Leica fotos, worst app ever used

[jrp]

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I did very well without the app on my SL as that had built in gps. The SL2 approach is an irksome regression 

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[Bernd B.]

Leica fails and fails and fails with its Foto-App. Even version 3.04 is as bad as the ones before. Connecting my SL2 with my iPhoneX takes 60 seconds plus X, the connection stays for some 3 to 5 minutes and then … guess you know it, anyway. Of course, I automatically send user reports to Leica, automatically there are all data in it like all Firmware-versions, hardware I use, SL2’s serial number etc. - but the responses are ridiculous, bordering on taking the customer's piss (sorry for my rude words, but it is just this way).

Got two times this answer from Leica‘s customer care within 10 days: „Please first check whether you have installed the latest firmware for your Leica SL2. Please also test with an SD card and only a few images on it or without an SD card inserted. If there are very many images, the display may take a very long time or the connection is interrupted (timeout).“ 

That's an indictment. What would you say to your car dealer if he advised you to always switch off the radio first so that the turn signal works reliably when turning?

[IkarusJohn]

Having used the Hasselblad and Nikon Apps (I also have one for my Insta and lots of other things, including my music streamer and the dishwasher - why?), I like the Fotos App.  It’s well resolved and a good interface,  Two problems with it are frustrating - getting connected and the transfer rate for files.  One day these will be fixed, I hope.  But once connected, I like the interface - list of cameras, access to camera settings, direct control of ISO, shutter, aperture and EV, remote release and photo review and download for when you need it.  Nice.

Edited February 5, 2022 by IkarusJohn

[Jeffry Abt]

John,
I follow this thread haphazardly but…

I am always amazed at how many people hate the Fotos App because I like the App as well.  I use it regularly with satisfaction.

Maybe this thread draws attention because of its provocative title?

Edited February 5, 2022 by Jeffry Abt

[Eldad]

Hi there,

OP here, maybe the last comment has some merit and the post title is somewhat provocative.

I was venting my frustrations with a sub par app, on the back of a very expensive SL-2 purchase, it seems I’m not alone and many others feel the same. 
I love my SL-2 (sure, it’s not perfect) and I didn’t buy it because of the app. But I’m expecting Leica to release an app with the the same level of attention to details and finishes as they do with the hardware. Especially when you consider the price and the fact that camera companies today are very much a software company as they are a hardware company. (Same goes to the firmware situation).

I wish not to create hate and flame people on this forum (or anywhere else) but admit again that the title might do so. I wi try and change it, or delete this altogether. 

[IkarusJohn]

So, apart from connection isssues and file transfer rate (both WiFi related), in what other respects is the App lacking in attention to detail and refinement?

[Eldad]

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2 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

So, apart from connection isssues and file transfer rate (both WiFi related), in what other respects is the App lacking in attention to detail and refinement?

I assume this question is for me.

connection issues be it Bluetooth or Wifi are the biggest issues. And this is the fundamental use of the app. Without it the app is useless.

I’m not concern with the UI at this stage.

[IkarusJohn]

Just now, Eldad said:

I assume this question is for me.

connection issues be it Bluetooth or Wifi are the biggest issues. And this is the fundamental use of the app. Without it the app is useless.

I’m not concern with the UI at this stage.

I agree it’s an issue.  Useless might be an overstatement.  It does connect.  It just takes patience.  More patience than is justified.  It will be interesting to see if the addition of blue tooth with the M11 makes a difference.

I suspect the problem is not with the App, but with the camera body - I imagine solid brass isn’t the best for an RF signal …

[wlaidlaw]

Sometimes the app just refuses to connect at all. My M10-R seems particularly prone to this. The CL connection is usually fast and reliable and the SL somewhere between the two. The very slow start up of the Fotos app on the M10-R on the camera is pretty poor, when the CL starts almost instantly. 

Wilson

[jaapv]

6 hours ago, IkarusJohn said:

Having used the Hasselblad and Nikon Apps (I also have one for my Insta and lots of other things, including my music streamer and the dishwasher - why?), I like the Fotos App.  It’s well resolved and a good interface,  Two problems with it are frustrating - getting connected and the transfer rate for files.  One day these will be fixed, I hope.  But once connected, I like the interface - list of cameras, access to camera settings, direct control of ISO, shutter, aperture and EV, remote release and photo review and download for when you need it.  Nice.

The app for my robot vacuum cleaner is excellent...

[TomBC]

I am happy to use it only when I need to shoot 4k videos with my Q2, otherwise I don't even bother trying.

But for videos, well, I actually like it.

I used the Sony and Nikon apps on the go when travelling, prior to land at Leica (two years ago) so I cannot compare because files were fare less heavy to transfer back then

[Alberto L.]

I’m agree with you.

GPS data are not transfert in exif data and is not possible to make self, camera shot immediately impossibile delayed shot.

[nicci78]

On 2/5/2022 at 9:58 PM, IkarusJohn said:

So, apart from connection isssues and file transfer rate (both WiFi related), in what other respects is the App lacking in attention to detail and refinement?

