Popular Post MediaFotografie Posted Monday at 03:01 PM Popular Post Share #1 Posted Monday at 03:01 PM Advertisement (gone after registration) 2025 is a year of anniversaries: the much-celebrated 100th anniversary of the classic Leica camera and – somewhat overlooked – the 25th anniversary of the very popular Leica Forum here. For me, however, the most important anniversary is only just taking place: 10 years of the Leica SL system. More precisely: Tuesday, 20 October 2015: Announcement of the SL system Friday, 20th November: First delivery of the SL Type 601 and the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90, the first and for some time the only full-frame lens – without adaptation – for the new camera. A real reason to congratulate – and celebrate! 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! Mirrorless Full-Frame System Cameras The SL 601 was more of a revolution than an evolution. In 2013, Sony was the first manufacturer to launch a mirrorless full-frame system camera with the Alpha 7. The major manufacturers Canon and Nikon, who had been technologically ahead with their classic SLR systems, were so confident in their products that they ignored this revolution, which in hindsight was a mistake. It was all the more surprising and courageous that a relatively small supplier in Wetzlar took the step towards mirrorless cameras as early as 2015 with the SL system. And in doing so, it was able to circumvent some of the weaknesses of the Sony models. The viewfinder, with its sensational 4.4 million dots resolution at the time, was a real highlight. What I would like to know: If the development of a completely new system camera takes at least three years, who in Wetzlar was so far-sighted and courageous in 2012 (i.e. before Sony) to decide to go completely mirrorless with SL? This brings us full circle to the 100th anniversary and the famous saying by Ernst Leitz II – only no one knows his successor from 2012. The Announcement Several products were unveiled on 20 October: The SL Type 601 mirrorless camera body The Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90 The APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/90-280 The Summilux-SL 1.4/50 Initially, only the first two products went on sale around four weeks after the announcement, followed in 2016 by the 2.8-4.0/90-280 (spring) and the 1.4/50 (autumn) as well as the handgrip for the SL 601. In stores, the advantages of mirrorless system cameras were also illustrated by a distorting mirror labelled ‘Mirror Technology Will Never Be Outdated – It's Time to Reflect on That’. The SL Type 601 The design of the first SL body polarised opinion from the outset; Andreas Kaufmann himself once said in an interview: ‘The SL was made with an axe’. Very straightforward and angular. And, like the lenses, completely weatherproof, but still without an official IP classification. A 24MP non-BSI sensor was used, which can be used up to ISO 50,000 with significant noise. The SL 601 had many parallels with the S system of the time, in particular the user interface with four unlabelled buttons on the side of the permanently installed display and the integrated GPS receiver – unfortunately the only SL model to date. Its professional credentials are evident in features such as the dual card slot, the optional handle and its weather resistance. Video: The SL 601 already offered a comprehensive set of video modes, from 4k 30fps and Cine-4k 24fps to 1080p with 120fps. At that time, the current M model also had video functions, but these were omitted from the M10 and are now reserved for the SL system. Communication with smartphones via the Leica SL app was already possible, but it was less powerful than today's FOTOS app. The Lenses The term ‘L-mount’ was only introduced three years later; the bayonet mount was identical to that of the then (elaborately hand-polished...) Leica T with APS-C sensor, so that in addition to the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90, all six T lenses could also be used, albeit only with half the sensor size, i.e. around 12 megapixels. However, it was very light and handy, especially compared to the 24-90. The adapter for the new bayonet mount to M-mount, the M-T adapter, was particularly important. This allowed the M lenses and all offshoots to be used with the excellent EVF. Or, alternatively, other adapters from M to Nikon F, for example. The Leica adapter also reads the 6-bit coding of M lenses and transfers it to the SL camera body for metadata and IBIS control (from SL2 onwards). Of course, the adaptation of M lenses is particularly important. All SL models feature a sensor that is optimally tailored to this purpose, which means there are no problems with the often critical wide-angle range in the corners of the image. In addition to adapted solutions, only the visually stunning but powerful 24-90 was available in autumn 2015. This was followed in spring 2016 by the impressive APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/90-280 and finally, in autumn, by the very large and heavy Summilux-SL 1.4/50; wonderful bokeh, lots of glass and therefore slow autofocus – weighing almost 1.1 kg. The first lenses are all ‘Made in Wetzlar’; it was not until the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8/24-70 was introduced in 2021 that ‘Made in Japan’ lenses were added, reminiscent of similar Sigma lenses, and in 2023 ‘Made in Portugal’ lenses from their own factory with the Non-APO Summicron-SL 2.0/35 and 2.0/50, which in turn have counterparts at Panasonic. The community was confused by the discovery that the early zooms had foreign patent holders: Panasonic for the 90-280 and Konica-Minolta for the 16-35mm. To this day, APO-Summicron-SL lenses occupy a special position: their image quality is universally recognised as setting absolute standards. These lenses are optically impressive on high-resolution SL cameras, as Peter Karbe has explained in various lectures; they are also prepared for significantly higher sensor resolutions than are common today. Photokina 2016 For Leica, Photokina in September 2016 was all about the new SL system, which was prominently presented by the first product manager, Steffen Skopp, and many