Poll: Will you buy a Leica CL?

[ijporter]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

For 25 years I used Leica R equipment, but sold it all when film became too expensive and digital reached comparable IQ levels. Had Leica provided a digital camera for my 5 R lenses, I would still be using them! Instead I bought a Canon 5D2 and two lenses. However the weight and bulk of the Canon equipment is a turn-off for me and I'm looking to downsize to APS-C. The CL and a few lenses is perfect for what I'm looking for and I hope to purchase one in the next few months if I can get a fair price for my Canon gear.

[dkCambridgeshire]

My dilemma is different from most of the posterss here. I had owned a Canon F1 that I bought from Canon back in 1982 along with a bag full of lenses. I loaned it 7 years ago to my father until he passed just over 3 years ago when I got it all back. I realized I didn't enjoy hauling around a bag full of stuff that didn't really get used most of the time, so sold it all. A few months later I read about the DL - 109 and it seemed perfect in offering control but a smaller size and lower weight. I've been happy knowing that most of my improvements in photography have come from being open to seeing what's there and capturing it, not being distracted hunting for another lens. I had thought until last week it might be worth a look at the Q - IQ, simplicity and just being more Leica-like than my obviously Panasonic based 109. Now I'm questioning whether the path leads to the CL instead...I'm sure expert opinions can be offered here and would be gratefully received! 

 

 

If you have any Canon FD lenses left they can all be used via an adapter on the CL. I've bought several FD lenses specifically to use with my Leica SL and Leica T … both of which can be used with same FD to SL/TL adapter.

 

dunk  

[Le Chef]

If you have any Canon FD lenses left they can all be used via an adapter on the CL. I've bought several FD lenses specifically to use with my Leica SL and Leica T … both of which can be used with same FD to SL/TL adapter.

 

dunk  

 

Sadly (maybe) I sold every single piece of Canon related equipment. So no lenses to recycle, just a clean sheet with the DL-109.

[Sandokan]

Did not vote as the qualifications for the answer do not answer the reason I am not buying. 

 

I do not trust Leica to deliver on a suitable lens collection (I have an SL and am disappointed in their delivery of the lens roadmap). The SL lenses would probably be ridiculous on the CL and the CL lenses have a crop on the SL that means I would never use them on the SL. 

 

I like the concept of the camera and it looks comfortable (I would never buy a camera without trying it first). I am not buying because I do not want to start a lens collection that cannot be used elsewhere. 

[Guest VVJ]

Did not vote as the qualifications for the answer do not answer the reason I am not buying. 

 

I do not trust Leica to deliver on a suitable lens collection (I have an SL and am disappointed in their delivery of the lens roadmap). The SL lenses would probably be ridiculous on the CL and the CL lenses have a crop on the SL that means I would never use them on the SL. 

 

I like the concept of the camera and it looks comfortable (I would never buy a camera without trying it first). I am not buying because I do not want to start a lens collection that cannot be used elsewhere. 

 

How are SL lenses any different from TL lenses in that respect?  They can also only be used on SL/TL/CL...

[scott kirkpatrick]

 

 

I do not trust Leica to deliver on a suitable lens collection (I have an SL and am disappointed in their delivery of the lens roadmap). The SL lenses would probably be ridiculous on the CL and the CL lenses have a crop on the SL that means I would never use them on the SL. 

 

I've used CL lenses on my SL, for video and just for fun because they are small and have AF.  I will probably use my 90-280 on the CL, as it puts 24 MPx behind the reduced frame, creating the 1.5X extender that we have been asking for, with full function and no loss of aperture.

[Sandokan]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

How are SL lenses any different from TL lenses in that respect? They can also only be used on SL/TL/CL...

I bought the SL based on the promised lens roadmap and the fact that it is a wonderful camera to use and I can nail focus with fast manual lenses. However, I am not a fan of my SL become a 10MP camera, for lens ranges I already have with my M and R lenses.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited November 30, 2017 by Sandokan

[Sandokan]

I've used CL lenses on my SL, for video and just for fun because they are small and have AF. I will probably use my 90-280 on the CL, as it puts 24 MPx behind the reduced frame, creating the 1.5X extender that we have been asking for, with full function and no loss of aperture.

Ah yes, I neglected the 4k video and the fact that the TL lenses cover the sensor for this, as I rarely make videos. That is a good reason to have the TL lenses.

 

You are also right - if I wanted to do wildlife or long distance photography, the CL would be a better option (and probably similar price) to the undeveloped 1.4x extender. That would be a reason for me to buy it.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited November 30, 2017 by Sandokan

[vikasmg]

I have been waiting for this camera after the announcement of a new T/TL.

I already preordered CLand can’t wait to get it.

 

I have drafted my eBay add for my TL2 and will put it up as soon as I receive the CL.  No firm date yet although a few people seem to have it in hand :-|

 

- Vikas

[wlaidlaw]

I do find it odd that some UK dealers have had a number of CLs but others none at all. There was a time, around 8 years ago, when a few favoured Leica dealers were getting preferential treatment from certain people at Leica UK, to the extent that they had shelf stock of recently released cameras to sell to walk-in customers, where customers at other dealers with paid pre-orders, had been waiting months for the new camera, with no luck. I do hope this is not happening again, as it caused a lot of ill feeling with loyal and long term Leica customers. 

