Leica has introduced a new mirrorless APS-C camera: the Leica CL. It shares the same technology as the TL2 but comes with a different design that pays tribute to the first iconic film camera from the brand and its creator Oskar Barnack.
The design has very simple lines just like the APS-C compact camera series. The top and base plates are made of machined anodized aluminum while the front and rear shells are made of magnesium. The camera comes with a built-in 2.36M dot electronic viewfinder with minimal latency time. On the rear there is a fixed 3-inch touch screen display while the top features twin dials separated by a small backlit LCD screen that displays the settings being used.
Inside we find the same 24MP APS-C sensor as the TL2 with a ISO 100-50000 sensitivity range and the Maestro II image processor. There is a contrast detection AF system with 49 points, a 10fps burst mode, 4K video at 30fps and Wifi capabilities. There aren’t any physical connections except for the SD card slot (no USB or HDMI output).
Along with the camera, Leica has also launched a new lens, the Elmarit-TL 18mm f/2.8 ASPH. It joins the family of TL lenses available for the CL and TL2 cameras, for a total of 7 lenses in the catalogue.
The camera will be available at the end of November in two colours (silver or black) at the following retail prices:
- $2,795.00 body only
- $3,795.00 with the 18mm f2.8
- $3,995.00 with the 18-56mm
Main Specifications
- Lens mount: Leica L bayonet
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS with 24MP
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC, UHS II supported
- ISO range: 100 to 50000
- Autofocus: Contrast detection with 49 points
- Shutter speed: 30s to 1/8000s (up to 1/25000 s with electronic shutter)
- Continuous shooting: Approx. 10fps
- Video: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps or 720p 30fps
- Built-in Flash: no
- Viewfinder: electronic with 2.36M dots, 0.74x magnification
- Monitor: 3.0″ touchscreen LCD with 1.04M dots on the rear, 128×58 dots LCD on top
- Wifi: Yes
- Dimensions: 131 x 78 x 45 mm
- Weight: 403 (with battery)