Leica SL2 PDF User Manual
Did you lose or misplace the instruction manual that came with your Leica SL2? It happens all too easily, but fortunately Leica makes a soft copy available that you can browse through online, print out, or download (see the pdf file below). It is certainly good practice to carefully familiarize oneself with the many different functionalities and options that the Leica SL2 offers, and the official user manual is without doubt an authoritative and comprehensive source of respective information.
That said, the instruction booklet can be a dry read, so that a dedicated camera guide book from a professional photographer that illustrates the camera's core functions in a real life photography context can be a very helpful complement. Yes, getting one of these camera guides (see here at amazon) would involve an additional expense, but if that book helps to exploit the camera's potential to the full, the (small) additional investment may well be worth it.
Also, you might want to check out the video tutorial on the Leica SL2 below.
In any case, the Leica SL2 is an advanced imaging tool, whose many features merit serious attention. This mirrorless interchangeable lens camera was revealed to the public on November 6th, 2019, which means that, as of today, the camera is 1633 days old (young?). Given that the Leica SL2 is a relatively recent model, it forms part of the current Leica product line-up.
Leica's instruction manual for the Leica SL2
The camera's instruction manual is 220 pages long. The pdf version is embedded below. As you browse through, you will hopefully find the information you are looking for. You can also print out a hard copy by right clicking on the manual and then choosing the respective menu option. For convenience, a summary of the key specs of the Leica SL2 is included towards the bottom of this webpage.
Don't forget to bookmark this page for future reference (Ctrl-Shift-D on a Windows PC; Cmd-Shift-D on a Mac). Happy browsing!
Click on the button below to download the pdf version of the Leica SL2 manual to your computer. The file will open in a new browser window.
If you prefer to read the user guide in another language, please check the respective availability on Leica's support site. That site also provides complementary online resources, such as information on the compatibility of various camera accessories or the availability of firmware updates that are not necessarily comprehensively covered in the instruction manual.
Printed, hardcopy versions of the Leica SL2 manual can sometimes be found online. You can check the availability on amazon and ebay via the buttons below.
Video tutorial for the Leica SL2
Perhaps instead of reading through a manual or operations guide, you might prefer to better familiarize yourself with your Leica SL2 by watching a video tutorial. It can notably help to quickly get to know the key functions and to set up your camera according to your particular preferences and needs.
Once again, the Leica SL2 is a sophisticated imaging tool and not exploiting its capabilities to the full would be a pity. Hence, taking the time to study online information material or to read through a well-written camera guide book is highly recommended to make the most of your purchase.
Leica SL2 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the Leica SL2.
What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica SL2 based on?
The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
Which image processing chip is used in the Leica SL2 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Leica equipped the Leica SL2 with the Maestro III image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica SL2?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000, which can be extended to ISO 50-50000.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Leica SL2?
Leica mentions a shutter rating of 400 000 actuations for the Leica SL2. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the Leica SL2 over, say, three years, one would have to take about 400 pictures each and every day.
Is completely silent shooting possible with the Leica SL2?
The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.
Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica SL2?
No, the Leica SL2 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.
Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Leica SL2?
The Leica SL2 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.
Does the Leica SL2 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Leica SL2 for flash photography?
The Leica SL2's flash sync speed is 1/250 sec.
Does the Leica SL2 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-II cards, which provide for data transfer speed of up to 312 MB/s, in both of its card slots.
Which battery does the Leica SL2 use?
The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-SCL4 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Is there a vertical grip available for the Leica SL2?
Yes, Leica offers the HG-SCL6 as an optional accessory to facilitate shooting in portrait orientation and to provide additional battery power.
Where can I find the best deals for the Leica SL2?
Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Leica.
Further reading
How does the Leica SL2 stack up against available alternatives? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Leica SL2
- Canon G9 X Mark II vs Leica SL2
- Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica SL2
- Leica CL vs Sony A9 II
- Leica Q Typ 116 vs Leica SL2
- Leica SL2 vs Nikon P1000
- Leica SL2 vs Sony ZV-1 II
- Panasonic GH6 vs Sony A9 II
- Panasonic TZ95 vs Sony A9 II
- Pentax K-500 vs Sony A9 II
- Sony A77 vs Sony A9 II
- Sony A9 II vs Sony RX100 V
Core camera specifications
Here is a list of the main features and technical characteristics of the Leica SL2.
Camera Model | Leica SL2 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | |
Camera Lens | Leica L mount lenses | |
Launch Date | November 2019 | |
Launch Price | USD 5 999 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0 mm | |
Sensor Area | 864 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.3 mm | |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | |
Sensor Resolution | 46.7 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 8 368 x 5 584 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 4.30 μm | |
Pixel Density | 5.41 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 4K/60p Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 50 000 ISO | |
ISO Boost | 50 - 50 000 ISO | |
Image Processor | Maestro III | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 5760k dots | |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.2 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 2100k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 10 shutter flaps/s | |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 400 000 actuations | |
Silent Shooting | Electronic Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | Intervalometer Built-in | |
Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | |
UHS card support | Dual UHS-II | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | |
USB Connector | USB 3.1 | |
HDMI Port | full HDMI | |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | |
Battery Type | Leica BP-SCL4 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 370 shots per charge | |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
Body Dimensions |
146 x 107 x 42 mm (5.7 x 4.2 x 1.7 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 953 g (33.6 oz) |
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