My Leica CL opinions and questions

[elambo]

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I have to agree about the lack of marketing support from Leica. I spent some time in the Bev Hills Leica showroom with an open mind about any/every model, letting the salesperson guide me. Once learning about them it was clear to ME that the CL was the best option, yet the salesperson seemed to be steering me away from it at every turn. Maybe that was poor representation by him, or maybe there was some other reason, but it was clear that he didn't want the CL to be my choice that day.

And they've always felt a bit like a bastard child. I don't quite understand why. I don't think my preferences are so different from many others, so it can't be that this model's strengths are so misplaced or unwanted.

It doesn't much matter, but it irks me that it's been discontinued, and, as mentioned above, might be tougher to service in the future.

[dsalamena]

The Leica CL is still, to this day, a modern camera: portable, aesthetically pleasing, equipped with an electronic viewfinder, delivers excellent image quality. Honestly, there aren’t many better alternatives on the market. The Lumix S9 is perhaps the most similar camera, but it doesn't compare in terms of build quality and ease of use. It lacks an electronic viewfinder, a mechanical shutter, the buttons are too small and so on. The same goes for the Sigma FP which, although beautiful, is impractical and uncomfortable to hold, lacks a viewfinder and stabilization, etc.

Leica created an (almost) perfect camera, and perhaps that was the problem with the CL: had they addressed its few shortcomings (they only needed to add image stabilization in my opinion), it might have affected sales of the higher-margin models (like the Q and SL lines). A real shame for us consumers.

Personally, I bought and sold the CL — and I regret it. Unfortunately, it's hard to find on the used market, and prices are very high (over €1,500) for models that are now quite old. Like many others, I'm looking for a lightweight camera for everyday use. The SL, even with small lenses, isn’t suited for that role, and the fixed lens on the Q becomes a bit limiting over time.

I’ve kept all my TL lenses in the hope of using them one day on a small-sized L-mount body with a modern stabilized (full frame or aps-c) sensor.

Who knows — maybe one day Leica (or Sigma/Panasonic) will listen to our requests... 

[TL3]

10 hours ago, elambo said:

I have to agree about the lack of marketing support from Leica. I spent some time in the Bev Hills Leica showroom with an open mind about any/every model, letting the salesperson guide me. Once learning about them it was clear to ME that the CL was the best option, yet the salesperson seemed to be steering me away from it at every turn. Maybe that was poor representation by him, or maybe there was some other reason, but it was clear that he didn't want the CL to be my choice that day.

And they've always felt a bit like a bastard child. I don't quite understand why. I don't think my preferences are so different from many others, so it can't be that this model's strengths are so misplaced or unwanted.

It doesn't much matter, but it irks me that it's been discontinued, and, as mentioned above, might be tougher to service in the future.

That’s quite a different experience I’ve had at Leica stores, I’ve always had nothing but the best sales experience no matter what country I’m in when it comes to Leica stores.  Never felt they were pushy in any way, always just felt they were genuinely passionate about the brand and looking to show you what they thought was great about it.

I think ultimately it wasn’t marketed as well as the Q and its profit margin was lower than full frame models.  I believe they admitted that APS-C users are more cost conscious (I definitely am), and I guess it was better business for them to just divert their efforts towards full frame.  I really hope they don’t kill off the SL for business reasons too.  M and Q have no direct competitors so they probably the easiest way to make money for them. 

I love the system and rushed to buy up all the remaining bits after the discontinuation of the CL was announced.  Will be happily using my CL, TL2 and TL with all the native Leica lenses for the foreseeable future since the form factor is just perfect for travel.  SL system is just too big and I am too slow with the rangefinder to travel with the other options.

