The iconic Leica CL design gets a makeover. The new Leica CL is not only dapper but also is the best rangefinder-style compact camera. Adding to its iconic design is the built-in viewfinder, a touchscreen with customizable menus, and innovative manual controls. Along with a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, the new Leica CL also has Maestro II image processor. The added advantage is that this new camera works pretty well with any of Leica’s L-mount lenses. The new family member also comes with an 18mm prime lens that and operates across every L line camera. The CL is attuned with Leica’s TL mount system, which at present claims a total of seven lenses, including the 18mm f/2.8 option. It’s also compatible with the seven lenses in the SL system, and Leica has also made option of using use M- and R-mount lenses on it.
Leica CL has a 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) made expressly for it. This new CL isn’t a throwback to the one manufactured in the 1970s. CL is a fine choice for those who love the mirror lens fixed lens along with excellent ergonomics, varied capabilities, and an incontestable sense of pure cool.
Having ISOs range from 100 to 50,000, the Leica CL has a shutter speed that easily goes up to 1/8000th of a second in mechanical mode and 1/25,000th electronically, making it the best model for all street photographers.
A beautiful little box, Leica CL’s top and bottom panels are black anodized aluminum, and packed in between them is a magnesium body draped in black, fine-grain leather, thus lending it that edgy look. The body’s top comprises a control display having two thumb wheels. Both these wheels have designated functions; the aperture priority mode is controlled by right wheel controls and in shutter priority mode, the left wheel controls the shutter speed.
This casual camera is not a videographers dream. The missing microphone limits the use to onboard mic or an external recorder. But don’t get disheartened as the gorgeous Leica CL has the Wi-Fi option which allows all its users to transfer pictures directly from the camera.
It’s for the first time that CL will be available in bundled kits, along with body only options. A kit with the new 18mm lens is priced at $3,795, while a kit with an 18-55 zoom lens costs around $3,995. The body of CL is priced at $2,795 and the 18mm lens will be available for $1,295.
