Flash firmware updates - all at once, or in steps?

[jharvey]

I’ve been considering finally getting around to updating my E-M5 MKIII firmware (still at the original 1.0), but what the updates offer me are not enough to go about changing the root-level security settings on my M1 Mac so that I can use OM Workspace. The only relevant changes for me are Focus Stacking on the 40-150 F4 Pro (hmmm, will I ever use that?), and “Improved precision of focus when using single-focal-length lenses” - though I haven’t noticed any problems with the current state of prime lens focusing (perhaps if anyone has updated and seen a difference after updating, they can share).

So, if at all, I expect I’ll be trying the flash update route (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67111157) which raises one question. From version 1.0, can I just do a single update to version 1.7, or will I have to do it in a couple of stages like the OM Workspace method?

Thanks

 

[Guy Parsons]

I’ve been considering finally getting around to updating my E-M5 MKIII firmware (still at the original 1.0), but what the updates offer me are not enough to go about changing the root-level security settings on my M1 Mac so that I can use OM Workspace. The only relevant changes for me are Focus Stacking on the 40-150 F4 Pro (hmmm, will I ever use that?), and “Improved precision of focus when using single-focal-length lenses” - though I haven’t noticed any problems with the current state of prime lens focusing (perhaps if anyone has updated and seen a difference after updating, they can share).

So, if at all, I expect I’ll be trying the flash update route (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67111157) which raises one question. From version 1.0, can I just do a single update to version 1.7, or will I have to do it in a couple of stages like the OM Workspace method?

Thanks

From the official update page I see https://dl01.om-digitalsolutions.net/ww/ud2/ENU/0001/1370/index07a.html and there is no mention of any staged update being necessary. I think that only ever applied to a few older cameras like the E-M5 Mk1.

So I would be happy to flash update to V1.7 and just heed the warning......

[ Precautions when updating firmware ]

When you update the firmware to Ver. 1.7, the camera's settings (except for the date and time) are reset, and the display language changes to English.

 

[jharvey]

From the official update page I see https://dl01.om-digitalsolutions.net/ww/ud2/ENU/0001/1370/index07a.html and there is no mention of any staged update being necessary. I think that only ever applied to a few older cameras like the E-M5 Mk1.

So I would be happy to flash update to V1.7 and just heed the warning......

I'm guessing that's the case as well, though not ABSOLUTELY sure given the note at the very bottom of this page... https://learnandsupport.getolympus.com/updating-your-digital-camera-or-lens

"If the firmware of your E-M5 is version 1.0 - 1.2, you are required to update the camera twice.
When the first update is completed, click Close to close the Digital Camera Updater. Then start the second update in the same procedure using the Digital Camera Updater."

Of course, this is referring to updating through the Workspace app, but not knowing why it's necessary with Workspace, I then wonder if it's also necessary with a flash update.

[ Precautions when updating firmware ]

When you update the firmware to Ver. 1.7, the camera's settings (except for the date and time) are reset, and the display language changes to English.

Yeah, I've resigned myself to having to reset my preferences if I go through with the update - though presumably I won't have to do it again in the unlikely event that there are any more updates for this model (other than things like focus stacking on future lenses).

Thanks,

 

[Guy Parsons]

From the official update page I see https://dl01.om-digitalsolutions.net/ww/ud2/ENU/0001/1370/index07a.html and there is no mention of any staged update being necessary. I think that only ever applied to a few older cameras like the E-M5 Mk1.

So I would be happy to flash update to V1.7 and just heed the warning......

I'm guessing that's the case as well, though not ABSOLUTELY sure given the note at the very bottom of this page... https://learnandsupport.getolympus.com/updating-your-digital-camera-or-lens

"If the firmware of your E-M5 is version 1.0 - 1.2, you are required to update the camera twice.
When the first update is completed, click Close to close the Digital Camera Updater. Then start the second update in the same procedure using the Digital Camera Updater."

Of course, this is referring to updating through the Workspace app, but not knowing why it's necessary with Workspace, I then wonder if it's also necessary with a flash update.

That advice is only for the E-M5 (the original from years back) and not the E-M5 Mk3, check the info on the various cameras at the firmware update page...

Joint update service for Interchangeable Lens Cameras - OM Digital Solutions

Service & Support information page for mirrorless cameras by OM Digital Solutions. Find firmware updates for interchangeable-lens cameras and lenses.

support.jp.omsystem.com

[ Precautions when updating firmware ]

When you update the firmware to Ver. 1.7, the camera's settings (except for the date and time) are reset, and the display language changes to English.

Yeah, I've resigned myself to having to reset my preferences if I go through with the update - though presumably I won't have to do it again in the unlikely event that there are any more updates for this model (other than things like focus stacking on future lenses).

Thanks,

 

[Grumpy Photo Dawg]

From the official update page I see https://dl01.om-digitalsolutions.net/ww/ud2/ENU/0001/1370/index07a.html and there is no mention of any staged update being necessary. I think that only ever applied to a few older cameras like the E-M5 Mk1.

