The Leica SL2-S Review. This is my FAVORITE Leica EVER even in 2022.

#LeicaSL2S #LeicaSL #LeicaCamera
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Written Review/First Impressions: www.stevehuffp...
Today I want to talk about the Leica SL2-S, which is now my favorite Leica digital camera ever! I have been a HUGE fan of the original (OG) SL ever since it was released and this is finally, the true SL replacement in my opinion. Amazing low light. Faster AF than the SL2. Appears to have a tweaked color science (for the better) over the SL2. Same body as the SL2, same EVF, LCD and menu. Itr's an SL2 with a, IMO, better sensor.
This camera is also crazy versatile as I can shoot L lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica as well as M lenses, Canon lenses and Nikon lenses via adapters.
The SL2-S has impressive video specs, and can shoot in full frame DCI 4k or even full HD full frame at 120 FPS.
I talk about all of this and more in this video! Enjoy, and thank you all.
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[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks all! Let me know if you want me to try any specific lens on the SL2-S!. I bought it, so now own it! I will have more to come, even maybe a comparison against the S5. BTW, the SL20S is in stock now: bhpho.to/3oJH1cX

[@akginpeace]

Would love to know how well it does with continuous face / eye AF. Not too many videos covering that after recent firmware updates. Would love to see images with any of the Leica L glass or M glass.

[@wilfredshum3703]

Did you try the vintage 50 mm f/1.5 Summarit on your sL2-S?

[@HiFiHuff]

@@wilfredshum3703 No as I no longer own that lens. But it would perform just as it did on the M in regards to IQ. Unique!

[@MartinBrandt]

This review has everything that's missing from so many so-called reviews: Personality, story-telling, heart. I am full of respect for the work and the insights. Thank you! Just got myself an sl2-s and can't wait to be able to afford a lens for it 🙂

[@andrewporfyri559]

Just bought the SL2S thinking it was going to be an expensive platform but using a sigma MC21 adapter to adapt my Canon L series lenses works a treat.All lenses are working super fast & have no issues whatsoever.It's just a gorgeous camera & feels really nice in the hand. I'm hooked

[@mashy1987]

I'm planning to buy the SL2-S. And have a 24-70mm Tamron EF mount. Would you recommend continuing to use the EF lenses or do you think it's better to invest in the Leica lenses?

[@theartofphotography]

DUDE this footage is GORGEOUS!!! Whoa…

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you!

[@HiFiHuff]

LOL, just saw that was you Ted! Thanks man!

[@OttoRascon]

Wow, that intro video is beautiful!

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you!

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Wow that looks really nice. I have an SL2 and I have to say this does have a slightly better color profile more akin to the original SL I agree. I hope one day I could get one of these and not feel nervous shooting over ISO 1600 which I sometimes do now with my SL2.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks for watching, and enjoy the SL2. With the "S" we are simply trading resolution for ISO and some speed. One day we may get all in one..high res, superb low light and speed!

[@guicbenites]

This was the review that made me go for the SL2-s! Great review the intro was just 🤌🤌

[@seandavey7085]

By far the best digital camera I have ever held and used. Swapped a 262 and m7 for one and I can't see myself ever going back to M system.

[@mariowanagat1412]

SL Stands for Spiegel los, means Mirror less 😉

[@jklphoto]

Thanks for not feeding my G.A.S. Steve. I'm a retired pro who doesn't need crazy-high ISO or video features, so I don't see upgrading to this model. My original SL (601) is a beautiful camera, which I purchased partly due to your glowing recommendation. And, as you point out, the SL (601) can be had for a song today. Mine was LNIB for $1979 from a dealer. I honestly don't know who is paying $8250 for the M10R, but I am glad they are supporting us pensioners! The pricing for their rangefinder cameras is grossly disproportionate to their feature set. BTW, new channel branding, Steve Huff Reviews?

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks JK! The OG SL is still today such a beautiful camera. You have a good one, enjoy it. As for the name, I changed it a while back as I started reviewing more than just photo gear. Audio gear also gets reviewed here from time to time.

