Leica CL: Still Worth Buying in 2021?:
I don’t own a Leica CL but I did review it when it was released, and occasionally, I will borrow it from my uncle. In fact, I’ve actually been borrowing his for the past 6 months, and I have to say, it’s definitely a nice camera to shoot with, and something I would love to own. Lately, I’ve also been speaking to a few friends about the CL, and a couple have jumped on one because there are some pretty good deals. For instance, there are a couple of bundles, such as, the CL and Elmarit-TL 18mm 2.8 ASPH bundle, where you’re basically getting the lens for free and $100. You can even choose between silver or black. I’m assuming like many others that a new CL2 is either in the works or coming out sooner or later. So, the question is, is it still worth buying one now, especially if you can find a good deal?
The Leica CL was released sometime in November 2017, which makes it three to four years old. Technology has advanced obviously but how much really? I think that we’re at a point where cameras are so good now that you no longer have to upgrade to the latest, and greatest to see significant improvements. I know people still happily using their Leica M 240s, and getting fantastic images. I’m still posting images I’ve shot with my Fuji X-T1 (for those who don’t know, they are already up to an X-T4), and getting great feedback. After using the CL for my review when it first came out (you can read my full review of it here), and having it here with me for the past 6 months helping me to review different L mount lenses, I’m telling you right now that this is still a superb camera. Leica models have always had long shelf lives, which is one reason why I love the company. They make a product, even a digital one, that can stand the test a time a bit better, and after a few years, I think the CL still holds up quite well.
↑ This photo of Stephanie (Instagram) taken with the Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens at f1.4 and 100 ISO.
↑ This was taken with the Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens with 800 ISO. The focal length used was 256mm, and the aperture was f6.3.
In terms of image quality, you still have 24 megapixels which is range of what’s out there in the APS-C world currently. Some cameras like my X-T3 have 26 MP but it’s not a significant difference in my eyes if any to be honest. The quality of the images is still superb; I stand by what I’ve always said about the Leica CL: this little camera will produce some great shots. As some of you know, I have an SL2 for my full frame kit but I use a Fuji X-T3 for my APS-C kit. I love my X-T3 but I’ll admit that I genuinely prefer the images from the CL, and keep in mind that my Fuji has the same sensor as the X-T4, which means it’s the latest version.
↑ Here’s a shot of Stephanie (Instagram) taken with the Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens at f1.4 with the camera set at 100 ISO.
↑ This was taken with the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens. The settings were f8 with 125 ISO. It was very windy, so I had to make sure I had a faster shutter speed. The Leica CL was set at 1/500s.
As for all the special features and all that stuff that other systems may have, Leica was never about that; they’ve always been about simplicity and straightforwardness. The CL follows this philosophy perfectly. It’s one of those cameras that I feel you really don’t need the instruction manual, if you choose not to read it. If you own another Leica, even better because it’s not going to be vastly different in terms of operation. Menu systems are straightforward, and easy to navigate. Shooting is easy because all the essentials are right at your fingertips. There aren’t a ton of buttons on the camera or in other words, no clutter. Even if the new CL2 comes out with new features, I don’t think it would vastly change the way that I shoot. When I’m shooting professionally, I want something straightforward that gives me easy access to the essentials of photography. I want something that has a good foundation. That’s all that matters to me. I could care less about all the other added features.
↑ Here’s a shot of the Brooklyn Bridge taken with the Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens set at f8. The CL was set at 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s another shot of Stephanie (Instagram) taken with the Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens at f1.4 with the camera set at 100 ISO.
It’s also worth noting that the L Mount Alliance has grown significantly in recent years, and it looks like there’s no stopping it. This means the Leica CL not only can use its native TL lenses, it will happily use SL, M, Sigma, and Panasonic lenses. There are even some smaller third party manufacturers that make L mount lenses, which the CL can use. This makes the CL very versatile. I’ve tried the CL with so many different lenses from ultra wides to even a Sigma 100-400mm, and they all work extremely well with it. It feels so great to be able to use the same lenses on my SL2 and the CL.
↑ The Leica CL and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens.
↑ The Leica CL with the Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 ASPH.
↑ The Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens with the CL.
↑ Here’s the Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens attached to the CL.
↑ Here’s the CL with the Elmarit-TL 18mm f2.8 ASPH.
