To correct some of the numbers I said in this video, on the 1.5x crop Leica CL, a 35mm lens = 52mm (not quite 50mm), and a native 50mm lens = 75mm (not 85mm!)* ..I think I lost track with my counting too! :)
@Joe Schmo hi Joe, see my other CL videos for that question. M240 live view is fine for composing wide lenses but slow and difficult to focus. You are much better using the EVF on the hot shoe. See that video. It transforms the M240 experience. (I discovered it and bought after this video)
If you buy an M10, you get focus peaking, exposure preview, you can use the EVF or live view for long lenses like the 135 or even a 500 Telyt or wides, the low light is fab and you still get the rangefinder experience.
Vinyl Island thanks yes agreed. If I wanted to down size my kit I could sell both the Leica CL and Leica M240 and replace them both with a M10. That said I do enjoy the crop factor of the CL, it lets me get in closer with the standard 50mm lenses I often use. Thanks
I always watch this vid .It checks me. :) Two Film M`s (3 and a BP4) ,a CL and an SL2s.I keep thinking of selling my CL and instead pick up a Q2m or a 246M but the CL is just so useful. The 23 /35 /60 CL lenses are excellent and I have no issues abut using them on the SL2s despite the reduced mp count .Keeps the weight down too. The Monochrome cameras are put on hold yet again :)
Thanks for the video .. It just helped me for my decision to go for the CL rather an M. And so Far I do not regret :) I love your job and thanks for the reviews.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Lucky guy ... :-) I was in Paris in Montmartre doing some picts with mine today ... on my flicker www.flickr.com/photos/22386946@N03/
This was certainly an interesting video. Have M9, no need to upgrade it, but would need a backup camera. Would be hilarious if bought CL and it became main camera and M9 backup camera.
It is interesting to see how people prefer different things. For me personally, the single stroke Leica M3 is the perfect camera. I'm going to purchase a second M3 body at some point. Anyway, I liked the video. I enjoy these longer videos. Your long video about Leica 50mm lenses made me subscribe.
Jesse Koskinen Thanks Jesse, yes agree the M3 is perfect for my portraits though for running I now prefer my smaller Leica iiia. Yes I have 2x M3. I prefer the SS vs DS. I’ve been trying to do shorter videos as I thought the early ones were too long. Maybe I should do a mix of short and longer format. Thanks for the feedback!
Great comparison. I have both and love both. I can see what you mean. But to be fair, since I'm not shooting for paid work, I just LOVE the M rangefinder shooting experience. :-)
Hatef Yamini thanks! Yes if a M if correctly calibration it is a joy to use. I definitely prefer the no black out of the viewfinder as seen with an EVF. Both cameras have there place for me :) ..once I get my M recalibrated I will try to use it again more
Yes you can see it in the finder if bad (patch won’t line up) or if like me always only slightly out I have to take a photo to check.. I see it as usually the models eye not in focus, try 1.4, 2,2.8.. until in focus. Then you know how bad, if our at f4 that’s a lot vs at 1.4 (at 1m)
Thanks for this, I'm coming back to photography where I left off with 35mm film about 30yrs ago. Trying to remember in addition to figuring out digital is a real pain in the butt.
Hi, great to hear you are enjoying photography again. Leica have less menu options (that are needed day to day) that most digital cameras I know so they are as close as you will get to shooting a film Leica/ film camera. I enjoy the ease of use and size especially. Enjoy! Matt
Thanks a lot. Great fun watching this. Perhaps that lesser shallow depth of field on CL gets offset some due to minimum focus distance being less than on 240. I’m using the CL with TL35 and get some pretty sexy photos but I do secretly want a full frame too
Heath Rasmussen Hi thanks for checking out my video. Yes correct, if you can get closer you can get the shallow DOF from the CL. This is limited with M lenses as they go to 0.7m but AF lenses will go much closer
Great informative video! I have an Leica TL2 with the 18mm f2.8 asph and am looking for a 50mm equivalent for my next acquisition. Size and weight isn’t a big concern for me neither is autofocus, so I’d like some thoughts / recommendations on the following options: 35mm F1.4 Summilux TL vs Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 Nokton Classic vs Voigtlander 35mm F1.2 III (or II). I’m a casual landscape and family photographer, so looking for something for portraits with good low light and DoF.
I love the M's. My first was a 'beater' M4-P, which I still have, then through various digital M's until the M10 I have now. Along the way I also bought a Konica Hexar RF, which is a great alternative to a film M. The biggest problem with them all is that I'm a left-eye shooter, hence my nose is always squashed up against the back. I often wonder whether there was ever a Leica made with the rangefinder window on the other side. In fact, if cost were no object, I think I would go to Leica and commission one :)
Matt, I’m a fan of your work, and some of the points about size and dynamic range are certainly true, but some points are clearly not. The M240 with Live View, or the add on EVF (while not as good as the CL EVF) certainly does have focus peaking, exposure preview and allows the use of wide or long lenses for which framelines do not come up or may be difficult to use. Further you can use adapted lenses from a variety of manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, or vintage M42 mount lenses, on M240 using either LV or add on EVF. Yes you could also do this on CL via an additional adapter. What you can’t get from CL is the ability to use both EVF and a rangefinder simultaneously like you can with M240 which opens up more options for framing. Looking through the optical rangefinder allows you to see what’s outside the framelines about to come into your shot, and allows you to focus on the subject in the bright optical window, regardless of how the lens may be stopped down. There is a lot to be said about external dial controls you can see at a glance with camera on or off, such as the M240 has, and the ability to have a depth of field scale on the lens and manual aperture which is not available on the native CL lenses, but you are taking advantage of by using the adapted M lenses on CL. Bigger lenses will balance better on M240 as well. I’m sure you’re aware of many of these points but wanted to present a counterpoint for those that may not be. If you don’t mind bigger size, the 1st generation Leica SL is heavily discounted right now, offers everything the CL does, with a vastly superior EVF, better controls, more options, a broader range of lenses, in a full frame package, and is another great choice. It’s not much bigger than an M with EVF and handgrip installed. Looking forward to more of your model shoots, with any camera.
