Worth getting a Leica S2 or a S006 in 2021?

[aksclix]

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Hello folks!

I was wondering if getting a Leica S2 or perhaps an S006 make any sense in 2020/21. Will the image quality be underwhelming compared to the standards of today? I have an SL2 and the only other Leica I’ve had before this was the D-lux typ 109.. I know the technology and features are all way too advanced in the last decade but my only question is whether or not the image quality from old sensors in S2, S2-P, S006 will still be appealing.

[Jeff S]

Jeff

[Printmaker]

While I loved the results the S2 provided, the CCD sensor suffered the same rot as the M9. It took a trip to Germany and about 6 months to replace the sensor.  

[Stuart Richardson]

54 minutes ago, aksclix said:

 I know the technology and features are all way too advanced in the last decade but my only question is whether or not the image quality from old sensors in S2, S2-P, S006 will still be appealing.

Phrased in this way, the answer is very simple. Yes. The image quality of the S2 and S006 is still incredibly good (I think in most cases better) compared with modern cameras. That said, your SL2 will have higher resolution than they do in most cases, due to the higher resolution sensor and the sharper SL lenses (which also have more depth of field, so often more is in focus). The S lenses are still extremely good, and they have a different rendering of DOF, since you are using a longer lens for an equivalent angle of view. The S006 is a considerably more usable camera than the S2 in terms of handling, in that it has a better screen, an easier interface and faster performance. The image quality between the two is essentially identical, however. If you need to photograph above ISO 640 or so, the SL2 and modern cameras will start to quickly surpass the S in image quality, though of course the look will still be different.

Edited December 25, 2020 by Stuart Richardson

[aksclix]

Hmm interesting.. just read the older thread as well but I am not sure if I want to run the risk of getting a body with issues.. 

[Nick Guttridge]

I’ve just bought the 007 with a 35mm cs, 70mm cs and 180mm cs. I’m on the look out for the 120mm cs also. 
 

The s2 actually has more resolution marginally than the s3. 
 

All depends what you are doing, I’m shooting in the studio at 100iso at 1/1000th of a second and I really like the shallow depth of field to blur the background away. I also need those cs lenses. 
 

For some reason I was offered a new 007 at below half it’s original retail price. From a dealer who was fed up with looking at it on his shelf. Perhaps he thought it just would never sell and just wanted to get rid of it. 37mp is more than enough for me. I tested the s3, it was impressive but I couldn’t justify the extra expense for just the resolution and video features I wouldn’t use. So I’m going to use the saving to buy the sl2 s with some lenses also. 
 

[hoppyman]

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1 hour ago, aksclix said:

Hello folks!

I was wondering if getting a Leica S2 or perhaps an S006 make any sense in 2020/21. Will the image quality be underwhelming compared to the standards of today? I have an SL2 and the only other Leica I’ve had before this was the D-lux typ 109.. I know the technology and features are all way too advanced in the last decade but my only question is whether or not the image quality from old sensors in S2, S2-P, S006 will still be appealing.

Yes. Providing you are working at low ISO values the image quality is every bit as good as from the Typ 007. The colour look is a bit different. Some considerations might be condition of the individual camera and what you need to invest to get it. My third hand S2 works perfectly. I need to add that my Typ 007 and the 70CS have both required repair over the course of 10’s of thousands of exposures.

Features and functions wise the SL2 for example is much more advanced of course. Also the new SL Summicrons are superb.

For my photography primarily fashion and beauty in studio the focus functions in particular. are so compelling that I have switched completely 

[aksclix]

@Nick Guttridge co-incidentally, I have the S120 I bought used for my SL2.. unfortunately, I am not digging the slow AF and the weight of this lens.. but, I am reluctant to let it go.. it’s not a CS lens though.. that’s why I am searching for an older S body.. 😁

[Nick Guttridge]

Just re read my previous message, I meant the s2 has slightly more resolution than the 007! not the s3 which is of course the max resolution so far at 64mp. 
 

The s2 006 is 7512 pixels wide the 007 is 7488 pixels. 
 

I wish Leica had an adapter which allowed us to use the cs lenses with the central shutter on the SL system. Fuji do one for the GFx system which allows the photographer to select the leaf shutter or focal plane when using Hasselblad glass. 
 

Interesting that you are looking for an older s body because of the autofocus issues on the sl system. I don’t use autofocus much, generally we set it and don’t change it for the whole shoot. 

 

 

[hoppyman]

On 12/26/2020 at 7:34 AM, aksclix said:

@Nick Guttridge co-incidentally, I have the S120 I bought used for my SL2.. unfortunately, I am not digging the slow AF and the weight of this lens.. but, I am reluctant to let it go.. it’s not a CS lens though.. that’s why I am searching for an older S body.. 😁

I have the 120 as well and mine is not the CS version. I think its image quality is superb, while on the SL2 I think it’s better suited for a slower, more deliberate technique.   I think it’s best suited to a native body. I never had any issues with mine . The central shutter in my 70 failed twice after the AF motor fail. Personally I don’t plan to invest further in the S system ( and I tested the S3). As you have S lenses to me it makes sense to obtain an S body if you can find a deal that you are happy with.

