The most ZEN camera ever made

[@Edwin--]

Thanks for another great video. The Leica TL and the Hasselblad X1D were both groundbreaking cameras from the same time, which should serve as an example of how a user interface should be (and maybe the Zeiss ZX1 too). Simple, beautifully styled and very intuitive. I opted for the CL over the TL2 because I liked the integrated viewfinder better, but would not have minded a CL with the TL2's menu system. I think Leica should have equipped them with a dual user interface, so you can select a 'new' or 'classic' interface, depending on your preferences. The current generation who learns photography on smartphones, will like the TL2's interface a whole lot more than of any other camera on the market today. It is the future that didn't make it to mainstream. I would have loved to see a TL3 without an SD card, internal storage for photos and instead a sim card slot and a 5G internet connection, so you could sync photos straight to the cloud. That should in my view be the future of that camera, and any camera for that matter.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Thank you Edwin, I would like to have the X1D at least for a few weeks. It's a camera I was always interested in (the Zeiss less so, but that's more about the fixed lens). CL wins with its utility but it is missing the TL2's menu, which would be a really nice fit. But Leica unified the menu with their other cameras and the CL is really a mini-SL, so it makes sense. I wish all cameras had internal storage - I actually haven't put aSD card into the TL2 - the internal 32GB memory is enough and transfer speed to computer is as fast as what my SD card reader can do. Sadly, we will never see a TL3 with all those features, although they do sound nice!

[@earlfenwick]

Petr. Killing it! You've put your finger on the real issue for someone who is interested photography as an art. Or at least artis-Tic. I've been searching for a zen camera for me. Seems like I know too much about cameras to be able to make a decision. Probably a common problem! I thought many times about the Sigma fp as a likely candidate, but those 2 Leicas are a good fit for someone who loves usability and clean design. Esp the TL.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Thank you! Glad you liked the video. It is a common problem that has only one solution - complete ignorance or trying the gear on your own in real life. Otherwise it's anaylsis -> paralysis :) Combnination of CL and TL2 is a great combo but I still prefer CL as an everyday camera.

[@earlfenwick]

I'm bidding on a beat up tl2. We'll see if I win it in a few minutes...@@PetrGardianTV

[@Deetroiter]

Thanks for doing another video on the TL2. It’s truly a hard hitting heavyweight champion that never gets the credit it deserves. The photos out of it look full frame and the colors are outstanding. I’ve shot with other cameras from Pentax full frame, Fuji, etc and none of them come close to the feeling of the photos out of the TL2. Can’t put my finger exactly what it is but there a certain natural beauty to the pictures. They don’t look AI polished, over sharpened, etc. The objects pop in a 3d manner, etc. The design is also still one of the sexiest I’ve ever seen. Leica paired with an Audi designer on the T series camera and they sure nailed it! I can agree with you on the yes and no. The AF can sometimes leave you wishing it was better unless you have very bright settings. Also, even though the bodies are discontinued and can be found cheap, the native lenses still hold their prices quite high. In the US, the 35 1.4 still averages around $1600 used (it is a KILLER lens though!). And if you’re shooting in cold weather, it will feel VERY cold since it’s a block of aluminum.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Thank you, I agree with the looks of the images. There is something Leica knows that others don't... or they don't care, because you can't put it on a spec sheet :) I wish the AF was better, maybe if Leica continued tuning the TL2 firmware, like they did for CL, it would be better. It's still usable, so no real complaints. The TL35 lens is the best prime for any crop sensor camera I have ever used and it's the reason I can see myself getting the SL2 - just so I can still use this lens and get enough megapixels out of the camera :)

[@unbroken1010]

You sound Rich 🤑

[@jcbever1511]

I have several cameras, but the TL2 is my favorite. I like the shape & size of this camera, along with the image quality. I plan to use it until it breaks and I can no longer get it repaired. Leica says they'll support it for 6 years beyond my purchase so I hope to fully utilize it during (and hopefully after) that period.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Hopefully it will last longer. Enjoy!

