New member with M8 firmware problem

[GlennB]

I have just bought a M8 that has firmware version 1.201 installed and I'm trying to update to the latest firmware 2.004, but can't seem to get it to work. I keep getting "Attention Error Update failed!" . I have tried it on a PC and a Mac, and using 3 different SD cards. Anyone have this problem and found a "fix" ?? Can you download firmware updates using the usb cord??
TIA, Glenn

[Bob Ross]

Firmware updates are only via SD card. The only time that I got that error message was when I didn't have the update firmware in the root directory of the SD card. So, check where you have it on the SD card and make sure that you are doing it with the unzipped version.
Bob

[GlennB]

Bob,
Thanks for your response. I "think" I've been putting an unzipped version in the root directory, but I'll try a few more times. If no luck, then I guess I'll have to give Leica in NJ a call.
Thanks,
Glenn

[jaapv]

1. I don't know what the current firmware of your camera is, but use a SD (not SDHC) card.

Format the card in the camera.
Unzip the firmware to your desktop. That will produce an .upd file
In your computer, move the .upd file onto your SD card, into the root, next to the DCIM folder
Put that card into your camera.
Swiotch the camera on.
When the camera asks to be updated wait five seconds, hit "yes" and set.
Sit back and wait for the camera to be updated.

[GlennB]

Hello Jaap,
I've followed the Leica , and your , instructions to the letter, and everything goes ok until I, after waiting MORE than 5 sec, hit the "yes" and set button. Then I keep getting the error message. Current firmware is 1.201. Using an older Lexar SD 1gb card (blue) and a newer Sandisk Extreme III 2gb (20mb/s) SD card. As far as putting the m8-2_004.upd file in root directory, I've done that also. I also tried putting it into the 999LEICA folder, but when turing the camera on, it does not go to the 'wish to be updated' window.
Camera seems to work OK otherwise. Shot some DNG + JPG Fine test images today with my 35mm f2 asph and they seem to look OK in photoshop CS2.
I'm at a loss to know what's up .

[__hh]

Glenn, I've sent you version 2.002 - please check your email.

Hung

[GlennB]

Hung,
Many Thanks for taking the time to send me the 2.002.
There MUST be something wrong with the way I'm doing this because 2.002 didn't work either.

[sunsworth]

Also make sure that you're copying the actual .upd file to the card and not a shortcut/alias.

[Photon42]

That should do, Glenn:

0. Ensure your battery is fully charged
1. Format your SD card in the camera. Switch off your camera
2. Remove your card from the camera.
3. Plug your SD card into a card reader
4. Connect your card reader with your running computer
5. Wait until your Operating System is ready to access the card
6. Copy the firmware file (unzipped!) to the card directly top level, NOT into any of the folders. The filename extension must end in "upd", so the file called something like "m8-2_004.upd". Once written, you should see the file in your file browser
7. Unmount your card from the computer (eject, drag to trash for mac, ...). Don't remove the card before unmounting it
8. Put your card into the camera, close the lid
9. Switch on the camera
10. WAIT THREE SECONDS
11. Confirm the question shown on the camera's LCD
12. WAIT and DON'T TOUCH the M8 until the update is completed
13. Switch off the camera
14. Switch on the camera
15. Format your SD card in the camera

Cheers
Ivo

[Ahmed Poltroon]

Are you 100% sure you're unzipping the firmware file and not trying to upgrade with a zipped file?

[Ricko of Fla]

I am new here. I just received my M8 on Wed and tried to update the firmware. I got the message card is full.
Solved the problem, had a 30mb card from my wifes
canon 9d , it must be a slow card, because it worked in updated the firmware.
So try a slow or older card, see if that works
Good luck Ricko

[GlennB]

Thanks Everyone for trying to help this newbie !!
I've double checked everything that has been mentioned: I'm using a Mac and the firmware file is named m8-2_004.upd for an unzipped file and m8-2_004.upd.zip for the zipped file (I've been using the unzipped file). I've been putting the firmware next to the DCIM folder, not in it. The SD cards are not SDHC cards as far as I can tell. I've been turing off the camera before loading or unloading the SD card into the camera (& I've been putting the baseplate back on ), The battery is fully charged. The card has been formated in the camera. The card has been ejected via right click before removing it from the card reader (SanDisk 12 in 1). I've waited at least 5 sec before selecting "yes" and pressing "set".

Nothing has worked so far. As soon as I press the set button I get the "Attention Error Update failed" message immediately .

Could it be that the 1.201 firmware is so old that I need the subsequent firmware updates in sequence instead of skipping to the newest 2.004 firmware ?

This is a M8 that was sold as a "demo" by a well known Leica dealer to me this week. It looks to be in unused Mint condition and came with box with all accessories. I am NOT new to Leica M's having owned M3s thru M6TTLs over the past 20 years. I just wanted a digital way to use my M glass without film as I don't really have a darkroom anymore and quality film and processing are not convenient in my area anymore.

Kinda at wits end at this point.
Glenn

[johannielscom]

Hi,

Seems you did evertything by the book. Take it back to the dealer, announce your visit and take a two hour stroll (shopping or something) upon delivery to the dealer. That should buy hime enough time to sort the problem out, one way or another.

Good luck, happy shooting

[GlennB]

Wish I could, but He's waaay up north (CT) and I'm waaay down south (AL).
The camera seem to be working OK otherwise and I've been taking a few test images to warm-up. Not sure I'm quite ready to throw in the towel just yet. But I Am getting close!

[GlennB]

Just want to give a Big THANKS! to all that have tried to help. I've enjoyed my brief time here on this forum, especially looking thru the posts with B/W photos.
Thanks Again,
Glenn