The New “Refined” Leica TL Camera Announced

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Leica Builds Upon Groundbreaking Mirrorless Camera System with Further Refined Leica TL Camera

(From Steve: This is very similar to the original T, but with 32GB internal storage, faster Af-C, new Titanium finish (in addition to Black and Silver), new features in iOS app…seems to be the same as the original in all reality)

November 8, 2016 – The Leica TL is the newest model from Leica Camera, further expanding the TL–System. Based on the Leica T, which since its introduction in 2014 has constantly evolved in aspects of software performance, usability and flexibility, the new Leica TL continues this innovative camera concept with additional features and design changes including:

· Upgraded internal Storage: 32 GB
· Faster Auto Focus performance, particularly in AF-C Mode
· New Color option: titanium anodized finish
· New design: curving chamfered edges on the titanium model
· New features in the iOS app
· New Android app
· New accessories: functional and stylish camera protectors and neck straps
· New lens compatibility for the legacy Leica R-Lenses via the R-Adapter L
· New Optical Image Stabilization function available with Leica SL OIS lenses

PROGRESSIVE CAMERA BODY & CUTTING EDGE ACCESSORIES

The trademark of the Leica TL is the unique design of its extremely compact body. Each camera is precisely crafted from a single block of aluminum in the Leica factory in Wetzlar, Germany. This use of premium materials and an elaborate manufacturing process give the Leica TL-Camera an unmistakable look, feel and solidity.

The operating concept of the Leica TL is clearly laid out and intuitively easy to handle, using its 3.7” touchscreen display as the primary control center. The large LCD and control layout enables precise and reliable assessment during subject composition and in playback mode, with most functions controlled by a simple tap on the screen. The remaining controls are four strategically positioned physical dials and buttons, which ensure that users can concentrate fully on composing their pictures – without any unnecessary distractions. The fully customizable MyCamera menu of the Leica TL offers even greater flexibility, even in quick and spontaneous situations. The photographer always has fast access to the most frequently used features and personalized pre-sets.

In combination with its high-performance image processor, the large, APS-C-format, CMOS image sensor of the Leica TL guarantees exceptional image quality and delivers brilliant photos with outstanding contrast, fine detail resolution and natural color rendition – even in unfavorable lighting conditions.

Thanks to its integrated Wi-Fi module and its ability to create its own mobile hotspot, the Leica TL can conveniently transfer stills and videos wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop PCs from nearly anywhere. Users can share their pictures and videos by email, on Facebook or via other social networks. A free Leica TL app for iOS and Android devices will be available with the release of the camera, and in addition to wireless transfer, the app will allow users to use their smart device as a remote electronic viewfinder – making remote control of shutter speed and aperture settings possible.

The Leica TL will be available in three color options, including silver, black and titanium. The silver and black editions are identical in design and construction, while the titanium option is distinguished by a beveled edge (chamfer) enveloping the top and bottom plates for added comfort and an alluring design. Functional camera accessories, such as the new high-quality protectors in Nappa leather, and color-coordinated carrying straps in stone-gray, black, red and cemento, round off the TL-System portfolio.

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DYNAMIC AND CROSS-SYSTEM COMPATIBLE LENSES

All Leica TL-Lenses impress with exceptional imaging performance at all focus distances with the unique ‘Leica look’ and signature bokeh. Developed by optical design specialists in Wetzlar, they offer the exceptional imaging performance for which all Leica lenses are known. The combination of optical and precision engineering expertise, and the use of the finest materials in their construction ensures their constant quality and reliability in use.

The TL-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 and street photography
· The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is an ideal lens for finely detailed close-up photography and portraiture.
· 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 in 35 mm format, and deliver outstanding images with rich contrast from corner to corner of the frame.

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL and Leica SL, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the Leica TL. Leica once again carries forward its fundamental principles of cross-system compatibility and sustainability, which is now also reflected in uniform product designations for the L-Bayonet. Appropriate adapters are also available for using Leica M and R lenses on the camera.

PRICING & AVAILABILITY

The new Leica TL camera and accessories will be available worldwide from Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers beginning in November. The camera bodies will retail for $1,695, while the TL lenses start at $1,650 for the Leica VARIO-ELMAR-TL 18-56 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH., and culminate at $2,995 for the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH.

