Comparing SL to M Leica

[Bruce Robbins]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm in the process of selling off most of the gear I've accumulated over the years. I'm toying with the idea of getting a Leica and 35mm or 50mm Summicron. I love the feel of an M3/M4 but I don't get on with rangefinders. Would a Leicaflex SL or SL2 give me substantially the same feel? I mean the silky smooth wind on and precision-engineered feel? My main 35mm outfit is Contax/Zeiss so the Leica would probably be used for no more than ten or twelve films a year. It would be a special treat to myself. Any thoughts?

 

 

http://www.theonlinedarkroom.com

[Hugh 38]

I have no experience of an M3 / M4 , and only limited experience with an M6.

 

I have far more experience with SL2's , and the earlier SL and Leicaflex. They are bigger than the M's. I really like the feel of the SL2 and the viewfinder and focusing are wonderfull .A well maintained SL2 is should be smooth , winding the film and hardly feel the mirror move . When you hold an SL or SL2 you know you have a precision piece of kit in your hand. .

 

I find the SL2 inspirational to take out.

[philcycles]

I use them both and really like the Leicaflex SL. I got rid of my Rs because I like the SLs so much.

[wildlightphoto]

IMHO the fit & finish and tactile feedback of the Leicaflex Standard is closer to the M than the SL or SL2 is, but the SL and SL2 are a very close second best.

 

OTOH the Leicaflex Standard's view screen might not be your cuppa tea if the rangefinder way is not to your liking because the Standard's view screen can only be focussed in the center while the SL and SL2 can be focussed anywhere in the field of view.

 

It's also easier to find viewfinder diopter correction lenses for the SL2. My choice would be either the SL or the SL2.

[TomB_tx]

I bought a new M4 and SL in 1969, and still use them both. The SL is as good quality, but the size and weight are greater. I used to argue the weight helped prevent shake, but then I got old...

Now I prefer to use the R6 for SLR, but changed the screen to one like the SL.

Overall the M4 is still my favorite camera.

[SteveYork]

I used rangefinders exclusively for more then a decade, and owned both new and classic old Leicas, but then I started using a Leicaflex SL about 5 or 6 years ago. Since then I've accumulated a bunch of Leicaflex (2 original and 5 SL; one for each day of the week) and a handful of lenses. Over time I sold all my rangefinder stuff,because I found the SL easier to focus, easier to shoot, and just a lot more fun. I now wonder why I stuck with rangefinders so long.

 

About the only downside of the Leicaflex is the weight, but they're only about 200 grams heavier then a similar M outfit. I once looked up the weights of both and compared.

 

And yes, they are well made. An SL is similar in feel to an M4 or M5, and an original Leicaflex to an M3 or M2. Barring a Zeiss Contarex, they're as well made as any, better then most, and far more practical.

 

Go for an SL. Best combination of feel, build and practicality. And an added bonus is that they're now 'dirt cheap'' by Leica standards (though really expensive cameras when purchased new in the late 60's or early 70's).

[jbstitt]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I bought a SL in 1970 New after several years with a M2 and collapsible 50. I have had an M6, an R8 a Digilux 2 and Digilux 3, and the only one I still have is the SL with a full range of lenses, extension tubes, and right angle finder. When I really feel like some serious photography I get out the SL. It has the Leica feel, and once you get familiar with it it is has fantastic ergonomics. I wont sell the SL. It is one of the best tools I have ever had. If you don't mind the weight, the all manual and match needle, the slow flash sync. but want Leica look and feel, go for it. Be sure it is a good one though. Many had prism problems. On mine the silvering was coming off. I had mine redone. Not cheap but worth it. Find one definitely without it. And you can get some fantastic 2 cam Leica classic lenses for peanuts. Nothing else today, but a Leica, has the same feel.