Leica Releases Firmware v1.3.0.0 for M11

Today, Leica has released a firmware update for the new M11 digital rangefinder. The v1.3.0.0 update adds some excellent features, along with some general bug fixes and performance improvements. We definitely recommend updating your camera to the latest firmware.

With the introduction of the M11 and the latest Leica FOTOS 3.0 app, in addition to the standard download and install process from an SD card, you can also update via the app. Bear in mind that even with the latest v3.1.1 update, M11 support is still in Beta, and some users may not be able to properly connect. Hopefully, Leica will finalize full support soon.

New Features

Leica Perspective Control

The M11 now offers the feature of LPC or Leica Perspective Control. The feature was introduced on the M10-P, M10-R and M10 Monochrom but was mysteriously absent on the M11 at launch. We assumed this would be added on later and we were correct. The functionality allows for simple automated geometric correction when shooting subjects off angle. See our full article on LPC for more info.

Highlight-Weighted Metering

This is one of our favorite features on the Leica SL2 and SL2-S. Rather than standard center-weighted or evaluative metering, highlight-weighted metering looks for the brightest parts of the image and biases the exposure to ensure these areas aren't blown out or overexposed. This method will result in somewhat darker images, but will offer much more flexibility in post processing, especially for high-contrast scenes. And because the M11 meters off the sensor directly rather than a more traditional light meter, highlight-weighted metering is now possible on an M camera.

Additional storage option of DNG on SD / JPG on Internal

At launch, the M11 only offered the DNG+JPG split option of storing the DNG on the internal storage and JPG on the SD card. Given the much larger size of SD cards and that DNGs would often be the primary file, this seemed like an oversight. Now, both options are available, allowing for greater workflow flexibility.

Download M11 Firmware v1.3.0.0

To download the firmware file, simply click the button below. You'll need to drag and drop the downloaded firmware file onto an SD card which was freshly formatted in the M11, then insert the card into your Leica M11 with a fully charged battery. Navigate to the Camera Information menu to access the firmware update option. Don't try to open the firmware file on your computer – just copy it onto the SD card into the root directory.

Download Leica M11 Firmware v1.3.0.0

How to Update

EXECUTING A FIRMWARE UPGRADE

Any interruption of a running firmware update may cause serious and irreparable damage to your equipment!
You will therefore have to take particular note of the following, when carrying out a firmware update:

• Do not switch off the camera!
• Do not remove the memory card!
• Do not remove the rechargeable battery!
• Do not remove the lens!

Notes

• A warning message will appear if the battery is insufficiently charged. Recharge the battery and then repeat the process described above.
• You will find additional device and country-specific registration marks and numbers in the Camera Information submenu.

PREPARATION

• Fully charge and insert the rechargeable battery
• Any stored firmware files on the memory card must be removed
  • We recommend saving any images on the memory card and reformatting it before the update.
    (Caution: Loss of data! All data stored on the memory card will be lost during formatting.)
  • Make sure to back up any files saved to the internal memory as a precaution.
• Download the latest firmware version
• Save the download to the memory card
  • The firmware file must be stored in the main directory of the memory card (not in a sub-directory).
• Insert the memory card into the camera
• Switch the camera on

UPDATING THE CAMERA FIRMWARE

• Preparation (see steps above)
• Select Camera Information in the main menu
• Select Camera Firmware Version
• Select Firmware Update
  • A prompt with information about the camera is displayed.
• Check the version information
• Select Yes
  • The prompt: “Do you want to save profiles on SD card?” appears.
• Select Yes/No
  • The update will start automatically.
  • The lower status LED will flash during this process.
  • Once the process has completed successfully, a relevant message will appear and the camera will restart.

Notes

• Date & time, as well as the preferred language will have to be set up again after the restart. Relevant prompts will appear on screen.
• After the update procedure and before restarting the camera, the SD card has to be removed from the camera. The camera can be switched on again without the SD card for the first start after the update. The SD card needs to be formatted before reinserting it into the camera.