I've noticed a fair share of skeptical comments here, and I'm not here to dissuade anyone. I understand Leica is a polarizing subject. I simply want to share my own appreciation for the Typ 601. In my opinion, it is truly one of the best cameras out there in terms of design, color reproduction, and value retention.
@danny_r275 ай бұрын
I paid $1,900 USD almost 2 years ago from KEH camera and it was practically brand new minus the box and manual. The build quality is on par to my Leica M10 and M10 Monochrom but it’s comfortable to hold despite not looking comfortable to hold if you know what I mean 😂 My favorite thing though is the pictures it makes, the combination of colors, contrast, noise pattern at high iso settings, and the way that images almost look like they have a texture that almost makes you think you could feel on the screen. Like clouds look like they have a texture to them that you could swear you can reach to the screen and feel them but obviously you can’t. Surprisingly it didn’t take me long to figure out the buttons and I love how the rear looks and only labeled buttons are the record and on/off switch. It’s a camera I’ll keep for life, it’s made that much of an impact on me. I really want to experience the Leica 24-90mm SL lens with mine because the pictures with that combo look so good. Hopefully in September I can get that lens 😅 Only downsides to this are lack of IBIS (I knew this ahead of time though) and the lacking battery life and expensive batteries but even for an almost 10 year old camera it’s absolutely amazing and the black and white pictures are also very amazing. Overall it’s a camera I’ll highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience a Leica full frame camera on a budget. It’s not a rangefinder but it’s a very capable camera with a very good EVF and makes shooting with manual lenses a breeze. I couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s a camera that will always have a special place in my heart for sure. I’m glad it’s cheaper now so others can experience it because it’s worth giving it a shot. Trying it with modern lenses or vintage lenses and seeing the dual nature of the camera is truly amazing. It’s the camera that convinced me that since I don’t shoot enough film to justify keeping my film cameras I’ll just sell them and use my custom made film simulation presets instead when using those adapted vintage lenses on the SL. This camera has so many ways you can use it that it’s truly worth giving it a shot for so many reasons. I love seeing other people’s videos on this camera to see how they like it and it does make me happy seeing that they also see why I like it so much. While I wish I could get an SL3, it’ll mean I’ll have to sell my SL and that’s simply not happening so I’m very set on being happy with this. If I want a modern mirrorless camera I have my poor man’s Leica SL2 (Lumix S1R) that I got for $1,500 brand new. Anyways, I’m glad to see another video about the SL from someone else’s perspective.
@astraeusone3 ай бұрын
@@danny_r27 The S1R is indeed a fantastic camera, and I had a great run with it-it’s quite distinct from the SL2. But here’s the truth: there will always be a better tool out there. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that a more advanced camera will unlock new possibilities, and sometimes it does-like with Monochrome sensors, which have insane light sensitivity and low noise. But in the end, what’s most important is caring less about the tool itself and focusing more on the pursuit of expressing your inner representation. The camera is just a means to an end.
@TheKennnn25 ай бұрын
I've been using the original SL for my professional photography for over 3 years. Suffice to say that the results from this camera never let me and the clients down. Crazy amount of high end camera goodness for the price it goes on used market nowadays
@flixbert5 ай бұрын
The SL line are the only mirrorless cameras that truly support adapted M-mount lenses because the sensor is optimized for it. Other brands use much thicker cover glass for their sensors so you are always dealing with softness in the image corners. That would be the main reason for me to try the system sometime in the future (when the bodys are a little more affordable).
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Interesting - I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing!
@derJackistweg5 ай бұрын
If "softness in the image corners" is relevant, one would not buy a Leica in the first place!
@flixbert5 ай бұрын
It’s pretty bad on not-Leica mirrorless cameras actually, I‘ve tried it myself. No way to enjoy the beautiful M-glass to its full extend. But I agree, sharpness isn’t everything 😊
@derJackistweg5 ай бұрын
@@flixbert Sharpness is the ,east important thing for a good photo. All those increadible photos historically on Leica or not existing because Leica is a good camera!!! It is NOT. It is because those people were fantastic photographers!
@GrainOnTheGo5 ай бұрын
Incorrect basically all L-mount cameras are optimized for it. Especially the recent LUMIX stuff which is effectively just SL series stuff with a different label.