[aksclix]

11 minutes ago, hoppyman said:

I have the 120 as well and mine is not the CS version. I think its image quality is superb, while on the SL2 I think it’s better suited for a slower, more deliberate technique.   I think it’s best suited to a native body. I never had any issues with mine . The central shutter in my 70 failed twice after the AF motor fail. Personally I don’t plan to invest further in the S system ( and I tested the S3). As you have S lenses to me it makes sense to obtain an S body if you can find a deal that you are happy with.

Found an S2 for 2000 although there might be cheaper ones out there.. will try and see if I have a keeper  

[glenerrolrd]

Don t buy any S2 or S 006 unless the sensor has been replaced .   If the camera needs a sensor replacement the repair cost is as much as $7000.  Way over the value of the camera .  

[Jk1002]

I think we are in a fairly interesting situation. There is a flood of S2 007 in the market. Here i US they sell between 5 and 6k. thta pushing the 006 to below 2 so we have a neat entry point. 
Normally these should move but giving lack of pre owned lenses with their AF motors replaced I think it kind of ruins the value preposition.

Who wants to enter an expensive system with that kind of uncertainty. To me the dealer need to create sufficient ‘upgraded’ lens inventory to move these body's.

A pre owned S 007 with a pre owned lens could be a fairly interesting package even with Fuji being aggressively in the market.

Cheers

JK

[Jeff S]

33 minutes ago, Jk1002 said:

I think we are in a fairly interesting situation. There is a flood of S2 007 in the market. Here i US they sell between 5 and 6k. thta pushing the 006 to below 2 so we have a neat entry point. 
Normally these should move but giving lack of pre owned lenses with their AF motors replaced I think it kind of ruins the value preposition.

Who wants to enter an expensive system with that kind of uncertainty. To me the dealer need to create sufficient ‘upgraded’ lens inventory to move these body's.

A pre owned S 007 with a pre owned lens could be a fairly interesting package even with Fuji being aggressively in the market.

Cheers

JK

There is a fair amount of used S lenses with new motors.  Leica Miami will not sell them otherwise, and they have a number of them in current inventory.  Camera West also has a selection.  

Jeff

Edited December 27, 2020 by Jeff S

[BernardC]

11 hours ago, glenerrolrd said:

If the camera needs a sensor replacement the repair cost is as much as $7000.

Wow, that $5,000 more than others have reported. care to share your story?

[Dr No]

Even if the SL2 has slightly better resolution than the S, that doesn't mean it's anything like the S. Resolution is just one part of the pie.

Images from the S, and even S2 look, 'better' than the SL and SL2 in my opinion.

By better I mean smoother gradations, richer tonality, more realistic colour. High ISO, flexibility and usability are probably 'better' on the SL2 though.

One person's better might not be what another person wants though.

 

[aksclix]

On 12/26/2020 at 5:25 PM, glenerrolrd said:

Don t buy any S2 or S 006 unless the sensor has been replaced .   If the camera needs a sensor replacement the repair cost is as much as $7000.  Way over the value of the camera .  

I already got a used S2 from B&H. Was super lucky to find one right when I needed it. Will have to check with them if the sensor on this was replaced.. 

 

[aksclix]

On 12/26/2020 at 8:29 PM, Jk1002 said:

I think we are in a fairly interesting situation. There is a flood of S2 007 in the market. Here i US they sell between 5 and 6k. thta pushing the 006 to below 2 so we have a neat entry point. 
Normally these should move but giving lack of pre owned lenses with their AF motors replaced I think it kind of ruins the value preposition.

Who wants to enter an expensive system with that kind of uncertainty. To me the dealer need to create sufficient ‘upgraded’ lens inventory to move these body's.

A pre owned S 007 with a pre owned lens could be a fairly interesting package even with Fuji being aggressively in the market.

Cheers

JK

When I was in the market for a MF camera 3 years ago, I went for the Pentax 645Z over the Leica 007 for obvious budget reasons.. 
A year and half later I sold the 645z for the Fuji GFX 50r and I just sold the 50r for the GFX 100. If the GFX 100s is too compelling I may have to swap it out for the gfx 100

 

[aksclix]

On 12/30/2020 at 6:25 AM, Dr No said:

Even if the SL2 has slightly better resolution than the S, that doesn't mean it's anything like the S. Resolution is just one part of the pie.

Images from the S, and even S2 look, 'better' than the SL and SL2 in my opinion.

By better I mean smoother gradations, richer tonality, more realistic colour. High ISO, flexibility and usability are probably 'better' on the SL2 though.

One person's better might not be what another person wants though.

 

I will find out today/tomorrow now that I got my S2.

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[aksclix]

I have good news and bad news for myself.. 
Good news - Leica S2 arrived and its in great shape.. the pictures from the first few random shots are soooo good!! I can't believe this is a decade old camera gear.. feels way ahead of its time! 
Bad news - I seem to love this camera and that means I might have to keep my S 120 as well which in turn means I just robbed myself off $$$$ cash