[@AtomLabX]

My new favorite channel, I'm addicted to your videos at this point, thank you!

[@garryclarkson9084]

Excellent Steve. I’ve responded to all your videos by buying the Leica. Have an SL2 so you got me addicted. It’s a great camera but as I use it mainly for video - have the S2P for stills. Will definitely consider trading it for SL2S. Wish I’d have known or had the Leica crystal ball. As we all so😀 one thing about the battery. I find a cheap power bank doesn’t have to be the usb c one powers the camera all day as you can plug it strait into the usb slot on the camera. Powers it whist shooting and recycles the camera battery when turned off.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you Garry!

[@jankobosch5667]

Great review. I’m also still in love with the original SL.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks Janko!

[@johntocho8954]

I remember the original SL's from the mid-1970's. Added an M5 in 1976. Interesting to watch the latest in digital 50 years later. I enjoyed the video, very nice! Thank you!

[@ApostolosNikolaidis1]

I own the original SL with Leica R glass and I really hesitate to upgrade in order no to loose the lovely colours from it. That sensor performs exactly as I wished from a camera. The only upside of the SL2-S would be that it does not crop to APS-C at 4K resolution.

[@fabiolaspina2832]

Hi, I have several Leica R glasses and I would like to buy the SL Type 601. Have you an IG account with your pictures? Thanks

[@roundabout2701]

I got the Sigma fp and viewfinder (love it!) in no small part due to your reviews but still enjoy hearing your take on other cameras and appreciate you giving a credibility to older or less popular gear that are perfectly capable. Hope you revisit the fp with the new Sigma lenses. I was all ready to get some M-mount Voigtlander lenses and now need to figure out how to prioritize!

[@HiFiHuff]

I will revisit the fp and thank y you for watching.

[@simonemedori]

Hi Steve, I was just in doubt between buying a used type 601 (the original SL) or spending twice as much for the SL2-S, and you answered the question in an excellent way! Thanks very much for the quality of your reviews

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you Simone!

[@thedondeluxe6941]

I had a feeling you would like the SL-2S :-) From what I've seen, it's the best low light still photo camera ever made. And the video footage here looks absolutely amazing!

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you and I feel it is what I have been searching for....forever! Truly a fantastic low light camera, and very good video shooter as well.

[@jtes1442]

Beautiful camera. I’m very happy with my Z6 and I’m waiting on a Z7II, but if I could afford it I’d have the Leica SL-S. Leicas are beautiful cameras with a rich history to match.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you for watching. The Nikon's are great cameras as well. There seems to be no bad cameras these days. Enjoy!

[@Fleet42]

I love the camera it’s a perfect compliment to my Q2! The Leica Glass makes it magical!

[@HiFiHuff]

Nice combo!

[@kaijessen3654]

I really like the SL but I only drifted into it through owning other Leica cameras. I was offered a trade deal for my Monochrom because the sensor was bad and I still have three M lenses. That is all I have shot with and although I had planned to sell all of them I just can’t bring myself to do it. The 28mm Summicron works great on the camera and 35 and 50mm lenses each give such a unique look from one another. I like the sensor and the color and most of all the way I can fine tune the WB perfectly for sunsets by using the Kelvin meter. This will be my last camera as I ended up a poorer senior citizen than I had planned on being but I’m still disappointed in Leica pricing. If this camera ends up being sturdy enough to last 10 years,or more, it will be the first Leica camera to justify the price but I have my doubts. The M film cameras were expensive but durable and repairable for life. I just don’t ever see digital cameras going that way because the sensor is planned obsolescence.

[@chrisvassiliou889]

I agree with you especially on pricing , can understand the pricing on the bodies , but why I am asked to pay Leica prices for flash that is made by Nissin .

[@frankbosco293]

Thanks for this review. You made up my mind for the S vs the SL2. One other advantage of the S according to the specs is that the S has 5 axis VR and the SL2 does not have this feature.

[@Pat7777777ful]

very well made Video, thank you Steve! And the colors are just wow!

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you!

