Did I Like The Leica SL Mirrorless Camera? My Review

These are my thoughts on the Leica SL and the 24-90mm f/2.8-4 lens. Thanks to Leica for lending the setup to me! Links to the gear…
Leica SL: amzn.to/2PijtKf
24-90mm: amzn.to/2Pc1CVe
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This video filmed with...
Camera: amzn.to/2O6SBwy
Lens: amzn.to/2QmKSML (I have the older version)
Music: Nocturnal Waltz by Johannes Bornlöf on Epidemic Sound
Hi! I’m SnapChick. My channel is about photography as an art form and as a lifestyle, with a healthy dose of technology thrown in! I post new videos every week so subscribe here on KZbin, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+, and join in on the conversation!
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[@nate7603]

I love how gentle you are when putting down the camera.

[@BastianSchmid-y3b]

Here i am 6 years later, and must say best review on KZbin, love it

[@alexrussell5447]

I've been a fan of your videos for awhile, but this one really got me. I had the opportunity to buy a secondhand SL for a steal, so took it based on this video. I agree with a lot of what you said here - very easy to pick up and use, no real barrier to entry (even though using a Leica was potentially a little intimidating, even though I've used so many other cameras). I absolutely love the way you delivered your sample shots with that piano piece, too, and enjoy coming back to this and just watching that bit. So, thank you for a great video the led me to make a purchase that I absolutely love. It is appreciated.

[@bradleyzimmerman4184]

I've been in this industry heavy since the mid 80's. It has been my passion, some say obsession for most of my life. I'm a gear head and an optics snob too. Saying all that, I can honestly tell you that I can shoot almost anything with a latest and greatest Canon EOS Rebel and a few lenses and the results would be fantastic. It is just because of experience and the passion. But when it comes to ultimate physical quality (the camera and lenses not me ;D ) Leica and Zeiss can and usually do a phenomenal job without question. They are not hot rods and to my knowledge never have been. They were never meant to be in that category and that is where too many people come to the wrong conclusions. What you get is well thought out and highly precise instrument that isn't meant for "Here today, gone tomorrow". They make their equipment for people who crave these qualities and that's that! You can take a nice Sunday drive in a Hyundai or a Rolls Royce and get to the same destination. For those who believe it is not really about the destination but the experience of the drive, then you will find and understand a Leica owner.

[@VintageandRare]

Well put.

[@thomasrmckean7783]

Definitely Agree😁

[@gentleman0678]

Well said!!

[@krishnancom]

That might be true for lenses as physics ultimately reigns, but when it comes to the camera body, even Leica is here today gone tomorrow as digital technical specs and software ultimately override any construction superiority Leica might have.

[@ArtyYooo]

Nothing you've said has any concrete reality to it. It's just pure marketing speak. Open ended terms like "precision", "built for the long haul" etc. are totally meaningless. What matters is image quality, sensor, etc. And with Leica you can get better results for less money using Canon or Nikon.

[@Detailverliebt]

I switched from Nikon to Leica about 30 years ago. No regrets.

[@saymyname218]

You cannot beat the red dot .

[@shinjik4797]

Which model do you have?

[@bccreativeproductions9767]

You really did this camera review justice. The images you took with it are sublime and great care was taken by you to get them. Thanks for the review and look forward to the next one :)

[@AgnostosGnostos]

A new Leica SL is coming this year. Also the Leica SL is fully compatible with the more affordable full frame L mount Panasonic lenses and the forthcoming L mount Sigma lenses. That is very important.

[@faisalee]

Hmmm... Leica body with Sigma lenses! It’s not just the body, the main part of this setup is the lens actually! We can argue for years about this topic, but once you have used a Leica lens on a Leica body, it will never really be the same, EVER! But! I don’t own a Leica body or a Leica lens and probably never will, you can safely ignore this post :)

[@chazdillon2909]

AlteredStar Studios the sigma art lenses are pretty amazing though. They just aren’t built like a tank like the Leica ones.

[@Grant_Ferstat]

It is beautiful. I love the minimalist approach just the essential things being there but being configurable.

[@SWAviatorII]

Some of the most beautiful still I’ve ever seen. No kidding, it brought tears to my eyes. ❤️

[@alexrussell5447]

I've loved your work for awhile now, but just wanted to say thank you for this video in particular. I've had the piano piece in my head and have rewatched this a few times now. Then, an opportunity to buy one at an unbelievable price came up, and I couldn't resist - so thank you.

