This Mirrorless Camera Is On Another Level

Рет қаралды 23,819

Күн бұрын

This is the Leica SL and despite it being almost 10 years old now, this camera has a bunch of features that meant that it really was ahead of its time. But that also means that even by today's standard, this is a very competent mirrorless camera... provided of course you have a deep enough wallet...
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⚠️ SPONSORSHIP DISCLOSURE: MPB sponsored this video, however MPB did not have any involvement in the production of the camera review itself and had no involvement in the scriptwriting process.
The products shown within the video were loaned to me for the purpose of making this review (the camera from MPB and the lens from Sigma UK) but I am required to return all of these items.
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⏳ TIME STAMPS ⏳
Intro - @0:00
Leica Virgin / The Price - @0:23
Build & Features - @2:00
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Hardware - @8:51
Video - @10:18
Photos - @11:15
The Lens - @12:17
Is It Worth It? - @12:39
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Пікірлер: 98

@flixbert Ай бұрын

The SL line are the only mirrorless cameras that truly support adapted M-mount lenses because the sensor is optimized for it. Other brands use much thicker cover glass for their sensors so you are always dealing with softness in the image corners. That would be the main reason for me to try the system sometime in the future (when the bodys are a little more affordable).

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Interesting - I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing!

@derJackistweg Ай бұрын

If "softness in the image corners" is relevant, one would not buy a Leica in the first place!

@flixbert Ай бұрын

It’s pretty bad on not-Leica mirrorless cameras actually, I‘ve tried it myself. No way to enjoy the beautiful M-glass to its full extend. But I agree, sharpness isn’t everything 😊

@derJackistweg Ай бұрын

@@flixbert Sharpness is the ,east important thing for a good photo. All those increadible photos historically on Leica or not existing because Leica is a good camera!!! It is NOT. It is because those people were fantastic photographers!

@GrainOnTheGo Ай бұрын

Incorrect basically all L-mount cameras are optimized for it. Especially the recent LUMIX stuff which is effectively just SL series stuff with a different label.

@touchtennis Ай бұрын

First time a camera has looked “normal” sized in Tom’s hands!

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

It was clearly built for me. Shame my bank balance wasn't built for it, though... 😅

@touchtennis Ай бұрын

@@TomCalton I’ll lend you my SL3 for a month for one day of you teaching me to be anything less than cr*p at photography!

@danny_r27 Ай бұрын

I paid $1,900 USD almost 2 years ago from KEH camera and it was practically brand new minus the box and manual. The build quality is on par to my Leica M10 and M10 Monochrom but it’s comfortable to hold despite not looking comfortable to hold if you know what I mean 😂 My favorite thing though is the pictures it makes, the combination of colors, contrast, noise pattern at high iso settings, and the way that images almost look like they have a texture that almost makes you think you could feel on the screen. Like clouds look like they have a texture to them that you could swear you can reach to the screen and feel them but obviously you can’t. Surprisingly it didn’t take me long to figure out the buttons and I love how the rear looks and only labeled buttons are the record and on/off switch. It’s a camera I’ll keep for life, it’s made that much of an impact on me. I really want to experience the Leica 24-90mm SL lens with mine because the pictures with that combo look so good. Hopefully in September I can get that lens 😅 Only downsides to this are lack of IBIS (I knew this ahead of time though) and the lacking battery life and expensive batteries but even for an almost 10 year old camera it’s absolutely amazing and the black and white pictures are also very amazing. Overall it’s a camera I’ll highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience a Leica full frame camera on a budget. It’s not a rangefinder but it’s a very capable camera with a very good EVF and makes shooting with manual lenses a breeze. I couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s a camera that will always have a special place in my heart for sure. I’m glad it’s cheaper now so others can experience it because it’s worth giving it a shot. Trying it with modern lenses or vintage lenses and seeing the dual nature of the camera is truly amazing. It’s the camera that convinced me that since I don’t shoot enough film to justify keeping my film cameras I’ll just sell them and use my custom made film simulation presets instead when using those adapted vintage lenses on the SL. This camera has so many ways you can use it that it’s truly worth giving it a shot for so many reasons. I love seeing other people’s videos on this camera to see how they like it and it does make me happy seeing that they also see why I like it so much. While I wish I could get an SL3, it’ll mean I’ll have to sell my SL and that’s simply not happening so I’m very set on being happy with this. If I want a modern mirrorless camera I have my poor man’s Leica SL2 (Lumix S1R) that I got for $1,500 brand new. Anyways, I’m glad to see another video about the SL from someone else’s perspective.

