Why I bought a Leica SL in 2023

And why you probably shouldn’t.

Let’s not overlook the quirky fox planter — adds a nice pop of color, doesn’t it? It’s like saying, “Sure, I shoot with serious gear, but I’ve still got a playful side.” | Leica SL + Vintage Auto Yashinon 50mm F2

Will the Ricoh GRiii replace my Canon R6?

I assure you, however, the camera does in fact belong in someone’s bag or on someone’s shelf.

That someone is sadly not me.

What is the Leica SL?

The Leica SL is a now “aging” 24mpx full frame mirrorless camera made by the German camera brand Leica. Leica has since produced the 47mpx SL2, and it’s more advanced but lower resolution cousin, the SL2s. Rumors of an SL3 have also been floating around for a year or so now also. So the SL is not on most consumer’s radar, not even for the Leica fans. It’s old news.

Despite this, the image quality is superb, its build quality is that of a luxury armored fighting vehicle (that is to say refined, durable, but also spartan), and these aspects are matched only by its weight and bulk.

From my research, the sensor in the SL is also shared with Leica’s previous flagship, the M10, and their much loved Q. Some will argue this point. All…