leica cl How do you use your Leica CL? (The genie in the box?)

[Torpille]

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This camera that I already owned two years ago and that I bought again a few weeks ago is a rediscovery.



I am very curious to know for what use you have this camera.

Is it intended for a versatile use or is it restricted to a specific use?

Is it your main camera or a second body ? 



Do you use it only with autofocus lenses, M lenses, or simply as a platform for all kind of lenses ? 

What kind of images do you get from this camera ? and what do you think of their rendering ?

Finally, what is your global feeling about this camera after years spent with it ?


Thanks for sharing

[LocalHero1953]

I've owned it almost from launch, and use it for family, social and travel photography, and only with Leica TL lenses. I have other cameras for other uses.

As for 'what kind of images'.....it's a question I can't answer. They are images I am happy with insofar as the camera is responsible for them. My satisfaction or dissatisfaction is always dependent on my ability as a photographer, and never on the camera's ability. A photo that depends on the camera and lens for effect is not worth taking IMO.

I am currently thinking of selling the CL and lenses to replace them with a Q2, for a simpler system for the same uses.

Edited April 29, 2022 by LocalHero1953

[didier]

18 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I've owned it almost from launch, and use it for family, social and travel photography

+1  

I bought mine with that aim and after I bought the SL, it has become my 3rd camera (after M10M/SL(601)). I sold it in January as it did not get enough use, although it is a very nice camera. I got a Q2 to keep a light and easy camera for family/social.

I used it mainly with the 18mm, and with the fabulous 11-23. To have a nice, light and complete travel combo, I sometimes added my summilux-M 50 asph.

It can be useful to get more range with SL lenses. 

 

Rendering is nice in my view, but no so much in high iso. Compared to FF, I always felt the color transitions were not as smooth.

 

 

With the 11-23

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with the 90-280

 

with the summilux-M 50 asph

 

 

Didier 

 

[wda]

Although I cannot compare my work with that of the previous post, which is exemplary, as a retired photographer the Leica CL is perfect for my range of activities. When a rep invited me to try the bigger SL, I nearly dropped it on the table. It had the mammoth standard zoom lens attached. I was in the store to try and buy the increasingly popular Q, which I still have. In comparison, the CL has a more suitable body form and weight, which I could happily carry all day.

I use it for a variety of applications, including illustrative photography. Examples can be found here https://www.davidaskham.com/using-the-leica-cl  It is a highly versatile camera system, able to use excellent lenses produced by three top manufacturers. If discontinued, it will leave a definite void in solutions for photographers. 

[Boojay]

 

When the CL was announced I was using an M240, (alongside a Canon 5DIV and Fuji aps-c kits), the appeal of being able to use my M lenses, on a crop sensor, with an EVF in a small and beautifully formed body,  a nice range of autofocus lenses, I was totally sold, couldn't wait for it to arrive and have not been disappointed.   

I've told of my feelings for the CL ad nauseam, and the photo thread is littered with my offerings, it would be easy to just say it's as capable as the hands it sits in and leave it at that, but I have other cameras that do better for some situations, bad weather, low light, long lenses, tracking eye af, etc. Given my Lightroom Catalogue tells no lies, it has been my most used camera for over four years now, for all scenarios/genres, with TL/SL/M/R/LTM/Canon, Nikon, all sorts, that is the wonder of mirrorless and an endless supply of adaptors😊.  

I'm actually more interested in why you sold and then came back to the CL?????

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Torpille]

vor 36 Minuten schrieb Boojay:

 

When the CL was announced I was using an M240, (alongside a Canon 5DIV and Fuji aps-c kits), the appeal of being able to use my M lenses, on a crop sensor, with an EVF in a small and beautifully formed body,  a nice range of autofocus lenses, I was totally sold, couldn't wait for it to arrive and have not been disappointed.   

I've told of my feelings for the CL ad nauseam, and the photo thread is littered with my offerings, it would be easy to just say it's as capable as the hands it sits in and leave it at that, but I have other cameras that do better for some situations, bad weather, low light, long lenses, tracking eye af, etc. Given my Lightroom Catalogue tells no lies, it has been my most used camera for over four years now, for all scenarios/genres, with TL/SL/M/R/LTM/Canon, Nikon, all sorts, that is the wonder of mirrorless and an endless supply of adaptors😊.  