So I would be happy to flash update to V1.7 and just heed the warning......

I'm guessing that's the case as well, though not ABSOLUTELY sure given the note at the very bottom of this page... https://learnandsupport.getolympus.com/updating-your-digital-camera-or-lens

"If the firmware of your E-M5 is version 1.0 - 1.2, you are required to update the camera twice.
When the first update is completed, click Close to close the Digital Camera Updater. Then start the second update in the same procedure using the Digital Camera Updater."

That's for the original E-M5, not the Mark II or Mark III. You absolutely can upgrade directly to 1.7

 

[jharvey]

Understood - thanks again, folks.

 

[Michael Meissner]

With the exception of one or two problems in the past where Olympus needed special firmware to fix a problem with an update, if you do the update using the official methods (i.e. using the update tools on Windows/MAC with a cable or with the phone app for the OM-1/OM-5 cameras) your only option is to update to the latest firmware. Updates are cumulative. The official tools do not give you an option to update to any release except the latest.

Now if you use the backdoor method of downloading images and putting them in a special location on the SD card, you can update to a specific version. Unlike Panasonic, Olympus/OM Systems does not check if the version on the SD card is older that the firmware in the camera. I.e. if your camera is at version 1.6, on Olympus/OM Systems, you could go back to 1.5. On Panasonic systems, the camera will not let you go back to a previous version.

As I understand it, this backdoor method is used by Olympus/OM staff to have a single SD card with all of the current firmware on it, and the tech can just plop the SD card into the camera and load up the firmware.

In fact, my brick and mortar store (Hunts Photo in Melrose, MA) has had Olympus days in the past where Olympus techs came into the store and would clean any Olympus camera and update the firmware. I watched them put in the magic SD card to update random cameras that customers brought in.

I don't remember how many cameras I brought in, but I earned my Olympus fan-boy badge once by bringing in all of the old Olympus cameras that I had used in the past and then did a serial upgrade to the next new shiny. I did go through the line multiple times, rather than dumping all of the cameras at once, and delaying the people behind me. At the moment, I have at least 13 bodies, but many I haven't used in years, and by now, those bodies have little resale value (some have sentimental values and I wouldn't sell them).

 

[Guy Parsons]

....I have at least 13 bodies, but many I haven't used in years, and by now, those bodies have little resale value (some have sentimental values and I wouldn't sell them).

I thought that I had too many M4/3 bodies, but your 13 does win the prize.

My dry cabinet holds E-300 from the 4/3 world, then E-PL1, E-P3 (a free replacement for an unfixable E-PL1), E-PL5, E-PL5, E-P5, E-P5, E-M10 Mk2, Plus a mess of compacts of various brands but mostly Casio.

Bought new but at later date after release with good discount. The first E-PL5 being the only one bought full price at release time so I could get a camera with 4 MySets assigned to the mode dial.

Settled on E-P5 that worked for me for my meagre needs, and later bought the E-M10 Mk2 as it was at a dramatically low price, but never took to the that (not smooth to use like the E-P5 is) and always use the E-P5 pair instead, or my Sony 1" compact.

Good to know that we helped Olympus to struggle on until the bitter end.

As for selling, not interested in the hassle and mentally I always write things off at purchase time, so in my mind all is good.

 

[Michael Meissner]

....I have at least 13 bodies, but many I haven't used in years, and by now, those bodies have little resale value (some have sentimental values and I wouldn't sell them).

I thought that I had too many M4/3 bodies, but your 13 does win the prize.

Note, I said Olympus bodies, not only M4/3.

Let see, fixed lens bodies:

• Olympus C-2100UZ (SM cards are starting to decay)
• 2x Olympus Stylus-1 (one with the cracked screen and its replacement)
• Olympus TG-2 (not much resale value)
• Olympus TG-5

Classic 4/3rds bodies:

• Olympus E-1
• Olympus E-3
• Olympus E-5

Micro 4/3rds bodies:

• Olympus E-P2 (not much resale value)
• Olympus E-PM2 (not much resale value)
• Olympus E-m1 mark I
• Olympus E-m1 mark II
• Olympus E-m5 mark I
• Olympus E-m5 mark III
• OM-1 mark I

Of the cameras above, the OM-1 and E-m5 mark III are used most of the time. I tend to favor the OM-1, and use the E-m5 mark III for a second camera mostly for a second lens so I don't have to switch lenses.

I only use the E-m1 mark II in my larger steampunk and renaissance faire builds. Note, the latest build of stuffing the camera in a Folmer-Graphix 4x5 body needs the E-m5 mark III due to size. The big advantage with the E-m1 mark II is with the HLD-9 grip, I can externally power the camera in addition to the 2 BLH-1 batteries in the camera and grip. This way, I can go a full day without having to change the batteries.

I do take the Stylus-1 out at times. I should take it out more often. Of course, the one time I did take it out this year explicitly, I cracked the screen.

