A tale of broken promises and a resistance to fixing fundamental problems.
Is this how PR works in the camera industry? Promise a factory visit (twice), hand out a free battery grip but whatever you do, don’t fix the product!
Read moreEOSHD on YouTube – Leica SL2 – a PR offensive but still no fix for video mode
For some background on this Leica SL2 problem, see my interview with Leica here.
I am currently re-testing the Leica SL2 with vertical grip, to see how the battery performs with various lenses. Following on from the earlier situation where 4K recording is met with an error message on the SL2 depending on the lenses used, Sigma has now optimised this with a firmware update for MC-21 (Canon EF mount adapter for L-mount), which should allow the adapter to be used for 4K recording. The question is, for how long!
Read moreSigma addresses Leica SL2 battery power error with MC-21 adapter firmware update
When I began shooting with my own Leica SL2 earlier this year, I found a lot to like about the high-spec mirrorless camera for filmmaking, and of course the SL2 is superb for photography. However, the battery power management has prevented shooting in 4K and 5K reliably, varying depending on the type of lenses used. After making Leica aware of this issue, Leica’s Head of Product Management, Professional Photo System and co-designer of the SL2 Stephan Schulz has been on my case and I have been on his!
The good news is that Leica are investigating the possibility of a firmware update to alleviate the problem and I will be carrying out testing duties for Leica on the video side going forward.
The Leica SL2 battery grip is on the way from Wetzlar and could offer an instant solution, but this needs to be tested. Here we hear directly from Stephan at Leica Camera AG, in this exclusive interview on EOSHD…
Read moreInterview with Stephan Schulz, Leica Camera on the SL2 and filmmaking
I was very excited for the Leica SL2 and bought mine in December 2019. I have been using it ever since and it is every bit as beautifully designed as the previous model, but this time with high-spec 4K video features, IBIS and an anamorphic 5.5K mode. As usual, I paid the full retail price out of my own pocket and didn’t take a camera on loan. This is something I am now regretting because the SL2 has a major show-stopping problem which effects ALL models out there and isn’t isolated to mine. By the time I was sure of the problem, the 14-day window to return my camera to the retailer had lapsed. I then reached out to Leica in Wetzlar to alert them via my contacts at Leitz Cine lenses. UPDATE: Leica has got back to me and the issues are being looked into – the battery grip is one possible solution and there will be an update on the blog this coming week.
Read moreLeica SL2 has power flaw – Until fixed I recommend not using for professional 4K shooting
What do you upgrade to once you get bored of Sony and Panasonic?
I went to find out.
Since the issue of black levels in LOG mode on the Leica SL was raised on EOSHD, Leica have reached out to me. Here I can reveal Leica are working hard on video related refinements.
Last week in Berlin, product manager Steffen invited me to see the new firmware in action.
Read moreEOSHD advises Leica on LOG as SL system gets new firmware update
The Leica SL has hit Berlin already and retail units will begin to ship in just over a week. I took the final camera in my hands to suss it out from a video point of view.
Read moreLeica SL hands-on first impressions review from a video perspective
