man, some of these comments are wild. sometimes you can have an absolutely amazing camera in your hands that still doesn’t fit your needs, and that doesn’t diminish either the quality of the tool or the skill of the user. it happens. you do you, matt
Yeah, I hear you dude, I think most of us change our photography stuff, sell, buy, whatever feels right at the moment. It's just normal. The viewfinders of the Leica SL cameras are awesome!
One thing I really admire is that you are willing to try different tools (cameras) and if your needs change, you change your gear! I would love to try this camera some day! I’m with you, the silver is so beautiful!!! Really great video Matt! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!! You are such a genuine soul and give so much to the community! I’m glad you are here and share what you do!! 🙏😀
Love how focused on your friction you are and your willingness to make the tough choices of using the best tool for you…even if it’s not the popular choice. 👏
I appreciate you sharing your journey as a photographer with us, and yes that includes changing cameras as your needs change through the years. I’m truly excited for the new book and jumped at the opportunity to grab a print while I could. I’m looking forward to more updates and hangouts, you’re a light in the dark void of RU-vid for MANY of us. Don’t let the weirdos get you down, respect. -Evan
Definitely up for some live streaming. Also, don't listen to the commentators who are complaining about about the choice you have made. You have your reasons, stick with them. That silver SL2 is fire!
Pair that SL2 w a the Q2 monochrome you’ll never need anything else again. Plus I believe you’ll fall in love with 28mm focal length and if you want 35 you still have 30 megapixels to play with.
Thanks Matt! I often reference this video when I'm re-assessing my camera kit, which happens to be right now, and I really appreciate your honesty to this topic. I have enjoyed watching your journey through the cameras that you have worked with and it really is a process of figuring out, and you just remind us that your decision is not always static and that's ok. With that said, a lot of your points resonated with me, as I assess whether to migrate over to the SL system from the M. I recently picked up the M11-P, and right before that the M11, and I can honestly say that I haven't loved the M11 or M11-P in a way that I should after putting so much money down on them. Without getting into too many details that could turn into a full fledged article; having a high resolution sensor in a little M body just didn't feel natural to me. Especially with how I shoot photography and my use cases. I found it slowed me down too much to the point of a blocker, and something I didn't experience with previous M cameras like the M10/M10-P.M10-R. I also felt a lot of anxiety carrying around an extremely expensive camera, around the streets and subways of New York City. Even with good insurance it kinda was a creative blocker, if you can believe it! I also own a M6 (reissue), and that camera I love, and feel the most natural with. It really does feel like a pure photography process where it's a smooth frictionless experience, where I don't have to stay absolutely still, and work on precision focus and copious editing techniques to get my images like I had to with the M11/-P. Also, I have an SL2-S and I have to say it's the best experience using the M lenses. I don't even have to use focus peaking to gain accurate focus, and the EVF is absolutely the best of any camera I've used. So I'm going with a similar setup. Leica M6/Leica Q3/Leica SL2-S. These three cameras bring me joy, and at the same time get the job done. Maybe I'll someday revisit a digital M, but at the cost I spent with the M11-P, I figure if it's not something I absolutely love and adore and want to take with me, every day, then I really shouldn't have it.
That silver finish is gorgeous! It’s important to find the camera that works best for your unique needs, and inspires you to use them and make work you are proud of. I’ve settled on the perfect (for me) Leica kit: SL2 w/ 24-70mm and M adapter L, M10-D with 35mm f/2.4, 50mm f/2, 90mm f/2.8, and Q2 Monochrom. Covers everything I need, can’t see myself needing much else for some time. Thanks for making this, your live setup looks great to me, looking forward to more live streams. 👍🏻
I just went back to Leica after a foray wandering Hasselblad land... Leica just has some kinda magic. I went with an SL2 (had an SL2s previously) and it seems great so far. The video features are fine, and the extra resolution makes it a one-stop-shop for me when it comes to shooting. I have a Panasonic S5iix that I use for video exclusively now, it's a perfect combo imo.
Hi Matt. I absolutely understand your choice. I had an M10m a while back and returned to the standard M10 after a few months. As much as I like black and white, some scenes just demand color. Besides, I liked the B&W conversions from the M10 better than the original M10m files. Your silver SL2 looks awesome, btw. - I avoid silver camera bodies, because I shoot a lot of cars and try to get no reflections of possible, but it looks great. Thanks a lot for your work, your honesty and all your efforts. Best, Matt
Dang! I watched your M11 Monochrom related videos several times while making my decision and, ironically, my Monochrom just shipped from the Leica Store this morning! Your new Silver SL2 looks great, and I look forward to all of your upcoming content about that system. (I also feel that some scenes and subjects definitely call for color imaging, and I am not letting go of my other equipment.) I agree with the others: The ZV1 footage looks absolutely fine.