others. Other lenses were also on display for the first time: in the wide-angle range, the Super-Vario-Elmarit 3.5-4.5/16-35 and the first APO-Summicron-SL lenses 2.0/75 and 2.0/90. And the APO 2.0/35 mm was already on display in a showcase – at least the housing was, although it was not clear whether the lenses were included. At Photokina 2016, many examples of applications for the mirrorless SL system were also shown, for example in the field of video. And then: L-Mount and SL2 In autumn 2018, there was a surprise: Panasonic and Sigma joined forces with the bayonet mount, which is now called L-Mount. Finally, there was a clear and growing variety of lenses, which is a big step forward! In autumn 2019, after almost exactly four years, the angular SL 601 was followed by the very elegant, user-friendly SL2 with a 47MP sensor and IBIS, followed about a year later by the SL2-S with (again) 24MP, but for the first time as BSI and with high ISO performance previously unknown in the Leica world – a major step forward. With the SL2, the number of user profiles was also increased from four to six, and the photo and video sections were completely duplicated within the settings for independent configuration – small but extremely practical improvements for everyday use. About a year later, the SL2-S introduced the multishot function: multiple shots are combined into one with higher resolution; this was soon added to the SL2 via an update. Overall, the SL2-S stood out with its BSI sensor, probably based on Sony's consumer product line, and again 24MP, offering excellent high ISO performance. First Special Models At the end of the SL2 era, special models appeared in the SL system for the first time, but in smaller quantities than the M and Q series: From the SL2-S, the Reporter Edition already familiar from M and Q: particularly scratch-resistant dark green matt paint and aramid ‘leather’ (Kevlar). This model was immediately in high demand and is still sought after today. This special model is also functional (as with all Reporter models): particularly scratch-resistant thanks to the paint and non-slip thanks to the aramid. Personal note: After two years of convincing myself that I didn't need an SL2-S, my rationality quickly disappeared with the SL Reporter. I have never been asked about a camera as often as I have with the SL Reporter. The silver SL2, which appeared somewhat later, did not enjoy such high demand; the old-fashioned look of the classic imitation leather may also have contributed to this. The Current Era: SL3 With a lot of PR effort, the SL3 was then unveiled in March 2023, slightly later than the usual four-year cycle: 61MP BSI sensor, already familiar from the M11 and Q3, 8k video, triple resolution and much more. The lack of image authentication with CAI/C2PA in this professional camera was surprising, especially since the M11P, released about six months earlier, already had it. Steffen Rau, the prudent product manager for the system, explains this in a comprehensible manner, citing the already advanced stage of development of the SL3. While the 61MP sensor performs very well in the rather slow M and Q model series, I have never been fully convinced by it in the SL system. The image quality is undoubtedly extremely high, as is the high ISO performance of the BSI sensor – but this is associated with a very slow readout speed, which means a longer dark pause after triggering. The sensor also uses PDAF, but the results with moving subjects using AFc are not up to date. In January 2025, the situation changed: once again with (only) 24MP, BSI and now, for the first time, very good PDAF, the ‘fast’ SL3-S came onto the market. Up to 30fps at 12-bit colour depth with AF tracking! It now also has CAI/C2PA and, once again, the multishot mode that is missing from the SL3. While the PR effort for the launch of the SL3 was maximum, the opposite was true for the SL3-S: Leica's best camera to date was launched rather ‘secretly’ on the market. I find it somewhat tragic that the most practical camera ‘Made in Wetzlar’ has been so overlooked to this day. Firmware Policy Impressive: the firmware policy in the SL system. Really! Numerous functions have already been added in the four years since the Leica SL 601 was launched – and the firmware of the 601 is still being adapted until today, which is fantastic! The 601 learned to use electronic shutters and flashes with Profoto over time for example, in some cases when the successor models were already on the market. However, it was particularly impressive with the SL2 series: Eye AF, perspective correction and the Profoto flash system are just three examples of what has been and will be retrofitted. This demonstrates a very sustainable and customer-friendly company policy. Improvement of the Menu The SL Type 601 featured a menu very similar to that of the S system: four unlabelled buttons are arranged around the display. The menu itself has various sections, including dedicated video settings. Usability was greatly enhanced by a customisable favourites menu and four user profiles. Four years later, the SL2 introduced the first menu with an overview page featuring 12 important menu items, alongside three labelled buttons; additional unlabelled buttons can be freely assigned. The number of user profiles has grown to six – and all menu entries are completely duplicated for photos and videos, greatly improving usability. The SL3 adds an important new feature to the clear start menu: the eight entries are now freely configurable! This has significantly increased its functionality, and the removal of the favourites menu is not missed. One of the great strengths of the SL system is its clear, well-structured and logical menu. The People Behind the System Many people have worked hard to make the SL system the most innovative product range from Wetzlar. Very few of them are visible to the outside world. In the early stages, Steffen Skopp was the first product manager and played a key role in bringing the fundamentally new SL system to the world and to market. He was succeeded by Steffen Rau before the announcement of the SL2, who continued to develop the system with great dedication. An often-cited strength in