I paid $1,900 USD almost 2 years ago from KEH camera and it was practically brand new minus the box and manual. The build quality is on par to my Leica M10 and M10 Monochrom but it’s comfortable to hold despite not looking comfortable to hold if you know what I mean 😂

My favorite thing though is the pictures it makes, the combination of colors, contrast, noise pattern at high iso settings, and the way that images almost look like they have a texture that almost makes you think you could feel on the screen. Like clouds look like they have a texture to them that you could swear you can reach to the screen and feel them but obviously you can’t.

Surprisingly it didn’t take me long to figure out the buttons and I love how the rear looks and only labeled buttons are the record and on/off switch.

It’s a camera I’ll keep for life, it’s made that much of an impact on me. I really want to experience the Leica 24-90mm SL lens with mine because the pictures with that combo look so good. Hopefully in September I can get that lens 😅

Only downsides to this are lack of IBIS (I knew this ahead of time though) and the lacking battery life and expensive batteries but even for an almost 10 year old camera it’s absolutely amazing and the black and white pictures are also very amazing. Overall it’s a camera I’ll highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience a Leica full frame camera on a budget. It’s not a rangefinder but it’s a very capable camera with a very good EVF and makes shooting with manual lenses a breeze. I couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s a camera that will always have a special place in my heart for sure. I’m glad it’s cheaper now so others can experience it because it’s worth giving it a shot. Trying it with modern lenses or vintage lenses and seeing the dual nature of the camera is truly amazing. It’s the camera that convinced me that since I don’t shoot enough film to justify keeping my film cameras I’ll just sell them and use my custom made film simulation presets instead when using those adapted vintage lenses on the SL. This camera has so many ways you can use it that it’s truly worth giving it a shot for so many reasons. I love seeing other people’s videos on this camera to see how they like it and it does make me happy seeing that they also see why I like it so much. While I wish I could get an SL3, it’ll mean I’ll have to sell my SL and that’s simply not happening so I’m very set on being happy with this. If I want a modern mirrorless camera I have my poor man’s Leica SL2 (Lumix S1R) that I got for $1,500 brand new.

Anyways, I’m glad to see another video about the SL from someone else’s perspective.

I've been using  the original SL for my professional photography for over 3 years. Suffice to say that the results from this camera never let me and the clients down. Crazy amount of high end camera goodness for the price it goes on used market nowadays

The one thing I noticed when using my first Leica, was when i had the images in post - there is something about them, I cannot put my finger on it, but the images are incredible to work with. I also run a Nikon Df, and the images are excellent out of that, but the Leica ones have something about them you cannot nail down.

I handled a Leica SLR once at an expo. I still remember what it felt like. I didn't want to put it down. I understood why people bought them.

First time a camera has looked “normal” sized in Tom’s hands!

I very nearly bought the SL for a bargain price but it wasn't speaking to me. I stuck to my dream camera and went for the M8. Couldn't be happier, built incredibly well. You're right, the quality and feel when picking up a Leica is like no other. Incredible!

Its a gorgeous camera. If you try one out, you will most likely want one.Its a breath of fresh air to the super computer stuff available today. My big mistake is i tried one the other day and now want one.

The SL line are the only mirrorless cameras that truly support adapted M-mount lenses because the sensor is optimized for it. Other brands use much thicker cover glass for their sensors so you are always dealing with softness in the image corners. That would be the main reason for me to try the system sometime in the future (when the bodys are a little more affordable).

When my Fujifilm X-100f was stolen sometime ago I borrowed & then purchased a Leica Q. It was an eye opening experience; it was better built, more ergonomic and offered far superior still images than the Fuji and despite reports to the contrary, except for the occasional lapses in auto colour balance the JPEGs, were better than expected as well. I was won over by the Leica experience.
More recently I purchased a 10 year old Leica SL and was again surprised by the improved level of performance for still photography over the Fuji X-H2, it replaced.
Agreed the continuous auto focus performance is nothing special but then I never need to use that function; the camera with suitable Urth adapter works brilliantly with my 3 (30+ year old) Leica R lenses. The Manual function is a joy to use.
The used Leica camera prices do appear disproportionately expensive for such a relatively old digital camera - but they are worth it. You don't need to buy new Leica L mount lenses to enjoy the Leica experience - Sigma among others make a great range of affordable prime/zoom lenses in L mount. Also don't forget the huge range of Leica's own manual focussing, "M" & even cheaper "R" range lenses, that adapt very well to being used with the Leica SL.

