Today, Leica Camera has announced firmware version 1.196 for the Leica M9/M9-P. This firmware features the following updates/improvements:
1. Performance improvements:
- Further improvements of SD-Card compatibility.
- Implementation of the Lens detection of the new APO-Summicron-M 1:2/50mm ASPH.
- Improved power management.
- The camera is now measuring battery stability internally. In case of weak battery stability, the camera switches off automatically.
Using old batteries could have lead to camera crashes and banding stripes under certain
conditions with the previous firmware versions. Especially the usage of nearly 6 years old M8
batteries proved to be critical.
It is the nature of Li-ion batteries that the capacity weakens after a certain time.
We recommend replacing the batteries for the M8 and the M9 after 3 years at the latest. Heavy usage can even accelerate the aging process, and then batteries should be replaced earlier.
In case that the total amount of pictures, that can be taken with a certain battery, is significantly lower than before with Firmware 1.196, we recommend replacing this battery.
New batteries can be ordered at all Leica Dealers (Product Number 14464)
Please be aware that your settings and your user profiles can be deleted after the firmware update.
Please make a note of your settings and user profiles before you run the firmware update.
Click here to download firmware version 1.196 for the Leica M9 and M9-P.
This is an important announcement . From someone that lived thru the aging of the DMR …I can attest to the need for reliable battery power . The symptoms identified are exactly what happens when the camera can not finish writing files to the card .
The only thing missing is the ability to test your batteries ..would be very helpful to know which batteries are past their prime .
Does Leica use a code, serial or batch number so as to date its batteries?