Hi Brent, thanks for stopping by and sharing the detail you did for others. Yes I only compared from my existing setup so it is good to point out the EVF option (and other points). Yes sorry i'm a bit behind posting videos. I'm trying to share a mix of gear stuff i'm interested in, models and some random videos about what I get up to. Hopefully a new video tomorrow as my todo list is getting forever longer! Thanks Matt
Hi Fred, sorry I can only include so much in each video. I use M lenses on the CL so I use both cameras the same way to zone focus. (It's the lens not the camera for this).
Thank you for the review. Did you mention the external EVF (made by Olympus) for the M240? That would reduce the number of advantages of CL over M240. I keep my M240 is because of that EVF. I think M240 is the sweet spot for M ownership. Of course, a true "Leica Man" will buy the latest M10 with a Leica Summaron M 28mm F5.6! I also saw someone said "A true Leica Man will never complain about the M9's sensor corrosion."
Great point regarding the EVF! This was one of my first videos of now over 130? I later bought and did a video on the EVF. As for a Leicaman, as you can see I’m not one despite my blog name :)
Thanks a lot for this video. I exchanged my M240 and three lenses for a CL and 18-56 zoom when it was first available. But recently have been wondering if it was a mistake. I sometimes snap instinctively and with a rangefinder there's no time to focus. I don't like posed pictures - what drew me to photography was catching real life. But I also like recording static things seen, for their colour. All the points you covered in your video have reassured me that my impulsive decision to sell all my rangefinder lenses and camera wasn't rash. I may buy a TL 35mm f1.4 lens for portraits. Again - thanks a lot of a very thorough review
Hi Patrick, thanks. Sorry for the delayed response. I think you can shoot the CL the same as the M240 in terms of catch the moment. Set the lens to manual or pick up a vintage LTM mount manual focus lens then set the focal distance to X meters and forget. Then just shoot with it preset and you will never miss (at that distance). You can see these lenses appearing in my more recent videos but I need to do a full review on them as I get chance. Soon'ish! :) Matt
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom- Hi Mat. Thanks for replying. Just another question: I kept my 28mm Summicron, wondering whether it would be better with a TLM mount (42 mm equiv.) than the CL with 35 mm (50 equiv.) for portraits. The M lens is smaller and less intrusive.
Patrick Delaney if I understand you correctly is the 28mm good on the CL for portraits? I have it too but I tend to use 35mm (or 50) but I use wider too occasionally 25mm etc. Focal length is personal preference but I did use a 40mm on the M3 recently so you can decide if you like the results once I get chance to develop the film - Flickr & Instagram but will do lens review too, when time
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom No, I don't use a 28 lens for portraits, unless it's the only lens I have with me. I like the 50mm, but 35 with a CL would give me 50 equivalent, and the 35mm is made in Wetzlar. I don't like Japanese goods.
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Thank you for your review. Let’s know that you can shoot great portraits with an humble Pentacon 50mm f1.8... It’s a cheap lens, not super sharp, but it has plenty of pleasant background blur...
takaya takaya hi thanks for checking out the video. I have this lens in M42 mount. I’ve used it on a Nikon camera body before. Nice colours and contrast! Maybe I will try to use it on a Nikon film camera again soon!
But Le8ca seem like treat theur APSC luneuo as after thrpught because they dont release much lenses as often as they should be Waht you think Leica D Lux 7, it seem like a camera can do it all for travel, image quality good enough is good enough for me, I just want ultrawide and zoom focal lengths, do you think i should get D Lux 7 or CL or M?
There are lots of L mount lenses now you can use on the Leica CL and you can use M and R lenses too via adapters. I had a cheap DLux Panasonic camera and it's fun and tiny but the novelty stops and then you want a proper camera. Get a CL for size and use with all lenses or get an M for the full Leica experience (RF shooting).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yeah but those are not native and mean for bigger sensor But do you still want your D Lux 7, can I help you do something like some design or editing and maybe in return gift that D Lux 7 or sell for dirt cheap to me so I can make use of it and finally have a dedicated camera to shoot? I like it has 24-70 and still bright plus versatile features in such carry friendly package. 😃
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Ah I see, this good looking and full of features camera sure will be liked and wanted by a model for sure! Got her IG? Want to see her photography and her works too! Hope they don't stop there and make mark 3 and don't give micro 4 third up! By the way, do you know anyone want logo or any sort of design service? I wanted to help out!
Hey Matt. Thanks for the video. I am an happy CL and M10 user. I am looking for an adapter to use my vintage Olympus OM lenses on my CL likewise I do on my M10 using an OM/M adapter. Currently I mount the 2 adapter OM/M and M/TL on the CL to do it. I looked for the OM/CL adapter but so far I didn't find anything. Could you help me? Thanks a lot. Giuseppe
Hi Giuseppe, I don't currently use Olympus but say for me I use Nikon lenses so I found a Nikon - L39 adapter and use that. same for Minolta. Maybe have a search on eBay and try various search terms. Sorry I can't give you a specific product link.