No worries at all, I’m sure you will love the M11 Monochrom! As I mentioned, it’s an incredible camera. If I could have kept it AND get the SL2, I would have. Glad the videos are helpful, by the way. And thank you for the feedback. ❤
I’ve had 1 SL and 3 sl2 s lol anddddd 4 Qs and m11, literally every time I sell it I miss it instantly. Once you go back to other brands it’s so refreshing coming back. But for heavy loads I will still use canon. Needs change and every tool has a purpose. I’ve learned there is definitely no one camera fits all. Fuji for fun, leica for passion, canon for work, film for thought.
I just bought a silver SL2 a few weeks ago - 1 year old, but still with more than 1 year dealer warranty. Looks and feels like new, but for less than half the retail price of a new SL2.... seems everyone is running for the SL3 now. I was not really looking for an SL2, but agree with you, that silver finish ist just beautiful 😉...
The SL2 has a diopter adjustment on the eyepiece. If you're nearing or over 40, chances are really good that you need a diopter or two on one direction in or another (A bit positive if I don't miss my bet.) I can't focus my Ms super well, sans diopter. Or any other camera for that matter. It took me a while to come to the realization that even though I'm 20-20 with my glasses that I still need a +1 on the eyepiece. Try it out. Might help. For a pre-M10 M - like the M6 - diopters can be found for 50 bucks or so. M10 and M11 - ouch!
It’s tough not being able to use the rangefinder as quickly as we age. I’ve tried the r8 but still not really easy. It’s tough not being able to rely on the m7 like I used to for the last 20 years. Your video makes me feel I’m not alone in this issue. I probably will transition to the sl2-s soon. Thanks for the video.
I recently got a used SL2s again after trying out an M 246. I've tried rangefinder many times over the years, as much as would like it to work for me it just doesn't. I totally get it. Another thing is the new AI denoise algorithms. Those simply won't work on monochrome RAWs. Basically any advantage you have on the sensor side in low light, you lose a lot of that again in post. And with the SL3 very likely using the 60mp BSI sensor again, I'm not sure if a Monochrom is even necessary anymore when it comes to final image quality. (I am knowingly ignoring a few things here, just talking about noise amount at high ISO.)
Dear Matt - I have a question regarding the comeback of the Leica SL2. Why the SL2 and not the SL2 S? Thank you for your reply and keep up the great work!
Sometimes in our photography life we *have* to go through that journey of buying/trying gear and simply see if it fits for us/for the photography we are into at that moment. Cameras are tools and identifying what you need and making the change is actually not an easy thing to do. People mistake it for GAS, but imo that's not what GAS is. There is a guy here on youtube who is really suffering from it... and from what I can tell, it comes either from never really being satisfied/content with the gear for minor reasons, or from the fomo on this or that feature, etc. There are so so so many cameras on the market today and so many cameras coming out every year, I also find it extremely hard to stick to one system with a couple of lenses and be content with it. So again knowing what you want/what works for you and going for it: kuddos for that.👍🏻
When I heard you say you’d let the M11M go, I thought “he’s crazy” but the explanation you chose to share (because, of course, you don’t owe an explanation to anyone outside your immediate family) was completely understandable! I hear you about eyesight, my friend. I’m quite a bit older than you and have been in the position of realizing that I will never be able to use a couple of my cameras again … fortunately for me, those weren’t my main workhorses. Since you specifically asked for opinions, I think this video looked really good. And for an opinion you didn’t request, I agree the silver SL2 is a handsome camera. 😊
Leica need to make a Q system with interchangeable lenses. The SL is heavy with native lenses. The M is not an option for people whose eyesight has deteriorated or people with tremors. An interchangeable Q or an M size system with image stabilisation and EVF/autofocus would be the grail camera.
Welcome back! I also have SL2. Although I have many cameras (unlike you) including M240, Q2, I think SL2 is the best of the best! But I wish my pictures are like yours! Your images are so lovely!
I've used the ZV-1 for my talking head stuff here on YT for about a year and a half and I love the simplicity of it. I think it's perfect for this - not everything has to be Oppenheimer haha.
It's refreshing to see the blunt honesty about rangefinder focusing. It offers such a narrow shooting envelope and is entirely impractical for fast work when shooting wide open at f/1.4, or at night. Also, 60MP and no IBIS just compounds the problems. Don't get me wrong, the Ms are beautiful cameras, but I liken the M11 to putting a modern 800HP Lamborghini V12 engine into a gorgeous, mint 1968 Jaguar E-Type, and not bothering to upgrade the car's chassis, suspension or brakes. You're combing technologies from two different eras that just aren't optimized to work together. With predictable results.
