Leica SL2 Review - The Infamous Question Of Why Leica Cameras Are So Expensive

Upon opening the box, the Leica SL2 immediately feels very familiar to you. It feels like your favorite meal after a grinding day; it’s the sounds of the waves on the beach; it’s traditional comfort in the form of a camera. The overall build feels like it’s made to last forever and its specs offer users many options to take amazing photos and videos. Specs and pricing are always what I hear the most when considering any camera. I know they are important, but there are so many other factors at play here with the Leica SL2 that we need to factor in.

Personally, the highlight of the Leica SL2, is its unparalleled image quality. I didn’t even have to do basic adjustments in post and I could pull details out of images like crazy. Blasphemy in the post-prod world, I know. It’s like the Leica SL2 is holding your hand while you do the creative work. It’s reassuring and uniquely there for you. Most importantly, these cameras are handmade from over 100+ years of experience and that's definitely something you can feel.

A couple of my past videos were shot using the Leica SL2 so check ‘em out!

*Special thank you to B&H Photo and Leica for allowing me to shoot with the Leica SL2

—MY PRODUCTION GEAR—
This video was filmed with:

---MUSIC—

#Leica #SL2 #Cameras

[thomashilmersen]

I like how you talk about the feelings of holding the SL2. Feelings are critical, when you buy things. I had a Sony A7R2, and it felt like holding some mass produced electronic thingy which looks outdated after 5 years. The SL, on the other hand, feels like a real thing, almost like a little modern art masterpiece that will still look and feel good in 50 years.

[RikkiRockettsLegendTripping]

Yay! I’m an SL-2 user! Had the SL-1 and got this right away. The SL-2 S might be the winner for low light. Nice video too! You rock!

[justcallmesando]

I just got mine. I know this is not everything, I am all about cameras being tools and that´s all really but I can say even the buying experience was really something since I have become close with the people in the Mexico City store after attending some events and they're really adorable people. It was a really happy moment. When I opened the box and got the camera out of the plastic it was like wow... Loved the polished and sleek finish and I had already tried it so I really like the image quality in the first place but the camera design was like.. wow. Really an experience as you mention.

[Shephard]

I often think that people who complain at the cost also don’t get that these are handmade by people who make a good living at Leica and have been there for decades as opposed to mass produced in China by a low paid work force. That makes a big difference in cost!

[remixatl]

You took what could have been a crushing review after " it costs 10k." and you made it really cool and fun to watch. Huge fan!

[senorbuddL]

You gave me an appreciation for the Leica brand. Doubt I’ll ever own one but I would be proud to. Great video and photo edits.

[dakotaxu]

You my lady, like the finer things in life and I have to tell you that I respect you so much more for that!! You’re amazing!

[cactustweeter]

I have a soft heart for Leica. My dad had one from the 50s. I got to shoot with it when I was a kid. I almost bought the SL2. But I came to the realization I did not have enough money to buy all the things Leica I wanted for my camera kit. But if I went Nikon Z I could get pretty much all the things I wanted. I guess I should have been a brain surgeon and then I could've satisfied my Leica desires.

[kapilesh]

The Camry and McLaren Analogy was completely misplaced here because McLaren actually have a technological and engine power edge over a Camry. Leica can't hold a candle technologically or for sheer horsepower over a Canon R5 or a Sony A1. Come up with a better analogy.

[davidshort]

Great video! Best explanation of why the Leica's are so expensive. And, yes, now I want to at least go shoot one for a day or two.

[jennifergrainger]

Love your unique style! Great video! And yes I wish I could get a Leica. One day. Great job, you nailed it!

[Anatol]

Hi there! Thank you for this great video! Being a happy owner of Q2 im struggling to choose between Sl2 and Sl2-S… if you don’t mind- what will be your best choice between those two to companion Q2?
Thank you!

[MarioSoMedia]

The color science looks pretty good! Hope to try a Leica some day! Great review!

[ogcameraboi]

Since it's the SL2, I think a better car analogy, because it's German of course, would be the Mercedes SLS. Just my opinion. I do hope to use one some day. Even just hold it and feel the hand made quality. I'm jealous of your Leica experience, but glad you got to have it!

[timkristensson]

Is it still "Leica Colors" when you use Adobe Color profile in Lightroom though? Then it is Adobes version of the leicas dng..

[alchemisthere]

yes you NAILed it :D
That comparison with cars is really good, it made me understand it. (Cause honestly I always listened to people saying Leica is for lawyers and doctors with a lot of money, but the price isn't justified, and apparently a lot of people have this opinion)
When I saw how Koenigsegg made cars, I also undestood why they cost millions. It's all handwork.
And as I saw your art film and now hearing what you said about the videos and photos, I really comprehendable.

Thanks for the video! Hope more people see and understand it (and I hope to get to use a Leica one day myself hihi)

[fellowcitizen]

Your photo edits remind me of what I've seen of the Teal&Orange of the Sigma fp series cameras. They use the same L mount, so may be worth getting. When I can justify and afford one, I'll get one, but chose to start with the S1R since it's pretty much the same as the SL2. I'm planning to use the 65mm, 24mmF3.5 and 28-70mm compact zoom with these smaller fp L and TL cameras.

[ryandewerff]

there’s no debating whether or not leica makes great stuff; they absolutely do. the question is it worth DOUBLE the second most expensive cameras on the market (sony a1, canon r5, etc.) i think it’s a huge mistake to make people feel like they need to spend $10k to find a camera that they’ll have a “human connection” to.

[saurabhbhardwaj]

Next time use the remote function on Leica App when you are recording yourself... once it gets connected, it works very well

[jamboconcept]

Enjoyed the video, plus you are funny