[Leica] Cannot upgrade M8 firmware

[frank.dernie at btinternet.com (FRANK DERNIE)]

My software upgrade on my M8.2 (my M9 has been at Leica UK for service since 
3rd 
May) revealed some slightly strange behaviour.
In order to keep the continuous numbering sequence on the M8 I decided to 
use a 
different SD card for the upgrade. I removed one from a Panasonic FT1 P&S, 
formatted it in my M8.2, did the update, re-formatted the card in the M8.2 
to 
remove the update file then returned the card to the FT1. Putting back the 
original card in the M8.2 maintained the file numbering sequence but the FT1 
reported a damaged card... It would not even try to format it.
I put this card back in my card reader and there were no visible files. I 
erased 
it using Disk Utility and then it worked fine in the FT1 again.
The implication is that the M series write "invisible" files to the card 
when it 
is formatted which may be incompatible with some software, though Mac OSX 
should 
not be one of them.
Frank D



----- Original Message ----
From: Peter Cheyne <geordiepete211 at yahoo.co.uk>
To: lug at leica-users.org
Sent: Friday, 24 June, 2011 10:53:30
Subject: [Leica] Cannot upgrade M8 firmware

Thanks for lots of double-check advice, guys.

I haven't had a chance to try it in another computer yet.  Basically, none 
of my 
Leica formatted SD or SDHC cards can be read by my card reader.  I have two 
card 
readers.  Both can read my Lumix SD/SDHC formatted cards.  The same card 
formatted in an M8/9 won't work, but will be read via the reader when 
formatted 
in the Lumix or Canon S90.  The card tab is not in the lock position.

Might be that my Mac cannot read Leica formatted cards.  Absolutely no idea 
how 
to remedy this.  Anyway, my workaround is to USB link the Ms to the Mac when 
I 
upload image files.  And when I transfer a firmware upgrade file to the M9, 
I 
make sure the M9 is set to Mass Storage mode, so I can put the file to the 
card 
in camera from the Mac directly.  However, the M9 does not have Mass Storage 
as 
an option, so it needs a card reader to get the firmware file on it.

Now I am going to be careful and try putting an M8 card in the M9, then 
connect 
to the Mac via USB.  Then I will put the M9 firmware on the card.  Of 
course, I 
will not try to run the firmware on the M9!  I don't want a Silver Grey 
brick!  
If I can get that firmware file on the card, then I will switch the card to 
the 
M8 and try to upgrade the firmware from there.

Fingers crossed!  I'll let you know if it works.

Peter

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