[@bfotosuk]

I've got one and it's awesome, I've shot Canon for 10 years and now I am slowly moving everything to Leica. My 5DMK4's have nothing on this camera. The Q is equally as amazing! Top vid.

[@fhutowurks]

I own this camera and it is amazing, I have after year or so sold the 24-90 and use prime m lenses instead. The weight got me as did the size. People tend to shy away from big lenses, and this is big one. The lens is incredible. Along with the SL I also use the Leica Q which is also an incredible versatile and my most favorite travel camera. I have used every camera system pretty much and find the Leica although expensive is very versatile and always gives me incredible image quality that I can't seem to find with other brands. I also find that Leica although again expensive is truly not that expensive when compared to the various brands and there high-end lenses. It also is to note that people tend to buy a lot of zoom lenses and they are not really necessary most of the time and the cameras become excessively heavy for when you just need to take a few steps such as using a 35 mm versus a 50 mm or 28 mm. Using the SL with Primes the weight is no longer a factor nor is it size and the image quality is outstanding

[@RichardBO9]

Thank you for your thoughtful review of this camera. I am renting one to check it out myself. I particularly value you reviews as I also live in the desert southwest so it helps me picture how the gear will function in this environment. Love the way this camera handle the harsh light in your Grand Canyon sunset photo.

[@chewbokehl1435]

First review I’ve watched of yours and enjoyed how down to earth, clear and concise it was. Can’t afford it but still enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@j204ever5]

Finally a good and calm presentation of a camera. This young, pretty woman does it better than most reviews on KZbin. My sincere respect for this presentation. Thank you.

[@dionoliveira4058]

Thank you, great review and confirmation. I have strongly felt yet not quite experienced the magical elements of Leica SL, and that 3 years later all the rest have been and still are trying to catch up and compare. Really enjoy your inspiration x

[@SWAviatorII]

I’m shooting a Leica R4 that I’ve had since the ‘90s. What you say about the quality of photos with the SL can be said of my R4, or an M3, or of anyone other Leica ever made. That is not hyperbole on my part. It is not a myth. Just fact. I also shoot a Nikon D700 which in my mind is one of the best of the digitalis. My wife had D7200 and a Leica R4 for film. She is a gifted photographer and both suit her perfectly. When I pickup my Leica my entire mood changes about what I’m going to shoot. Great review! Thank you.

[@StariusPrime]

The only Leica I ever used was back at a community college in the late '90s. I learned how to take and develop my own B&W pictures on it. It was quite a workhorse camera, though I don't remember what model it was now. Even though I don't even remember how to do anything in the dark room these days, I'm glad I had that experience back then.

[@LindaEnfield]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review. I have a Leica M that I love to bits and have no intention of ever selling as it’s an absolute pleasure to use, simple to operate and the images it produces are gorgeous.

[@fotonutzz]

Nice review. I've been shooting with the SL since last year and I've love the images that comes out from this camera. I bought the Nikon D5 in Mar 17 and SL in May 17. After using the SL and comparing the images, user interface, handling and the viewfinder, I sold away my D5 in Jun 17. Bought the APO 90-280 in the beginning of this year and I was totally hooked into the Leica ecosystem. Try and borrow the SL with the 90-280 and see if you like it. It's heavy, but the image quality of the 90-280 is second to none !

[@fanooch1]

My favorite photography chanel, bar none. Thoughtful, thorough and well done. Keep up the good work.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@PremPS1000LE]

