Quick CL Hands-on Today

[mikej]

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Hi, all. I took a trip to the DC Leica store today for a look at the CL. This is definitely not meant to be a comprehensive review like the one done by Jono. I also looked at the TL2, 23mm f2.0 lens and the 18-56 zoom.

 

My first impression was that the build quality “feel” isn’t up to the level of the TL2 or my X Vario. Not having looked at TL lenses before, I though the zoom especially felt like a typical inexpensive Japanese kit lens (IQ notwithstanding). The camera also failed to lock focus, hunting continuously. This was cured with a camera reboot, maybe an early quirk?

 

I found the diopter adjuster very hard to use for my fingers, but this is something probably in the “set it and forget it” category. Finally, I couldn’t find a way in the menus to make the shutter silent like my X Vario.

 

The EVF was beautiful compared to my EVF2.

 

Cheers,

Mike

[nocturnal1]

For what it's worth, I'll offer an alternative view based upon my hands-on experience in a Leica store this weekend.  I'm coming from using the T for the last few years.

 

I found the build quality to be solid.  The camera is heavier than I expected and feels much more dense and solid than an X or a T, much closer to an M (and probably quite like a Q, though I've never used one of those).  The textured covering does indeed seem unique to this model, and I found it a pleasure to hold, despite the lack of external grip or case.

 

The silent shutter is indeed possible in electronic shutter mode, as has been mentioned in numerous reviews.

 

The EVF+processor makes for a very smooth experience without the lag or blurring of the older T models.

 

What I didn't like about it so much were the new dials.  First of all, they reversed the left and right dials from what I am used to, putting the shutter speed further towards the center of the body on the left wheel and the focus zoom on the outer right wheel (when in M mode).  Given that the left wheel is further in, this makes it quite a stretch to adjust shutter with the thumb while looking through the EVF compared to the sleeker ergonomics with the T.  While there are the additional programmable center buttons within the top dials, the dials themselves do not seem to be programmable, and adjust only when changing mode.

 

Overall, I still prefer the body design and handling of the T, but what would draw me to the CL is the integrated EVF and overall faster/smoother shooting experience. 

[scott kirkpatrick]

Jono's review gives a description of how to reprogram the two dials -- you use a long push to bring up the full meny and choose another function.   Programming the list for each dial is done through the menus, but there are choices provided for each wheel by default.  I don't expect to understand it from the manual, but it sounded as if it would be easy to work out with a CL in hand.  Doing that in the shop with a demonstrator, however, would be confusing for the next customer to try it.

[LocalHero1953]

Programming of the right dial is one-shot only i.e. you press the dial button, select the function you want (from a list that you have put in there yourself), and use the dial to set the function. The dial then reverts to its default function, not the one you selected momentarily. It's going to take a while to get my head around this and decide what functions I want to include in my list for the dial (and what list I want for each user profile ). 

The left button/dial is not programmable this way. The Fn button is programmable this way, but obviously doesn't have a dial to help you control the function.

Edited November 26, 2017 by LocalHero1953