@johngreenwood92473 ай бұрын
When my Fujifilm X-100f was stolen sometime ago I borrowed & then purchased a Leica Q. It was an eye opening experience; it was better built, more ergonomic and offered far superior still images than the Fuji and despite reports to the contrary, except for the occasional lapses in auto colour balance the JPEGs, were better than expected as well. I was won over by the Leica experience. More recently I purchased a 10 year old Leica SL and was again surprised by the improved level of performance for still photography over the Fuji X-H2, it replaced. Agreed the continuous auto focus performance is nothing special but then I never need to use that function; the camera with suitable Urth adapter works brilliantly with my 3 (30+ year old) Leica R lenses. The Manual function is a joy to use. The used Leica camera prices do appear disproportionately expensive for such a relatively old digital camera - but they are worth it. You don't need to buy new Leica L mount lenses to enjoy the Leica experience - Sigma among others make a great range of affordable prime/zoom lenses in L mount. Also don't forget the huge range of Leica's own manual focussing, "M" & even cheaper "R" range lenses, that adapt very well to being used with the Leica SL.
@matthieuzglurg60155 ай бұрын
Hey, just so you know, now that the Nikon Z6III has been announced, the price on Z6II and Z6 cameras have been dropping... quite dramatically. Yesterday I've seen an Nikon Z6 for as low as 630€ on MPB, which is mind blowingly low of a price for a camera like this (this was around 900-1000€ less than a month ago, and it was already an okay value). Definitely the best value in the full frame mirrorless world right now if you're looking at a used camera, I think this would be a really interesting camera to test on your channel.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the tip - I'll definitely look into it 😊
@shApYT5 ай бұрын
That's amazing. I wish it had cheaper third party lenses though. The F mount was great a great mount.
@matthieuzglurg60155 ай бұрын
@@shApYT Most of what I'm using it F mout lenses on Z mount cameras. Works great with the FTZ. And if you want mirrorless glass you can use the Megadap ETZ21 and use most of the Sony E mount lenses ! That's kind of a game changer in the mirrorless world if I'm being honest.
@edshotsdotcodotuk5 ай бұрын
@@shApYT the Sigma and Panasonic lenses aren’t too expensive. Samyang has just started to release lenses for the L mount too.
@shApYT5 ай бұрын
@@edshotsdotcodotuk I thought the Sigma DC lenses were APSC
@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel5 ай бұрын
I would pay Sony 500$ on top on any alpha camera if they would release a all black unlabeled camera like the SL. labeled buttons are so ugly.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
The style and design of this camera is top tier. Though, you certainly pay for the luxury!
@NetvoTV5 ай бұрын
How about these shutter and ISO dials on Zf and Fuji and Leica M?
@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel5 ай бұрын
@@NetvoTV They are pretty cool but of course these have to be labled. :D
@shApYT5 ай бұрын
You know... You can paint it black.
@42crazyguy5 ай бұрын
Bro who cares
@mrgrandad19615 ай бұрын
Yes, good skills Tom...Thanks for the video - I've had my SL for almost a year now and I Love it !! Easily the most enjoyable camera to use that I've ever owned. Fortunately mine came with The Leica M Adapter L and the Sigma 45mm all in mint condition - an absolute bargain !! Yes, indeed the handling takes a little while to adopt but It's a great idea to not have so many buttons and switches labelled and have a clean, unobtrusive layout...The fact they changed this with marked buttons on the later models annoys me though and spoils the whole aesthetic. I now use mainly manual focus lenses on the camera and this just heightens the Joy being made so easy with that fantastic viewfinder and various focusing aids. But to round this off I have to say that I am enjoying my photography more and more with this exceptional camera and especially enjoying the quality of the pictures it produces too... Enjoy !!
@petemcknight8035 ай бұрын
I own one of these and despite the larger size it's a joy to use. And I use a wide variety of lenses on it. I don't even own a single L lens. I love adapting legacy lenses, M lenses, and R lenses on it. It takes beautiful photos and, being that it's a Leica, I get a certain amount of prestige by using it.
@touchtennis5 ай бұрын
First time a camera has looked “normal” sized in Tom’s hands!
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
It was clearly built for me. Shame my bank balance wasn't built for it, though... 😅
@touchtennis5 ай бұрын
@@TomCalton I’ll lend you my SL3 for a month for one day of you teaching me to be anything less than cr*p at photography!
@suzukitaka44702 ай бұрын
Do you prefer this or the m8 when it comes to output?
@artmaltman5 ай бұрын
I've sold many items to MPB. Excellent quick review and payment. Customer service available via email. A pleasure to work with.
@tmpablovillarroel75395 ай бұрын
If you liked the original SL, imagine how you will like the SL2-S or SL3, which are bigger beasts.
