Ken Abrahams Posted September 17, 2024 Share #61 Posted September 17, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well this isn’t good. I mainly use an L bracket with the vertical section extending about 2 cm. Holding the camera with left hand eliminates the frequency of gripping with the right hand and nails doing this kind of damage. I do however pack and rearrange several bags of Leica gear depending on what I’m doing and often pick up the camera in a way that could damage the skin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 17, 2024 Posted September 17, 2024 Hi Ken Abrahams, Take a look here SL2 - very disappointing wear damage to body cover. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Jean-Michel Posted September 17, 2024 Share #62 Posted September 17, 2024 My SL2 also has wear where my fingers, and normal fingernails, hold the camera. It is rather unfortunate and sure does not look like the cover is anywhere as durable as just about any other covers on all my other and previous cameras. When it gets even more worn I'll probably just patch it with some material — perhaps a piece of bicycle tire inner tube patch, that would be both resilient and grippy. Maybe Leica could send all SL2 and SL2s owners a nicely boxed custom designed patch, free if with a logo, and for a small premium for the logo-less version 😀 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olaf_ZG Posted September 18, 2024 Share #63 Posted September 18, 2024 I don’t get it. This is called brassing. M owners die for it… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jptsr1 Posted September 19, 2024 Share #64 Posted September 19, 2024 (edited) Why did I open this thread?!?!?! Got my SL2 this last December and I already see the skin abrasion where my fingernails touch. 😡 Mine isn't even in the spot shown in most of these pics. It's in-between the rocker button and the grip. I don't think most cases provide coverage there. Edited September 19, 2024 by Jptsr1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bherman01545 Posted September 20, 2024 Share #65 Posted September 20, 2024 I use an Arte Di Mano half-case on both my SL2 and SL2-S. Not for that reason, but - for example, I was on holiday in Budapest and Prague and it was quite hot there 33 degrees C/96 degrees F for a few days. As one would imagine, my hands got sweaty and the leather half-case seemed to absorb a little moisture and I got a much better grip. Secondarily, the leather seems to cover that area on the camera so it's a non-issue, but agreed, it shouldn't happen. I'm not defending Leica or the materials that they use, but there were also numerous threads on the Nikon forum where the rubber covering on the Z Series cameras was wearing out, (i.e. wearing away and exhibited a similar issue with fingernails) as the Leica SL cameras, whereas the D850 had zero issues. I have several 55 year-old Leicaflex SL2's that show literally no wear and tear after years of use. I guess that "they don't make 'em like they used to" 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil1066 Posted September 24, 2024 Share #66 Posted September 24, 2024 My SL601 doesnt show this either. Must have used different 'leatherette' on the SL2 etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicalook Posted September 24, 2024 Share #67 Posted September 24, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well, there is a 3 year warranty by Leica. OK, who wants to wait 9 months for the repair... But, did anybody had an official statement or something like that? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SudaliuS Posted June 5 Share #68 Posted June 5 Got my new SL2s yesterday, made by April 2024. And I don't know should I care about this situation... Does anyone has the same issue on SL2s camera? ChatGPT told me that Leica(unofficially) made this body cover stronger and used another material Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted June 5 Share #69 Posted June 5 Mine, 4+ years old, is still unworn 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SudaliuS Posted June 5 Share #70 Posted June 5 15 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said: Mine, 4+ years old, is still unworn Great! It means ChatGPT knows something 😑 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted June 5 Share #71 Posted June 5 46 minutes ago, SudaliuS said: Great! It means ChatGPT knows something 😑 Not necessarily. My interpretation of the reports I’d read (mainly here) was just that people’s hands and finger nails are all different in size and shape, so the wear depends only on your physiology. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted June 6 Share #72 Posted June 6 My SL2 is now showing similar wear after years of normal use. Leica NJ has agreed to replace the covering, but would likely require a month or two away, so for now I’m just using as is. Disappointing quality that I’ve never experienced with any Leica since the 80’s. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
double00 Posted August 3 Share #73 Posted August 3 From the web... Leica SL2-S Body Covering Upgrade Leica has made some improvements to the body covering of the SL2-S model. While specific details about the materials used in the SL2-S compared to its predecessor, the SL2, are not extensively documented, there are indications that Leica has focused on enhancing durability and user experience. Material Composition: The SL2-S continues to use synthetic materials for its body covering, which are designed to be more resistant to wear and tear compared to previous models. Users have reported that the covering is more robust, addressing some of the wear issues noted with the SL2. User Experiences: Some users have expressed concerns about the wear on the body covering of the SL2, leading to warranty claims for replacements. The SL2-S appears to have taken this feedback into account, with improvements aimed at reducing vulnerability to scratches and damage. Grip and Aesthetics: The SL2-S features a design that enhances grip and maintains the aesthetic appeal of the camera. The covering is intended to provide a better tactile experience, which is crucial for photographers during use. Overall, while the SL2-S maintains the classic Leica design, it seems to incorporate enhancements in the body covering to improve durability and user satisfaction. If you're considering the SL2-S, it may offer a more resilient option compared to earlier models. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LD_50 Posted August 5 Share #74 Posted August 5 I bought the SL2-S when it was released and used it extensively until this year when I upgraded to SL3-S. I never had any wear showing on the grip material. I did have a lot of edge wear on the metal parts of the camera, including the rotating knobs. It’s been said for years this seems dependent on how the cameras were used and not some “unofficial” update from Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted August 5 Share #75 Posted August 5 On 8/3/2025 at 11:29 PM, double00 said: From the web... Source? The web also says that Elvis was the first person to land on the moon. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
double00 Posted August 5 Share #76 Posted August 5 4 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said: Source? The web also says that Elvis was the first person to land on the moon. The following is from a Leica Customer Care Specialist located in NJ. "I do know that we haven't had complaints about the leatherettes on the SL2-S (I also haven't heard of the SL leatherettes wearing prematurely)". You can take the above anyway you want. I'm not going to respond to any further comments from you regarding this topic. I have not had any problems with my SL2-S. I have read about many complaints regarding the leatherette covering from SL2 owners. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markey Posted August 5 Share #77 Posted August 5 I have the same wear on my SL2s. Thought it was just me. Its a poor do if its a "fault". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted August 5 Share #78 Posted August 5 (edited) 48 minutes ago, double00 said: The following is from a Leica Customer Care Specialist located in NJ. "I do know that we haven't had complaints about the leatherettes on the SL2-S (I also haven't heard of the SL leatherettes wearing prematurely)". You can take the above anyway you want. I'm not going to respond to any further comments from you regarding this topic. I have not had any problems with my SL2-S. I have read about many complaints regarding the leatherette covering from SL2 owners. Oh, hoity-toity. FWIW, I have no reason to question those who have experienced leatherette damage. I do question those who paste text 'from the web' without giving any indication of source and its credibility. Edited August 5 by LocalHero1953 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cnguyen Posted August 10 Share #79 Posted August 10 To poster - Sell your SL2 and buy the SL 601 - I own one and it has much cleaner design than the sl2 or sl3 . Your fingers will be hitting the metal when holding the grip instead of the leatherette. LOL 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenverSteve Posted August 10 Share #80 Posted August 10 To me it's not an issue. If you drive a car properly, play a guitar properly.......... use a camera properly (properly= not keeping it in the box) you will show wear. If the wear (you caused) is concerning, order a new cover kit and replace that piece. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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