Leica SL2

This is probably the best camera you could buy for quality and adaptability in the market today! That fact, along with the expert, the friendly good humour of Richard and the team at Leica Manchester made this the most enjoyable purchase we’ve ever had (been using Leica since 1982 with Ms and later S2P). We wanted a small modular camera principally to use for broadcast and cinema video. Its modular structure - its small (not much bigger than an M) allows us to film intimate interviews and diary form documentary recordings without the need for lots of equipment. We got this so that we could use with our existing M lenses via the L adapter and the results for cinema 4K are beautiful. L Log is much nicer with that ‘Leica film look’ much nicer than previous mass-produced plastic video cameras. Then when the need arises we can attach bigger rigs, Atomos recorders and cine lenses using Dante Ceccin’s Metal jacket. As with all mirrorless cameras, the internal battery soon runs low if shooting hungry 4K video but a USB power bank fits neatly into the USB-C slot or a v mount or similar using the cage to make a fully working cinema production camera capable of standing head to head with an Arri or Red. If you’re unsure of the specs and adaptability, just ask Richard as his advice is priceless. Totally satisfied with this camera.

At last a Leica "reflex" which seriously knocks the opposition for six in terms of specification and design. It looks good, feels good, and the results are stonking. The lenses are all heavy but the image quality is fantastic. For me, the ability to use M lenses via the wonderful M adapter T alone makes the camera worthwhile. Manual focusing is easy and accurate on the M lenses and the autofocus for the L lenses, particularly the 50 mm Summicron is unbelievably fast. The clever splitting of the menus between still and video use simplifies finding the relevant menu item which, coupled with programmable buttons and the ability to customised menus , makes the camera quick and easy-to-use.