New Leica firmware out March 3rd.

[johnastovall]

Leica is releasing new firmware v2.004 for the M8 and M8.2 on March 3rd as a free download on the Leica website. Here's what's new:

• 6-bit coding support has been added for the 50mm Noctilux-M f/0.95 ASPH and the 18mm Super-Elmar-M f/3.8 ASPH.

• Discreet advance is now available for all M8 models (M8, M8u, and M8.2)

That last one is a big one for all M8 owners. We don't need the shutter upgrade.

[crackhead]

The shutter upgrade service Leica offered to M8 owners is not the same as discreet mode, is it?

The latter simply delays the recocking of the shutter until you release the finger from the shutter release

[johnastovall]

The discrete mode is part of the package. But the the shutter upgrade was a new, slower (1/4000) and quieter shutter also.

I'm glad to see this because I didn't want to give up 1/8000 and the discrete mode will be help. On the street, up camera, shoot, camera to side, re-cocking as walking.