[@Simon-cr6ej]

The Leica SL2-S seems like an absolute winner to me. Yet, so many people complain about the price. In my effort to put things a little in perspective: It is handmade in Germany so it simply cannot compete in price. Even considering this, I think the SL2-S must be the best performance and best value for a LEICA camera in years! It is easy to yell about high prices, but for me it is the same difference as driving a Porsche 911 vs, a Nissan GTR, Off course, both will get you from A to B, it is just a different tool. The things a Leica offers do not translate to a spec sheet, like build quality, design and usability.

[@HiFiHuff]

I agree!

[@victorcarmelo8606]

Don't worry about complaints, it's your hard earned money, so spend it how you like. People spend thousands on cigarettes and booze, good for them if that's their preference, but not for me. I have a Q2 and ignore disparaging remarks on it's price. each to their own!!!

[@mlg9159]

Great video , nice review. Thanks to your old SL review I bought a second hand one and I’m very happy with it. By the way beautiful house

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you! Enjoy that SL!

[@Gynra]

I'm seriously considering this camera. If only lockdown will end!

[@HiFiHuff]

It's been a cray time over the past 10 months, hoping all of this will end soon.

[@mrtony3729]

Just subbed, thank you for the nice comparisons. Very interested to upgrade from the Q2.... Do you still feel the same now in Feb 2022 a year later? Still using the SL2-S?

[@stadtchronistjennersdorf6351]

Great to see another Leica review from you Steve! ;-)

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you!

[@victorweichenrieder1962]

Happy new year for you. The SL2-s is amazing. Thanks for your video. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🚀🚀🚀

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you Victor!

[@GoGrJr]

@steve could maybe compare the SL2s color science against the Lumix S5 (or any Panasonic similar to it) for stills? That would be so helplfull for me!

[@rolloffilm1996]

++++ S5 or S1

[@GoGrJr]

@@rolloffilm1996 for me it would def be the s5 because of size and handling

[@jjd139]

Great video, Steve. Happy New Year to you. Looking forward to a great year of information from you.

[@HiFiHuff]

Happy New Year! I will be ramping things up here for 2021 for sure. I may review the SL Summicrons soon. Thank you!

[@berndtwiest4571]

Great video with lovely warm photos.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you!

[@josephdesimone9072]

Thank you what beautiful home Happy new year and thank you for all your videos 🙂may love and light surround you

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you Jospeh!

[@koblinz]

The ambience music at the start wow! Did you make it yourself

[@obscur_yoann]

No words about the fp? How does it compare at high ISO and colors? Since your very enthusiastic review of it, you didn't say a word about it... Even when trying some L mount lenses. What happened? 🤔

[@HiFiHuff]

The Sigma FP is fantastic for those who want a modular system. I have said all I can say about the fp. It doesn't have IBIS (which is great for video as you can see here) nor does it compete in low light. BUT I do feel the fp sensor has better color, much like the OG SL. It's much smaller, so not as comfy to hold, and the VF is very large. I like that VF but it's different for sure. These are two different cameras. The fp is meant to be built up and rigged up with accessories. The SL is an all in one. The fp is more specialized really. For those who want a tiny full frame camera with impressive video specs it may be the answer.

[@obscur_yoann]

@@HiFiHuff Thanks for the reply. I thought the fp was very good in low light. The SL2S is better? That’s impressive... 😯

[@SD_Alias]

Great review. But i missed some words about the missing tilt display. I tried the lumix and the SL and i do not want to miss the option of that tilting display anymore…

[@HiFiHuff]

The SL has never had a tilt display. That's sort of a given.

[@SD_Alias]

@@HiFiHuff yes that has always been a negative and "KO-feature" of the SL. If Leica would build an SL with moving display i would be there…

[@ronanderson2130]

Steve I am sold on the SL2S with image stabilization . Love the colors coming with the Sigma and 65mm and 35mm lens. I also like the Hasselblad 907X camera. Wondering if you could take photo's of the same seen with each cameras and same lens. Then we could vote which colors are coming from each camera. I think it would be fun...

