Give up M10R to get more lenses for SL2?

[pmendelson]

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I have the M10R and SL2 and enjoy them both.  However, I would love to get a few lenses for the SL2 and would need to give up the M10R to afford them (namely, a Canon 11-24mm, a Canon 17mm tilt-shift, and maybe the 90-280mm SL).  I know this is a personal subjective decision, but appreciate anyone's thoughts that can help me decide.  Here is how I am looking at it:

While I like the M10R's smaller size and simplicity, I usually use the Visoflex so I am not using the OVF that much as a rangefinder (and I often shoot wider than 28mm so live view on the LCD or EVF is important to me).  I like how I can flip up the Visoflex like a right angle finder on the M10R, but on the other hand the SL2's EVF is nicer to use than the Visoflex.  

As far as the sensor goes, I think the M10R is slightly better in terms of high ISO and highlight retention, but on the other hand the SL2 is slightly higher resolution and has multi shot high res mode for still subjects.

Finally, while both are great cameras in their own right, there is something to be said for using one camera system - no having to decide which camera to bring, and using just the SL2 would improve my "muscle memory" in terms of using it and remembering where the functions sit.  

Right now I am leaning towards letting the M10R go, since it's a lot of money have tied up in something that is more of a "really nice to have" than a must have.  By the way, here is my current lens lineup:

SL: 28mm SL, 24-90mm SL, 50mm SL Summilux.

M: CV 15mm III, 21mm SEM, 28mm Summilux, 50mm Summilux ASPH, 135mm 

R: 28mm PC Shift lens 

[beewee]

1 hour ago, pmendelson said:

While I like the M10R's smaller size and simplicity, I usually use the Visoflex so I am not using the OVF that much as a rangefinder (and I often shoot wider than 28mm so live view on the LCD or EVF is important to me).  I like how I can flip up the Visoflex like a right angle finder on the M10R, but on the other hand the SL2's EVF is nicer to use than the Visoflex.  

As far as the sensor goes, I think the M10R is slightly better in terms of high ISO and highlight retention, but on the other hand the SL2 is slightly higher resolution and has multi shot high res mode for still subjects.

Finally, while both are great cameras in their own right, there is something to be said for using one camera system - no having to decide which camera to bring, and using just the SL2 would improve my "muscle memory" in terms of using it and remembering where the functions sit.  

This is uncanny. I feel exactly the same way between my M10 and SL2-S.

Since you mentioned Canon glass, have you used any EF lenses with adapters on your SL2? I can’t comment on the 11-24 and 17 TS since I’ve never used them but I have a few EF lenses and AF-S, although accurate, is rather slow and the metadata is a bit messed up. At least that’s my experience while using the 16-35/2.8, 70-200/2.8 IS, and 300/2.8 IS (with and without extenders) with the Sigma MC-21 adapter. AF-C does not work at all.

I really like the M system in terms of ergonomics and size and I too have a full set of M-lenses but going above 24MP with something like the M10R is really pushing the M optics to their limits with a few exceptions (i.e. 21 SEM, 24 SEM, 35 APO, 50 APO), at least for landscape applications where corner sharpness is valued. This along with the release of the SL APO Summicron and Sigma’s newest generation of DG DN lenses is what got me to adopt the L-mount along side the M-mount. The other gripe I have with the M lens lineup is that, all the new designs like the 50 APO, 28 Lux, and 35 APO are so expensive, it’s really making the SL APO Summicron lenses look cheap by comparison. My current lenses work well enough for 24MP but seeing that I’m well covered for all focal lengths from 18-90mm, I doubt I will continue growing my M lens roster. For now, I think the SL system looks like a better option if I want utmost image quality and if wanted something lighter than I still have my M kit.

Side note: I’ve given up on buying Canon gear for over a decade but kept the kit I have for wildlife due to a lack of super-tele options.

[pmendelson]

I have used the 11-24mm and tilt shift Canon lenses on my SL2 in the past with the Sigma adapter and they worked great.  You are right - the SL lenses seem like a bargain compared to M lenses, especially when bought used.  

[jplomley]

2 hours ago, pmendelson said:

I have the M10R and SL2 and enjoy them both.  However, I would love to get a few lenses for the SL2 and would need to give up the M10R to afford them (namely, a Canon 11-24mm, a Canon 17mm tilt-shift, and maybe the 90-280mm SL).  I know this is a personal subjective decision, but appreciate anyone's thoughts that can help me decide.  Here is how I am looking at it:

While I like the M10R's smaller size and simplicity, I usually use the Visoflex so I am not using the OVF that much as a rangefinder (and I often shoot wider than 28mm so live view on the LCD or EVF is important to me).  I like how I can flip up the Visoflex like a right angle finder on the M10R, but on the other hand the SL2's EVF is nicer to use than the Visoflex.  

As far as the sensor goes, I think the M10R is slightly better in terms of high ISO and highlight retention, but on the other hand the SL2 is slightly higher resolution and has multi shot high res mode for still subjects.

Finally, while both are great cameras in their own right, there is something to be said for using one camera system - no having to decide which camera to bring, and using just the SL2 would improve my "muscle memory" in terms of using it and remembering where the functions sit.  

Right now I am leaning towards letting the M10R go, since it's a lot of money have tied up in something that is more of a "really nice to have" than a must have.  By the way, here is my current lens lineup:

SL: 28mm SL, 24-90mm SL, 50mm SL Summilux.

