Leica SL Survey - Your Opinion?

[EdwardM]

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Good point on Q. Lovely russian dealer increased the price from 300 thousand rubles to 400 thousand rubles due:

1. Euro appreciation against ruble 

2. High demand.

 

And leica knows about that very well. No doubts. 

[lct]

It is not a matter of label to me. I want the best digital backs for my Leica lenses that's all. 

[enboe]

For me, using a Leica is about enjoying the process of photography.  The new SL has two barriers that preclude it from consideration:  1)  The size, especially of the zoom lenses, announces professional intentions, and will not be welcomed in public and family-entertainment-oriented settings.  2)  The size and weight make it more of a commitment than I prefer to carry around for casual shooting.  These barriers are why I no longer carry a Nikon pro-level DSLR for my shooting, and would apply just a much to the SL.

 

I will continue to enjoy my M's, Q, X's, and iiiG while I await the next iteration in the M line.

 

Respectfully,

Eric

[IkarusJohn]

canon makes 24-70 at 2.8. Yes it's not 24-90, but generally its close that focus range.

Second edition of 24/70 is great, really like this lens.

For sure we can use M glasses on SL but I think it will be compromise between compability and Image quality. The native lens for SL IS SL line.

Lets put it that way - imagine that there is no Leica label on SL - would even pay your attention to this camera?

 

Yes, I had spotted those two lenses, but noted the different range.

 

And, yes without the red dot it would have definitely caught my attention. I've owned two Sonys and a D800E for this very reason. The advantage of the SL, is I have an M system and understand the limits inherent in the M. I love what Leica does and the way they do it, having had other systems. Does that in some way invalidate my interest?

 

I get that some here wanted M size and weight, fast, small and cheap with more MP because they love their M cameras and they want something that will knock Canon, Nikon and Sony out of the park. What Leica seems to have delivered its version of the best of current technology in their terms. That's not unusual for Leica.

 

To me, it isn't actually that huge, doesn't seem to be that heavy and the lens isn't actually slow compared to what else is out there. The real question is, is it any good?

 

PS - my M cameras will continue to work and will still be used for all the reasons outlined. The SL is a different system.

[EdwardM]

Its just the matter of mismatch between my personal expectations and the reality of SL.  Indeed I need to see SL in the flesh to see if my initial thoughts are wrong or not. But it's matter if taste after all. I think that many new technology developments they implemented in SL will finally work for M as well, and thus it's a good news for M aficionados. 

I like M for its size, I can travel with it just putting it in my briefcase. For SL I would need separate camera bag. Most of the photos I made I made while traveling and not in my home town where the sun is covered by clouds 90% of the time. 

Maybe thats the part of my negative perception of SL.  When you traveling overnight to London and the only luggage you have is your briefcase you ned something small - M9 with Elmarit 29 or even M240 with 28 lux (which is not small glass). 

But SL JUST DOESNT works here. For studio ? Probably, for wedding photos? Yes. For  street photo? Not sure. And not for travel for sure.  

 

 

 

Yes, I had spotted those two lenses, but noted the different range.

And, yes without the red dot it would have definitely caught my attention. I've owned two Sonys and a D800E for this very reason. The advantage of the SL, is I have an M system and understand the limits inherent in the M. I love what Leica does and the way they do it, having had other systems. Does that in some way invalidate my interest?

I get that some here wanted M size and weight, fast, small and cheap with more MP because they love their M cameras and they want something that will knock Canon, Nikon and Sony out of the park. What Leica seems to have delivered its version of the best of current technology in their terms. That's not unusual for Leica.

To me, it isn't actually that huge, doesn't seem to be that heavy and the lens isn't actually slow compared to what else is out there. The real question is, is it any good?

PS - my M cameras will continue to work and will still be used for all the reasons outlined. The SL is a different system.

[IkarusJohn]

I travel with a dothebag Mono_9 which is great for a couple of M bodies and 3 or so lenses, spare batteries, wallet, keys, phone, iPad and MacBook Air (probably too much).  It's not too heavy, and I can carry it over my shoulder with no problems.  I can carry that bag, plus a brief case on as cabin luggage, so it's fine for travel.  Strangely, the A7 was too tall for the Mono bag, so I suspect the SL won't work, unless I carry the body and lenses separately and put the camera in sideways ...

