Today, in addition to the major firmware update version 2.0 for the Leica Q2, Leica has also released minor updates to both the SL (Typ 601) with v3.7 and the CL with v3.2. The vast majority of the changes relate to improved compatibility with existing and upcoming L-Mount lenses from L-Mount Alliance partners Sigma and Panasonic.
With the latest firmware, we get a glimpse into some of the features of these new lenses not found on native Leica SL or TL lenses. Seems that some of these Sigma and Panasonic lenses will be sporting focus limiter switches, OIS toggles and physical aperture rings. Both the SL and the CL receive the L-Mount compatibility updates as follows.
Improvement on compatibility with existing and upcoming lenses from L-Mount Alliance partners
- Improvement on compatibility with lenses that are equipped with a focus limiter switch.
- Improvement on compatibility with lenses that are equipped with an O.I.S. mode switch.
- Improvement on compatibility with lenses that are equipped with an aperture ring.
- Further improvement on compatibility with existing and upcoming lenses from L-Mount Alliance partners.
- Improvement of the shutter release delay in bright backlit situations.
- Firmware version for Leica L-Adapters is shown in camera menu.
Video Updates
Besides the enhanced compatibility for upcoming L-Mount lenses, both the SL and the CL receive small, but meaningful video functionality updates. For the CL, the video mode is no longer inaccessible when the battery is low, so now users can choose to film until the final moments of charge left on the battery.
On the SL (Typ 601), the L-Log setting has been updated so that it will now match the improved L-Log gamma of the SL2. This is an absolutely incredible update for those wanting to use both the original SL and the new SL2 in a mixed camera video production environment.
We'll be putting this to work for Red Dot Forum's own YouTube channel, as we have an SL2 and a couple SL601s in the studio. We prefer to shoot in L-Log due to its higher dynamic range and flexibility in post production, but have faced challenges getting the output of the two cameras to match. According to Leica's description, these issues appear to have been resolved for us and other video producers wanting to use the SL2 and SL together.
Optimized video performance
Improved L-Log, which contains the latest developments on video post production. The same color space as in the SL2 is now also implemented in the Leica SL (Typ 601). Thus, SL (Typ 601) and SL2 can be used with the same gamma curve (L-Log). This gives videographers the opportunity to use an existing SL (Typ 601) together with the new Leica SL2 within the same production setup.
Download firmware
To download the firmware file, simply click the button below. You'll need to drag and drop the firmware file onto a blank SD card, then insert it into your Leica SL (Typ 601) or CL with a fully charged battery. Navigate to the Camera Information Menu to access the firmware update option.
I updated the firmware on my CL with no problem. On the CL I use the Panasonic 16-35 lens and that seems to be working as it did before this update: well.
However…
I updated the firmware on my SL601. On my SL I often use the Sigma 45DN lens (as well as the Panasonic 24-105). Upon updating and importing my saved settings, the SL defaulted the sensor to APSC. The only way to restore full frame was to delete the settings, reset the camera completely and reset my settings. A bit of a pain! At least the camera is now functioning properly.
It seems that the CL has received a few updates lately but the TL2 has not. If I am correct why?