Now that you have the SL, it would be interesting to use the Sigma 35mm f/2 contemporary and/or the Panasonic 24mm f/1.8 on Both SL & CL bodies. I especially like the Panasonic 20->60 zoom for outdoor street general purpose, yes it is a bit slow but outdoors is fine.
I have some camera A vs B vids to come. If I get sent those mentioned lenses to test I will. Hopefully as the channel grows I’ll get more opportunities like that to share my thoughts.
Would you still recommend the CL today? I wanted a M but the M11 is out of my league price-wise and didn't like the M240 ( I used to have one ). Want something smaller. I already have some M Lenses. I really liked the SL - low light performance was an issue but loved the SL overall. However again I want something pocketable and willing to go APS-C for that.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt, i think if was an indoor/model photographer the same would apply but I mostly shoot outdoors and the SL is too heavy, though I love the camera otherwise. Look forward to seeing your next CL video
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt, just giving my opinion on the Tele-Elmarit 90 mm (thin version) lens. In my hand, though I have only owned the two lenses for only two months, I found it is as sharp as the 90 mm Macro Elmar (version 1) using LV for focusing on M240. I think if not for macro photography, the much less expensive Tele-Elmarit has a better value. BTW, I am getting the 1.4x magnifier for my long lenses per your suggestion. Thanks.
Thanks John, I normally use longer than the 28mm on a Q camera.. If I start doing more weddings I would certainly look at them. (See my Leica Q and Q2 videos for more info!)
Thanks Martin. Absolutely! You can do a wedding with just a Q/Q2, 28mm doesn't suit all photos/ needs but it's good for details and documenting the day as a whole. CL gives you access to every M, R and TL/SL lens (meaning you can use telephotos, fast primes, character lenses.. the options are endless).
What your really saying is what we all know deep down, that is that the rangefinder is obsolete and EVF is the new king. But i still enjoy the clear real life view of the optical viewfinder although its better suited to mid aperture type photography and is much harder to get correct exposure with. Still find an EVF laggy especially compared to the clear window of a leica m,surprised you did not mention that.
stephen edmunds thanks Stephen, yes sorry I forgot to mention the evf black out / lag in the video but it’s included in the full MrLeica.com write up. A calibrated M3 RF is still the best whether with a Noctilux or Elmar or the M2 for 35mm. For other focal lengths and for the ease of correct exposure an EVF is good, though as mentioned this is only important if the light is changing. I did an all day photoshoot with the M240 last weekend and I didn’t need the CL and only a handful of the frames needed brightness correction in post of 800 images. The rest I gauged correctly in camera. So I still love a well setup optical RF but I was surprised that I took to the EVF as easily as I did. Also I’m short sighted so an RF is fast to work with and accurate vs a SLR where I can’t see to focus. Luckily the CL EVF lets me zoom in to focus. So it summary if anyone loves Leica but can’t use a RF, get an EVF camera or attachment. (I’ve only mentioned the focusing and exposure points)*.
Douglas Goullet Thanks Douglas! I don’t see why you can’t. :) A good lens certainly helps for portraits if you want shallow depth of field but not a must. Get a lens that has nice character more than the most expensive I find usually helps. See my 50mm lens review as those lenses will fit your camera via a Leica adapter :)
I have the TL2, cL and SL, also had the Q for a couple of years. There is very minimal real world difference in image quality between CL, Tl2 and the Sl. I prefer to carry the crop sensor cameras, they are phenomenal and what they deliver. I have considered the range finders, i’ve used them in the past, but decided that going forward the path is in the L mounts
Hi Paul, great camera line up! Yes I never expected the CL to become my main camera and I've not seen a need to get the SL or M10. I still love rangefinders but the CL is so easy for digital (and I can still use all my M glass). Thanks for confirming about the CL/TL2/SL regarding image quality. I'm sure others reading this will find it useful. Thanks Matt
Hey Matt. Great video on sharing your opinion on the Leica M vs CL. I just wanted to know if the “colour” that you get from the CL compares to the Leica M ? I know it sounds like a silly question but it’s one of the major reasons that’s drawn me to the Leica M RF experience. I always had an opinion that besides the film/Leica M/SL/Q/Medium format range, the other Leica’s were just a Panasonic product with a Leica badge.
Hi Raymond, thanks. I actually shoot 95% B&W photography so I may not be the best person to ask.. but see the various Leica CL posts on MrLeica.Com and or Flickr for lots of samples, some of which are colour. I shoot colour for weddings and have not noticed a difference vs. Leica M colours. I definitely see it as a Leica product vs Panasonic. I had a D-Lux Panasonic version and that definitely had non-Leica colours. I sold it.
Thank you for the great video. I just bought a Leica CL and a voigtlander 35mm f2,5 after watching your videos. It’s my second Leica digital camera beside ME. Greeting from Beijing!