Wetzlar, listening to customers, is particularly pronounced in him and a blessing for the SL system. Gerrit Gissel is currently the product manager, and we are excited to see how he will continue to develop the SL system. We have all learned something from the coronavirus pandemic. Learning how to use virtual formats has certainly been an enrichment. Here, too, many colleagues in Wetzlar have made important contributions, such as Marcus Klimek and Olaf Wolf with their many SL2 and SL3 courses. Peter Karbe is, of course, a special treat – especially his incredibly exciting lectures on the APO-SL Summicrons; if you haven't experienced them yet, be sure to catch up virtually. The Future The SL system has been inspiring enthusiasts every day since its inception in 2015. Thanks to the L-mount, it now also offers a pleasingly wide range of lenses. It just feels like the system was more innovative in 2015 than it is today. The fact that the latest lens roadmap dates back to 2018 and that the APO-Summicron-SL 2.0/24 has still not been released – and probably never will be – and that all other new lenses have very similar siblings at Sigma or Panasonic, already raises questions today. Many are looking forward to further innovation made in Wetzlar! When it came to sensors, Leica had some unfortunate timing through no fault of its own; Panasonic skipped the slow 61MP sensor altogether and went straight to the new IMX366 with 44MP for the high-resolution S1RII: a very attractive solution that somehow combines the best of both worlds of the SL3 and SL3-S – higher resolution and a comparatively faster sensor. Stefan Daniel said in an interview that the SL system is the most difficult to make money with. He is certainly right about that; competition is greatest and strongest here, but that is precisely what should strengthen the SL system as a technology carrier. it was the first mirrorless system in Wetzlar, the first with IBIS, the first with the stylish main menu (SL2) and the first with a configurable main menu (SL3), the first with contemporary PDAF (SL3-S). Keep up the good work! Personal: Why the SL System? What is the appeal of the SL system? The SL is a professional mirrorless system that is state-of-the-art. With the manufacturer-independent L-mount, there is a pleasing selection of compatible lenses in various price ranges. The SL system also offers the best feel and usability. It is the most streamlined system on the market, with the clearest operating concept. And it has had the best electronic viewfinder from the very beginning. Since the SL3, the size and weight of the camera body have been perfect for me – and the L-Mount Alliance offers plenty of lighter lenses. It is the ideal tool for realising your own creativity. And following the discontinuation of the S system, it is now the technology leader in Wetzlar. That's why today is a special day, celebrating 10 years of the SL system. For me, that means 10 years with a creative tool that is fun to use, offers complete flexibility and delivers optimal image results. Here's to a long and creative future with the SL system! Further Impressions from 10 Years of the SL System https://adobe.ly/3Wpbpfk 10 10 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Mirrorless Full-Frame System Cameras The SL 601 was more of a revolution than an evolution. In 2013, Sony was the first manufacturer to launch a mirrorless full-frame system camera with the Alpha 7. The major manufacturers Canon and Nikon, who had been technologically ahead with their classic SLR systems, were so confident in their products that they ignored this revolution, which in hindsight was a mistake. It was all the more surprising and courageous that a relatively small supplier in Wetzlar took the step towards mirrorless cameras as early as 2015 with the SL system. And in doing so, it was able to circumvent some of the weaknesses of the Sony models. The viewfinder, with its sensational 4.4 million dots resolution at the time, was a real highlight. What I would like to know: If the development of a completely new system camera takes at least three years, who in Wetzlar was so far-sighted and courageous in 2012 (i.e. before Sony) to decide to go completely mirrorless with SL? This brings us full circle to the 100th anniversary and the famous saying by Ernst Leitz II – only no one knows his successor from 2012. The Announcement Several products were unveiled on 20 October: The SL Type 601 mirrorless camera body The Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90 The APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/90-280 The Summilux-SL 1.4/50 Initially, only the first two products went on sale around four weeks after the announcement, followed in 2016 by the 2.8-4.0/90-280 (spring) and the 1.4/50 (autumn) as well as the handgrip for the SL 601. In stores, the advantages of mirrorless system cameras were also illustrated by a distorting mirror labelled ‘Mirror Technology Will Never Be Outdated – It's Time to Reflect on That’. The SL Type 601 The design of the first SL body polarised opinion from the outset; Andreas Kaufmann himself once said in an interview: ‘The SL was made with an axe’. Very straightforward and angular. And, like the lenses, completely weatherproof, but still without an official IP classification. A 24MP non-BSI sensor was used, which can be used up to ISO 50,000 with significant noise. The SL 601 had many parallels with the S system of the time, in particular the user interface with four unlabelled buttons on the side of the permanently installed display and the integrated GPS receiver – unfortunately the only SL model to date. Its professional credentials are evident in features such as the dual card slot, the optional handle and its weather resistance. Video: The SL 601 already offered a comprehensive set of video modes, from 4k 30fps and Cine-4k 24fps to 1080p with 120fps. At that time, the current M model also had video functions, but these were omitted from the M10 and are now reserved for the SL system. Communication with smartphones via the Leica SL app was already possible, but it was less powerful than today's FOTOS app. The Lenses The term ‘L-mount’ was only introduced three years later; the bayonet