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The newly released Sigma 14mm f1.8 Art lens is discussed in several threads, but it might be convenient to gather info in one dedicated thread. The lens is available in Nikon and Canon mounts. As a guidance to new/potential buyers, here are some findings after playing with three copies of the lens, all in Nikon mounts. The testing has been tailored for night/star/northern light/etc. photography, i.e., with the deep sky as a major component of the image. In the following I only discuss sharpness across the image when the lenses are set wide open (f1.8) and at near infinity. Other optical qualities are, of course, of importance as well (aberration, astigmatism, coma, etc.), as well as other shooting conditions. As mentioned, three copies of the Sigma lens have been tested, all in Nikon mount, but I guess the results are transferable to Canon mounts as well. The tests are done with Nikon D5 and Leica SL, the latter with two Novoflex Nikon-to-Leica adapters (one manual and one electronic): (0) Yes, even infinity needs accurate focusing! Therefore, forget the infinity marking on the lens (as on most lenses). (1) Set the lens to manual focus; it appears that the focusing is less reliable when the lens is set to auto focus (despite auto focus is not activated by any camera buttons). Don't ask why and I can not prove it, this is a suspicion I have based on the testing. (2) Live view on Nikon D5, at full zoom, is only marginally able to guide correct infinity focus. Using a loupe on the back screen is recommended, possibly needed. (3) Live view on Leica SL, at 10x magnification, is much more accurate than the Nikon live view (nothing new here) and can be trusted regarding infinity focus. Thumbs up for the SL! (4) In my case, the manual Novoflex adapter gives even focus throughout most of the image. This is not the case for the electronic adapter; when the center of the image is in focus, the edges smear, and vice versa. So there are differences in the mount precision. This does not imply/prove that manual Novoflex adapters are more accurate than the electronic one, rather that differences between adapters can be expected. So for accurate infinity focus with non-SL lenses, testing of several adapters might be required (actually, I have two manual Novoflex adapters, with one being a `keeper', the other less so). So adapters can be tricky. (5) Irrespective of the FF body used (Nikon D5 or Leica SL), copies of the Sigma 14mm f1.8 ART at f1.8 show differences regarding edge/corner sharpness when the central part of the image is in focus. Vice versa, when the focus point is set near(er) to the corners, the central part of the image may turn soft. So some copies of the lens do not stand the task. Actually, the excellent SL EVF can be used to judge the lens sharpness across most of the image. Set the focus somewhere in the frame, and 'walk' around in the EVF to check the focus throughout the frame (note that we are talking about focus near infinity). (6) Of the three lenses tested on D5 and SL, the latter with the manual Novoflex adapter, one copy is fine - being sharp across the image with only weak softness in the outmost corners. The lens is sharper than the Nikon 14-25 f2.8G zoom, a highly regarded lens (despite the Sigma is shot at f1.8). One copy is perhaps acceptable, the third copy fails wrt edge/corner sharpness. (7) For all three copies of the lens, optimal sharpness across the image appears to be obtained when the focus is put about 1/3 off the centre of the image. (8) I find accurate, manual focussing somewhat tricky with the lens; very small rotation of the focus ring moves the focus point too far/quickly, so I would prefer a longer focus throw length (but I guess this might influence the lens' autofocus). In conclusion, the new Sigma can be fine, even used wide open at f1.8, but testing is needed... Used on the SL, testing of adapters are also needed... Images will follow after some shooting.

Hi all, Sometimes when I insert a battery into the charger, after a few moments both LEDs come up flashing rapidly. If I remove the battery and insert it again, all seems to work fine. Is it the battery or the charger? Does it happen sometimes, or it's better to investigate it further? Thank you S.

Gas station in Wetzlar SL + Vario 24-90 zoomed

Jetzt da Leica APO-Summicron-SL 1:2/75 ASPH. veröffentlich wurde, darf ich erste Erfahrungen veröffentlichen. Ich durfte es vorab schon einmal ausprobieren und bin schwer begeistert was hier Leica wieder vom Stapel gelassen hat. Meinen ersten Eindruck kann man hier nachlesen. https://norbertwindecker.blogspot.com/2018/01/erfahrungsbericht-test-review-leica-apo.html

I noticed that my images when using for example 1/50 shutterspeed with a 50mm Noctilux or even a 50 Summilux result in not the sharpest results. Something which I never encountered with the M series and with Sony A7II (image stabilisation in camera). Now I tend to shoot my SL with a minimum shutter speed of 1/80. Which result in very sharp files... What are your experiences with SL and manual focus M lenses and the shutterspeed? Any best practices or tips are welcome!

Focal distance (front, focus, back) appears in the OLED when the shutter is half-pressed using the SL 50mm but the same information does not appear using the SL 28-90 or SL 90-280. Firmware has been updated to 3.0. Curious if this is normal or if anyone has an explanation?

