Sigma fp L: First impressions and a few unusual tweaks

Leica cameras have been part of my life since the advent of the M8. Then came the M9, the M240, the Q and finally the CL — followed by the realisation that my eyesight is no longer up to the task of focusing accurately. Except for the Q and the CL (since sold) these cameras would no longer work for me. It was time to find a new interchangeable lens camera — a Sigma fp L.

Ideally, I wanted a rangefinder-style body, very uncomplicated, not too many buttons, switches, or dials and, most importantly, with a simple menu system. I was looking for the camera that Leica unfortunately does not make. My priorities were a good sensor and simple, straightforward handling to allow me to capture the best possible images using my skill set and without relying on the computer in the camera.

After much research and tyre kicking, I came across the Sigma fp L. While many reviewers were pretty tough on it — “good cine camera, not-so-good stills camera” — most agreed that the image quality was beautiful, which was good enough for me. I swiped the credit card, then began to wonder. Why on earth did I buy this camera?

Sigma fp L: Why?

Hmm. No image stabilisation. Electronic-only shutter. Fixed LCD monitor. Shaped like a brick. Bolt-on EVF reminiscent of the M240 (ugh!). Autofocus could use the help of a seeing-eye dog (just kidding).

Answer? In short, I love a project. With a background in lithography, I spent my entire career in the graphic arts. Clients (artists, designers, photographers, publishers, and ad agencies) chose to work with my company for our innovative approach to producing projects. Considering the varied print mediums we worked in, meeting their expectations could be a tall order. We thrived on the challenges they presented, so it’s no surprise that this quirky little camera would capture my attention.

Where to begin?

Dealing with the fixed monitor was my first task. I was able to transform it into a flip screen with a kit sourced through online research. Removing the fixed monitor voided the camera warranty — which gave me pause — but after scrutinising the accessory manufacturer’s video about ten times, I felt confident enough to attempt that delicate surgical procedure.

Next on the agenda was the grip (I tried both Sigma grips and didn’t like them) and the battery issue. The Sigma eats batteries, which are the same as the one in the original Q and CL. The solution to both these issues was solved by buying, from the same company that sells the flip-screen kit, a grip that not only holds a much larger battery but loads it externally. The grip is a bit chunky, but it adds a lot of stability to the camera.

Above left to right: The grip accommodating a larger battery, larger battery compared with the fp L standard component, the shutter release button

Lastly, there were two small details to attend to. The dial and the on-off slide switch have pin-sharp steel edges. My solution was to affix a shutter release button to the switch and sand down the edges of the dial. This makes the camera a lot more comfortable to use.

A few small things

If I decide to use the camera with the original battery and Niceyrig grip, the changeover is quick.

I have found that it’s much faster and easier to download files from the camera to my iPad, computer or portable SSD drive using the Type C USB 3.0 port on the camera. It’s behind a durable rubber cover, which is much more robust than the battery/SD card cover latch. Currently, I have a Sony TOUGH 64GB 277r / 150w card permanently installed in the camera. No more worrying about damaging or losing the card or carrying along a card reader.

Top: Connecting the Niceyrig grip. Bottom: The Niceyrig attached to the camera

Sigma fp L: Some interesting specs

• Battery life (with my large battery/grip) approximately two days.
• FPL camera, battery grip and no lens: 624 grams
• 45mm Sigma Contemporary lens attached: 857 grams
• 50mm Leica Summicron and Leica M/L adapter: 871 grams
• My Leica Q with battery and Leica grip: 780 grams
• FPL with original battery and Niceyrig grip : 565 grams
• Leica SL2 body only: 835 grams
• Leica M11 body with battery: 640 grams

User experience

Instead of the EVF add-on, I chose, for everyday walking around and travel, Sigma’s small, lightweight Contemporary autofocus primes. (17, 45, 90mm) They turned out to be an excellent alternative.

The lenses are sharp, and the autofocus is OK (Sony can still sleep peacefully). I use my M lenses occasionally when shooting still life but, to be honest, I prefer the Sigma lenses.

The up to 8x enlargement on the monitor is exceptional for manual focus. There is also a sunshade attachment for the screen for bright days.

