Leica M (Typ 240): Firmware

On this page, I collect information on Leica M (Typ 240) firmware updates. Overall, the numbering of the firmware updates looks somewhat odd for the uninitiated ones like me...

Regrettably, Leica does not provide a history of firmware updates. The download page for the Leica M (see below) only lists the most recent version, even worse, the links include the version number so that it is not possible to provide a generic link to the update and its documentation. Whenever Leica publishes a new firmware update, the link will break.

Overview of Firmware Updates

At the moment, the following firmware updates have been released (this list may not be complete):

Original Firmware (Version 1.0.1.2) (End of 2012?)
Firmware (Version 1.0.2.0) (Used for DxOMark tests, probably end of 2012)
Firmware Update Version 1.1.0.2 (February 26, 2013; mentioned in DxoMark testing as an upgrade)
Firmware Update Version 2.0.0.11 (October 10, 2013)
Firmware Update Version 2.0.1.5 (September 15, 2014)
Firmware Update Version 2.0.1.7 (November 6, 2014)
Firmware Update Version 2.0.2.5 (July 8, 2015)

Original Firmware (Version 1.0.1.2)

The original firmware for the Leica M (Typ 240) seems to have had version number 1.0.1.2. But other version may have been published as well. It was probably published at the end of 2012.

Firmware (Version 1.0.2.0)

This firmware version was used in the DxOMark tests, probably at the end of 2012. The tests were published in March 2013, when already firmware update version 1.1.0.2 was available (at least to DxOMark), and DxOMark mentions some improvements briefly.

Firmware Update Version 1.1.0.2

Firmware update number 1.1.0.2 for the M (Typ 240) appeared on February 26, 2013. According to Leica, it includes the following improvements (from Imaging Resource):

Vignetting correction has been improved for 11 different lens models:
- Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH.
- Super-Elmar-M18mm f/3.8 ASPH.
- Summilux-M 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
- Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
- Summilux-M 24mm f/1.4 ASPH.
- Elmarit-M 24mm f/2.8 ASPH.
- Elmar-M 24mm f/3.8 ASPH.
- Summicron-M 28mm f/2.0 ASPH.
- Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH.
- Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH.
- Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0 ASPH

DxOMark mentions the following on this update: Since testing the M running firmware version 1.0.2.0 Leica have updated to version 1.1.0.2, which provides a small improvement for video quality, lens support and stability.

Comments

This was a minor firmware update without any functional improvements or bug fixes, except for the vignetting fixes. Owners of the respective lenses will probably be grateful fur this update.

Firmware Update Version 2.0.0.11

Firmware update version number 2.0.0.11 for the Leica M (Typ 240) appeared on October 10, 2013. According to Leica, it includes the following improvements (from Jono Slack, with his comments):

Improved performance of the Whitebalance
The accuracy of the Whitebalance presets and the Autowhitebalance function is higher with Vs. 2.0.0.11. This results in better skin tones and better general color rendering.
JS: I think that most people will find this a revelation - I think the colour is now just as lovely as the M9, and much kinder to skin tones in low light
Improved Video quality
The visibility of compression artifacts is reduced due to lower video compression.
JS: I can’t comment on this as I’m no expert and haven’t really used video much either
Lens calibration
For coded Leica lenses the image homogeneity (color shift) has been improved.
JS: There are general improvements for most wide angle lenses, and spectacular improvements for some
General Bugfixes
- Improved stability using live view with and without EVF-2
  JS: This is probably the second most important fix - it was very possible to freeze the camera using EVF - some users much more than others. This has been almost completely fixed. Freeze ups now seem to be acceptably rare.
- Problem with Display settings in combination with “Sharpness high” fixed
- Problem with bad exposures after switching the camera on fixed.
- The “Auto Power Off” function showed unexpected behavior, this is fixed.
  JS: This was where the battery would sometimes run down over night - it seems to be completely fixed
- The recording dates for video files have been wrong sometimes, this is fixed.
- Problem with Copyright- and Artist - Information in EXIF-Data fixed
- Improvement of general system stability
  JS: For stability, read freezing - as mentioned above, this has been greatly improved, both with ad without live view enabled
- Several minor bugfixes

Comments

Jono Slack: This firmware update was designed only for bug fixes and colour improvements. Another firmware update is planned which will address enhancements and improvements.
It’s worth noting here that the Auto ISO in Manual Mode issue (mentioned so much in the forums) is not a bug, as it was intentional, and hence will be addressed in the planned update (see update version 2.0.1.5 below).

All in all, this was the first major firmware update, which addressed primarily bug fixes and improvements in color rendition.

