Leica SL and Leica S, who's having both for a portrait comparison?

[Peter E]

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Hi,

 

I have a SL and use my 75 lux or 50 nocti f1 to shoot portraits with it.

Mostly I shoot wide open, but not always.

I'm thinking to buy a S-system to do studio portraits but I'm wondering about the difference in rendering and IQ (keeping my SL too )

Of course, I know a medium format will have this special beautiful look and less dof but I'm just curious...

Watching a lot of images shot with a S-system, I prefer the typ006 for the ccd rendering...

 

So, if anybody can post the same image/portait/ shot with both systems should be nice

Any input would be appreciated!

 

Thanks and best regards

Peter

[John McMaster]

Those are both Mandler lenses, the S lenses are far sharper and the 100mm Summicron (80mm equiv) would probably be your closest match, the S 70 and 120 macro are both asph lenses....

 

john

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[Peter E]

Thx John!

 

Do you think they (asph S) are also biting sharp wide open?

 

Regards

Peter

[John McMaster]

Look at the MTF curves, 120 most definitely ;-) The 100mm is the only one that will come close to the Mandlers...

 

john

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I have never taken a portrait with both systems of the same subject but I think I can sum up the differences. I do own both systems.

 

* The biggest difference is the lenses. The 120mm S is stunning on the SL as well as the S. The lenses are so good for the S system that even on the SL they're still a cut above most. The S lenses I own (35, 70, 120 and zoom) all look amazing on the SL, even wide open. Especially the primes. I have a few of the newer M lenses (90AA, 135APO, 50 'lux, 0.95 Noct) and none of them look like the S lenses do, even on the SL.

* The extra resolution is somewhat noticeable. The extra dynamic range on the 007 is more noticeable. The tonal transitions are more subtle and better handled on the S007. I also have an S2 and prefer the SL files and S files.

* The MF look is there, but not always. This is a miniMF sensor after all not full frame.

* The centre only MF point means focus and recompose or manual focus. Takes a bit of getting used to after the SL makes it so easy. Same for exposure.

* Nothing looks like the Noctilux. Not even the S100mm. Personally I prefer the S lens every time. Mine is the 0.95.

* The new SL lenses might go a long way to getting that look if they're as good and draw as nicely as the S lenses do. I'd suggest you try the 50 for the SL when it arrives before buying into an S.

* CS lenses would be handy in studio.

 

I like both systems and I bought my S after my SL and don't regret it one bit.

 

Gordon

[Jeff S]

Only way to really assess is to demo the S and make prints using your own shooting style and complete print workflow.  Plus you'll probably learn aspects about the system you never thought to consider.  Forum screen shots won't tell the story.  Hopefully the dealer that sold you the SL is friendly and reputable.

 

I tried the S006 for a week before deciding against.....but that's due to my own special needs and preferences.  Yours will certainly vary.  

 

Jeff

[tom0511]

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I also own both, havent done scientific comparisons, but I feel the S is another level in regards of color, tonal transition, and also that the transition from sharp focus level to background is smoother.

The next thing is the OVF - in good light and for still images I prefer it over the EVF.

 

The SL advantages I see in speed, flexible AF point/face detection, movie, flexibility of the zooms, and the ability to use all kind of exotic lenses.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I also own both, havent done scientific comparisons, but I feel the S is another level in regards of color, tonal transition, and also that the transition from sharp focus level to background is smoother.

The next thing is the OVF - in good light and for still images I prefer it over the EVF.

 

The SL advantages I see in speed, flexible AF point/face detection, movie, flexibility of the zooms, and the ability to use all kind of exotic lenses.

 

 

Tom, have you tried any of your S lenses on the SL?

 

Gordon

[tom0511]

Hi Gordon,

I have shot some few images with the S45,100 and 70. Just to check out.

It worked fine, even though AF is slow.

However the "problem" is that I think they handle better on the Leica S, and they are pretty big, that's why I don't use them much on the SL.

Its the 24-90 most of the time if I use the SL.

 

Having T,M, SL and S my problem is to decide if I can cut down my equipment. In the end its too much overlap.

Sometimes I think if the new SL primes will be good I might be able to sell the S and just use the SL with some great native primes. But then I somewhat believe that sensor size does make a difference and I also love the optical S viewinder and the files.

Now if I keep the S and the T would improve a bit I might get rid of the SL.

The M has its own place in any case for me. The 262 with 2 or 3 lenses or even with the 50APO is just so good and simple to use.

 

I wouldn't see myself cashing out money for S lenses if I did not have a S body. Its nice to be able to use the S lenses on the SL for those who own them anyways.

The S lens which makes most sense IMO could be the 100/2.0. Its size is not too big and it has f2.0.

 

If I find the time I can try to post a comparison, same lens on SL and S and compared to 2490.

