I had been eyeing a digital body that I can use as a dedicated legacy lens platform. The reason being, I had been using my Leica m11p for some of my legacy lenses with a visoflex, and noticed there is an improvement in picture quality over my Nikon Z8. But, the visoflex won't let me magnify beyond 100% and quite a bit of lag in use. I am hoping to have a digital body that has a very good EVF and is optimized for legacy lenses, just like my digital M.
The Leica SL fit most of the criteria (except for IBIS) and the price is almost the same as a Nikon ZF now. But, for a few hundred dollars more, I can also get an SL2, which has IBIS and more resolution. I don't know how much the Nikon Z8 is lack behind on the sensor optimization part (for legacy lenses), compared to the Leica SL series. For the price of a SL2, I can also buy a Sony A7r iv and have Kolari to convert to thin cover glass. The Sony will also be lighter as well.
I will love to hear your thought on this. Or am I just crazy.
It comes down to personal preference, price, and lens environment. Couple things to answer:
+ You can wait for Leica to release the rumored Leica M-V which is an EVF-based Leica M where the EVF replaces the rangefinder. It will likely be equipped with M- and not L-mount which is advantageous to ensure full M-lens compatibility without usage of adapter. Means no AF option and very likely also no video option - Leica might use this to differentiate itself from the SL series. Main con: its future introduction price.
+ Nikon Zf: seems to be one of the best third party option to adapt M lenses. Performance seems similarly good compared to mounting M- lenses on the SL with adapter. Advantage: price and being able to use Nikkor glass, too.
+ Sony E-mount: Sony has the most menu options in their E-mount series cameras which some like others don't. Feel of Sony cameras is lighter weight but ergonomics fit some others dislike the design. Main con: as you mentioned, it requires Kolari sensor modification to allow best M-lens compatibility with adapter due to its thicker original sensor stack. Sony was in the past > 10 years ago the best EVF-based option to use with third party lenses, but now Nikon with its Zf camera has definitely topped Sony in this segment by using a thin sensor stack as Leica does in its M cameras.
+ Leica SL series: advantages already mentioned earlier, main con: camera bulkiness and still more pricier than other similar MLC models on the market. Good performance with adapted M glass is a positive - but the camera is mainly made to be used with AF-based bulkier L-lenses. If L-lens glass is considered and M-lenses are used in parallel, the SL series is probably the best option to move forward. If M-lenses are the only lens option used, I would look at bullet points one or two made in this comment instead.
Jun 26, 2025 at 12:15 PM
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