Really honest review. Love it! Keep up with this honesty & please don’t get spoiled with any giveaways from those brands.. Very little reviews you can trust nowadays! You talked about super practical stuff that nobody mentions. Thank you so much!!!
It is an old video, but as a SL user (as well as sony and nikon user), I must say: 1. Camera lockups are most likely due to SD cards. I had them on Lexar cards constantly, no issues since i've replaced them. Of course latest fw. 2. Having just one body for professional work is always risky. I never go to work with one camera, even if I'll never use it. For me personally SL being as solid as it gets, which came as surprise to me.
You haven't mentioned but have you updated the firmware on your camera to the latest 3.7 and also updated your lens firmware? There are major improvements. Create a video letting us know how the SL performs after the body and firmware updates.
Hi Brad. Good to hear your honest opinion on the Leica SL Body. I don’t own a Leica SL body, but, I have fallen in love with the Leica Q2. I agree with your opinion on the Leica Glass is brilliant and probably is why many photographers would drop the cash to enter this brand. Unfortunately, I only have experience with my Leica Q2. But, I agree that the Q2 has a very quick auto focus and generally I don’t miss many shots. But, I advise you look into testing out the New SL2S. Before, you drop the brand. Leica claim the auto focus system has been improved. I have played around in store at the Flagship Store in London Mayfair and was very impressed with the overall ergonomics and the Back Button Focus on the normal SL2. I would consider a test weekend with the camera for the £80.00 before you drop Leica at this point. Lastly, if you feel that the customer care is lacking. Maybe, you should put your thoughts into a complaint letter and see if you get any positive response. Keep up the good work. Be safe. Kindest regards. Paul.
I enjoyed your review! I have the SL2-s and it’s amazing thus far. I took some shots of baseball and it tracked great! I took some shots of the model spinning and moving and it was great, so too was my Q2 as I’ve been shooting skateboarding with it, so maybe it’s time to upgrade? I wish however I could shoot HSS when needed that would be fantastic.
really appreciate your insight. I've always shot Canon professionally. I have found in certain situations I like using my Leica M cameras (film and digital) and have been thinking about getting one of the SL versions. This video is really helpful. thanks!
I bought one a year ago or so, and I love it, particularly the double functions of the buttons. Currently I have a 7artisan 35mm f1.4, Sigma 65mm f2 and a Panasonic 24-105 f4. I mainly use the 35mm and enjoying it. I ordered an adapter to put on a Nikon 135mm f2 DC, see how it goes.. I'll probably will never sell this cam.
I was in the Same boat. Ive owned the SL/SL2s Q/Q2. I actually prefer the Q1 for the smaller file sizes. As far as focusing goes the SL2s isn't much better than the SL. The face tracking is worthless I would only use single point focus. As for Ecom and longer shoot days I Have to use my Canons, clients don't want to see half the images blurry. Its like any Leica experience you have to shoot slow and enjoy the process, which it delivers on that front. Unfortunately it is hard to keep the Q and SL for professional work like you said with servicing and repair times. And owning 2 camera bodies that can't focus is tough. The Q is great though paired with a couple other camera bodies for work.
Very interesting. I got the SL2 when it came out and so far I have had none of the issues you mentioned whatsoever besides the continues autofocus being bad. It’s not as bad as you describe it with the SL I guess but it is frustrating. For example fast moving subjects towards the camera are often in focus for the first few images and then the focus sits slightly behind or worst case the box jumps all over the place. What’s very weird is that the face/body detection and iAF work really well on the SL2 so you would think they also know how to make tracking work properly and maybe even introduce eye AF. In fact iAF is so good that in video you can properly keep moving wildlife in focus but if you switch to AFc it’s a mess so it makes no sense. All that being said there is supposed to come a firmware update that fixes those issues but I don’t know how true that is.
Last year I went all in on Leica selling all of my other gear, which was mainly Canon. I do landscape and street photography, but I have to admit that, although I shoot a lot, I have not used my new gear in a professional context. I am very happy with my decision, and have not experienced any of the problems you described. I have never used the burst mode though, because it never was my approach, so I can't say anything about that. Maybe it's worth trying out an SL2 or SL2-S before you give up on the system, since as you rightly say the lenses are the best money can buy. Good luck!