If there was a Stylus-1 mark II or Stylus-2 that had the same specs except the viewfinder was replaced with an OLED viewfinder, and the camera was splash resistant, I would pick up the camera and use it more often. I realize that even if OM wanted to do it, they couldn't since I don't think the 1/1.7" sensor used in the Stylus-1 is being made these days.

Now that I've been shooting cameras with an OLED viewfinder (E-m5 mark III and OM-1), I really don't want to go back to shooting the cameras with the TFT LCD viewfinder (E-m1 mark I/II, E-m5 mark I, Stylus-1) because of the distortions when I'm wearing polarized sunglasses. Sure, I can get shots with TFT LCD, but it is annoying.

The E-m1 mark I and E-m5 mark I used to be my main cameras, but they are retired now. Given that they use BLN-1 batteries (which Olympus seems to stopped making in 2019), I am kind of loathe refresh the batteries with Watson clones.

 

[Guy Parsons]

....I have at least 13 bodies, but many I haven't used in years, and by now, those bodies have little resale value (some have sentimental values and I wouldn't sell them).

I thought that I had too many M4/3 bodies, but your 13 does win the prize.

Note, I said Olympus bodies, not only M4/3.

Ooops, I need to read more carefully and yes I also have non M4/3 like the E-300 plus my first digital camera Oly C-730 and later the Oly C-5060 well used before I went to the 4/3 E-300. So still 7 M4/3 as in the poll I started at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67761332

Thanks for the very complete list, awesome.

 

[jharvey]

Just an update to say the update to 1.7 went smoothly and I've just finished resetting my settings.

Two things I'll mention in case it ends up being helpful to someone else... First, I wasn't prepared for the fact that -at least in my case- the AF light doesn't turn on for some seconds after switching the power on while holding the OK button. It was only 5 or 10 seconds, but it was long enough that I had come to the conclusion that the camera couldn't find the file and was about to turn off the power just as the light came on. So if that AF light doesn't come on right away, don't panic, just give it a little time and keep holding that OK button until it does.

And second, while the AF light started flashing rapidly after the successful update (just a couple of minutes), I never got the OK showing up on the rear LCD screen which I had been expecting. Just to play it VERY safe, I let that AF light flash for a good couple of minutes before shutting off to see if the OK screen would show up but it never did. Nonetheless, the update went fine.

Thanks again,

 

[Michael Meissner]

Two things I'll mention in case it ends up being helpful to someone else... First, I wasn't prepared for the fact that -at least in my case- the AF light doesn't turn on for some seconds after switching the power on while holding the OK button. It was only 5 or 10 seconds, but it was long enough that I had come to the conclusion that the camera couldn't find the file and was about to turn off the power just as the light came on. So if that AF light doesn't come on right away, don't panic, just give it a little time and keep holding that OK button until it does.

I imagine this is a safety issue in case somebody had pressed the OK button by accident when turning on the camera. You have to hold it down for a second or two to signal that you want to load new firmware.

And second, while the AF light started flashing rapidly after the successful update (just a couple of minutes), I never got the OK showing up on the rear LCD screen which I had been expecting. Just to play it VERY safe, I let that AF light flash for a good couple of minutes before shutting off to see if the OK screen would show up but it never did. Nonetheless, the update went fine.

It doesn't display the status on the rear screen (don't turn off the camera and ok) when you use the SD card method. It does use the rear screen if you do the official updates via USB (or phone app on the OM bodies).

 

[jharvey]

Two things I'll mention in case it ends up being helpful to someone else... First, I wasn't prepared for the fact that -at least in my case- the AF light doesn't turn on for some seconds after switching the power on while holding the OK button. It was only 5 or 10 seconds, but it was long enough that I had come to the conclusion that the camera couldn't find the file and was about to turn off the power just as the light came on. So if that AF light doesn't come on right away, don't panic, just give it a little time and keep holding that OK button until it does.

I imagine this is a safety issue in case somebody had pressed the OK button by accident when turning on the camera. You have to hold it down for a second or two to signal that you want to load new firmware.

Makes sense...

And second, while the AF light started flashing rapidly after the successful update (just a couple of minutes), I never got the OK showing up on the rear LCD screen which I had been expecting. Just to play it VERY safe, I let that AF light flash for a good couple of minutes before shutting off to see if the OK screen would show up but it never did. Nonetheless, the update went fine.

It doesn't display the status on the rear screen (don't turn off the camera and ok) when you use the SD card method. It does use the rear screen if you do the official updates via USB (or phone app on the OM bodies).

Also makes sense - I was just a bit confused by the instructions (admittedly for an EM1 upgrade, but I was assuming it would be the same across models) here https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67111157 - which included, "Wait until it blinks rapidly (and it should flash OK on the rear monitor)." But the "should" there kept me from being too worried when it didn't show up.

But while I'm at it, let me thank you specifically for making this alternative known - I expect you saved quite a few photographers a lot of aggravation and have even kept some bricked cameras from having to go back to OM for service.