mount was identical to that of the then (elaborately hand-polished...) Leica T with APS-C sensor, so that in addition to the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90, all six T lenses could also be used, albeit only with half the sensor size, i.e. around 12 megapixels. However, it was very light and handy, especially compared to the 24-90. The adapter for the new bayonet mount to M-mount, the M-T adapter, was particularly important. This allowed the M lenses and all offshoots to be used with the excellent EVF. Or, alternatively, other adapters from M to Nikon F, for example. The Leica adapter also reads the 6-bit coding of M lenses and transfers it to the SL camera body for metadata and IBIS control (from SL2 onwards). Of course, the adaptation of M lenses is particularly important. All SL models feature a sensor that is optimally tailored to this purpose, which means there are no problems with the often critical wide-angle range in the corners of the image. In addition to adapted solutions, only the visually stunning but powerful 24-90 was available in autumn 2015. This was followed in spring 2016 by the impressive APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/90-280 and finally, in autumn, by the very large and heavy Summilux-SL 1.4/50; wonderful bokeh, lots of glass and therefore slow autofocus – weighing almost 1.1 kg. The first lenses are all ‘Made in Wetzlar’; it was not until the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8/24-70 was introduced in 2021 that ‘Made in Japan’ lenses were added, reminiscent of similar Sigma lenses, and in 2023 ‘Made in Portugal’ lenses from their own factory with the Non-APO Summicron-SL 2.0/35 and 2.0/50, which in turn have counterparts at Panasonic. The community was confused by the discovery that the early zooms had foreign patent holders: Panasonic for the 90-280 and Konica-Minolta for the 16-35mm. To this day, APO-Summicron-SL lenses occupy a special position: their image quality is universally recognised as setting absolute standards. These lenses are optically impressive on high-resolution SL cameras, as Peter Karbe has explained in various lectures; they are also prepared for significantly higher sensor resolutions than are common today. Photokina 2016 For Leica, Photokina in September 2016 was all about the new SL system, which was prominently presented by the first product manager, Steffen Skopp, and many others. Other lenses were also on display for the first time: in the wide-angle range, the Super-Vario-Elmarit 3.5-4.5/16-35 and the first APO-Summicron-SL lenses 2.0/75 and 2.0/90. And the APO 2.0/35 mm was already on display in a showcase – at least the housing was, although it was not clear whether the lenses were included. At Photokina 2016, many examples of applications for the mirrorless SL system were also shown, for example in the field of video. And then: L-Mount and SL2 In autumn 2018, there was a surprise: Panasonic and Sigma joined forces with the bayonet mount, which is now called L-Mount. Finally, there was a clear and growing variety of lenses, which is a big step forward! In autumn 2019, after almost exactly four years, the angular SL 601 was followed by the very elegant, user-friendly SL2 with a 47MP sensor and IBIS, followed about a year later by the SL2-S with (again) 24MP, but for the first time as BSI and with high ISO performance previously unknown in the Leica world – a major step forward. With the SL2, the number of user profiles was also increased from four to six, and the photo and video sections were completely duplicated within the settings for independent configuration – small but extremely practical improvements for everyday use. About a year later, the SL2-S introduced the multishot function: multiple shots are combined into one with higher resolution; this was soon added to the SL2 via an update. Overall, the SL2-S stood out with its BSI sensor, probably based on Sony's consumer product line, and again 24MP, offering excellent high ISO performance. First Special Models At the end of the SL2 era, special models appeared in the SL system for the first time, but in smaller quantities than the M and Q series: From the SL2-S, the Reporter Edition already familiar from M and Q: particularly scratch-resistant dark green matt paint and aramid ‘leather’ (Kevlar). This model was immediately in high demand and is still sought after today. This special model is also functional (as with all Reporter models): particularly scratch-resistant thanks to the paint and non-slip thanks to the aramid. Personal note: After two years of convincing myself that I didn't need an SL2-S, my rationality quickly disappeared with the SL Reporter. I have never been asked about a camera as often as I have with the SL Reporter. The silver SL2, which appeared somewhat later, did not enjoy such high demand; the old-fashioned look of the classic imitation leather may also have contributed to this. The Current Era: SL3 With a lot of PR effort, the SL3 was then unveiled in March 2023, slightly later than the usual four-year cycle: 61MP BSI sensor, already familiar from the M11 and Q3, 8k video, triple resolution and much more. The lack of image authentication with CAI/C2PA in this professional camera was surprising, especially since the M11P, released about six months earlier, already had it. Steffen Rau, the prudent product manager for the system, explains this in a comprehensible manner, citing the already advanced stage of development of the SL3. While the 61MP sensor performs very well in the rather slow M and Q model series, I have never been fully convinced by it in the SL system. The image quality is undoubtedly extremely high, as is the high ISO performance of the BSI sensor – but this is associated with a very slow readout speed, which means a longer dark pause after triggering. The sensor also uses PDAF, but the results with moving subjects using AFc are not up to date. In January 2025, the situation changed: once again with (only) 24MP, BSI and now, for the first time, very good PDAF, the ‘fast’ SL3-S came onto the market. Up to 30fps at 12-bit colour depth with AF tracking! It now also has CAI/C2PA and, once again, the multishot mode that is missing from