The SL2 and SL2-S are my workhorse cameras. Incredibly versatile and fantastic handling. Technically perfect with APO-SL lenses, but also great with M-glass (unlike adapted M-glass on other brands). Having said that, there’s always the haptic process of making pictures with an M-camera (in my case the M7 and M10-R). So when I have time, I’ll savour the moment.
I have been hesitant on looking too much only the SL2 as I know I’d love it. But my 50lux churns out great photos on my R5. I’m curious as to what the real differences are.
The zv1 is totally fine, I was watching on a 48inch tv and never thought about the quality of the image once…if that works for you and you’re more likely to use it more frequently I’d have no complaints with that.
Appreciate the feedback! That’s great to hear. Still tweaking it to get the best results with it in this setup, but it’s far simpler and less obtrusive while I’m at my desk.
Love the excitement about something trivial like a silver finish! Keep that, Matt🤞🏻 I for one found a good deal on a M-E 240. I wanted it for the looks... Anthracite is the way! Love the videos:)
Glad you mention how good your eyes need to be for a Leica M. I mentioned it as well on my video when I rented the M10R, I realized it really but my eyes to the test. Sorry to hear about your eyes. Great video Matt.
I think it’s just a matter of taste. People like watching your videos because they like you! Doesn’t matter if the tiny Sony looks like some webcam. There are RU-vidrs with insane setups but lame content and vice versa. There are also RU-vidrs with insane gear and insane content but you can’t even tell it’s insane gear - like Casey. I can only speak for myself and I absolutely enjoy owning, mastering and using top of the line gear and I am working on my content to match it. So I am pretty sure I am going to keep my A1 and varying my game as a RU-vidr rather than the other way around even if the algo doesn’t like it.
I just picked up a q2 reporter for fun family shots. M10m is for me- giving me versatility with lenses. My sl2 is for my paycheck, going on 3 years. Longest time I’ve ever kept a camera. Congrats and who gives a shit what people say about changing gear. Just don’t leave Leica! I considered a z8 for about 3 minutes. Have fun out there bud.
Haha, I'm no street photographer! Would love to talk to Paulie on my channel about his work and his videos, but I wouldn't be a good fit for his audience or channel.
I'm usually not a fan of silver cameras, but I always thought the Leica SL body to look like something that was 3D printed, a bit Lego-ish, but the silver version feels more like a "real" camera.
Matt, I ordered a print, good luck with your book! There are a bunch of additional reasons why the SL2 might be a better choice over the M11 Monochrome (or the regular M11). 1. 60MP without IBIS is a rather ludicrous concept. If you want sharp images with that many pixels, you have to use insane high shutter speeds or a tripod. And using a tripod with an M kind of defeats the purpose of having a portable camera like an M. The SL2 can deliver much better images in more situations compared to the M11 because it has IBIS. 2. 40MP is more than sufficient. If you need more, the SL3 will very likely have the same 60MP sensor - with IBIS. With the silver SL2 limited edition showing up, that's a good indication the SL2 is at the end of its product lifecycle and the wait for the SL3 shouldn't be that long now. There's also a ton of Leica deals for the SL2 over and over again, another indication for its product lifecycle to end soon. 3. Black and white photography on a camera with a color filter array does have a lot of advantages, because you do have the color channels to work with, whereas with a monochrome only camera you have to use actual color filters on the lens when you shoot and then you're inflexible to change the results later. I find this to be more useful on modern cameras than the benefit of insane high ISO performance or the higher resolution of monochrome cameras (the M11 has a much higher resolution than the regular M11 due to the lack of the color filter array). Modern cameras with color filter arrays offer more than enough resolution to begin with and their ISO performance is now also more than most people need in most situations.
I do wished they did an SL style Monochrom camera. Having owned both, that would be my dream camera. I love the monochrom files but the SL experience is just more practical for my aging eyes 🤓
Matt, can you share a video of how you focus with the SL2 evf? I have been shooting Leica M since the M9 came out and love the rangefinder experience. A couple years ago I tried buying the SL2 but found it difficult to confidently focus with the evf. Do you zoom in to focus or do you rely on the focus peaking to check focus? I would love to give the SL system another try but would like to see how other photographers use this system with their M lenses.
