My Leica CL opinions and questions

[Aerosail]

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I just recently joined the CL camp (actually I gifted it to my beloved).

I just owned a X Type 113 Moncler Edition paired with the 020 EVF up till now and though I and my girlfriend love the image quality it is isn't easy to handle for her. Moreover it is a fixed lens.

I love that even the series is discontinued it has L-Mount lenses (that possibly could be paired with an SL2/3, not so much with Panasonic S9 and Sigma BF or fp because of resolution) and battery is compatible with Sigma BP-51. Also it has mechanical shutter and EVF what you do lack on the S9, fp (L). Moverover Wifi and support for Leica Fotos App and the new UX philosophy.

For my girlfriend (I think me as well) it is a perfect match since the SL series has to much heft to it with no significant improvements for our needs and it is APSC. I tried the D-Lux 8 in the store but this is a very different feeling and buttons/dials seem to tiny for my hands. Price wise it is on par with a SL601 in Germany.

Got us the 18-56mm, 55-135mm, 35mm and 23mm. Our favourite one is the 35/1.4, a superb lens. The rest complements in FOV, weight, versatility.

Paid (December 2024) in mint condition:

• Body 1450€
• 18-56mm 500€
• 55-135mm 750€
• 35mm 825€
• 23mm 460€ (some signs of wear)

So for around 4k€ I think we a a good setup that covers all of needs. Sometimes you see offers of used SL2 with the 24-70mm but I prefer our setup.

There are people out here even in 2025 deciding to buy a 2017 camera. Maybe that fits into the hype of old digicams and 4/3 (for ex. Panasonic GX9) with lower technical specs and technical imperfections. Other cameras can do more but they do encourage me less to carry it with me and use it. 

 

 

 

[tommonego@gmail.com]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb Aerosail:

I just recently joined the CL camp (actually I gifted it to my beloved).

I just owned a X Type 113 Moncler Edition paired with the 020 EVF up till now and though I and my girlfriend love the image quality it is isn't easy to handle for her. Moreover it is a fixed lens.

I love that even the series is discontinued it has L-Mount lenses (that possibly could be paired with an SL2/3, not so much with Panasonic S9 and Sigma BF or fp because of resolution) and battery is compatible with Sigma BP-51. Also it has mechanical shutter and EVF what you do lack on the S9, fp (L). Moverover Wifi and support for Leica Fotos App and the new UX philosophy.

For my girlfriend (I think me as well) it is a perfect match since the SL series has to much heft to it with no significant improvements for our needs and it is APSC. I tried the D-Lux 8 in the store but this is a very different feeling and buttons/dials seem to tiny for my hands. Price wise it is on par with a SL601 in Germany.

Got us the 18-56mm, 55-135mm, 35mm and 23mm. Our favourite one is the 35/1.4, a superb lens. The rest complements in FOV, weight, versatility.

Paid (December 2024) in mint condition:

• Body 1450€
• 18-56mm 500€
• 55-135mm 750€
• 35mm 825€
• 23mm 460€ (some signs of wear)

So for around 4k€ I think we a a good setup that covers all of needs. Sometimes you see offers of used SL2 with the 24-70mm but I prefer our setup.

There are people out here even in 2025 deciding to buy a 2017 camera. Maybe that fits into the hype of old digicams and 4/3 (for ex. Panasonic GX9) with lower technical specs and technical imperfections. Other cameras can do more but they do encourage me less to carry it with me and use it. 

 

 

 

A nice list of lenses, the third zoom the 11-23 is just a fantastic lens would be my only addition, I use it for around 60% of my CL photos. The 23mm seems a little longer than the 11- 23mm 23mm, so I have both, The 35mm TL lens is just too big for my taste, I have 2 35mm M lenses so I use those, my M 35mm Summilux is a pre aspheric so a glow on f1.4 and f2 and clean above f2.8, the Zeiss f2.8 Biogon is just a fantastic lens. I use a lot of different lenses on my CL, from my Nikon days anda couple of manual Visoflex lenses. I just find it to be a very versitile camera. Have Fun!

