Member Josh Lehrer

Prices on Leica Sport Optics are not increasing at this time. Just what is on the list in the article!

That is true!

There hasn't been an official launch yet and we haven't heard anything besides the preview announcement. Hopefully, we'll see an official launch before summer.

I updated my Leica SL and the Summilux SL 50 last night. The updated firmware to the lens is much better, in my opinion. The motor drive actually seems more quiet and the focus is definitely faster. It is not as fast as the two zooms, but this should be expected because the Summilux has a larger, heavier set of elements to move for focusing. I tested it in dark hallways with my cats (one white and one black) using ISO 12,800. The photographs were grainy, as expected, but the focusing was very good. In very, very low light, you still need to find a good contrast edge (the focus was fast on my white cat and hunted a little on my black cat – all in a dark hallway). Overall, I am excited that this lens immediately feels more useful for active focusing.

Fixed. Thanks for pointing it out.

It seems that no update was released for the M8.

Bernard, that is a good question! The S-E was not listed but we have inquired with Leica, and will update the table when we get a reply. I'll also reply to your comment with the update.

The S-E is the same credit as the S (Typ 006) and I've added it to the table!

I don't think so. The SL was only introduced 18 months ago as a brand new system, and the lens line is still being developed. The Q is six months older and shows no signs of being replaced. Fact is, Leica's product cycles are longer now. Four years passed between the M240 and the M10. And, in many ways, the SL is still more advanced than the just-launched M10. From an image quality perspective, performance of the SL and the M10 are extremely similar. Leica has also been diligent about rolling out regular firmware updates for the SL to continually improve the performance and user experience. Bottom line: this is not an end of life product. Rather, it is Leica's current standard-bearer. Based on other product cycles, I wouldn't expect to see a replacement in anything less than 18-24 months. And a lot of new SL glass will be rolling out in that timeframe, further bolstering the system.

Mainly, I think the price adjustment is aimed at achieving global price harmonization.

The SL is doing well, especially for a new system. Leica just wants to accelerate this process and make it more competitive to attract those outside the Leica universe.

To your point about the lens selection, the SL is actually able to accept many more lenses than an M camera. These are:

• SL autofocus native lenses, which are some of the very best optics Leica is offering right now
• TL autofocus lenses, which only cover APS-C, but are perfect for 4K video projects
• S autofocus lenses with adapter
• R lenses with adapter
• M lenses with adapter
• PL mount cine lenses with adapter
• Nikon AF and MF lenses with adapter
• Canon AF lenses with adapter

So, quite a few lenses. By my rough count, more than 300 options.

As far as being outdated in two years time, take a look at the M9. The M9 was introduced eight years ago and has an very loyal following, still producing incredible images. Digital cameras don't get worse with age. They produce the same quality as they did they day they were manufactured. The SL is extremely quick in operation. I can't see myself needing anything faster than 11 fps. Heck, I only use single shot. At 24 megapixels, the files are large enough to produce stunning 30×40 inch prints. It shoots in low light up to ISO 6,400 with extraordinary quality. And, the 4.4 MP EVF rivals an optical finder. So, for me, I'd say the investment in an SL is much more than a two-year deal. I shot plenty of film before reluctantly transitioning to digital just a little more than 10 years ago. And while film has a certain look and nostalgia for me, I can't see going back. The quality and flexibility of the SL is so far beyond what I ever was able to achieve with film.