M11-D internal memory fault and freezing

[J S H]

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The 2K means  that you have enough free space for 2000 images at the destination you have chosen. As the available space drops, the number will become more specific.

I’m not sure about the first FULL message, but otherwise it seems okay. The count will change depending on the image size and type, and whether you’re saving only DNG or DNG+JPG. I’m assuming you can review the images after saving to the internal memory? You could also test a file transfer to the computer if you want to cover all the bases. 

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[Guest]

I had the same issue a couple of days ago. The internal memory was reported as being full and that all images would now be stored on SD. I was using "IN=SD" ( files saved to both internal and SD card)

I experimented with deleting a few photos, but nothing seemed to fix the issue so I just formatted the Internal memory and all seemed well again.

There have been a few reports of this so I guess a fix will arrive at some point.

[LeicaR10]

Tpf1952,   I believe this issue has been discussed in other M11 threads.  Here is one that might be of use to you.  But, after my multiple M11 body issues with almost all the models, I gave up and went back to the M10-R.   Since the camera is new, I would call B&H Customer Service and get a return authorization number and pack all the items up, cords, battery, documents in the original boxes and send it back.  In the meantime, you might want to read this thread.  r/ Mark

Try:  

 

[jaapv]

Threads merged. Please do a search before starting new ones. 

[tpf1952]

Thank you, Jaapv. Glad my query found a good home. 
 

This forum is such an essential resource. Thanks for what you do. 
 

Tom

[Tuan Anh]

On 3/29/2025 at 1:51 PM, Corius said:

I had the same issue a couple of days ago.

Since i updated to FW 2.2.1.I don’t have the problem anymore.But sometimes the cemera created unreadable files.Deleted and the files would come back eventually.No matter how many attempts i tried to delete the files.Low quality SD may cause some unknown problem,too.

Then i replace a new SD-card.New Sandisk extreme pro with 300MB/s read and write.The price is not cheap but worth though.No more random created unreadable files.My guess that new camera is not compatible with all the Sd-card brands.

Here is the setting on my 11-P :

DNG=> IN , JPEG => SD

Geo tag = Yes

CAI = Yes

Changing WIFI to 2.4G instead 5G.Band 2.4G is slower but more stable.Or using cable for FOTOS.

[innovare]

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On 2/12/2025 at 5:15 AM, jonoslack said:

It looks to me like your internal memory was in fact (almost) full (born out by the image from your computer). 

if reformatting the internal memory solves the problem that bears it out.

Or am I missing something?

best

Jono

I have the same problem, it is very sporadic. I shout only raw and for the longest did not even put in a memory card. First time it happened I had internal  about a third full, downloaded the images directly onto Lightroom on my Mac, went back out to take some more pictures and got the message. Reformatted internal memory was ok, took maybe 5 pictures, went through the same exercise and got the message. That was maybe two months ago and it did not happen again, but worrisome.

[algrove]

On 2/21/2025 at 6:06 AM, Tuan Anh said:

I want to update how my situation goes.I didnt’t touch FOTOS since the last time i replied to this topic,meaning it’s about a week.I copied photos with SD-reader and my camera didn’t get any problem.

Today i update to new firmware 2.2.1.I’ve been using FOTOS to copy files all day and i count,20 times consecutively.So far i haven’t got any problem.Camera operates smooth.However,i turn content credentials and Geotag off this time.

Still early to confirm the firmware is stable but it’s worth to update.

Will now update to 2.2.1.

Edited April 9 by algrove

[ValkyrieFalling]

On 11/21/2024 at 1:06 PM, setuporg said:

The freezes on this camera in this state are now repeatedly reproducible.  After each failed read attempt.  It is going to Wetzlar, eventually, for examination end extraction.  I'll report if there's anything to share, perhaps months down then road.  Fingers crossed.  For now very happy I haven't traded in the M11-P that was used with the internal memory for a year without a problem.  I do not recall filling it up though.

So a very simple test of your M11-D would be: fill it up and see what happens.  Import everything as you go without emptying.

Needless to say I am always running the latest firmware.  One thing I regret is not getting back into the beta program for instant background push.  That way I'd have at least JPG previews saved.  Reset to factory settings does nothing while also preserving the (botched) state of the internal memory.

From now on, I won't be using Leica internal memory in any camera until reliable tools exist to salvage its contents. Eg the minimum needed on the D would be to have it copy files to an SD card with in-camera functions.

 

Do you have any update on the situation?

 

[username]

On 11/21/2024 at 9:24 PM, hdmesa said:

What brand camera has perfect 1.0 firmware? I need to move everything to that brand.

For what it's worth, I have never ever bothered to update any firmware in two decades of shooting Nikon and Canon - may sound crazy, but the cameras just worked 🤷‍♂️

If (with the M11 series) there had been an initial bug in the 1.0 firmware that needed ironing out via a firmware update that'd be somewhat understandable, but apparently it's rather ongoing issues, even years after the launch.

Telling people it's their own fault / "user error" is ridiculous, it's clearly Leica needing to get their shit together.

[RQ44]

On 11/15/2024 at 4:10 AM, setuporg said:

So it happened finally — after a trip to New York that filled up the internal memory of my month’s old M11-D, I cannot download the photos from it.

When using the internal memory, I was checking the remaining shots.  The counter finally went under 999 and started to decrease.  At about 500 it suddenly said Full.  I inserted an SD card and continued shooting.  Coming home tried to download.  Only downloaded the SD images and hung on the first internal (with the last number) and never got it.  Image Capture takes a very long time to list the files.  When they begin listing they are shown without previews.  Nothing could be downloaded, IC just shows a rotating progress wheel on the first image.  