[Dopaco]

vor 4 Stunden schrieb dsalamena:

The Leica CL is still, to this day, a modern camera: portable, aesthetically pleasing, equipped with an electronic viewfinder, delivers excellent image quality. Honestly, there aren’t many better alternatives on the market. The Lumix S9 is perhaps the most similar camera, but it doesn't compare in terms of build quality and ease of use. It lacks an electronic viewfinder, a mechanical shutter, the buttons are too small and so on. The same goes for the Sigma FP which, although beautiful, is impractical and uncomfortable to hold, lacks a viewfinder and stabilization, etc.

Leica created an (almost) perfect camera, and perhaps that was the problem with the CL: had they addressed its few shortcomings (they only needed to add image stabilization in my opinion), it might have affected sales of the higher-margin models (like the Q and SL lines). A real shame for us consumers.

Personally, I bought and sold the CL — and I regret it. Unfortunately, it's hard to find on the used market, and prices are very high (over €1,500) for models that are now quite old. Like many others, I'm looking for a lightweight camera for everyday use. The SL, even with small lenses, isn’t suited for that role, and the fixed lens on the Q becomes a bit limiting over time.

I’ve kept all my TL lenses in the hope of using them one day on a small-sized L-mount body with a modern stabilized (full frame or aps-c) sensor.

Who knows — maybe one day Leica (or Sigma/Panasonic) will listen to our requests... 

Check out the new D-lux 8, with Leica menus and it's not discontinued and claims to be an authentic Leica.

[Viv]

On 2/5/2025 at 8:24 PM, edstock said:

I have had my Leica CL since its release. I bought mine directly from Leica with the package deal of an 18 f2.8. It wasn't until recently that I thought about adding one additional lens to get some extra speed. I researched and read opinions on this or that lens. Then I look at the cost and notice prices have not gone down. 

The other thing I'm curious about is how many people are still using their CL?

 

I still use my CL.

[dsalamena]

1 hour ago, Dopaco said:

Check out the new D-lux 8, with Leica menus and it's not discontinued and claims to be an authentic Leica.

I've bought the D-Lux 8 and I really like it as a second camera to go with the M. I would not use it, however, as a sole travel camera. The CL was just perfect (IQ and dimension wise) for travel.

[KitW]

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The D Lux 8 looks very nice but doesn't really seem an equivalent. I feel the best we can hope for is a full frame camera with an equivalent form factor.

[Dopaco]

vor 4 Stunden schrieb KitW:

La D Lux 8 tiene muy buena pinta, pero no parece un equivalente. Creo que lo mejor que podemos esperar es una cámara de fotograma completo con un formato equivalente.

For a professional or someone who makes a living from photography, that's good, but for an amateur like me, I prefer something small, good, and powerful, like a CL, TL2 (without stabilizer), and D-lux 8 (with stabilizer). Sometimes a good phone is enough.

This is the comparison they make here: https://apotelyt.com/compare-camera/leica-cl-vs-leica-d-lux-8

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!

[KitW]

It's a bit of a silly automated comparison because you need a lens for the CL which pushes the weight up to about 480g with the 18mm or 650g with the 18-56. This makes the CL significantly bigger even though on paper it's about the same size. But then with that you gain a much bigger sensor and the ability to use many different lenses.

I expect that a full frame cl without stabilisation might be made to fit within the existing CL body. The mount is sized for a full frame sensor. The shutter assembly would have to be bigger. But a full frame CL could substitute for my current CL whereas a D Lux could not - excellent as it doubtless is in many situations.

Edited May 15 by KitW

[TL3]

The Sigma BF would just about scratch my itch for a successor, however it is only 24 MP full frame, so crop mode would not be ideal with TL lenses.  Still, it gives me hope that a higher MP BF successor could be released, which would justify my hanging on to this system.  If push came to shove and all my APS-C bodies died, I would probably get a BF anyway for travel, it is the closest thing to a TL3 we have right now.

[elambo]

On 5/15/2025 at 12:24 AM, Dopaco said:

Check out the new D-lux 8, with Leica menus and it's not discontinued and claims to be an authentic Leica.

Is it NOT an authentic Leica?