Firmware Update Version 2.0.1.5

Firmware update version number 2.0.1.5 for the Leica M (Typ 240) appeared on September 15, 2014 (Photokina). According to Leica, it includes the following improvements (from dpreview.com):

Improved description of the lens type in Exif-Data
Live view is now possible with every lens (including older screw lenses via an adapter) using "manual lens detection"
A "Video off" option is now available in the Set menu (see submenu item "Video recording")
- The M-Button on the Top-cover is deactivated when this option is chosen.
The Horizon (level) is now visible in live view, overlaying the live image. This additional infoscreen is enabled using the menu item "Horizon"
New menu item "Exposure Simulation"
- Exposure simulation -> Permanent: Live view mode accurately shows image brightness according to the shutter speed and aperture set in manual exposure (as long as the chosen exposure time is shorter than 1/30s)
- Exposure simulation -> Release button half-pressed: Image brightness in live view is adjusted for best visibility, regardless of the actual exposure. Half pressing the shutter button shows the actual exposure.
Extended Auto ISO options

All Auto ISO options are now visible using the ISO button
Extra options for "Maximum Exposure Time" - 1x, 2 x, or 4x focal length - can be selected to help avoid camera shake when using auto ISO and long lenses.
"Auto ISO in M mode" is now offered as an option. This varies ISO sensitivity for correct exposure when shutter speed and aperture are set manually.
Alternatively the camera chooses the previous manually chosen ISO speed

Crop marks
- In live view, new crop marks for 3:4 / 6:7 / 1:1 / and 16:9 aspect ratios can be displayed. By pressing the up/down keys, the crop marks are superimposed on the live view screen (without additional information)
Korean language
- Korean is now available as a menu language
During video recording, 1/25s is now used instead of 1/24s. This reduces flicker effects with 50Hz mains voltage
Exposure bracketing settings are now saved when the camera is switched off
Direct exposure correction
- An "EV correction" option in the menu enables direct adjustment. So EV compensation can be altered by turning the thumb wheel, without having to press additional buttons.
New Light Metering Mode "Classic / LV disabled"
- In this mode, only Classic light-metering is possible; the LV button is disabled to avoid the activation of live view by accident.
New menu item "Focus Peaking"
- For improved visibility, the color of focus peaking can now be set to red, green or blue.
Better display of GPS location data
- Position is now shown for JPG files in Adobe Lightroom®
- Where the GPS signal is weak, the last position is now deleted after 5min instead of 24h as in previous firmware versions.
Bugfix in live view at high temperatures
- Occasional malfunction of live view at high temperatures has been fixed
Bugfix in light metering (live view)
Bugfix regarding sensor cleaning function

Comments

This was a major firmware update with tons of improvements. Read Jono Slack's article Leica M Firmware Update v. 2.0.1.5 about this update for more information and better descriptions of most of the improvements. For me, the following improvements are especially useful:

Level view - for me a "must"
New menu item "Exposure Simulation" for allowing permanent exposure simulation (except for the case that exposure correction is used)
Extended Auto ISO options. Among others you have now the Pentax/Ricoh TAv mode, where you fix shutter speed and exposure like in M mode and adjust to the lighting automatically by changing ISO.
Direct exposure correction: You need no longer press the focus button, if you activate direct exposure compensation. For me a very welcome addition, because if found it awkward to press the focus button whil turning the wheel.

References

Jono Slack: Leica M Firmware Update v. 2.0.1.5 (www.slack.co.uk/2014/Leica_M_Firmware_Update.html)

Firmware Update Version 2.0.1.7

Firmware update version 2.0.1.7 for the Leica M (Typ 240) appeared on November 6, 2014 and includes the following improvements (from L-camera-forum):

Support of the new lenses:
- Leica Summarit-M 35mm f/2.4 ASPH.
- Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4
- Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.4
- Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4

Comments

This was a minor firmware update without any functional improvements or bug fixes.

Firmware Update Version 2.0.2.5

Firmware update version number 2.0.1.5 for the Leica M (Typ 240) appeared on July 8, 2015 and, according to Leica, includes the following improvements:

New menu item "Flash exposure compensation" added to adjust flash exposure with the Leica SF 26 flash unit (only active when SF 26 is attached).
This new function requires Firmware 1.1 on the SF 26 Flash.
Several firmware bugs that caused occasional camera hang up when using live view or video function have been fixed.

Comments

This seems to be a minor firmware update without, apart from flash exposure compensation for the Leica SF 26 flash unit, any functional improvements.

References

Leica M (Typ 240) Download page (US Leica Website): us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M/Downloads
- Most recent Firmware (2.0.2.5): us.leica-camera.com/content/download/124528/1372026/version/2/file/M_240-2.0.2.5.FW
- Firmware Instructions (English): us.leica-camera.com/content/download/124642/1406032/version/1/file/Instruction+Firmware+Update+M240_en_2.0.2.5.pdf
- Firmware Improvements (English): http://us.leica-camera.com/content/download/124530/1372052/version/5/file/Improvements+Firmware+Update+M240+Version+2_0_2_5_en.pdf
Leica M (Typ 240) Download page (German Leica Website): de.leica-camera.com/Fotografie/Leica-M/Leica-M/Downloads
- Most recent Firmware (2.0.2.5): de.leica-camera.com/content/download/124528/1372026/version/2/file/M_240-2.0.2.5.FW
- Firmware Instructions (German): de.leica-camera.com/content/download/124642/1406032/version/1/file/Instruction+Firmware+Update+M240_en_2.0.2.5.pdf
- Firmware Improvements (German): de.leica-camera.com/content/download/124531/1372065/version/6/file/Verbesserungen+Firmware+Update+M240+Version+2_0_2_5_de.pdf
Jono Slack: Leica M Firmware Update v. 2.0.1.5 (www.slack.co.uk/2014/Leica_M_Firmware_Update.html)