Photoworks

I got freezes here and there. I have tested different cards and internal ones. still happens, I got it back from repair a few weeks ago and this happened, crazy, never seen it before.

Are you using the Leica SL camera system for professional work as a main camera? 4 years ago I migrated to the SL2 camera because I like the usability, image quality, and lenses. As a professional, I do have a few requirements: Image Quality Reliable equipment Service Connectivity on capture Ecosystem Image Quality. I enjoy the images coming out of the Leica SL2, the DNG is easy to edit and offers a great amount of colors and details. I adapt many lenses to this system, from Leica M, EOS from Canon, and Cinema Glass. The MicroLens system over the sensor makes a big difference in the quality and resolution of adapted glass over other systems like Sony. It is very evident by adapting the same Tilt-shift lenses to SL2 vs Sony. On the SL2 the corner detail is superior over the Sony. 2. Reliable equipment is a must, but for the occasion of a malfunction as a professional, we cover it with backup equipment. For the most part, I have been happy with this equipment. But in these last 12 months, I had to send in a few items for repair. 3. Service: My SL2 camera holds up well for daily usage, the rubber of the eye cup is a weak point and needs replacing, but no complaints. The service center in the USA was great. But I had to send in a 24-90 lens that they replaced after 4 months. A flash SF_60 just stopped and they were not able to offer repair. An M11 that needed a new shutter. And last one is the Summicron-SL 50 APO that failed the firmware update and stopped working, the estimated repair time 5-7 months. This is my main concern. I have other systems that provide professional support, Sony and Canon, where in most cases the turnaround time is 1 week or less. 1 week to 7 months is a big difference. It is not easy to be out of your equipment for a long time. That means that you have to get a backup for the backup. I understand that SL lenses are not repaired outside of Germany, but there needs to be a plan for an alternative, a paid PRO service for quick repair, and or a loaner program. The 24-90 lens was replaced because they didn’t have the parts available. The SF-60 is made by Nissin and Nissin service is in Japan and I don’t know why they were not able to fix it. The SL 50 APO has a firmware issue, apparently, each SL lens has a custom firmware. Why did it fail? I don’t know if all the other 6 SL lenses are updated fine. All this has been on my mind since I preordered a Leica SL3, and concerned if it is the right move to keep spending money on this SL system. 4. Connectivity: In my work, I am connected to a computer or iPad 50% of my shoots After 2 years of finding workarounds to connect to Capture One, they finally supported Tether and Leica left their buggy software in the dust. SL2 is very stable and fast to work with it. In recent weeks the M11 got an update forcing you to tether by activating the tether menu mode, now the camera will ignore writes to the card and if you disconnect you can no longer keep shooting into the card because you are in tether mode, I hope this does not come to SL3 5. Ecosystem: I think Leica makes great products, that give pleasure to use. I think a few things are missing from this system. I would like to see a hall range of Summilux lenses for SL, that have the quality of an SL lens. I like to see a new robust flash system. The Nissin implementation is old and not great. We need a system that chargers quicker with a dedicated rechargeable battery, a flash that does not overheat, and construction where the head of the SF-60 does not flap around and turn when in use. I think the user group of Leica’s is too small for other companies to bring out a modern flash, It took 2 years for Profoto to come out for a trigger. I suppose it is to late to change the hotshoe to something else that exists, like Panasonic or Nikon. On the video side, it would be nice to get an option for XLR inputs. What do you think? Do you have needs that are not listed here?

why do you need 1/16000, the electronic shutter is still the issue of sensor readout. getting faster in not going to help.

I was able to use it with 3rd party lens adapters

I use the gfx100s and a7r4, I can push SL2 and a7r4 more than 100s, and the break color with hue shifts in capture one. I much prefer Leica and Sony files.

it is probably by design, even the Leica does not stop infinity. it is to compensate for material changes in different temperatures.

I have been using the SL2 with Laowa 100mm 2x, which you can find for $400-500. it is quite good for reproduction, for regular use in photography it is difficult to keep the subject in focus. It is MF only. but I have used other cameras to test, the sony 90mm was good too.

It is not always a good idea, some lenses get strong corrections in camera that can NOT change later. Imagine a vignetting, distortion, and flagging correction on the DNG for a 21mm from Leica to a 21 Voigtlander. All the Noctilux get a vignetting correction in camera. Leica provides 6bit codes for lenses they have tested and profiles, understandable they can not test every lens out there that you may want to attach to this camera.

Leica Cameras don't offer any correction unless the camera is able to read the 6-bit coding. If you put the 28 Lun on the M11 with the latest FW the camera put in the correct lens in the profile. this lens profile has only the option of auto or off. you can not select any other M lens. If you use a non-coded lens, you have the option of a few 28mm lenses, Not the 28mm Lux. I suppose it only exists in a coded version and does not need a profile.

Yesterday there was a snow day in NY, here are some central park images. Leica M11 + Summilux 28mm https://www.instagram.com/kroke/

yeah that Nikon lens always has limits, It looks better on a modern lens.

The SD card is the problem on the Mac. The connection to the SD card times-out not letting the software connect to the camera. the solution is to remove the SD cards and connect, you will find it all works fine now. If you have a just formatted SD card the computer doesn't try to make a long read of the card and connects in C1P tethers ok. Some people like to get a backup on the card. The solution is to have a formatted card in the camera. If you disconnect for some reason, battery replacement or take a break, you will have to replace the card to reconnect.

I have seen does too, but most of the issues are in Lightroom and people that don't have WB set correctly, for AUTO WB is good

I would welcome the DR and colors of the M11 in a SL3. The sensor is better than all the SL sensors. The SL2 files need to be exposed correctly at high iso, otherwise, you add lots of noise if you underexpose and push in post. I found the best initial NR is done in DxO PureRAW, looks natural, outputs DNG and it does not change color like the others.

you didn't want to try the new Leica Store NY BTW for the opening, they have stock of many items in back order everywhere alse.