Hi Matt, Always appreciate seeing the photographs you're making, however you choose to make them. And I love the fact that you're willing to use what works well for you. As far as the video setup, it looks just fine. And the audio is great, which is most important to me for the "talking head" videos.
such a great video, I love the way you communicate your experience with everything, super easy to understand and enjoyable to hear. also I was surprised you were using the zv-1, it looks so good I never would've guessed, especially since its lit well and your audio is very good
YES to the zv1!!! I bought it the week it came out. Been my only camera since. The zv1 with a rode wireless or even a small mic boomed in works great together. I shoot loads of still on it too and its been a great edc camera. I dare ya to shoot stills with it for a bit and make a video about it!!!! Great video.
This rings a bell with me. I have always felt I could focus a rangefinder (my M9 and Monochrom) faster than (most) mirrorless or DSLR systems...........then I tried an SL Type 601. With the super bright EVF and focus magnification and peaking I am finding for much of my shooting it is a better system and uses all my M lenses. For casual stuff the M system does just feel better in my hand and is not as obvious or professional looking depending on where I am.
Hi Matt, great video I read some of the replies and comments from some individuals with opinions and perhaps you are making excuses etc. 1. People are entitle to their opinion but I don’t understand why people try and second guess you. 2. I find using the comments to basically just try to push individuals is wrong. 3. Your reasons for the change are reasonable and I like that you sell one item to get something else Keep up the good work Matt You have my support and I appreciate the work you share Cheers
I rarely use the rangefinder, I usually set a hyperfocal distance, especially for street photography. My landscape shots are invariable set to an infinity hyperfocal.
thank you for making the video, Matt! when you posted about this change I was very confused since you said the m11m was your dream camera. I completely get your reasoning, plus shooting more film again! about the vlogging camera, the only jarring thing to me is the angle being so high. otherwise, I can’t tell the difference. one thing I’ve learned is I don’t need the best anything, it’ll only cost more money and it won’t get used a lot or to it’s full potential. I can’t wait for more vids and good luck on your show!
Thank you! I'm glad the video cleared that up for you. For a digital M, the M11 Monochrom is still without a doubt that camera. If I were to choose one, that would be the one. But at the moment, the SL2 just makes more practical sense for me. And I'm with you on the angle of the shot, I'm experimenting with a slightly different setup right now where the camera is more at eye level, similar to how the videos have been for the last year or so. Thanks again!
I'm went a few weeks ago trough a similar thing. Over the last 3 year I developed more diplopia. This frustrated me because it was harder and harder to focus with my M240. Then I bought the EVF 2 for it. It was so bad that I sold the M240 for a Sony A7IV. My heart hurts but I know it's not going to better. Peaking and magnification helps a lot to focus.
I think this video looks totally fine and I would join a live stream. Probably my biggest problem is I normally miss stuff like this because I am not consistently on RU-vid and or the stream happens when I am out or not available.
I think the FX3 or whatever is good on your workflow is great. Im here bc of the quality of content more than the pixel quality of the talking head. Love the videos as always. Keep it up
Your honest views on rangefinder focusing are food for thought. I've had a Q2 for over a year and have no issues with the autofocus but I always said that my next upgrade would be to an M11. My eyesight isn't great so a rangefinder would probably be wasted on me. An M11 with an EVF could be a possibility but that defeats the object of a rangefinder and as I actually like the fixed 28mm lens of the Q2 then there's really no point in the extra expense.
I always recommend trying before you buy if it’s an option. You very well could love the M system! And of course, plenty of people who wear glasses use the M system, so it’s not a dealbreaker. But as they say, if it ain’t broke…
Leica M11 and M11M with Visoflex 2 is my choice ... much lighter than SL2 (especially when used with SL lenses). Add the occasional R lens with the Leica adapter for zooms and/or macro and the system is complete and far more transportable and useable, for me, than lugging around the SL2 and Leica SL lenses.
I love my zv-1, initially got it because I needed something tiny to record while also lugging around film cameras, but it's been great as a family camera and overhead setup. I think it looked just fine in your setup! You do lose a little DOF oulf course.
I think it looks good i care more about audio quality than video of a creator I watch. I personally have a fx30 connected with usbc for meeting and video I know it’s not giving me the best video over the usbc I use but it’s easy and that’s more valuable to me
Hi Matt, a quick question; I’ve noticed you change your gear quite often. How would you usually sell/exchange your gears? Do you use eBay to sell your used gear or platforms like KEH? Do you buy used gear, if so form where do you buy (sl2 for eg), do you buy in exchange for your existing gear thru KEH? Thanks Till
Great video! And some interesting thoughts! I see some people are a little unhappy on the change! At the end of the day I’m here for you, not what camera you choose to shoot! Look forward to the next one!
