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Should I buy a used Leica S2 now?


Freggio

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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

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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.

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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! 

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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