Leica Camera has expanded its APS-C System product portfolio with a new camera that unites innovative technologies, extremely easy handling and iconic design: the Leica CL.

The Leica CL will cost £2250 body only, or £3150 with the 18mm lens (prime kit), or £3275 with an 18-55mm Vario Kit lens.

Leica Press Release

A new camera expands the Leica APS-C System: the Leica CL unites innovative technologies, extremely easy handling and
iconic compact design in a perfect balance.

Wetzlar, 21 November 2017. Leica Camera AG has expanded its APS-C System product portfolio with a new camera that unites innovative technologies, extremely easy handling and iconic design: the Leica CL. Its ideal balance between state-of-the-art technology, mechanical precision and compact construction makes it the perfect everyday companion – especially for spontaneous and discreet pictures.

The Leica APS-C System now offers two camera models made in Germany – the Leica CL and the Leica TL2. In technical terms, they are equals, but their design and handling concepts could hardly be more different: reflecting the traditions of Leica in the form of the iconic Leica CL and, in contrast, the futuristic look of the Leica TL2. Together with the extensive portfolio of TL-Lenses, they create a system that makes it possible to experience a special kind of photography.

One of the outstanding features of the Leica CL is its electronic viewfinder with EyeRes technology developed by Leica especially for this camera. With a latency time below the threshold of perception and a resolution of 2.36 million pixels, the EyeRes® viewfinder
offers an impressive viewing experience and numerous advantages: As the final image is visible in the viewfinder before the shutter release is pressed, users have complete control over the composition of their subjects.

In combination with the high-resolution, 24 MP, APS-C format sensor of the Leica CL, a Maestro II series processor and fast autofocus with 49 metering points guarantee maximum picture quality in all photographic situations. The Leica CL is not only an impressive still picture camera, but this also applies to moving pictures captured with its video function at a resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

The Leica CL is also equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi module. Pictures and videos can be sent by wireless connection to smartphones, tablets or computers and quickly and easily shared by email or on social networks with the Leica CL App for iOS or Android. In addition to this, the remote function of the app allows mobile devices to be used as an offcamera viewfinder or to alter exposure parameters – for example when shooting with the self-timer function or from unusual angles.

The Leica CL establishes the unmistakeable simplicity of iconic Leica design in the compact system camera class. In every respect, this compact camera is an ideal companion with a user-friendly handling concept that makes it an intuitive tool. All essential controls are located on its top plate. In addition to the electronic viewfinder, there are two dials for setting the aperture, shutter speed ISO value, and exposure compensation. Everything is so conveniently located that photographs can be made without taking the camera from the eye.

An additional display on the top plate instantly provides information about all relevant settings and exposure parameters. Together with the perfectly defined release pressure point, this ensures that users have absolute control over every picture they take with the
Leica CL.

The extensive portfolio of TL-Lenses is also available to the Leica CL. The lenses offer superior imaging performance and are responsible for the exceptionally high picture quality delivered by the Leica APS-C System. The portfolio of compact and fast lenses with focal lengths from 17 to 200 mm offers infinite opportunities for all kinds of creative photography. The elegant simplicity of the design of the three zooms – the Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/11–23 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–5.6/18–56 ASPH. and the APOVario-
Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/55–135 ASPH. – and four prime lenses – the Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/18 ASPH., Summicron-TL 1:2/23 ASPH., Summilux-TL 1:1.4/35 ASPH. and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/60 ASPH. – perfectly complement the Leica CL, not only in terms of technology, but also in looks.

Developed by optical engineering specialists in Wetzlar, the Leica TL-Lenses all 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.

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL- and SL-Systems, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the CL and the TL2. Appropriate adapters are also available for using Leica M- and R-Lenses on the cameras.

An extensive range of technical- and style-accessories ideally complements the APS-C System. 

The black version of the Leica CL will be available from the end of November.