 

When I travel, I love the idea of carrying one body and one lens, but in practice it doesn't really work.  Last time I did that, the camera turned on in my bag, and I arrived with one dead camera, no spare battery and no spare body.  I'll find a solution for that, but normally when I travel, I take a digital M and film body, and 3 lenses.  The SL with a single lens will probably not be any heavier, but it will be bigger ...  That zoom really does concern me ...

[earleygallery]

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I don't know for you folks but some of us wanted neither a DSLR (been there) nor an MF camera (too big or expensive), just an FF camera with EVF. We have it now don't we. It is not as compact as we could hope but it is still smaller than a DSLR, it can take any sort of Leica lenses and it is, at last, faster than our good old M cameras. SL lenses are big but we don't have to buy them and 24MP is good enough for those who don't need to crop a lot to get decent results. What to complain about then? Cost was expected but the bump on the top plate could hardly be more ridiculous i agree...

 

I guess that makes sense LCT. The SL is a good purchase for the Leica fan who has bought into various systems, M, T, S, and can now use one - Leica - body. SL AF lenses are then 'icing on the cake' and no matter how long they take to appear. 

 

I really do hope for Leica that there are enough users out there who feel the same. 

 

I'm sure a similar, but smaller, dedicated M mount body would do very well. 

[marknorton]

The SL is compromised for M lenses. If you believe Jono Slack - and I have huge respect for his talents as a photographer and objective reviewer - the SL does not perform as well with wide M glass as the M Typ 240. The differences may be small but they are there.

 

There are two cameras which will capture my attention in the future. First, whatever Nikon does as a follow-on from the D4S and what Leica does as a follow-on from the M Typ 240.

 

That camera is easy to visualise. Latest generation of sensor, 24MP is plenty, Q form factor, M mount, leading edge EVF, preferably built in. Oh, and the rangefinder without which it wouldn't be an M.

[IkarusJohn]

EVF and rangefinder built in - no thanks.

 

I like to eat my main course and pudding separately!

[lct]

I guess that makes sense LCT. The SL is a good purchase for the Leica fan who has bought into various systems, M, T, S, and can now use one - Leica - body. [...]

 

Hi James yes this is true for Leica fans but also for newcomers tempted by gorgeous lenses like this that can be found for around 500 EUR on e**y or elsewhere. I don't count my 50mm lenses anymore but this one if one of my all time favorites and other gems like the R 35/2 or 90/2 pre-apo are still affordable, solid as a tank and a pleasure to use but you know this already of course, just a reminder for newbies of the LUF .

 

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[pico]

The impressionistic negativity occurring in this thread and my finding that the most negative are aligned with newbies and our chronic whiners indicates a pattern of unaccountability.

 

IGNORE

[algrove]

I have followed this thread since the announcement of the SL. Leica makes super high quality product. I know since I have owned many M and R product.

 

As an owner of R lenses, I just do not buy the comments that is finally a solution for R lens owners. It focuses R lenses just like my M240 cameras-manually. That is how they focus. The only difference is the EVF.

 

M lenses also focus manually by their nature and if they focus better on the M then again what is the difference?  Again the EVF.

 

So if S CS lens owners cannot use the CS feature, why would S owners with CS S lenses buy this camera?

 

I do not deny it is a great sounding camera, but stop the hype and tell me why you would buy this camera with the above information in mind?

 

You want this camera for one AF zoom available now with the hope you will have 2 more AF lenses available a year from now.

[EdwardM]

Ups! I have one strong reason to forget about purhase!

 

Moscow Leica store just announced the price tags:

Leica SL (Typ 601)  - 11 280 USD. 

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90  - 7 900 USD

 

I have so many words to comment Leica price policy in Russia but i will be banned if I express it here...

[ynp]

I have followed this thread since the announcement of the SL. Leica makes super high quality product. I know since I have owned many M and R product.

 

As an owner of R lenses, I just do not buy the comments that is finally a solution for R lens owners. It focuses R lenses just like my M240 cameras-manually. That is how they focus. The only difference is the EVF.

 

M lenses also focus manually by their nature and if they focus better on the M then again what is the difference? Again the EVF.

