Leica fixes massive SL3 bug that deleted photos

Leica has responded quickly to claims of a bug in its Leica SL3 full-frame mirrorless camera. Some users had reported that their cameras were overwriting existing recordings in certain circumstances. As a result, the company has released firmware update 1.1.9 to fix the issue.

Leica SL3

Leica launched the SL3 full-frame mirrorless camera in March this year. The camera boasts a 60-megapixel sensor with a dynamic range of up to 15 stops. It’s also powered by the state-of-the-art Maestro IV processor. The SL3 has impressive video credentials, recording up to 8K 60p in the H.265 format and 4K 60p in H.264. You can even record internally in ProRes if you drop the resolution to 1080p HD. In addition, the SL3 has five-axis in-body image stabilization to keep your videos looking smooth.

What was the bug?

The SL3 has been very popular since its launch. However, in early July 2024 Leica acknowledged that a small number of users had experienced a problem. A company statement read, “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.”

Firmware fix

Leica responded quickly to the reported bug and has now released a firmware upgrade. The company’s website states that firmware 1.1.9 fixes the “Sporadic error that resulted in unnoticed overwriting of existing recordings if the camera was not properly turned off beforehand (e.g., during battery replacement in standby mode or after an unexpected software interruption).” It also corrects other unspecified errors in the firmware. You can update your camera via the Leica FOTOS app. Alternatively, you can manually install the update via an SD card.

What we think

Whether you are using your camera for work or just for pleasure, you need to be able to rely on it. The sporadic bug with the Leica SL3 was particularly unfortunate, as you might not realize you had lost a recording till much later. However, Leica has responded quickly to the situation and issued a firmware fix in a matter of weeks. If you use an SL3, make sure that the firmware is updated straight away.

Pricing and availability

Firmware update 1.1.9 for the Leica SL3 full-frame mirrorless camera is available from the Leica website.

Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.

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