I'm a professional that shoots tethered 99.9% of the time (with H'blad). I segued to the SL system via the M240 hoping that I could sideline the Hasselblad in favour of the SL because the IQ from the SL is so very good and not every client wants or needs 150mb files. Then I tried Image Shuttle. Oh what a disappointment. It bewilders me how a company such as Leica can seriously expect todays professional photographer can tolerate a tethering software that is so very basic. And this is the same software they expect S shooters to use. Canon tethering software back in the early 2000's was feature packed compared to Image Shuttle! At the very least Image Shuttle requires the ability to override the auto orientation of the camera. If you require the camera to be pointing perpendicular to the horizon, the software can't decide whether to display the live image as either portrait or landscape. Easily fixed with a simple check box! Or, a grid overlay - which can be displayed on the back of the camera but not on the tethered live view! And why do I need four zeros in the imaging numbering - could I please choose how many zeros I need. And not to mention the convoluted Lightroom folder hierarchy which results in there being a delay of 7 - 10 seconds for a single shot to display. Please Mr image Shuttle Developer, please have a look at the competitions tethering software and give us some basics before you shout how "professional" the SL and S systems are. Or go into a studio and see the workflow requirements by pro studio photographers. The SL has beautiful IQ and it saddens me I have to pick the right sort of jobs to use it where I don't require anything from the software other than to look at the live image. I can't migrate my clients that are used to the Hasselblad Phocus experience to the Leica experience because it is such a retrograde step in software features. Anyone agree? Grant

Dear all, I am a happy M(240) owner. I use it a lot, and, since I bought it in 2014, I almost no longer use my film M's. I even sold y M7, rarely use my M3 and M6, and the M4 is collecting dust ! I am happy with the M(240) results, apart from 1) high ISO results (I find colour ok until ISO 1600, B&W until 2500) and 2) the problem with mixed lighting : shooting in artificial light is giving uneven results, and when combined with daylight, it is not reliable. Most of the time I shoot with my 'lux 50, but I love my Noct and recently had my 'lux 75 serviced by Leica. Results are often stunning. I understand the SL is a great tool with those lenses. My wife is pregnant and we expect a little baby in october. I really want a nice tool get thousands of pictures, and high ISO is a criteria! When the M10 was announced, I quickly thought about buying one because of better high iso, better colour results with combined lighting and because of WiFi (getting the SD card out of the camera after unlocking the half-case in PITA), and sell the M(240) at quite a loss. After some thought, and given the recent SL price adjustment, I am wondering if I should not keep my M(240) and buy a SL rather than buying a M10 and sell the M(240). In the long term, it could be not too bad an investment, since I could wait a couple of years before upgrading the M(240) and use the SL with both my Noct and 'lux 75 ! Any thoughts or comments welcome ! Didier Dear all, I am a happy M(240) owner. I use it a lot, and, since I bought it in 2014, I almost no longer use my film M's. I even sold y M7, rarely use my M3 and M6, and the M4 is collecting dust ! I am happy with the M(240) results, apart from 1) high ISO results (I find colour ok until ISO 1600, B&W until 2500) and 2) the problem with mixed lighting : shooting in artificial light is giving uneven results, and when combined with daylight, it is not reliable. Most of the time I shoot with my 'lux 50, but I love my Noct and recently had my 'lux 75 serviced by Leica. Results are often stunning. I understand the SL is a great tool with those lenses. My wife is pregnant and we expect a little baby in october. I really want a nice tool get thousands of pictures, and high ISO is a criteria! When the M10 was announced, I quickly thought about buying one because of better high iso, better colour results with combined lighting and because of WiFi (getting the SD card out of the camera after unlocking the half-case in PITA), and sell the M(240) at quite a loss. After some thought, and given the recent SL price adjustment, I am wondering if I should not keep my M(240) and buy a SL rather than buying a M10 and sell the M(240). In the long term, it could be not too bad an investment, since I could wait a couple of years before upgrading the M(240) and use the SL with both my Noct and 'lux 75 ! Any thoughts or comments welcome ! Didier Dear all, I am a happy M(240) owner. I use it a lot, and, since I bought it in 2014, I almost no longer use my film M's I'va had for years. I even sold y M7, rarely use my M3 and M6, and the M4 is collecting dust ! I am happy with the M(240) results, apart from 1) high ISO results (I find colour ok until ISO 1600, B&W until 2500) and 2) the problem with mixed lighting : shooting in artificial light is giving uneven results, and when combined with daylight, it is not reliable. Most of the time I shoot with my 'lux 50, but I love my Noct and recently had my 'lux 75 serviced by Leica. Results are often stunning. I understand the SL is a great tool with those lenses. My wife is pregnant and we expect a little baby in october. I really want a nice tool get thousands of pictures, and high ISO is a criteria! When the M10 was announced, I quickly thought about buying one because of better high iso, better colour results with combined lighting and because of WiFi (getting the SD card out of the camera after unlocking the half-case in PITA), and sell the M(240) at quite a loss. After some thought, and given the recent SL price adjustment, I am wondering if I should not keep my M(240) and buy a SL rather than buying a M10 and sell the M(240). In the long term, it could be not too bad an investment, since I could wait a couple of years before upgrading the M(240) and use the SL with both my Noct and 'lux 75 ! Any thoughts or comments welcome ! Didier

