The Leica SL3, released this spring, is a great high-resolution L-Mount camera. Unfortunately, some users are facing a significant problem: the camera can erase existing photos.
Leica is aware of the problem and has released a statement assuring users that the company is working on a solution and offering practical advice to help prevent the problem from erasing images. Leica’s full statement is below:
Unfortunately, with the current firmware of the Leica SL3, there have been isolated cases of previously saved images being overwritten unnoticed. As the error can occur if the camera has not been switched off properly (e.g. when changing the battery in standby mode or after an unexpected software interruption), we strongly recommend careful handling of the camera in accordance with the user manual. In such [a] case, we recommend that you save the images immediately to an external device and change the memory card before you start the camera again. Please ensure that you always switch off the Leica SL3 completely before changing the battery in order to minimize the risk of data loss. We are concentrating with the highest priority on restoring the perfect functionality and usual reliability of your Leica SL3 as quickly as possible. To this end, we are working at full speed with our development team to provide you with a firmware update.
It is worth noting that Leica describes the issue as “isolated” in its official statement. The company tells PetaPixel that it knows of “a very small number of users” that have experienced the problem.
Leica adds that the problem can occur when the battery is changed while the camera’s buffer is actively being cleared to a memory card, or when the battery is changed when the camera is in standby mode.
The SL3 incorporates numerous changes, including to the camera’s design and control layout. One of these changes is the move from a traditional power switch on the SL2 to a power button on the SL3. Leica doesn’t believe that the new power button has anything to do with the file overwrite issue, although arguably, it is easier to tell if the camera is indeed powered off with a clearly labeled power switch.
As for when users can expect the promised fix, Leica says that the firmware update that it hopes will solve the problem is currently being finalized through field testing. “We hope to provide this update to all Leica SL3 users in the very near future,” the company tells PetaPixel.
Once the firmware update is released, PetaPixel will alert readers and update this new story. In the meantime, all Leica SL3 users should take the above-mentioned precautions to keep their photos safe and sound.
Image credits: Leica
Source link