[@HiFiHuff]

The images from these cameras are 100% apparent and different due ro the medium format sensor. You can spot the 907x image 100% of the time just due to the look of the images using that sensor. Color aside (and they are wildly different in this area as well), totally different image quality and vibe. Also, different cameras for different purposes really. The 907x is still my #1 fave in general but my fave for 35mm full frame is this SL2-S. I see the Leica as a great hybrid (video/photo) and the 907x for all out IQ and medium format look. Thank you.

[@maximewong3415]

Why not a flip 🤔 screen

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Id happily trade in my Leica q for an sl2s. Ive owned quite a few newer cameras and tgey just dont compare. I consider my Canon a gshock and my Leica an automatic swiss. The later is quirkier but more satisfying. Oh yeah, my Leica is for sale😂

[@robertoposa1120]

Best youtube videos as usual

[@Edgy01]

The Leica adaper is fine and allows a faster lens change because of the six bit encoding decoding.

[@pamelamessman975]

You have sun by you 😂🌞 so peaceful and beautiful Steve 🤩

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you, and yes, we had a sunny day or two : ) Today was not so sunny though!

[@GuamPhotography]

Really great video Steve, thanks!! Happy New Year!!

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you! Happy new year!

[@Mauroplcr]

Very nice review specially the intro !! Which do you think is the best lens the Sigma or the Artisan ? I just bought an SL2-S with the Sigma F3.5 24mm DG , I need a new one a bit faster...

[@chrisvassiliou889]

Suppose the Leica SL2S version it is a scale down of the SL 2 , however to my surprise the S version it is heavier 931 to 835 grams

[@ianbrown704]

Steve, nice review but I think you missed Image Stabiliser? Just got mine and for a change its only £3975 in the UK.

[@HiFiHuff]

Well, I assumed everyone knows about that as I state this is exactly and SL2 with a new 24 MP Sensor. ; ) But yes, the IBIS is good, better than any Sony implementation of IBIS. More like Panasonic.

[@alainmonnens]

Great review! I am curious what it is like to use the Sigma Contemporary L-mount lenses on the Leica SL2-S? Are they recognised by the camera and how is the result? Creative greetings Alain

[@bakaroo23]

SL2s sensor in a 50mm Q. That’s my unrealistic dream.

[@rolloffilm1996]

My tooo!!!!

[@trantom5977]

May I ask you only one question which is does this camera have FACE, EYES focus or Does this camera use contrast focus? I just bought one today, and I don't like contrast focus. Please answer my question. Thank you Sir.

[@williaminbody205]

I own the SL, I looked at SL2, but the sensor just doesn’t produce the Leica look, like the original SL does...I bought it new just as SL2 came on to market. I also liked the in camera GPS, and the four pad control menus. I shoot all manual M lenses Voigtländer and Leica.

[@simonemedori]

Hi,can I ask you whether you’re using the Leica adapter for M lenses or something different? just wondering if it’s worth the extra money ... Thanks

[@williaminbody205]

I did buy the Leica adapter, it has worked flawlessly, can’t say if another brand would have performed as good for less....you’ll have no doubts with the Leica adapter.

[@frankbosco293]

Apparently SL2 does have vib reduction. The specs listed on Adorama had it wrong.

[@johnfretz1938]

What do you think about the Sigma 35mm? I really like the 45mm that came with my FP, and adore the 105mm, so was hoping the 35mm was just as nice. It's one of my fave focal lengths.

[@HiFiHuff]

I reviewed the new 35 and 65 a few weeks ago on this channel with the Panasonic S5: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inrQpo2ClJaDbtU

[@Hoppetakeyama]

Great camera. Happy new year.

[@HiFiHuff]

Happy new year to you!

[@buptrain]

Thanks Steve. Really need your words. I love the resolution and low light perf of sl2-s as my a7r4 and q2 pairing is missing on low light side. Deciding on which to replace.

[@HiFiHuff]

Hmmm. If it were me I'd go Leica Q2 and SL2-S ; ) But go with whatever you feel. Which do you like better? Your Q2 or Sony? The SL2-S can replace everything about the Sony besides resolution and the fast AF with eye detect, etc.