Going to New York on the 4th of July. what are best photo viewing areas with the best backgrounds. Also, best iso, shutterspeeeds, lenses. On the SL is there something that i have to program to simulate a cable release? Thanks for everyone's comment!

Moin ! Ich möchte einen kleinen Abriss und ein paar Bilder einer kleinen Exkursion (bzw der Versuch einer solchen) zum Besten geben. Nach anstrengender Woche bin ich gestern pünktlichst fertig geworden, hatte als Abschluss noch einen Termin zur Neu- Eröffnung eines B&B Hotels wo jetzt (erstmalig für mich) einige meiner Bilder in den Zimmern hängen und wollte mich danach auf den Weg nach Berlin zum SL Workshop machen. Geplant war eine Anreise mit dem Zug via Wolfsburg Hbf. Dort pünktlich angekommen stelle ich fest: Der Zug hat Verspätung mindestens 90 Minuten (!), ab zum Info Schalter -> Stellwerk Probleme Dauer unklar, kein Zug rein oder raus Also ab zum Auto auf die A2 (Freitag nachmittags). Mit einem mulmigen Gefühl fahre ich los und freue mich über die überraschend günstige Verkehrslage (lt. Navi und Radio). Bis ich dann stand. Und zwar vor Wollin. Ich nehme Kontakt zum Veranstalter auf, ich solle mir keine Sorgen machen, dem Pförtner werde Bescheid gesagt, ich könne den firmeneigenen Parkplatz haben, habe ja noch 2 Stunden bis Beginn. Es wurde 17:00 und ich stand. Es wurde 18:00 und ich stand. Reger Kontakt (und auch Mitleid) mit dem Veranstalter. Man kommt ja auf blöde Ideen---> ich stehe auf der Leitplanke. Mache Fotos. Ich baue mein Stativ auf der Autobahn auf. Wenigstens die Stimmung einfangend (zugegeben, nicht wirklich anspruchsvoll). Es wurde 19:00 und ich bin 50m weiter gekommen. Weiter reger Kontakt mit dem Veranstalter, sehr sympatisch und nett, aber ich stand ja wieder. Es wurde 20:00 und es ging plötzlich weiter ... Ziel Ankunft 21:00 Berlin Joachimsthaler Str. Ende des Workshops 21:30... ich habe etwas zu Essen bekommen, nen KAffee nen netten Plausch. Workshop ohne mich. Kurzes GEspräch mit der Dame von Leica. Bedauern. Sehr sehr schade. Ein paar Impressionen (Eintracht Braunschweig spielte gestern in Berlin)

Outtakes from first photos for a B&B Hotel

I´ve been planing this excursion for weeks, every time i wanted to start something went wrong. But yesterday .... All pictures Leica SL and 28mm Lux or 24-90 (see exif data)

Liebe L F B - Freunde, hiermit laden wir Euch recht herzlich zum 16. Berliner Leica Fotografen Treffen am Donnerstag den 16.11.2017 ab 18:30 Uhr ein. Wir treffen uns wieder im: Restaurant Berliner Hof Hildegardstr. 14 10715 Berlin (Wilmersdorf) http://restaurant-berliner-hof.de/ Zum letzten Treffen des Jahres 2017 werden wir keinen Einzelvortrag anbieten, sondern möchten Euch darum bitten, das jeder Teilnehmer 2 Prints mit bringt. Dabei ist es Euch überlassen, in der Auswahl des Themas, ob der ideelle oder fotografische Gesichtspunkt überwiegt. Im Sinne der Vorweihnachtszeit sollte die Geschichte des Bildes im Vordergrund stehen. Der Wirt des Berliner Hofes bot mir ein Gänsekeule Essen an. Darum bitte ich die Teilnehmer, mit der Anmeldung zu sagen, ob Ihr das möchtet, oder wie immer à la carte bestellt. Meldet Euch bitte per Mail (LFB@mail.de) an, wenn Ihr teilnehmen möchtet. In der Reihenfolge der Anmeldungen erhaltet Ihr dann wie immer, eine Bestätigungsmail als verbindliche Zusage. Sollte jemand kurzfristig verhindert sein, so ruft mich bitte an oder mailt an den LFB und sagt ab, damit andere nachrücken können. Meldeschluss ist der 14.November 2017, bis 18:00 Uhr, da ich dann die verbindliche Teilnehmerzahl melden muss. Liebe Grüße Klaus und Cord

I have just received my new SL and I want to be sure about the slots for the storage media. This is my first post here so I apologize if I am not using the correct procedure. On page 171: changing the memory cards: Slot 1 (top) operates according to UHS II standards, slot 2 according to UHS I. On p294 the technical data states: SD, SDHC, SDXC cards both UHS I (slots 1 and 2) UHS II (slot 2) Can someone please tell me which is correct. Also, if there is a discrepancy, Leica should be notified. Is there a US contact for customer service or technical issues.