I'm actually more interested in why you sold and then came back to the CL????

 

I tried to explain the whole story in this thread :

 

the main ground and then the hesitation:
 

 

 

the comeback :
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Boojay]

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15 minutes ago, Torpille said:

 

Now I understand!

Once you've fallen for the charms of the CL, found it's strengths and weaknesses it's a hard act to follow.😊

[ramarren]

I bought the CL body in Summer 2018 after I had sold my SL and the SL series lenses because I needed a TTL viewing/focusing camera to use with my R and M lenses for macro, close up, and long tele work; I was using the M-D 262 body at the time with M-mount lenses for day to day shooting. I've only used the CL with adapted M, R, and Nikon F series lenses. The CL body's versatility, image quality, smaller size, and lighter weight caused it to rapid eclipse the use of the M-D 262, to the point where I sold the M-D to raise funding for other endeavors. (I regret that now, as the M-D was/is/has been my all time favorite Leica M model.) 

But time goes on, my eyes are now having trouble with the CL's EVF in bright sunlight because they don't accommodate the switch from sunlit view to dark EVF very rapidly/quickly any more. An optical range/viewfinder seemed a better solution for use on day to day shooting because of that, and I bought one of the latest Pixii cameras to evaluate how it would fare compared to the CL for that use.

So far, the image quality coming out of the Pixii is proving to be on par (using the same M-lenses) and the optical range/viewfinder definitely solves the sunlit day focusing/framing issues for me. But it cannot replace the CL for close-up, macro, and long tele use, of course, so the CL will remain in my kit and be used quite a lot for the foreseeable future. 

G

[AdHox]

My CL is with me most days, sometimes with a single lens, sometimes with a spare (or two) in a small bag. It’s not my only camera kit, but it has become my first choice unless I need some of the technological bells and whistles that it (thankfully) lacks - my Sony kit is not as enjoyable to use, but it is better for some tasks. Most of the time I prefer the simpler interface of the CL.

At the moment I use the three TL zooms, the TL 18mm that came with my CL, and the Sigma 24mm f/2 and 90mm f/2.8. Sadly, AF is generally more reliable than MF with my deteriorating eyes (unless it’s one of those scenes that confuse AF) so I rarely adapt lenses.

I’m sometimes tempted to find a second CL but I haven’t found one at a suitable price yet. Maybe the pessimism about the lack of future for L-mount APS-C will lead to the faithless dumping their now obsolete CL cameras at bargain prices.🤔

[wda]

I wouldn't count on it. The X-Vario suffered a similar fate, and good used specimens are still hard to find.

[Le Chef]

I had looked at the T/TL/TL2 when they came out and all of them had the same “flaw” in that the EVF was not integrated but I liked the lenses and thought that might make a good small system setup. I already had a little DL-109 so was in no rush to do anything. 

An acquaintance had bought a CL but wanted to go back to using an Olympus system so I helped her out of the CL. I found getting the right setup took no time at all and then added a couple more profiles as I added lenses. To me it feels very intuitive and always seems to be the right choice. I have yet to be able to make M lenses work for me, despite being “coached”. Don’t know why as I was happy using telephoto manual lenses for motor racing.

My favorite lenses are undoubtedly the 11-23 and 55-135, but the others all deliver on the right occasion. Like @Boojaymy LR catalogue is dominated by the CL and a variety of lenses. I’m sure it will keep going for a few more years and who knows what will be available then when it finally pegs out.

[nicci78]

12 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I've owned it almost from launch, and use it for family, social and travel photography, and only with Leica TL lenses. I have other cameras for other uses.

As for 'what kind of images'.....it's a question I can't answer. They are images I am happy with insofar as the camera is responsible for them. My satisfaction or dissatisfaction is always dependent on my ability as a photographer, and never on the camera's ability. A photo that depends on the camera and lens for effect is not worth taking IMO.