@boristahmasian16445 ай бұрын
I always loved Leica for its mystique. The low prices are tempting but Leica will remain on may wish list for now.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Even for $2k, I would argue these won't be cheap enough for most people. Myself included. As much as I enjoyed using it, personally, I'd never layout that much cash for one. But then, I'm pretty tight with what I spend.
@boristahmasian16445 ай бұрын
@@TomCalton I had a chance to try the SL3 at a local Leica demo day. I have the Sony A7RIV and essentially the SL3 is my Sony in a Leica skin. I thought the camera/lens combo was too big and heavy for my taste. The ergonomics were not as good as my Sony (and I think Sony ergos suck!). An SL3 with a 24-70 would cost $10K. My A7RIV and my Tamron 28-75 G2 cost me $3,500. I highly doubt the additional $6,500 would give me better results.
@paullefko5 ай бұрын
I had the SL; switched to Limiux s5 then s5m2; the lumix line for me is lighter, weather sealed; and frankly more ergonomic. That said I really loved the 601 its an exceptional camera. FWIW I use on s5m2 Leica and Zeiss m mount lenses; so there is no compelling reason today to pick up one of these in the exception of the color profiles.
@ArnaudSiemonsАй бұрын
Mind sharing some info on that Sigma 35mm F/2 'I-series' lens? Never heard of that one. Looks great and tiny. I presume it is not the DG DN Contemporary? Thanks.
@TomCaltonАй бұрын
No problem, here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWqWgIpqa9R9kNk
@nicolagiorgio51105 ай бұрын
I was wondering what was that kind of tiny phone camera looking spot on the right part of the body?
@Cafl_Music5 ай бұрын
YES TOM!! BACK AT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Just had a much needed week off with family. But I'm back bebe 💪🏻
@AWAShowme16 күн бұрын
This is an interesting camera for sure. I agree - that's too much money for a 10 year old Leica. Thanks for the content.
@AspectRatioPolice5 ай бұрын
at 04:00 they have 3 functions. I only found out the Long hold after a few days.
@CatchFlipsidE5 ай бұрын
Great review! Thank you! I’ve always wanted a Leica camera. Maybe this is one to save for.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and watching 😁
@jerryrichards81724 ай бұрын
My sony a77ll is 12 frames camera from 2015 24.3 megapixells in today's Photography it's still going g strong.
@FullFrameStudio5 ай бұрын
I have a lumix s5ii, but was looking for a photography centric b-cam that would support L-mount and not cost me a leg cuz I'm still a student. I fell into the leica loop with the M series and gave up hope but then I saw the pricing for used Leica SL's. Would you recommend it, or should I just get a fuji x100t or f. I'm looking for a street photography cam honestly. First was looking for a rangefinder but the leica m's are way too expensive so I landed here.
@ddlavie5 ай бұрын
@@FullFrameStudio hey, i got the S5iix since last year, it was a amazing camera, but ever since i tried the Leica SL, I don't ever want to use Lumix for photo anymore. Ended up selling the S5iix and didn't regret.
@FullFrameStudio5 ай бұрын
@@ddlavie really? Damn
@b0bcat2105 ай бұрын
Can you do a video comparing the colour science to Lumix? some others did it and it looks VERY similar...
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion, though like you said, others have done this already, and have done it way better than I could! I'll probably leave the super techy stuff to them 😅
@MartinV.3 ай бұрын
Great Video!!
@vanzetti75 ай бұрын
I love the Leica cameras but I can't justify it. It's the same internals as the S1 series. The S1H is one of the greatest mirrorless cameras of all time and you can get that camera instead and earn good money shooting video and photos with it.
@boristahmasian16445 ай бұрын
Don't know about the original SL, but I believe the SL3 has the same sensor as my Sony A7RIV. SL3 is heavy and awkward camera. The Leica mystique is in the M series not the SL. The SL is just a rebadged Sony in a more expensive and heavier shell.
@johnathanlo76365 ай бұрын
Nope. The 1st gen, SL 601 is no relation with Lumix but Leica own medium format Leica S007
@paulf33535 ай бұрын
Used S1 is not much cheaper than SL 601 and SL1 is much better build body
@alozor134 ай бұрын
@@paulf3353 S1 used can be found for almost half the price of SL1
@raksh93 ай бұрын
The S1 was released a few years after the original SL, and has a better sensor, better autofocus, tilting screen, better video specs, easier to grade video files, and equally good EVF. The advantages of the SL are in the build quality and simplicity of operation, not internal hardware and specs.
@itsROMPERS...5 ай бұрын
It's HUGE!