[Peter E]

Hi all,

 

Thanks a lot for your fast replies

 

It seems that both systems are very good, and that the SL performs very well with S-lenses...

 

I'm wondering if it's a better deal to buy an S-lens (like the 70) at the second hand market and use this on the SL instead of buying the new 50 lux that cost probably more and is not so interesting for a potrait lens...(even with the adapter included).

 

If I go for a S-system (typ 006) it will be next year, so I've time to find out if it's OK to do the investment.

I'm not interested in more resolution, for me it's about rendering, dof, IQ, depth and general look...

 

Tom, Gordon, it should be very interesting if you could make a comparison SL/S in the future :)

 

Regards and thanks!

Peter

Edited November 22, 2016 by Peter E

[tom0511]

Peter,

the S lenses might very well in terms of IQ, but focus is  slow. I would prefer a  SL 75 Summicron over a S 70mm on the SL. Smaller, faster and probably just as good in terms of IQ.

 

If you want-however-a lens of today it might be an option to get the 70S.

[Peter E]

Thx Tom!

 

Is it possible to use the S-lens with adapter in manual focus?

[FlashGordonPhotography]

It's easy to manually focus the S lenses on the SL. Easier than on the S, actually. One of the advantages of the EVF. All the focus aids including peaking and focus magnification work fine with S lenses, although mostly I don't need them to get good focus.

 

And while focus is quite slow (better in good light) at least it's dead accurate. Again, the EVF and on sensor AF allows you to focus anywhere on the screen, compared to the single focus point of the S system. Forget anything that's moving though. And if you miss the lenses might rack though their range. They seem to focus all the way in one direction and then the other when they miss. I've found that if I take my finger off the button and then re-press the focus direction changes.

 

I have the S 35, 70, 120 and 30-90 lenses and they're all great on the SL. I think the 120 is spectacular on both the S and SL systems. Stunningly sharp wide open it also draws beautifully and has almost no CA. I don't have a 100mm yet but I have tested one and it's on the list. The other S lenses I have also draw really nicely on the SL. I'm hoping that the upcoming 50mm for the SL draws in a similar way.

 

Gordon

[rriley]

 

 

 I think the 120 is spectacular on both the S and SL systems. Stunningly sharp wide open it also draws beautifully and has almost no CA. I don't have a 100mm yet but I have tested one and it's on the list. The other S lenses I have also draw really nicely on the SL. 

 

Gordon

 

There is a new 120mm S Macro on eBay for about half price!

 

[Peter E]

Thx rriley

[orc999]

@peter I had exactly the same thoughts, woukd be interesting to see your conclusion. i could get a S006 for about 7k including the 70. or the 50lux sl will cone soon for almost 5k. the s/sl adapter would add to cost of course. 70s/adapter combo would be still lighter then the 50 lux but only f2.5 and probably slower af.

[meerec]

It's easy to manually focus the S lenses on the SL. Easier than on the S, actually. One of the advantages of the EVF. All the focus aids including peaking and focus magnification work fine with S lenses, although mostly I don't need them to get good focus.

 

And while focus is quite slow (better in good light) at least it's dead accurate. Again, the EVF and on sensor AF allows you to focus anywhere on the screen, compared to the single focus point of the S system. Forget anything that's moving though. And if you miss the lenses might rack though their range. They seem to focus all the way in one direction and then the other when they miss. I've found that if I take my finger off the button and then re-press the focus direction changes.

 

I have the S 35, 70, 120 and 30-90 lenses and they're all great on the SL. I think the 120 is spectacular on both the S and SL systems. Stunningly sharp wide open it also draws beautifully and has almost no CA. I don't have a 100mm yet but I have tested one and it's on the list. The other S lenses I have also draw really nicely on the SL. I'm hoping that the upcoming 50mm for the SL draws in a similar way.

 

Gordon

 

I witnessed Gordon's S-120-summarit on the SL ... it's amazing. You can see in the EVF how good it is and what images will be like.

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

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Leica S007 S120mm Summerlux f2.5 Macro

 

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I would say that the SL images are amazing especially with Leica glass..........the S images are in another league

 

Go and buy yourself a S007 with the 120mm and you will have an amazing combination

 

Neil

Edited January 12, 2017 by Neil D

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

I witnessed Gordon's S-120-summarit on the SL ... it's amazing. You can see in the EVF how good it is and what images will be like.

 

Meirec

I have that adapter but the lenses are massive on the SL so I will just use them for special ovations.

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[meerec]

Meirec

I have that adapter but the lenses are massive on the SL so I will just use them for special ovations.

I agree, the S-adapter is large in itself and adds to the bulk.

I like to see my SL as a small (and a little ugly) camera, I much prefer to use the small M lenses on this baby.

But for someone who already has the S system, it's a great combination of the bodies ability to share the lenses.