Thoughts on the Leica SL2 compared to the S1/S1R

[jrp]

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Yes, the S1R's access to a much wider range of flashes is a reason for keeping it.  But it will, in any case, take a bit of time to identify the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two cameras so, with both supporting USB-C charging, they can both stay, for a while at least.

[Archiver]

14 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

The SL2 is certainly a more discrete camera. What'll probably happen is when I need to sling a camera over my shoulder I'll bring the SL2. For on and off a tripod and for landscapes, the S1R. For travel I'll probably take one of each, even though I have two S1R's

I'm trying to understand how the SL2 is a more discreet camera than the S1R, unless by 'more discreet' you mean 'slightly less recognizable as an expensive camera to the average person'. They are about the same size, and leave the same visual footprint when looking at myself in a mirror. The S1R might seem more conspicuous as it is immediately recognizable as a large, expensive DSLR-type camera, whereas the SL and SL2 look less obviously like an expensive camera. But the visual footprint/size is about the same. No one is going to 'not see' you holding a largish camera if you have a SL/2.

Edited December 1, 2019 by Archiver

[Tailwagger]

1 hour ago, Archiver said:

I'm trying to understand how the SL2 is a more discreet camera than the S1R, unless by 'more discreet' you mean 'slightly less recognizable as an expensive camera to the average person'. 

Don't own an S1R,  but the larger white on black, L E I C A   makes things a bit more obvious than I'd generally prefer. 

[Chaemono]

The SL2 oozes purity, craftsmanship, and elegance.  The S1R epitomizes the 'form follows function' maxim and as such looks DSLR ugly.  Which of the two cameras would you take in a busy street setting assuming AF performance is the same (IQ and files are slightly better on the SL2 for high contrast scenes)?

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[Chaemono]

I know it's hard for some to fathom, but ugly things simply don't inspire.

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[Chaemono]

vor 20 Minuten schrieb Tailwagger:

Don't own an S1R,  but the larger white on black, L E I C A   makes things a bit more obvious than I'd generally prefer. 

What would be really nice is an SL2-P. 😁

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[relms]

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I sold my Leica SL shortly after purchasing the S1R, and I regretted selling it almost immediately.  Don't get me wrong, the S1R is an excellent camera, but I have been unable to bond with the S1R in the same way I had bonded with the SL.   So... I contacted my Leica dealer with weeks of selling the SL, and put my name on the unofficial waiting list, and then confirmed with the dealer that he had me on his list for the SL2 on the day of it was announced.  The latest update I received was that I should received it this month (December).  

Originally, I had planned to sell the S1R upon receiving the SL2, but that no longer seems practical, and rather than sell it for 1/4 the price I paid, I will hang onto it as the backup I hope I won't need.  Having said that, I don't need the SL2, but I sure do miss the SL experience.

 

Edited December 1, 2019 by relms
Typo

[Chaemono]

Gerade eben schrieb relms:

I sold my Leica SL shortly after purchasing the S1R, and I regretted selling it almost immediately.  Don't get me wrong, the S1R is an excellent camera, but I have been unable to bond with the S1R in the same way I had bonded with the SL.

+1

[Rob L]

Thanks for the photos Chaemono! I've got major SL2 gas! Largely because of the summicron SL lenses. I think I would like to simplify to a really high quality mirrorless system and just a few prime lenses ( in addition to my M10s) . I've had all of the Sony A7Rs, currently the RIV with both an autofocus set and manual focus set of lenses. I've bought and sold so many Sony lenses (and Batis, Loxia and CV) it's not funny. I love the Loxias on the small Sony body, but none of the autofocus lenses do much for me except the 24 GM and the telephotos.  When I first saw the SL, I dismissed it as too big, but at the time I was way into Leica M. I haven't seen an SL in years, but my local dealer carries Panasonic. I really don't like the S1/S1R. Too big and too many buttons, switches and knobs. The SL2 seems a bit smaller in your photos and I love the clean simple lines. I really need to hold one, but all the dealers are on the East and West coast and I'm in Denver. I'm on several waiting lists. We'll see if the GAS subsides before my number is up!

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, Chaemono said:

The SL2 oozes purity, craftsmanship, and elegance.  The S1R epitomizes the 'form follows function' maxim and as such looks DSLR ugly.  Which of the two cameras would you take in a busy street setting assuming AF performance is the same (IQ and files are slightly better on the SL2 for high contrast scenes)?

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But, apples to apples, you should either tape or expose both brand labels; otherwise biased.

Jeff

[Chaemono]

Gerade eben schrieb Jeff S:

But, apples to apples, you should either tape or expose both brand labels; otherwise biased.