Hi Matt - I always enjoy your videos and personal take on things. Kind of off-topic but I'm wondering how you feel about shooting the M6 after working with medium format film? I find 35mm film feels underwhelming after getting used to 120. Curious about your thoughts.
Dude, don't overthink things that have zero meaning. I watch your videos for years, and as long as the sound is good and you're not a bunch of crunchy pixels - all is well. Keep it simple and just show more often ;)
I’m in a similar position Matt. So, my wife and I saved up money to get me a Leica Q3 but while im deciding where I want to buy it from I just had to change my mind. “I don’t have it like that” either my man lol. I just don’t feel like a good father spending that much on a camera especially since I do not make a living with it. So currently looking for something cheaper.
Both the color and B&W versions of the women in the park are compelling. The evoke differently. I suppose the color version speaks more to you because it is the picture you saw when you took it.
The only thing I dislike about the SL is the clunky size. Somehow it's the biggest and heaviest mirrorless. Even bigger and heavier than most DSLRs. My God, it reminds me more of the Leica S2 (if anyone still remembers those) than any other mirrorless. I am still on the Panasonic S system while deciding when to move to Leica which also has the same mount so lenses will stay the same.
SL3 is rumored to be released in about 7 months, I'm waiting the AF system alone will be worth the wait. Regarding the focusing of a rangefinder I found vertical orientation to be the most tricky !
exactly ! I think the new sensor flip screen and auto focus from the Q3 will be in the SL3 a game changer for Leica I think this camera will have record sales.@@mattdayphoto
Do you use the SL2 to film your family? I also have the 24-70 and I find the autofocus is hit or miss in situations with kids. Wondering if there is a better way to keep up other than the eye/face/body detection. Thanks Matt!
The autofocus on the SL2 system, while in video, is definitely not as reliable as Sony or Canon cameras that I’ve used. Whether I’m filming myself for RU-vid or filming the family, I almost always stick to manual focus. Wish I could rely on the autofocus more! As little as I enjoyed the feel of using the FX3, the autofocus was incredible and something I never had to think about.
I did like your past video setup a lot. I liked the look of the camera being lower down and the shallow depth of field. That being said, you didn’t have the window lighting in this video and that may have been what threw me off.
I really enjoy how practical you approach your cameras. Even as a Leica user you look at these cameras as tools at any time. Really enjoyed this talk. Btw your ZV1 setup looks amazing! What kind of light do you use? And of topic - do you still have your own X100V or do you now borrow from your wife :)?
I really appreciate you saying that. I try to keep things practical, I don’t hoard a bunch of cameras, but it’s Leica and it’s a change in gear. So no matter how I look at it, it’s often controversial to other people. Hence some of the comments here. So thank you! And I appreciate the feedback on the setup. I use an Aputure 120D ii mounted on my wall above my desk with a LightDome Mini attached to it. The ambient light in the room is Phillips Hue bulbs that I’ve dialed in to a cool temperature. And I just borrow Molly’s X100V when I need it. Haha.
To answer your question, the Sony vlogging cam does a good job. As an audience, I DO care about the image quality, so a webcam wouldn’t cut it. But this Sony setup passes the bar.
I did consider the SL2-S! Great used prices these days as well. But in the end, I went for the SL2 for the silver body (like I said, I’m a sucker) and the fact that looking at my old archive of files, I found I rarely went above ISO 800. The SL2-S is far superior in low light though! So if that’s a concern at all, I would suggest you go that route.
Man makes video about a camera, people lose their shit. The end. 🤷♂️ Can’t say I blame you for making the switch Matt. I’ve forever swapped digital cameras hoping to find the perfect fit and it’s eluded me. At a lower price point maybe but exactly the same issue. I’ve found my best fit in my old film Nikons so that’s where I’m doing my work at the moment. If I can’t afford film or something else happens I’m wondering where I’ll go next, because eyesight is a factor and I too had a hard time when I owned a digital M. I’m no huge fan of EVFs either so DSLRs may be where I go back to. As for the Sony? The FX3: I get it. Had a slew of A7 cameras myself and they’re incredible but they’re appliances. No joy whatsoever in using them, and that’s a big part of photography for me. The ZV1? Wouldn’t really have noticed if you hadn’t mentioned it. I surmise you’re going on a bit of a simplification drive here and if you’re anything like me it makes a big difference (as in it quiets the mind - too much choice leads to paralysis) so keep going on the tiny Sony I say. That’s again Matt, looking forward to the next crop of videos.
ZV1 is more than enough. I think your followers are mostly into photography and not 4K travel enthusiasts. We get you! 😊 simplify, it's good. We watch you for the content not the cinematic videos.