[@CM_7]

Thanks for doing a video on the CL/TL system. I mainly use a CL now but keep the original T. Design, colour and handling of all these caneras is just fine. I used several Sony cameras before switching to Leica, and am not missing them.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Thanks for sharing! Keep enjoying your Leica cameras!

[@TheTuscaloosa]

Love Leica but do not understand why they gave up on APS C. I am looking for the TL2 used in germany.

[@yongdol73]

Higer priced, higher margin products. That's what Leica wants to produce and sell.

[@devonzachariasmedia]

The simplicity of Leica cameras with all their quirks makes shooting enjoyable. I recently bought the Fuji X100VI and the menu drove crazy how awkward it is.

[@PetrGardianTV]

X100VI with a modern Leica menu would be amazing.

[@devonzachariasmedia]

I'm not sure why so many camera manufacturers haven't tried to simplify their user UI. I'll be testing out the a7CII in a few days, hoping Sonys new UI is better than Fuji's.

[@PetrGardianTV]

@@devonzachariasmedia I'm considering that Sony as well. Let me know your experience, if you don't mind :)

[@georgiosc41]

Another nice video Petr, keep up the good work, you are right on your assessment. I have an A7iii but also got the TL2 with the 18 and 23 mm lenses both are very nice the camera is like a an expensive car that everyone familiar or not comments on it.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Thank you! I like your analogy to expensive car, so don't be surprised if I use it in future, lol :)

[@ReinoldFZ]

Thanks for a honest opinion. Maybe in hand I would love this camera but just watching through internet I still couldn't feel comfortable without a viewfinder to get what I see with my eyes, the fixed display make it complicated for low angle shots, the lenses gor the system are few and not optically corrected, and the worse part is that in this age of smartphones U.I.s based in touchscreens are quite boring. I can set my Fujifilm X100S to use the optical viewfinder, a recipe to have a perfect jpeg, and I am ready to enjoy a device that feels more like a steam-punk mechanical machine than another modern gadget. With this I am not saying the Leica is a bad camera, for what I see on Flickr this is a wonderful tool in capable hands, just I think its characteristics are meant for a niche audience with a narrow set of requirements, which the X100 line is as well.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I agree with a lot of it. The TL2 is a niche camera for niche use and it's definitely not for everyone (and it definitely is not for every type of photography). The lenses though are very good and at least the 35/1.4 and 60/2.8 are optically corrected. It's the lenses I like most from the system and why I'm so gutted Leica discontinued it. I think you are onto something here with your steam-punk reference. Having physical buttons and top notch viewfinder is why we like cameras more than touch screen only smartphones. I'll remember that :)

[@myself3209]

"There is one camera, that is completely different" *proceeds to show camera thats exactly what you expect*

[@PetrGardianTV]

Glad I didn't disappoint, lol :)

[@chocomonya]

最近TLを購入しました。 どのカメラもメニューが複雑で機能を覚えられない。 私はCANON、SONYのカメラを持ってますが、いまだに理解してない機能がメニューの中にたくさんあります。 しかしこのカメラは、全てのカメラの中で１番使いやすいUIをしてると思いました。なんて使いやすいメニュー！

[@PetrGardianTV]

The menu is a work of art.

[@thepirateshoots]

A camera without a viewfinder is a pain when operating in harsh sunlight.

[@Deetroiter]

Never had an issue with that on my Leica TL2. Even in bright desert sun, no problems.

[@PetrGardianTV]

I can confirm the LCD has high enough brightness for comfortable use in daylight.

[@unbroken1010]

Cope

[@user-sh3kn9ov8v]

damn bro, now i "need" this. My wallet ran to hide 😆

[@PetrGardianTV]

Smart wallet😀

[@tomtakumi]

I'm still waiting for your Sigma 18-50mm L mount review. No pressure though.

[@PetrGardianTV]

I have it, I'm using it and will make the video soon.

[@chrishuang8763]

Isn't this camera has been discontinued few years ago ?

