Talk me into buying an SL?

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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The Leica SL has better ergonomics IMHO, faster shoot rate, an on paper good lens, and better M adaptability, plus a better EVF.. But thats where the advantages end. Everything else goes to Sony. 

 

Truthfully I'd still buy the SL over the Sony even though the Sony TTL is WAY better. But if I had to choose between the SL or an M240, I'd take the M240. I'm more competent focusing a RF than an EVF and I much prefer the M240 sensor.

 

 

I can see a CLEAR solution for you right now. And I'm not sure if others will agree or if you'll like it but here it is:

 

You shoot Hassy for portraits and walk around shots. You shoot Sony for street and fast AF things plus Studio portraits. The SL is annoying at best in a studio TBH. The solution I have is as follows.

 

Buy an S-006 (they're cheap now). Best sensor I've ever used. Will be perfect with it's brilliant OVF for manual focusing street shots. The AF will work for quirky still life and the AF will also work well for studio shots. The sensor will give you amazing results. The lenses are stellar. The only issue is, something about the system will need servicing every 6 months. The more lenses you get, the more you use the camera, the shorter the service duration could be. You'll be no better or worse with the TTL on the S as with any other Leica camera. In fact, I find the TTL on the S seems to be more accurate then the SL or M. Maybe the way it reads exposures.. Who knows??

If you're not a pro, the S-system is your best bet. If you make money off your gear, it's difficult to love the S with the frequency of repairs. 

 

Then for a small light quick camera. Pick up a X-T2 + 35/2 or 23/2 amazing results, great fast camera. No issues, super light weight. Or if you wanted to stick with the Leica theme get a Q or wait for a new X series. Or heck pick up a cheap cheap Leica T + 23 or 35 lens. 

 

Actually I thought the OP might be an ideal candidate to sell everything and buy an X1D.

 

Gordon

 

p.s. You forgot better battery life (by a country mile) and build quality for the SL. I keep my A7R2 as it produces nice files. Other than those files, IBIS and the flippy screen *everything* else goes to the Leica, for me. I use the Sony when I have to. But I never really want to pick it up.

 

I know you're not a fan of the SL sensor, or Leica (as a company) for that matter, but with the new firmware and now that I've got my settings dialled in I love it's output.  TTL is vastly improved with 2.0. I have a permanent portrait studio and the SL is by far my favourite camera in studio. I just set up a profile. I shoot in manual mode so I can use the exposure compensation cludge to adjust the EVF brightness and away I go.

 

I do agree on the S sensors though (all of them). They're lovely especially when you have a set of f2.5 lenses that are so good wide open.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[250swb]

Curious: will this replace another camera/system you have (M, Sony....), or an addition, with the intention of doing different things with it?

 

Other than putting Portra in my film M's I didn't have an interchangeable lens Leica that could make a colour photograph. I've been waiting a long time to see if the Sony alternative got any better, or if I wanted to re-buy an M9 or M240, but that felt like a backward step. I'd been using some excellent Nikon lenses on my M246 (using EVF and Live View), and while the balance was awkward at times I wanted to keep the versatility. So I finally decided the Sony path was a dead end, liked the idea of a straight forward camera that just does what it does very well, and with mild encouragement the SL suddenly became the obvious choice. Winter is coming, my first project with the SL will be some bad weather work.

 

 

Steve

[Jeff S]

 Winter is coming, my first project with the SL will be some bad weather work.

 

 

 

 

The 24-90 should be calling sooner than later.  

 

Weather sealing is an important criterion (among others) as I consider a complementary system to the M.  The SL is on the list to consider, but will entice further if the forthcoming Summicrons are noticeably smaller and lighter.  The S007 would be on the list (with its beautiful VF), except for the the bulk and still high cost (and, for now, lens AF issues).  I liked the SL I tested, but still trying to get used to EVF (even though it's much better than the external one on the M).

 

In the meantime, I'll be interested in testing the X1D and GFX....and following reviews on issues like weather sealing.  Of course, these options wouldn't have the benefits the SL offers with integrated use of M lenses, which while small and  light, wouldn't be as effective in bad weather.  Tradeoffs.

 

Jeff

[CorpRoadie]

If you don't buy one, someone else will!  I sold all my Canon gear and bought the SL and lesnes, flash, etc.  Do I miss the Canon?  no but yeah.  Do i love the SL?  yes and no.  I am having to train my brain differently since they are two different cameras but each are great.  If its the Leica "look" you want then by all means buy it.  Its a HUGE investment for some and a small chunk of change for others.  I don't regret buying it at all and everyone that has seen my work now compared to the Canon work loves the "leica look".  Just waiting for the 50mm to come out.  Not sure I want the grip yet, but knowing me I'll end up with it. 

[Guest]

p.s. Don't buy a cheap adaptor. Just get the Novoflex now rather than buying it after getting frustrated with cheap stuff first. I use one with my ZF 100mm Makro Planar. An absolutely sensational combination on the SL.

 

The R 100mm and 60mm also work great with the SL.

[geetee1972]

So I 'invested' in an SL. All the Sony gear is on eBay as I type. Thanks to everyone for their considered replies.