Leica No More Leica CL

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I occasionally had GAS for the CL because of its wonderful size, native lenses and adaptability of M Mount lenses but always managed to hold it off due to similarly specked Fujis and the hope that there may one day be a full frame digital CL. This doesn’t prevent one from purchasing a new or used one at the moment but in that event, take note of the support timeline for existing CL owners, basically you’ve got 6 years (from time of purchase, so not necessarily 6 years from now).
 
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Well, this news clearly hasn't stopped me. I just picked up a very gently used CL from Leica Store Miami. Its original Leica warranty runs until late 2023. Kirk Tuck just picked up a second CL body, so clearly it hasn't stopped him either. In addition to the 18mm f/2.8 pancake, I suspect my go-to lens will my Sigma 24mm f/3.5, which I already had in L-mount for my Panasonic S5. I'm pretty sure I won't need more than that. Besides, I'm also pretty sure I'll never be able to swing whatever full-frame replacement for the CL that Leica may bring out.
 
Well, this news clearly hasn't stopped me. I just picked up a very gently used CL from Leica Store Miami. Its original Leica warranty runs until late 2023. Kirk Tuck just picked up a second CL body, so clearly it hasn't stopped him either. In addition to the 18mm f/2.8 pancake, I suspect my go-to lens will my Sigma 24mm f/3.5, which I already had in L-mount for my Panasonic S5. I'm pretty sure I won't need more than that. Besides, I'm also pretty sure I'll never be able to swing whatever full-frame replacement for the CL that Leica may bring out.
It’s a wonderful camera. It seems to go so well with that tiny Elmarit I could never imagine using it with any other native lens.
 
That sounds almost like an interchangeable-lens version of the Q2/Q3. It could be nice. Frankly, I’d like to see another rangefinder-styled APS-C camera in L-mount so I can attach the lenses I bought for my CL to it.

I've heard these FF CL rumors as well...possibly 2024, and yes L mount. Hopefully there'd be an APS-C Crop Mode where it'd shoot at an APS-C crop if a TL lens is attached. That's just hopeful speculation on my part, though - way more detail than the vague whispers I've heard. I'd have a difficult time believing Leica would release another APS-C body, though.
 
Hearing murmurings of a FF CL being released this year - if true that sounds like a serious rival to the ZF.

Would love to see this. A compact RF-style of the SL would be a great camera.

I am skeptical, as Leica will want to protect their other camera sales. Right now, each series offers something very unique vs the others. This new camera could cover most of those traits, with the exception of the M’s RF and OVF.
 
I'd have a difficult time believing Leica would release another APS-C body, though.
So do I. That’s why I’m hoping Sigma or Panasonic will step up. Meanwhile, if a full-frame CL is introduced, I’m hoping there’ll be a Panasonic version - just as there are Panasonic equivalents to Leica’s other L-mount cameras. That would mean I might actually be able to afford to buy one new.
 
I've been reading a lot about the CL recently. I can feel a probably ill-advised amount of spending happening soon. Tbh, 6 years support from Leica will do for me.
The CL is a nice camera, Martin. And if you can't swing Leica lenses for it, Sigma makes a number if very nice APS-C zooms and primes in L-mount that work very well. Makes for a fun kit.
 
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