With all this said, are there still changes I would like to see in a new Leica CL2? Of course :). For one, a larger battery would be nice. If they are able to fit the SL2 battery in the CL, then that would give me even more reason to add one to my kit. An improved EVF would be good too although the one in the CL isn’t bad at all. Lastly, image stabilization would be a great feature as well.
↑ This was taken with the Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens and CL combo.
↑ This was taken with the Leica APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135mm f3.5–4.5 ASPH set at 135mm and f4.5. The camera was set at 1/500s and 320 ISO.
However, any improvement in the new CL2 will not take anything away from the Leica CL because honestly, it’s still a great camera. As you can see, the list of features that I want in a new CL2 isn’t very long, and not hugely necessary in my eyes. The camera as it is now, is still one of my favorites in the APS-C world. Some may disagree but as I said before, cameras these days are so good that I think it really comes down to the photographer more than having the latest and greatest. I use my gear professionally, and if you give me an SL, I can still produce the same style as with my SL2. Yes, my SL2 is better than my SL but nothing would hold me back is what I’m saying because the SL is already excellent.
So, if you’re looking for a decent deal, and maybe want to give L mount or the CL a try, it might just be worth it to take advantage of some of the bundles for the CL. This is only my opinion, of course. You can even throw in a couple of the APS-C Sigma lenses, which are a few hundred each, and have a decent kit to start with for cheap or at least a lot cheaper than before. Yes, a CL2 will probably be better but that shouldn’t take anything away from the CL, which I already find to be a fantastic camera.
I had a CL for a second time last year. Overall it is a pretty nice camera. However for a second time I sold that CL. At the same time I was using the CL I was also using a Nikon Z50. I bought the Nikon for a slide digitizing project (it replaced a Nikon D7500 which was not as accurate for manual focus as the Z50).
I found the Z50 to be a better camera to use overall. I shot similar lenses on each camera (on the Z50 F-mount lenses using the FTZ Adapter). Auto focus was not only faster on the Z50 but also more accurate. Battery life on the Z50 was noticeably better. Finally while there are almost zero native Z-mount APSC lenses, the adapted F-mount lenses were just as good on the Z50 as on the D7500.
Nikon vs Leica aside, the Z50 currently is a better way to spend money if you’re in the hunt for an APSC sensor camera.
Hi Gary,
I appreciate you letting us in on what you’ve experienced. I’ve reviewed the Z50 a while back when it was first released, and I am a big fan of it. Thanks for stopping by!
Best,
Patrick
I’ll stand by my position that pretty much any good quality camera from about the last ten years is good enough for most people, and that 24 MP is more than enough. I shoot mainly a first gen Fuji (XE-1) and a Nikon D7100 and I really don’t see anything that would compel me to ‘upgrade’ from any manufacturer in the past few years. We’re really past the stage where we see big leaps in image quality. It’s mostly incremental tweaking these days and camera sales (which have been in a slump for the past few years) reflect this. Most people have decided that their iPhone is in fact ‘good enough’.
Hi Keith,
I agree. In fact, I still have my X-E1 :), and it’s funny you mention the D7100 because I’ve done a couple of remote shoots with a model, and we’re shooting with her D7100 :). I’m controlling the D7100 remotely from NYC to the Czech Republic, and the files are fantastic. I posted a few on my Instagram as well. Thanks for stopping by, and leaving your message!
Best,
Patrick
I really appreciate your honest and detailed thoughts on the (superb) Leica CL. I finally crossed over, or better set up a second line of a camera and lenses next to my Sony A7III. I must say i was blown away by the vibrant pictures the CL gives. The sharpness, contrast and this -how to say- ‘Leica look and feel’ to the whole process of taking pictures and editing them, is astonishing. It is not a matter which camera is better or best, but the Leica is not in a competition rush, they just make fantastic, yes, expensive, but lasting camera’s. Since my Leica Barnack and M6 i know Leica offers you that great photography experience with great results. Thanks for your great review(s)!
Hi Albert,
Thanks so much for your kind words! Congrats on the new purchase! I hope you continue to enjoy using it for a long time.
Yes, Leica’s color science, at least to me, is really quite good. Plus, as you said, the user experience is worthwhile, and superb. It’s why I’ve been using them for several decades. I just really love how they operate, and of course, I love the images that come out of them :).
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope I hear from you in the future! Keep shooting, and enjoy that camera!
Best,
Patrick