M: CV 15mm III, 21mm SEM, 28mm Summilux, 50mm Summilux ASPH, 135mm 

R: 28mm PC Shift lens 

Could you provide some feedback on the 28 APO SC, not a lot of SL2 users seem to have this optic.

[pmendelson]

I haven’t used the 28mm much yet - just one day on a boat.  The results seem similar to other SL primes although you don’t get that same sense of subject separation you get with the 50mm SL for example.  And I was glad to have weather sealing when we ran into an unexpected squall and got soaked.  

Edited June 24, 2021 by pmendelson

[pmendelson]

Another thing I am considering is whether trading the M10R for a SL-2S plus cash may make sense - the SL-2S would be great for low light and more casual outings where I don’t need the resolution and I could use the cash towards lenses. 

[Fedro]

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I did the opposite and traded the SL2 and lenses for more M lenses. I felt that for the applications that I used the SL for, I preferred to use the X1D so I cut it down to 2 systems vs 3

Personally I would never live without an M body or RF in general, it is a unique way to take pictures

[trickness]

38 minutes ago, pmendelson said:

Another thing I am considering is whether trading the M10R for a SL-2S plus cash may make sense - the SL-2S would be great for low light and more casual outings where I don’t need the resolution and I could use the cash towards lenses. 

If you’re going to get rid of the M10R, Better to do it before the M11 comes out and resell drops like a rock. If you join the Leica classified Facebook group, there are mint condition SL-2S & SL2 Listed there every couple of weeks for way less than new price

[Jon Warwick]

7 minutes ago, Fedro said:

I did the opposite and traded the SL2 and lenses for more M lenses. I felt that for the applications that I used the SL for, I preferred to use the X1D so I cut it down to 2 systems vs 3

Personally I would never live without an M body or RF in general, it is a unique way to take pictures

More or less similar to my situation, ie, I have moved over to digital medium format (GFX100S) for applications where I’d used my SL2 (which is now sold). But an M is always a keeper for me due to manual focus and small size. 

[Fedro]

same here. With the M I mostly use the M10M and X1D for colour

The Sl was great but kind of in between 

[Mr.Q]

If you aren't shooting with a 28, 35, or 50mm lens using the rangefinder 90% of the time, the M is not for you. It's not a liveview camera.

[beewee]

13 minutes ago, Mr.Q said:

If you aren't shooting with a 28, 35, or 50mm lens using the rangefinder 90% of the time, the M is not for you. It's not a liveview camera.

I wouldn’t go that far.

The 24mm SEM is almost welded onto my M10. It’s one of the sharpest 24mm lenses ever made - by anyone. I use the M10 with the Visoflex both for framing and for its geotagging capabilities. For the performance to size/weight ratio, it’s really hard to beat.

[LeicaR10]

Pmendelson,  I sent you a PM to help with your challenge.   r/ Mark

[Tailwagger]

Not something I would do, despite the fact that I would like to expand the number of L-optics I own over time.  In the end, while the SL has a few special qualities, it fails to distinguish itself in any truly significant way from any of the other potential AF mirrorless suspects. The M, OTOH, is unique. 

When I first bought the SL2, I saw it as ultimately replacing the M.  Fortunately, I came to my senses. They compliment each other well, but neither excels at the brief of the other. IMO, if you send the M packing, to quote Bogie, "you'll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life."  

[tom0511]

I am different (if I use M I prefer the rangefinder and enjoy the optical viewfinder when shooting M).

But if you use EVF anyways...it might make sense to give up the m10r and get some more AF lenses.

For me...I would not want to give up the M.

 

 

[thatkatmat]

I was kind of in the same boat. But, I enjoy using the RF, so I downgraded to a m240 (1900-3000 USD used) and added some L mount glass (a lot of L glass actually, a trio of Sigmas 14-24, 24-70 and 100-400 with extender) 

[hdmesa]

On 6/24/2021 at 9:08 AM, pmendelson said:

I have the M10R and SL2 and enjoy them both.  However, I would love to get a few lenses for the SL2 and would need to give up the M10R to afford them (namely, a Canon 11-24mm, a Canon 17mm tilt-shift, and maybe the 90-280mm SL).  I know this is a personal subjective decision, but appreciate anyone's thoughts that can help me decide.  Here is how I am looking at it:

While I like the M10R's smaller size and simplicity, I usually use the Visoflex so I am not using the OVF that much as a rangefinder (and I often shoot wider than 28mm so live view on the LCD or EVF is important to me).  I like how I can flip up the Visoflex like a right angle finder on the M10R, but on the other hand the SL2's EVF is nicer to use than the Visoflex.  

As far as the sensor goes, I think the M10R is slightly better in terms of high ISO and highlight retention, but on the other hand the SL2 is slightly higher resolution and has multi shot high res mode for still subjects.

Finally, while both are great cameras in their own right, there is something to be said for using one camera system - no having to decide which camera to bring, and using just the SL2 would improve my "muscle memory" in terms of using it and remembering where the functions sit.  

Right now I am leaning towards letting the M10R go, since it's a lot of money have tied up in something that is more of a "really nice to have" than a must have.  By the way, here is my current lens lineup:

SL: 28mm SL, 24-90mm SL, 50mm SL Summilux.

M: CV 15mm III, 21mm SEM, 28mm Summilux, 50mm Summilux ASPH, 135mm 

R: 28mm PC Shift lens 

Don't forget the M11 Visoflex (with rumored SL2-class performance) is supposed to be backward-compatible with the M10-R. Of course it may drain the M10-R battery even faster than the current Visoflex already does, but it's something to consider.