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Backup camera body of choice?

Docderm

By Docderm
in Leica SL System

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Docderm

Docderm

Posted
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Hi, all: 

 

I am beginning to ponder a trip in the spring time to Iceland. Looks photographically very exciting with spectacular geologic wonders: glaciers, geysers, hot pools, mountains, waterfalls. 

Would welcome any input for places to visit, to stay. 

 

Question: what body would you recommend buying and bringing as a backup for my Leica SL? I am a firm believer in bringing along a backup in case the unforseen happens. Right now it is the only camera body I have.  

 

Since I have Leica lenses: M and R it would seem that either a Leica m body (? 240, ? 246) vs a Sony A7r ii. I used to use the Sony back before I sold all off to get the Leica SL. 

 

Thoughts? 

 

Thanks!

Dale

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LocalHero1953

LocalHero1953

Posted
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You can see some of my shots of Iceland with the M240 here https://issuu.com/paulashley/docs/colours_of_iceland which might give you some ideas.

We had a couple of days in Rejkjavik, then did a loop of the country in a 4WD camper, shown in one of the shots. NB if you want to travel to the interior (a must, IMO), you legally must travel in a 4WD vehicle (your own, or as part of a tour)

 

I am not a believer in taking a substantial backup with me on my travels: I prefer to travel light. My smartphone is my backup.

I do have both the SL and the M240, so I have a backup at home, but the SL will not be coming on my upcoming trip to Oman.

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earleygallery

earleygallery

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I guess it depends what exactly you mean by 'back up' camera.

 

If you want two bodies so you can have different lenses fitted then you really need another SL.

 

If you want another camera just in case your SL breaks, then I'd look at a s/h T body, as you presumably already have the necessary adaptors for your M and R lenses.

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steppenw0lf

steppenw0lf

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I have a M246 that I could use as backup - but I never do. It is rather a complementary camera.

Backup batteries are more important. The camera has not made any problems until now and is robust (drops etc.)

It depends on the lenses that you will take with you. For the SL lenses the TL could be a backup. (also offering 1.5x crop)

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panoreserve

panoreserve

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Rather difficult question...

If money and weight don't matter, I would take another SL, coupled with 90/280:)

M 240/246 with Leica M-Adapter T could be another reasonable choice (SL 24/90 + M 35FLE, for instance).

Regarding the current Leica T: coming from the "SL-Experience" (fantastic built-in EVF, fast in nearly every aspect, etc.) I fear you will be quite disappointed. Let's hope for the next level of development...then a Leica "T" could be a real choice as a backup for your (and my) SL. 

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albertknappmd

albertknappmd

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South east iceland glacier and icebergs..

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

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albertknappmd

albertknappmd

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another.. taken with 006...

Aurora Borealis...

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

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thighslapper

thighslapper

Posted
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Question: what body would you recommend buying and bringing as a backup for my Leica SL? I am a firm believer in bringing along a backup in case the unforseen happens. Right now it is the only camera body I have.  

 

Since I have Leica lenses: M and R it would seem that either a Leica m body (? 240, ? 246) vs a Sony A7r ii. I used to use the Sony back before I sold all off to get the Leica SL. 

 

Thoughts? 

 

Thanks!

Dale

 I'd agree with the above .....I would have thought the obvious answer is a Leica T ....... very compact, same adapter as the SL for R & M lens use ...... plus you can directly use SL lenses if you ever get them. 

 

Despite being 'only' 16mpx the image quality obtainable is exceptional. Not expensive at the moment of you shop around and used are pretty cheap for what you are getting. 

 

I had a T + lenses before the SL and it's a very good and under-rated camera ....... now my back-up solution for trips away from home. 

 

Almost every EVF looks crap and most cameras a bit clunky in comparison to the SL ...... :D

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djmay

djmay

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I brought M9 and three lenses as backup to my S 006 with three lenses. It was a good thing because the S failed before I arrived in Iceland. I ended up using the M9 in ways that I had never used it before, and successfully. It was a good thing that I brought step up rings to use the Lee filter system.

 

In your case, if you used an M as backup, you could share M lenses if the disaster occurs.

 

Iceland is special; I encourage you to bring a backup.

 

Also, I and the M9 got wet without any problems. My various cameras over the years have gotten wet in use and never had a problem due to that.

 

Jesse

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Peter H

Peter H

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Consider not going too early in the spring (before May, say) if you can avoid it because the days are still so short that you'll miss a lot. The weather' tends to be kinder too after April but maybe you want the winter scenes.

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FlashGordonPhotography

FlashGordonPhotography

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For me it would depend on the lenses. For M lenses the M and SL are often the best option for wider lenses (except the WATE and a couple of new 1.4's). For longer M lenses and R lenses then a Sony makes sense.

 

If it's purely for just in case then I'd pack a used Sony A7, a couple of batteries and an adaptor for your lenses. Cheap, light, great IQ. But not a fun camera in use so I'd only have it as a just in case camera.

 

For a set of R lenses the A7R2 makes sense. Higher resolution when you want it. IBIS when you need it.

 

Or you could do something completely different and get an EM1mk2 or PenF with the new 12-100 m43 Pro lens. Small, versatile, complimentary with IBIS and great lenses. I've just added the 100-400 PanaLeica to my kit and I'm seriously considering getting the 12-100 and having a 2 lens 24-800mm travel backup in compliment with my SL or S.

 

Gordon

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FlashGordonPhotography

FlashGordonPhotography

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Gordon: 

Have you any experience using the Olympus camera bodies with Leica lenses? 

Just a thought for me as an option if the Leica lenses work well there. 

Thanks

Dale

 

A little. I do have an M adaptor for m43 but don't often use it. It would be possible to double stack with an M to R adaptor but I've not done that with an Olympus (I have with the SL). Lenses are doubled (half the angle of view). So wides are an issue. And the Olympus Pro lenses and Panaleicas are so very good. a 7-14 and 12-100 would cover most eventualities and the whole kit is about a kilo with a PenF, which is a lovely little camera.

 

I've had no issues as you're only using the centre of the lens image circle. Everything I've tried was more than fine. No issues like some 35mm cameras (Sony). You could certainly use them and the results would be fine. You can also program the IBIS to match the focal length and it works well.

 

As long as you had a wide solution, there's no reason a m43 body wouldn't be a good backup. I do think the newer 20MP sensor is a noticeable upgrade in DR over the older 16MP.

 

Gordon

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