5 Reasons I like the Sigma fp L (and lenses)

In this video I talk about the 61mp Sigma fp L that Sigma Nordic was kind enough to lend me together with the 20mm f2 and 65mm f2. I didn’t have it long enough to make a full review, but I can at least list some of my likes and dislikes.
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In case you missed it, I have. review of the Sigma 45mm f2.8:

[gearreallydoesntmatter]

Find a used Sigma at MPB and if you do, you also help support this channel by using the links below:

[sigma.nordic]

We´re so glad you liked the camera! And that you found a new favorite in the I series 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary! :D

[BenjaminSandness]

Never owned a Sigma camera, but I always appreciate their consistently different approach to design and features.

[HiroNakamuraInc]

Great video, Mattias! Happy to see discussion of the Sigma FP L that recognises there's more to photography than technical specs. It took me a long time to commit to buying the FP L because of how negative the online reviews were (though, funnily enough, the things they trash the Sigma for lacking seemingly don't matter at all when they pronounce the Leica M11 or Hasselblad X907 their grail cameras...) Ultimately, I kept coming back to the camera because it simply excited me more than any of the standard Sony and Canon etc. offerings, not to mention that Sigma as a company is rated as by far the most ethical camera brand by Ethical Consumer, which is a major consideration for me. I bought it with the the Leica M adapter and a Voigtländer 50mm f/1.2 Nokton and haven't regretted the decision for a second! I would thoroughly encourage anyone on the fence to give the camera a try for yourself before believing the influencer hype that it's a nonstarter.

[danieleubank]

I love love Sigma cameras… I have a couple SD and DP Quattro bodies and lenses… the colors and more “organic” feel to the images is truly one of a kind … they very much remind of the CCD sensors in the Pentax 645Ds I used to have… limited to an extent vs some newer gear but absolutely gorgeous output if you stick to what they do best … stay at 1600 or below iso and enjoy the character of the images and rich colors that I’ve not seen on any other system aside from medium format. Well done Sigma! Please keep making these unique cameras!

[NWPipeSmoker]

I'm a fan of Sigma since the DP1 (which sadly suffered regularly from broken lens extension plastics and finally had to be retired) to a DP2M, then a SD Quattro (much use of Super-Fine-Detail mode on a tripod for almost-medium-format results) to recently having picked up a used fp in great shape for $1k US. I found a used MC-21 adapter so I can use my Sigma SA-mount lenses with full automation (though I usually shoot manual). I got a SmallRig cage for it (love the wood grip) and a used LVF-11 viewfinder for the LCD, which is wonderfully immersive. I had read the reviews and they were very mixed and pretty negative, but I *love* the camera. The low-light performance is spectacular, to the point that I usually just leave ISO in 'auto' and never use a flash - the total opposite of the SD Quattro! Photography should be fun, and with the fp, it is! I really enjoy your videos, Mattias.
-Tom

[steveburke]

Expensive things need to look right...this does. Beautiful minimalist design. I appreciate your comment about the importance of where the things we buy are made.

[jazzfan]

"Trumpy skin tones"! 🤣🤣🤣 That should be a setting in the menus.Great design on this camera, not trapped in referring to older cameras. Even though I love my X100V, this is clearly the future (but please integrate the viewfinder...)

[obscur_yoann]

Thanks for this video. This camera is hard to review because a lot of people have already a (negative) opinion about it, without actually trying it...
For me, the fp/L are a love or hate kind of camera.
Cameras I recommend trying first, because if you like them, chances are you will adore them!
I love my fp, so much so I sold my Lumix S1R (another underestimate beast) and kept only the Sigma and my GRIII... Have the 24mm f2, 90mm f2.8 and just added the 65mm f2 (didn't have time to try it yet). All gorgeous lenses !
Another advantage of the electronic shutter, that nobody talk about, is that you can handhold shots at lower speed. I have a 100% keepers with the 90mm at 1/50 at 2.8, and still like 70-80% around 1/25-1/30... Not better than an IBIS, but already pretty good!
High ISO is another great thing on the fp (didn't try the L). 25600 are darn usable ! The noise pattern is nice, with still lots of details and no annoying color noise.

[zkramez]

I just picked one up for $1, 450. What a steal. At 3k MSRP no thank you. But when you get to these used prices it’s hard to say no. Even 3 years after its release it’s so relevant if you can live with the quarks. Again at 50% off when buying used… it’s well worth it.

[TL-vtuk]

Just picked up a second hand fpl, completely agree with your assessment!

[ryN]

Lovely video as always. Congrats on the little one, they’ll be a very well photographed kid!

[ahoyhere]

Nailed it! As usual! So glad you focused on the stills aspect, this camera & its predecessor are seriously good and seriously underrated, even neglected in the photogosphere. Which is just your thing, right? 😂

I have the original fp, bought largely on a whim bc I saw a couple tweets from a Japanese photog who managed to adapt a Jupiter-12 to it! The J12 is one of my favorite “film like” lenses and I had given up on being able to use it on a FF unless I shelled out for an actual Leica (maybe someday). Had the get the Contax mount version to make it fit but it does fit! And it’s beautiful, creamy, wonderful on it.

Even the original fp is glorious for old glass, especially with the built-in corrections. It plays beautifully with my m42 and old Nikon lenses. It can be super sharp and contrasty but even if you want to edit it for a more vintage look, the RAW files are just so accommodating somehow. They hold up where, for ex, my Fuji RAW files start to become brittle. Not sure how to quantify that but it’s the way it feels.

The L, with the 61mp, looks just incredible for $2499 new. The original fp (24mp) is unbelievable for about $1k used.

The only issue I’ve had with the digital shutter is hand-held focus stacking and then the solution is just to take more photos. It bursts just fine.

[rchu]

I had an Sigma FP-L and a 90mm f/2.8 lens. They were great as a carry around camera. The picture quality was super great!

[XavierFajardo]

Can't wait to see your review of the Pixii cam, that thing looks so promising.

[riosrios]

Hi Mattias, i have been following you for a few years now, i love your videos and want to say thank you for keep doing them now that you have a mini you at home. I was one of those people asking you to review the FP on the comments of your other videos, i sold mine last december because of the flickering issue was too much for me. I hated not being able to freeze a moment under most artificial lights because i had to use a slow shutter speed, so i sold it and bought myself an S5, its bulkier but i love it, i also got lucky and found a cheap GM5 (around 250 usd), i think you would like it a lot, because its tiny but with a micro four thirds sensor and an electronic viewfinder (its not a great one but its better than the gm1 which has none and around the same size). Thank you again and can't wait for your pixii video.

[Yulad_A]

If you have an fp I really recommend putting on the small sigma handgrip. It's cheap enough and you can easily use the camera with one hand.

[thecaveofthedead]

My partner was on a commercial shoot for a very well known, high-end product and I was surprised to hear her say they were using these as body cams.

[jaynebooton]

Your point number five is spot on.. I love my FpL.

[DamianBrown]

The content I needed but didn't deserve