So Godox just released this handy little flash for Leica, but I'm going up the wall trying to get it to function. I've concluded that this is likely ultimately a godox problem, not a camera problem, but asking here to see if some who are better versed in Leica and the M11 series might catch something I'm missing. Here's what happens:
With any settings, the flash, when mounted to the camera and transmitter, will fire but not sync properly. I'm not seeing black bars, but there is no effect of the flash on the exposure.
However, if it put the flash in TTL and remove it from the transmitter it works perfectly. However, if I then switch to Manual mode, it won't fire off the transmitter.
any ideas? Im using manual mode with the flash shutter speed (same issue at any shutter speeds). Camera setting for flash is for a flash speed of 1/250, but have tried every option with the same results.
I'm not looking at a M body at the moment, but I think you max shutter speed for a flash on a M11 is ~1/160th. If you go above 1/160th (if that's the cut-off for the M11), then it'll go HSS.
Not sure that's the issue, but I'd try playing with the shutter speed value and making sure you're below max flash sync speed for your M11.
Also, do NOT allow the M to float the ISO. In the past with M10's alike, flash performance can get very unpredictable if the ISO starts floating ISO 800 / 1600 or higher.
Try to not wander into HSS mode. Leica's HSS is very unpredictable vs systems like Canon's ETTL II or Sony's.
i am not sure about the X5L, i am only getting it tomorrow.
In my experience, this may not to compatible with the M11 camera, just like the other godox triggers don't work.
But you can always use the Flash in M mode anytime.
for me it works fine on and off in M mode, keep in mind there is a setting on the flash for radio distance. I have it on 0-30m most ot the time
on the gear of shutter, you find a red flash icon; you have to be on it or below.
Mine is behaving the same as the first post except in TTL off camera the flash exposure does not seem to change when the flash settings are changed( there is no additional flash exposure compensation). The M11 may not be compatable . If so, hopefully a firmware update can fix this.
sarkleshark wrote:
Mine is behaving the same as the first post except in TTL off camera the flash exposure does not seem to change when the flash settings are changed( there is no additional flash exposure compensation). The M11 may not be compatable . If so, hopefully a firmware update can fix this.
Same here, the flash will fire in TTL mode off of the X5L but not when it is mounted. I also have the GODOX iT20 which is M mode only but works great on my M11P. Frustrating.
BruceRH wrote:
Same here, the flash will fire in TTL mode off of the X5L but not when it is mounted. I also have the GODOX iT20 which is M mode only but works great on my M11P. Frustrating.
Is that problem only on the M11. My primary use will be on the SL3.
"Sorry to tell you that the camera model (Leica M11) you're using haven't been tested with our products.
Currently,we do not have this camera in our possession, so we don't know whether X5L and Leica M11 support the TTL function.
Our technical team conducted post-second-trial-production testing for the iT30proL at the end of January. Issues were identified during testing, so mass production has not commenced. There is currently no specific timeline for mass production or shipment. We fully understand your enthusiasm for this new product, and we are actively working to complete the testing and accelerate its launch. Thank you for your patience and support."
1bwana1 wrote:
Is that problem only on the M11. My primary use will be on the SL3.
It is the same on my Q3 and SL2-S. The flash will fire when not mounted on the X5L. What is crazy is I just tried my X5O (for Olympus) and the flash works fine in manual mode when mounted on the X5O. Obviously the X5L needs some firmware updates. I may just send mine back (I just got it today) and wait for GODOX to sort it out, especially since my X5O works fine when mounted to a Leica body, in M mode and obviously not TTL.
I checked Godox's iT32 online manual and while it lists all the other X5 compatible camera brands, for some reason the Leica version was omitted (probably related to the Reddit info in a previous post).
According to the B&H page for the X5L, it is only M camera compatible, and only up to the M10 model, which I find curious. M240 series also is not listed. Sometimes B&H's info is not reliable and I am skeptical here.
The manual however does state that the camera compatibility list is not exhaustive and one needs to 'self test' compatibility if using a non-listed camera.
Latest fw version at the Godox site is 1.16 available at the bottom of this page.
Thanks for the responses. Looks like it is indeed a Godox issue. Sucks, but at least I can get some use out of the this little unit on my Nikon cameras with a $17 transmitter. Cool idea, but wish it would work on the m11 because it's a perfect little flash to toss in a bag.
rscheffler wrote:
I checked Godox's iT32 online manual and while it lists all the other X5 compatible camera brands, for some reason the Leica version was omitted (probably related to the Reddit info in a previous post).
According to the B&H page for the X5L, it is only M camera compatible, and only up to the M10 model, which I find curious. M240 series also is not listed. Sometimes B&H's info is not reliable and I am skeptical here.
The manual however does state that the camera compatibility list is not exhaustive and one needs to 'self test' compatibility if using a non-listed camera.
Latest fw version at the Godox site is 1.16 available at the bottom of this page....Show more →
Ron,
Hard to get solid answers on compatibility at this point. We will know more once they are in wide distribution. I have ordered one from Godox directly and right now they are saying delivery in 2 to 3 weeks. We will see.
I did email Godox to ask about compatibility. No response.