The QUICK SET button is very useful. In the picture below, I have the camera set for Aperture Priority. I lock the settings, so I don’t accidentally change anything. The dial on top remains unlocked for exposure compensation purposes. I set the aperture manually on the lens, then press the shutter button on top of the dial.

One thing that would be helpful in a software update would be the ability to change these settings using the touch screen. Currently, the manual controls must be used. There are six custom screens available, which, I feel, are more than enough. What I’m trying to illustrate is that, in my opinion, this is an effortless camera to set up and use.

This is how I normally hold the camera. There are a few pluses to this. When I’m photographing on a public street, it rarely draws attention, unlike raising the camera to my eye. The body has no stabilisation, so cradling it like this adds a lot of stability. Notice my thumb is over the shutter button, and my index finger is on the dial I’m using for exposure compensation. If I hold the camera in front similar to how you would use an iPhone, my index finger controls the dial and shutter, also very comfortable.

Two of the biggest concerns

The few times I’ve encountered the “Venetian blind effect” (due to the electronic shutter) I found that changing the shutter speed to sync with the lighting usually solved the problem. Extreme example below.

The other issue is the rolling shutter. So far, this has not been a problem. For example, directionally, this photo was taken approximately 90 degrees from an open boat on the Pacific Ocean while out on a whale watching tour. It was a bumpy ride as the boat was moving fast.

In a nutshell

Once one steps away from the simplicity of Leica cameras, things can get complicated. When considering the Sigma fp L, I noted that reviews were quite mixed. However, I don’t have any desire to shoot video, so I focused on reading the section of the manual devoted exclusively to still photography. It made sense to me.

When first handling the fp L, I was impressed by the build quality and the clean, simple design. With just a few buttons, dials and switches, it satisfied my form-and-function criteria. It was simply a matter of addressing poor ergonomics.

I treated the camera as a project, recognising that there was an opportunity for customisation:

1. The accessory bolt-on EVF was not for me. I did not purchase it.
2. A grip that is much better than what Sigma offers has made a big difference in handling. And since the camera is always on when I’m out taking photos, I subsequently opted to purchase an additional grip, much larger, which holds a correspondingly much larger battery. Now, I never have to think about conserving battery life. The advantage with this set-up is that I can change back to the smaller battery and grip in a matter of minutes if I choose.
3. I had only ever used M-mount lenses, even on my old CL. So instead of the EVF I purchased Sigma contemporary autofocus lenses — small, light and well-made. Terrific lenses.
4. Although the fixed screen was not ideal, I had pretty good success with it. However, when I came across a flip-screen adapter kit, I instantly ordered one. It has made the camera a joy to use. I can’t imagine why Sigma didn’t include this feature on the second generation of the FPL cam-era.

That mostly covers the camera setup, apart from cost. It’s important to note this was never about compromising to saving money. Rather, it was about finding a rig that worked well for me.

Sigma fp L: The costs

Sigma fp L camera USD 2,500 (excluding tax), GBP 2,000 (including tax), CAD 3200 (including tax). Allow around GBP 1,300, USD 1,600, CAD 2,250 for a trio of lenses and GBP 400, USD 500, CAD 680 for accessories.

Has it all been worthwhile?

Categorically yes. The fp L is a hybrid, and it’s quirky for sure. The 14-bit 60MB files are exceptional. The camera is responsive enough for me. I have arthritis in both hands, so the simplicity of minimal controls and enhanced ergonomics of the camera post-accessorising works well.

I enjoy the challenges it presents and with each outing continue to discover its potential (perhaps owners of the Leica MD or a Monochrom experience the same thing).

In the past, I’ve always had to decide, for all the usual reasons, which camera to take on a trip. Weight, bulk, and the worry of damaging an expensive kit are factors. In the past couple of months I’ve comfortably travelled with the Sigma across Canada to an island off the coast of British Columbia as well as overseas to Italy. I’ll be heading to the UK in a week. Lots more walking with the camera tethered to my wrist.

Links to camera and accessories

The flip-screen conversion

Where to buy the Niceyrig grip

Larger battery

Shutter button

Sigma fp L at B&W

Sigma fp electronic viewfinder

More on Sigma L-Mount cameras and lenses

Three options now the Leica CL and TL2 are discontinued

Visit the Sigma fp L blog

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