New SL (typ 601) firmware 3.8

[Donald M]

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I got a mail announcing the new SL (typ 601) firmware version 3.8. 
It says new Leica L-log color space is available. Any other changes?

[BernardC]

I downloaded and installed the new firmware, but I didn't see any release notes. I would be interested in finding-out as well.

3.7 (released 2020) had L-Log updates to match the SL2's version of L-Log. Perhaps they've applied any small improvements that they've made in the past year.

I am sure that this new version at least has the latest lens firmware updates, since the SL2 and SL2-S firmwares have those.

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[AZN]

Also downloaded and installed - don't notice any difference yet.

That aside, it is pleasing that Leica are still releasing firmware upgrades for a camera released in 2015 🙃

[6bit]

Trying to understand how I missed this news. Another update tomorrow! Very nice of Leica to do this. 

[Chuck Albertson]

The download page lists Release Notes for FW 3.8, but the link downloads the firmware itself:

https://us.leica-camera.com/Service-Support/Support/Downloads?category=128327&subcategory=128336&type=93705&language=93871

[Big John]

8 hours ago, Chuck Albertson said:

The download page lists Release Notes for FW 3.8, but the link downloads the firmware itself:

https://us.leica-camera.com/Service-Support/Support/Downloads?category=128327&subcategory=128336&type=93705&language=93871

Same on U.K. site. 

[Per P.]

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What, exactly, is L-log color space. And why would I want it?

[6bit]

16 minutes ago, Per P. said:

What, exactly, is L-log color space. And why would I want it?

Log color space is similar to shooting in RAW. You get more latitude with your video. For most of us, this is not really needed. For professionals, it would be considered essential. Each manufacturer has at least one Log color space. 

Typical user, I would never worry with it and you may even have a moment when you see the flatest video ever appear wondering how you are suppose to get that to have color saturation. 😉

[BernardC]

Log video formats allow you to cram more dynamic range into an image by compressing shadows and highlights using a mathematical function. They are used in both RAW and processed video (no RAW for the SL/SL2/SL2-S, but almost all RAW formats use log).

All you really need to know is that it's the standard way to shoot video for HDR televisions and for cinema.

Leica has offered L-Log since the first SL came-out, so this is just an improvement to a pre-existing feature.

[Mick H]

Initial L Log testing with Classic and Natural 709 LUTs look great.  C4K24p MOV and 1080p24 All I look good at ISO 800.  The SL looks like an improved video camera.  I will need to do more in sunshine, etc..

[jrh68uk]

I, too, had the invitation and noticed no changelog on the site. Downloaded and installed; no changes noticed but am curious to know whether it's just L-log (which I'm not really interested in) or whether there are additional fixes or improvements not mentioned in the invitation email.

In any case, I'm very pleased that Leica is still issuing firmware for the Typ601. Mine was brand new a few months ago (it really was brand new stock, not just new to me) and it's nice to know it's not being totally left out  .

[Chuck Albertson]

Release Notes link has been sorted: https://us.leica-camera.com/Service-Support/Support/Downloads?category=128327&subcategory=128336&type=93705&language=93871

The firmware package also updates lens firmware for SL lenses (35 and 90, at least). Also for selected lens adapters.

Edited September 24, 2021 by Chuck Albertson

[jo kami]

L-log is definitely improved and looks great. More highlight information and slightly punchier blacks. 

Highly recommended for all the filmmakers.

[BernardC]

1 hour ago, Chuck Albertson said:

Also for selected lens adapters

There are two official adapters, as far as I know. The M-adapter-L firmware is still at version 1.0, so I didn't update. The S-adapter-L didn't light-up the option, even though the adapter was active (AF working, etc). I also tried it with no lens attached to the adapter, same result. I wonder which selected lens adapters they are referring to. Sigma? Novoflex?

[jrp]

Well beyond the ones that you have tried their is also the R adapter 

[AZN]

On 9/25/2021 at 4:43 AM, BernardC said:

The M-adapter-L firmware is still at version 1.0, so I didn't update

Agree.  The R-adapter-L is also still at version 1.0, so it also didn't update.  Oh well, at least some (unspecified) bugs were fixed.

BTW @Chuck Albertson thanks for the link to the Firmware Update information.

Edited September 26, 2021 by AZN

[Per P.]

Ahhh - video. I had forgotten the SL does that too 🙂

Thank you very much for the clarifications. Much appreciated. 

[Chuck Albertson]

On 9/25/2021 at 6:13 PM, AZN said:

BTW @Chuck Albertson thanks for the link to the Firmware Update information.

Thanks to Ray Olson at Leica. Leica NJ forwarded my email to him, he sent it on to the right people in Wetzlar, and it was taken care of overnight.

[hossegor]

anyone has an alternative link to the latest SL 601  firmware ? the Main link is dead on the Leica page. 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Chuck Albertson]

2 hours ago, hossegor said:

anyone has an alternative link to the latest SL 601  firmware ? the Main link is dead on the Leica page. 

It looks like Leica AG is doing a revamp of their Website. You might wait a few days until it's been re-built - at the moment, the Support page that usually features firmware, etc., only lists the press releases for firmware.