Leica CL and TL / M lenses, one year later

[jaapv]

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I still cannot understand what you did to be so negative about the CL. It is my favourite camera next to the M9M.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Mr.Prime]

If I had not panicked and sold it, but instead got myself an OEM lens adapter and then sat down with you to go over proper operation and learn how to get past these unlabelled and somewhat mysterious (to me) controls, got comfortable with it, peeled off the plastic to appreciate the LCD, installed the nice Leica strap and updated from the factory rev.1 firmware etc.......well, it could perhaps have become my favourite camera too.

As it was, most of the time it was a struggle to know what to expect from pressing or turning the controls, or whether it would give me what I wanted when I turned it on. Never had that experience with a camera before.

Darn cold out this afternoon. Some water droplets from my covid mask must have settled onto the top plate of my M4 and frozen with the result that the shutter release was solid and not moving!

Edited January 23, 2021 by Mr.Prime

[GFW2-SCUSA]

I wonder if you might consider renting an M-10 which would allow you to discover if it is right for you or not. I have heard only good things about LensRentals.com as a  source. They are in the U.S. and I don't know if they deal with Canada, but it would be worth while to look at the site.  Though it would cost a bit, it might be money well spent.  An M-10 for 7 day's seems to be $334.00 US.

I use both an M-10 and a CL on which I use my M lenses.  I really enjoy the CL.  I have used Leica since about 1966 so that will tell you I am very happy with them. I confess that I also use Nikon, mostly when I had a studio and shot models etc.  

I hope you have thawed out!

Edited January 29, 2021 by GFW2-SCUSA
add info.

[Mr.Prime]

I do think the M10 looks closest to my current preferences and I’m monitoring the prices. I’ve not thought about a rental, the cost is not that low given that this is only for hobby purposes but it’s an interesting thought and I appreciate you taking the time to suggest it. I’m also wondering what a CL-2 might look like.

 

 

Edited January 30, 2021 by Mr.Prime

[lct]

14 minutes ago, Mr.Prime said:

It appears as a gaping hole in the line up, for a Barnack style camera, clearly less expensive than the M and using a top notch EVF with proper control dials and interchangeable lenses

Aside from the "proper control dials", you're pretty well describing the current CL here. The left dial can be set to work the same was as an M shutter dial if needed so i see little chance to revert to the prehistoric thing. As for the iso dial, i've never used one in 30+ years so i have nothing interesting to say besides asking what that gadget is made for . Just kidding. Seriously i would try (again?) a CL with an open mind if i were in your shoes but it's up to you.... Otherwise you may wait for a digital M with top notch EVF or a compact SL the same way as i do but i would not hold my breath...

[Mr.Prime]

Emotionally speaking, I can’t try a CL again, having lost too much moolah over it plus it all leaving a bad taste. Time to move on. 

I am still re-discovering my love of film cameras that started a year ago with a iii and M3, then recently an M4. Also recently acquired but as yet unused, a Minolta X-500 & Rolleiflex TLR. The M4 was bought to give me a least expensive way to really try out the 0.72 finder for use with a 35mm focal length lens and so far I like it. I may prefer it to my M3 eventually but my M3 film advance is a little smoother and I prefer not having to fish out the plastic bit from the end of that M4 film advance lever before I can get my thumb to engage it, whereas with the M3 the film lever doesn’t lie flat to the body and is easy to engage with the thumb. Hence, if there’s going to be any GAS in the film domain it will be because I want to own an M-P from new. I’m quite vulnerable to receiving a nice offer from a Leica store that wants to move some stock but unfortunately nobody seems to feel any need to offer deals when demand outstrips supply.

Edited January 30, 2021 by Mr.Prime

[lct]

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And no problem with iso dials this way  Goo luck on your re-discovery journey .

[jaapv]

On 1/30/2021 at 6:31 PM, Mr.Prime said:

I’m also wondering what a CL-2 might look like.

 

About the same as the CL and as incomprehensible...

[nicci78]

Aperture dial is a must. Leica should have kept it on TL lenses. 
They are so much faster than any thumb wheel. 
Try to set f/1.4 to f/16. Only a fraction of second with a proper aperture ring. It can be set just by me feeling the number of clicks. 
But it will require lots of turns with the thumb and took lots of time and attention to check the aperture value set in. 

[Marac]

After giving my Wife my CL after I got the Panny S1R, I have realised that I miss that little CL so much that I have just sold my S1R and put the money straight on a CL.

I will keep my M9 & M9M until i decide what one to sell on.

The CL is SO GOOD, for my needs, it's a real little treasure of a camera and I'm so happy to be getting another one back again. Fortunately I kept the Sigma 16mm the 45mm and also the AMAZING 14-24 (21-35 in CL terms).

Happy Lockdown.

[nicci78]

Welcome back

[SoarFM]

On 2/3/2021 at 11:58 AM, nicci78 said:

Aperture dial is a must. Leica should have kept it on TL lenses. 

