SL 601 in 2022.

[Stuart Richardson]

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My sense of the SL is that it is a solid, reliable camera that will give you another five years if properly cared for. I think the quality of construction is very high. I feel like its construction level was quite similar to the S006 that I shot for six years, which was still going strong when I sold it. The biggest issue would be the battery, but I think you can use the newer batteries in the SL (don't quote me on that), and if that is the case, then replacing the battery should be possible, if not cheap. Overall it performs to a high standard. I think once the M and SL got to 18-24mp, they really had enough resolution for most uses that the average photographer might want them for. The higher resolution is really most useful for huge prints, camera based scanning or other professional applications like artwork reproduction. I think the lack of IBIS is actually probably an advantage in terms of long term use...one less precision component to break. Since the SL has no mirror, that is another component you don't need to worry about. I think that it will likely have a life similar or longer to an M9, a number of which people are still using.

[J12]

I’ve used an SL since purchasing new almost 5 years ago. During that time it has been used heavily day after day for months at a time. Including instances of being out in the pouring rain all day with no place to shelter. The camera continues to perform, and despite constant use the body shows little to no signs of wear.

 

I was very interested by the tech specs of the SL2-S. Primarily improved low light performance and video quality. However, when I saw the redesign of the SL2 / SL2-S body, I made the decision to persevere with the original SL for as long as I can. I find the original SL preferable in terms of build quality, materials and 4 button layout.

 

 

Read the reviews and look at the statements / images from Leica when the camera was originally released.

 

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/10-things-to-know-about-the-leica-sl--typ-601--28317

 

 

They outright state the rigid unibody construction can’t be matched by a 2 piece magnesium body design.

 

https://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/reviews/compactsystemcameras/leica-sl-typ-601-hands-first-look

 

 

Then compare with the cost cutting and design compromises of the SL2 / SL2-S body. Which looks like it has more in common with a Minolta SLR or Sony body.

 

https://www.macfilos.com/2019/11/06/leica-sl2-arrives-a-very-desirable-upgrade-for-l-mount-fans/

 

 

The performance of many digital cameras reached a threshold where it’s really quite acceptable for most uses some years ago. I feel the original SL is still a viable choice today and remains relevant. We know the digital tech in the SL2-S will be superseded by a new camera in a number of years. But if most cameras are already up to the task, then the more permanent and tangible aspects of the camera take on greater importance. Build quality and well thought out design becomes a bigger part of the equation.

Edited March 21, 2022 by J12

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[J12]

4 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

My sense of the SL is that it is a solid, reliable camera that will give you another five years if properly cared for. I think the quality of construction is very high. I feel like its construction level was quite similar to the S006 that I shot for six years, which was still going strong when I sold it. The biggest issue would be the battery, but I think you can use the newer batteries in the SL (don't quote me on that), and if that is the case, then replacing the battery should be possible, if not cheap. Overall it performs to a high standard. I think once the M and SL got to 18-24mp, they really had enough resolution for most uses that the average photographer might want them for. The higher resolution is really most useful for huge prints, camera based scanning or other professional applications like artwork reproduction. I think the lack of IBIS is actually probably an advantage in terms of long term use...one less precision component to break. Since the SL has no mirror, that is another component you don't need to worry about. I think that it will likely have a life similar or longer to an M9, a number of which people are still using.

Very much in agreement. Especially with SL similarities to construction level of the S system. The SL2 / SL2-S somehow lost that. Which is a shame.

[Stuart Richardson]

50 minutes ago, J12 said:

The SL2 / SL2-S somehow lost that. Which is a shame.

I wouldn't agree with that...I have had the SL2 for about two years now and it seems rock solid to me...

[thatkatmat]

On 3/20/2022 at 5:48 PM, J12 said:

Then compare with the cost cutting and design compromises of the SL2 / SL2-S body. Which looks like it has more in common with a Minolta SLR or Sony body.

What compromises are you talking about that you think made the SL2 and SL2s more like a Japanese body? 

[J12]

7 hours ago, thatkatmat said:

What compromises are you talking about that you think made the SL2 and SL2s more like a Japanese body? 

Many points regarding the redesign of the body have been covered in other threads when the SL2 and then SL2-S were released. So please forgive me for repeating some of those.

