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I have owned a Leica camera since the introduction of the M9, and since then, each and every iteration of the M series, excluding limited editions. In late October, I purchased the SL, along with the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90. Initially, I shot solely with the Vario-Elmarit on the SL, but I soon got the urge to try my assortment of M lenses, and so I purchased the Leica M-Adapter T, and began using primarily the 50 Lux and the 90 Cron, on the SL. Although I have become fairly adept at rangefinder focusing, the EVF focusing experience with the SL was truly amazing. Focus magnification and focus peaking made focusing with the M lenses, especially the longer lenses, quick, easy, and accurate - or so I thought. While shooting with the SL/Ms, it seemed that I was hitting focus with amazing consistency, that is until l reviewed them on the LCD and zoomed in to check focus. It was just not right. Same thing when I viewed them in Lightroom - very much out of focus. Therefore, I started questioning my shooting skills, but knowing that as a left-eye shooter I am pretty good at shooting hand-held, I felt that something else was wrong. So, last night, I set up a quick test using the same two lenses, the 50 Lux and the 90 Cron, on the SL and M240. I stood an open book on my dining table, and then, in turn, shot with the SL and M240 rested on the table top. My suspicions were confirmed: focus is way off with both adapted M lenses on the SL, while spot on with the M240. I did not take the time to determine if the SL is back- or front-focusing, but it is definitely not focusing as indicated in the EVF. I called B&H, and they offered a replacement without explanation, even though I am considerably beyond the 30-day exchange period. Is it the camera, or the adapter? Soon to be determined. Is mine an isolated case, or has anyone else experienced this issue?

Although I've been considering the SL, I've been put back by the realization that it seems that focusing M lenses on the SL will not be a straight forward action. Based on what I read in Reid Reviews (and another source I don't now recall), since the M lenses are designed for a mechanical finder, and not for focusing Through The Lens, they lack auto aperture stop down (AASD - which is what every SLR has, as well as the native lenses for the SL). So the implication seems to be that in order to focus well an M lenses, you will need have your lens wide open to focus and then re-adjust aperture as desired prior to pressing the shutter. I'm attaching a brief screen capture that helps explain my concern in a more articula way. Is anyone out there using M lenses and is this in fact necessary? I don't have the experience, but would seem to be a cumbersome task to do for every shot made, making me feel it will only work for very 'still' kind of image making. Any thoughts? I would really appreciate 'real life' feedback. Thanks so much. m.

Hi, I want to buy a Noctilux f/0.95, wondering if I should buy it for Christmas or wait in case they release a new one for Photokina. Any opinions? Q isn't even available for Christmas.

Hi, I want to buy a Noctilux f/0.95, wondering if I should buy it for Christmas or wait in case they release a new one for Photokina. Any opinions? Q isn't even available for Christmas.