SL2 - first (less talked about) impressions

[wjdrijfhout]

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Today I was lucky enough to receive my SL2 and there are a few things that I noticed that are not often talked about in reviews that I wanted to share.

But only after mentioning that wow, this is a great upgrade, and while SL was a fantastic camera, this one is absolutely a great successor, worthy the upgrade.

So some of the things I noticed:

- The finish of the aluminum parts is a bit rougher than the SL. It is less sensitive to finger prints, and somehow seems more resistant against scratches. But esthetically I prefer the SL smooth finish.

- The lens mount has moved upwards a tiny bit. Just enough to have the SL zoom-lenses flush with the bottom of the camera. On the SL, the lenses stuck out, making the camera wobble when you put it on a table, but worse, if you wanted to put a camera plate in front-back direction under the camera, it would not work. For video-rigs or gimbals this is often required and caused me quite some problems. Solved with the SL2

- The screen is noticeably bigger and sharper, and the font is thinner. Very beautiful! The font is also bigger, which improves the readability but allows less menu-options per menu page (6 instead of 7).

- The camera definitely feels lighter/more compact than the SL, while it isn't. Most of that impression comes from the grip with the little rubberised indentation on the front. It gives the feeling that you're holding something thinner (which in the grip is true).

- Leica Photos app still a bit of a mixed bag. Definitely faster, allows landscape orientation, etc. But it took me three times to connect.... But in the setup, it took date/time information straight from the app, which worked really efficient.

- With no GPS in camera, it relies on the phone to get GPS coordinates. So far I've only seen this working when really connected through WiFi with the app. My understanding is that it should work through a low-energy bluetooth connection, which would be fine. I guess, I just have to figure out the right settings here. Because if the app needs to be open and WiFi connected, this would be of no use to me. At this point I'd prefer the hump on the body, but perhaps with the right settings that might change.

- No long-press / short-press buttons anymore. All buttons work short-press. In balance I find this an improvement. Short-pressing gives immediate feedback which leads to an overall improved perception of responsiveness. 

- So far my muscle memory is still looking for buttons on the right side of the screen. But the menu-screen with most functions just one screentouch away looks awesome, and will likely be a joy to use. Together with the point above on the short/long pressing, my first impression is that ergonomically this is (again) a very well thought out design by Leica. As far as I'm concerned they could still have taken the labels off the buttons and replace them with a little indented symbols: triangle for play, 'hamburger' icon for menu, and nothing for the function button. Minimize.....

- Shutter-sound is noticeably reduced compared to SL: always great!

- The LED's have been moved. So now when you format a card and use the joystick for menu navigation, you can actually see the LED flashing once you clicked, rather than a LED hidden behind your thumb.

 

So far some initial impressions, on things that are not mentioned very often. So no need to mention the great IBIS, which makes working with M-lenses an absolute joy. Oh, and yes, I can confirm, LENR can be switched on.... and off.....

 

So, now let's go shoot some pictures and see what it is really about....image quality.

 

Willem Jan.

 

 

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[jjvornov]

GPS from Fotos only works in remote mode via WiFi for now. Leica has said location via Bluetooth is coming but who knows when that will be. 

[Jeffry Abt]

What is LENR? Please pardon my ignorance.

[digitalfx]

Long Exposure Noise Reduction

[scott kirkpatrick]

Several forum regulars have complained that the AWB information from the SL2 is erratic.  Let us know what you see (and Leica if there really is a problem).  Fotos makes complaints almost fun.

Edited November 29, 2019 by scott kirkpatrick

[digitalfx]

Its not erratic at all...its just that the first time in new light the white balance is off (in monitor), but if you wait just a few seconds it corrects- for that matter even if you don't wait the exposure is correct. Ive had no issues at all with white balance other than the slight delay for screen to update during first exposure.

[Jeff S]

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3 hours ago, wjdrijfhout said:

Today I was lucky enough to receive my SL2 and there are a few things that I noticed that are not often talked about in reviews that I wanted to share.

But only after mentioning that wow, this is a great upgrade, and while SL was a fantastic camera, this one is absolutely a great successor, worthy the upgrade.

So some of the things I noticed:

- The finish of the aluminum parts is a bit rougher than the SL. It is less sensitive to finger prints, and somehow seems more resistant against scratches. But esthetically I prefer the SL smooth finish.

- The lens mount has moved upwards a tiny bit. Just enough to have the SL zoom-lenses flush with the bottom of the camera. On the SL, the lenses stuck out, making the camera wobble when you put it on a table, but worse, if you wanted to put a camera plate in front-back direction under the camera, it would not work. For video-rigs or gimbals this is often required and caused me quite some problems. Solved with the SL2

- The screen is noticeably bigger and sharper, and the font is thinner. Very beautiful! The font is also bigger, which improves the readability but allows less menu-options per menu page (6 instead of 7).

- The camera definitely feels lighter/more compact than the SL, while it isn't. Most of that impression comes from the grip with the little rubberised indentation on the front. It gives the feeling that you're holding something thinner (which in the grip is true).

