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Leica, Apple working to fix Monochrom DNG bug that could erase Photos app library

German optics firm Leica has informed buyers of its new Monochrom Typ 246 digital camera that DNG files generated from the black-and-white shooter are incompatible with Apple's Photos app for OS X, and that using Photos to import Monochrom shots could result in corruption of the Photos library.

"With the new Apple 'Photos' App, when loading Monochrom DNG files from the new Monochrom, the library will crash continuously on loading," Leica wrote in a service advisory published by Red Dot Forum. "This may cause the Apple Photos library to be destroyed. This means that pictures previously taken with any other camera will be lost."

"As such, Leica Camera does not recommend using the Apple 'Photos' App for DNG files from the new Monochrom (Typ 246) until further notice."

Leica says they are working with Apple to resolve the issue, a fix for which will likely be included in the next Photos update. Leica recommends using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC/6 to process Monochrom DNG files until that patch is released.

The $7,500 Monochrom Typ 246 is the second revision of Leica's digital black-and-white Monochrom camera. Released late last month, it has begun shipping to buyers this week, though it's unclear whether a customer or Leica themselves discovered the DNG bug.