Disconnecting and turning off-on results in a freeze almost every time.  I’ve had only a handful freezes before and never repeated ones.  Something is confusing it.

When connecting via FOTOS over WiFi, it takes a long time to prepare the gallery and shows the first few dozen images with thumbnails.  Alas the thumbnails end after about a few dozen and an attempt to download a preview or the DNG either yields Error or just hangs.

The good thing is that the IC listing contains file names, sizes, and dimensions of photos that are correct.

I sense this might be a service trip to NJ at least but wonder what else could be done…

Sorry to hear about this but it had to happen. I got ragged on for my comment about not trusting internal storage and the logistical nightmare to recover data. I will say it again and again and..........again. Do not use internal storage for anything that is valuable such as a holiday or work job. Yes an SD card can fail but it is a lot easier to recover files than cracking open your camera and trying to recover files. Internal storage in a camera that is well known to have lockups and freezing episodes is playing with danger.

Edited April 19 by RQ44

[RQ44]

These M11 cameras are so flawed with software issues that if they were iphones there would be class action lawsuits and social media uproar. They are expensive cameras and expensive equipment like these cameras SHOULD WORK FLAWLESSLY. If they were low priced cameras you could accept it but they are not. They are a premium priced device that should have premium level performance and reliability. To this day I have held of on M11 for this one reason. Yes they UPDATE firmware, but thats too late. Firmware can correct minor flaws but the locking up issues this model has is a real deal breaker. 

 

Internal memory failure is a dead camera in my eyes. I would demand a replacement camera.

Edited April 19 by RQ44

[RQ44]

The price has everything to do with it. If it was made of gold perhaps you would be right but the camera is just composed of plastic, cheap metal and glass. Nothing I would classify expensive, therefore Leicas asked for a lot of money for the unit and so should deliver on reliability and performance. 

[Steve Ash]

vor einer Stunde schrieb RQ44:

Sorry to hear about this but it had to happen. I got ragged on for my comment about not trusting internal storage and the logistical nightmare to recover data. I will say it again and again and..........again. Do not use internal storage for anything that is valuable such as a holiday or work job. Yes an SD card can fail but it is a lot easier to recover files than cracking open your camera and trying to recover files. Internal storage in a camera that is well known to have lockups and freezing episodes is playing with danger.

What is the point of referring to an almost half year old comment? The only valid question is whether anyone still faces issues under the current firmware. I do not face any.

[geoffc60]

2 hours ago, RQ44 said:

These M11 cameras are so flawed with software issues that if they were iphones there would be class action lawsuits and social media uproar. They are expensive cameras and expensive equipment like these cameras SHOULD WORK FLAWLESSLY. If they were low priced cameras you could accept it but they are not. They are a premium priced device that should have premium level performance and reliability. To this day I have held of on M11 for this one reason. Yes they UPDATE firmware, but thats too late. Firmware can correct minor flaws but the locking up issues this model has is a real deal breaker. 

 

Internal memory failure is a dead camera in my eyes. I would demand a replacement camera.

Never had an issue with my M11 from day one and nobody else I personally know with M11 type bodies has either.  I did with both my Canon R5 bodies, R3 and Fuji GFX 100S. Have you actually used/owned an M11 or just read all the negative comments on forums from a small percentage?

Edited April 19 by geoffc60

[summicron75]

Had similar problems and eventually sent my M11-D back. After serious issues with the m11, M11-M and m11-P I only bought the D on the condition that they would buy it back for what I paid for it should it develop issues. They did, at least, stick to their word.

I will never forget that feeling of coming back from a shoot, mounting the SD card and seeing that it was 100% empty. Nothing. Internal memory, nothing. Nada. An entire shoot simply not there. When I add to that upside down images, freezing, not charging correctly etc I just cannot deal with the latest generation of Leica any more.

I found an as new M10-M for 5K. It is a joy to use, I have not had a single freeze or issue with it. Along with my SL2-S (bought brand new for an astonishing 2.300€) I feel like I will never trust a Leica product manufactured after 2022 again. Boy have they lost their way.

[Velo-city]

47 minutes ago, geoffc60 said:

Never had an issue with my M11 from day one and nobody else I personally know with M11 type bodies has either.  I did with both my Canon R5 bodies, R3 and Fuji GFX 100S. Have you actually used/owned an M11 or just read all the negative comments on forums from a small percentage?

You don't have to experience something personally for it to exist. 

My M11 was awful. Buggy and unreliable and so many weird issues.  Order of magnitude more than on any other camera I’ve ever owned (and I’ve owned a fair few). And it’s obvious from all the reports that it’s one of their most buggy poorly designed cameras. 
It cost circa £8k. No way it should have that many issues that persist nearly three years after release.

[Tseg]

Anyone spooked by all this Bad Memory talk and wants to sell their M11 Monochrome cheap?  Asking for a friend.

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[pedaes]

1 hour ago, Tseg said:

Anyone spooked by all this Bad Memory talk and wants to sell their M11 Monochrome cheap?  Asking for a friend.

Which is a great indicator of the size of the 'problem'!

[Velo-city]

6 hours ago, summicron75 said:

When I add to that upside down images, freezing, not charging correctly etc I just cannot deal with the latest generation of Leica any more.

Yup, had all of that. Sadly I didn’t try anything earlier to compare to, but my m11 experience was pretty poor even if you ignore the cost.

part of me considering a film m since I have a lens. But I already have better (but not as compact) film cameras, so I’m on the fence. Camera  electronics is definitely not Leicas strongpoint but the body was ok physically, nothing special but at least it was minimal. I’d like to think they could do a good job of the analogue bodies given their heritage. Just not sure if i can convince myself to pay to see.