Tools, patience, skill. These three words make up what it means to be a professional in just about any setting, in every industry. Be it the laptop for a market trader, the tape-measure for a contractor, the pen for a writer, the microphone for a singer… line these up right with a good mindset and you’ve got a winning formula for longevity and consistency. This is my long term review of the Leica SL, a camera that was ahead of its time upon release in 2015, and a camera that holds strong to this day - in 2022.

I come from a long line of different camera systems and have switched brands many times, for different reasons. When I first got into photography just over a decade ago, looking for a camera had me researching everything from budget, capability, ergonomics, menu configuration and megapixel count - all very relevant variables. Once becoming familiar with the lingo, I landed my first DSLR - a wonderful Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm f3.5 kit lens. It was a great first camera, great to hold, and it provided fantastic images on the fly for a beginner. The D40 had taught me valuable lessons about the basics of photography. A D70s and a D200 followed, along with a switch to Canon’s ecosystem on a 1D Mkii shortly after. Once I had decided I would take my photo career seriously, Canon’s full frame 6D made it into my kit with some L glass. I really admired the camera, and still greatly respect Canon’s ecosystem - the menus, function, quality of the images and the quality of the materials that go into the camera’s have made a lasting impression and had set a benchmark for what was to come. That is until my good friend Andrew Brestansky ( @genericphotographer ) had lured me into the world of Leica.

Leica is a company that originates to the beginnings of the 35mm film format, whereas many of the great photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Nic Ut, and many others have used a Leica camera to capture their work in their respective fields to create some of the worlds most famous and impactful images. Leica’s quality, precision, craftsmanship and ethos have transcended their tools throughout modern history into the hands of many great photographers - albeit with a mighty price tag. Leica glass is incredibly sharp, the lenses ooze character, all while maintaining an excellent build quality - their camera’s are no different.

When it came time to upgrade my Canon 6D two years ago, I was well aware that the specifications for most full frame cameras were all up to snuff across the board - with most boasting at least 24 megapixels, 4k video capability and the like. I had been considering the Sony A7III & IV, Canon’s R6 and 5DMkIV, and Nikon’s D800…but they all shared one critical flaw - character. To me, those options began to feel like appliances. Don’t get me wrong, each one of these contenders have the full ability to complete any work reliably without a second guess or hesitation. However, without the character and passion that I seek when buying products, I felt at home with the Leica. With Andrew’s recommendations and some in store visits with the great team at Camtec Photo in the Old Port, I had landed my decision with the SL.

So… what’s it like?

Build Quality - excellent, through and through. Each button, dial, switch and toggle are thoughtfully placed and engineered for longevity. The shutter button presses in with the same confidence as it did when new, along with the power switch, which still holds true. The body is milled from 2 blocks of solid aluminium - coming together in what is nothing short of a solid brick in camera form. The screen is bright and detailed even in sunny situations and the buttons hold a satisfying click.

Specifications - I’m not a stickler when it comes to specifications, from my experience the full frame 24 megapixel sensor performs unwaveringly, even at higher ISO, it shoots 4k and has great battery life - even in the cold December climate of northern Quebec. 2 SD card slots are always appreciated. There’s no need for me to go further, it does what I need it to do and it does it well.

Image Quality - The raw files that this camera delivers - especially at the sweet spot of ISO 200 - have been a blessing to my workflow. Not only is the dynamic range fantastic (13.4 EV), the colour rendering is where this camera truly shines. The DNGs that come straight from the camera are vibrant, sharp and have a very satisfying tonal range - especially in the sun. Now, with some tweaks and colour manipulation in Lightroom, the files really come to life in the way that I intend them to appear. My favourite perk from this camera is its ability to capture texture - very very satisfying.

Shutter - the mechanical shutter has a very satisfying click - solid - assured, goes up to 1/8000. The SL has an electronic shutter as well that makes zero sound and can shoot as fast as 1/16000. I keep the mechanical shutter on because I love the sound and click of a machine in action.

Electronic Viewfinder - coming from a DSLR and switching to a mirrorless system was a big concern of mine, however, after using the EVF for two years, I prefer it and here’s why. I am able to dial in my exposure from what I see in the EVF directly - there’s no need to check exposure from a shot I just took on the the screen. Saving time and keeping me in the moment. Additionally, it provides very clear representation of what I’m shooting and focusing on with 100% coverage, edge to edge on a very high resolution screen. The information is clear, with the ability to add a grid and levelling tools - as well as the image without information. Leica has done well here.

Ergonomics and design - excellent - I often carry the SL daily without a strap, which is to me a testament of well designed ergonomics as I can hold it for hours at a time without feeling too much discomfort. The design is also well executed - its thin and simple layout has my fingers knowing exactly where to go on the fly, while the unlabeled customizable buttons keep the camera uncluttered. It is understated, and does not draw attention to itself.

Return on Investment - yes. The value of having a good camera pays off. A tool for a professional in every which way. Reliable and capable, even in 2022.

Flaws - I have been going on and on about how this camera is excellent - and like all good things, it will come with a few flaws. Most notably for me is having the ability to shoot on a timer with exposure bracketing enabled - this camera does not allow me to do that and this creates a bit of getting used to. Recycling time is also slow - this camera does not enjoy shooting multiple shots while autofocusing on moving subjects, the bus gets loaded and a waiting time often occurs when on burst. It is also a pretty heavy camera coming in at 1.86lbs, so whether it’s on a neck-strap or shoulder, be sure to stretch when done shooting. Lastly is its age, released in 2015, it is nearing the 10 year mark. Lastly is the compatibility with other lenses - although this is not a huge drawback, Leica glass comes at a pretty penny - so as long as you are okay with shooting with Sigma and Panasonic L mount lenses - you’re good to go.

Verdict - I am very happy with my choice in camera, as the Leica SL inspires my work and my creativity. I look forward to picking up this tool everyday I use it, to which I am grateful that it is almost everyday.

Favourite perk - I love shooting this camera while its sunny outside, it captures the sun in a very special way and the images it produces procure a warm toned and almost analog quality.

Enjoy some shots I have taken with the SL over the past two years…