Opinion on a Leicaflex SL2 needed...

[LennyTheLion]

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Hi All,

I am quite interested in this SL2, but am interested in opinions from people who know far more on them that I do...

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/185231646538?hash=item2b20aa9f4a:g:4ooAAOSwKMJhyViS

 

What do you think?

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[TomB_tx]

I can't comment on the price, but I sure like all the Leicaflex models. I bought an SL in 1969, and used it along with my M4 for decades. Later added an R4 - I liked the R4 size, but the build of the SL was much better. In recent years I added an SL2, and appreciate the improvements over the SL. It's a big, heavy camera, solid as a tank.

As with any camera that old it may require service, and like all old cameras replacement parts, etc. can be a problem.

The lens is a 2-cam version 1 Summicron, so would not be usable on a later "R" body. I found that lens quite flare prone in certain lighting. The next Summicron version was an improvement, but both are fine lenses.

[hepcat]

I have recently acquired a Leicaflex Standard, two SL bodies, an SL2 and an R6.2.   I've sent the SL2 for overhaul and two of my two-cam lenses to DAG Camera to have the third cam installed.   Of the batch, I think I prefer the SL and the R6.2.  I bought the SL2 because it was a former US Navy camera, and I'm a former USN Photographer's Mate... a purchase of sentimentality... and it was cheap, $199 USD  (but needed an overhaul.)
 

The two-cam lenses can be used (at least on the R6.2) using stop-down metering.  I presume that the rest of the R-series cameras would be similar in operation.  If you look carefully at the photo of the rear of the Summicron, at thr 4 o'clock position there appears to be some anomaly in the lens... perhaps separation or fungus that isn't described in the text of the listing.  I'd have that clarified before I bought it at that price.  

Other than that, it looks like a nice SL2 and Summicron-R.   What specifically do you have questions about?  Do you already have R lenses?

Edited May 21, 2022 by hepcat

[OR120]

Back in the day I had the Leicaflex SL, then SL2 then SL2Mot w/motor (don't take Mot to a tennis match 😉) - then R3, R4. The SL2 was my favorite SL film body camera (in Leica line) - SL2 was just a great camera. Daily news use. Never had a problem with that one. Just wasn't practical to keep using when up against the Nikon and Canon bodies of the day (for my needs at that time)

Edited May 21, 2022 by OR120
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[LennyTheLion]

22 hours ago, hepcat said:

I have recently acquired a Leicaflex Standard, two SL bodies, an SL2 and an R6.2.   I've sent the SL2 for overhaul and two of my two-cam lenses to DAG Camera to have the third cam installed.   Of the batch, I think I prefer the SL and the R6.2.  I bought the SL2 because it was a former US Navy camera, and I'm a former USN Photographer's Mate... a purchase of sentimentality... and it was cheap, $199 USD  (but needed an overhaul.)
 

The two-cam lenses can be used (at least on the R6.2) using stop-down metering.  I presume that the rest of the R-series cameras would be similar in operation.  If you look carefully at the photo of the rear of the Summicron, at thr 4 o'clock position there appears to be some anomaly in the lens... perhaps separation or fungus that isn't described in the text of the listing.  I'd have that clarified before I bought it at that price.  

Other than that, it looks like a nice SL2 and Summicron-R.   What specifically do you have questions about?  Do you already have R lenses?

Hi _ I have no R lenses at the moment. Am looking into getting back into Leica by the most cost effective means possible. I think the price is too high, particularly as I can't inspect the SL2 before purchase so am likely to pass on it...

[Robert E]

Hi Lenny,

I have a mint Leicaflex Sl2 with 50mm Summicron and original leather case (that's why its so mint) that I'll sell you for a lot less than the one eBay.

This one has already had a CLA by DAG and is ready to shoot with, looks brand new.

If interested, send me an email to: robertgromen@gmail.com

Thanks.

[hepcat]

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2 hours ago, LennyTheLion said:

Hi _ I have no R lenses at the moment. Am looking into getting back into Leica by the most cost effective means possible. I think the price is too high, particularly as I can't inspect the SL2 before purchase so am likely to pass on it...

I asked because for whatever reason, R lenses are both getting more scarce and more expensive.   Had I not bought a half-dozen lenses and two bodies from an estate sale in a lot for a really good price, I'd probably never have re-entered the Leica world. 

[Mute-on]

If you are looking in Australia, this is local and a decent option https://www.cameraexchange.com.au/product-page/leicaflex-sl-50-f-2