I trained as a photojournalist in the military in 1977. At that time, we were offered kit choices of Canon and Nikon in 35mm format. I went with Nikon and stuck with that brand through 2006 (Nikon F2A through Nikon D2X & D200. Two books published about architecture in Japan and Cambodia while using D2X/D200, along with a six month stint in India, lugging around all of that glass, I grew tired of being a photographic pack mule and switched to Leica. At the time, that meant film and an M6, which was probably the most robust camera body I ever owned and the last camera I have had that could be used without batteries if need be. I made the move to the M9 in 2011 and to the M10 last year. I must say, the M10 along with the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux lens is just about all I ever need. When I hit the road, I will take a gear bag with several other lenses, but usually it stays in the AirBnB, while I'm out with the body and 35mm lens. Last year, in Japan, I only took the M10 and 35mm along with the extra batteries and SD cards. Free to explore without the burden of heavy photo gear. I have never been disappointed with this setup and, as you pointed out, there is a unique look to images captured with this brand. Also, as you pointed out, this is probably not the best choice for a sports photographer, but I don't shoot sporting events other than the occasional motorsport or horse racing event. But for what I do, you pointed out what makes Leica valuable to me. And to shoot down what a lot of folks say about price., a pro level kit in either Canon or Nikon flavors can be just as expensive. Your review has made me want to give the SL a try...just out of curiosity though, as I am perfectly happy with my current setup.

[@woodenrabbitc2134]

Thank you for your review, I'm glad you enjoyed your time it with the Leica SL. Your experience definitely aligns with my experience. I currently own the Leica SL (with both the 50mm and 16-35mm lens) and adore it. The colours and picture quality from the Leica is wonderful. I started taking photos with Nikon (D100) and still have Nikon bodies and lens but am much more satisfied by my Leica. The photos I get from Leica rarely needs any post edits to make them looking great and that's what really drew me to Leica -getting great photos straight from the camera. The Leica lens are truly stunning (price too!).

[@SKimbrough]

Good review where it doesn’t appear biased for/against other manufacturers. You clearly put some thought into your delivery. Now that you’ve handled this SL, would you consider giving your thoughts on using one of their rangefinder cameras... namely the M Monochrom Typ246? Considering the quality of some of your previous monochromatic boudoir shots, I think you might enjoy the different experience. Let me know what you think. Just tell them it’s time for another varied experience! Keep with the magic and quality production of this channel. I can see you are truly passionate about quality photography.

[@JeevesTCW]

Interesting review Leigh. You talk about the apparent difference in the Leica images in a way I've not heard described before. I've recently moved from Zooms to primes and as a M43 user this setup seems huge to me & I'm not sure I like the huge LEICA letters; but at the same time this combo is oddly compelling partly because it might just be the best zoom out there, Rich.

[@georgekoumantzelis1968]

This lady is a real PRO! ... She knows her cameras just as well as she knows her photography - and she has the didactic teaching ability to help YOU learn exactly what you need to know to make smart choices and to take great photos! Excellent! 👍🌵🌅🌲😇

[@ThePurple1968]

Nice review. I like the objectiveness and soft nature with no disparaging comments of other people or equipment. The interface Leica chose for this camera was a bit of a leap of faith but it seems to have paid off ....

[@cactustweeter2890]

Have never used a Leica digital camera. However, I did use my dad's film camera from back in the 40s. It took amazing pictures compared to other camera makers at the time.

[@manuelcamacho1898]

Hello, SnapChick! A few months back, I suggested you should try a Leica. I am glad you have. I shoot with an M9, and my 90mm is more than 50 years old. That lens is as solid and sharp as new. You may want to try now what for you would be a surreal experience: shooting a digital M with no display. That will take all distraction from your art...

[@FotosyMas.]

My M 240 is old but the files it produces cannot be matched by any other camera I’ve owned to include 5D IV, A7 R2, Fuji X-T2 and many more. My advice for people getting into Leica is buy used. There are good deals to be found if you know where to look. I got my M240 for $2800 and my 50mm Summicron for just $900. Snapchick if you ever come to sunny Miami I’ll lend you my M240 :)

[@gentleman0678]

where would recommend looking? I'm looking at getting the SL and some lenses(M, ​R or even voightlander)

[@shadownickstar577]

You should let me have one😏

[@stinn]

Fred Miranda buy/sell forums are top notch. I just sold my M240 there in the last couple months. Leica's hold their value quite well too.

[@FotosyMas.]

Charles Dey As Ryan commented FredMiranda Buy and Sell forum is my top choice. Also check Leica stores used inventory.

[@philchang4583]

What about a 12 year old 10mp cropped sensor M8. I won't give mine up!