Hi Matt, This great video lays out solid explanations on your CL preferences over the M240. As you had mentioned, you cycle and go hiking with the CL. I currently carry my M240 in a sling back pack and find it flops in front of me when cycling and hiking, particularly when scaling up steeper slopes on all fours. I am concerned with the camera getting wet from sweat or if I get caught out in the rain. How do you keep the CL dry in the back of your cycling jersey or prevent it from migrating forward? Do you use a bag for protection? If so, which one? I see there is the full CL strap so I'm thinking that you don't use a bag, is that the case? I'm mostly concerned with the sensor size, as I do print the images, thus the M240 can do that up to 100-200% without losing any sharpness. However, the weight and the size of the M240 are very compelling reasons for having the CL for more efficient mobility. thx, Robert
Thanks Robert, I use a small dry back if out in potential bad conditions and if using a bag (see my running video). In my cycle jersey I use food bag. I mostly shoot film cameras so carry small 35mm cameras (there’s a film showing them) without straps. The CL strap would be removed or travel or a wrist strap added. I don’t think you need to worry about printed. I’m no expert but maybe google it. I’d like to think you can’t tell the difference. People print 35mm film large so digital is easy. Hope that helps.
@@williamdevine9307 although I was fortunate to grow up with Leica III + 3.5f elmar three decades ago, a recent fuji x100f "poor man's leica" trial left me struggling with the optical parallax & unclear frame limits - so I'm trending to accept that EVF is the more realistic future - but guess it's what ultimately achieves the photographic outcome we aspire to.
I have a Leica TL2 APSC 24MB camera and 5 (five) native lenses. Full price for the lot was $12,000. No old Leica glass but the new Leica glass is equal or better than the M glass. I like your videos, but, your experience is handicapping you.
EVF is superior to rangefinder? Wow! Who would have thought that? Imagine if Leica invents a mirrorless camera like the CL, but full frame and with fast autofocus lens! Everyone would want one! No one else does this and everyone will have to copy Leica. Leica could charge $20,000 for a camera and a prime autofocus lens and people would like up to.purchase it.
Thanks Charles, I prefer the RF for street and EVF for precision. I don't know if you've seen my other videos but I now use the SL for the big fast EVF for most of my work. Yes agreed they need to make M with EVF built in
that battery is a big deal, specially because it probably designed for street and travel .photography. I dont know why they dont just make the body a bit thicker and put a larger battery in it. It seems all camera manufactures dont cor didnt care about battery life 5-7 years ago.
The M240 was garbage. I waited out for Leica to get their shit together with digital M bodies, sticking with a M3 and bought a new MP last year. I am very happy Leica came out with the M10R, so finally M10 copies are showing up in the second hand market and I just picked one up. The M10 is a forever camera. No need to EVER buy any better digital M. Nobody really needs 40 megapixels. Who prints that large? I've made gorgeous prints 30 by 40 inches from a ten year old Micro Four Thirds file. I am waiting for Leica to come out with a new CL that comes with in body image stabilization. At the price point it sells for, it needs to have that.
MrLeicaCom really cringe. Get over the brand and just enjoy the photography? Who cares what camera brand was used for the wedding as long as the results are there? 🤷🏽♂️
Yes agreed 👍🏻 I just didn’t want to have a Leica branded blog and then share wedding images shot with a Nikon as it would have only resulted in comments like this coming in. When I first switched to Leica I still had digital Nikon gear which I was using. I stopped posting images shot with a Nikon 200 f2 for example as there is nothing Leica produces that can give a similar look. When clients approach me for a wedding shot with Leica cameras I can’t produce that 200 f2 unique look so I don’t show them on that part of the blog to avoid confusion. Yes the camera doesn’t matter but yes clients can ask for just Leica cameras especially if they use them themselves.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
To correct some of the numbers I said in this video, on the 1.5x crop Leica CL, a 35mm lens = 52mm (not quite 50mm), and a native 50mm lens = 75mm (not 85mm!)* ..I think I lost track with my counting too! :)
@Joe Schmo hi Joe, see my other CL videos for that question. M240 live view is fine for composing wide lenses but slow and difficult to focus. You are much better using the EVF on the hot shoe. See that video. It transforms the M240 experience. (I discovered it and bought after this video)
If you buy an M10, you get focus peaking, exposure preview, you can use the EVF or live view for long lenses like the 135 or even a 500 Telyt or wides, the low light is fab and you still get the rangefinder experience.
Vinyl Island thanks yes agreed. If I wanted to down size my kit I could sell both the Leica CL and Leica M240 and replace them both with a M10. That said I do enjoy the crop factor of the CL, it lets me get in closer with the standard 50mm lenses I often use. Thanks
I always watch this vid .It checks me. :) Two Film M`s (3 and a BP4) ,a CL and an SL2s.I keep thinking of selling my CL and instead pick up a Q2m or a 246M but the CL is just so useful. The 23 /35 /60 CL lenses are excellent and I have no issues abut using them on the SL2s despite the reduced mp count .Keeps the weight down too. The Monochrome cameras are put on hold yet again :)
Thanks Michael! Yes i'm the same. I can't sell the CL!
Thanks for the video .. It just helped me for my decision to go for the CL rather an M. And so Far I do not regret :)
I love your job and thanks for the reviews.
Jerome Arnould Hi Jerome, thank you. I’m happy to hear you like your CL too. I’ve been using mine today teaching a workshop in Tenerife! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Lucky guy ... :-) I was in Paris in Montmartre doing some picts with mine today ... on my flicker www.flickr.com/photos/22386946@N03/
This was certainly an interesting video. Have M9, no need to upgrade it, but would need a backup camera. Would be hilarious if bought CL and it became main camera and M9 backup camera.
Haha don’t joke it could happen :) CL is better in every way except the unique M9 CCD look
It is interesting to see how people prefer different things. For me personally, the single stroke Leica M3 is the perfect camera. I'm going to purchase a second M3 body at some point. Anyway, I liked the video. I enjoy these longer videos. Your long video about Leica 50mm lenses made me subscribe.
