the M4 forums and you’ll see that there are USB problems galore. One thing I have not tried yet is a powered USB hub. I don’t currently have one.
Smart Shooter 5 For The Win
I am a bit worried regarding the longevity of this. I haven’t tested it on Windows yet but if it works I’m make a Windows 10 or 11 virtual machine and keep this version of Smart Shooter 5 intact.
This is exactly how I maintain PS Remote from Breeze for my old Canon Powershots. I use a Windows 10 VM and it works perfectly.
I’m not saying to run out and buy Smart Shooter 5. I’m just saying the Smart Shooter 5 allows me to tether my Leica M8 successfully which is something I haven’t been able to do in years.