[@johnp2714]

I found this review extraordinary in thoroughness, balance and fairness. Your presentation style and the articulate descriptions of the camera features were just outstanding. I thought the demo photographs spoke very well of the camera and its abilities. Yes, you skipped over the actual cost but that's easy enough to discover. I wish I could afford it ;-(

[@sidvicious3129]

I loved the way you summed it up. I have heard nothing but great things about Leica. With anything in life, a Bmw, Mercedes, a house, a piece of art, a Harley, a bicycle, a bottle of wine, a stereo system and yes a camera can all be expensive. You have to decide if they are right for you and if you can afford them based off of what is important to you. Thank you for this review as I have heard that once you have had a Leica it's hard to go back to anything else.

[@photogenic2010]

I couldn't afford the SL, so I got the GH5 with a couple of Leica lenses (42.5 1.2). Leica and Panasonic often work together. I would say with similar lighting to yours here I would get a comparable result (colour and feel), notwithstanding the smaller sensor. further, the cheaper one has a few more functions. Good to see you do this rare test.

[@brois841]

Well Rob Svm, you may get lucky soon. Rumors are that Panasonic will be announcing a FF camera in the next two weeks. So you can have your cake and Leica it too ;)

[@astcell]

I understand it's not good for Olympic action where milliseconds count, but what about normal action like kids, pets, and grab shots? Will it AF well enough for those?

[@kleemyberlin6444]

Great review, thank you. That big boy seems to shine in portrait situations. Beautiful tones and a beautiful model of course. Keep it up!

[@navchakravarti9164]

First off, beautiful photographs of the Canyon - very nice composition and use of the golden hour. Second, thank you for a thorough and balanced review. I've had my SLs for a couple of years now. The SL is far from perfect - the 5D Mark IV is faster, the Sony A7RIII and a9 have more pixels and the latter is faster to focus. But the overall experience with the SLs is hard to beat. Colors and gradation do have a magical quality to them. The camera, like all Leicas do require working with the body to learn and adapt your shooting style. But the rewards are there...

[@thomasrmckean7783]

Oh my gosh. I still have my Leica m6. The Last of the film cameras. I like the Leica SL! Nice. Will have to eventually look into getting one👍👍👍

[@carlstawicki1915]

This was a very genuine and thoughtful review. Thank you for avoiding the anti-Leica shtick many other channels like to spew at their attempt at wit. I'd give props to this review even if you ended up not liking the SL, or concluded with something like "great camera, but too expensive." Thumbs up!

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thanks for watching :)

[@fellowcitizen]

@@LeighAndRaymond The model in this Dutch Leica promo looks like you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qILXipWBoaeibdE

[@mpw621]

The images from this original SL seem to be the best ones of any camera you have reviewed . Did you end up keeping the SL?

[@fernandocoelho9915]

Really enjoyed the way the review was delivered, thank you

[@My_You_Tube]

Loved your review on Leica SL. Thank you !

[@garydmorris]

My SL is the top camera that I've sold and miss. I sold it because while wearing polarized sunglasses, the EVF blacks out. The EVF is NOT OLED but old-style LCD. IF this ever gets updated (SL 2.0?) I'll buy a new SL in a heartbeat. It's that good. And as a bonus, the 4K video in this 3 year old body runs rings around any other current offering that I've shot. Maybe ask Leica for a loaner M10 with an 50mm APO Summicron. That will seal the Leica for you. This combo produces the most delicious RAW files you have yet to process.

[@markkeohane9850]

Have a look at the four-part review that Hugh Brownstone did for Three Blind Men and an Elephant (when you have a couple of hours) for an elegant, engaging, in-depth, colourful, interesting, different review of the SL.

[@lionelbourgeault8986]

Most are willing to pay for a quality item, be it a camera, auto or anything else that delivers shear joy in its use. An additional note is that we do pay a premium for the item but it also retains a higher than average resale value. When I factor all these things, I pay for the best and it seams to come out that my cost for owning a premium camera, lens and I.Q. is roughly about the same as if I had compromised with lesser quality and added frustration due to lesser I.Q. resolution. The joy and pleasure of using a quality camera, lens and image quality unit far outweighs the initial cost, it comes back later at resale. Very good video, I don't mind paying for the best I need for the task at hand.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thank you for your thoughts!

[@bryanasmar7682]

Please keep talking I'm hypnotize. And yes I own an SL I luv mine , keep the good work.