 

So if S CS lens owners cannot use the CS feature, why would S owners with CS S lenses buy this camera?

 

I do not deny it is a great sounding camera, but stop the hype and tell me why you would buy this camera with the above information in mind?

 

You want this camera for one AF zoom available now with the hope you will have 2 more AF lenses available a year from now.

You are repeating yourself, Sir.

 

You got the answer about the CS lenses and the scenarios when ppl use them.

 

Obviously, that camera is not for you: too expensive and does not add any value to your existing photography systems.

 

Respectfully,

[pop]

Ups! I have one strong reason to forget about purhase!

 

Moscow Leica store just announced the price tags:

Leica SL (Typ 601)  - 11 280 USD. 

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90  - 7 900 USD

 

I have so many words to comment Leica price policy in Russia but i will be banned if I express it here...

This is very disappointing, but I don't think we know who is responsible for that difference. It could be the importer, the shop or even the state.

[EdwardM]

This is very disappointing, but I don't think we know who is responsible for that difference. It could be the importer, the shop or even the state.

Leica Camera AG. Period. I am not sure if its the right place to discuss Leica price policy worlwide but with such policy Moscow Stores are becoming SHOWROOMS where you can try the camera and buy it abroad. I hope somebode from Leica reads this forum.

Its not state and its not tax or custom duties -  for example Audemars Piguet and Swatch Group have the same prices for the watch as they have in Europe.

Its a greed.  I am really frustrated by such behaviour of Leica.

[lct]

[...] As an owner of R lenses, I just do not buy the comments that is finally a solution for R lens owners. It focuses R lenses just like my M240 cameras-manually. That is how they focus. The only difference is the EVF. [...]

 

Main difference yes but also speed. One can hope that the next M will have the same innards but it is a smaller body so we'll have to accept some compromises most probably. Now i don't need 11 fps personally.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Leica Camera AG. Period. I am not sure if its the right place to discuss Leica price policy worlwide but with such policy Moscow Stores are becoming SHOWROOMS where you can try the camera and buy it abroad. I hope somebode from Leica reads this forum.

Its not state and its not tax or custom duties -  for example Audemars Piguet and Swatch Group have the same prices for the watch as they have in Europe.

Its a greed.  I am really frustrated by such behaviour of Leica.

 

But the % mark-up on watches is far, far greater than that on cameras. High end watches can sit on dealers' shelves for months before sale - and during stock clearances those watches can be sold for less than half the original price and still show a reasonable % mark-up for the retailer. Thus because the RRP of watches has plenty of wiggle room and includes a high % mark-up, there is no need to increase the price in e.g. Moscow. 

 

dunk

[fotografr]

Yes, I had spotted those two lenses, but noted the different range.

 

And, yes without the red dot it would have definitely caught my attention. I've owned two Sonys and a D800E for this very reason. The advantage of the SL, is I have an M system and understand the limits inherent in the M. I love what Leica does and the way they do it, having had other systems. Does that in some way invalidate my interest?

 

I get that some here wanted M size and weight, fast, small and cheap with more MP because they love their M cameras and they want something that will knock Canon, Nikon and Sony out of the park. What Leica seems to have delivered its version of the best of current technology in their terms. That's not unusual for Leica.

 

To me, it isn't actually that huge, doesn't seem to be that heavy and the lens isn't actually slow compared to what else is out there. The real question is, is it any good?

 

PS - my M cameras will continue to work and will still be used for all the reasons outlined. The SL is a different system.

 

 

With regard to the Leica lens speed and zoom range, you also need to take into account that when zooming out from 24mm, the lens reportedly almost immediately goes to f/4.0.

 

There are several other manufacturers who make lenses very comparable in speed and zoom range, and at a much lower price. This, for one example.

 

There has been mention of a "Leica look" that comes partly from the lenses and partly from the sensor type. I am in complete agreement with this sentiment and it's what keeps me with the Leica brand. It's also why I am distressed to see the company going in a direction that I feel is a dead end. I'll be happy to eat those words if a year from now the SL has proved successful, but I really don't expect that to happen.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[albertknappmd]

I had the opportunity to try it at Photoexpo last week in New York and it was an amazing moment. Will consider it in lieu of next rangefinder upgrade for my M lenses.

Albert   :D