Thanks for your comment! I think the biggest problem is the total lack of pro support. I contacted Canon last week and already have a demo R6 and glass on loan. I'll make a sacrifice on the Leica glass for better support!
Professional support and service is definitely not on par with Nikon or Canon. But as a Prosumer shooter I am fine with that. I still have two Leica M’s to cover for that. Speedy service has always been an issue with Leica. That goes way back to the 70’s.
I have the same problem on my Q with it freezing but still seeming like it’s working only to find out none of the pictures I just took were saved. It’s super frustrating and honestly unacceptable for the price of the camera
Yeah I agree and the worst thing is Leica are really not that helpful. I love the Q, I've still got it! But, I don't use it for any important paid work for the reason you state! Thanks for watching Cesar.
I mean, one of the reasons you buy leica is because you dont really need the support. If you are buying a camera, you might as well just use it, knowing its going to last.. You know the glass cant be beat, and I mean, as youve stated, you are still using the sl and the shutter hasnt given up on you. I dont know, the sl has a better sensor imo than even the newer sls, and the color you get out of the sl is just unreal.. Maybe check out the sl2s or something, I have that as well and its a phenomenal camera, I bought it to do professional work, portraits, weddings, etc.. I use Leica glass and Im very happy.. Leica glass alone is worth it..
Hello, I have bought this camera second hand from a Leica official retailer today and bought a brand new SIGMA 24-70 F2.8 for it today as well. The camera looks brand new but I still feel uneasy not knowing the shutter count. I came here maybe in a rush to find out what to expect about the shutter lifespan. Do you have any pro tips for me for this specific camera ? Anything that you wish you knew when you started with it ?
Hey! That's exciting, new camera day! I've heard nothing but good things about the Sigma 24-70 too. Not sure I really have any tips, I always shoot mine in RAW and have a high speed card in it but that's it really. I always have the LCD as bright as it can go but apart from that I'm not sure I can offer any more help. Have fun with it!
@@bfotosuk thanks! I've managed to remap the buttons layout so I feel comfortable with it now :) Now I just have to dress up like a hipster and ill be algood haha 😄 That sigma 24-70 is incredibly sharp too.
The Sigma 24-70mm delivers. I was astonished when I used it on my Leica CL. Sharp from 2.8 onwards. I think that just the built quality and color rendering is not on par with Leica glass. But then, you can easily get two 24-70mm from Sigma for the price of one Vario Elmarit 24-70mm
Good to listen to a realistic but unsurprising user account of the SL. Too many Leica fanboys out there or “reviewers” that don’t have the balls to give an honest opinion in case they get locked out by the manufacturers. I was seriously considering the SL but not now. I’ve got a Canon 5D which would probably give me and has given me a more reliable and less frustrating experience.
Hey Des! I think on reflection and with the benefit hindsight I would have been better off keeping my 5DMK4. I think I just needed to scratch the Leica itch. I still really like my Q. I think you're right though, I think a lot of people spend a lot of money and then can't bare to talk down on the product. They make lovely "Products" they're just not suitable for a standard day to day photographer like myself.
Its a damning but honest review such a shame about the poor auto-focus etc,,I do not believe leica are a big enough company to offer genuine credible support for a pro photographer sadly. I use an m262 rangefinder and its a fantastic camera for my amateur use but i follow other leica products with interest. Its frustrating from a leica point of view that you obviously liked the camera and wanted it to work for you but ultimately the SL failed to deliver. Oh well back to hideous ugly canon cameras.
Ugly Canons maybe but the client isn't bothered what my camera looks like :-) The problem is that Leica sell REALLY expensive cameras/glass and talk themselves up as a pro brand but don't have the basic support.
A poor review - to potential buyers ignore the nit picking points. The SL is a great camera - I have two and have never had an issue with either of them. This is NOT a Nikon D3 BUT it's not meant to be. I worked as a press photographer for years and used Nikons but for features the SL is unbeatable and blows the socks of a Nikon.
Really honest review. Love it! Keep up with this honesty & please don’t get spoiled with any giveaways from those brands..
Very little reviews you can trust nowadays!
You talked about super practical stuff that nobody mentions.
Thank you so much!!!
It is an old video, but as a SL user (as well as sony and nikon user), I must say:
1. Camera lockups are most likely due to SD cards. I had them on Lexar cards constantly, no issues since i've replaced them. Of course latest fw.