Technical Data Leica CL
Camera type: Digital APS-C system camera
Lens mount: Leica L bayonet with contact strip for communication between lens and camera
Compatible lenses: Lenses with Leica L-Mount, Leica M/R lenses using the Leica M-Adapter L/R-Adapter L
Sensor: APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.7 mm) with 24.96/24.24 million pixels (total/effective), aspect ratio
3:2
Photo Resolution: DNG: 6016 x 4014 Pixels (24 Megapixels), JPEG: optional 6000 x 4000 Pixels (24 Megapixels), or 4272 x
2856 Pixels (12 Megapixels), or 3024 x 2016 Pixels (6 Megapixels)
Photo file formats/compression
Rates: Optional: DNG, JPG or DNG + JPG
Video recording format: MP4
Video resolution/frame
Rate: Optional: 3840 x 2160 p (4K) 30 fps, 1920 x 1080 p (FHD) 60 fps, 1920 x 1080 p (FHD) 30 fps or 1280 x 720 p (HD) 30 fps
Video recording time: Depending on ambient or housing temperature video recordings are possible up to a maximum length of 29
minutes, maximum file size is 4 GB, if a recording exceeds this limit, the respective part is automatically stored in another file
Storage media: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, multimedia cards, UHS II-standard is supported
ISO range: Automatic, ISO 100 to ISO 50000
White balance: Automatic, presets for daylight, cloudy, halogen lighting, shadow, electronic flash, two memory slots for manually
metered settings, manual color temperature setting
Autofocus system: Contrast-based
Autofocus metering
Methods: Single point, multi-zone, spot, face detection, touch AF
Exposure modes Automatic program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority, and manual setting, Fully automatic, sport, portrait, landscape, night portrait, snow/beach, fireworks, candlelight, sunset, digiscoping
Scene Modes: Fully automatic, sport, portrait, landscape, night portrait, snow/beach, fireworks, candlelight, sunset, digiscoping,
miniature, panorama, HDR
Exposure Metering Methods: Multi-zone, center-weighted, spot
Exposure compensation: +/-3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Automatic exposure Bracketing: Three pictures in graduations up to 􀀀+/- 3EV, adjustable in 1⁄3 EV increments
Shutter speed range: 30 s to 1⁄25000 s (up to 1⁄8000 s with mechanical, beyond that with electronic shutter)
Picture series: Max. approx. 10 fps with mechanical shutter/ 10 fps with electronic shutter function, max. approx. 33 pictures
(DNG+JPG) and max. approx. 140 pictures (JPG only) at full speed, then depending on memory card properties
Flash modes: Adjustable with attached, system compatible flash
Flash exposure compensation: +/-3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Flash synchronization: 1⁄180 s
Monitor: 3” TFT LCD, 1.04MP, touch and gesture control possible
Viewfinder Resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels (2.36 MP), enlargement: 0.74x, aspect ratio: 4:3, eye relief: 20 mm, eyepiece: adjustable +/- 4 dioptres, with eye sensor for automatic switching between viewfinder and monitor
Top-Display: Resolution: 128 x 58 pixels
ISO Accessory shoe: ISO accessory shoe with center and control contacts for Leica flash units
Self-Timer: Selectable delay time 2 or 12 s
WLAN: Complies with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard (standard WLAN protocol), channel 1-11, encryption method: WiFi-compatible WPA™/WPA2™
Power supply: Leica BP-DC12 lithium ion battery, rated voltage 7.2 V (7.2 V D.C.), capacity 1200 mAh, (based on CIPA
standard): approx. 220 pictures, charging time (after total discharge): approx. 140 min manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. made in China
Interfaces: Micro (type D) HDMI port, HDMI 1.4b standard is supported, USB type C port, USB 3.0 Super Speed standard is supported, battery charging via USB connection possible with max. 1 A, accessory shoe with Leica flash interface with integrated connection for
optional accessories 
Subject to changes in design and production.
Charger: Leica BC-DC12, input: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, automatic switching, output: DC 8.4 V 0.65 A, manufacturer: Shin Tech Engineering Ltd., Made in China
Body: Top and bottom covers: milled and anodized Aluminum, front and rear body shells: Magnesium Tripod thread: A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4“)
Body dimensions (WxHxD): 131 x 78 x 45 mm
Weight: Approx. 403 g/353 g (with/without battery)
Scope of delivery: Camera body, bayonet cap, carrying strap, accessory shoe cover, battery (Leica BP-DC12), charger (Leica BC-DC 12), mains cables (EU, US, local mains cable)
Software: Leica CL App (remote control and picture transfer, free download in Apple™ App-Store™ / Google™ Play Store™)

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