The new version 1.3 firmware for the Leica M11 promised improvements including perspective control and a fourth exposure option to supplement the established spot, centre-weighted and multi-field options.
Exposure option
Highlight-weighted exposure considers the entire image field and performs automatic adjustment to very bright subject elements. Instead of dialling down exposure compensation, photographers can now select the new option to help eliminate blown hightlights.
Controlling perspective
The new perspective assist function displays a frame showing the expected cropped section of the image after a correction of vertical falling lines. Perspective Control helps to achieve a generally straighter vertical line and straight horizon, aiming for a more natural image effect, particularly in architectural images.
The “Perspective Control” function calculates the image section and the required distortion correction based on the actual panning angles of the camera and the lens used. In effect, the camera orientation during recording (determined by internal camera sensors) is the decisive factor and not the lines visible in the image object. The function is therefore unlike automatic perspective control features used for post-editing, which are generally based on the image content.
The functionality depends on the picture format used (JPG or DNG). For JPG format images, the correction occurs directly in the camera and the corrected image is stored. For DNG format images, the relevant information is written to the metadata or the original image. Image correction is done later in software such as Lightroom or Photoshop.
Data storage options
Finally, firmware 1.3 increases the options for data storage, taking advantage of the camera’s massive 64GB of internal memory. The revised option list is as follows:
- DNG+JPG first on SD card
- DNG+JPG first on internal memory
- DNG on SD/JPG on internal
- DNG+JPG on internal AND SD (duplicating)
- DNG+JPG only on SD
There is also a no-storage option to cover the absence of an SD card. Files are saved to the internal memory, irrespective of the data management option.
The new v.1.3 firmware and updating instructions are here. I upgraded the firmware on my M11 today without incident. Images courtesy of Leica Camera AG press office.
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I’m pleased to report a straight forward and uneventful update to v1.3 I was lucky enough to get an M11 on day one of launch, so was quite perplexed after that last update which appeared to ‘brick’ the camera for a while until the FW was removed from the SD card.
I tend to shoot fully manual, but have experimented a bit with the metering modes, mostly so I can enjoy large apertures in daylight on the electronic shutter. The multi-field is pretty good, and was glad to see the addition of highlight priority after successful implementation on the SL2-S, it’s a nice addition and seems to work well.
Not sure I’ll get much use from perspective control, but it appears to work.
Has anyone had any visoflex 2 issues? I’m about to take delivery of my 3rd one !, The first failed after just 10 mins, the second developed a piece of what looks like plastic swarf on the screen, which doesn’t affect operation, but is rather annoying. I only use it for my WATE lens, but for the money, I’d kid of like it to be perfect.
Instead of bug fixes, Leica could say they have done technical updates – they should pay me for ideas.😀
Well the camera freezing with uncoded lenses seems to be gone. Plus it automatically reuses last uncoded option when switching from coded to uncoded lens that is brilliant! Before the update, it randomly picked a lens….
I also had other issues but I need to test those.
By the way, my rangefinder calibration is dead accurate. Oh happy day!
Hi, I installed it yesterday and took it for a test drive and so far so good…
Most vendors list new features and bug fixes on new updates but I do not recall bug fixes when I scan read everything. Maybe Leica is too proud to mention bug fixes. I hope they fixed the uncoded lens issues – I did not have the courage to test yet.
The perspective feature is curious feature for an M that Leica is determined to keep as simple as possible.
It would be nice if they mentioned some of the bug fixes if any.
Did they fix the bugs though…?