[brickftl]

I bought my CL used about a year ago, and because I'm usually using my M11M, I forget to take it out for a spin. And that's a shame because it's such a fantastic camera. I've got the TL 18 and 23. Here are some I shot with the CL and 23 last week: https://brick.smugmug.com/Photography/2026-3-18-Fort-Lauderdale-night-walk-on-Wilton-Drive

I have a M-L adapter and a few times I've used it with my M lenses, but have pretty much opted to use my M11M or M10R for those lenses because at that point since the CL is manual focus, I'd rather be shooting manual focus on a full frame camera.

 

[LocalHero1953]

A great set of choices! You might want to look at the Apo-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm which is another great Leica design alongside the Summilux 35. It's an excellent portrait lens and can be used for close-up/macro. The 35 and 60 were what I carried most of the time.

[Torpille]

I love the CL. 
Very good IQ, perfect size, works well with M lenses and design is a piece of art. 

If you want the best lens for the CL, then you could choose the TL 35mm. 
If you want the most versatile lens, the 18-56mm. 
Not fast but it delivers a very good IQ. 

[Aerosail]

Am 23.3.2025 um 19:42 schrieb LocalHero1953:

A great set of choices! You might want to look at the Apo-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm which is another great Leica design alongside the Summilux 35. It's an excellent portrait lens and can be used for close-up/macro. The 35 and 60 were what I carried most of the time.

These two are considered to be the best lenses for L-mount APSC as they are the only Leica engineered lenses. For the 35mm I can agree that it is superb even it add some heft to the system. I would like to try the 60mm as well but in Germany it is hard to find and if available very expensive. I'll probably gonna own it some day but so far I already have four lenses and I cannot see myself succeeding in justifying the purchase in front of my beloved one. She is already excited from the results of the existing lenses.

Anbody having R-lenses in use with the CL?

[EUSe]

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I love the 55-135 TL, the 11-23 TL is a great performer, too. As for the 35 and 60 mm TL, I agree with the praise. I have had decent results with the 18-56, too, even if the zoom is not as brilliant as some other TL lenses. I did try R lenses with good results (90 mm Summicon R and 50 mm Summilux), but I prefer the original TL lenses because of their lesser size and weight and better contrast. I was not so fond of M lenses either. 

[TL3]

CL is my main travel camera, having bought it right as Leica announced its discontinuation.  Already had a TL and 5 lenses at the time, but decided to go all in and get the other remaining 2 Leica lenses along with the CL.  Sure it’s old, but I am still amazed at the results I get.  I can fit my whole travel kit into a peak design small camera cube (3-4 lenses and 1 body).

Ended up completing the APSC collection with a silver TL2 as well.  I took the TL2 to Hawaii because I wasn’t too afraid of theft as much there, since I do fiddle with the Visoflex for GPS.  But otherwise the black CL is my default choice for places where I would be more concerned about theft (and the Leica half case covers the red dot).

Regarding the R lens question above, I do use my CL with the R 80 f1.4 and 180 f3.4.  They’re definitely a bit bigger and unwieldy with the small body!  Less contrast sharpness and detail for sure, but I use the 80 for portraits anyway.  But definitely wouldn’t recommend people buy R lenses for the sole purpose of using on the CL.

Edited March 26 by TL3

[Le Chef]

I could have taken a Q3 with me to UK, but decided the CL with 18-56 would be a light and compact way of capturing everything from London to “Where sky and Lincolnshire and water meet.”

[elambo]

I keep trying to replace my CL but then I'll head outside and snap a few photos and rather quickly remember why I was so smitten with it in the first place. There's just not much I'd change about it. Pics looks fantastic and it's not any more or less complex than I'd want a daily cam to be. I got the same 18mm package deal you got and love that lens. I added a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 Art and between those two I have a lot of ground covered. I'll probably add another prime lens at some point.