I've sold many items to MPB.  Excellent quick review and payment.  Customer service available via email.   A pleasure to work with.

I own one of these and despite the larger size it's a joy to use. And I use a wide variety of lenses on it. I don't even own a single L lens. I love adapting legacy lenses, M lenses, and R lenses on it. It takes beautiful photos and, being that it's a Leica, I get a certain amount of prestige by using it.

Yes, good skills Tom...Thanks for the video - I've had my SL for almost a year now and I Love it !! Easily the most enjoyable camera to use that I've ever owned. Fortunately mine came with The Leica M Adapter L  and the Sigma 45mm  all in mint condition - an absolute bargain !! Yes, indeed the handling takes a little while to adopt but It's a great idea to not have so many buttons and switches labelled and have a clean, unobtrusive layout...The fact they changed this with marked buttons on the later models annoys me though and spoils the whole aesthetic. I now use mainly manual focus lenses on the camera and this just heightens the Joy being made so easy with that fantastic viewfinder and various focusing aids. But to round this off I have to say that I am enjoying my photography more and more with this exceptional camera and especially enjoying the quality of the pictures it produces too... Enjoy !!

Great review!  Thank you!  I’ve always wanted a Leica camera.  Maybe this is one to save for.

I just bought my new (old) SL from MPB ironically and I'm literally just here to try and figure out how to use it lmfaoo. I have extensive experience with Leica's film cameras (both M and R series) but as for digital, I'm completely at a loss. I've been a photographer/videographer for over a decade and throughout my tenure, I've been an exclusive Canon user. I've been slowly making the switch over to Leica as I don't appreciate how Canon sold me on over ten thousand dollars of EF glass just to make them all obsolete. I called it quits when I helplessly watched my EF 300mm f/4 L drop from over 2k to less than $500 in a weeks time. Anyways, never thought I'd say it, but I'm happy to be part of the Leica cult now lmfao

Great video, i used Leica Ms & Rs with Agfa film for 40+ years, i purchased my M6 used for $1900 they seem to build for future generations to use. I am curious about the SL, my only digital kit is the Canon EOS-M, which i got for less than $300. I just love the color science like you did. Its the ROI I worry about, I'm retired, so its only about the fun for me now.🥂

I always loved Leica for its mystique. The low prices are tempting but Leica will remain on may wish list for now.

YES TOM!! BACK AT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great review Tom….would you have an opinion on the Leica SL601 or the Hasselblad XD1…for a first timer upgrading to an older “boutique” style photography camera?

Thanks for a great review. As a Leica photographer, I am constantly puzzled by the socalled Leica hype on Youtube. My decision follow this path some 5 years ago via a much more affordable plasticky Leica and subsequently along the Leica M path wasn't a snap decision by any means. I visited the Leica store and handled and tried the Leica M after much studying. And there was no doubt in my mind, although the store manager urged me not to buy it before trying out the SL2, which is a great camera too. But I stayed with the M and bought a fortnight later and never regretted my decision at all. I think the "hype" thing only exists in the minds of those who don't know the camera and philosophy themselves but only listen to youtubers ;-) I tested my affinity by buying a Sony Alpha a6000 to have a fullframe autofocus alternative in my kit, and it truly is a great camera, but I never want to use it. It's way to technically complex to use and absolutely no fun at all. I always grab my now familiar and much loved M10 or more recently M2. 60 years between, and you hardly can tell the difference. My Leica preference boils down to simplicity, tactile ergonomy and a near analog experience which no other camera offers in quite the same way. And the company legacy since Oscar Barnack's first 35 mm camera back in 1925. I hope I can grow to like my Sony eventually though ;-)

Just come across your channel Tom and just enjoyed your Fuji XT vid with the homemade leather grip😂 I love my Fuji XT100F. Leica (inc their watches) are great but way out of my camera budget. They certainly know how to design a camera. Thanks for your quality content👍 PS -Did you ever consider ‘Badass Mother Shutters’ for your name/neon?😂