Jesse Koskinen Thanks Jesse, yes agree the M3 is perfect for my portraits though for running I now prefer my smaller Leica iiia. Yes I have 2x M3. I prefer the SS vs DS. I’ve been trying to do shorter videos as I thought the early ones were too long. Maybe I should do a mix of short and longer format. Thanks for the feedback!
Great comparison. I have both and love both. I can see what you mean. But to be fair, since I'm not shooting for paid work, I just LOVE the M rangefinder shooting experience. :-)
Hatef Yamini thanks! Yes if a M if correctly calibration it is a joy to use. I definitely prefer the no black out of the viewfinder as seen with an EVF. Both cameras have there place for me :) ..once I get my M recalibrated I will try to use it again more
Is not possible to take a test photo and check if rangefinder is not calibrated? is it so easy to get it out of calibration?
Yes you can see it in the finder if bad (patch won’t line up) or if like me always only slightly out I have to take a photo to check.. I see it as usually the models eye not in focus, try 1.4, 2,2.8.. until in focus. Then you know how bad, if our at f4 that’s a lot vs at 1.4 (at 1m)
Thanks for this, I'm coming back to photography where I left off with 35mm film about 30yrs ago. Trying to remember in addition to figuring out digital is a real pain in the butt.
Hi, great to hear you are enjoying photography again. Leica have less menu options (that are needed day to day) that most digital cameras I know so they are as close as you will get to shooting a film Leica/ film camera. I enjoy the ease of use and size especially. Enjoy! Matt
Thanks a lot. Great fun watching this. Perhaps that lesser shallow depth of field on CL gets offset some due to minimum focus distance being less than on 240. I’m using the CL with TL35 and get some pretty sexy photos but I do secretly want a full frame too
Heath Rasmussen Hi thanks for checking out my video. Yes correct, if you can get closer you can get the shallow DOF from the CL. This is limited with M lenses as they go to 0.7m but AF lenses will go much closer
Great informative video! I have an Leica TL2 with the 18mm f2.8 asph and am looking for a 50mm equivalent for my next acquisition. Size and weight isn’t a big concern for me neither is autofocus, so I’d like some thoughts / recommendations on the following options: 35mm F1.4 Summilux TL vs Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 Nokton Classic vs Voigtlander 35mm F1.2 III (or II). I’m a casual landscape and family photographer, so looking for something for portraits with good low light and DoF.
Hi Marcel, thanks! The 35mm f1.2 v3 is my favourite CL lens by far (I have v2 but v3 is smaller).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks! I’ll go with that 👍
I love the M's. My first was a 'beater' M4-P, which I still have, then through various digital M's until the M10 I have now. Along the way I also bought a Konica Hexar RF, which is a great alternative to a film M. The biggest problem with them all is that I'm a left-eye shooter, hence my nose is always squashed up against the back. I often wonder whether there was ever a Leica made with the rangefinder window on the other side. In fact, if cost were no object, I think I would go to Leica and commission one :)
Great point on left-eye shooting.. does shooting portrait mode help? ..i'm trying to think ha :)
Matt, I’m a fan of your work, and some of the points about size and dynamic range are certainly true, but some points are clearly not. The M240 with Live View, or the add on EVF (while not as good as the CL EVF) certainly does have focus peaking, exposure preview and allows the use of wide or long lenses for which framelines do not come up or may be difficult to use. Further you can use adapted lenses from a variety of manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, or vintage M42 mount lenses, on M240 using either LV or add on EVF. Yes you could also do this on CL via an additional adapter. What you can’t get from CL is the ability to use both EVF and a rangefinder simultaneously like you can with M240 which opens up more options for framing. Looking through the optical rangefinder allows you to see what’s outside the framelines about to come into your shot, and allows you to focus on the subject in the bright optical window, regardless of how the lens may be stopped down. There is a lot to be said about external dial controls you can see at a glance with camera on or off, such as the M240 has, and the ability to have a depth of field scale on the lens and manual aperture which is not available on the native CL lenses, but you are taking advantage of by using the adapted M lenses on CL. Bigger lenses will balance better on M240 as well. I’m sure you’re aware of many of these points but wanted to present a counterpoint for those that may not be. If you don’t mind bigger size, the 1st generation Leica SL is heavily discounted right now, offers everything the CL does, with a vastly superior EVF, better controls, more options, a broader range of lenses, in a full frame package, and is another great choice. It’s not much bigger than an M with EVF and handgrip installed. Looking forward to more of your model shoots, with any camera.
Hi Brent, thanks for stopping by and sharing the detail you did for others. Yes I only compared from my existing setup so it is good to point out the EVF option (and other points). Yes sorry i'm a bit behind posting videos. I'm trying to share a mix of gear stuff i'm interested in, models and some random videos about what I get up to. Hopefully a new video tomorrow as my todo list is getting forever longer! Thanks Matt
You didn't teach them about zone focusing with the M or any other camera
??
Hi Fred, sorry I can only include so much in each video. I use M lenses on the CL so I use both cameras the same way to zone focus. (It's the lens not the camera for this).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Agreed. Yet, that little bit would have been instructive. :))
Thank you for the review. Did you mention the external EVF (made by Olympus) for the M240? That would reduce the number of advantages of CL over M240. I keep my M240 is because of that EVF. I think M240 is the sweet spot for M ownership. Of course, a true "Leica Man" will buy the latest M10 with a Leica Summaron M 28mm F5.6! I also saw someone said "A true Leica Man will never complain about the M9's sensor corrosion."