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
That's what she said
@itsROMPERS...5 ай бұрын
@@TomCalton I believe that's a humorous rejoinder from the hit television comedy called "The Office"! Well done!
@A_Thought2Day5 ай бұрын
Guess we're on the same wave length. I just bought one of these on Wednesday with a pany 50mm f1.8 and a ton of extras for $1400. So end before the "price just went up" gang.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Nice! Have you had much chance to shoot with it? What are your thoughts?
@A_Thought2Day5 ай бұрын
@TomCalton no chance yet. It arrives Monday. I'm mostly a fuji shooter and the only leica I've ever owned was a M-DA "blind leica" film camera. I'm pretty excited. I'll update you on Monday.
@A_Thought2Day4 ай бұрын
@TomCalton It's freaking phenomenal. I've been shooting it with the Lumix 50mm f1.8 and 20-60mm. The build is top notch, the Colors SOOC are gorgeous. I love the customization options for functions. I do wish that there was an additional knob (american term, not British, lol) for iso. I'm coming from the fuji X-Pro2/ X-H1 and GFX 50s. Ill never go back to fujis apsc for anything other than the Fuji X-Pro4, they still make great cameras though. I sold my X-Pro and X-H. Im currently shooting an S1 and SL, and the GFX 50S has been sitting on the shelf. I'm all in on the L mount.
@shvachko5 ай бұрын
Please make a video with your camera recommendations, like below 500$, 1000$, 1500$, 2000$. I would watch :)
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion! I find it hard recommending just one camera at a specific price point because it's such a personal choice. Just because I like a camera, doesn't mean it'll be great for everyone. But I might do something on super low budget cameras in general at a later date. Thanks again - I appreciate your input! 😁
@jasondunn83134 ай бұрын
Just come across your channel Tom and just enjoyed your Fuji XT vid with the homemade leather grip😂 I love my Fuji XT100F. Leica (inc their watches) are great but way out of my camera budget. They certainly know how to design a camera. Thanks for your quality content👍 PS -Did you ever consider ‘Badass Mother Shutters’ for your name/neon?😂
@Drippyddrip3 ай бұрын
Dang I got one last april from leica ny soho store for $1400 and they dont charge tax if you buy it through phone lol it also comes with 1yr leica warranty and the unit I got was practically brand new with all accessories and box. 😮💨😮💨
@rashikafelicien5 ай бұрын
I felt this wonderful feeling in my mind, body and soul when she said “I prefer kislux
@Drippyddrip3 ай бұрын
Dang I got one last april from leica ny soho store for $1400 and they dont charge tax if you buy it through phone lol it also comes with 1yr leica warranty and the unit I got was practically brand new with all accessories and box. 😮💨😮💨 as
@nelsonclub77222 ай бұрын
Hass X1D is from another dimension then...
@ricardoantoniogonzalez97245 ай бұрын
7:25 why i was able to afford to use this. Reaon 1 and reson 2
@alex-chicago-8014 күн бұрын
Ppl would buy it because it gets them into the Leica world. If they want performance, very impressive video features, get the Panasonic S5 ii, which btw, uses the same lens mount, so you can purchase Leica lenses. The S5 ii hovers around 1500, brand new.
@ArnaudSiemons28 күн бұрын
11 FPS for its time was not pretty groundbreaking. Love the vid though...
@richardwalker45183 ай бұрын
Very good sir:-)
@michall63765 ай бұрын
2000$ for a camera can be considered cheap. Come on, it’s the price of a Fuji and you can’t even take proper indoor photos with it.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
I said that it's considered cheap for a Leica. I also made the point that it's certainly not cheap for a 10 year old camera, though. Why can't you take an indoor photo with it though? If you're referring to the lack of IBIS, that's a relatively new luxury. Photographers have coped without it for decades and managed to shoot indoors 🤷🏻♂️
@michall63765 ай бұрын
@@TomCalton if you’re taking advantage of IBIS then by almost by definition you’re shooting a stationary object. When I’m shooting indoors it’s usually not furniture, and although Fuji images might look good at ISO6400 on your back screen, they certainly don’t on a 27 inch screen.
@zunazez60145 ай бұрын
modern leica image feels like coming from sony.. I sold few of my leica digital cameras to get Sony so that I can abuse my camera to get the shots that I want :)
@s.tunafish5 ай бұрын
What happened to the tint in this video? I mean, the video's great, but the B role tint 🤢
@skfineshriber5 ай бұрын
It was probably ahead of its time in 2015, but time has caught up to it. For about $1300, you can buy a new Panasonic S5 that produces better images. Check dpreview for image quality comparisons. Or, for about $1900, a new S5 II that is even better. The Panasonic build quality is plenty robust for 99% of us. You can even use Leica L lenses.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
I completely agree. Build quality wise, this SL is on another level, but I wouldn't say that's enough of a reason to spend $2k on it though!