[@PetrGardianTV]

Yes, it's what I'm saying in the video.

[@hasanerdemcalik]

when using evf (looking from the evf 020 ) can you make touch focus af?

[@PetrGardianTV]

No, you can't. I just tried..

[@hasanerdemcalik]

@@PetrGardianTV thank you for your answer 🙏

[@TungstenOvergaard]

ZEN camera. So ZEN nobody remembers.

[@PetrGardianTV]

I'm not sure I understand.

[@86BBUB]

"Zen" = nonsense. 🤣

[@PetrGardianTV]

😀

[@miklosnemeth8566]

It's 2024 august and I am thinking of buying a TL2 as an accompanying camera next to my Panasonic S9 and Sigma compact prime lenses including the Sigma 17mm/F4. The only reason of buying is the compatibility with the Leica Visoflex tilting external electronic viewfinder. I simply love tilting-up EVFs, and since now with the fantastic S9, I am in the L mount world, this is the only option to get a tiltup EVF camera. I was really sorry that Panasonic didn't make the S9 compatible with Leica Visoflex. MPB has a number of TL2 silver models for €1100 - 1300 EUR with 6 months warranty, as well as Visoflex Typ 020 EVFs for €320, so, the total would be €1600 a hefty price, but hey, you will have a brilliant Leica camera with excellent touch screen and tilt-up EVF all with 6 month warranty.

[@PetrGardianTV]

TL2 is great but when you try CL, you won't go back (tilting EVF or not). I'd like to try the S9 though...

[@n5sdm]

Yes... all serious photographers use leica. Wedding photographers, photojournalism professionals, studio photographers. They all use leica, for its value, cost effective lenses, and versatility. 😅😂😂😅 😝😜🙄

[@PetrGardianTV]

LOL

[@youtub3ian728]

Looks like Leica sent you an essay and you're reading it from the teleprompter like a poem. Nice job. How much did they pay you.

[@PetrGardianTV]

LOL

[@GeertKuster]

Last year I sold my T to purchase the CL. But I always missed the experience of simply holding its unique body shape and using it. So when I saw a TL2 locally for sale with the Visoflex and the Leica M-adapter, I immediately bought it. Now I have the CL ánd the TL2 lol. Now I’m holding on to both.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Great story! I also have the TL2 and CL at the moment and am trying to justify keeping both :)

[@GeertKuster]

@@PetrGardianTV oh absolutely, it’s hard to justify. I keep my XT1 with three WR primes as travel/skiing cam, have the CL for all other daily stuff and am still trying to justify the TL2 in that regard, but I think I’m keeping onto it. If it’s not for the ‘need’ it is for the ‘want’ of peak industrial design. Like that beautiful crafted Scandinavian watch I’m holding on to, even though I have much more ‘serious’ Swiss and Japanese watches. But that there’s something made for the sake of beauty, is maybe enough reason to justify and keep something. Don’t know, could well be an item I’ve sold in 6 months time for good (I won’t buy it a third time)

[@PetrGardianTV]

@@GeertKusterThird time the charm! :)

[@maximusaugustus6823]

it looks just like my old Sony A5100, not unique at all.

[@theowlfromduolingo7982]

I think the Leica looks more minimalistic since it’s one smooth piece of aluminium.

[@PetrGardianTV]

It all makes sense when you hold one in hand. Looks can be deceiving.

[@dkennedy1]

when you see one and hold it in person, you’ll get it.

[@dubanhernandocastanedamora7196]

Jajajajja and cheaper

[@dubanhernandocastanedamora7196]

It looks Just Like my old sony nex 7. Not unique at all.

[@ckdav1]

Totally agree with what you have said here. I have recently got a like-new CL and it has become daily user. For my semi-pro work I use the Lumix S1 & R and S5m2x. So all the lenses integrate and use my old M Leica glass too. It’s nice to put the small APSC lenses on the S1R as they still return 20mp photos.