the SL3. While the PR effort for the launch of the SL3 was maximum, the opposite was true for the SL3-S: Leica's best camera to date was launched rather ‘secretly’ on the market. I find it somewhat tragic that the most practical camera ‘Made in Wetzlar’ has been so overlooked to this day. Firmware Policy Impressive: the firmware policy in the SL system. Really! Numerous functions have already been added in the four years since the Leica SL 601 was launched – and the firmware of the 601 is still being adapted until today, which is fantastic! The 601 learned to use electronic shutters and flashes with Profoto over time for example, in some cases when the successor models were already on the market. However, it was particularly impressive with the SL2 series: Eye AF, perspective correction and the Profoto flash system are just three examples of what has been and will be retrofitted. This demonstrates a very sustainable and customer-friendly company policy. Improvement of the Menu The SL Type 601 featured a menu very similar to that of the S system: four unlabelled buttons are arranged around the display. The menu itself has various sections, including dedicated video settings. Usability was greatly enhanced by a customisable favourites menu and four user profiles. Four years later, the SL2 introduced the first menu with an overview page featuring 12 important menu items, alongside three labelled buttons; additional unlabelled buttons can be freely assigned. The number of user profiles has grown to six – and all menu entries are completely duplicated for photos and videos, greatly improving usability. The SL3 adds an important new feature to the clear start menu: the eight entries are now freely configurable! This has significantly increased its functionality, and the removal of the favourites menu is not missed. One of the great strengths of the SL system is its clear, well-structured and logical menu. The People Behind the System Many people have worked hard to make the SL system the most innovative product range from Wetzlar. Very few of them are visible to the outside world. In the early stages, Steffen Skopp was the first product manager and played a key role in bringing the fundamentally new SL system to the world and to market. He was succeeded by Steffen Rau before the announcement of the SL2, who continued to develop the system with great dedication. An often-cited strength in Wetzlar, listening to customers, is particularly pronounced in him and a blessing for the SL system. Gerrit Gissel is currently the product manager, and we are excited to see how he will continue to develop the SL system. We have all learned something from the coronavirus pandemic. Learning how to use virtual formats has certainly been an enrichment. Here, too, many colleagues in Wetzlar have made important contributions, such as Marcus Klimek and Olaf Wolf with their many SL2 and SL3 courses. Peter Karbe is, of course, a special treat – especially his incredibly exciting lectures on the APO-SL Summicrons; if you haven't experienced them yet, be sure to catch up virtually. The Future The SL system has been inspiring enthusiasts every day since its inception in 2015. Thanks to the L-mount, it now also offers a pleasingly wide range of lenses. It just feels like the system was more innovative in 2015 than it is today. The fact that the latest lens roadmap dates back to 2018 and that the APO-Summicron-SL 2.0/24 has still not been released – and probably never will be – and that all other new lenses have very similar siblings at Sigma or Panasonic, already raises questions today. Many are looking forward to further innovation made in Wetzlar! When it came to sensors, Leica had some unfortunate timing through no fault of its own; Panasonic skipped the slow 61MP sensor altogether and went straight to the new IMX366 with 44MP for the high-resolution S1RII: a very attractive solution that somehow combines the best of both worlds of the SL3 and SL3-S – higher resolution and a comparatively faster sensor. Stefan Daniel said in an interview that the SL system is the most difficult to make money with. He is certainly right about that; competition is greatest and strongest here, but that is precisely what should strengthen the SL system as a technology carrier. it was the first mirrorless system in Wetzlar, the first with IBIS, the first with the stylish main menu (SL2) and the first with a configurable main menu (SL3), the first with contemporary PDAF (SL3-S). Keep up the good work! Personal: Why the SL System? What is the appeal of the SL system? The SL is a professional mirrorless system that is state-of-the-art. With the manufacturer-independent L-mount, there is a pleasing selection of compatible lenses in various price ranges. The SL system also offers the best feel and usability. It is the most streamlined system on the market, with the clearest operating concept. And it has had the best electronic viewfinder from the very beginning. Since the SL3, the size and weight of the camera body have been perfect for me – and the L-Mount Alliance offers plenty of lighter lenses. It is the ideal tool for realising your own creativity. And following the discontinuation of the S system, it is now the technology leader in Wetzlar. That's why today is a special day, celebrating 10 years of the SL system. For me, that means 10 years with a creative tool that is fun to use, offers complete flexibility and delivers optimal image results. Here's to a long and creative future with the SL system! Further Impressions from 10 Years of the SL System https://adobe.ly/3Wpbpfk ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/424871-10-years-of-leica-sl-%E2%80%93-anniversary-of-the-mirrorless-revolution-from-wetzlar/?do=findComment&comment=5878348'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted Monday at 03:01 PM Posted Monday at 03:01 PM Hi MediaFotografie, Take a look here 10 Years of Leica SL – Anniversary of the Mirrorless Revolution from Wetzlar. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