Coincidentally, I spent a couple hours just yesterday looking at all the available options -- modern and from the past decade -- and ended up settling back on the CL. I had some interest in an M 280, probably because I want an M, but I doubt I'll pull the trigger on that.

I (somewhat) understand Leica's rationale for discontinuing the CL, but I sure can't understand how it's not a cam most people would want in their arsenal.

[Knarf]

A couple of years ago I went to Namibia on holiday, usual trip covering most of the country including game drives.

I wanted to take something lighter than my Nikon setup so purchased a second hand CL, 18-56mm and Panasonic 70-300mm lenses, later acquiring a Sigma 35mm lens. I also took my Q2 which has now been replaced by a Q343.

Last year I had a chance of getting a SL2-s and 24-70mm f2.8 for a decent price so bye bye CL. As I am approaching middle age (75) I am finding the SL with the 24-70 a bit on the heavy side therefore thinking of going lighter which possibly means going back to a CL with a couple of lenses, 11-18 and possibly an 18-56mm or a couple of primes. The other option being keeping the SL and going for lighter lenses.

Am I right in assuming that the CL is no longer supported by Leica therefore the question is would it be worth buying a 7yr old camera and would it out last me??

Thoughts appreciated!!

[Markey]

56 minutes ago, Knarf said:

A couple of years ago I went to Namibia on holiday, usual trip covering most of the country including game drives.

I wanted to take something lighter than my Nikon setup so purchased a second hand CL, 18-56mm and Panasonic 70-300mm lenses, later acquiring a Sigma 35mm lens. I also took my Q2 which has now been replaced by a Q343.

Last year I had a chance of getting a SL2-s and 24-70mm f2.8 for a decent price so bye bye CL. As I am approaching middle age (75) I am finding the SL with the 24-70 a bit on the heavy side therefore thinking of going lighter which possibly means going back to a CL with a couple of lenses, 11-18 and possibly an 18-56mm or a couple of primes. The other option being keeping the SL and going for lighter lenses.

Am I right in assuming that the CL is no longer supported by Leica therefore the question is would it be worth buying a 7yr old camera and would it out last me??

Thoughts appreciated!!

In my opinion yes.

I have the same set up but rarely use my Sl2s and 2470 although I often use the 2470 on a CL.

For me its more comfortable to carry over long distances and the 2470 on the CL gives me a much more useful range.

I can supplement that with one of my CL lenses .

I took the SL2s and 2470 on a 12 mile walk the other day and instantly regretted it  

[Knarf]

26 minutes ago, Markey said:

In my opinion yes.

I have the same set up but rarely use my Sl2s and 2470 although I often use the 2470 on a CL.

For me its more comfortable to carry over long distances and the 2470 on the CL gives me a much more useful range.

I can supplement that with one of my CL lenses .

I took the SL2s and 2470 on a 12 mile walk the other day and instantly regretted it  

Is the Cl not a bit heavy with the 24-70??

[jaapv]

2 hours ago, Knarf said:

A couple of years ago I went to Namibia on holiday, usual trip covering most of the country including game drives.

I wanted to take something lighter than my Nikon setup so purchased a second hand CL, 18-56mm and Panasonic 70-300mm lenses, later acquiring a Sigma 35mm lens. I also took my Q2 which has now been replaced by a Q343.

Last year I had a chance of getting a SL2-s and 24-70mm f2.8 for a decent price so bye bye CL. As I am approaching middle age (75) I am finding the SL with the 24-70 a bit on the heavy side therefore thinking of going lighter which possibly means going back to a CL with a couple of lenses, 11-18 and possibly an 18-56mm or a couple of primes. The other option being keeping the SL and going for lighter lenses.

Am I right in assuming that the CL is no longer supported by Leica therefore the question is would it be worth buying a 7yr old camera and would it out last me??

Thoughts appreciated!!

Sigma and Panasonic have lighter zooms for the SL - or you could go prime; the Panasonic 50 and 35 "Summicrons" weigh next to nothing. 