- Leica Photos app still a bit of a mixed bag. Definitely faster, allows landscape orientation, etc. But it took me three times to connect.... But in the setup, it took date/time information straight from the app, which worked really efficient.

- With no GPS in camera, it relies on the phone to get GPS coordinates. So far I've only seen this working when really connected through WiFi with the app. My understanding is that it should work through a low-energy bluetooth connection, which would be fine. I guess, I just have to figure out the right settings here. Because if the app needs to be open and WiFi connected, this would be of no use to me. At this point I'd prefer the hump on the body, but perhaps with the right settings that might change.

- No long-press / short-press buttons anymore. All buttons work short-press. In balance I find this an improvement. Short-pressing gives immediate feedback which leads to an overall improved perception of responsiveness. 

- So far my muscle memory is still looking for buttons on the right side of the screen. But the menu-screen with most functions just one screentouch away looks awesome, and will likely be a joy to use. Together with the point above on the short/long pressing, my first impression is that ergonomically this is (again) a very well thought out design by Leica. As far as I'm concerned they could still have taken the labels off the buttons and replace them with a little indented symbols: triangle for play, 'hamburger' icon for menu, and nothing for the function button. Minimize.....

- Shutter-sound is noticeably reduced compared to SL: always great!

- The LED's have been moved. So now when you format a card and use the joystick for menu navigation, you can actually see the LED flashing once you clicked, rather than a LED hidden behind your thumb.

 

So far some initial impressions, on things that are not mentioned very often. So no need to mention the great IBIS, which makes working with M-lenses an absolute joy. Oh, and yes, I can confirm, LENR can be switched on.... and off.....

 

So, now let's go shoot some pictures and see what it is really about....image quality.

 

Willem Jan.

 

 

Speaking of less talked about impressions...and another little thing... I haven't read anything about the included strap (same as with the SL?) and whether the new protruding strap lugs present any practical advantage, or disadvantage, for instance in the way the camera hangs on the body, particularly with one of the bigger lenses (24-90).  With the SL, many resorted to various third party straps and connections to keep the lens from sticking straight out rather than tilting down from the hip.  I played with the SL2 at my Leica store, but there wasn't any strap to be found, and I don't remember seeing one connected in any of the review videos. 

Jeff

[digitalfx]

Mine included a strap, although I didn't even unwrap it. Im using this strap:

https://www.hardgraft.com/products/hangcamera-classic

I don't see any advantage or disadvantage other than traditional split ring loops don't work well with this style

[erudolph]

I am using the included strap while waiting for a Brogue to arrive from Harry Benz.  Same strap as the one I use on the SL.  Per Harry, the SL2 version differs only in that it has "slightly longer connectors" to accommodate the new lugs.

[Jeff S]

Thanks, but I don't want this to turn into a third party strap thread; rather just wondering how the stock strap and new lugs work in tandem, and whether that differs from SL experience.

Jeff

[thighslapper]

1 hour ago, Jeff S said:

Thanks, but I don't want this to turn into a third party strap thread; rather just wondering how the stock strap and new lugs work in tandem, and whether that differs from SL experience.

Jeff

I'm frankly surprised Leica supply a strap with the SL/SL2 ...... I've never used it and almost everyone on the SL section of the forum immediately substitutes something better .... 

[Guest]

2 hours ago, digitalfx said:

Its not erratic at all...its just that the first time in new light the white balance is off (in monitor), but if you wait just a few seconds it corrects- for that matter even if you don't wait the exposure is correct. Ive had no issues at all with white balance other than the slight delay for screen to update during first exposure.

That is exactly what happened to me the second time I used the camera.  A small bug that I am sure will be fixed

[digitalfx]

2 hours ago, Jeff S said:

Thanks, but I don't want this to turn into a third party strap thread; rather just wondering how the stock strap and new lugs work in tandem, and whether that differs from SL experience.

Jeff

There are generally two types of strap lugs, the type that accepts split rings and the type that accepts the thinner strap. Leica uses the later, so the only thing you need to consider is the type of strap you buy. Neither has an advantage or disadvantage imo. I prefer the later type Leica uses on the SL2...not much different than the type Canon used for years on their DSLRs except Leica uses much beefier and better looking hardware. Once the strap is installed the size of the lugs is immaterial. The only difference between it and the SL lug is that the earlier lugs were recessed into the top plate so weren't visible when a strap wasn't attached and the strap hung from the top plate rather than the side of the top plate. Frankly I don't understand the fuss...once a strap is installed its all the same for me. If anything the SL2 is easier to attach.

[Jeff S]

The look of the lugs is meaningless to me, as they’re covered by the strap anyway.  I am only interested in whether the SL2 stock strap and protruding lugs affect  the angle at which the camera hangs and rests on the body.  Apparently not.  I’ve always used stock straps for my Leica gear (M and, in the past, R), finding them to work just fine.  Just haven’t tried the SL2 and zoom with the provided strap.  Not a big deal... always alternatives if need be.

