Leica TL2 announced: 24MP sensor, faster everything, improved control features

 Update: Long-term test of the Leica TL2

Leica introduced the long-awaited TL2 system camera to the press at 10.30 this morning. There are few surprises and, as we all came to expect, there is no built-in viewfinder. But despite these reservations, I came away from Leica Mayfair mightily impressed. This is a big step forward for the TL system and I am tempted to upgrade.

The camera has exactly the same dimensions and overall appearance as the outgoing TL. It boasts a 24MP sensor, much faster processing and speedier autofocus. Maximum ISO is upped to 50,000 and the electronic shutter extends speeds to 1/40000s and permits shooting at up to 20 frames per second. The user interface features greater customisation and additional options. The body, which is virtually identical to that of the TL, has a more pronounced chamfer on the edges and this is noticeable when handling the camera. It feels overall much smoother.

  Leica
Leica’s UK managing director, Jason Heward, introducing the TL2 earlier today at the London press conference

Speed improvements are significant. The camera switches on in 600ms, which is five times faster than the TL. Autofocus speed is increased to 165ms and the touch control on the screen is eight times faster, bringing it up to the standards expected by smartphone users. An unusual feature of the TL, the 32GB internal memory, is continued. This means that you can get by in emergency without an SD card. 

  Business as usual on the face of things. But it is what
Business as usual on the face of things. But it is what’s inside that matters in this major upgrade to the TL system

There are several important changes which, for me, make this camera so much more desirable than the outgoing TL. The video button is now a programmable function control which can be set to toggle the screen and viewfinder (among other options). This omission of a toggle switch was a serious fault with the T and TL. Focus peaking, like it or loathe it, is now a standard feature. USB in-camera charging is implemented — again, this is something I love but, I know, many dislike. There is no built-in flash, which certainly doesn’t worry me.

Couple these handling improvements with the larger sensor and much improved speed overall and we have a virtually new camera which is something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Grandma looks as innocent as ever but now has some very big teeth. I like it. 

I have arranged to borrow a TL2 from Leica next week and, in the meantime, will have more to say on my initial impressions. The retail price in the UK is expected to be £1,700, including VAT, and the camera should be available from today. 

  Look for the LEICA TL2 engraving, it
Look for the LEICA TL2 engraving, it’s the only sure way to tell this camera apart from its predecessor, but the camera is indeed a great leap forward for the TL system

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LEICA PRESS RELEASE

Leica Camera presents the Leica TL2: Perfected features and persuasive performance meet unique design. 

Wetzlar, 10 July 2017. Based on the Leica TL-System, which has been continuously advanced in terms of speed, ease of handling and flexibility since its market launch, the new Leica TL2 embraces all the perfected features and leads the innovative camera concept into a new generation with additional innovations and new design aspects. The particular hallmark of the Leica TL2 is the unusual design of its compact body. Each camera body is precisely machined from a single block of aluminium in the Leica factory. The use of premium materials and their engineering in an elaborate manufacturing process are unique in the history of camera construction and lend the Leica TL2 an unmistakeable look, feel and solidity. 

Brilliant still pictures and video footage 

The Leica TL2 is equipped with a newly developed, 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in APS-C format that, in combination with an equally new, Maestro II series high-performance image processor, guarantees outstanding picture quality with impressive dynamic range, excellent contrast and colour rendition, exceptional sharpness and finest resolution of details. However, the Leica TL2 impresses not only with its still picture performance, but also with its video capabilities. The camera’s various video recording modes, such as 4K (3840 x 2160p at 30 frames per second), full HD (1920 x 1080p at 60 frames per second), HD (1280 x 720p at 60 frames per second or slow motion SLOMO captured at 120 frames per second), leave absolutely nothing to be desired. 

Fast and almost silent 

One of the highlights of the Leica TL2 is its enormously improved AF speed and precision. For instance, the camera focuses sharply on subjects in around only 165 milliseconds (CIPA standard; Leica standard zoom lens at its wide-angle setting), and thus focuses up to three times faster than the previous model. The new Leica Maestro II series image processor not only plays a significant role in its faster autofocus, but also to the considerably shorter start-up time. Another new development is an electronically controlled shutter that enables silent exposures at shutter speeds up to 1/40,000 s and an increase in the continuous shooting rate from 7 to a maximum of 20 frames per second. 

Connectivity with and without a cable 

Thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi module of the Leica TL2 and the function for setting up a mobile hotspot, pictures and video can be conveniently transferred by wireless to smartphones, tablets and desktop PCs from anywhere and then, for example, be shared by email, on Facebook, Instagram or other social media. Data can also be transferred lightning fast by cable with the camera’s integrated HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. The USB port also enables recharging of the Leica TL2 without a battery charger – for example from a laptop computer or an external power bank. 