 

The SL was very utilitarian, extremely robust and almost minimalist in its design. There are no labeled buttons on the camera other than the On / Off switch, but the 4 button layout with double press feature was practical and very intuitive. Once familiar with the way the camera operates it just gets out of the way. No need to look at labels as you know what things do instinctively.

 

Having buttons on the right side of the screen also allows for more selections to be quickly made with the right thumb. Without the need to remove the viewfinder from your eye. You don’t need to alter your hold / grip on the camera and lens. This makes things like quickly reviewing images while shooting / lining up shots a seamless and efficient experience.

 

The design philosophy and unapologetic, monolithic presence of the SL felt close to the professional S line of cameras. As a professional mirrorless system camera it was a pure and bold concept. A supremely confident first step.   

 

 

In comparison the SL2 / SL2-S also removes other practical features like the GPS and recessed strap lugs. Has a more ornate yet weaker 2 piece construction. Very much in the style of a retro SLR with its raised collar around the lens mount and more pronounced prism style viewfinder housing. All wrapped in a body cover seemingly prone to damage.

 

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/324597-sl2-very-disappointing-wear-damage-to-body-cover/

 

Overall it makes it feel like many other consumer mirrorless cameras. That superficially trade on retro SLR styling cues, unconfident and unsure about what they really are.

 

 

In this video from Japan reviewers there even state the SL2-S isn’t very Leica-like and feels like it’s moved toward something a Japanese maker would put out. Not that that’s necessarily all bad, but seems to miss the mark with regard to expectations from a camera by Leica.

 

Use closed captions and auto-translate for English subtitles or language of your choice. (Caveat: May be hard to understand. Auto translation function needs a lot of work!)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh-MzI8jfzE

 

 

In full disclosure I’ve owned plenty of Japanese cameras and liked many of them. I also found the experience of using the original SL a welcome change to those. Tech specs will continue to improve with each new generation of digital camera. But, can’t help feeling some of what made the experience of using the SL so good / special has been watered down with the redesigned SL2-S. (With that said it's only my opinion and won't be shared by all.) 

Edited March 22, 2022 by J12

[Ko.Fe.]

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On 3/20/2022 at 8:48 PM, J12 said:

 However, when I saw the redesign of the SL2 / SL2-S body

From exterior POW where are next to zero changes, just slight changes on fewer buttons on the back and weirdo GPS bump been removed:

https://bit.ly/3wwJlLl  

IMO SL, SL2-S exterior design is better than SL.

[Luke_Miller]

5 hours ago, J12 said:

Having buttons on the right side of the screen also allows for more selections to be quickly made with the right thumb. Without the need to remove the viewfinder from your eye.

Long time Nikon DSLR shooter who just bought an SL.  One of the things I really appreciated about the pro series Nikons was the consistency of the control interface.  The next model immediately felt right at home in one's hand.  This was especially important for serious photography where a backup or second body was necessary.  Rather than having to buy two of the latest versions, the previous model would serve nicely in the backup/second camera role.  Consistency of controls is critical in many situations where the last thing the photographer should be thinking is "How do the controls on this body differ from those on the one I just put down?"

I am extremely impressed with my newly acquired SL and it will replace my Nikons in some of my shooting.  I will not be using it in any of my two camera events, since the controls are so different from those of my Nikons.  And adding an SL2 or SL2-S does not resolve the issue due to the control changes from the SL.  I would need to buy two of the current model or find another SL.

[Chuck Albertson]

I bought a new SL about four years ago, and it has been my main camera ever since. It's robust and hasn't had any problems working in our rainy climate. It works well with M lenses and especially the SL lens line. As others have noted, you set it up for the way you like to shoot, and it gets out of the way. You might brace yourself for the cost of a spare battery, currently U$285 per and likely to go up with the next round of price increases. There aren't any third-party batteries for it. On the other hand, with the same batt used across the SL line and the Q2, they won't go out of production for a while.

[Torpille]

The SL ist a great choice even in 2022, works great with the vario 24-90 or lumix lenses. 
Weather sealing is ok but the one of the sls2 is better. 

As family camera you could consider two other packages, for the price of just a SL body  :

CL with vario 18-56 for the small size and high quality but no weather sealing.