 

Wilson

[thighslapper]

I do find it odd that some UK dealers have had a number of CLs but others none at all. There was a time, around 8 years ago, when a few favoured Leica dealers were getting preferential treatment from certain people at Leica UK, to the extent that they had shelf stock of recently released cameras to sell to walk-in customers, where customers at other dealers with paid pre-orders, had been waiting months for the new camera, with no luck. I do hope this is not happening again, as it caused a lot of ill feeling with loyal and long term Leica customers. 

 

Wilson

 

yes .... and some appear to have had more than 1 delivery already ...... distribution seems rather odd, even compared to normal Leica standards. 

 

I called my usual dealer who usually manages to get at the very least the odd single unit immediately on release, but they have seen nothing so far. They were calling Leica today to find out what was going on, so I may have more info this afternoon. 

 

Like you, I have a guaranteed option of the first in the shop ..... arranged a while before the official release ...... and it would be nice if santa could bring me one before xmas .... although I long ago gave up relying on Leica to deliver adequate numbers in a timely fashion.

 

It could be worse ...... I suspect those desperate for a 75/1.25 will be in for a long and painful wait ..... 

 

' to paraphrase Churchill ...... never have so many wanted to spend so much, on so few  .....'

Edited November 30, 2017 by thighslapper

[dfdann]

I will probably order a CL with 18mm pancake and M adapter. Will retire my M8 (which has been flawless for 10 years) to B&W.

My 80 year old eyes sometimes need autofocus. Will continue to also shoot film with M7 and Nikon F100.

Cheers, Dan

[Bill W]

I am sort of "on the fence" about the CL. On the one hand, I have way too much gear. But on the other hand, I really like to try out new stuff. I like the size and EVF. I have never liked a small camera that one must use a screen on the back to frame your picture. Its good at times but I need a VF and the CL has that with the ability to change lenses. 

[wlaidlaw]

Apparently Ffordes had one in yesterday but it was the 18mm kit, whereas I am waiting for the 18-56 kit. Hopefully next week. 

 

Wilson

[djinn415]

Hello everyone! First time poster, first time future Leica user. 

 

I am very excited about the new CL and am on the pre-ordered list. I sacrificed my bulky but fabulous Canon 5D Mark IV with several excellent lenses to downgrade but upgrade to the new CL. I've always admired Leica cameras and after much back forth have decided to finally put my foot down and purchase one. Although still expensive, the price point seems competitive for a Leica. I have ordered the 18mm kit and also purchased the 35mm 1.4 for good measure. I am also intrigued about the possibilities of purchasing an adapter to use the highly touted M lenses, but may wait and see reviews on that first. Can't wait!

[LocalHero1953]

Welcome to the forum, Djinn!

Your CL will seem tiny after the Canon system. 

[Kyros Moutsouris]

Hello everyone! First time poster, first time future Leica user. 

 

I am very excited about the new CL and am on the pre-ordered list. I sacrificed my bulky but fabulous Canon 5D Mark IV with several excellent lenses to downgrade but upgrade to the new CL. I've always admired Leica cameras and after much back forth have decided to finally put my foot down and purchase one. Although still expensive, the price point seems competitive for a Leica. I have ordered the 18mm kit and also purchased the 35mm 1.4 for good measure. I am also intrigued about the possibilities of purchasing an adapter to use the highly touted M lenses, but may wait and see reviews on that first. Can't wait!

 

That's how it all starts!

 

Welcome and I'm sure your gonna have loads of fun!

Edited November 30, 2017 by Kyros Moutsouris

[djinn415]

That's how it all starts!

 

Welcome and I'm sure your gonna have loads of fun!

 

Good to know I am not the only one! I've also owned Fuji and Sony cameras,so I hope Leica will be my last destination! The only agony is wondering when I will have it in my hands. I pre-ordered it on the first day of launch, but no actual shipment date yet. Went ahead and purchased the leather case and screen protector. I also purchased the new Peak Design Leash strap and Sling 5L bag. Looks like it would work well with this new CL body.

[Sandokan]

Hello everyone! First time poster, first time future Leica user.

 

I am very excited about the new CL and am on the pre-ordered list. I sacrificed my bulky but fabulous Canon 5D Mark IV with several excellent lenses to downgrade but upgrade to the new CL. I've always admired Leica cameras and after much back forth have decided to finally put my foot down and purchase one. Although still expensive, the price point seems competitive for a Leica. I have ordered the 18mm kit and also purchased the 35mm 1.4 for good measure. I am also intrigued about the possibilities of purchasing an adapter to use the highly touted M lenses, but may wait and see reviews on that first. Can't wait!

Look up the Canon-SL adaptor, which allows many Canon lenses to AF on the SL. I would hope the CL has the same ability. Thread is on the SL pages here.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[thighslapper]

doe

 

Look up the Canon-SL adaptor, which allows many Canon lenses to AF on the SL. I would hope the CL has the same ability. Thread is on the SL pages here.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

 

Doesn't work on the TL2 (at least the Novoflex Nikon  AF adapter doesn't ......Canon probably will be the same) ....... so I doubt if the CL will. 

 

The adapter accesses the processor on the SL to enable AF ........ I would be almost certain the differences in firmware between the bodies would make the adapter unusable on the CL. Sorry !