Leica SL3

[ptomsu]

Don't bet on fast price reductions. Leica has developed the SL3 to a point where it is really compelling from the getgo both from a lens portfolio, basic features (AF, BSI, size) perspective where I think it will sell well for a while. They will reduce price when sales taper off and inventory is filling up.

This won't happen as fast as with the SL2 which always lagged a bit especially regarding AF and availability of cheaper "kit" lens options - ie non Apo glass for less.

Tried the SL3 too - immediately clear that this is going to sell well.

Fantastic camera, especially now with BSI, better AF and fantastic APO glass incl. the world's first 21mm APO with the newly released super 21 SL.

Almost certain it will take more than a short term few months. More like next year maybe.

The main reason we saw SL2 price reductions was because the product was too much of a hard sell back in the day vs. the compeition outside of the Leica clientele and Leica wanted to grow the market share. In the meantime the successfully developed the Q line into a bestselling product line with the Q2 and Q3 (I hear it even outsells the M) which are all factors, jointly with top of the line product features, which put the Sl3 in a different starting spot vs. the competition. Also they use the best in class Sony 60 megapixel chip, have good enough AF now and also cheaper glass options both with non Apo native and third party L glass. So most SL2 sales channel problem feedbacks have been addressed.

It is a lot more compelling product basically in its third generation and Leica in the meantime further expanded its audience on all fronts - they posted record revenues last year ... so it will take a bit longer for them "needing" to offer discounts to move boxes. The Leica store I visited said they have a good waiting list for it (Milan). They will come, but not in the next months already ... almost sure about this one. Its a keeper camera the moment you handle it!

As I said my SL2-S just works fine for me, so if any SL3 price reductions or bundles start happening in a year from now this is perfectly fine for me!

 

[DaveS]

Hi all,

I have had the SL3 since last Thursday and have been playing around with it a lot. I also had the SL1 and still have the SL2. (Plus M's and CL)

I agree with the statement that it seems smaller and lighter than the specs. It just feels more compact and to me more comfortable. I typically take an M when I want to travel small and light, but last month I bought the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 for L mount in anticipation of the SL3 arriving. I have the Leica 24-90mm, but really only use it on assignment where I can drive to, not to carry around.

I also use the SL's for all my old film day lenses, including M, Canon FD, Olympus OM, Nikon manual focus, and Leica R.

I do find it frustrating that the favorites menu is gone, but am now 6 days later, getting used to the new menu, especially since as Jono says, you can flip the screen a bit, and immediately get direct access via the screen view to most of the functions you see surrounding the image.

So yes I do like it, but it took a few days for the new firmware to catch up with the immediately noticeable improvement in size and handling. (does that make sense?)

Anyway, here are few shots, the Karaoke night was at ISO 6400 with the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8, and the other two are using the Olympus OM 50mm F1.2 manual focus lens. The flowers at F1.2, and the sky view at F5.6.

I also like it a lot with the small CL/TL lenses and M lenses.

Sometimes when I buy new stuff, the next day I wonder why did I do that. It didn't happen to me with the SL3, I'll probably sell the CL and the SL2 now.

Dave

 

[iiiNelson]

Still waiting on a local SL3 to arrive and hope it’s a demo model. I don’t have high hopes since my local camera store was unwilling to allow me to demo their M11 Monochrom without a non-refundable deposit… so naturally I just bought on the internet. I just kinda felt like it was their problem if they were willing to walk away from $8k+.

The SL3 seems like a good addition and my ONLY disappointments are that they didn’t go with a sensor that has a faster readout for video purposes… like the Sony A1 sensor and that they didn’t go for dual CF Express slots instead of mixed slots.

 

[PeterA]

hmmm is all I can say about the SL3...

 

[ptomsu]

I still think that the SL3 would be a nice next step for my photography and a bit video work. Still hoping to get some nice package offers in a year or so ....

 

[algrove]

Leica could have led with new tech and instead they have left out tech, multi shot.
No focus bracketing, which is pretty standard on modern mirrorless cameras.
Can’t tell if they dropped the self timer back to a separate exposure mode which can’t be used besides single exposure.
Paul

SL3 self timer times are 2 sec, 6 sec and 12 sec. 6 sec is welcomed addition. I got mine on day one and am happy to have preordered months ago.

ASA price reductions-it could be a long wait, not just a few months. The SL2S and SL2 package reductions have been ongoing since it was clear an SL3 was on the horizon and soon to be released. So did the SL2 come out in 2019 or 2020. That is a long time ago so the package deals started when in early 2023?

 

[algrove]

Got an SL3, but kept my SL2S for the time being. SL3 +24-90.

 

[algrove]

Took my SL3 with a Panasonic lens down the CO River, just in case something happened, which meant leaving my Leica L mount lenses behind.
Also ventured to Saguaro National Park here. Used a Panasonic 28-200 most of the trip. F4 this image. Pleased with the results for a well under $1k L mount lens.