So, then I emailed Adorama because they sell the exact Godox line under their own FlashPoint brand. Adorama is know for having good technical support. They did answer right away. They said that the X5-L / iT32 combo fully supports the SL3 and Q3 cameras, but their may be some functional limitations on the M11. So, conflicting information depending on who you ask.
When I get mine I will fully test on the M112, SL3, and Q3 and share my results. At lest for those cameras we will have solid information.
iT32 Firmware V1.16
Release Date
2026/02/11
Remark
1. Please use Godox firmware upgrade software G3 V1.1 or later to open this firmware file to proceed with the upgrade. G3 can be downloaded on the official website.
2. How to check the version number:After the device is powered on, go to the menu page and find the device information at the very end. You can see the software version number ( e.g. Version 1.00: V1.00 ).
3. iT32 upgrade instructions: Method 1.After powering on the device, enter the menu, find the device information, connect the computer via a USB cable, and then click on firmware upgrade. Method 2.In the powered-off state, press and hold the SET button, then insert the USB interface to connect to the computer and proceed with the upgrade.
4. X5 upgrade instructions: Mount X5 on the powered-off iT32, press and hold the power switch button of iT32 to turn it on, X5 will automatically upgrade if it’s not the latest version.
Updated Contents
Compatible with X5L flash trigger.
photo works wrote:
iT32 Firmware V1.16
Release Date
2026/02/11
Remark
1. Please use Godox firmware upgrade software G3 V1.1 or later to open this firmware file to proceed with the upgrade. G3 can be downloaded on the official website.
2. How to check the version number:After the device is powered on, go to the menu page and find the device information at the very end. You can see the software version number ( e.g. Version 1.00: V1.00 ).
3. iT32 upgrade instructions: Method 1.After powering on the device, enter the menu, find the device information, connect the computer via a USB cable, and then click on firmware upgrade. Method 2.In the powered-off state, press and hold the SET button, then insert the USB interface to connect to the computer and proceed with the upgrade.
4. X5 upgrade instructions: Mount X5 on the powered-off iT32, press and hold the power switch button of iT32 to turn it on, X5 will automatically upgrade if it’s not the latest version.
Updated Contents
Compatible with X5L flash trigger. ...Show more →
What issues does the latest firmware update address?
1bwana1 wrote:
What issues does the latest firmware update address?
V1.10 25/11/17
1. Fixed an issue where the X5C's wireless triggering receiver flash would overexpose on certain Canon cameras that support optical wireless.
2. Fixed an issue where the X5S occasionally failed to control the receiver flash after waking up.
3. Fixed an issue where the X5O failed to enter sleep mode when the camera was powered off.
V1.13 25/11/26
1. Fixed the issue where the X5F cannot be woken up by cameras such as the Fujifilm X-S20.
2. Fixed the issue where the X5 does not turn off after the iT32 is powered off while connected to a camera.
V1.14 25/12/04
New function: After checking the battery level by long-pressing the - button on X5, it will automatically power off and disconnect from the camera.
V1.15 26/01/09
Issue: When using a Panasonic camera, the X5O defaults to High-Speed Sync and cannot be turned off.
Note:To enable or disable High-Speed Sync (HSS), connect to the iT32 first and then perform the configuration on the iT32.
Just received my X5L from B&H today. Already had the IT32 and X5N. Firmware on the IT32: V1.16 and firmware on both X5L and X5N base is V1.3. X5N works attached and off camera on Nikon Z7II with some issues in overexposing on close in subjects when used OCF. If subject within 5 feet adjust flash to -.7 or -1 for daylight use.
I tested the X5L on my M11. Same issues as first post. OCF works but with underexposure (adjust compensation on IT32 to +1 to +1.3. Bouncing flash off reflector card or ceiling results in underexposure in the range of 2-3 stops. IT32+X5L on M11 results in flash firing occasionally without any consistency. When flash does fire on camera severe under exposure. Hard to determine compensation when the flash fires inconsistently. I only have the M11 to test. I have yet to reach out to B&H, Adorama, or Godox.
psharratt wrote:
Just received my X5L from B&H today. Already had the IT32 and X5N. Firmware on the IT32: V1.16 and firmware on both X5L and X5N base is V1.3. X5N works attached and off camera on Nikon Z7II with some issues in overexposing on close in subjects when used OCF. If subject within 5 feet adjust flash to -.7 or -1 for daylight use.
I tested the X5L on my M11. Same issues as first post. OCF works but with underexposure (adjust compensation on IT32 to +1 to +1.3. Bouncing flash off reflector card or ceiling results in underexposure in the range of 2-3 stops. IT32+X5L on M11 results in flash firing occasionally without any consistency. When flash does fire on camera severe under exposure. Hard to determine compensation when the flash fires inconsistently. I only have the M11 to test. I have yet to reach out to B&H, Adorama, or Godox....Show more →
Thanks for the report.
Although I am primarily interested on the SL3 compatibility it would be fantastic if it could also work well on my M11. All my Godox triggers and flashes work reliably on my M11. So, I am guessing you are reporting on TTL compatibility?
I received mine today and tested it with M10-R. Firmware 1.16. Nice little flash, works on and off camera, but overexposes at short distances, about 5ft, I have to manually adjust exposure at that distance. Not sure if this is flash issue or if the camera's TTL is not reliable at close distances.
to test. I have yet to reach out to B&H, Adorama, or Godox.