Help for better selection

[Kamyar]

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Now, despite the higher megapixel cameras, and more than two years since introducing sl, is it still wise to buy this camera? I have used the m6 model so far. My job is documentary film and photography, and I use video and photography for my work. Please guide

[LD_50]

If you like shooting the SL and the lens availability, and can work with 24 MP, it’s a wise decision for you.

 

Whatever else has been introduced means nothing.

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[Csacwp]

Nothing wrong with 24mp. Unless you print you won't notice a difference.

[Jeff S]

Rent, demo or borrow and judge based on your needs and preferences. There will always be new stuff around the corner.

 

Jeff

[Kamyar]

Unfortunately, there is no official store in my country. To buy, I must go to Dubai or Istanbul. For this, I must use your help. If the comments are shaggy, I would like to make two models of tl2 and sl.

[Jeff S]

I wouldn't commit to a new system for my paying job without some personal experience, even if that means travel or working out an arrangement with a non- local but reputable dealer. There are many. There is, however, both on this forum and elsewhere, a ton of information on the SL and comparisons to the M.

 

Jeff

[IkarusJohn]

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I’m not sure what your criteria are.

 

But for a 24MP camera, the SL is very good. It’s a Leica, so it does what it says on the tin. With the adapter, you can use your M lenses, and there are three excellent lenses so far. With the TL2 you get to expand the focal range. Leica is, it seems, committed to the L mount.

 

If you’re the sort of person who takes the time to understand how to use and make the most of your gear, you will find it’s a fantastic system (search posts from FlashGordon on this site). But, if you’re the sort of person who wants the latest and greatest (on paper) then a Nikon D850 or Canon DRS (or whatever their 50MP monster is called) might satisfy you more. I’m not comvinced the end result is necessarily better, but you might be happier.

 

Maybe read up about the alternatives, read the reviews online, and then see if you can try them in Dubai before you finally commit.

[Kamyar]

I'm making a documentary and short film. Use of 24-90 lenses and screw m42 lenses. Also photographed and printed at b6 & b4 size. Shoot video 4k, and photography print b6 & b4 size.

Edited October 20, 2017 by Kamyar

[Kamyar]

I'm making a documentary and short film. Use of 24-90 lenses and screw m42 lenses. Also photographed and printed at b6 & b4 size. Shoot video 4k, and photography print b6 & b4 size.

[Jared]

I can give you a partial answer, but not a whole one...

 

For stills, the camera will have no problem whatsoever with B4 or b6 prints.  They will be of extremely high quality--as high as anything out there.  24 MP is ample for prints with a 350mm long edge as long as you don't need serious cropping.  Feature wise, it is a top notch camera.  The one area where the Leica surpasses all of its competitors (full frame mirrorless cameras) is the viewfinder.  It's absolutely fantastic.  If that's important to you, this is really the camera to get.  Obviously, it's an EVF rather than an optical viewfinder.  I consider that generally a positive, but some people still prefer DSLR's.  

 

Because the camera uses contrast detect AF only, there is no predictive autofocus.  The focus tracking is pretty good--certainly good enough for people walking towards the camera--but it should not be considered a sports or wildlife camera.  Yes, it will work for some sports and wildlife work, but if my profession was sports or wildlife photography I would not choose this camera.  I would want something with phase detection, and I would want something with more reach than 280mm

 

The 24-90 is extremely high quality, very accurate, and very responsive.  The OIS is effective.  It's a really good lens.  The only negatives are speed, size, and weight.  At f/2.8-f/4, It's not quite as fast as the Nikon and Canon equivalents though it does have a touch more range.  Does speed matter?  Probably not for documentary given modern cameras' high ISO abilities, but you would be the only person who knows for sure.  

 

I down own the 90-280, but I have demo'd one.  It is even faster at AF than the 24-90 and seems to give extremely good results.  If you ever need a longer zoom, it seems to be a really good one.  Again, it's big and heavy, but that's the only thing wrong with it.

