Freggio Posted August 8, 2017 Share #1 Posted August 8, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've been using a second hand Leica R8 with a Digital Modul R for many years now. And as that system has got older I've periodically considered upgrading to something new. Although I've considered other brands I loved the DMR so much I really couldn't see myself getting a Nikon or Canon or Sony. I had my heart set on a Leica S but could never justify spending that kind of money even if I managed to scrape it together. However now there seems to be a fair number of used S cameras on the market. I can now get a used S2 for less than one fifth of the price it was new. Can anyone tell me what the drawbacks to buying an S2 NOW might be? I'm particularly concerned with servicing and battery availability. I don't want to find myself in the same position I was with the DMR with service and no new batteries. Please note that I'm set on getting a Leica. I'm just wanting advice on whether an S2 is a good option. Many thanks, Freggio Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 8, 2017 Posted August 8, 2017 Hi Freggio, Take a look here Should I buy a used Leica S2 now?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
earleygallery Posted August 8, 2017 Share #2 Posted August 8, 2017 What about your R lenses? If you want to keep using them then an SL is surely the better option? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted August 8, 2017 Share #3 Posted August 8, 2017 I would rather go for a S006 which you also get for very good prices. I would expect you can get service and batteries for quite some years in the future. I also once had a DMR... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted August 8, 2017 Share #4 Posted August 8, 2017 What about your R lenses? If you want to keep using them then an SL is surely the better option? this is certainly a good comment as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotoklaus Posted August 8, 2017 Share #5 Posted August 8, 2017 This one might be an option: https://www.leica-store-muenchen.de/de/produkt/14226/leica-s006-ausstellungsware Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freggio Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share #6 Posted August 8, 2017 What about your R lenses? If you want to keep using them then an SL is surely the better option? That is a very good point. I have a 50mm, 100mm, and a Super Angulon 28mm. But I only really use the 50mm these days. I've almost never used the Super Angulon at all! The SL is tempting because it would be new. But an EVF is not something I'm really interested in using even if it's as good as the SL. Also the S2 I'm looking at is only $5000 WITH the 70mm F2.5 lens. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
helged Posted August 8, 2017 Share #7 Posted August 8, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I would also check what Leica Miami offers regarding used S bodies and lenses (like used 006 with new sensor). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freggio Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted August 8, 2017 I would also check what Leica Miami offers regarding used S bodies and lenses (like used 006 with new sensor). Why do you recommend a new sensor? Have there been issues with the original S system sensors? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
helged Posted August 8, 2017 Share #9 Posted August 8, 2017 (edited) Why do you recommend a new sensor? Have there been issues with the original S system sensors? Yes, it is known that older sensors may run into corrosion problems. Edited August 8, 2017 by helged Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 8, 2017 Share #10 Posted August 8, 2017 Buy only from a reputable dealer, with warranty. And ensure lenses have had latest AF repairs. Best to scan threads in the S forum for all related discussions.... titles give obvious clues. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailronin Posted August 8, 2017 Share #11 Posted August 8, 2017 My S(006) is in Germany for a sensor replacement...8 weeks and counting with no camera! The S system has wonderful lenses, but the autofocus motors fail; the S produces beautiful images but sensors corrode. Very disappointing for an expensive system! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LorenzoLandini Posted August 8, 2017 Share #12 Posted August 8, 2017 I'd recommend the 006 over the S2 for a marginal incremental cost. The 006 (or SE) was a marginally improved S2, but overall perfected and with better ergonomics. The S is a great camera and the lenses are superb, but it's heavy to carry around. An S lens is twice as heavy and much much bulkier than a R lens. I was in a situation similar to yours having several R and M lenses and at the end I went for the S. I am very happy with the it and its IQ but I regret a bit not having chosen the flexibility and compactness that the SL has to offer. I'd suggest to get a SL loaner and use it for a day to see whether you can get used to EVF. cheers, lorenzo Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan.y Posted August 8, 2017 Share #13 Posted August 8, 2017 At $3000 or so a used S2 is a no brainer as an upgrade to your R. Leica still services the system. If you have the spare cash just buy the S and sell the R slowly. Battery availability is a non issue. The S2 accepts the newer PRO battery that came out with the S 007. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan.y Posted August 8, 2017 Share #14 Posted August 8, 2017 I've seen S2's go for that low but if you have to pay close to $4000 I agree coughing up a bit more for an S 006 makes more sense. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freggio Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share #15 Posted August 8, 2017 I've seen S2's go for that low but if you have to pay close to $4000 I agree coughing up a bit more for an S 006 makes more sense. It's $5000 with a 70mm F2.5 Don't know about you guys but I've not been able to find any prices even close to that from a reputable dealer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted August 8, 2017 Share #16 Posted August 8, 2017 This is a well known UK dealer so remember the price includes warranty http://ffordes.com/product/17051716505281 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan.y Posted August 8, 2017 Share #17 Posted August 8, 2017 5000 with the 70mm is basically equivalent to 3000 body alone. Ffordes' set has been there for at least two months at that price. No VAT for international purchases either. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephan_w Posted August 8, 2017 Share #18 Posted August 8, 2017 in my experience the S2 is a very reliable camera. For the price that you state you get incredibly improved quality over a R-system. the problems with AF and the sensor were stated, Leica adresses both problems for free, but you might have some waiting time. the lens will be fixed only when it is broken. those waiting times may add up. just to say. the alternative is indeed the SL, which is a two generations more modern camera. You must add the price for adapters (M and R). You will get higher ISO and much more speed, with a more modern sensor as well. you can add more lenses (allmost any lens of the world) as well as lenses from the very good SL lenses. tough choice. for me it comes to the question if you can live with the single AF point of the S, and the limited ISO of the CCD sensor. If so, the S is clearly better. If not, the SL is clearly better, more versatile, lightyears more modern. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darylgo Posted August 9, 2017 Share #19 Posted August 9, 2017 5k for an S2/70mm is a great price for the quality images it delivers. The images make the camera easier to handle and carry :-) The fear-monger posts about this issue and that issue have merit, a warranty would be helpful. The SL is a camera that is underestimated until tried and evaluated. The S is not as alive as it was a few years ago and the lenses are relatively inexpensive, not unlike the R lenses were until rediscovered by cinematographers and everyone else. It might be a good time to buy, just as it is difficult to buy stocks when the market it down it is not easy to buy S lenses now. The S2 is close to the S006 that I use them interchangeably, the built in leveling of the S006 is very helpful and nicely implemented. Af is faster with the S006. Rumors of the S007 successor beta testing in the Los Angeles area are heard from several sources. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted August 10, 2017 Share #20 Posted August 10, 2017 t.................SNIP. I don't want to find myself in the same position I was with the DMR with service and no new batteries............. The current battery for the Typ 007 works fine in the S2 as well (not vice versa) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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