p.1 #1 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
[October 20, 2025]
"10 Years of Leica SL – Anniversary of the Mirrorless Revolution from Wetzlar"–by Thomas Walter
"The People Behind the System
Many people have worked hard to make the SL system the most innovative product range from Wetzlar. Very few of them are visible to the outside world.
In the early stages, Steffen Skopp was the first product manager and played a key role in bringing the fundamentally new SL system to the world and to market. He was succeeded by Steffen Rau before the announcement of the SL2, who continued to develop the system with great dedication. An often-cited strength in Wetzlar, listening to customers, is particularly pronounced in him and a blessing for the SL system. Gerrit Gissel is currently the product manager, and we are excited to see how he will continue to develop the SL system."
p.1 #4 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
I recently bought a Leica SL2-S. Coming from Sony, the feel and viewfinder are in a whole new league. It's truly a dream camera, both in terms of build quality and handling. Since this camera is currently on sale for a relatively low price, I couldn't resist. Luckily!
p.1 #5 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
zeitlos wrote:
I recently bought a Leica SL2-S. Coming from Sony, the feel and viewfinder are in a whole new league. It's truly a dream camera, both in terms of build quality and handling. Since this camera is currently on sale for a relatively low price, I couldn't resist. Luckily!
For those of us that actually own and use this system, it’s quite the experience and results IMO. BTW, I just checked and it looks like L-Mount is now over 200 lenses from Leica, alliance members and third parties: APS-C/FF/AF/MF.
p.1 #6 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
LBJ2 wrote:
For those of us that actually own and use this system, it’s quite the experience and results IMO. BTW, I just checked and it looks like L-Mount is now over 200 lenses from Leica, alliance members and third parties: APS-C/FF/AF/MF.
Absolutely! More lenses that I could ever afford Of course, if you want to focus on sports photography, for example, there are better systems. But I'm not a professional photographer. I just want to enjoy taking pictures. That's the best recipe for good results.
p.1 #7 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
zeitlos wrote:
Absolutely! More lenses that I could ever afford Of course, if you want to focus on sports photography, for example, there are better systems. But I'm not a professional photographer. I just want to enjoy taking pictures. That's the best recipe for good results.
For reference, the url listing over 200 L-Mount lenses:
"L-Mount Objektive. Eine Übersicht der 200+ L-Mount Objektive von Leica, Sigma und Panasonic sowie Drittanbieter."
p.1 #8 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
Late to the SL party having just picked on up on here a few months ago. What a wonderful camera though. I've used it more since getting it than my 4 Canon DSLR's together.
For an old shooter with failing close up vision, the SL's EVF has been a game changer for me.
p.1 #9 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
LBJ2 wrote:
Interesting, about the S system. However, I keep reading to expect a new mirrorless Leica MF system soon maybe 2026?
I've heard that, too, but the longer it takes, the more spectacular that camera's going to have to be. Hasselblad and Fuji are well entrenched in that space with lower pricing than I imagine would satisfy Leica.
p.1 #10 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
jamesdak wrote:
Late to the SL party having just picked on up on here a few months ago. What a wonderful camera though. I've used it more since getting it than my 4 Canon DSLR's together.
For an old shooter with failing close up vision, the SL's EVF has been a game changer for me.
Yes, it's just a joy to use, which is a precondition for taking (good) photos.
p.1 #11 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
jamesdak wrote:
Late to the SL party having just picked on up on here a few months ago. What a wonderful camera though. I've used it more since getting it than my 4 Canon DSLR's together.
For an old shooter with failing close up vision, the SL's EVF has been a game changer for me.
I am aware this is the SL thread, but if you are looking for L mount with fantastic EVF the Panny S1 and S1R are incredibly affordable these days.
p.1 #12 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
pingflood wrote:
I am aware this is the SL thread, but if you are looking for L mount with fantastic EVF the Panny S1 and S1R are incredibly affordable these days.
Well I tend to keep my gear a long time. In fact one of my DSLRs is an original Canon 5D and it still sees regular use. Getting the SL was the first purchase in about 10 years and most likely will serve me well for a long, long time.
p.1 #15 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
freaklikeme wrote:
I've heard that, too, but the longer it takes, the more spectacular that camera's going to have to be. Hasselblad and Fuji are well entrenched in that space with lower pricing than I imagine would satisfy Leica.
If the Leica SL APO primes are any indication, I think the new Leica mirrorless MF lenses might be the advantage/differentiator for the “expected” new Leica mirrorless MF system as well…for those willing to pay.
If the DJI body ever surfaces I suspect it will be more video oriented as the video features were removed from the Hasselblad X2D(ii).
The Sigma BF (and the Panasonic S9) are a bit quirky and more geared towards content creators I feel. The BF is also relatively expensive (only $200 cheaper than the Sony a7Cii).
For me personally it would take a full frame CL to pull me back into the Leica and the L-mount world, IOW it is not going to happen...
p.1 #17 · Leica SL Ten Year Anniversary –by Thomas Walter
SlowDriver wrote:
If the DJI body ever surfaces I suspect it will be more video oriented as the video features were removed from the Hasselblad X2D(ii).
The Sigma BF (and the Panasonic S9) are a bit quirky and more geared towards content creators I feel. The BF is also relatively expensive (only $200 cheaper than the Sony a7Cii).
For me personally it would take a full frame CL to pull me back into the Leica and the L-mount world, IOW it is not going to happen...
I thought about a DJI LMount camera for video too. However, Panasonic probably has the video-first L-mount camera models covered and expect more in the future. So where would DJI fit into the L Mount camera catalog. Personally, I'd like to see a high performance/sports tuned FF L-Mount camera. Not sure if this is in the DJI wheelhouse or not. OTOH, perhaps DJI is content with their Hasselblad line's contributions to the traditional camera industry, at least for now.
Of course, if you want to focus on sports photography, for example, there are better systems. But I'm not a professional photographer. I just want to enjoy taking pictures. That's the best recipe for good results.