[Leica] M8 firmware 2.005

[hopsternew at gmail.com (Geoff Hopkinson)]

Frank, you've mentioned two lenses that are an exception because they are
not physically codable due to their construction. Owners of those two would
be a smaller sub-set again though which suggests they there would be fewer
people willing to pay even if it were possible. However, as Frank Dernie
suggests you may like contact Leica Camera. If it can be done and it is
economical and there is sufficent demand perhaps you will see it.

After the introduction of the M8.2 apparently a significant number of
customers asked for the 'Discreet' mode to be enabled in original M8's.
Leica Camera responded that yes it was entirely in firmware (not an actual
shutter release modification) but they wanted to maintain that feature as
part of the differentiation for the M8.2. However they then agreed to enable
that function in the next firmware for all and at no charge.

Incidentally a new problem introduced by that feature is exactly what the
latest firmware fixes  (that shutter fault indication appearing when people
select the discreet mode intended for deliberate slow shooting but then use
continuous advance anyway).  Presumably Leica and Jenoptik never thought of
testing that because it was illogical to use the camera that way. Many
customers never saw the problem either.  Maybe not a bad example of
complications that can ensue when you add new functions after the fact that
were not planned for originally. "Simple software changes seldom are"



Cheers
Geoff
http://www.pbase.com/hoppyman