@matthieuzglurg6015 Ай бұрын

Hey, just so you know, now that the Nikon Z6III has been announced, the price on Z6II and Z6 cameras have been dropping... quite dramatically. Yesterday I've seen an Nikon Z6 for as low as 630€ on MPB, which is mind blowingly low of a price for a camera like this (this was around 900-1000€ less than a month ago, and it was already an okay value). Definitely the best value in the full frame mirrorless world right now if you're looking at a used camera, I think this would be a really interesting camera to test on your channel.

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip - I'll definitely look into it 😊

@shApYT Ай бұрын

That's amazing. I wish it had cheaper third party lenses though. The F mount was great a great mount.

@matthieuzglurg6015 Ай бұрын

@@shApYT Most of what I'm using it F mout lenses on Z mount cameras. Works great with the FTZ. And if you want mirrorless glass you can use the Megadap ETZ21 and use most of the Sony E mount lenses ! That's kind of a game changer in the mirrorless world if I'm being honest.

@edshotsdotcodotuk Ай бұрын

@@shApYT the Sigma and Panasonic lenses aren’t too expensive. Samyang has just started to release lenses for the L mount too.

@shApYT Ай бұрын

@@edshotsdotcodotuk I thought the Sigma DC lenses were APSC

@CatchFlipsidE Ай бұрын

Great review! Thank you! I’ve always wanted a Leica camera. Maybe this is one to save for.

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and watching 😁

@vanzetti7 Ай бұрын

I love the Leica cameras but I can't justify it. It's the same internals as the S1 series. The S1H is one of the greatest mirrorless cameras of all time and you can get that camera instead and earn good money shooting video and photos with it.

@boristahmasian1644 Ай бұрын

Don't know about the original SL, but I believe the SL3 has the same sensor as my Sony A7RIV. SL3 is heavy and awkward camera. The Leica mystique is in the M series not the SL. The SL is just a rebadged Sony in a more expensive and heavier shell.

@johnathanlo7636 Ай бұрын

Nope. The 1st gen, SL 601 is no relation with Lumix but Leica own medium format Leica S007

@paulf3353 23 күн бұрын

Used S1 is not much cheaper than SL 601 and SL1 is much better build body

@alozor13 4 күн бұрын

@@paulf3353 S1 used can be found for almost half the price of SL1

@TheKennnn2 Ай бұрын

I've been using the original SL for my professional photography for over 3 years. Suffice to say that the results from this camera never let me and the clients down. Crazy amount of high end camera goodness for the price it goes on used market nowadays

@mrgrandad1961 Ай бұрын

Yes, good skills Tom...Thanks for the video - I've had my SL for almost a year now and I Love it !! Easily the most enjoyable camera to use that I've ever owned. Fortunately mine came with The Leica M Adapter L and the Sigma 45mm all in mint condition - an absolute bargain !! Yes, indeed the handling takes a little while to adopt but It's a great idea to not have so many buttons and switches labelled and have a clean, unobtrusive layout...The fact they changed this with marked buttons on the later models annoys me though and spoils the whole aesthetic. I now use mainly manual focus lenses on the camera and this just heightens the Joy being made so easy with that fantastic viewfinder and various focusing aids. But to round this off I have to say that I am enjoying my photography more and more with this exceptional camera and especially enjoying the quality of the pictures it produces too... Enjoy !!

@artmaltman Ай бұрын

I've sold many items to MPB. Excellent quick review and payment. Customer service available via email. A pleasure to work with.

@petemcknight803 29 күн бұрын

I own one of these and despite the larger size it's a joy to use. And I use a wide variety of lenses on it. I don't even own a single L lens. I love adapting legacy lenses, M lenses, and R lenses on it. It takes beautiful photos and, being that it's a Leica, I get a certain amount of prestige by using it.

@j.f.7509 17 күн бұрын

Recently, I managed to get an SL in excellent condition for much less than the prices mentioned here. Paired with my M glass, the images are stunning. I do agree that there is a bit of a learning curve at first.

@jasondunn8313 7 күн бұрын

Just come across your channel Tom and just enjoyed your Fuji XT vid with the homemade leather grip😂 I love my Fuji XT100F. Leica (inc their watches) are great but way out of my camera budget. They certainly know how to design a camera. Thanks for your quality content👍 PS -Did you ever consider ‘Badass Mother Shutters’ for your name/neon?😂

@tmpablovillarroel7539 Ай бұрын

If you liked the original SL, imagine how you will like the SL2-S or SL3, which are bigger beasts.