A missed opportunity. The aperture ring on Fuji lenses is clearly superior.

 

How about version 2 TL lenses? 🤔 With an aperture ring...

[nicci78]

And weather sealing ? 
A possibility for sure. If future CL2 features weather sealing too.

 

 

[nicci78]

What do you think about my Q2+CL line up for 2021 ?

Main fast prime 28-35-50-75mm : Summilux-Q 28mm f/1.7

Main convenient zoom 28-85mm : Vario-Elmar-TL 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6

Macro 1:7 to 1:2 magnification ratio : ELPRO 52 + TL 18-56mm  

Wide angle & hyperfocal champ 22.5mm : Voigtländer 15mm f/4.5 Super-Wide-Heliar VM III

Portrait 85mm : Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN

Tele 105-450mm : future Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 OIS 

I am trying to take full advantage of L-mount alliance. 

Edited February 7, 2021 by nicci78

[Marac]

Well Nicci, it's definitely a bag that will get pretty much any shot you would like to take.

I find the Sigma 14-24 to cover all my wide needs with f2.8 and crazy close focusing, but it is a bit of a lump.

[double00]

On 10/13/2020 at 5:57 AM, jaapv said:

But, if you half-press the shutter the camera switches to manual focusing and you can set it to use manual focus aids like peaking automatically. 

Excellent information - thanks for sharing this. 

[Torpille]

I'm back a few months after my last post on this thread.

All my good intentions were not enough after a long hesitation and I decided to sell my CL. 
I like the object, the size and the image quality but I wanted to try the SL... 

The SL for my use has clearly taken over and I must say that the comfort it brings me is really superior. 

The real difference is in the SL lenses and especially the Vario 24-90mm which is simply exceptional. 
I don't think I would have kept the SL without the Vario 24-90mm but here it is, this lens has been so praised that I couldn't not try it.

The second reason is that the M is still the camera that gives me the most pleasure and the CL was always in front when I had to go out light... 
I wanted to put the M back on the scene because it is really the camera that makes me progress in photography.  

Now a page is turned, the CL has found a new Leica enthusiast who will produce beautiful images with this jewel.

 

[Torpille]

I am the kind of guy who like to share, give some feedback and see the improvement over the time. 
Not a surprise that I am working in education sphere!

Sometimes you have to admit the decision you made, was not the best one. 

For about the last 6 months I used intensively the SL + 24-90mm and I love it. 
Perfect for the shootings I am doing (I am not a pro), but not the best friend of my family life… too big and heavy.
 

And that’s the point. I sold the cl, kept the SL to complete the m10, which  is not exactly the best camera for a family when you like too shoot wide open as I do.

i was so frustrated, that I shoot a lot with my T 701 + 23mm the last 2 months but i am not very glad about the results…

The T gives his best with m-lenses (50summicron in my case) and raw, very very good indeed.

I known that is all about compromises and skills… but so what now ?!

sell the SL and buy a CL again ?

wait for a possibly CL2 ? 

Stay with the m10 and try to  make my best with  it and keep the SL as the powerfuler gear I have ever had ?

cheers

peter 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 8, 2021 by Torpille

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[Kim Dahl]

1 hour ago, Torpille said:

I am the kind of guy who like to share, give some feedback and see the improvement over the time. 
Not a surprise that I am working in education sphere!

Sometimes you have to admit the decision you made, was not the best one. 

For about the last 6 months I used intensively the SL + 24-90mm and I love it. 
Perfect for the shootings I am doing (I am not a pro), but not the best friend of my family life… too big and heavy.
 

And that’s the point. I sold the cl, kept the SL to complete the m10, which  is not exactly the best camera for a family when you like too shoot wide open as I do.

i was so frustrated, that I shoot a lot with my T 701 + 23mm the last 2 months but i am not very glad about the results…

The T gives his best with m-lenses (50summicron in my case) and raw, very very good indeed.

I known that is all about compromises and skills… but so what now ?!

sell the SL and buy a CL again ?

wait for a possibly CL2 ? 

Stay with the m10 and try to  make my best with  it and keep the SL as the powerfuler gear I have ever had ?

cheers

peter 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing!  I think the same.  Would like to try SL but actually know well it is too big.  Therefore, I hope Leica continues to develop on the CL APSC system.  I have MD and Leica TL2 today and am happy with it.  I will continue with the Leica M and will only expand my APSC series if Leica gives a clear signal that they will remain in that segment - APSC.  Will never fail Leica but in FF there are now so many other good systems/brands.  But in M and CL, Leica is completely unique.

[lct]

For family shots neither the M nor the SL are the best solution to me but it is a matter of tastes, those of your family i mean. If yours is like mine they don't like being shots by big cameras. Better choose a smartphone or a compact camera for that. Among the latters, the best Leica is the CL but the Digilux or its Panasonic clone are no slouch either.