Leica has released a new version of firmware for the T (Typ 701). This update focuses on two areas. The first is speed. The new firmware promises to deliver much faster autofocus with T lenses, displays live view with less delay, and improves touchscreen responsiveness, especially in playback. These are all welcome upgrades.
The second purpose of the update is to add support for the new range of SL lenses, which can be mounted on the T. If you don't update to v1.43 and mount one of the new lenses on a T, you can brick your lens and/or camera, so it is recommended that all T cameras be updated to the latest firmware.
Additionally, Leica will be releasing two new TL lenses for the system. With a shared L mount, the T lenses will now be designated TL and the full frame lenses SL. Both are cross compatible, but with the TL lenses only covering an APS-C sized area.
You can download the firmware here: Leica T firmware v 1.43
For more information on how to upgrade the T firmware, check out our short instructional here: How to Update the Firmware on the Leica T
Performance Improvements:
- Start Up Time: the startup time of the camera is – compared to earlier firmware versions – significantly shortened (<0.75 sec)
- AF speed: 1.43 features almost 100% improvement in AF response speed compared to earlier firmware (*metering method CIPA Standard: now 460ms compared to 860ms with earlier firmware versions)
- Gesture operation: the responsiveness and reaction time is overall improved, particularly the play mode scroll and tap gestures are considerably more smooth and reactive
- Compatibility to new TL lenses and SL lenses: Attention: Without the new firmware 1.4 the SL lenses are not supported at all on the Leica T
Bug Fixes:
- Audio/video sync
- DNG + Jpeg in App remote modus
- AF in APP remote modus
- Malfunction of dials
The full press release follows:
LEICA T: new Firmware update 1.43 and expansion of the lens portfolio bring greater speed and even more versatility
Wetzlar, 29 October 2015. Leica Camera AG presents a new firmware update for the Leica T camera system. Customers wishing to bring their camera up to date can now download the new firmware version 1.43 from the Leica website (www.leica-camera.com). Alternatively, they can update their Leica T as part of a complementary service in the Leica Stores, and receive advice at the same time.
The new firmware version 1.4 enormously increases the speed of the Leica T and improves its entire performance profile. The Leica T, which is now ready to go even faster, is immediately noticeable – evidenced by the Live View mode, which comes on in a fraction of a second. Installing the update improves the camera’s autofocus and makes it twice as fast as before. Touchscreen control has also been optimised and now offers response times that are three times as fast, for example in Review mode.
Firmware update 1.43 also expands the portfolio of lenses usable on the Leica T. As the camera shares the same Leica L bayonet mount with the new Leica SL system camera, updating the firmware makes it possible to use the SL lenses on the Leica T. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. will be available from 16 November 2015 and further SL-System lenses, such as the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4 and the Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. will follow in 2016.
2016 will also see the launch of two new lenses for the Leica T camera system that bring even greater versatility in all photographic situations. As the Leica T and the new Leica SL share the L bayonet mount, this will be indicated by the designation ‘TL’ for all new Leica T lenses. The Leica Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. will be on sale from spring 2016 and will be joined by the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. in autumn of the same year. Together with the Leica Summicron-T 23 mm f/2 ASPH., which is available now, this trio of prime lenses, available for the first time with either a black or silver finish, is impressive on account of its exceptional imaging performance and delivers pictures with the inimitable ‘Leica look’ and unmistakeable bokeh.
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