 

So why would you look elsewhere?  First is overall system capability.  There are only three lenses so far, and the newer lenses are not exactly coming out every month or two.  Plan on several years passing before you will have a particularly wide range of lenses available.  If you only need the 24-90, no problem.  But if you need a macro, or a longer telephoto, or a wide angle prime other than a 35mm you might have a long wait.  Also, if you care much about strobes this might not be the right system.  There are two strobes available.  Both are fine, but not up to the capabilities of Nikon or Canon.  For example, if you want HSS off camera (wireless) or even TTL off camera you are out of luck.  If you just use natural light this won't matter.  The last concern I would have in your place is professional support.  You already mentioned you don't live anywhere near a dealer.  What if your camera breaks?  What will you do?  Are you going to buy two cameras so you have a spare?  That seem's like a critical concern for a working pro.  If there are dealers in Tehran for Canon and Nikon you might get better support.

 

As far as video... I don't know anything about it, so I can't give you any help there.  

 

In summary, the 24 megapixels should be a non-issue given your use case.  The lack of system capabilities--limited lenses, limited flash options--may or may not be a concern for you.  The lack of professional support within Iran I would have thought was a deal breaker, but, again, only you can say for sure.

[Jared]

Oh, I'll also mention there is no Leica branded M42 adapter, but the Novoflex SL adapters generally have a good reputation, so you should have no problem using your M42 lenses.  If all you need is those and the 24-90 you should be OK.

[Kamyar]

Yes I'm going to make the m to t converter and use the m42 to m converter. I have good prime lenses for use. Most of the time I use natural light and I never use the flash, or use the long exposure method, and for the film, of course m42 leses for uese leica TL2 and SL

Edited October 20, 2017 by Kamyar

[IkarusJohn]

I don’t know anything about M42 lenses, but M lenses work very well on the SL (with few exceptions - trial and error for that, I’m afraid).

[LocalHero1953]

You are already familiar with the Leica world through the M6, but the differences with other brands are greater in digital systems: all other brands have gone down the route of maximising customisation, detailed control of every last function, lots of buttons and deep menus. Leica has gone for simple interfaces with few buttons (unlabelled on the SL) and limited control beyond the normal photographic parameters. I find Leica's interfaces and ergonomics simple and intuitive, allowing me to concentrate on photography rather than changing options. Many aspects of the design of Leicas do not appear on spec sheets or in comparative charts, but that does not make them any less important in allowing you to take the shots you want with as few unnecessary distractions as possible. Not everyone sees things the same way!  This is why it is important for you to try it out yourself. 

[IkarusJohn]

I would add to Paul’s comment above to say that Leica also strives to give you the best raw file possible - thinnest glass sensor cover possible, limited processing of the raw file in camera (okay, that is perhaps arguable), but it’s all about the raw file.

 

If you want the camera to do more, then the other options might be better.

[Kamyar]

leica is a trusted brand. I know that everything is not megapixels. For me, the color in the film and the photo is very important, I want to have the best output in black and white and color. Brandes such as canon, nikon, sony and ... papular are full of numbers that are hard to trust. I only have an anlog m6 camera from leica, but its performance is very different from the rest of the brands. Unfortunately, I do not have a digital leica experience.

[Na har]

think about service for the camera. Can you have it serviced locally? if not, can you easily send it for servicing to Germany or another country?

I'm not saying you will need service, but if you do, and have no convenient repair shop, then it will be like waiting for an arm to grow back...

[IkarusJohn]

Sounds like US service is pretty variable, and we have very limited service here.  I send my gear directly to Wetzlar when I need to.  The only downside is shipping cost.

[Jeff S]

If you want to stick with the M, but transition to digital and use video, consider the M240...

 

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/215479-pentax-m42-lenses-on-m240/

 

Jeff

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[earleygallery]

Unfortunately, there is no official store in my country. To buy, I must go to Dubai or Istanbul. For this, I must use your help. If the comments are shaggy, I would like to make two models of tl2 and sl.

If you are relying on the equipment this would be a major factor in any decision for me.

 

Obviously I don't know which brands have local support where you are but it's something I'd look into first.