Great point regarding the EVF! This was one of my first videos of now over 130? I later bought and did a video on the EVF. As for a Leicaman, as you can see I’m not one despite my blog name :)
Thanks a lot for this video. I exchanged my M240 and three lenses for a CL and 18-56 zoom when it was first available. But recently have been wondering if it was a mistake. I sometimes snap instinctively and with a rangefinder there's no time to focus. I don't like posed pictures - what drew me to photography was catching real life. But I also like recording static things seen, for their colour. All the points you covered in your video have reassured me that my impulsive decision to sell all my rangefinder lenses and camera wasn't rash. I may buy a TL 35mm f1.4 lens for portraits. Again - thanks a lot of a very thorough review
Hi Patrick, thanks. Sorry for the delayed response. I think you can shoot the CL the same as the M240 in terms of catch the moment. Set the lens to manual or pick up a vintage LTM mount manual focus lens then set the focal distance to X meters and forget. Then just shoot with it preset and you will never miss (at that distance). You can see these lenses appearing in my more recent videos but I need to do a full review on them as I get chance. Soon'ish! :) Matt
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom- Hi Mat. Thanks for replying. Just another question: I kept my 28mm Summicron, wondering whether it would be better with a TLM mount (42 mm equiv.) than the CL with 35 mm (50 equiv.) for portraits. The M lens is smaller and less intrusive.
Patrick Delaney if I understand you correctly is the 28mm good on the CL for portraits? I have it too but I tend to use 35mm (or 50) but I use wider too occasionally 25mm etc. Focal length is personal preference but I did use a 40mm on the M3 recently so you can decide if you like the results once I get chance to develop the film - Flickr & Instagram but will do lens review too, when time
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom No, I don't use a 28 lens for portraits, unless it's the only lens I have with me. I like the 50mm, but 35 with a CL would give me 50 equivalent, and the 35mm is made in Wetzlar. I don't like Japanese goods.
Patrick Delaney yes I use 35mm a lot on my CL too.. like you I tend to like the 50mm equivalent FL whatever camera I use
Great video. I was thinking of getting an M240; but after watching your video, I will upgrade from a T to a TL2 instead.
Thanks, the M240 is still great for street but the APS-C bodies are great too
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Thank you for your review. Let’s know that you can shoot great portraits with an humble Pentacon 50mm f1.8... It’s a cheap lens, not super sharp, but it has plenty of pleasant background blur...
takaya takaya hi thanks for checking out the video. I have this lens in M42 mount. I’ve used it on a Nikon camera body before. Nice colours and contrast! Maybe I will try to use it on a Nikon film camera again soon!
But Le8ca seem like treat theur APSC luneuo as after thrpught because they dont release much lenses as often as they should be
Waht you think Leica D Lux 7, it seem like a camera can do it all for travel, image quality good enough is good enough for me, I just want ultrawide and zoom focal lengths, do you think i should get D Lux 7 or CL or M?
There are lots of L mount lenses now you can use on the Leica CL and you can use M and R lenses too via adapters. I had a cheap DLux Panasonic camera and it's fun and tiny but the novelty stops and then you want a proper camera. Get a CL for size and use with all lenses or get an M for the full Leica experience (RF shooting).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yeah but those are not native and mean for bigger sensor
But do you still want your D Lux 7, can I help you do something like some design or editing and maybe in return gift that D Lux 7 or sell for dirt cheap to me so I can make use of it and finally have a dedicated camera to shoot? I like it has 24-70 and still bright plus versatile features in such carry friendly package. 😃
@@NetvoTV thanks sorry a model bought it from me some years ago.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Ah I see, this good looking and full of features camera sure will be liked and wanted by a model for sure! Got her IG? Want to see her photography and her works too! Hope they don't stop there and make mark 3 and don't give micro 4 third up!
By the way, do you know anyone want logo or any sort of design service? I wanted to help out!
Hey Matt. Thanks for the video. I am an happy CL and M10 user. I am looking for an adapter to use my vintage Olympus OM lenses on my CL likewise I do on my M10 using an OM/M adapter. Currently I mount the 2 adapter OM/M and M/TL on the CL to do it. I looked for the OM/CL adapter but so far I didn't find anything. Could you help me? Thanks a lot. Giuseppe
Hi Giuseppe, I don't currently use Olympus but say for me I use Nikon lenses so I found a Nikon - L39 adapter and use that. same for Minolta. Maybe have a search on eBay and try various search terms. Sorry I can't give you a specific product link.
Now that you have the SL, it would be interesting to use the Sigma 35mm f/2 contemporary and/or the Panasonic 24mm f/1.8 on Both SL & CL bodies.
I especially like the Panasonic 20->60 zoom for outdoor street general purpose, yes it is a bit slow but outdoors is fine.
I have some camera A vs B vids to come. If I get sent those mentioned lenses to test I will. Hopefully as the channel grows I’ll get more opportunities like that to share my thoughts.
Would you still recommend the CL today? I wanted a M but the M11 is out of my league price-wise and didn't like the M240 ( I used to have one ). Want something smaller. I already have some M Lenses. I really liked the SL - low light performance was an issue but loved the SL overall. However again I want something pocketable and willing to go APS-C for that.
I use the SL 95% but for when you need something smaller the CL is hard to beat. You'll see it again in a planned video for next month.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt, i think if was an indoor/model photographer the same would apply but I mostly shoot outdoors and the SL is too heavy, though I love the camera otherwise. Look forward to seeing your next CL video
Wonder how good and how much easier will my Tele-Elmer 135 mm lens perform on the CL?