@Cafl_Music Ай бұрын

YES TOM!! BACK AT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Just had a much needed week off with family. But I'm back bebe 💪🏻

@ZurowskiRennell Ай бұрын

I have one kislux bag I got in 2019, it's the LV white catogram speedy. It's counter quality and it has a nice honey patina now, so the leather is real. I think whatever makes you happy go for it. I've seen LV with plastic leather and blood red glaze...

@boristahmasian1644 Ай бұрын

I always loved Leica for its mystique. The low prices are tempting but Leica will remain on may wish list for now.

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Even for $2k, I would argue these won't be cheap enough for most people. Myself included. As much as I enjoyed using it, personally, I'd never layout that much cash for one. But then, I'm pretty tight with what I spend.

@boristahmasian1644 Ай бұрын

@@TomCalton I had a chance to try the SL3 at a local Leica demo day. I have the Sony A7RIV and essentially the SL3 is my Sony in a Leica skin. I thought the camera/lens combo was too big and heavy for my taste. The ergonomics were not as good as my Sony (and I think Sony ergos suck!). An SL3 with a 24-70 would cost $10K. My A7RIV and my Tamron 28-75 G2 cost me $3,500. I highly doubt the additional $6,500 would give me better results.

@jerryrichards8172 7 күн бұрын

My sony a77ll is 12 frames camera from 2015 24.3 megapixells in today's Photography it's still going g strong.

@nicolagiorgio5110 Ай бұрын

I was wondering what was that kind of tiny phone camera looking spot on the right part of the body?

@paullefko Ай бұрын

I had the SL; switched to Limiux s5 then s5m2; the lumix line for me is lighter, weather sealed; and frankly more ergonomic. That said I really loved the 601 its an exceptional camera. FWIW I use on s5m2 Leica and Zeiss m mount lenses; so there is no compelling reason today to pick up one of these in the exception of the color profiles.

@itsROMPERS... Ай бұрын

It's HUGE!

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

That's what she said

@itsROMPERS... Ай бұрын

@@TomCalton I believe that's a humorous rejoinder from the hit television comedy called "The Office"! Well done!

@shvachko Ай бұрын

Please make a video with your camera recommendations, like below 500$, 1000$, 1500$, 2000$. I would watch :)

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! I find it hard recommending just one camera at a specific price point because it's such a personal choice. Just because I like a camera, doesn't mean it'll be great for everyone. But I might do something on super low budget cameras in general at a later date. Thanks again - I appreciate your input! 😁

@FullFrameStudio Ай бұрын

I have a lumix s5ii, but was looking for a photography centric b-cam that would support L-mount and not cost me a leg cuz I'm still a student. I fell into the leica loop with the M series and gave up hope but then I saw the pricing for used Leica SL's. Would you recommend it, or should I just get a fuji x100t or f. I'm looking for a street photography cam honestly. First was looking for a rangefinder but the leica m's are way too expensive so I landed here.

@ddlavie 25 күн бұрын

@@FullFrameStudio hey, i got the S5iix since last year, it was a amazing camera, but ever since i tried the Leica SL, I don't ever want to use Lumix for photo anymore. Ended up selling the S5iix and didn't regret.

@FullFrameStudio 25 күн бұрын

@@ddlavie really? Damn

@b0bcat210 Ай бұрын

Can you do a video comparing the colour science to Lumix? some others did it and it looks VERY similar...

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion, though like you said, others have done this already, and have done it way better than I could! I'll probably leave the super techy stuff to them 😅

@coin777 Ай бұрын

i like the ultrawide ratio

@purpleneons Ай бұрын

I agree, one of the rare moments I appreciate having a Sony phone lmao

@A_Thought2Day Ай бұрын

Guess we're on the same wave length. I just bought one of these on Wednesday with a pany 50mm f1.8 and a ton of extras for $1400. So end before the "price just went up" gang.

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Nice! Have you had much chance to shoot with it? What are your thoughts?

@A_Thought2Day Ай бұрын

@TomCalton no chance yet. It arrives Monday. I'm mostly a fuji shooter and the only leica I've ever owned was a M-DA "blind leica" film camera. I'm pretty excited. I'll update you on Monday.

@AspectRatioPolice Ай бұрын

at 04:00 they have 3 functions. I only found out the Long hold after a few days.