[@kentbristol948]

My limited experience (a IIIf, an M2, and a Digilux 3) with Leica makes me believe that the tactile sensations are one of the major ways they differ from their competitors. It's subtle, but nothing else feels like a Leica.

[@bensonstein3993]

I agree. It is the experience of shooting a Leica, and the way the images look different. Anyone can do a Google search and see that Leica digital models have had lots of issues and breakdowns. They all do, Sony, Fuji, etc... The insane premium one pays for Leicas, is all about the unique experience of shooting one, and their image rendering, which is different than other cameras. It is all subjective to a degree, but the images from Leicas have something different going on.

[@RobertNuttmann]

At the end of your video I used my cell phone to price the Leica SL and the zoom lens you tested. And that ended my thoughts about getting one. $11,000 is a bit over the top for my budget. That puts this camera not in the Mercedes Benz category, but in the Rolls Royce category.

[@vincefinesse]

Thats one BIG ASS Camera along with the Price tag but still an Exquisite camera none the less.

[@danieljones8706]

I always tease Leica for their prices, but their value is in the design. They sound like a dream to shoot with.

[@fyvewytches]

Although the design of the M especially is good, that is not what makes it good value. What makes a Leica great value is the quality. As mentioned in the video, these are not "throw away" cameras. Unlike other brands, you don't need to buy a new one every six months or so. These are not really high tech so there is no need to "upgrade". These are not high tech and don't need to be high tech. High tech is not required to make good photographs.

[@krishnancom]

@@fyvewytches Disagree, sensor technology continually improves and gets cheaper. And this Leica too will be left behind as they don't make the sensors. Lenses are where physical quality really helps - that investment will continue to last.

[@mavfan1]

Leica announced this camera 3 years ago in Oct 2015. I've seen two other prominent KZbinrs being loaned this camera in the past few months. I think it's because they're due to release a SL 2 by early next year so they're trying to sell their existing stock. I also heard the rumored new Panasonic Full Frame camera will use the same mount as Panasonic and Leica have a close relationship.

[@timkapffenstein7494]

mavfan1 Exactly what I think. Suddenly SL reviews everywhere... Never the less, it‘s an amazing camera.

[@speedwolf5212]

Quite curious, isn’t it? It’s not a coincidence.

[@DennisBloodnokPhotographyVideo]

This is interesting information. I am mulling over the idea of switching from my full-frame DSLRs (Nikon D700 & D750) to a full-frame mirrorless, in the near future. I have also heard rumours of a Panasonic full-frame mirrorless. So this will be something to look-out for.

[@fellowcitizen]

Personally, I'm hoping that the new Panasonic has a bigger (i.e. futureproof) mount, but either way I'm looking forward to it. I hope to get a Fuji GFX in the not too far future, and Panasonic would be my other choice.

[@fellowcitizen]

Kevin Raber interviewed Andreas Kaufmann earlier this year, and he indicated that the SL2 was under development to some extent. He indicated that he found the aesthetic to lack finesse, so presumably the next one will look and feel more appealling.

[@70svd]

I am more of a Nikon guy, never used any other brand before and having notice Leica and its price recently its shocks me so now i want to own one. How much is it for this particular model with the lens on it? Thanks

[@andyvan5692]

the reason for that gorgeous out of focus and the smooth transition of tones is the lenses have 11 aperture blades giving a perfect circular aperture at ALL settings! as well as the fact that Leica make their own lenses, not Zeiss re-housed in their own barrels!! this means that there is no colour fringing or aberrations, etc. anywhere. if you get another chance, try this body with the M series lenses, esp. the 75 mm f 1.25, the 50 mm f 0.95 or 90 mm f 2.5 each of these lenses, although MANUAL focus only will definitely "knock ones socks off" for both bokeh and the sheer clarity and sharpness, PS: I suggest these lenses because using them on am "M" body is a hard task , as the d.o.f. at the fast apertures is only 1 inch or less!! ( seeing the d.o.f. scale on these lenses will prove it to you).

[@DonBryantPhotography]

First my compliments to a very well done and executed video, with no corn ball 'camera buddy' talk. Your examples were clear an concise without the typical fanboi approach. I might say your vid has encouraged me to investigate the possibility of owning this Leica. Thanks for the links, I'll check them out.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. All I can do is share my own experience. I don't go for flashy headlines or try to invent controversy. I just do my thing. :)

[@expatriatechronicles6915]

Interesting how you mention the smooth transitions from light to dark areas. This is a problem I've found with my Fuji XT2. When I take photos of mountains, for example, the edge between the mountain and the sky looks "too sharp". For these kinds of photos, I much prefer the look I get with my old Hasselblad 500cm or the Contax 159mm.