Any news about this camera? It is clear that it is going to appear sooner or later, but WHEN and HOW will it be? If you look at the current product range, there is one or more camera every 1.000 Euros, with a lack at around 3.000€: C and V-Lux: 1.000 Euros TL2: 2.000 Euros + lens small SL (or TL w/EVF): 3.000 + lens Q: +4.000 Euro SL: + 5.000 + lens M: + 6.000 + lens S: etc. etc.... And the TL lens range has a great potential to be used on more then one body only. I believe it will be more a "small" SL rather then a TL with EVF, for which is hard to ask for 3.000 Euro... Better a pro look, with the bulky but acceptable EVF, watertight, heavy, similar to SL but smaller... What do you think? any news?

Lately I have had problem with the Leica SL GPS in Lightroom CC. No coordinates seems to be recorded. As I have the same problem with the Hasselblad X1D I searched for a "solution". Actually the files (X1D or SL) can be opened in Hasselblads Phocus (free) software. Here the coordinates appear and can be shown in Google Earth with Command +alt +m. A Lightroom CC bug? Or user incompetence?

I am having a difficult time with zone focussing for street photography. I am using SL with Zeiss 35mm f1.4 ZM. Initially I tried with f1.4 and changing focus for each shot. While it did give good results, but not fast enough to capture the scene. Next, I tried f8 and f11 at 1/125s and 1/250s with zone focussing...with 1.2m set on the left side (closest distance in focus), which gave me an in-focus distance between 1.2~2.5 m @ f8 and 1.2~3.0 @ f11. Also, tried electronic shutter always on and always off (not much difference to the image, but silent shutter is useful). Then I tried setting infinity scale on the right side @ f8 & f11, but the min focus distance is more than 2.5m. I have two issues: (a) images are not sharp even at 1/250s; and ( how to switch quickly between shallow dof and wide dof quickly? I would appreciate any inputs on what settings seems to work for you. I am new to street photography, and have no experience with RF cameras and quite slow with MF lenses. Finally, will optical VF attachment help for street photography with SL?

One from the Rome challenge, that I decided not to post.

Hi guys, Three questions. 1) Bad quality in Play mode. Yes, I've searched in the archives and I've selected DNG+(L)JPG, but the image it's still very "pixelated" at mid iso settings, large green or red squares especially in shadows, like a VERY basic, low-res JPG quality. Of course when importing DNGs on the hard drive there is no problem at all, but I wonder if that's really normal...? Any setting could I have messed with? 2) Is there a fast way to return to the center after zooming in and moving the point around the frame? 3) Is there a way to put the Electronic Shutter "on/extended/off" setting in a shortcut key or at least in the Favourite menu? Thank you all S.

Hello, Before I start breaking or bending something, is the old 22228 R-to-M adapter (ie. the one that was originally made for Leicina super8 camera) compatible with M-adapter-L? Thanks S.

Being curious about the noctilux in special moments i went to hannover yesterday and took some pictures "just for the show" at f1.0, until yesterday i did not want to rely to this combination.... further more i used the 28mm Lux (see next picture)

Hi folks, I was in the Leica store to check out the newly released SL Summicron 90 + 75 mm lenses; they are quite nice and handling is superb. I was asking the sales rep about the dimensions of the later to be released 50 and 35 mm lenses and he answered that they would basically share the same dimensions in order to have a "uniform user experience". For me, this is a little bit of a bummer, as I think that size does matter, also on a pro system. How come, that a 50 mm and 35 mm f2 are 10 x 7 cm large? I would much appreciate, if the lenses would be smaller (shorter), this would make the SL much more usable as a travel and street camera. Ideally, they could share the same 67 mm filter threat, but be much shorter, say 5 cm. What do others think?

Ok, I have a weird obscure question. I was looking through the Leica SL camera manual today, to answer a question that caused me to look at the viewfinder illustrations. ​I saw one that showed an icon that was identified as the "HDR progress bar"? I am not aware that the SL has any HDR functionality. I looked in the index and read briefly through the manual contents and couldn't find any discussion or explanation of HDR in the SL. Does anybody know about this?

Hamburg Eppendorf at night Leica SL with Noctilux 1.0