[@buptrain]

@@HiFiHuff Sony's body is surprisingly around the same size of Q2. I do use Sony more often, but mostly with voigtlander lenses. I kind of get what you are saying now. Leicas will have matching color and SL2s is definitely a better choice in handling m lenses.

[@vers1fier]

I'm curious, how is the weather-sealing on this beautiful beast?

[@manoj60mishra]

Which one lens (the best quality) for SL would you suggest for someone who has almost all kinds of M glass?

[@esppics21]

Thanks for the videos Steve...

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank You Eddie!

[@Herkulez1981]

Nice Review, this is out of my league but im really tempted to biyt the OG sl just to have somethimg different from my Canon gear for portraits but dokt know if it Will drive me crazy witt the autofocus

[@xstensl8823]

i have a Panasonic GX7 with Leica glass. the Leica glass makes a difference.

[@Biosynchro]

This truly is a wonderful camera, from what people are saying about it. I actually see it as an upgrade from the SL2. There isn't much to complain about, that's for sure. The one thing that I just can't understand is why Leica hasn't given us the option of selecting a more modern file format. JPEG should always be an option, but I think given the price tag, Leica should give you the option of something like JPEG 2000 or HEIF. This would allow us to forego RAW altogether, if we chose to.

[@HiFiHuff]

I do not see any camera offering this, unless I am just out of the loop. Seems every cameraI have come through here has JPEG and RAW. Maybe when this becomes a standard, they will do that.

[@eyemodeo]

@@HiFiHuff Nice Video Steve & thank you for sharing your insights. Is the video you did full frame or cropped Super 35,, at what frame rates..? I probably will buy this camera.However I would have to be convinced by its Video capabilities and put it through its paces in the real world. The demos are mostly daylight exteriors in pretty environments ..and let's not forget audio..Audio in video has not been touched upon. Leica makes the best still cameras in the world..and like you I love them.. I did own the 601 version and I do have several Leica film cameras. Any further thoughts on video would really help a lot..Thank you.

[@Biosynchro]

@@HiFiHuff If only Leica could take the initiative more often. 😉

[@c141charlie]

Steve, you still have the goods.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks CT

[@Rodge948]

This was great! how high iso can the sl2s handle? i need 25000 sometimes, rock conserts, i use nikon z6 for that, but i want the leica look i have leica q2 . i cant go so high wit that.but its not done for that i think

[@Jack-qn6vy]

Hey Steve can you talk specifically about the EVF enhancements? I use Sony A9 and I think it’s one of the best EVFs but I would love to have even better. I’m used to the old SLR film cameras...

[@cesarubeda4497]

I reckon and other people that this is the best Leica camera so... best (digital)camera ever?Perhaps.

[@patrickthean5927]

Hi Steve, thank you for your review. Is the color much different from the SL2? And is the low light performance much better than the SL2? I already have an SL2. Is there any reason to consider "downgrading" to this SL2-S? I also use CL lenses on my SL2, so I do appreciate the larger sensor since the CL lens crops the sensor down. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@HiFiHuff]

The color is different, but what one prefers is down to personal preference. I feel this one is closer to the original SL for color. As for low light it is much better than the SL2. It's a fantastic low light shooter, which is not something we are used to with Leica but this one is superb. Thank you!

[@giuliop.cacciari9689]

Does it suffer of battery draining like the SL2 47mp?

[@miroslavpandza6002]

Is this Leica good for weddings photography?

[@rumporridge1]

Lol any Leica is good for weddings.

[@SD_Alias]

00:27 Open laces. Just make sure you don't trip and drop the expensive camera ... :)

[@RandomLifeProductions]

I cannot adapt with my m42 lenses with a dumb Adaptor any ideas

[@mark12345697]

Great Video! Have you tested the 25fps highspeed mode? I heard that the sl2-s might be capable of shooting raw video without audio. BTW 3 grand for the original SL is way too much. I know a good secondhand place where you could get it much cheaper around 2300 USD. I bought mine around 1900 USD perfect condition.

[@judoki999]

Where's this place?

