M8 firmware update idle speculation thread

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Somebody on the l-camera-forum got an email saying that M8 and M9 firmware updates would be available soon.

My I express a solemn wish for menu-based lens ID and shortcut exposure compensation on the M8?

 

[naruto]

I was mentioning this to a friend today, that Leica should get firmware upgrade with manual lens setting.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Ditto. Yes.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

What processor does the M8 use?

Any chance that it is an ARM RISC processor?

 

[jaapv]

Renesas M16C

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Thankyou. Looks like a nice processor.

http://america.renesas.com/media/products/mpumcu/m16c_family/M16C_Family_Catalog.pdf

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Thankyou. Looks like a nice processor.

http://america.renesas.com/media/products/mpumcu/m16c_family/M16C_Family_Catalog.pdf

Are you dreaming up some hacks, Brian?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Just Curious. I like to see what is in use. This is a processor that I did not know, so I downloaded the overview and assembly language manual. I work with other chips similar to this one. Also nice to see how much memory the firmware is limited to. There is a GNU compiler for it. I've used that compiler with the i960 and MIPS R3000/R4000 series.

Still think a manual entry for the 6-bit code would be easy. Just bring up a menu selection and dial through the 6-bit number using the wheel. If memory permits, the name of the lens could appear next to the code. This processor has enough memory for quite a bit.

 

[dof]

I love the idea of hacking the M8/9 camera software. Imagine an Apple-style AppStore for the M:

• Download lens coding selections for just the lenses you need.
• A Sweeny-fied correction curve for your J8, anyone?

All dreaming aside, I too would greatly appreciate seeing the M8 firmware updated to include manual selection of lens codes. As to the question of Leica dropping support for the camera altogether, they really must reserve space for adding new lenses to the line. Certainly they do not wish to deny a significant share of their customer base the option of buying their latest offerings.