THERE IS ANEW LEICA CL IN TOWN
WHEN the mirrorless lensswappable CL from Wetzlar, Germany first appeared a while back, it was hailed as a wonderful homage to the original small format cameras that Oskar Barnack brought into the world in the last century. Well-built, un- obtrusive, easy to put up to the eye and shoot quickly. And it looked awesome.
Now you have two choices of awesome in this already-accepted little package. Leica Camera AG offers the CL in a new (but appropriately historic) two-tone palette of black and silver. The upper and lower ar- eas, namely the top deck and the baseplate, are now silver anodized and contrast quite nicely with the premium leather in deep textured black. Elements such as the control surfaces and dials are also in silver, and the oft-purchased thumb rest accessory will also be available to match if you so desire.
The CL still uses the highresolution 24 MP APS-C format sensor that makes the camera so easy to keep at hand, thanks to both design and mass. Yet it keeps the Leica DNA always in mind when it uses technology to its fullest. A Maestro II series processor and fast autofocus help the camera produce what you mind and your eye see. The moving image is also handled well, with video resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second. All your creativity can easily be shared using the integrated WiFi module that will communicate with your phone or computer. A purpose-built app al- low remote control acts as an additional viewfinder, as well as being able to control certain parameters such as exposure.
The CL is able to use the excellent TL family of lenses, a key draw for the fans of this format and size. There are currently three zooms and four primes from which to choose, available with either a black or silver finish. And if you are a serious Leica fan and collector with an equally serious cabinet of rare legacy lenses at home, fear not. The Lshaped bayonet mount allows you to keep playing with your very valuable glass. SL lenses can be used without any adapter. If your stash includes M- and Rlenses, an adapter is available.
Leica Camera AG continues to dominate its very unique place in the world. They produce objects of technology but also of desire. And as much as we may think of this as a way that a historic company can stay relevant, in reality this is what Leica has always been. They used the cutting-edge technology of the time, wrapped it in good solid design and engineering, and put it to use in a novel way. This consistency of vision and the understanding of the heart and soul of their family of fans is what has kept the company on top from day one.