[@PetrGardianTV]

CL has been my daily driver for 3 years now. No other camera came close to replacing it. And I've been looking! :)

[@yangfei7187]

Big screen，friendly OS ,take good picture as leica m

[@PetrGardianTV]

Yes :)

[@DJ369-Miami]

Well, only 39% 5 star on Amazon. I think thats all one has to know about the TL2.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Yes, because Amazon reviews are the golden standard :)

[@kiwipics]

I'm considering buying a NEW in box Leica T in 2024 (maybe madness), and wanted to know if you shoot in RAW only or RAW and jpeg.

[@PetrGardianTV]

I shoot mostly RAW on all my cameras, including the TL2. But that is just what I am used to... Leica T(L2) has some nice Jpeg rendering especially in monochrom. About the new T: I have stayed away from it and bought the TL2 because I wanted the best internals in the same body (minus flash). T has some quirks that even firmware updates have not resolved. But if you can get it for a good price and have small AF lens(es), then it can be a nice point and shoot camera.

[@kiwipics]

​@@PetrGardianTV .. I only ask because I've always shot RAW and large / fine JPEG on my canon / lumix / fuji cameras ... There are so many views on the RAW and jpeg files of the T and TL2

[@kiwipics]

I will still buy the NEW / old stock T that I've found, and the cost of £600 for a brand new Leica is acceptable to me. I already have a 7 Artisans 25mm f2 for it and a Voightlander 35mm color skopar M mount (for my M6 Titanium) and an M to L adaptor.

[@PetrGardianTV]

@@kiwipics Sounds good. Enjoy this unique camera!

[@jimbimedia]

Leica got of APS-C.

[@PetrGardianTV]

Yes, the cameras still work though.

[@MartinV.]

Great Video

[@PetrGardianTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tobefree3718]

Nonsense video. Buttons, ergonomics, shape are essentially the same as every other compact camera that Sony, canon put out. It was just v expensive version.

[@PetrGardianTV]

And yet, it has something special about it. Try one for few hours if you will have the chance.

[@kaczynski2333]

It’s a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 Moving on

[@PetrGardianTV]

That's Leica Digilux 2.

[@kaczynski2333]

@@PetrGardianTV dude, they’re the same fucking camera.

[@PetrGardianTV]

@@kaczynski2333 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 and Leica Digilux 2 are the 'same' camera (except body design). Neither of them has anything in common with Leica TL2 (which is what you implied in your original comment).

[@kaczynski2333]

I heard “DL2” my bad. I was listening, not watching.

[@GeorgeStar]

Another mediocre, over priced, under-featured Leica trophy camera for insecure photographers more concerned with their image than the image. The Fuji X-E4 for example is cheaper, lighter, more versatile and customizable with tilting screen, viewfinder and comparable IQ. The Leica "mystique" is complete marketing BS. Photographers - idiots, of which there are so many say, "Oh, if only I had a Nikon or a Leica, I could make great photographs." That's the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. It's nothing but a matter of seeing, and thinking and interest. - Andreas Feininger

[@PetrGardianTV]

I agree that Fuji X-E4 is more versatile but it is not cheaper - try to find one used for less than a used TL2. And I'm not even recommending the TL2 to anyone who doesn't have something else for more serious use.

[@18yearsoldnot]

And once you add the obligatory accessory grip and thumb accessory to the xe-4 it is heavier 😂. Have you seen that the l mount was invented by the t system? It makes this camera half the price of the xe4 because you can use the lenses from lumix, sigma, and Leica. So if I wanted to go crazy with video I get my sigma fp and use the tl35 lens - which btw destroys any Fuji lens ❤

[@PetrGardianTV]

@@18yearsoldnot Good point with the lenses. And the TL35 smokes away any APS-C 50mm eq. lens. By a mile!

[@GeorgeStar]

@@18yearsoldnot No talent, pretentious, obsessive compulsive pixel peepers are always desperate to find ways to justify paying 3X-4X more than necessary. In the real world most working photographers make a fine living with Sony, Nikon & Canon and put the rest of the money in the bank.