My first Leica TL2

[RolandQ]

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Fellow TL2 Forum Members,
I have to be honest, I have been waiting forever to get my first Leica, (even though it is an entry level model…).
Having purchased the body, lenses and assorted accessories I am now ready to go!

Problem is, I am totally, immeasurably, stressed out: I have to download old firmware, format memory cards, connect my camera to my smartphone ( but can’t get a QR code until I update firmware) and down load properly to my computer!

Please tell me it will get easier and once these hours slowly tick away, that I can fully immerse myself into photography once again after all these years. Thanks for reading…

Roland

[jaapv]

You don't have to connect the camera to smartphone to have it functioning properly -many of us never bother-, downloading files is far easier and faster using a card reader  and the camera probably functions flawlessly on the firmware that it has. So just go out and enjoy!  (and yes,you must format your SD card in the camera unless it is a new one) 

[LACANYONHIKER]

RolandQ - breathe and reboot, It will be fine.  The TL2 is one of my favorite cameras to carry and use. Once you set up the menus the way you want want, the camera will get out of your way give great results. It’s not an entry-level camera, it is many things. It can be a simple point and shoot or it can be a sophisticated tool for you to manipulate and create. It constantly surprises me.

I suggest you learn the basics of the camera, how to quickly control your exposure then take it out and shoot everywhere you go. I’m sure you’ll get used to it very quickly. 

It is my 4th Leica and is the most fun to carry and use. feel free to ask any specific questions on how to set it up and use. Have fun. 

[Brilliant Observer]

Nice choice, I have a brilliant CL but still thinking to get a TL2 to shoot black and white photos, what do you think of its monochrome IQ? what lens you will use on the TL2? 

[Benjamin Leica]

To begin with, keeping your camera's firmware updated is essential. Although it might seem daunting to do, the process is generally pretty simple. Leica's website has instructions that you can follow carefully to ensure that you update your camera's firmware without any problems.

Formatting your memory card is another crucial step to do before using it with the camera. The formatting process guarantees that the card will be clean and ready to use. Most cameras have an option in the menu to help you format your memory card.

Connecting your camera to your smartphone is a helpful tool that allows you to remotely control your camera, transfer files wirelessly, and share photos. However, you may need to update your camera's firmware to acquire the QR code necessary for the connection process. Once you have the QR code, scan it with your smartphone and follow the instructions to connect.

Downloading your photos to your computer is the final step, and it's effortless. You plug the camera into your computer using a USB cable, transfer the files, and that's it. You could also use a card reader to move your files from your memory card to your computer.

Don't worry; managing your camera and photos will get easier with practice. As you become more familiar with the process, it will become second nature to you. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully. You can always ask for help if you need it.

Leica cameras are renowned for capturing exceptional image quality, and I'm confident that you'll love using yours. Enjoy the experience and happy shooting!

[maidenfan84]

I agree with a previous poster, there’s nothing entry level about the T series or TL2 camera body. It’s capable of kicking back and just snapping away on full program mode, or it can get as complex and precise as you want fully manual. I also have a Fuji Xpro 3 and while the Fuji beats the TL2 in many things on paper, I still nine out of ten times reach for the Leica to take out everyday in my sling bag. I believe you can just do the update by downloading it from leica’s website, I think most recent is version 1.5. As far as the Fotos app, I don’t even bother with it. Most of the time it attempts to import photos from the camera and the hangs up, or just drops the connection. Been that way since I first bought the camera. It’s quicker to just buy one of those SD card to usbc/lightning adapter and add the photos quickly to my phone. The T series cameras often get overlooked compared to other Leica cameras, but make no mistake, it’s a real Leica through and through, it’ll get the job done!

[jaapv]

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4 hours ago, Benjamin Leica said:

To begin with, keeping your camera's firmware updated is essential

Why? If your camera works fine and to your liking, there is no need whatsoever. 

[Dopaco]

On the Leica TL2, the latest firmware version is version 1.5.

If that is not the version your camera has, it is recommended to update it.

The latest version includes the set of all previous versions that Leica has released for the TL2.

Although you can take photos and notice that in principle everything is fine as you progress in mastering the camera, when you least expect it you will notice that lack, which you would not have noticed with the update.

My recommendation is to upgrade and if possible with freshly charged batteries and a formatted SD card from the camera.

https://leica-camera.com/es-ES/photography/cameras/cl-tl/tl2-silver/downloads

[LACANYONHIKER]

20 hours ago, Brilliant Observer said:

Nice choice, I have a brilliant CL but still thinking to get a TL2 to shoot black and white photos, what do you think of its monochrome IQ? what lens you will use on the TL2? 

I am in Berlin this week and am shooting monochrome on my TL2. Here are some samples. 

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[LACANYONHIKER]

Just now, LACANYONHIKER said:

I am in Berlin this week and am shooting monochrome on my TL2. Here are some samples. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

[Brilliant Observer]

Splendid !  I love these samples. May I ask what lens is this?

[LACANYONHIKER]

On 4/8/2023 at 2:18 PM, Brilliant Observer said:

Splendid !  I love these samples. May I ask what lens is this?

Thank you very much.  These were taken with the 18mm f/2.8.  

[LACANYONHIKER]

On 4/8/2023 at 2:18 PM, Brilliant Observer said:

Splendid !  I love these samples. May I ask what lens is this?

My apologies for the slow response to your question.  I've not been checking the forum lately.  I plan on buying the new SL 35mm f/2.  The seller got it when she bought one of the new SL kits, she is selling it for 1200 which is a no brainer steal in my book.  Hopefully it will balance nicely on both my TL2 and my SL2-S.   

[LACANYONHIKER]

Today I rounded out my TL2 kit. I found a guy who was selling his new 35mm SL Summicron from his  recent SL2 kit purchase for a steal of a price.  I finally have a really lightweight kit for travel and daily carry (1.1 lbs).  Two focal lengths, 27 and 50. The new Summicrons balance beautifully with the small TL body. Although I’m not sure I’m ready to sell my 50 APO Summicron just yet.  I am still waiting for my SL2S body to come back from Germany.  Thank you L-Mount Alliance, I’m not mad at it! 🫠

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Edited May 3, 2023 by LACANYONHIKER