[@michaelcampbell4503]

What a great review video. Understated and objective, focused on the results the camera brings rather than the features it has. Thank you. I have some Leica M rangefinder cameras and have tried an SL. I loved it but prefer the compactness and analogue feel of the digital and film Ms I have, as well as the output that the lenses produce. Hope you get to try an M or two, especially the Monochrom.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thanks for watching and for the recommendation! :)

[@ArnaudSiemons]

Love the 'disclaimer' at the end. (14:02)

[@danielcarkuff-corey2023]

I tried the camera when Leica was letting you borrow it for a day. I used it in studio for a headshot session with fluorescent Kino Flos and found the colors were all over the place (must not do well with fluorescents, not sure) and the 24-90 really really sharp - maybe too sharp for the subject. But the actual use of the camera was freaking outstanding. Still trying to get my hands on it again. Did you feel that portraits were too sharp?

[@chepo1956]

I enjoyed your review. I'm looking forward to seeing your review on a classic rangefinder Leica M10 or M10-P. I think it would be a totally different experience for you and would probably enjoy it very much. Hope you can really make it happen. Your reviews are refreshing and honest.

[@DmitryBrodsky007]

I am curious if you shot Fuji GFX and lenses because I've heard same accolades about gradations and skin tones on that medium sensor

[@Biosynchro]

Although I'm surprised to see new reviews of this camera, I liked this video. You discussed things that I don't recall reading about in early reviews, when the camera was new. So, thank you! It seems that we should not only look at ISO capability as the determining factor in image quality. :-) Anyway, I can't wait to see the next version.

[@whenderson7742]

Nice review, I have used the Leica rangefinder for many years(in addition to Nikon), their class is in a league by itself, hands down.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

This was definitely in a class by itself. I'm looking forward to trying others!

[@steveGabrail]

The ISO is in full stops only. The only way to get thirds stops is to have floating ISO turned on. However, when at f4, you simply cannot have it at 320. How did you get it at 320?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Unsure. I double checked the EXIF data. Must have been in auto iso or floating ISO.

[@framedge]

I realize this is an older review, but is this the Leica (Typ 601)?

[@thegoodthiefphotography8453]

Great review! Just stumbled across your work - really impressed! I've been looking at various Leica setups recently and have been experimenting with Lightroom and ACR presets. Do you think it's possible to recreate the 'Leica look' using another system?

[@alexanderkrasotkin7441]

Great review. Worth to buy to accompany my M9.

[@sadenb]

Before buying all these gear, I need to learnt the art more. I currently own the Sony a7 . I am just interested in taking more interesting photos rather than thinking about gear right now as in more about the subject background interaction. I honestly do not pixel peep that much as long as things are in focus. Once I get really good in making good compositions , I will think about buying high end full frames like Leica.

[@CryoftheProphet]

man I love your channel

[@garydmorris]

I should have also noted that your Grand Canyon shots were lovely. Thanks.

[@gentleman0678]

Great review!! if you love the SL, you should try the S007 medium format. I've tried both and it was an eye opening experience!! I've always thought Leica was more hype, but that was till i got the chance to actually use them. Using my Nikon​, no longer feels the same. I should be buying soon.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Well said. :)

[@DevieMelody]

Great video. Would you say the Leica camera body is as important as the lens? I want to know if is the combination of that camera body and lens made such an impression on you, or a component of this Leica camera.

[@dionisiuskristal]

Thanks for your video. I'm thinking about purchasing my first leica, and i think that would be the SL. For me SL is more interesting than M series because it's mirrorless, so I can try many vintage lenses, which i like because of its unique character. And I can easily shoot manually with the help of EVF.