@shApYT Ай бұрын

In 2024 is there a digital interchangeable lens camera that can't take a good photo? Now, Is the handling of this camera worth 2 grand? The X factor so many hipsters crave can be distilled into a filter. A sensor is better the more clinical it is. You can add artefacts/flavour in post. At least odd lenses have physical aberrations that can't be authentically recreated after the fact. The lens makes the image. The sensor only measures that image in a grid at the focal plane.

@skfineshriber Ай бұрын

It was probably ahead of its time in 2015, but time has caught up to it. For about $1300, you can buy a new Panasonic S5 that produces better images. Check dpreview for image quality comparisons. Or, for about $1900, a new S5 II that is even better. The Panasonic build quality is plenty robust for 99% of us. You can even use Leica L lenses.

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

I completely agree. Build quality wise, this SL is on another level, but I wouldn't say that's enough of a reason to spend $2k on it though!

@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel Ай бұрын

I would pay Sony 500$ on top on any alpha camera if they would release a all black unlabeled camera like the SL. labeled buttons are so ugly.

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

The style and design of this camera is top tier. Though, you certainly pay for the luxury!

@NetvoTV Ай бұрын

How about these shutter and ISO dials on Zf and Fuji and Leica M?

@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel Ай бұрын

@@NetvoTV They are pretty cool but of course these have to be labled. :D

@shApYT Ай бұрын

You know... You can paint it black.

@42crazyguy Ай бұрын

Bro who cares

@ricardoantoniogonzalez9724 Ай бұрын

7:25 why i was able to afford to use this. Reaon 1 and reson 2

@zunazez6014 Ай бұрын

modern leica image feels like coming from sony.. I sold few of my leica digital cameras to get Sony so that I can abuse my camera to get the shots that I want :)

@txsam93 Ай бұрын

▶️

@s.tunafish Ай бұрын

What happened to the tint in this video? I mean, the video's great, but the B role tint 🤢

@ThoughtFission 26 күн бұрын

At least half the famous image comes from the glass. I get it, who can afford it. But if you're doing a video to show how good the Leica is, rent a Leica lens!

@ernstfrohlich897 Ай бұрын

These photos are really very disappointing. The sigma lens is probably to blame for this. But I've also heard from professional photographers that these Leica cameras aren't particularly good.

@michall6376 Ай бұрын

If you have to consider whether you can afford a Leica, you can’t afford a Leica

@cameraprepper7938 Ай бұрын

But all day long and all year Long, you get more for much Less with the Sony A7RV !!!

@michall6376 Ай бұрын

2000$ for a camera can be considered cheap. Come on, it’s the price of a Fuji and you can’t even take proper indoor photos with it.

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

I said that it's considered cheap for a Leica. I also made the point that it's certainly not cheap for a 10 year old camera, though. Why can't you take an indoor photo with it though? If you're referring to the lack of IBIS, that's a relatively new luxury. Photographers have coped without it for decades and managed to shoot indoors 🤷🏻‍♂️

@michall6376 Ай бұрын

@@TomCalton if you’re taking advantage of IBIS then by almost by definition you’re shooting a stationary object. When I’m shooting indoors it’s usually not furniture, and although Fuji images might look good at ISO6400 on your back screen, they certainly don’t on a 27 inch screen.

@derJackistweg Ай бұрын

Panasonic S.

@ycjycj2562 Ай бұрын

this is very ...very expensive

@Whaever_1981 Ай бұрын

don't shoot Sigma on it! ;)

@Stan_the_Belgian Ай бұрын

Canon 5d is slightly cheaper

@MrAndreCoutinho Ай бұрын

Much cheaper

@rafiidzuddin3363 Ай бұрын

It looks like those cheap off-brand chinese tiktok cameras 😭

@TomCalton Ай бұрын

Savage 🤣

@ClearComplexity Ай бұрын

Nobody buys SL cameras, why would somebody want a Panasonic design hardware and mostly firmware wise with a pretty body and multiple times the price? If you're going to spend the money yon SL, just get a digital medium format camera, since the only thing these really do well at that other FF cameras don't destroy them in are done better with a GFX camera for cheaper somehow. Then again, Leica isn't about being smart with money, it's about spending more money for less capability on average and then spend most of the time bragging about it. The original SL bodies were getting somewhat cheap and may have been worth it, but videos like these have raised to 500-1000 more than they were at the low points when I looked at them... the ultimate power of the "influence," destroy used pricing for people that would actually use the gear.