some considerations about SL2

[kengai]

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I allow myself some consideration, having seen it and tried it even if quickly.
There is a lot of technology and quality, it can safely be said that it is a modern machine, aligned with similar current productions.
It costs about 1,000.00 euros less than the M10, why? Is it the machine/system on which Leica intends to invest and aim for the next few years?
The M series is right to exist because there are so many M optics around?
Given the size and cost of the optics, can its use satisfy a large number of users?

[Arrow]

Yes, there are lots of M lenses around that were produced over decades and cared for by their owners. They are manual, have no electronic parts that can fail over time, are easy to service, .... . You can adapt M lenses on other Leica mounts and many other non-Leica cameras via adapters. M lenses are around and their owners want to use them. To sum it up: M lenses are pretty risk free and retain their use and resale value.

When you get a new digital M body and you own a ballpark of M glass, you may find that your lenses are misaligned and have to be adjusted. Sometimes you end up sending the camera in for several times until everything is harmonised, or ..... you give up. I recon, that necessary extra service is priced in and is one reason for the extra 1000 Euros. 

The M body was not designed in the 1950ies with it´s  digital future in mind. The adherence to film almost killed the company, just over a decade ago. I guess providing the M8 as a digital back for the crowd of M lens owners provided the base for the survival of Leica. However that came with technical challenges. 

Now there is the SL. I have got one, and rarely touch a M body. The sensor is said to be optimised for using M lenses, too. So, there you are.

I am curious, if the SL will finally take over and marginalise the M system. The M glass will surely stay, but digital M bodies ..... ? They cause too much service hassle because of the rangefinder. Fun though, they are

 

 

 

 

 

[jaapv]

1 hour ago, kengai said:

I allow myself some consideration, having seen it and tried it even if quickly.
There is a lot of technology and quality, it can safely be said that it is a modern machine, aligned with similar current productions.
It costs about 1,000.00 euros less than the M10, why? Is it the machine/system on which Leica intends to invest and aim for the next few years?
The M series is right to exist because there are so many M optics around?
Given the size and cost of the optics, can its use satisfy a large number of users?

A rangefinder assembly alone will cost close to 1750 Euro. 

[Arrow]

9 minutes ago, jaapv said:

A rangefinder assembly alone will cost close to 1750 Euro. 

That is more than many other cameras retail for. Surely reduces the threat of entry of others into that market niche. M glass is the key

Edited November 24, 2019 by Arrow