[@Eden1907]

I am a professional street and art photographer who has always sworn by the M family of Leicas. My prints and exhibitions are sponsored by a camera chain that sells Leica and I am known by all the shop employees as Mr "M", which goes to show just how fanatical I am. I am often asked to test new releases of non-M cameras under all conditions and I always give honest appraisals from a working point of view rather than a technical one -- about which I care little. When I tested the M10 I thought I was using the digital equivalent of an M3 and was very impressed. Recently however, I was asked to test the SL. Before giving my conclusions I should specify that I have reached an age where I have problems focusing due to problems with my vision and I have long been seeking a camera that really works at low ISO for my art photography, rather than extolling overblown theoretical values. I also have back problems and thus require cameras that are not very heavy. Finally, being a Leica fanatic I require extraordinary build quality (I don't change my cameras often) and decent weatherproofing. So after testing this camera that was initially released almost 3 years ago, I have reached the following conclusions: there is nothing better on the market for people with eyesight problems. It is far better than any Nikon, Canon, Sony an Fuji (including the medium frame camera, all cameras that I have used or tested). For low light it is exceptional; in the space of two days of testing I took a number of pictures, at night, at less than ideal conditions, at ISO 25000 and they were of such high quality (with some rather simple post processing) that I intend to exhibit them. At high ISO there is no chromatic noise and the overly large grain is simple to reduce with the "Noiseless" application. My eyesight require +3.5 correction and the SL can only go to +2, but it is very easy to view any scene using glasses (I also spoke personally with 2 people from the Leica company and suggested they increase the correction values with a firmware update. As to the weight, I disagree with TheSnapChick. She tested the camera with one of its very heavy native lenses while I only use legacy "M" lenses (I prefer them to new lenses as each lens has a very distinct personality), my 2 favorites being a 35mm/3.5 Summaron (1955) and a 1951, 90/F4 Elmar. Using the 35 Summaron on the SL only increased the weight by 237 grams relative to my M9. I did not test the weatherproofing with the "M" lens attached, but from what I have read, although it is not as good as with one of the SL native lenses, it is apparently quite decent. As far as build and balance is concerned, the camera is superb. And one last thing I would like to mention: I compared the image quality of the SL against the medium format Fuji (printing at about 60cm at the longest side - approx 20 inches) and the Fuji did not give superior results). There is only one more thing for me to add: I was so seduced by the SL that I have stopped dreaming of having an M10 and have decided to buy an SL (!). I have found a used one in nearly perfect condition (actually the one I tested) at a good price and will buy it next week. Please keep in mind that art and street photographers do not earn much so spending the money to acquire it will be a quite an effort.

[@melissawest43]

Yes, I once picked one up and on knowing the price quickly put it down. Thanks for a very interesting review of a quality camera. I would be intrigued, if you have the opportunity, to know what you think of a Leica M.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

It is dangerous to pick this camera up because of the intense desire not to put it down. Hopefully can try out the M soon.

[@Broadluxe]

Great review. Love my SL and echo the recommendation to anyone considering a buy.

[@millertime6]

Gorgeous colors and awesome details. And I really like the way it renders black and white. Good job 👏🏽

[@deviantv1ral]

thank you for shooting in 60fps! I just ordered an xt3 and look forward to 4k60

[@DavidDatura]

You used some beautiful music for the photo gallery here. Nocturnal Waltz by Johannes Bornlof apparently...Shazamed it while it was playing!

[@GetsRoyal]

Agreed, nothing renders images quite like Leica. Soft yet sharp. I enjoyed your review and images.

[@blackclavish]

Damon Mason Don’t try to misinform someone who may not know anything about Fuji. The GFX is a pretty unremarkable camera. To put its image quality alongside a Leica is laughable. Don’t do it.

[@robiulahmed]

@@blackclavish so, you're telling me, the Leica SL, which has a 24mp FF sensor, has better image quality than crop medium format at over double the resolution? Ok, then...

[@noctilux13]

Arm Head yup it is different. I own both and they take different image. Leica image has something that the gfx cant achieve

[@robiulahmed]

@@noctilux13 I don't doubt that, Leica lenses are top notch, after all. However, medium format is used for tonality, colour fidelity and resolution, usually in a controlled environment. Here, the GFX fits the bill better. In terms of which has the better image quality in a scientifically measurable way, well it's going to have to be the GFX.

[@noctilux13]

@@robiulahmed yup, in the studio, gfx is more usable than sl. I don't do studio often, so sl is better choice for me

[@elderinmoi1571]

Thank you for this.Other than price there seems little to argue with the system. and if you dont need the full speed and want to go lighter you can always put m lenses on it. and they are not only the best full frame lenses but alwo the most compact. you really made me interested in it.