Jeff

 

[MarkP]

3 hours ago, thighslapper said:

I'm frankly surprised Leica supply a strap with the SL/SL2 ...... I've never used it and almost everyone on the SL section of the forum immediately substitutes something better .... 

I use and really like the supplied strap on my SL (with the RRS plate so I fit the strap to the side of the camera) and will use the Leica on my SL2 when it arrives.  I have 3rd party, thin and supple black leather Arte Di Mano straps (with no shoulder pads) for my M cameras which I love.  For the bigger and heavier SL  I really like the supplied Leica strap. It has excellent grip and padding for the shoulder.

Importantly, as the camera was bought for and used in harsher and often damp/wet conditions I specifically wanted a synthetic strap.

I’ve been so impressed with the Leica strap for my needs that I got one for my Fuji GS690III which came with no strap when I bought it.

The only down side is that because of the wider shoulder padding it doesn’t wrap around my wrist quite as well as a thinner strap with no shoulder pad but I make do.  

Edited November 29, 2019 by MarkP

[rfunnell]

Leica said that GPS metadata via low powered bluetooth was coming with the fotos app 1 year ago I hope it's not like this with the SL2 in another year  

The SL's previous implementation of GPS was implemented well.

 

Edited November 29, 2019 by rfunnell

[Chaemono]

The stock strap should have had built-in GPS, IMO. 

[Chaemono]

vor 14 Stunden schrieb maziatr:

That is exactly what happened to me the second time I used the camera.  A small bug that I am sure will be fixed

Press the menu button and the shutter release button and WB is restored. 

Edited November 30, 2019 by Chaemono

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[LBJ2]

On 11/29/2019 at 7:29 AM, wjdrijfhout said:

Today I was lucky enough to receive my SL2 and there are a few things that I noticed that are not often talked about in reviews that I wanted to share.

But only after mentioning that wow, this is a great upgrade, and while SL was a fantastic camera, this one is absolutely a great successor, worthy the upgrade.

So some of the things I noticed:

- The finish of the aluminum parts is a bit rougher than the SL. It is less sensitive to finger prints, and somehow seems more resistant against scratches. But esthetically I prefer the SL smooth finish.

- The lens mount has moved upwards a tiny bit. Just enough to have the SL zoom-lenses flush with the bottom of the camera. On the SL, the lenses stuck out, making the camera wobble when you put it on a table, but worse, if you wanted to put a camera plate in front-back direction under the camera, it would not work. For video-rigs or gimbals this is often required and caused me quite some problems. Solved with the SL2

- The screen is noticeably bigger and sharper, and the font is thinner. Very beautiful! The font is also bigger, which improves the readability but allows less menu-options per menu page (6 instead of 7).

- The camera definitely feels lighter/more compact than the SL, while it isn't. Most of that impression comes from the grip with the little rubberised indentation on the front. It gives the feeling that you're holding something thinner (which in the grip is true).

- Leica Photos app still a bit of a mixed bag. Definitely faster, allows landscape orientation, etc. But it took me three times to connect.... But in the setup, it took date/time information straight from the app, which worked really efficient.

- With no GPS in camera, it relies on the phone to get GPS coordinates. So far I've only seen this working when really connected through WiFi with the app. My understanding is that it should work through a low-energy bluetooth connection, which would be fine. I guess, I just have to figure out the right settings here. Because if the app needs to be open and WiFi connected, this would be of no use to me. At this point I'd prefer the hump on the body, but perhaps with the right settings that might change.

- No long-press / short-press buttons anymore. All buttons work short-press. In balance I find this an improvement. Short-pressing gives immediate feedback which leads to an overall improved perception of responsiveness. 

- So far my muscle memory is still looking for buttons on the right side of the screen. But the menu-screen with most functions just one screentouch away looks awesome, and will likely be a joy to use. Together with the point above on the short/long pressing, my first impression is that ergonomically this is (again) a very well thought out design by Leica. As far as I'm concerned they could still have taken the labels off the buttons and replace them with a little indented symbols: triangle for play, 'hamburger' icon for menu, and nothing for the function button. Minimize.....

- Shutter-sound is noticeably reduced compared to SL: always great!

- The LED's have been moved. So now when you format a card and use the joystick for menu navigation, you can actually see the LED flashing once you clicked, rather than a LED hidden behind your thumb.

 

So far some initial impressions, on things that are not mentioned very often. So no need to mention the great IBIS, which makes working with M-lenses an absolute joy. Oh, and yes, I can confirm, LENR can be switched on.... and off.....

 

So, now let's go shoot some pictures and see what it is really about....image quality.

 

Willem Jan.

 

 

Thank you! I've not used the SL or the SL2. When using the SL with M glass and IBIS are you able to set the FL of the M-Lens in the menu? Also are you using a Leica SL/M adapter and are there other SL/M adapters that recognize M glass electronically on the SL2?

[helged]

When using the Leica M to SL, or Leica R to SL, the camera recognies the lens, and the focal length is set (assuming the M lens is 6 bit coded, and the R lens has ROM contacts).