Last night was more than just a product launch, as Dr Andreas Kaufmann said "I's a celebration of Photography" - and a celebration of photography it was, with some heavyweight professional photographers, industry professionals and the usual Leica faces in attendance. Above: (L-R) Leica Chief Dr Andreas Kaufmann, Photographer Fred Mortagne, Photographer Stefano Guindani, Leica CEO Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Oliver Kaltner and Photographer and host Craig Semetko.

There were approximately 1000 guests all eager to see what the new announcement was all about and they weren't disappointed. I made my way around the venue armed with the SL, capturing people and moments and the reaction was positive. Some were taken back by the size of the 24-90mm lens but understood that the size was necessary to ensure ultimate quality.

INTRODUCTION

By now you’ve probably heard of this new autofocus camera and system from Leica Camera – the Leica SL. There have been rumours milling around social networks and forums for weeks and speculation was at an all-time high. Most of the rumours initially pointed to a new M camera, possibly with autofocus. This rumour then changed to an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera based on the Leica Q, which isn’t too far off. Indeed, the Q really surprised many of us when it was launched because it was Leica’s first real success at nailing autofocus, by meeting and exceeding the performance of competing products. It’s clear that Leica’s technological partnering with Panasonic has been a very good match as it’s allowed Leica to catch up to the competition, and in the case of the freshly announced SL, possibly leapfrog it!

Leica Das Wesentliche - SL Launch at Leitz Park

The Leica SL (type 601) Professional Mirrorless Camera Review

The LEICA SL (TYP 601)

INTRODUCTION