Summary
- Leica has released new firmware for the D-Lux 8, SL2, SL2-S and Q3 family
- The D-Lux 8 moves to version 1.9.0 with general firmware bug fixes
- The Leica SL2 and SL2-S are listed with new firmware version 6.3.0
- The Q3, Q3 43 and Q3 Monochrom receive firmware version 4.1.1
- The Q3 update fixes wireless charging, user profile and connection issues
Leica has released new firmware for the D-Lux 8, SL2, SL2-S and Q3 cameras, with the most clearly documented fixes applying to the Q3 family.
The new set of updates includes firmware 1.9.0 for the Leica D-Lux 8, version 6.3.0 for the Leica SL2 and SL2-S, and version 4.1.1 for the Leica Q3, Q3 43 and Q3 Monochrom.
The updates are mainly important for camera stability and reliable operation rather than for introducing a major set of new photographic features. On the Q3 family in particular, Leica addresses specific issues involving wireless charging, user profiles and camera connectivity after remote wake-up.
Which new firmware versions are available
The Leica D-Lux 8 moves to firmware version 1.9.0. Leica’s official support page provides both the firmware file and the corresponding release notes.
Firmware version 6.3.0 is listed for the Leica SL2 and SL2-S. The LeicaRumors report includes both cameras, while Leica’s official download page displays firmware 6.3.0 for the SL2-S.
The Q3 family receives firmware version 4.1.1, with Leica’s official release notes explicitly listing the Leica Q3, Q3 43 and Q3 Monochrom.
What firmware 4.1.1 fixes on the Leica Q3
Firmware 4.1.1 includes three specific fixes documented by Leica.
First, Leica has fixed an issue in which the camera could, under certain conditions, fail to shut down automatically when wireless charging started. With the new firmware, the camera switches off when wireless charging is detected.
Second, the update addresses a bug that could unexpectedly cause the camera to return to the default user profile.
Third, Leica has fixed a connection problem that could occur after remote wake-up when certain Leica Looks or AF settings were being used.
Find it here.
What changes on the Leica D-Lux 8
For the Leica D-Lux 8, the official release notes for firmware 1.9.0 are much less detailed. Leica only refers to general firmware bug fixes and does not list individual issues or new features.
The update should therefore primarily be viewed as a maintenance and stability release rather than an update bringing noticeable new functionality to the camera.
Find it here.
What we know about the Leica SL2 and SL2-S
LeicaRumors lists firmware version 6.3.0 for both the SL2 and SL2-S. Leica’s official download page associated with the report displays firmware 6.3.0 for the SL2-S, but does not provide a detailed changelog for that release on the same page.
Based on the available information, there is no major new feature that can safely be attributed to firmware 6.3.0, so it would not be appropriate to assign changes to the update that have not been officially documented in the available material.
Find it here.
How to install the updates
Leica supports firmware installation either through the Leica FOTOS app or directly through the camera menu, depending on the camera model. For the Q3 family, Leica identifies Leica FOTOS as the recommended method.
For a manual installation using a memory card, Leica requires a fully charged battery and the firmware file placed in the card’s root directory. The camera must not be switched off and neither the memory card nor battery should be removed while the update is running, as interrupting the process can cause serious problems with the device.
After a manual update, users may need to set the date, time and preferred language again. When the update is installed through Leica FOTOS, those settings are applied automatically.
What we think
These updates do not dramatically alter the capabilities of the cameras, but the Q3 fixes address functions that can directly affect everyday use. The D-Lux 8 release is clearly a maintenance update, while the available information for the SL2 and SL2-S does not support conclusions beyond the availability of the new firmware version.
Frequently asked questions
Which Leica cameras are receiving new firmware?
The Leica D-Lux 8 receives firmware 1.9.0, the SL2 and SL2-S are listed with version 6.3.0, while the Q3, Q3 43 and Q3 Monochrom receive version 4.1.1.
What does Leica Q3 firmware 4.1.1 fix?
It fixes issues involving automatic shutdown during wireless charging, unexpected switching to the default user profile and connection failures following remote wake-up with certain Leica Looks or AF settings.
Does D-Lux 8 firmware 1.9.0 add new features?
Leica does not list any new features in its release notes and describes the update as containing firmware bug fixes.
Can the firmware be installed through Leica FOTOS?
Yes. Leica supports firmware updates through Leica FOTOS, and recommends this method for the Q3 family. Manual installation through the camera menu is also available.