[@cillyede]

I love this camera, made about 20 km from my home. Glad you liked it too.

[@ChicagoTurtle1]

Hmm did I miss the prices? What the body price? It would be meaningful to compare same images and prices. Borrowing it for 2 weeks is nice but maybe 4 weeks is more telling.

[@koolkutz7]

It looks a solid beast, thanks for the overview but out of my price range. You stated it has 4.4 megapixels EVF, but it is actually 4.4 million dots, which I think is different-still high though of course. How would you rate the dynamic range, colour gradation as compared with say a Nikon D850/D810 etc?

[@TL-vt8uk]

Enjoyed your review! I love my SL!!

[@cl3826]

I wish it wasn't so big/heavy.... I don't like the SL and L-lenses because of their size. But I shoot M-lenses and I'm used to having a backup lens literally in my pocket.

[@fhutowurks]

I totally agree about the size of the L lenses I sold my 24 to 90 because it was just too large I do prefer to use the M lenses on the SL it's easy to focus and light weight

[@fellowcitizen]

I accept that there's a place for a larger model, but I was disappointed that the more compact Leica T was such a poor performer - especially for adapted lenses. A smaller system also should be convincingly cheaper (or much longer lasting) than the M-system otherwise either Fuji or M-series prevail.

[@Alex_564]

It would kind of be useful to see what focal length each image was shot at.

[@dippin1523]

and thats for all Leicas. Something about their cameras. its just amazing. You articulated the qualities very well. The images are film like and I have not seen anothe rcamera produce images like the Leica. I have a Leica X and a D750. I have the Leica with me all the time. Its compact, I can take it anywhere. The D750 does well for landscapes and for use with long and ultra wide lenses. The Leica for everything else.

[@villagranvicent]

A few reviewers coincidentally these days are posting videos with reviews of this "old" camera. I guess Leica is trying to give the SL a little push, maybe a new model is coming soon.

[@DonavanAarons]

How do you go back to old school after you have experienced mirrorless and EVF? How do you even accurately focus on a distant object between other objects, like a tree behind a fence without EVF. I will never look back.

[@77folgore]

Calm and simple (but not simplistic) rationale. I strongly recommend checking out the M10 with a couple of the Summilux lenses. Although I personally, provided that I had the money, would go for the analog variants. Those guys a truly the ones to last "bury me with that". In a funny way, Leicas make me appreciate even more my Fujis. What at the beginning struck me as "cheap Japanese version" now seems a well thought and respectful homage. PS: Thank God there are still intelligent and effortlessly attractive women in the internet...

[@VaxtorVax]

Great Review! Very concise!

[@martymcfly8007]

Nice review! There is just one thing missing on this beast. Improve it by adding a mechanical stabilizer, and i will buy it. Unfortunately for Leica, the Sony Alpha III is unbeatable for 3 times less of money, and cherry on a cake, it has a 5 Axel Stabilisation. But Damn... the design is gorgeous!

[@slimjim340]

Can you tell me if you prefer this Leica to the Nikon D850?Jim

[@gerrylazarra1491]

Oh hey, I remember you, you've matured a lot. Awesome video quality.

[@mougabo]

i had to subscribe ..... you are probably the cutest reviewer out there so......

[@MrChip1217]

I would love to see those canyon shots done as an HDR. Not to do one of those comic book looking images but more as a way of viewing the image

[@berndmevers]

Very good review - thanks a lot!

[@mwbright]

I'm in love with this camera.

[@ribbitrocks]

i have one.... as i do others... and after a while i have a hard time to differentiate and assess one photo from one camera than the next... i realize it's hard to not be technically focused and properly explain the user friendly experience so talking about a photo....is just so relative and so hard to assess, that i wonder / doesn't it become a romantic feeling of the moment and camera ??? for me probably the Leica moment is about easy to use, shoot and experience menu.....the rest is what you can justify for you...

[@googleminus3230]

What about skin tones for brown and black people? I find that even cameras that allegedly do a good job on skin tones are actuallly designed for white skin, much like the majority of color film made especially by Kodak etc.

[@bobbybobby8365]

Thank you,