Technical Data LEICA TL

Camera type: Digitale APS-C System-Camera

Lens connection: Leica L bayonet fitting with contact strip for
communication between lens and camera

Lens system: Leica TL and SL lenses, Leica M lenses using Leica M
Adapter L, Leica R lenses using R Adapter-L

Sensor: CMOS sensor, size APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm) with 16.5/16.2 million pixels (total/effective), format aspect ratio 3:2

Resolution: JPEG: 4928 x 3264 (16 megapixels), 4272 x 2856 (12.2 megapixels), 3264 x 2160 (7 megapixels), 2144 x 1424 (3 megapixels), 1632 x 1080 (1.8 megapixel), DNG: 4944 x 3278 pixels

Picture-file format/
compression rate: optional: JPG superfine, JPG fine, DNG + JPG superfine, DNG + JPG fine

Video recording format: MP4

Video resolution/frame rate: optional: 1920 x 1080p, 30 fps or 1280 x 720p, 30 fps

Video-recording time: Uninterrupted video recordings are possible up to a maximum length of 29 minutes.

Internal memory: 32GB

Storage media: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, multimedia cards

ISO range: Automatic, ISO 100 to ISO 12500

White balance: Automatic, presets for daylight, cloud, halogen lighting, shadow, electronic flash, two manual settings, manual color temperature setting

Autofocus System: Contrast-based

Autofocus metering methods: Single point, multiple point, spot, face detection, touch AF

Exposure modes: automatic program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority, and manual setting, Scene program/exposure modes: Fully automatic, sport, portrait, landscape, night portrait, snow/beach, fireworks, candlelight, sunset

Exposure Metering: Multi-field, center weighted, spot

Exposure Compensation: ±3EV in 1⁄3 EV increments

Automatic bracketing: Three pictures in graduations up to ±3EV, adjustable in 1/3EV increments

Shutter speed range: 30s to 1⁄4000s

Picture series: Approx. 5fps, 12 pictures with constant picture frequency, then depending on memory card properties

Flash modes: Automatic, automatic/red eye reduction, always on, always on / red eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync/red eye reduction

Flash exposure compensation: ±3EV in1⁄3EV increments

Flash synchronization: Sync time: 1⁄180s

Guide number of
built-in flash unit: for ISO 100: 4.5

Recovery time of
built-in flash unit: Approx. 5s with fully charged battery

Monitor: 3.7″ TFT LCD, 1.3 million pixels, 854×480 per color channel

Self-timer: Selectable delay time 2 or 12s

WLAN: Complies with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard (standard WLAN protocol), channel 1-11

Encryption method: Wi-Fi-compatible WPA™ / WPA2™, access method: Infrastructure mode

Power supply: Leica BP-DC13 lithium ion battery, rated voltage 7.2V, capacity 985mAh (min.) (based on CIPA standard): approx. 400 pictures, charging time (after total discharge): approx. 160 min Manufacturer: Shenzen Eng Electronics Co., Ltd., Made in China

Connections: Micro USB port (2.0 High Speed), Leica flash interface with integrated connection for optional accessories; battery charging via USB connection possible with max. 1A

Charger: Leica BC-DC13, input: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 0,145A (100V)-0,08A (240V), automatic reversing, Output: DC 8,4V 0,65A, Weight: approx. 90g, Dimensions: approx. 96x68x28mm Manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co, Ltd.

Body: Leica unibody aluminum design, two removable covers for carrying strap and other accessories, ISO flash shoe with center and control contacts for connection of more powerful external flash units, for attaching the Leica Visoflex electronic viewfinder

Tripod thread: A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4“)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 134 x 69 x 33mm

Weight: Approx. 384g / 339g (with/without battery)

Items supplied: Camera body, carrying strap, 2 carrying strap release pins for detaching the carrying strap, battery (Leica BP-DC13), charger (Leica BC-DC13) with 6 adapter plugs, USB cable

Software: Leica App (free download remote control and picture transfer in Apple™ App Store™/Google™ Play Store™)

24 Comments

  1. when you look into the type 20 viewfinder can you see f stop,aperature and histogram ?….or do you have to look at back of camera in sunlight

  2. Just wish they’d make a TL mount APS-C with built in EVF, and the look/controls of the X-Vario or Q. That would sell as well as or better than the Q: lower barrier to entry.

    I bought the T, used, to shoot the 11-23mm. A superb Leica lens. Image quality is Leica superb. But the T shooting experience is just OK … I much prefer shooting the X-Vario, for instance.