Real issue ? Connecting to the camera is incredibly slow. 
It is faster to remove the SD. Plug it to your iPhone with SD to lightning adapter. Then download any photos. Put the SD card back. 
 

Don’t know why anybody should bother with such useless app. 
Open it only once a year. Be disappointed to death. Forget about it for a year then hoping for the best one year later, etc process continues again and again. 

[IkarusJohn]

20 minutes ago, nicci78 said:

Real issue ? Connecting to the camera is incredibly slow. 
It is faster to remove the SD. Plug it to your iPhone with SD to lightning adapter. Then download any photos. Put the SD card back. 
 

Don’t know why anybody should bother with such useless app. 
Open it only once a year. Be disappointed to death. Forget about it for a year then hoping for the best one year later, etc process continues again and again. 

Yes, I acknowledged the connection issues.

Why would anyone bother?

• setting infrequent settings on my M10-D (let me save you asking the rhetorical question - why would anyone bother with an M10-D?)
• remote control and triggering of my three WiFi enabled Leicas
• reviewing images and sometimes posting at remote locations (couldn’t be bothered removing the SD card in a cafe - I’d need my computer)

Bearing in mind the preface to my question - apart from connection and transfer rate - why did you bother posting?

[nicci78]

Because too long connection time make Fotos worthless 

What’s the point to order lunch at noon if you got yours plates at 2 pm ? It will be too late,  not hungry anymore, but very angry. 
That’s exactly the Fotos app situation. We cannot forgot the long connexion time. 
 

Even for remote triggers. Other people is wondering what took me so long. The moment and the mood is gone too. 
 

This is why I still bother to post and why I think that connection time is The Major Problem. 
 

The second one is the totally useless GPS functionality 

 

Connection time is so slow that you will be bore to death before trying to select photos and then waiting a long time for their transfer to your phone. 
You see same problem. 

Edited February 14, 2022 by nicci78

[IkarusJohn]

5 hours ago, nicci78 said:

Because too long connection time make Fotos worthless 

What’s the point to order lunch at noon if you got yours plates at 2 pm ? It will be too late,  not hungry anymore, but very angry. 
That’s exactly the Fotos app situation. We cannot forgot the long connexion time. 
 

Even for remote triggers. Other people is wondering what took me so long. The moment and the mood is gone too. 
 

This is why I still bother to post and why I think that connection time is The Major Problem. 
 

The second one is the totally useless GPS functionality 

 

Connection time is so slow that you will be bore to death before trying to select photos and then waiting a long time for their transfer to your phone. 
You see same problem. 

No, not really.  I don’t have the same problem as you - I seem to be able to connect to my M10-D, TL2 and SL without any problems.  Yes, the connection could be quicker, but waiting for lunch?  Moment lost?  No, I’m a bit more organised than that.  I don’t recall the Nikon or Hasselblad connection being that much quicker, and the user interface of Fotos is much better. 

So, no.  Not worthless for me, and apparently many others.  Connection could be easier and quicker, and I do very few transfers.

[jaapv]

14 hours ago, nicci78 said:

Real issue ? Connecting to the camera is incredibly slow. 
It is faster to remove the SD. Plug it to your iPhone with SD to lightning adapter. Then download any photos. Put the SD card back. 
 

Don’t know why anybody should bother with such useless app. 
Open it only once a year. Be disappointed to death. Forget about it for a year then hoping for the best one year later, etc process continues again and again. 

Not my experience. I wouldn't call the connection snappy, but fiddling around with SD card readers. is certainly a lot slower.

[Pelu2010]

5 hours ago, jaapv said:

Not my experience. I wouldn't call the connection snappy, but fiddling around with SD card readers. is certainly a lot slower.

I bought an iPhone SD Card reader because I got frustrated with the app. It works speedy and every time it works nice. 

I also tested my fuji xpro2 regarding the app and transfer speed. 

It's so much faster. And the best thing about it: It works every time and although the way to connect feels a bit outdated (first establish the wifi then start the app and choose what to do) 

but I must say: Its snappy, fast, and the transfer is like I would expect it to be. 

Both my Q2 and the sl2s are slow and they make me feel uncomfortable. 

I use them, but I don't like the process of access. 

Does someone have knowledge about why this is so slow? Is there a fee that companies have to pay apple to get more connectivity? 

thanxs Peter 

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[jaapv]

On 2/14/2022 at 7:13 PM, nicci78 said:

Real issue ? Connecting to the camera is incredibly slow. 
It is faster to remove the SD. Plug it to your iPhone with SD to lightning adapter. Then download any photos. Put the SD card back. 
 

Don’t know why anybody should bother with such useless app. 
Open it only once a year. Be disappointed to death. Forget about it for a year then hoping for the best one year later, etc process continues again and again. 

Strangely enough, it works OK with the CL and TL

[wlaidlaw]

CL and SL good. M10-R very slow to connect and connection can be unstable. 

Wilson