Hi Wilfred, longer lenses are easier to use/ focus on the CL yes for sure. Just remember the crop factor!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt, just giving my opinion on the Tele-Elmarit 90 mm (thin version) lens. In my hand, though I have only owned the two lenses for only two months, I found it is as sharp as the 90 mm Macro Elmar (version 1) using LV for focusing on M240. I think if not for macro photography, the much less expensive Tele-Elmarit has a better value. BTW, I am getting the 1.4x magnifier for my long lenses per your suggestion. Thanks.
@@wilfredshum3703 thanks for the information Wilfred, yes I rely on my 1.4x magnifiers on the M bodies 👍🏻
why not the Q. - full frame and cheaper then M10 - nice EVF - and 35mm lens comes with it - at F1.7 and Auto focus
Thanks John, I normally use longer than the 28mm on a Q camera.. If I start doing more weddings I would certainly look at them. (See my Leica Q and Q2 videos for more info!)
Great video. Would you think there's a reason to have a CL and a Q2 both (eg for weddings)?
Thanks Martin. Absolutely! You can do a wedding with just a Q/Q2, 28mm doesn't suit all photos/ needs but it's good for details and documenting the day as a whole. CL gives you access to every M, R and TL/SL lens (meaning you can use telephotos, fast primes, character lenses.. the options are endless).
What your really saying is what we all know deep down, that is that the rangefinder is obsolete and EVF is the new king.
But i still enjoy the clear real life view of the optical viewfinder although its better suited to mid aperture type photography and is much harder to get correct exposure with.
Still find an EVF laggy especially compared to the clear window of a leica m,surprised you did not mention that.
stephen edmunds thanks Stephen, yes sorry I forgot to mention the evf black out / lag in the video but it’s included in the full MrLeica.com write up. A calibrated M3 RF is still the best whether with a Noctilux or Elmar or the M2 for 35mm. For other focal lengths and for the ease of correct exposure an EVF is good, though as mentioned this is only important if the light is changing. I did an all day photoshoot with the M240 last weekend and I didn’t need the CL and only a handful of the frames needed brightness correction in post of 800 images. The rest I gauged correctly in camera. So I still love a well setup optical RF but I was surprised that I took to the EVF as easily as I did. Also I’m short sighted so an RF is fast to work with and accurate vs a SLR where I can’t see to focus. Luckily the CL EVF lets me zoom in to focus. So it summary if anyone loves Leica but can’t use a RF, get an EVF camera or attachment. (I’ve only mentioned the focusing and exposure points)*.
Thanks for a great review. Your portrait shots are fantastic, do you think i can get this results with my sony a7riv and a good lens for portraits?
Douglas Goullet Thanks Douglas! I don’t see why you can’t. :) A good lens certainly helps for portraits if you want shallow depth of field but not a must. Get a lens that has nice character more than the most expensive I find usually helps. See my 50mm lens review as those lenses will fit your camera via a Leica adapter :)
Great video!
Thanks Rodolfo! Sorry for the video quality, one of my oldest videos. I've done more CL videos since.
Very thorough! Thanks!
Travis Hill thanks Travis yes sorry it was a bit lengthy but yes I tried to cover all I could think of! :)
I have the TL2, cL and SL, also had the Q for a couple of years. There is very minimal real world difference in image quality between CL, Tl2 and the Sl. I prefer to carry the crop sensor cameras, they are phenomenal and what they deliver. I have considered the range finders, i’ve used them in the past, but decided that going forward the path is in the L mounts
Hi Paul, great camera line up! Yes I never expected the CL to become my main camera and I've not seen a need to get the SL or M10. I still love rangefinders but the CL is so easy for digital (and I can still use all my M glass). Thanks for confirming about the CL/TL2/SL regarding image quality. I'm sure others reading this will find it useful. Thanks Matt
Hey Matt. Great video on sharing your opinion on the Leica M vs CL. I just wanted to know if the “colour” that you get from the CL compares to the Leica M ? I know it sounds like a silly question but it’s one of the major reasons that’s drawn me to the Leica M RF experience.
I always had an opinion that besides the film/Leica M/SL/Q/Medium format range, the other Leica’s were just a Panasonic product with a Leica badge.
Hi Raymond, thanks. I actually shoot 95% B&W photography so I may not be the best person to ask.. but see the various Leica CL posts on MrLeica.Com and or Flickr for lots of samples, some of which are colour. I shoot colour for weddings and have not noticed a difference vs. Leica M colours. I definitely see it as a Leica product vs Panasonic. I had a D-Lux Panasonic version and that definitely had non-Leica colours. I sold it.
Matt Osborne thanks for getting back to me. Cheers.
Raymond Lay 👍🏻 no problem
Thank you for the great video. I just bought a Leica CL and a voigtlander 35mm f2,5 after watching your videos. It’s my second Leica digital camera beside ME. Greeting from Beijing!
Oh, and a viewfinder magnifier x1,4, spent a lot of money because of your videos😂
Thanks Ke and congrats on your new camera gear! :)
ke zhang and sorry it cost you money. Some other people write this to me too haha 😂 🙄
What adapter do you use for the Voightlander? Do you use Leicas official M to L adapter?