[@Dpul945]

Steve, have you used this camera with any of the the L Alliance lenses, especially for photography, 35mm or 85mm Sigma, or Panasonic. I love the idea of this camera for my work, the reality is during a pandemic the APO lenses are too expensive

[@HiFiHuff]

In the video I talk about the lenses used, which were the Sigma 35 and 65 and a couple of off brand M lenses ; ) Every photo and the video samples were shot with these lenses. Highly recommend the new Sigma lenses. Small, stunning build, very good performance. Thank you.

[@Dpul945]

​@@HiFiHuff Sorry that was a stupid question. I'm trying to find reviews where the 35&85 new lenses from Sigma are throughly tested on the SL2-S

[@giuliop.cacciari9689]

Thank you, I use Leica R lenses just for photo and my question is... Leica SL old or a Sony A7R3?

[@philipkirkegaard6278]

I personnally sold my a7r3 about a year ago and got the original SL. Never regretted it. I use it for my m-lenses, and its so much nicer.

[@FarEastSurvival]

Hi Steve, wonderful video. Thanks alot. I am torn between buying a used SL vs SL2S. I can buy a used SL for half the price of a new SL2S in Hong Kong. What would you recommend I do? I can afford both so I would like you to tell me if you believe SL2S is worth double the SL please. Thanks

[@HiFiHuff]

It's an easy choice. If you will shoot ins low light or high ISO, the SL2-S is worth it over the original. If you plan on ever shooting video, the SL2-S is well worth it. Yes, the original can shoot video but the Af will be slower, and there is no IBIS or stabilization and the quality is not quite as good as the SL2-S as the new sensor is fantastic. I'd go with the new one if you will be using video or shooting inn low light. The new one also has much better menus, and a sleeker interface. With that said, if you need a camera for stills only, and will shoot in decent light (up to ISO 3200) then the original is still a superb camera. If you need to go to ISO 6400 or up, the new one will be well worth the extra cost.

[@FarEastSurvival]

@@HiFiHuff Thanks Steve. I will go with the SL2S. I have been a Sony shooter for many years but once I got the Leica CL, I never take out the Sony to shoot these days. The SL2S as its full frame brother seems to check all the boxes for me.

[@That_Bimmer_Guy]

It really comes down to S1 vs SL2-S...performance wise they seem to be very on par. The main advantage is when using leica M glass. The handling and build quality is a given towards Leica SL2-S. Is that really worth an extra 2500? hmmmm or just pickup a used original SL. hmmmmm

[@HiFiHuff]

Build goes to Leica. Handling to Leica. Control and simplicity to Leica. Menus to Leica. Using Leica M 6 Bit lenses will be best on the Leica. The sensor is different, and Leica will have a more hearty file to edit. That was my experience between the S1 and the OG SL anyway. $2400 more for the Leica over the S1, and other can bring stunning results in video or photo. One goes with a Leica for the reasons above, plus the design and style. I talk about the original SL here and why that is still a great option. Thank you.

[@joelogan4260]

I have the Leica sl2 with the Fuji xt4 I will get the red Komodo for video

[@carstenklein4249]

I like your leica videos. 👍 Greets from germany. Carsten Villa Petersberg

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

This is a beauty of a camera.. but no phase detect, no eye-af is a dealbreaker at that price. There is no way you can justify this, even for the Leica glass (and even less if you’re using third-party lenses..), compared to any modern offering.

[@HiFiHuff]

I just did justify it, and also made the purchase. I chose this for it's build (the original has never given issue, and is built to withstand true pro use) for its design, for it's simple usability and controls, for its wonderful menu system and EVF implementation. For the way you can switch to video with one button, and keep your video menu options. It's quick, easy and hassle free. I chose it for its heritage, and the fact that the original gave me more enjoyment and memories (keepers) than any others digital I have used. I chose it for the file quality, depth and DR. I do not need EYE AF, no one does. It may be nice to have, and convenient but it is far from a need. It seems many have taken masterful shots over the decades without eye AF. This is probably the only camera that balances photo and video equally. It's perfect for either, for most circumstances. There is nothing from Canon, Sony or Nikon that get close to the build, usability , and function. Sure the AF (for video) is not up to par with Canon and Sony but it's far from unusable, as I showed here. Leica is not for everyone, but usually those who complain about them never owned one or appreciated one. There are no bad cameras these days, and seems there is something for everyone. No bad choices,, if you go with your heart. Thanks for watching.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

