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Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Leica M8 Gets Two New Firmware Updates

Leica today announced two firmware updates for the Leica M8. The first firmware version (1.092) is available for downloading today and includes numerous improvements; The user interface was modified in a few areas, making handling the LEICA M8 even easier and securer. In addition, the operational reliability was enhanced by optimizing internal procedures. The planned adjustments for using the specialized UV/IR filters has not been included in the firmware 1.092 - but will be included in firmware version 1.10 due in April.

Even so, Leica has decided to make all the rest of the improvements accessible for their customers immediately.

Below is information taken from the Leica firmware page:

These are:

• In Review mode the bar above the image is black and now includes displays for the shutter and ISO speeds as well as the image number.
• The clipping function is now accessible directly in Auto Review mode, i.e. without having to press the INFO button first.
• The color rendition with Adobe Camera Raw was improved.
• If Auto Review and Histogram are both selected in the menu, this is now indicated as „Hold/Histogr.”
• The word „disabled” has been replaced by „off”.
• Numerous internal procedures were improved and so-called bug-fixes implemented.
• Firmware version 1.10 is expected to be available by the middle of April 2007.

The image sensor in the LEICA M8 is highly sensitive for infrared light. This can lead to a magenta-colored offset (e.g. with black fabrics). Usually, this effect is undesirable. Therefore, Leica recommends using exclusively the special Leica UV/IR filters on the lenses in order to prevent the infrared light from reaching the CCD sensor. These screw-in type filters work based on interference. As a result, and depending on the angle of the incident light, they have a differing degree of spectral transmission, which in turn can lead to color offsets towards the images’ edges with focal lengths from 16 to 35mm. Together with coded lenses, the firmware version 1.10. corrects these color offsets. (Using other UV/IR filters can result in uncontrollable color offsets that cannot be compensated even by the upcoming firmware!)

The new firmware calls for very extensive programming and testing though, so, regrettably, the introduction of the version 1.10 will be delayed until presumably the middle of April 2007. We kindly ask for your understanding. On the other hand, lenses as of a focal length of 50mm can be used without any restrictions with the present firmware.

The delivery of the free Leica UV/IR filters has commenced.

As announced, the delivery of the first UV/IR filters to the customers has commenced. The filters are intended as free basic equipment for the LEICA M8. Due to the especially high demand for the LEICA M8 it may take a couple of weeks in some cases until the desired filters can be shipped.

We hope the described measures will increase your satisfaction with the LEICA M8 and wish you continued pleasure discovering the many creative options this camera gives you. 

• For more information visit http://www.leica-camera.us/news/news/1/4913.html