Great review Matt, do you thing that Q2 it's worth that much more than CL, is that much more superior? Thank You
Ion Vicol thanks, no. (But the good news is the is a video to come on that maybe later next week). :)
Hi Matt, This great video lays out solid explanations on your CL preferences over the M240. As you had mentioned, you cycle and go hiking with the CL. I currently carry my M240 in a sling back pack and find it flops in front of me when cycling and hiking, particularly when scaling up steeper slopes on all fours. I am concerned with the camera getting wet from sweat or if I get caught out in the rain. How do you keep the CL dry in the back of your cycling jersey or prevent it from migrating forward? Do you use a bag for protection? If so, which one? I see there is the full CL strap so I'm thinking that you don't use a bag, is that the case? I'm mostly concerned with the sensor size, as I do print the images, thus the M240 can do that up to 100-200% without losing any sharpness. However, the weight and the size of the M240 are very compelling reasons for having the CL for more efficient mobility. thx, Robert
Thanks Robert, I use a small dry back if out in potential bad conditions and if using a bag (see my running video). In my cycle jersey I use food bag. I mostly shoot film cameras so carry small 35mm cameras (there’s a film showing them) without straps. The CL strap would be removed or travel or a wrist strap added. I don’t think you need to worry about printed. I’m no expert but maybe google it. I’d like to think you can’t tell the difference. People print 35mm film large so digital is easy. Hope that helps.
I’ll try to include more running footage so you can see me carrying the cameras in some future videos.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thx!
Hey Matt- love this camera, in your opinion is it still a good buy in the middle of 2020?
Franco V both are yes! I was using both m240 and CL yesterday on photoshoot.
I have a M 10 -m R.. It is a fine camera
Nice!
If only leica adopted an optical/digital hybrid like fuji.... Best of both worlds
Yes Leica are stuck in their ways :)
leica q
@@williamdevine9307 although I was fortunate to grow up with Leica III + 3.5f elmar three decades ago, a recent fuji x100f "poor man's leica" trial left me struggling with the optical parallax & unclear frame limits - so I'm trending to accept that EVF is the more realistic future - but guess it's what ultimately achieves the photographic outcome we aspire to.
I have a Leica TL2 APSC 24MB camera and 5 (five) native lenses. Full price for the lot was $12,000. No old Leica glass but the new Leica glass is equal or better than the M glass.
I like your videos, but, your experience is handicapping you.
Thanks for sharing!
Leica m240 does have focus piking
Thanks, sorry I used the rangefinder at the time of making this video so I’d never used it. Thanks for confirming.
..I now have EVF for mine
I didn't know that Sheldon was into photography...
Haha tough times with Covid and lockdown.. I had to start a RUclips channel! :)
“Fun with Leica’s”
Excellent
kim evans thanks! 🙏🏻
EVF is superior to rangefinder? Wow! Who would have thought that? Imagine if Leica invents a mirrorless camera like the CL, but full frame and with fast autofocus lens! Everyone would want one! No one else does this and everyone will have to copy Leica. Leica could charge $20,000 for a camera and a prime autofocus lens and people would like up to.purchase it.
Thanks Charles, I prefer the RF for street and EVF for precision. I don't know if you've seen my other videos but I now use the SL for the big fast EVF for most of my work. Yes agreed they need to make M with EVF built in
that battery is a big deal, specially because it probably designed for street and travel .photography. I dont know why they dont just make the body a bit thicker and put a larger battery in it. It seems all camera manufactures dont cor didnt care about battery life 5-7 years ago.
Good point, I just carry a spare and it works fine for me but longer battery life is always welcomed!
AF could be an advantage of CL because it is quicker sometimes.
Yes! See my SL videos. I now use one of those too
The M240 was garbage. I waited out for Leica to get their shit together with digital M bodies, sticking with a M3 and bought a new MP last year. I am very happy Leica came out with the M10R, so finally M10 copies are showing up in the second hand market and I just picked one up. The M10 is a forever camera. No need to EVER buy any better digital M. Nobody really needs 40 megapixels. Who prints that large? I've made gorgeous prints 30 by 40 inches from a ten year old Micro Four Thirds file. I am waiting for Leica to come out with a new CL that comes with in body image stabilization. At the price point it sells for, it needs to have that.
Thanks TW! Yes the CL2 seems long overdue for sure! Glad you are enjoying the M10
Those 7 reasons and 14 more to just buy a Sony A7III IMHO.
Thanks Brian, yes Sony have become popular in recent years but i'm happy with Leicas at the moment.
IMHO: never trust a person who claims to be 'Humble'.
Patrick Delaney I’m not smart enough to know if this is aimed at me or not? :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom No, it's aimed at people who write 'I. M. H. O.' They are seldom 'humble'. Pure affectation.
Patrick Delaney thanks Patrick.. I’ll try to post a new video today, I’m a little behind track
Curious to understand what a “Leica wedding” is 😂😂😂🙄🙄🙄🙄
MrBusy ha sorry I’m used to writing that term on the blog. It’s a wedding shot with Leica :)
MrLeicaCom really cringe. Get over the brand and just enjoy the photography? Who cares what camera brand was used for the wedding as long as the results are there? 🤷🏽♂️
Yes agreed 👍🏻 I just didn’t want to have a Leica branded blog and then share wedding images shot with a Nikon as it would have only resulted in comments like this coming in. When I first switched to Leica I still had digital Nikon gear which I was using. I stopped posting images shot with a Nikon 200 f2 for example as there is nothing Leica produces that can give a similar look. When clients approach me for a wedding shot with Leica cameras I can’t produce that 200 f2 unique look so I don’t show them on that part of the blog to avoid confusion. Yes the camera doesn’t matter but yes clients can ask for just Leica cameras especially if they use them themselves.