Today, Leica has released firmware updates for the entire range of M10 generation cameras to add compatibility with the new Visoflex 2 EVF. Launched alongside the Leica M11 back in January, the new Visoflex 2 offers a 3.68MP OLED panel with an all-metal housing. Backwards compatibility with previous M10 cameras was promised at that time and now Leica has delivered on that promise.
Should you Upgrade to the new Visoflex 2 on your M10?
I had the chance to compare the live view experience between the original Visoflex (Typ 020) and the new Visoflex 2 on an M10-R. Contrast, brightness, color fidelity and sharpness were certainly improved when using the newer OLED-based Visoflex 2 – reasons for many to want to upgrade. But, there are two trade-offs versus the older EVF.
First, the live view image is smaller in the new EVF when compared to the same viewfinder on the M11 or using the previous Visoflex 020 on the M10. Without a side-by-side comparison, you may not notice, but switching between the two, the difference is clear. Because the M10 is limited to 2.4MP video output, the active image area is reduced versus the full 3.68MP displayed from the M11. Given the perfect blacks of the OLED display, there is no visible or distracting unused area so it's perfectly usable and might be worth the overall increase in image quality.
The second drawback is that you will lose GPS geotagging functionality when switching from the Visoflex 020 to the new Visoflex 2. For some, this might be a deal breaker. For others, not so much. If you're wondering what geotagging is, you probably fall into the latter category.
Latest Firmware Versions as of May 6, 2022
| Camera Model | Firmware Version |
|---|---|
| Leica M10-R | 30.22.11.52 |
| Leica M10-P | 4.22.11.52 |
| Leica M10-P “ASC 100 Edition” | 3.22.11.52 |
| Leica M10 Monochrom | 4.22.11.52 |
| Leica M10 | 3.22.11.52 |
| Leica M10 “Edition Zagato” | 3.22.11.52 |
| Leica M10-D | 3.22.11.52 |
How to Update Your Firmware on M10-R / M10-P / M10 Monochrom / M10
- Download the latest firmware version
- Save the download to the memory card
- Insert the memory card into the camera
- Switching the camera on
- Select Camera Information in the main menu
- Select Camera Firmware
- This menu item is available only if a current firmware file is stored on the inserted memory card.
- A prompt with information about the camera is displayed.
- Check the version information
- Select Yes
- The update will start automatically.
- Once the process has completed successfully, a relevant message will be displayed and the camera will restart.
Notes
The camera must not be switched off before the update is completed.
A warning message will appear if the battery is insufficiently charged. Recharge the battery and then repeat the process described above.
How to Update Your Firmware on M10-D
- Download the latest firmware version
- Save the download to the memory card
- Insert the memory card into the camera
- Press and hold the function button and switch on the camera
- UP will appear in the viewfinder during the update process
- In case of an error, Err will be displayed
- End will appear after a successful update is completed
Notes
The camera must not be switched off before the update is completed.
A warning message will appear if the battery is insufficiently charged. Recharge the battery and then repeat the process described above.
David, I want to acknowledge the enormous help the recent ‘Red Dot Forum’ on the SL2 & SL2s menu settings was. The back button focus using the joystick for picking the focus point and focusing is a game changer for me. As you suggested it immediately improved my image framing with the added pleasure of having in focus exactly what I want. Many of the other suggestions and tips are appreciated as well. I’ll be referring to that video for a while.
I’ll admit it. I’m a Leica M shooter coming out of the closet declaring a new found joy in mirrorless camera photography.
Thanks very much for sharing your photography passion….Jim