@@HiFiHuff We are made from the same substance, we like beautiful things. The issue with this is that it's very hard not to fall for our weakness. Of course it's absolutely beautiful, it's absolutely well made. The attraction is too appealing. But if we do our self critique and use a bit of sangfroid and think about it objectively, the goal is to be able to take very good images, the image is the product. The image is the beautiful thing. Or it's a never-ending quest. Just like a hifi system is about the music, not the system. It doesn't mean I can't go and grab crazy stuff (I have an Otus), but I try to go into a careful analysis about what I go for. And since we live in a very technical world, it has to meet some technical minimums. And again, I'm an absolute die hard fan of design. But design needs to serve a purpose and a value. I can accept it being "a bit too much" or "a bit too expensive" (please translate this to "way too expensive"). I have a (big) tolerance. But there is a limit. The Leica SL is definitely beyond the limit. Yes, the history of photography is made of images made without eye-af, and even without autofocus. But this is not the world we live in anymore and art is not made from constraints you make to yourself but from the ones imposed to you.

[@redtvproductions1]

@@Maxime-ho9iv get a better job rather than complain because you cant afford one. If they were cheap everyone would have one and nothing would be special.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

@@redtvproductions1 LOL So first of all your comment comes from nowhere since debate and discussion never killed anyone. And since that’s what you angle is and what apparently matters to you, I have to mention I probably earn way more than you do.

[@travis8665]

@@Maxime-ho9iv You probably wear Granny knickers too. Its about having what you want and as a pro, I understand the value of using a tool I can be happy with. I cant pay for a new Leica in less than 2 weeks. If you just shoot the dog or cat then you can shoot with a Sony.

[@AR-scorp]

Footage is gorgeous. But for 5k usd, leica is encroaching medium format territory. I doubt that it can stay relevant.

[@dariasitcom3022]

“It even gets *close* to the Sony A7Siii and I’m not the only one to say this” “...and get useable results, to me that’s amazing for a Leica camera” Sigh. I don’t understand why Leica shooters get so excited about Leica gear almost (not) catching up with competition while being infinitely more expensive. I see this all the time. While comparisons often suggest Leica is behind, you’ll find Leica shooters praise autofocus and EFV capabilities, for example, but then those users were only familiar with rangefinders up to that point, so...not impressed. Disclaimer: the only camera I want to get is either the SL2 or SL2s and don’t know which to go for. But I still don’t get what the fuss is about. I wouldn’t be able to upgrade every couple of years with Leica gear because of the cost, and that’s a scary thought, when you keep in mind how it already doesn’t measure up to current competition. Thoughts?

[@gvs376]

Why would you want to buy an SL2 or SL2s, if you don't know what the all the fuss is about?

[@bernardlesperance742]

It's really too bad that you haven't invested in Leica lenses. Perhaps you would/could have if you hadn't bought so many bodies over the years. Leica lenses really do provide unique IQ characteristics - simply superb and incomparable. Going forward you really should focus on lenses and not bodies in terms of your personal gear . . . and, of course, make them Leica lenses - even used if necessary. Of course it's not for me to tell you what to do, but I have practiced what I preach and have benefited immensely for it.

[@Laight4work]

the m240 sensor blows this thing away.

[@javatube3450]

Odd review, I'm confused about buying a Leica camera to pair with third market lenses and Tartisan? Feels like putting after market rims and tires on a Lamborghini. Maybe buy a Panasonic body and Leica glass?

[@HiFiHuff]

Not at all. I feel many 3rd party lenses can be nicer than Leica M. For example, there is nothing like the 50 Zeiss Sonnar f/1.5, and the new Voigtlander 50 1.2 is stunning, some like it better than the 50 Lux. Lenses will bring different results though, not necessarily "better" as "better" doesn't really exist in photography. Just different. A cheap $400 Tt Artisans lens with it's hefty construction, full brass mount and smooth aperture ring feel just as good in build but will offer a more creative bokeh effect and softer wide open results, which is always better for portraits. So there are many lenses one can use besides Leica and create beautiful works. If one wants to spend $5k and up per lens from Leica to get slightly sharper results wide open, they can. But I do not see sharpness as anything that improves a photo. It's character I look for, and there are many lenses created by Canon, Nikon, Voigtlander and others that offer up lenses with some gorgeous character.