[Markey]

2 hours ago, Knarf said:

Is the Cl not a bit heavy with the 24-70??

Yes more than it would be with any of the CL lenses but its within my tolerance levels .

I guess I just prefer the smaller body shape of the CL to the SL2s.

That`s probably the deciding factor ...I don`t know  ... just that I reach for that combo if I want a general walk about "rig" .

[AmbientLightNZ]

Love my CL and use it as my daily driver.

My favourite lens is the 18/2.8 and is on the body 90% of the time alongside a haoge thumb grip and grip plate - the CL just feels like it's molded to my hand.

I also own and sparingly use the 35/1.4 as well as the Sigma 60-600 (which looks ridiculous but it works SO well for wildlife) and I've also been having a heap of fun with the TTartisan 50/1.2 and 90/1.25 manual focus lenses (although the 90 is probably a bit unwieldy on the CL).

I have plans to upgrade my S2 to an SL2 or SL3 sometime soon, but I don't think I'll get rid of the CL - it's just too easy to take everywhere!

[elambo]

19 hours ago, AmbientLightNZ said:

Love my CL and use it as my daily driver.

My favourite lens is the 18/2.8 and is on the body 90% of the time alongside a haoge thumb grip and grip plate - the CL just feels like it's molded to my hand.

I also own and sparingly use the 35/1.4 as well as the Sigma 60-600 (which looks ridiculous but it works SO well for wildlife) and I've also been having a heap of fun with the TTartisan 50/1.2 and 90/1.25 manual focus lenses (although the 90 is probably a bit unwieldy on the CL).

I have plans to upgrade my S2 to an SL2 or SL3 sometime soon, but I don't think I'll get rid of the CL - it's just too easy to take everywhere!

There's a lot to like about the CL. I keep thinking that I'll upgrade and yet I never do despite trying several times. I also stick close to the 18/2.8. It's tough to beat the weight and size.

[TL3]

I’m honestly confused why the CL never gained more traction.  Its size is as big as I’d want for travel.  I was recently given a hard time for trying to carry on my bag (with CL and lenses) at the airport due to weight, and was wondering how do people travel with huge full frame set ups?

[GFW2-SCUSA]

I have called upon Leica to repent of their folly in discontinuing the CL. I have used Leicas since 1964 and use them because I like how they feel in my hand as well as how they perform. I was convinced to get the CL by David  at Leica Miami some years ago and have been thankful ever since. I have a SL2 which is a fine camera but I don't use it much because its too heavy and large. If I need something other then my Ms I grab the CL and always love using it.

Why didn't it take off? My personal thoughts are Leica didn't market it well at all. And I suspect having the Q in the pipeline they didn't want to hurts the sales of that fixed lens camera by showing how wonderful the CL was. My biggest fear with my CL is it will get damaged and Leica won't fix it!  I have thought of getting another body for a back up, but that would be foolish. I have three Ms,( M0, M10-R and M 10 Mono)  and an SL2, I don't think I really need another camera. When my wife and I go to France in June I shall take the M10 R, three M lenses, the CL and Leica M-L adaptor and it will all fit in a small bag. I wish Leica would bring back the CL!

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[tommonego@gmail.com]

A CL user since 2018, I think a lot of the problem with the CL was the CL, Q, M10 as well as the SL all came out close to the same time. That was a lot for Leica, the full frame cameras generated more revenue. There was a lack of trust with a cropped frame, mirrorless camera. With the system they had built around the CL I would have thought Leica would have put more effort into the marketing. There was the story that the camera was useless above ISO 800, then 1600, but interestingly I put the CL at ISO 1600 and 3200 against an M type 240 and the CL was superior by a hair but noticeable, a subjective test it wasn't the same scene. Then larger full frame sensors came out, the same increase for cropped sensors wasn't as successful, and the demand for lens or camera vibration reduction, I think Leica just gave up, Q2s were selling well as were the M10 variants. 

My CL is currently doing well, being 7 years old I also worry about Leica not repairing them.