Today, Leica has released a new firmware update for the entire M11 family of digital rangefinders. Firmware version 2.5.1 is now available for the Leica M11, M11-P, M11 Monochrom, and M11-D, bringing enhanced security, improved functionality, and bug fixes. This update focuses on wireless connectivity and built-in memory security, not camera functionality. But, as always, we always recommend staying up to date with the latest firmware.
Download links and installation instructions are provided below. You can also update the firmware via the Leica FOTOS app if paired with your M camera.
New Features and Improvements
Compliance with EU Radio Equipment Directive
Firmware 2.5.1 brings the M11 system in full compliance with Article 3.3 of the EU Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU), including several security-related improvements.
Improved WLAN Security
After performing a factory reset, the camera now generates a new, random WLAN password. This ensures that previously known credentials cannot be reused.
First-Run Protection
To prevent unauthorized remote access, PTP pairing will only become available after the connection setup wizard has been completed. This step provides an additional layer of security during initial camera setup.
Secure Formatting of Internal Memory
A new option allows the internal memory to be securely erased, fully overwriting stored data rather than simply deleting the file index. This is especially useful for removing sensitive data before transferring or selling the camera.
Bug Fixes
Battery Status Warning
Fixed an issue where the camera would display a low battery warning even when the battery was sufficiently charged.
Download Firmware v2.5.1
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 camera, then insert the card into your Leica M 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.
Note that while the version number is the same, there are four separate firmware files, one for each specific camera model. Be sure to download and install the corresponding update.
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.
- We recommend saving any images on the memory card and reformatting it before the update.
- 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 (M11 / M11-P / M11 Monochrom)
- 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.
UPDATING THE CAMERA FIRMWARE (M11-D)
- Preparation (see steps above)
- Press and hold the function button
- Switch the camera on
- While the update process is running, the status LED and the self-timer LED will flash red, and “UP” will be displayed in the viewfinder.
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.
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