 

[GrahamWelland]

Goddamit Lou, my SL3 arrived this week.

I probably should just bite the bullet now and sell all of my M digitals since the SL3 seems to be the ideal camera for M lenses in addition to the fabulous SL lenses I have. I also need to consider whether to keep my 2x SL2’s that I used for safari.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

I think people are often shocked once they get hooked on SL APO glass. It is the best glass I've ever tried. Often, at 200% in LR or C1, it looks like 100% of other cameras.

IMHO opinion to setup to get in the future is:

+ M12M -> 100 Megapixels and mono is reserved for M; M is also more compact and nice say for a dinner out;
+ S4 -> It will be fully compatible with all Leica glass and have smart modes for crop - essentially an SL3 on steroids in all regards

That's it.

S4 will come out next year, after March - FYE of Leica; M12M is most likely a 2026 event with M12 launching also next year with 100 megapixels.

In terms of glass - following lenses are worthwhile IMHO:

+ Summiluxes, especially 24, 35 FLE MK2, 50 MK II, APO 50, 35
+ APO SL glass
+ S4 glass
+ S vintage is the bargain of the century and will have its own classic signature vs. new APO S glass

Good, really good times ahead for Leica.

They're killing it.

 

[dchew]

Goddamit Lou, my SL3 arrived this week.

I probably should just bite the bullet now and sell all of my M digitals since the SL3 seems to be the ideal camera for M lenses in addition to the fabulous SL lenses I have. I also need to consider whether to keep my 2x SL2’s that I used for safari.

I’m in a similar boat, Graham. Although I’m keeping my m11m. It’s the a7r equipment that will get little to no use. The one lens I’m going to miss using: Sony’s 135 f/1.8; that lens is wonderful. Leica needs an APO 135 summicon.
Dave

 

[GrahamWelland]

I think people are often shocked once they get hooked on SL APO glass. It is the best glass I've ever tried. Often, at 200% in LR or C1, it looks like 100% of other cameras.

IMHO opinion to setup to get in the future is:

+ M12M -> 100 Megapixels and mono is reserved for M; M is also more compact and nice say for a dinner out;
+ S4 -> It will be fully compatible with all Leica glass and have smart modes for crop - essentially an SL3 on steroids in all regards

That's it.

S4 will come out next year, after March - FYE of Leica; M12M is most likely a 2026 event with M12 launching also next year with 100 megapixels.

In terms of glass - following lenses are worthwhile IMHO:

+ Summiluxes, especially 24, 35 FLE MK2, 50 MK II, APO 50, 35
+ APO SL glass
+ S4 glass
+ S vintage is the bargain of the century and will have its own classic signature vs. new APO S glass

Good, really good times ahead for Leica.

They're killing it.

The SL lenses are magnificent. You get what you pay for.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Only image F2 APO MF Glass …

 

[GrahamWelland]

I’m in a similar boat, Graham. Although I’m keeping my m11m. It’s the a7r equipment that will get little to no use. The one lens I’m going to miss using: Sony’s 135 f/1.8; that lens is wonderful. Leica needs an APO 135 summicon.
Dave

I hear you. I have M246 M, M10, M10-R, M10 M, and M11. My perfect film MP and my M3 will be kept forever. I don't have a huge cache of M lenses, but they are all keepers - WATE, 35/1.4 ASPH, 50 Summilux, 50/0.95, 90 Elmarit-M, and 135 APO Telyt. All can live on the SL3.

For the nosebleed investment, I have the holy trinity SL zooms 16-35, 24-90, 90-280, 1.4x and the 35 SL summicron, plus some Sigma Art 35/1.4 and contemporary 150-600mm & TC that I traipsed through Africa and only used the 90-280!

 

[MGrayson]

I hear you. I have M246 M, M10, M10-R, M10 M, and M11. My perfect film MP and my M3 will be kept forever. I don't have a huge cache of M lenses, but they are all keepers - MWATE, 35/1.4 ASPH, 50 Summilux, 50/0.95, 90 Elmarit-M, and 135 APO Telyt. All can live on the SL3.

For the nosebleed investment, I have the holy trinity SL zooms 16-35, 24-90, 90-280, 1.4x and the 35 SL summicron, plus some Sigma Art 35/1.4 and contemporary 150-600mm & TC that I traipsed through Africa and only used the 90-280!

Hmmm... no more WATE. Did that lens fall apart at higher resolutions? I only used it on a Sony A7. The SL zooms are amazing, though, aren't they!

 

[Jon Warwick]

Goddamit Lou, my SL3 arrived this week.

I probably should just bite the bullet now and sell all of my M digitals since the SL3 seems to be the ideal camera for M lenses in addition to the fabulous SL lenses I have.