[@dakotaxu4792]

Why is it that the L Mount Alliance just can’t get their act together with autofocus?

[@HiFiHuff]

No idea. They should get on board with phase detect AF, and try to at least compete in this area with Sony and Canon, and even Nikon. It's the one thing that holds back the Panasonic's and Leica cameras back from near perfection in a mirrorless camera.

[@russellmann8297]

I take a lot of pictures and enjoy my photography a lot. It is my opinion that China, Russia and America are going to war, as a matter of fact we are already at war with them in many ways. If you don’t believe this then why have so many companies already been going through cyber attacks and many have been put out of business completely. So I have to ask the question why are so many Americans still buying Chinese goods and products daily? Why are so many Chinese products promoted on Facebook and other social media outlets. Why do I see all kinds of Photography gear and Lens from China promoted on KZbin? Why do I see so many folks bragging about their new Chinese lens on all the photography forums? Obviously we are now living with generations of people who never watched the death tolls each night from Vietnam! Obviously we are living with people that haven’t a clue how many lives were lost at Pearl Harbor and World War Two. Do you have to see blood and bodies out in the street before you get it people. Wake Up! 

[@christophmunch4796]

Nobody except some doctors and lawyers who also buy golden USB cables for their HiFi equipment (on which they listen to crappy blues rock because it reminds them of their youth) believes such hyping of Leica anymore. I bet nobody could discern Leica photos from Sony or Canon photos of the same scene. And don't get me started with this RF BS. It may be practical for some special cases, but it of course doesn't warrant such a huge price. Ridiculous.

[@HiFiHuff]

No hype here, just facts, specs, reality. This is not a tool for the rich, it's a tool for those who have a deep passion for photography. It bests the big names in so many ways. Well worth the asking price you have a deep passion for all of this. I have a friend who has had the OG SL since it was launched. It's beat, scratched, worn out but never once did it fail, or give an issue. He still uses it today and it is his favorite camera of all time. He. has dropped it on rocks, rolled down a hill, dropped in snow and it has bene in heavy rains. It looks the part, but man it works just as good as the day he got it. A worthy investment he made as he has never given into the "this is new so I must get it". He is still thrilled with his old SL. That's how a Leica can SAVE you money as so many who buy Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc upgrade with every new release, costing them more. I do nor feel a Leica M is a worthy investment but the SL is their best digital camera offering, and what a camera it is. Thank you.

[@christophmunch4796]

I rather handle my equipment with adequate care instead of dropping it or letting it roll around. Never had such problems, just like I never had a smashed smartphone screen like some others. Of course, if you are careless, you have to pay more, in one way or another. 3 Sony A7IIIs equal 1 Leica...

[@Bryan-lu4du]

@@christophmunch4796 I’ve owned a Sony A7 II and while it was an impressive camera it felt like I was using a computer and not a camera. It also felt somewhat cheap and the ergonomics were terrible. Paying up for the SL and then later the SL2 was worth it for me personally. I also enjoy Leica’s color science better than Sony’s also I’ve noticed Sony’s has improved a great deal in their more recent cameras.

[@SD_Alias]

@@christophmunch4796 If you really use your camera very often then such things WILL happen. And if you earn your living with it it is fast paid with the first jobs. If you are an amateur and do just occasional photography your camera will of course get almost never dirty. And of course for just some photos now and than you do not need such a camera…

[@frankluo230]

I used to think exactly like you but as I get older, I appreciate those intangible differences more and more. A thing of beauty makes you want to grab the tool to create, a bit like having a plain screw driver costs over 10times more than ones found in Walmart with the same function. Is it crazy, not as much as you might have thought. Those intangible things may not be easy to point your finger to but they are factual.