With the TL App available for both iOS and Android devices, smartphones or tablets are transformed into electronic viewfinders and offer remote control of various exposure- relevant parameters such as the shutter speed and aperture. The TL App also makes it much easier to capture photos and video from unusual angles, with a self-timer or with longer shutter speeds. 

Modern, intuitive and versatile 

By grouping menu items according to related functions, the menu of the Leica TL2 is now more clearly and logically structured and makes camera handling easier and even more intuitive than before. With the MyCamera menu, the user interface can be further personalised to meet the photographer’s preferences or particular needs. This means that the photographer always has fast access to all frequently used features and presets. Thanks to significantly increased reactivity and up to eight times faster response when using the touchscreen, camera handling is now even more efficient and intuitive. At the heart of this is a bright and clearly laid-out 3.7″ LCD touchscreen display that enables both composition and reliable and convenient assessment of subjects before and after exposure. The only other controls are four ergonomically positioned haptic control elements that are intuitive in their operation. This ensures that camera users can concentrate fully on composing their pictures – without any unnecessary distractions. 

The best in its class 

The comprehensive portfolio of lenses in the Leica TL-System offers an ideal range of focal lengths for all situations and types of photography. The system currently comprises six lenses – three prime lenses and three zooms – that meet the needs of every photographic situation. The two fast prime lenses, the Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., are classic focal lengths for reportage photography, and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. complements them ideally as a lens for finely detailed close-up photography. The three compact zoom lenses, the Leica Super- Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH. and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., cover an entire range of focal lengths equivalent to 17 to 200 mm (equiv. in 35 mm format) and deliver exposures with rich contrast from corner to corner of each frame. 

All Leica TL-Lenses impress with exceptional imaging performance at all distances from closest focusing distance to infinity and deliver pictures with the inimitable ‘Leica look’ and unique bokeh. Developed by optical design specialists in Wetzlar (Germany), they offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are famed. The combination of optical and precision engineering expertise and the use of finest materials in their construction ensures their constant quality and reliability in use. 

Sustainability guaranteed by cross-system compatibility 

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL and SL cameras, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the Leica TL2. With this, Leica once again carries forward its fundamental principles of cross-system compatibility and sustainability, which is now also reflected in a uniform product designation. Dedicated adapters are available for using Leica M and R lenses on TL-Cameras – the Leica M-Adapter is available in a choice of black or silver finish. 

New design in two colour options 

The Leica TL2 will be offered in a choice of two different colours from the start. The design of both the silver and black versions of the camera has been slightly revised in comparison with its predecessor. In addition to chamfered edges the body also features redesigned control elements that have been modified not only in visual style, but also provide a new haptic experience. 

Functional camera accessories, such as high-quality protectors in Nappa leather, which can stay on the camera when changing the battery, and colour-coordinated carrying straps in stone-grey, black, red, yellow and cemento, are ideal complements to the TL system portfolio. 

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5 COMMENTS

  1. Yes, the TL2 seems now to make the line as good as it is beautiful. But an interchangeable lens X Vario for those of us who like that kind of set-up (using T-lenses?) would be a dream come true – and probably unrealistic to hope for. And as long as Leica eschews vari-angle screens, I’m happy to stick with a vari-angle external viewfinder (especially one made by Olympus for half the price!).

    • I can’t really advise on this. While I think it likely we will eventually see a Leica ASPC system camera with viewfinder, it might well not be a variation of the TL but an entirely new design based on a more traditional format (think Q, X). In the meantime, the TL now offers a good deal, despite the added cost of the external viewfinder. If I were you I would wait a bit and see what develops.

  2. Nope, not for me.

    My T, the chipped and cracked version that I have taken to referring to as "Basher", still produces really excellent images, and with the lens I have, along with the other two slug like zooms possibly on the horizon, speed is not really an important factor, it is all about the output from these beauties, which many seem to agree is rather good.

    Might just have to spring for a Visoflex though…

    … Meanwhile, having lots of fun with my old X100s which has passed my way again.

    • I take your point and, as you know, I have a Basher of my own (though not quite as bashed as yours, I seem to remember). But the TL2 is quite reasonably priced (for a Leica, which operates in a parallel universe) and is attractive. I suspect that if Leica produces an APS-C camera with built-in viewfinder in the next twelve months it could well be a more traditional device — think X or Q with TL mount — and it will be priced to reflect the upgrade. I would expect more like £2,500, for instance. So buying a TL2 now is not a ridiculous prospect.

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