LocalHero1953 Posted Monday at 03:35 PM Share #2 Posted Monday at 03:35 PM Thank you, Thomas! A good read. I have just checked: I bought my SL 601 on 28 October 2015! And last week I received a SL3-S. In between I owned the SL2 (for just three months) then the SL2-S (since launch). All of them have been excellent practical tools that help me take photos that are as good as they could be i.e. as good as my ability permits. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
helged Posted Monday at 04:12 PM Share #3 Posted Monday at 04:12 PM 1 hour ago, MediaFotografie said: 2025 is a year of anniversaries: the much-celebrated 100th anniversary of the classic Leica camera and – somewhat overlooked – the 25th anniversary of the very popular Leica Forum here. For me, however, the most important anniversary is only just taking place: 10 years of the Leica SL system. More precisely: Tuesday, 20 October 2015: Announcement of the SL system Friday, 20th November: First delivery of the SL Type 601 and the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90, the first and for some time the only full-frame lens – without adaptation – for the new camera. A real reason to congratulate – and celebrate! 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! Mirrorless Full-Frame System Cameras The SL 601 was more of a revolution than an evolution. In 2013, Sony was the first manufacturer to launch a mirrorless full-frame system camera with the Alpha 7. The major manufacturers Canon and Nikon, who had been technologically ahead with their classic SLR systems, were so confident in their products that they ignored this revolution, which in hindsight was a mistake. It was all the more surprising and courageous that a relatively small supplier in Wetzlar took the step towards mirrorless cameras as early as 2015 with the SL system. And in doing so, it was able to circumvent some of the weaknesses of the Sony models. The viewfinder, with its sensational 4.4 million dots resolution at the time, was a real highlight. What I would like to know: If the development of a completely new system camera takes at least three years, who in Wetzlar was so far-sighted and courageous in 2012 (i.e. before Sony) to decide to go completely mirrorless with SL? This brings us full circle to the 100th anniversary and the famous saying by Ernst Leitz II – only no one knows his successor from 2012. The Announcement Several products were unveiled on 20 October: The SL Type 601 mirrorless camera body The Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90 The APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/90-280 The Summilux-SL 1.4/50 Initially, only the first two products went on sale around four weeks after the announcement, followed in 2016 by the 2.8-4.0/90-280 (spring) and the 1.4/50 (autumn) as well as the handgrip for the SL 601. In stores, the advantages of mirrorless system cameras were also illustrated by a distorting mirror labelled ‘Mirror Technology Will Never Be Outdated – It's Time to Reflect on That’. The SL Type 601 The design of the first SL body polarised opinion from the outset; Andreas Kaufmann himself once said in an interview: ‘The SL was made with an axe’. Very straightforward and angular. And, like the lenses, completely weatherproof, but still without an official IP classification. A 24MP non-BSI sensor was used, which can be used up to ISO 50,000 with significant noise. The SL 601 had many parallels with the S system of the time, in particular the user interface with four unlabelled buttons on the side of the permanently installed display and the integrated GPS receiver – unfortunately the only SL model to date. Its professional credentials are evident in features such as the dual card slot, the optional handle and its weather resistance. Video: The SL 601 already offered a comprehensive set of video modes, from 4k 30fps and Cine-4k 24fps to 1080p with 120fps. At that time, the current M model also had video functions, but these were omitted from the M10 and are now reserved for the SL system. Communication with smartphones via the Leica SL app was already possible, but it was less powerful than today's FOTOS app. The Lenses The term ‘L-mount’ was only introduced three years later; the bayonet mount was identical to that of the then (elaborately hand-polished...) Leica T with APS-C sensor, so that in addition to the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/24-90, all six T lenses could also be used, albeit only with half the sensor size, i.e. around 12 megapixels. However, it was very light and handy, especially compared to the 24-90. The adapter for the new bayonet mount to M-mount, the M-T adapter, was particularly important. This allowed the M lenses and all offshoots to be used with the excellent EVF. Or, alternatively, other adapters from M to Nikon F, for example. The Leica adapter also reads the 6-bit coding of M lenses and transfers it to the SL camera body for metadata and IBIS control (from SL2 onwards). Of course, the adaptation of M lenses is particularly important. All SL models feature a sensor that is optimally tailored to this purpose, which means there are no problems with the often critical wide-angle range in the corners of the image. In addition to adapted solutions, only the visually stunning but powerful 24-90 was available in autumn 2015. This was followed in spring 2016 by the impressive APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8-4.0/90-280 and finally, in autumn, by the very large and heavy Summilux-SL 1.4/50; wonderful bokeh, lots of glass and therefore slow autofocus – weighing almost 1.1 kg. The first lenses are all ‘Made in Wetzlar’; it was not until the Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8/24-70 was introduced in 2021 that ‘Made in Japan’ lenses were added, reminiscent of similar Sigma lenses, and in 2023 ‘Made in Portugal’ lenses from their own factory with the Non-APO Summicron-SL 2.0/35 and 2.0/50, which in turn have counterparts at Panasonic. The community was confused by the discovery that the early zooms had foreign patent holders: Panasonic for the 90-280 and Konica-Minolta for the 16-35mm. To this day, APO-Summicron-SL lenses occupy a special position: their image quality is universally recognised as setting absolute standards. These lenses are optically impressive on high-resolution SL cameras, as Peter Karbe has explained in various