Should I buy a used Leica S2 now?

[Photon42]

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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

 

 

If you have (had?) your heart on the S2, well, the camera itself is fine. As mentioned by several here, batteries for the James Bond Edition do work in the S2 bodies, with increased capacity (not that this was necessary - the capacity of the S2 batteries is fantastic). I do not think there are servicing issues in the foreseeable future. I bought mine essentially returned from Leica service with a new sensor. The story on the R line and the Digital Back was different to the S story.

 

Lenses are another story, as the Leica ones require quite some financial dedication. I went with two adapters so far, as I had medium format lenses already and wanted to test the waters. In absence of any Leica lens, I cannot really compare my lenses to their Leica-S lens counterparts. I can only say they seem to work fine (some Contax 645, some Hasselblad V).

 

You seem to have a R-Legacy, so I would really carefully think if the SL would not provide you with enough S-feeling.

 

Cheers

Ivo

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[Freggio]

Interesting reply on condition of the S2 from dealer:

 

"Neither the camera nor the lens have been serviced as far as I am aware. The auto focus on the lens is working fine; I have checked the sensor and have noticed 2 tiny specs that could indicate a problem with the sensor, these are only noticeable at F16 and above when viewing the file at actual size. I think it may be worth sending the camera to Leica for assessment."

 

If the specs are only visible at F16 plus. It's not likely to be a sensor issue is it?

 

Freggio

[Freggio]

Interesting reply on condition of the S2 from dealer:

 

"Neither the camera nor the lens have been serviced as far as I am aware. The auto focus on the lens is working fine; I have checked the sensor and have noticed 2 tiny specs that could indicate a problem with the sensor, these are only noticeable at F16 and above when viewing the file at actual size. I think it may be worth sending the camera to Leica for assessment."

 

If the specs are only visible at F16 plus. It's not likely to be a sensor issue is it?

 

Freggio

Ah. Just found out it is likely to be the sensor. Or at least something on the surface.

 

Is that still a reasonable investment?

 

Freggio

[Tomislav Stanich]

Why don' t you ise your R lenses and get the MD body,though, or SIGMA FP or FPL, used with an affordable adapter R to M. That would be the best solution 4 U in all aspects! Goid luck! 

[Jim B]

I would get a sl2 or sl2s with the BSI sensor….. newer technology.  Why would you want to buy a camera with known sensor corrosion issues, and lenses with bad motor's??? It just going to be a source of frustration and long wait times on repairs…

Edited August 22, 2022 by Jim B

[helged]

1 hour ago, Jim B said:

I would get a sl2 or sl2s with the BSI sensor….. newer technology.  Why would you want to buy a camera with known sensor corrosion issues, and lenses with bad motor's??? It just going to be a source of frustration and long wait times on repairs…

The SL2-S sensor is great (and in many respect preferred compared to SL2, in my view, but I know many prefer the SL2-sensor). IBIS of the SL2x is also great.

Regarding S: Corrosion is 'only' a problem with old/original sensors. The focus motor issue is also something belonging to the past, so lenses with modified focus mechanism works well.

Yes, the S-system lags behind SL2x, and I would love to have a stabilised S-sensor. Still, I prefer using S006 (with 'new' sensor) or S3, all with S-lenses with 'new' focus mechanism, compared to other systems. With one exxeotion: In low light, SL2-S is king. 

[ImmerDraussen]

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Hi Freggio,

I‘ve been a happy user of the DMR, but went away from Leica when they stopped supporting the R-system. When Leica launched the SL sytem, I came back to use my R-lenses.

Although the SL and its successors are pretty perfect, the EVF could never replace the experience of using an OVF.

Last year, I invested into the S-System (S007), and I‘m more than happy with the move.

Don‘t be scared about the AF motors. In case of failure, the cost of replacement are around 300€.

I‘m not sure to recommend a S006 or S2. To replace the sensor is expensive and Leica might run out sensors in future. As you seem to stay with your gear a long time, a S007 may be a better choice, even if it stretches your budget (there are demo bodies with 2 years warrantee in the bay below 6k).

Finally, you can adapt R-lenses to Canon EF bodies (just in case you get sentimentel that your R-lenses are not used anymore)

Andreas

[Stuart Richardson]

Guys, this is a five year old thread...he probably decided by now, right?

[Jeff S]

On 8/22/2022 at 1:48 PM, Stuart Richardson said:

Guys, this is a five year old thread...he probably decided by now, right?

And he hasn’t posted anywhere on the forum in 4 years.

Jeff

[darylgo]

Nonetheless, someone reading one year from now may benefit.  

[Jeff S]

Or they can search various other similar and  more recent threads, or start yet another…life on the forum.

Jeff