2. Having just one body for professional work is always risky. I never go to work with one camera, even if I'll never use it.
For me personally SL being as solid as it gets, which came as surprise to me.
Agree 100%
You haven't mentioned but have you updated the firmware on your camera to the latest 3.7 and also updated your lens firmware? There are major improvements. Create a video letting us know how the SL performs after the body and firmware updates.
Hi Brad.
Good to hear your honest opinion on the Leica SL Body. I don’t own a Leica SL body, but, I have fallen in love with the Leica Q2.
I agree with your opinion on the Leica Glass is brilliant and probably is why many photographers would drop the cash to enter this brand. Unfortunately, I only have experience with my Leica Q2. But, I agree that the Q2 has a very quick auto focus and generally I don’t miss many shots. But, I advise you look into testing out the New SL2S. Before, you drop the brand.
Leica claim the auto focus system has been improved. I have played around in store at the Flagship Store in London Mayfair and was very impressed with the overall ergonomics and the Back Button Focus on the normal SL2. I would consider a test weekend with the camera for the £80.00 before you drop Leica at this point.
Lastly, if you feel that the customer care is lacking. Maybe, you should put your thoughts into a complaint letter and see if you get any positive response.
Keep up the good work. Be safe.
Kindest regards. Paul.
Brilliant review. Thanks.
I enjoyed your review! I have the SL2-s and it’s amazing thus far. I took some shots of baseball and it tracked great! I took some shots of the model spinning and moving and it was great, so too was my Q2 as I’ve been shooting skateboarding with it, so maybe it’s time to upgrade? I wish however I could shoot HSS when needed that would be fantastic.
really appreciate your insight. I've always shot Canon professionally. I have found in certain situations I like using my Leica M cameras (film and digital) and have been thinking about getting one of the SL versions. This video is really helpful. thanks!
I bought one a year ago or so, and I love it, particularly the double functions of the buttons.
Currently I have a 7artisan 35mm f1.4, Sigma 65mm f2 and a Panasonic 24-105 f4.
I mainly use the 35mm and enjoying it. I ordered an adapter to put on a Nikon 135mm f2 DC, see how it goes..
I'll probably will never sell this cam.
I was in the Same boat. Ive owned the SL/SL2s Q/Q2. I actually prefer the Q1 for the smaller file sizes. As far as focusing goes the SL2s isn't much better than the SL. The face tracking is worthless I would only use single point focus. As for Ecom and longer shoot days I Have to use my Canons, clients don't want to see half the images blurry. Its like any Leica experience you have to shoot slow and enjoy the process, which it delivers on that front. Unfortunately it is hard to keep the Q and SL for professional work like you said with servicing and repair times. And owning 2 camera bodies that can't focus is tough. The Q is great though paired with a couple other camera bodies for work.
Your honesty is appreciated, do you know if today they have not corrected the precision of the focus?
Very interesting. I got the SL2 when it came out and so far I have had none of the issues you mentioned whatsoever besides the continues autofocus being bad. It’s not as bad as you describe it with the SL I guess but it is frustrating. For example fast moving subjects towards the camera are often in focus for the first few images and then the focus sits slightly behind or worst case the box jumps all over the place. What’s very weird is that the face/body detection and iAF work really well on the SL2 so you would think they also know how to make tracking work properly and maybe even introduce eye AF. In fact iAF is so good that in video you can properly keep moving wildlife in focus but if you switch to AFc it’s a mess so it makes no sense. All that being said there is supposed to come a firmware update that fixes those issues but I don’t know how true that is.
Any update on if the recent firmware updates helped the autofocus?
Bit of angry review, but I love it. Very helpful & practical take on timeless tool of percision !
What’s your opinion about Nikon Z6 if you have any hands on experience?
I’m seriously considering about buying one, just unsure who I can trust here..
Last year I went all in on Leica selling all of my other gear, which was mainly Canon. I do landscape and street photography, but I have to admit that, although I shoot a lot, I have not used my new gear in a professional context. I am very happy with my decision, and have not experienced any of the problems you described. I have never used the burst mode though, because it never was my approach, so I can't say anything about that. Maybe it's worth trying out an SL2 or SL2-S before you give up on the system, since as you rightly say the lenses are the best money can buy. Good luck!