lectures; they are also prepared for significantly higher sensor resolutions than are common today. Photokina 2016 For Leica, Photokina in September 2016 was all about the new SL system, which was prominently presented by the first product manager, Steffen Skopp, and many others. Other lenses were also on display for the first time: in the wide-angle range, the Super-Vario-Elmarit 3.5-4.5/16-35 and the first APO-Summicron-SL lenses 2.0/75 and 2.0/90. And the APO 2.0/35 mm was already on display in a showcase – at least the housing was, although it was not clear whether the lenses were included. At Photokina 2016, many examples of applications for the mirrorless SL system were also shown, for example in the field of video. And then: L-Mount and SL2 In autumn 2018, there was a surprise: Panasonic and Sigma joined forces with the bayonet mount, which is now called L-Mount. Finally, there was a clear and growing variety of lenses, which is a big step forward! In autumn 2019, after almost exactly four years, the angular SL 601 was followed by the very elegant, user-friendly SL2 with a 47MP sensor and IBIS, followed about a year later by the SL2-S with (again) 24MP, but for the first time as BSI and with high ISO performance previously unknown in the Leica world – a major step forward. With the SL2, the number of user profiles was also increased from four to six, and the photo and video sections were completely duplicated within the settings for independent configuration – small but extremely practical improvements for everyday use. About a year later, the SL2-S introduced the multishot function: multiple shots are combined into one with higher resolution; this was soon added to the SL2 via an update. Overall, the SL2-S stood out with its BSI sensor, probably based on Sony's consumer product line, and again 24MP, offering excellent high ISO performance. First Special Models At the end of the SL2 era, special models appeared in the SL system for the first time, but in smaller quantities than the M and Q series: From the SL2-S, the Reporter Edition already familiar from M and Q: particularly scratch-resistant dark green matt paint and aramid ‘leather’ (Kevlar). This model was immediately in high demand and is still sought after today. This special model is also functional (as with all Reporter models): particularly scratch-resistant thanks to the paint and non-slip thanks to the aramid. Personal note: After two years of convincing myself that I didn't need an SL2-S, my rationality quickly disappeared with the SL Reporter. I have never been asked about a camera as often as I have with the SL Reporter. The silver SL2, which appeared somewhat later, did not enjoy such high demand; the old-fashioned look of the classic imitation leather may also have contributed to this. The Current Era: SL3 With a lot of PR effort, the SL3 was then unveiled in March 2023, slightly later than the usual four-year cycle: 61MP BSI sensor, already familiar from the M11 and Q3, 8k video, triple resolution and much more. The lack of image authentication with CAI/C2PA in this professional camera was surprising, especially since the M11P, released about six months earlier, already had it. Steffen Rau, the prudent product manager for the system, explains this in a comprehensible manner, citing the already advanced stage of development of the SL3. While the 61MP sensor performs very well in the rather slow M and Q model series, I have never been fully convinced by it in the SL system. The image quality is undoubtedly extremely high, as is the high ISO performance of the BSI sensor – but this is associated with a very slow readout speed, which means a longer dark pause after triggering. The sensor also uses PDAF, but the results with moving subjects using AFc are not up to date. In January 2025, the situation changed: once again with (only) 24MP, BSI and now, for the first time, very good PDAF, the ‘fast’ SL3-S came onto the market. Up to 30fps at 12-bit colour depth with AF tracking! It now also has CAI/C2PA and, once again, the multishot mode that is missing from the SL3. While the PR effort for the launch of the SL3 was maximum, the opposite was true for the SL3-S: Leica's best camera to date was launched rather ‘secretly’ on the market. I find it somewhat tragic that the most practical camera ‘Made in Wetzlar’ has been so overlooked to this day. Firmware Policy Impressive: the firmware policy in the SL system. Really! Numerous functions have already been added in the four years since the Leica SL 601 was launched – and the firmware of the 601 is still being adapted until today, which is fantastic! The 601 learned to use electronic shutters and flashes with Profoto over time for example, in some cases when the successor models were already on the market. However, it was particularly impressive with the SL2 series: Eye AF, perspective correction and the Profoto flash system are just three examples of what has been and will be retrofitted. This demonstrates a very sustainable and customer-friendly company policy. Improvement of the Menu The SL Type 601 featured a menu very similar to that of the S system: four unlabelled buttons are arranged around the display. The menu itself has various sections, including dedicated video settings. Usability was greatly enhanced by a customisable favourites menu and four user profiles. Four years later, the SL2 introduced the first menu with an overview page featuring 12 important menu items, alongside three labelled buttons; additional unlabelled buttons can be freely assigned. The number of user profiles has grown to six – and all menu entries are completely duplicated for photos and videos, greatly improving usability. The SL3 adds an important new feature to the clear start menu: the eight entries are now freely configurable! This has significantly increased its functionality, and the removal of the favourites menu is not missed. One of the great strengths of the SL system is its clear, well-structured and logical menu. The People Behind the System Many people have worked hard to make the SL system the most innovative product range from Wetzlar. Very few of them are visible to the outside world. In the early stages, Steffen Skopp was the first