Considering used SL

[Farrell Gallery]

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Hello!! I'm relatively new to Leica, using a Q2 along with Fuji gear. I was considering a used SL and a Sigma or Panasonic 85mm...alongside the Q2. Mainly for documentary style weddings and headshots. not sure I can afford the new SL2s. Unless Autofocus is sluggish on the SL, I'm not as concerned about other points of comparison. I wanted to ask here as many of you have used both. 

Reason? Both my Fuji XT-3's are paperweights, since last cleaning and firmware updates, the 1 card doesn't record on one, and both lose all settings when swapping batteries and need to be sent in for repair. Both are two years old. I've got a bee in my bonnet about this, haha. 

Edited September 21, 2022 by Farrell Gallery

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[Luke_Miller]

A couple of months ago I picked up a used SL and Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90.  A long time M shooter and I wanted to see what the SL system was about.  I was very impressed and quickly added a used SL-2.  So be forewarned - they can be addictive. Shot a wedding with the SL and 24-90.  Even with the much-maligned continuous AF it tracked the coming down the aisle shots.

[Farrell Gallery]

1 hour ago, Luke_Miller said:

A couple of months ago I picked up a used SL and Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90.  A long time M shooter and I wanted to see what the SL system was about.  I was very impressed and quickly added a used SL-2.  So be forewarned - they can be addictive. Shot a wedding with the SL and 24-90.  Even with the much-maligned continuous AF it tracked the coming down the aisle shots.

Thanks Luke, 

 

I wish it had proper dials like my Q2, but not sure what else Leica makes in a more analog design. AF performance can cope with the 601 type? 

Edited September 21, 2022 by Farrell Gallery

[Luke_Miller]

I also shoot Nikon DSLRs and did not expect the performance of contrast detection AF in the SL series, particularly in continuous AF mode, to be equal that of my Nikon phase detection AF system.  So my concern when buying into the SL system was - is it good enough for my use.  I find it to be so.

[Chuck Albertson]

I've found the face-detect AF of the 601 to work quite well for headshots and the like. I shot a family wedding over the weekend and didn't have any misses. I probably wouldn't shoot the Le Mans 24-hour race with it, but the tracking AF did pretty well with some jets last month: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/303152-leica-sl2-image-thread-please-post-your-images-here/page/320/#comments (post #6393, posted by mistake in the SL2 images thread).

You're likely already shocked at the price of batts for the SL, but at least you can swap them with your Q2.

 

[Farrell Gallery]

2 hours ago, Chuck Albertson said:

I've found the face-detect AF of the 601 to work quite well for headshots and the like. I shot a family wedding over the weekend and didn't have any misses. I probably wouldn't shoot the Le Mans 24-hour race with it, but the tracking AF did pretty well with some jets last month: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/303152-leica-sl2-image-thread-please-post-your-images-here/page/320/#comments (post #6393, posted by mistake in the SL2 images thread).

You're likely already shocked at the price of batts for the SL, but at least you can swap them with your Q2.

 

Great to hear, and I appreciate that feedback! Is it easy to change settings on the fly? 

Edited September 21, 2022 by Farrell Gallery

[Chuck Albertson]

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11 hours ago, Farrell Gallery said:

Great to hear, and I appreciate that feedback! Is it easy to change settings on the fly? 

You can assign the Focus Mode selection (AFs, AFc, MF), the AF Mode selection (static, dynamic/tracking, auto/face detect), and the AF Field Size selection (1 point, field, zone) to any of the programmable buttons (all unlabeled) on the camera - four on the back around the LCD panel, two on top, and the funk button in front. Once they're assigned, a long press on that button brings up the choices. That saves a lot of dumpster-diving in the menus to make the same change. Other selections (ISO, WB, etc.) can be assigned to those buttons as well.

[Farrell Gallery]

6 hours ago, Chuck Albertson said:

You can assign the Focus Mode selection (AFs, AFc, MF), the AF Mode selection (static, dynamic/tracking, auto/face detect), and the AF Field Size selection (1 point, field, zone) to any of the programmable buttons (all unlabeled) on the camera - four on the back around the LCD panel, two on top, and the funk button in front. Once they're assigned, a long press on that button brings up the choices. That saves a lot of dumpster-diving in the menus to make the same change. Other selections (ISO, WB, etc.) can be assigned to those buttons as well.

That's awesome, thanks! I wish it had the design of the M, with AF however. The blank buttons and digital window would seem odd.