I suspect most people will opt for the Sony option, which offers similar and even better spec’d cameras at much lower prices.Įven though I didn’t ask the representatives outright, I do suspect that the SL and especially that 24-90mm Vario-Elmarit to be made by Panasonic. I wouldn’t be able to even put a down payment for these 🙂

However, at $7450 for the body and $4950 for the zoom lens, this is strictly for the hardcore Leicaphilles. I think the SL is going to be a great camera, I don’t doubt that. It feels great in the hand and the operations were smooth. The camera is a beautiful monstrosity! Ugly, but beautiful at the same time. I said, ‘So you’re going after the Zeiss Otus?’ and the answer was “Yes.” Now this I have to see! 🙂 He mentioned a 90-280mm tele-zoom, and then stated they were going to have a 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens for this camera that will “set new standards.” The Leica representative stated that this lens could do macro mode on both ends of the zoom range, which is quite unique and something you don’t see in many lenses.Īs a prime lens lover though, I did ask the Leica representative if they had any primes in the works for this camera. The zooming action was smooth and the lens focused very fast and accurately on the SL under the bright shows lights of the expo.Īs I understand it, this lens has built-in optical stabilization which is always a great thing to have. You have to wonder why in today’s world, a zoom lens of this range has to be so large and heavy. The Vario-Elmarit 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH was huge. If I had more time with it, I probably could’ve selected harder to focus subjects, but time was of the essence so I didn’t have that luxury. The AF was very fast and accurate on first impressions and easy test targets. Just like the Sony A7 series, it was very sharp and easy to see. If it is, I would hope they will have better labeling and indicators on their final production model cameras.

There were some buttons which I’m not sure were labeled, which could be a problem in usage, and I’m not sure this was a pre-production model or not. The design and controls are very minimalist, very Leica. He said yes and liked the idea so much, he asked if he could take the same photo! Of course, I said yes 🙂 I asked the Leica representative if I could put my R8 next to the SL and take a photo of them together. “The Last & The First.” From left, Leica’s S (Typ 007) digital Medium Format system, the Leica R8 (mine!) and the Leica SL (Typ 601). The materials used to cover the camera body felt very nice to the touch, grippy and comfortable. It did look like a Sony A7 series, but was larger and felt much beefier.

The camera, together with the zoom lens, felt very solid. I actually picked up one with a smaller Leica T lens on it, and he said, “Take this one better” as he handed me the SL and 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Elmarit, which is their full-frame setup. The Leica reps were among the nicest people at the show! Certainly a lot nicer than the Nikon rep I ran into, but I’ll leave it at that for Nikon.Īnyway, I asked the Leica representative if I could try the SL and he handed the camera to me right away. I was a little worried that I, a mere peon, would be “snubbed” by the people representing this Camera Legend. I don’t know why, maybe it’s the Leica name, mystique, “German Heritage” or what have you. High on my list of priorities this year was to get a glimpse and hopefully try out Leica’s new SL (Typ 601), their new 24mp, full-frame mirrorless system camera.Īs I approached Leica’s booth, a little anticipation came over me. I’ve been going to PDN’s PhotoPlus Expo show in NYC every year since 2007 to check out the latest and greatest gear.

As I handed the combo back to the Leica representatives, I thought of Biggie’s immortal words…”It was all a dream” 🙂 Hands on with the Leica SL (Typ 601) and Vario-Elmarit 24-90mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH at PhotoPlus Expo in NYC.

Photo plus expo 2016