[elambo]

On 5/14/2025 at 8:03 PM, dsalamena said:

I bought and sold the CL — and I regret it.

Out of curiosity, why did you sell it?

[Jackalope]

On 2/5/2025 at 2:24 PM, edstock said:

I have had my Leica CL since its release. I bought mine directly from Leica with the package deal of an 18 f2.8. It wasn't until recently that I thought about adding one additional lens to get some extra speed. I researched and read opinions on this or that lens. Then I look at the cost and notice prices have not gone down. 

The other thing I'm curious about is how many people are still using their CL?

 

I use my CL for travel and hiking. For travel, I usually take the 11-23 and 18-56; for hiking, the 18 and 11-23. It's a wonderful camera; I love the build quality, the image quality, and the ease of use. It's a perfect complement to my SL2; even with just two lenses (APO 35 and 75), the SL2 kit is a beast but produces remarkable photos.

[dsalamena]

7 hours ago, elambo said:

Out of curiosity, why did you sell it?

I bought the SL3 for its better EVF and IBIS, the weight toll is significant though.

[Knarf]

OK Cl is on it's way, I just now need to decide on Lenses.

My Q343 will effectively cover 43mm and with cropping to 120mm which will still enable me to print A3 when required. Panasonic 70-300mm which I have used on a CL before with good results will cover up to 450mm.

Will possibly keep my SL2-s but the 24-70mm will probably go due to weight as I am attempting to lighten things!

Looking for something to cover up to ~40mm, 11-23mm would be ideal but seem to be rather scarce and expensive so options are possibly as follows!

Sigma 16 -28mm

Sigma 23mm

Leica 23mm

Panasonic 20-60mm

Panasonic 16-35mm

Advice and thoughts appreciated

[tommonego@gmail.com]

I would go with the 11-23 if you can find one, yes fairly expensive, but not for Leica lens. US E*** has several some I would say over priced a couple just a little more than the 23s there. I have both lenses and the 11-23 is superior, but the 23 is a little more portable and is f2. Second choices would be the Sigma 14-24 or the 16-28 which are boith f2.8 lenses, there is the Sigma reputation of chewing up CL batteries. The 20-60 Panasonic only gives you 30mm+ then overlaps with your Q43, the 16-35 is an f4 and also has some overlap. Admittedly I have no experience with Sigma or Panasonic lenses, but the 11-23 is one of my all time favorite lenses. 

[Steven Lane]

Quote

I would go with the 11-23 if you can find one

The 11-23 is a fantastic lens. I have had one for years and the results are very good. It fell out of favour with me when I picked up a SL 16-35 for my SL2 a couple of years back but I started using it again recently. It is a fraction of the size and weight of the 16-35 and to my eyes, every bit as good.

[TL3]

11-23 is one of my most used in sunny travel destinations, but I find I use the 23 for poor light and street when I’m trying to be stealthy.  My vote would still be for 11-23 since you already have a Q343.  Pricey but not bad for Leica at all.

[JTLeica]

On 2/6/2025 at 3:44 PM, GFW2-SCUSA said:

Like others I have had mine for several years. Bought it new from Leica store and have loved it ever since. I throw all sorts of lenses on it, Leica M, SL, Sigma, a few Chinese ones and it has never failed me.  I use my M10 R the most, but the CL runs a close second. My least favorite is my SL2 which is about to be shipped to N.J. since the three buttons on the back no longer want to work!  I consider Leica's decision to discontinue the CL their wosrt mistake yet. I don't know anyone who uses one who doesn't like it a great deal. Perhaps Leica will repent and introduce a new one, but I doubt it. They seem to concentrate on the Luxury Lines more than practical user cameras. 

Im confident that we will see an APSC L mount camera again. The 'T-TL-CL' line can always remain 'discontinued' wile introducing an APSC L mount, maybe LC 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[KitW]

Do you mean from Leica or from the alliance as a whole?