@coin7775 ай бұрын
i like the ultrawide ratio
@purpleneons5 ай бұрын
I agree, one of the rare moments I appreciate having a Sony phone lmao
@michall63765 ай бұрын
If you have to consider whether you can afford a Leica, you can’t afford a Leica
@shApYT5 ай бұрын
In 2024 is there a digital interchangeable lens camera that can't take a good photo? Now, Is the handling of this camera worth 2 grand? The X factor so many hipsters crave can be distilled into a filter. A sensor is better the more clinical it is. You can add artefacts/flavour in post. At least odd lenses have physical aberrations that can't be authentically recreated after the fact. The lens makes the image. The sensor only measures that image in a grid at the focal plane.
@cutnpolishАй бұрын
@@shApYT You didn't think that through before you commented. I have a Canon, Nikon and Sony, and all have native lenses yet none give me accurate colours. So it's not about the lens!
@john-wiggains3 ай бұрын
My new goal in life. Not FU money. New Leica money 😂
@txsam935 ай бұрын
▶️
@ycjycj25625 ай бұрын
this is very ...very expensive
@michaelwhiles52825 ай бұрын
No, its a warmed over pre Panasonic FF camera. Cameras are only as good as the glass and the photgrapher....folks, don't be a badge buyer...
@astraeusone4 ай бұрын
For some people, cameras can be more than just tools; they can be a source of great satisfaction and appreciation.
@rolfleur5 ай бұрын
It looks like those cheap off-brand chinese tiktok cameras 😭
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
Savage 🤣
@ThoughtFission5 ай бұрын
At least half the famous image comes from the glass. I get it, who can afford it. But if you're doing a video to show how good the Leica is, rent a Leica lens!
@cameraprepper79385 ай бұрын
But all day long and all year Long, you get more for much Less with the Sony A7RV !!!
@Whaever_19815 ай бұрын
don't shoot Sigma on it! ;)
@ernstfrohlich8975 ай бұрын
These photos are really very disappointing. The sigma lens is probably to blame for this. But I've also heard from professional photographers that these Leica cameras aren't particularly good.
@astraeusone4 ай бұрын
Interesting. Could you elaborate a bit more on the specifics of your disappointment?
@derJackistweg5 ай бұрын
Panasonic S.
@Stan_the_Belgian5 ай бұрын
Canon 5d is slightly cheaper
@MrAndreCoutinho5 ай бұрын
Much cheaper
@GeorgeStar5 ай бұрын
How absurd. Typical overpriced, underfeatured Leica sex toy. I got a virtually new 42MP Sony A7R II for $500. on ebay.
@StrangelyIronic5 ай бұрын
Nobody buys SL cameras, why would somebody want a Panasonic design hardware and mostly firmware wise with a pretty body and multiple times the price? If you're going to spend the money yon SL, just get a digital medium format camera, since the only thing these really do well at that other FF cameras don't destroy them in are done better with a GFX camera for cheaper somehow. Then again, Leica isn't about being smart with money, it's about spending more money for less capability on average and then spend most of the time bragging about it. The original SL bodies were getting somewhat cheap and may have been worth it, but videos like these have raised to 500-1000 more than they were at the low points when I looked at them... the ultimate power of the "influence," destroy used pricing for people that would actually use the gear.
@astraeusone4 ай бұрын
Interesting point. It is not about money, but appreciation. Panas is a great company, Leica is an awesome co, but combo for some people is more then simple sum.
@hermanzhang64945 ай бұрын
Only the M is a real leica. SL is just rebranded panasonic
@SourPlanet3 ай бұрын
Parrots never understand what they repeat.
@sentisenti32295 ай бұрын
expensive toy for the rich, wonder how much profit they make and money they paid to vlogger to promote 10 years camera.
@TomCalton5 ай бұрын
The answer to your question is zero. Which, coincidentally, is exactly how much sense your crackpot theory makes.🤦🏻♂️🤣
@boristahmasian16445 ай бұрын
@@TomCalton Go Tom!!!
@AndreyShredder5 ай бұрын
He is getting money/cameras from MPB, this is why he is making the vlog about the overstocked camera at MPB. SL has no sales even on $1600 price.