Jeff

Yes, but then I’d have to take off the wheel on the left side of the S1R, too. 😁

[Jeff S]

43 minutes ago, Chaemono said:

Yes, but then I’d have to take off the wheel on the left side of the S1R, too. 😁

No, only labels... the rest is what it is, and then forms the basis for a fair comparison... however that leans.  I wasn’t offering any opinion one way or the other.

Jeff

[jrp]

The SL2 seems to eat battery, when combined with Wi-fi/ Bluetooth to get GPS. The cold 🥶 doesn’t help. But I do like being able to use the same charging cable for the S1R, SL2, iPad, MacBook, etc

[Chaemono]

vor 53 Minuten schrieb Jeff S:

No, only labels... the rest is what it is, and then forms the basis for a fair comparison... however that leans.  I wasn’t offering any opinion one way or the other.

Jeff

You are right, of course, from a bias point of view, but let me explain.  The reason I didn’t do it, is that the S1R doesn’t follow the objective to include only what is truly essential from both the functional and aesthetics point of view.  Taping over the Lumix logo would be interfering with the design philosophy of Panasonic, therefore.  Covering the Leica logo on the SL2, on the other hand, is consistent with a reduction to “Das Wesentliche.”  In both cases, I reinforce the designers’ intent, I believe.  The Lumix screams “I’m here, use me,” the SL2 whispers “I’m here, but you can’t see me.”   Making the logo on the S1R disappear would distort this message, IMO.

Edited December 1, 2019 by Chaemono

[Chaemono]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb Rob L:

Thanks for the photos Chaemono! I've got major SL2 gas! Largely because of the summicron SL lenses. I think I would like to simplify to a really high quality mirrorless system and just a few prime lenses ( in addition to my M10s) . I've had all of the Sony A7Rs, currently the RIV with both an autofocus set and manual focus set of lenses. I've bought and sold so many Sony lenses (and Batis, Loxia and CV) it's not funny. I love the Loxias on the small Sony body, but none of the autofocus lenses do much for me except the 24 GM and the telephotos.  When I first saw the SL, I dismissed it as too big, but at the time I was way into Leica M. I haven't seen an SL in years, but my local dealer carries Panasonic. I really don't like the S1/S1R. Too big and too many buttons, switches and knobs. The SL2 seems a bit smaller in your photos and I love the clean simple lines. I really need to hold one, but all the dealers are on the East and West coast and I'm in Denver. I'm on several waiting lists. We'll see if the GAS subsides before my number is up!

Thanks, Rob.  I hope you get over your GAS.  The SL2 doesn’t just look and feel better than the original SL, the AF accuracy and speed with single point focus is much improved and continuous shooting by keeping the shutter pressed in Single Shot Mode is a lot spedier.  The combination of the three make the camera very desirable, IMO. 

[hotshew]

6 hours ago, Tailwagger said:

Don't own an S1R,  but the larger white on black, L E I C A   makes things a bit more obvious than I'd generally prefer. 

Nothing a small strip of electrical tape own cure :-) And, yes, that's exactly what I am doing!

[Jeff S]

4 hours ago, Chaemono said:

You are right, of course, from a bias point of view, but let me explain.  The reason I didn’t do it, is that the S1R doesn’t follow the objective to include only what is truly essential from both the functional and aesthetics point of view.  Taping over the Lumix logo would be interfering with the design philosophy of Panasonic, therefore.  Covering the Leica logo on the SL2, on the other hand, is consistent with a reduction to “Das Wesentliche.”  In both cases, I reinforce the designers’ intent, I believe.  The Lumix screams “I’m here, use me,” the SL2 whispers “I’m here, but you can’t see me.”   Making the logo on the S1R disappear would distort this message, IMO.

The problem with that is that you’re using your pre- judgment to  influence your pics. To let others judge, after the fact, then the only fair way is to leave everything as the manufacturer built it.  No convoluted explanations required.

Jeff

[m9photo]

After seeing side by side pics by Chaemono, it's like comparing Toyota to Lexus, Honda to Acura, VW to Audi. They're pretty much the same, both will take you from point A to point B. 

Both cameras will serve you well and I firmly believe will produce excellent images.

[Chaemono]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb Jeff S:

The problem with that is that you’re using your pre- judgment to  influence your pics. To let others judge, after the fact, then the only fair way is to leave everything as the manufacturer built it.  No convoluted explanations required.

Jeff

Do I get the sense that you kind of like the idea of an SL2-P version?

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Jeff S]

3 minutes ago, Chaemono said:

Do I get the sense that you kind of like the idea of an SL2-P version?

I couldn’t care less about that.  But apparently you care enough to create a DIY version. Silly stuff.  

Jeff