SL lenses on Sigma fp L

[MrFriendly]

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For those SL users who have experienced the Sigma fp L:

1. How does the AF of the Sigma fp L with a Leica SL lens compare to the AF of the SL?  I've read that the Sigma has phase-detect, so I'm curious to know how the two compare.  
2. How does the IQ compare to the SL2 or the SL2-S ?

I find it interesting that the Sigma fp L doesn't get talked about enough.  Considering how much smaller it is than my SL2-S (heck, it's even smaller than the M11 with practically the same sensor), I'm considering it, specially for street photography.  I would appreciate any other feedback on this camera, specially from those who have used SL lenses with the camera.

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[LocalHero1953]

I can't respond on the fp L, but I have a fp, which I use with Leica SL lenses. I do not have an add-on EVF. As a still camera I find it very uncomfortable to use - it is just not designed for hand-holding, and I am not a fan of shooting at arms' length - I have a phone for that. The images it takes are excellent, though. I now use it entirely as a video camera on a tripod or gimbal, in which form it works very well.

Edited April 3, 2022 by LocalHero1953

[Alan Friedman]

11 hours ago, MrFriendly said:

For those SL users who have experienced the Sigma fp L:

1. How does the AF of the Sigma fp L with a Leica SL lens compare to the AF of the SL?  I've read that the Sigma has phase-detect, so I'm curious to know how the two compare.  
2. How does the IQ compare to the SL2 or the SL2-S ?

I find it interesting that the Sigma fp L doesn't get talked about enough.  Considering how much smaller it is than my SL2-S (heck, it's even smaller than the M11 with practically the same sensor), I'm considering it, specially for street photography.  I would appreciate any other feedback on this camera, specially from those who have used SL lenses with the camera.

I've used the Sigma Fp and Fp-L extensively in recent years - primarily coupled with manual focus lenses. It provided a welcome freedom for travel coming from a Leica SL 601. The freedoms and limitations are well documented owing to its design as a small, modular platform where you add what you need to accommodate the work you are doing. The additions generally come with improved ease of use but with a compromise in size and form. It has mainly served me as a platform for a my collection of Leica lenses but I do have a small set of Sigma DG DN lenses. When I first got the Fp-L I did not notice a game changing improvement from the hybrid AF system on the new camera.

Recently I have added a Q2 Monochrom and traded in my SL and original Fp for an SL2-S. I am happy with this pair for most of my needs and have kept the Fp-L as a high resolution color option for landscape trekking. Next week I am renting the Summicron-SL 35 to test on the SL2-S but will give it some runtime on the FP-L as well. Will report back. 

[Photoworks]

13 hours ago, MrFriendly said:

For those SL users who have experienced the Sigma fp L:

1. How does the AF of the Sigma fp L with a Leica SL lens compare to the AF of the SL?  I've read that the Sigma has phase-detect, so I'm curious to know how the two compare.  
2. How does the IQ compare to the SL2 or the SL2-S ?

I find it interesting that the Sigma fp L doesn't get talked about enough.  Considering how much smaller it is than my SL2-S (heck, it's even smaller than the M11 with practically the same sensor), I'm considering it, specially for street photography.  I would appreciate any other feedback on this camera, specially from those who have used SL lenses with the camera.

you can find probably more luck in information on the other part of the forum

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/forum/306-other-l-mount-products/

 

 

[LocalHero1953]

2 hours ago, Alan Friedman said:

I've used the Sigma Fp and Fp-L extensively in recent years - primarily coupled with manual focus lenses. It provided a welcome freedom for travel coming from a Leica SL 601. The freedoms and limitations are well documented owing to its design as a small, modular platform where you add what you need to accommodate the work you are doing. The additions generally come with improved ease of use but with a compromise in size and form. It has mainly served me as a platform for a my collection of Leica lenses but I do have a small set of Sigma DG DN lenses. When I first got the Fp-L I did not notice a game changing improvement from the hybrid AF system on the new camera.

Recently I have added a Q2 Monochrom and traded in my SL and original Fp for an SL2-S. I am happy with this pair for most of my needs and have kept the Fp-L as a high resolution color option for landscape trekking. Next week I am renting the Summicron-SL 35 to test on the SL2-S but will give it some runtime on the FP-L as well. Will report back. 

How do you find the ergonomics of the fp L with the add-on EVF and/or grip? Is it any more comfortable in the hand?

[Alan Friedman]

5 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

How do you find the ergonomics of the fp L with the add-on EVF and/or grip? Is it any more comfortable in the hand?

I built a grip (actually a couple of them) for the Fp and transferred my favorite one to the Fp-L. I find it very easy to handle with the grip attached and never remove it. The EVF is another matter. It's a very functional viewfinder - not up to the resolution of the SL2, but it does rotate. As an add-on, it does not provide the physical security and integration of a dedicated EVF, which can nag on one since the strap lugs (if you use them) attach to the EVF. Ergonomically, adding the EVF turns the camera from a lovely little brick to a palpably larger plank of wood. I've secured it tightly and have not had any issues with it loosening, but I do find myself keeping an eye on it nonetheless. I've loved the images produced by this camera and decided to keep it, but the common menu design and shared battery of the Q2 and SL2 have made these my current dynamic duo.