    Those of us who like Leica love the image quality, but also the way the controls feel so natural and make you a believer in the camera’s way of doing things. The T misses that mark in my opinion. I don’t want to shoot an iPhone or a tablet. I enjoy shooting real cameras, with aperture, shutter, ISO, focus, framing, intuitively ready to optimize for the shot.

    They still make film cameras. They wouldn’t think of making an iPhone-like interface that shoots film, although they cold. So why would we want such an interface, just because we’ve moved away from film?

  3. Just wish they’d make a TL mount APS-C with built in EVF, and look/controls of the X-Vario or Q. That would sell like a good deep dish pizza.

    I bought the T, used, to shoot the 11-23mm. A superb Leica lens. Image quality is Leica superb. But the T shooting experience is just OK … I much prefer shooting the X-Vario.

    Those of us who aren’t rich buy Leica for the image quality, but also because of the way the controls feel so natural and simply excellent. The T misses that mark. I don’t want to shoot a iPhone. I want to shoot a real camera.

  4. I just bought a brandnew Leica T for nearly 50% of the price. The TL has not enough upgrades, so the T will serve me well side my M9.

  5. Oh well dropped the ball again Leica with the knockoff design.

    This should looked like Q + XVario
    : retaining Leica digital heritage.

  6. To all the T bashers: Just last week I compared the T with the 35/1.4TL lens to the Oly EM1 with the new highly praised 25/1.2 lens. Yes, the EM1 (even the old one) focuses faster, however the T focused just fine and the IQ from the T+35/1.4L I found even better in regards of tonality and Bokeh.
    I also do find there are few cameras which give me as natural color as the T.

    So I can understand when people look on technical datasheets and number of functions they can believe the T to be not attractive. But the simple user interface is for me a very welcome contrast to other mirrorless cameras -where many- IMO- are overpacked with functions and buttons.

    And the IQ speaks for itself. Of course I also wish for weatherprotection sensorcleaning function and more speed, but as long as I dont have to shoot sports or in bad weather I grab the T over may EM1 and enjoy the IQ.

  7. Leica had an opportunity to innovate here by at least putting an EVF into the camera instead of the giant hump they sell now. I am disappointed.

  8. I’m rather surprised at 16Mp. I guess this is a refinement, rather than an update. Interesting that Leica considers this refinement worthy of an announcement befitting a new camera.

    I think a 16Mp Fujifilm X-T10 with 18-55mm zoom is more interesting. At least you have an integrated EVF and can complain endlessly about the X-Trans sensor.

    I don’t begrudge Leica their TL. It just seems a bit odd to me.

  9. The T is the most progressive camera around, made by the most traditional camera manufacturer around, and all it really needed was a modern sensor. There is certainly nothing wrong with the old Sony 16Mpx sensor, but if you’re buying a modern, progressive camera, you surely want a modern sensor.

    It doesn’t have to be the fastest camera around, but Leica has to follow-through on the progressive nature of the T, and update it regularly. And if it’s going to have video, then at least it should be implemented well.

  10. I hope they improved the AF considerably. It has been an awful shooting experience with the T so far for me. Why do I still use it? The colors and skin tones this camera produces (DNG files only) are to die for (my two other cameras are the SL and the M240 and I’ve used Fuji and Sony before).

  11. With a built in viewfinder, this would be interesting. I really don’t understand how anyone could make an otherwise serious camera and not include one. Leica are not alone but wouldn’t it sell much better if you could take it seriously? Even just make one body with, one without?

  12. ‘New Optical Image Stabilization function available with Leica SL OIS lenses.’ Will this come to my T as well via FW update?
    Best regards

  13. Oh boy…a real shame that Leica still does not accept the T-Series has been a dead cow since its release.
    It should be kicked out of the portfolio as the X- and C-series too.
    Leica should concentrate on the S, SL, M and the Q and Dlux Series and not more, better fitting the small company that Leitz is.

      • Good Evening Steve!

        Thx…and I can assure you, many M and/or SL users I do know personally agree too.

        best regards

    • Amen. This thing was a failure from the beginning. With all the amazing cameras coming out, why would anyone over pay for a camera, while although beautiful and stylish, simply can’t compete? The irony with this model imo is the people who would be impressed by the style, are not people who would pay $3k for a camera system.

    • If I want a more flexible camera than the M or use longer focal lengths I usually leave the M at home and bring the T. IMO one of most underrated cameras, Leica user interface simplicity and IQ. IMO dx can be the sweet spot for portable cameras which still offer very good IQ.

      It might not win if you only look at a list of functions and numbers, but if you use it and look at the images some people might be surprised.

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