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Jack,

Thanks.

I can't say that the 75 APO SL is a favorite just yet. I haven't shot with it. I just said that the look reminds me of the 120 S, which you already know is a favorite of mine.

The S lenses are incredible for sure. There's no doubt about that. But…. it would seem that the SL lenses are the next step. If and when Leica increases resolution for either system, I think the lenses will be able to handle the added demand easily. Both the S and SL optics are able capable of more.

Nope. The SL lenses are 35mm only.

For medium format, Leica has the S System, which has incredible lenses.

D-Lux 109. I wish I had taken the extra time to grab the SL and the new 50 Lux, but Peter needed to go to his next appointment.

The 50 Lux SL is somewhat large, but not especially heavy. It balances really nicely with the SL. The Summicron SL lenses at the show were just design mock-ups – no glass inside. But, they will certainly be smaller and lighter than either the zooms or the 50 Lux.

David, thanks for the report from Photokina. Has Leica abandoned the S system? A product roadmap for the S would be most welcome. A mirrorless replacement for the 007 leaves Leica would be most welcome. But no news about the S line is worrying.

David, certainly jealous you are there, but glad you are sharing so much information! Leica keeps making it difficult to pick between the M series and the SL series. It's great to see a roadmap of what's coming. Thanks!

David:

Just wondering how this new lens compares to the S 100/2 using the S to L adaptor on the SL camera? And it seems like there is little to no review/experience with the S lenses on the SL. Is the S to L adaptor available?

Thanks

John

I too need to know about the S, I have zero interest in the SL. Have they abandoned the S? They seem to have abandoned their customers.

Adam,

I'm not sure I agree. Leica has developed an amazing portfolio of cameras and lenses over the last few years that are very much intended for the quality-conscious shooter. I have a hard time deciding between S, SL, M, and Q these days. I'm not a collector by a long shot. My priorities are image quality, build quality and how a camera feels while working. Leica excels on all those points for me.

Sure, Leica comes out with special edition cameras to capitalize on the interest of collectors and enthusiasts. Why shouldn't they? Ultimately, the revenue from such products makes its way back to R&D for lenses like the 50 Lux SL, which is just the first of the next level prime lenses for the SL.

David,

Who knows where the sensor tech will be in 10-15 years. I doubt Leica does. And I wouldn't be so brave to speculate. By designing lenses that are suited to high resolution digital sensors, now and what might be possible in the future, Leica is essentially protecting your investment in glass. And their investment in R&D and manufacturing. Make it once. Make it the best it can be. Make it that way for years to come.

With regards to low light sensitivity, I don't personally use this as a measuring stick for most cameras. To me, the fact that the SL can turn out fantastic results at ISO 6400 or 8000 is plenty – for me. The D5 is very much a spot news and sports camera. Absolute image quality is not as important as getting the shot, no matter what condition. I'd wager that your SL shots at low and mid ISO settings look nicer than those from the D5, with more microcontrast, textural nuance, and more pleasing colors. A big part of this are the Leica lenses, no doubt. But, a huge part of the credit needs to be acknowledged, and that is Leica's digital side. The sensor and processing play an enormous role in meshing up perfectly with the glass and delivering that signature Leica look. The D5 is not a bad camera. Far from it. But, for me, I don't need heavily noise reduced ISO 100,000 shots. I rarely shoot anything above 6400 even in the darkest conditions. But, I do an awful lot of shooting at ISO 400 – 1600. And here, the SL wins hands down.

Indeed, the Q is fantastic. It shares almost the same exact sensor and image processing as the SL. 🙂

Stephan worked previously at Pentax and Philips Semiconductor before starting at Leica. I'll have to ask him if he was ever at Rollei.