Interesting view, and one I’m potentially sharing. Funnily enough, I’m test driving the SL3 with a SL 50 APO this weekend, putting it on RRS 3 series tripod to take identical shots back to back at base ISO and f5.6 against my M11 and 50mm APO Lanthar and also my GFX100S and GF55. I’m finding the SL prime on the SL3 is certainly better in the edges at f5.6 than my M11, and the amount of detail I’m seeing on a 60” wide image at 300dpi looks (to my eyes) absolutely identical, if not with more “bite”, than what I’m getting with the GFX100. Clearly the glass and overall “system” matters, and headline megapixels aren’t everything, and I’m finding the SL3 is incredibly compelling in that regard.

I can actually see myself selling both the M11 and GFX100S, keeping my M lenses for the M11M where I find the Monochrom tonality beautiful without the color filter array, and using those M lenses at times for a different rendering on the SL3 when I don’t want the SL APO look (and maybe also use them for the same reason on the S4 if that comes to fruition).

Probably not distinct to what Paul is discussing in some ways!

 

[Bill Caulfeild-Browne]

I've had my SL3 for nearly six months, coming from Phase One gear which was getting just too heavy for my advancing years - but with the APO glass, the resolution is virtually as good as the MF. (Though the P1 gear has a clear one stop of extra dynamic range.)

Now that I'm thoroughly familiar with the camera I'm delighted with it. At first I got frustrated with setting the functions of the dials and buttons. The tiny "rocker" switch on the front kept engaging with my index finger and moving the camera to video mode - but that's now solved through some hit-and-miss programming. It does gobble batteries and I need three for a day's shooting. My only (minor) wish for the camera is that it had on-board memory like the M11-P.

I've acquired the APO 21, APO 35 and APO 75. I wish for an APO 135 or 150. I have the 90-280 zoom but it's too darn heavy for hiking. I use the M11-P with the APO35 M as backup/walk around along with the tiny 90mm Macro Elmarit, which I also use on the SL3. It's an unsung hero!

The L mount series of lenses transforms the SL IMHO. Being able to access Sigma glass in particular is a real bonus - I have the 14mm F1.4 and the 500mm F5.6 which are stellar performers. The only accessory I'm considering is a TC, but much of what I've read is that the optical quality is no better than cropping or uprezzing the 500mm file. Any opinions on this would be valued!

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Leica is just ahead in glass tech; they're now implementing 5th gen Aspheric technology for the next-gen S glass (which is ahead of what Japan contract manufacturers can do) which should be another leap forward - essentially the SL APO glass for the SL magnified to the new S body and future proofed for the next-decade of high res sensors, ie the truly highest quality technically possible.

The statement around next-gen aspheric tech came from Peter Karbe in one of the youtube interviews where he stated that they can now do stuff the competitors can't yet replicate in terms of manufacturing methods.

Very curious to see the new glass.

Leica APO glass on large chips - amazing.

 

[algrove]

Goddamit Lou, my SL3 arrived this week.

I probably should just bite the bullet now and sell all of my M digitals since the SL3 seems to be the ideal camera for M lenses in addition to the fabulous SL lenses I have. I also need to consider whether to keep my 2x SL2’s that I used for safari.

Hello Graham. We have not spoken in ages!

You might add the SL3S for a second body and then the bodies and hopefully the UI match.
I still am holding onto my SL2S Reporter model since it is so beautiful and works well especially with the 96MP optional mode which is use very frequently with tripods.

 

[algrove]

This thread also has me wondering if I am too redundant with having the GFX 100SII and 50SII and a few lenses. I sold a ton of GF lenses a few years back only to recently repurchase some again. That said I find the 35-70 such an easy walk around lens to use.

I must contain my GAS. If Leica comes out with a 100MP sensor I will hopefully pass if I keep my Fuji MF system.

Agree many M lenses on the SL3 are just fine. Immediately upon receiving my SL3 I compared my 18 Leica M lens on the SL3 and M11 and found no corner smearing on the SL3. In fact I so seldom use an M now days that they are collecting too much dust in my Ruggard cases.

I acquired a 24-90 and since I love it so very much I have not put on one of the many SL APO primes I own since using that lens. Many have said that the Sigma L mount lenses are very good, but also the heaviest of the L mount lenses. I stayed away from then and long ago got the Panasonic 70-200f4 when I had 2xSL2S and augmenting that reach with the Leica 100-400+ the 1.4x. I like the internal focusing of the 70-200 which I used for the first time in Death Valley with 2 bodies to avoid lens changes in the sandy environment. Since we were camping out under the stars for 5 nights there was no chance to properly review images until back at a hotel in Pahrump, NV.
560mm big crop SL2S


SL2S 96MP after heavy rains on dunes.