S5 with lumix 20-60, for the best body in town after the sl2-s but not the best zoom.

If you already have TL lenses I would get a cl or eventually the SL. 
if not I would get the s5. not a Leica for shure but a great camera. 

[Ko.Fe.]

30 minutes ago, Torpille said:

The SL ist a great choice even in 2022, works great with the vario 24-90 or lumix lenses. 
Weather sealing is ok but the one of the sls2 is better. 

As family camera you could consider two other packages, for the price of just a SL body  :

CL with vario 18-56 for the small size and high quality but no weather sealing.

S5 with lumix 20-60, for the best body in town after the sl2-s but not the best zoom.

If you already have TL lenses I would get a cl or eventually the SL. 
if not I would get the s5. not a Leica for shure but a great camera. 

I spend about six months looking at all other options. CL and S5 were included. S5 is Russian accordion with outdated EVF, no much difference from Canon RP I have.

CL is not weathersealed, but my family is not just indoors style of living.  

I have no issues with non Leica lenses on M-E 220. Leica experience comes from camera. I don't have money for Leica AF lenses. Nor I see big reason to find money for Leica AF lenses. 

[Seba66]

On 3/18/2022 at 3:50 PM, Ko.Fe. said:

Thinking about moving from film Leica which I don't really use and Canon AF digital gear to single SL 601 with Panasonic 20-60 and SF-26. I use this flash on M-E 220 and it gives very adequate results for its small size.

I'm not a pro, sports and BIF. Just walkaround and family pictures. I just like Leica cameras and want to have good weather sealing.

In 2022, is SL 601 good enough to lasts for another five or so years of regular use under all weather irks? 

Hello, I’m doing the same thoughts… Did you get it? If yes, are you happy with it?

[OR120]

1 hour ago, Seba66 said:

Hello, I’m doing the same thoughts… Did you get it? If yes, are you happy with it?

Same thoughts for me -------------- Did you get it?

[6bit]

I still use my 601. Yes, it will be a great camera for a long time to come.

The SL2 has really spoiled me though. I like the button layout on the back much better and holding the shutter to display the preview image is AWESOME.

[Ko.Fe.]

On 5/24/2022 at 4:27 PM, Seba66 said:

Hello, I’m doing the same thoughts… Did you get it? If yes, are you happy with it?

No, I skipped it for now. Have enough cameras, one weather sealed, for my current, lowered involvement. Summer time, is longboarding time  . 

[Cowz]

My SL is an absolute workhorse and entirely dependable.  I have just traded my M10P up to a SL2, and the SL will still be in my bag as a spare/back up body.  I have the M lenses and L Mount lenses already and the batteries are the same so its an easy decision to cart the body around as part of my kit.  Probably 90% of all my modelling photos are taken with the SL 601. I picked the L2 and not SL2-S as I also have a CL and can use CL lenses without too much loss of Mp.

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[Chris W]

I'm also in a bit of a dilemma.

People say the SL has a magical look. Has the SL2s changed the look?

I have a CL and have never really loved it. I used to love my Q images, but didn't like the 28mm viewpoint.

Shooting recently at ISO1600 on the CL I can see noise, although not unpleasant. Is the SL better or worse?

[LocalHero1953]

Every previous version of a camera has a magical look. Newton’s Fourth Law. 
They said the same about the M9 after the M240 was launched. I saw a post yesterday referring to the M10 as the last of the real Leicas. No one commented on the magical look of the SL601 when it was launched. But now…….

[Chris W]

Maybe.

Although I've seen as many rave SL reviews from 4 or so years ago as bad reviews.

Some people loved it back then.

I certainly feel some of my older cameras have more soul than the latest 50-60mp versions.

I loved the images out of the original Q, I just didn't want to shoot 28mm all the time. 

I love my FP and wouldn't consider an FP-L.

 

I had an M8 and didn't think it was special enough to risk the loss of £1200 if (when) it failed.

I had an Epson RD-1s and it was very fun to use and had a great look about the images. I don't think it's worth the crazy inflated price now though.

Edited June 1, 2022 by Chris W

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[steve.chang]

Owned and sold both SL 601 and SL2. I just bought a used SL 601 again last week, and really prefer the color rendition of its EVF over the one inside SL2. Cheers.