product manager and played a key role in bringing the fundamentally new SL system to the world and to market. He was succeeded by Steffen Rau before the announcement of the SL2, who continued to develop the system with great dedication. An often-cited strength in Wetzlar, listening to customers, is particularly pronounced in him and a blessing for the SL system. Gerrit Gissel is currently the product manager, and we are excited to see how he will continue to develop the SL system. We have all learned something from the coronavirus pandemic. Learning how to use virtual formats has certainly been an enrichment. Here, too, many colleagues in Wetzlar have made important contributions, such as Marcus Klimek and Olaf Wolf with their many SL2 and SL3 courses. Peter Karbe is, of course, a special treat – especially his incredibly exciting lectures on the APO-SL Summicrons; if you haven't experienced them yet, be sure to catch up virtually. The Future The SL system has been inspiring enthusiasts every day since its inception in 2015. Thanks to the L-mount, it now also offers a pleasingly wide range of lenses. It just feels like the system was more innovative in 2015 than it is today. The fact that the latest lens roadmap dates back to 2018 and that the APO-Summicron-SL 2.0/24 has still not been released – and probably never will be – and that all other new lenses have very similar siblings at Sigma or Panasonic, already raises questions today. Many are looking forward to further innovation made in Wetzlar! When it came to sensors, Leica had some unfortunate timing through no fault of its own; Panasonic skipped the slow 61MP sensor altogether and went straight to the new IMX366 with 44MP for the high-resolution S1RII: a very attractive solution that somehow combines the best of both worlds of the SL3 and SL3-S – higher resolution and a comparatively faster sensor. Stefan Daniel said in an interview that the SL system is the most difficult to make money with. He is certainly right about that; competition is greatest and strongest here, but that is precisely what should strengthen the SL system as a technology carrier. it was the first mirrorless system in Wetzlar, the first with IBIS, the first with the stylish main menu (SL2) and the first with a configurable main menu (SL3), the first with contemporary PDAF (SL3-S). Keep up the good work! Personal: Why the SL System? What is the appeal of the SL system? The SL is a professional mirrorless system that is state-of-the-art. With the manufacturer-independent L-mount, there is a pleasing selection of compatible lenses in various price ranges. The SL system also offers the best feel and usability. It is the most streamlined system on the market, with the clearest operating concept. And it has had the best electronic viewfinder from the very beginning. Since the SL3, the size and weight of the camera body have been perfect for me – and the L-Mount Alliance offers plenty of lighter lenses. It is the ideal tool for realising your own creativity. And following the discontinuation of the S system, it is now the technology leader in Wetzlar. That's why today is a special day, celebrating 10 years of the SL system. For me, that means 10 years with a creative tool that is fun to use, offers complete flexibility and delivers optimal image results. Here's to a long and creative future with the SL system! Further Impressions from 10 Years of the SL System https://adobe.ly/3Wpbpfk And I happen to have the first (=officially purchased) SL (together with SL24-90), SL2 and SL3 bodies in Norway. Presently I use SL2. The SL came as a big surprise, I remember, having a lot of fun with that body! Would love to become equally surprised by a mirrorless S4... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CptSlevin Posted Monday at 05:11 PM Share #4 Posted Monday at 05:11 PM Well, by the looks of zero coverage of this news on the official Leica website - they don't find SL line of great significance nowadays. My claim also can be supported by raw state of recently released SL3/SL3-S and no firmware updates to fix the issues. They could use this date to address SL3 issues with unreliable AF, EVF which is worse than SL2, but it looks like they are focused on the release of M with EVF, as it can be their new one-trick pony as with the Q, which generates enormous amount of income. Too bad, SL2 / SL2S still rock and if used properly can produce amazing quality beating the competition in mirrorless industry. The series just needed innovation and more love from Weitzlar. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted Monday at 05:53 PM Share #5 Posted Monday at 05:53 PM I picked up the SL3-S last week, and so far the AF appears to be better than the SL2-S - incrementally so, but not worse. Tracking is more stable, Face is less likely to pick the wrong one (e.g. the back of someone's head, or a face at the edge of the frame), and it even stayed focused on one person as they passed behind another - which the SL2-S would never do for me - even if other brands do it better. Same with the EVF - no more laggy than the SL2-S and a bit crisper. But it's still early days. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted Monday at 05:54 PM Share #6 Posted Monday at 05:54 PM There has been nothing in the SL2 or SL3 to tempt me away from my SL(601). It’s a fabulous universal mount for me. I’m sure that the SL2-S does things better, but I really don’t need it … Nice article, Thomas. Thank you. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
harbelot Posted Monday at 07:21 PM Share #7 Posted Monday at 07:21 PM Advertisement (gone after registration) Long live the SL's!!!! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robb Posted yesterday at 01:06 AM Share #8 Posted yesterday at 01:06 AM Nice write-up! Robb 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBB Posted yesterday at 03:26 PM Share #9 Posted yesterday at 03:26 PM Very nice to read 👍 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markey Posted yesterday at 04:28 PM Share #10 Posted yesterday at 04:28 PM I very rarely use my phone for photos ... in fact never. I do use it for videos though . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now