I am currently thinking of selling the CL and lenses to replace them with a Q2, for a simpler system for the same uses.

If you only use TL lenses. Sell the CL for the Q2. 
Q2 has always been my main camera and CL its sidekick for special tasks. 
I have now sold the CL and did not regret it at all. My Q2 is still the king of the jungle. 

[LocalHero1953]

2 minutes ago, nicci78 said:

If you only use TL lenses. Sell the CL for the Q2. 
Q2 has always been my main camera and CL its sidekick for special tasks. 
I have now sold the CL and did not regret it at all. My Q2 is still the king of the jungle. 

I don't have a main camera. I just have different cameras I use for different purposes.

[nicci78]

Among them, you should have one that you use more than the others. This is your main camera. 
Q2 is/was the most used for years. So it is my main. 
However this title may pass to mighty GR IIIx soon. 

[LocalHero1953]

23 minutes ago, nicci78 said:

Among them, you should have one that you use more than the others. This is your main camera. 
Q2 is/was the most used for years. So it is my main. 
However this title may pass to mighty GR IIIx soon. 

What period do I have to measure my camera usage by? One month? Ten years? What if I used one camera 5000 times in a year and another one 5001? Is that sufficiently different to make the second one my main camera? What if I took out one camera on more days than the other but took more photos with the latter?

 And why *should* I have a main camera? Is it a secret requirement before I’m allowed to take good photographs?

 Baffled. Please explain. Preferably in lots of posts. 

[swatch]

Brought CL for its compactness and allow to mount M lenses that I already have, CL for mobility is the main point after I try SL at store(the sensor of SL is bigger so SL maybe better in tone transition and digital noise at high ISO but not compact size in comparison to CL).

Mobility means I have no burden to carry it with me in my hand (even feel better than M camera) wherever I go for a walk, gathering with friends in restaurant or someone’s home/office.  Whenever causal photography is in my mind I would pick CL even for a holiday trip overseas.

Low light autofocus is not that reliable so I would switch to manual focus on CL and lately I just use M lenses with CL.

Adapters for mirrorless cameras are great as I just add Nikon 55mm f/2.8 micro for close up photography ( I know longer focal length give much better working distance nevertheless mobility is still the highest priority) for fun for hobby.

Enjoy CL to enjoy life.  Wish all members healthy and happy.

[lct]

Not sure i have a main camera, or if i have one it is never the same . I prefer FF generally but i have always liked APS too (R-D1, M8.2, Fuji X-E2, Ricoh GXR) with mainly M and LTM lenses. The digital CL has not changed this habit except that i can use a very good TL lens with it, the Sigma 18-50/2.8. I would not pay Leica prices for whatever AF lens but it's just me.

Edited April 30, 2022 by lct

[elambo]

I'm not a pro photographer, but I wanted a great, portable camera for a wide range of uses and so far the CL has been exactly that. It's a smart balance of features vs. ease-of-use. With this camera, if the images don't turn out as I'd hoped then it's on me to improve, not the camera. I spent quite a while looking for the right fit, and after a year or so this still feels like the best option.

[tommonego@gmail.com]

After buying the CL late 2018, I have really liked the camera. I have used the CL with TL lenses, M lenses, Visoflex (mechanical), Canon FD, Kodak Retina and Nikon lenses. After being a, professional scientific photographer for years, every piece of equipment had a purpose, I enjoy playing around and experimenting. I have done a lot of macro work with the CL, and use it to convert film negatives with an old slide duplicator.  I still like M cameras, having a bit of a quandry as to getting a second CL or an M10. A good position to be in.

From this morning with an 18mm Zeiss I bought for my M8. 

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Edited May 1, 2022 by tommonego@gmail.com

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Hallo,

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[Torpille]

Recently on my last trip, I only took the CL as my only companion.

The Vario 18-56 was mounted 90% of the time on the camera.
The result is really good when the light is present and the colors are really nice.

The result with a camera like the SL with its 24-90mm vario would have been superior
but I would have come back with less images because the SL would not have been used every time.

Do not hesitate to share your use with the CL !

 

Edited May 4, 2022 by Torpille