Thanks for your comment! I think the biggest problem is the total lack of pro support. I contacted Canon last week and already have a demo R6 and glass on loan. I'll make a sacrifice on the Leica glass for better support!
@@bfotosuk That is a very valid point for a professional photographer and Leica needs to do something about that!
Professional support and service is definitely not on par with Nikon or Canon. But as a Prosumer shooter I am fine with that. I still have two Leica M’s to cover for that. Speedy service has always been an issue with Leica. That goes way back to the 70’s.
Refreshingly candid assessment from a working pro perspective. Much appreciated.
extraordinary 😜
I have the same problem on my Q with it freezing but still seeming like it’s working only to find out none of the pictures I just took were saved. It’s super frustrating and honestly unacceptable for the price of the camera
Yeah I agree and the worst thing is Leica are really not that helpful. I love the Q, I've still got it! But, I don't use it for any important paid work for the reason you state! Thanks for watching Cesar.
Well said
I mean, one of the reasons you buy leica is because you dont really need the support. If you are buying a camera, you might as well just use it, knowing its going to last.. You know the glass cant be beat, and I mean, as youve stated, you are still using the sl and the shutter hasnt given up on you. I dont know, the sl has a better sensor imo than even the newer sls, and the color you get out of the sl is just unreal.. Maybe check out the sl2s or something, I have that as well and its a phenomenal camera, I bought it to do professional work, portraits, weddings, etc.. I use Leica glass and Im very happy.. Leica glass alone is worth it..
Hello,
I have bought this camera second hand from a Leica official retailer today and bought a brand new SIGMA 24-70 F2.8 for it today as well.
The camera looks brand new but I still feel uneasy not knowing the shutter count. I came here maybe in a rush to find out what to expect about the shutter lifespan.
Do you have any pro tips for me for this specific camera ? Anything that you wish you knew when you started with it ?
Hey! That's exciting, new camera day! I've heard nothing but good things about the Sigma 24-70 too. Not sure I really have any tips, I always shoot mine in RAW and have a high speed card in it but that's it really. I always have the LCD as bright as it can go but apart from that I'm not sure I can offer any more help. Have fun with it!
@@bfotosuk thanks! I've managed to remap the buttons layout so I feel comfortable with it now :)
Now I just have to dress up like a hipster and ill be algood haha 😄
That sigma 24-70 is incredibly sharp too.
The Sigma 24-70mm delivers. I was astonished when I used it on my Leica CL. Sharp from 2.8 onwards. I think that just the built quality and color rendering is not on par with Leica glass. But then, you can easily get two 24-70mm from Sigma for the price of one Vario Elmarit 24-70mm
Good to listen to a realistic but unsurprising user account of the SL. Too many Leica fanboys out there or “reviewers” that don’t have the balls to give an honest opinion in case they get locked out by the manufacturers. I was seriously considering the SL but not now. I’ve got a Canon 5D which would probably give me and has given me a more reliable and less frustrating experience.
Hey Des! I think on reflection and with the benefit hindsight I would have been better off keeping my 5DMK4. I think I just needed to scratch the Leica itch. I still really like my Q. I think you're right though, I think a lot of people spend a lot of money and then can't bare to talk down on the product. They make lovely "Products" they're just not suitable for a standard day to day photographer like myself.
I don't like Reviews who has no single example image
Its a damning but honest review such a shame about the poor auto-focus etc,,I do not believe leica are a big enough company to offer genuine credible support for a pro photographer sadly.
I use an m262 rangefinder and its a fantastic camera for my amateur use but i follow other leica products with interest.
Its frustrating from a leica point of view that you obviously liked the camera and wanted it to work for you but ultimately the SL failed to deliver.
Oh well back to hideous ugly canon cameras.
Ugly Canons maybe but the client isn't bothered what my camera looks like :-) The problem is that Leica sell REALLY expensive cameras/glass and talk themselves up as a pro brand but don't have the basic support.
Basic support like realignment of 5k + cameras take six weeks, you mean?
A poor review - to potential buyers ignore the nit picking points. The SL is a great camera - I have two and have never had an issue with either of them. This is NOT a Nikon D3 BUT it's not meant to be. I worked as a press photographer for years and used Nikons but for features the SL is unbeatable and blows the socks of a Nikon.