4-weeks with ver. 1.5
4-weeks with ver. 1.5
A short(?) review of the new firmware ver. 1.5:
1) The Horizon Level is now enabled to superimpose over the LV-scene image. The menu option "Horizon" has a choice that enables this feature. This is one of my favorite new additions and it has been very handy when shooting my WATE. Once set up in the menu it is easily deployed by pressing the INFO button. Previously, it could only be shown on a blank screen and for me was unusable this way.
2) AUTO ISO is now available in Manual Mode (manual selection of shutter speeds). This is a great feature that was on previous digital M cameras and was changed on how it worked on the M240. I missed this a lot on the new M240 and just thought it seemed broken. Now, in the menu you can to choose if, you want the new AUTO ISO in M mode (to continue to change the ISO in response to changes you make in shutter speed) when, the Set menu choice (or ISO button) is set in "AUTO ISO in M mode" to "On." Hurray!
Maximum exposure time now allows up to 4 x f. Also, the ISO button shows all ISO settings at a glance - very nice addition.
3) Crop marks are now shown superimposed on the LCD screen when the up or down arrow is pressed. I like that not only 16:9 video aspect ratio is displayed to help line up the video before the record button is pressed, but also a host of other aspect ratios are available. I like the square aspect ratio and have been enjoying visualizing some shots like this.
4) A setting was added to disable the "M" button on the deck of the camera so recording can't be accidentally started when in a camera bag or from an accidental press. Also, those that never wanted video on their M can no disable it and pretend it isn't there.
5) A Classic Mode is available for those that don't want to use the LCD and don't want to accidentally hit the LV button. Some of you guys are going to get your wish and have a more classic M. Put some tape over the EVF port and the LCD screen and pretend you got a film M. Something for everyone.
6) One nice function, EV Control with the thumbwheel is an option in the menu. It was difficult to press the front button and turn the thumbwheel. Now, a more direct and easier way to simply change EV is allowed. Works really well and I know a lot of members have written that this was a big one. (I don't use EV comp, but that is for another discussion). Really nice response from Leica to a much requested and logical request.
7) Permanent Exposure Simulation is new. Now the LCD can display the exposure all the time without having to half press the shutter release. Nice for video and for all around use. This new feature works all the way down to 1/30 of a second. If, you want to see the exposure bellow 1/30 second, then you will have to use the choice of "release button half pressed." I've switched to this as my default mode.
8) A nice fix, the exposure bracketing now sticks when you turn the camera off. This was most annoying and made this feature previously unusable, for me. Maybe, now I'll experiment a little with HDR although, another set or two of brackets need to be added by Leica.
9) The LV lock-ups we experienced in hot environments has now been fixed. I am not sure how extensively this could be tested in a short period of time, but none of the Beta testers experienced a lock-up. I'm pretty sure there will be some reports of lock-ups as low batteries, multiple button presses, continuous mode, and memory cards or who knows what seem to plague some people from time to time.
10) LV focus peaking has some new colors. I seem to still like red. Maybe, there will be a circumstance I'll change this?
11) EXIF data issues that most probably were never aware of were fixed. This does cause LR and other programs to not report things like the lens information now. Auto Lens Detect in LR does not work after this FW update. Adobe has said they will update their side of this to resolve the changes made by Leica. It should be in the next Adobe LR update.
12) My screw mount lenses now work with LV! Yeah.
13) I don't use GPS or the grip, but updates to the location issues with JPEG have been addressed. Other cameras delete the location when there is no GPS signal and leave the EXIF data field blank, Leica chose to use the last location instead. Now, the location is deleted after 5min if no GPS signal is present. Somebody else will have to comment on this.
14) The sensor cleaning bug and a several others are now fixed. Some other stuff is in this FW as well.
No beta testers had bricked cameras or wished to go back to ver. 1.2. All in all, I found this a pretty impressive and extensive FW update. I find it makes an already solid camera just that much better and the added features were extremely welcome additions. Recommended. I have hopes Leica is getting settled in their new location and that this is just the beginning of more good things to come.
RickL
