Leica SL2-S Reporter: Particularly scratch-resistant and resilient

[LUF Admin]

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Leica today introduces a new variant of the Leica SL2-S:

The Leica SL2-S Reporter features a particularly scratch-resistant dark green finish and aramid fabric sheathing. The Leica SL2-S Reporter is available immediately for €5,290.

Images Leica SL2-S Reporter

Leica SL2-S Reporter

Photo and Video Journalism without Limits

Wetzlar, 21st October 2022. With the Leica SL2-S Reporter, Leica Camera AG presents a new member of its Reporter-Design-Series and thus pays highest tribute to photo and video journalism. The robust design version, in which an M10-P, a Q2 and a Q2 Monochrome have already been released, meets the high requirements of the often adverse operating conditions of professional photography at any time. Due to its unobtrusive appearance, the reliable precision tool for photographing and filming makes it possible to become a part of the action without attracting attention and to concentrate exclusively on it thanks to its intuitive operation.

The Leica SL2-S Reporter redefines the limits of resilience with its robust all-metal body, the particularly scratch-resistant paint finish in dark green and the aramid fibre coating. Thus, it easily defies extreme temperatures, shocks, dust and water and offers nature- and outdoor photographers as well as photo journalists and press photographers almost limitless possibilities. The resistant synthetic fibre aramid is also used for the production of protective equipment. With its distinctive pattern of tightly interwoven fibres, the special armour not only provides an extraordinary look but also a considerably increased grip – for even more safety and stability when photographing and filming. In its technical characteristics, the design variant corresponds to the serial model Leica SL2-S.

The Leica SL2-S Reporter will be available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorized dealers starting now.

[bherman01545]

The camera looks nice aesthetically and it might be possible that the green painted finish is more durable than black? That remains to be seen.

The issue is with the aramid fibre coating. Leica uses the same coating on the Q2 Reporter and there are numerous threads from people complaining about the durability of the material. It tends to 'wool-up' and get 'hairy' looking. Many have either sold their Q2 Reporters or have gotten the body material replaced with leather or leatherette.

Here is a link to the thread:

 

 

[cwcltd]

I can only comment on my own experiences; I’ve had the Q2R for some 9 months now, and it’s been in daily use with no issues. I’ve just taken delivery of a SL2-S Reporter and would like to expect the same standard (not denying that other Q2R users have some issues, but mine is OK).

[LocalHero1953]

1 hour ago, bherman01545 said:

The camera looks nice aesthetically and it might be possible that the green painted finish is more durable than black? That remains to be seen.

The issue is with the aramid fibre coating. Leica uses the same coating on the Q2 Reporter and there are numerous threads from people complaining about the durability of the material. It tends to 'wool-up' and get 'hairy' looking. Many have either sold their Q2 Reporters or have gotten the body material replaced with leather or leatherette.

Here is a link to the thread:

 

 

'Numerous' is a bit OTT. I have seen multiple posts in several threads by one person. I tried to add up the number of users with problems - it looked like 3-4. FWIW my Q2 is still pristine. Not trying to say that there is no problem - just getting it in context.

[goodbokeh]

Before I purchased my Q2 last Summer I did research on the Q2 Reporter. I looked at numerous Q2 Reporters for sale in mint or mint- (9+) condition on the Fred Miranda Buy & Sell site. They all had the Kevlar developing small white balls of fuzz and patterns of matting. It wasn't a good look to me. But I can understand that this could be viewed as a patina much like the brass showing under black paint and be attractive to some.

Edited October 26, 2022 by goodbokeh

[hdmesa]

50 minutes ago, goodbokeh said:

Before I purchased my Q2 last Summer I did research on the Q2 Reporter. I looked at numerous Q2 Reporters for sale in mint or mint- (9+) condition on the Fred Miranda Buy & Sell site. They all had the Kevlar developing small white balls of fuzz and patterns of matting. It wasn't a good look to me. But I can understand that this could be viewed as a patina much like the brass showing under black paint and be attractive to some.

It's going to be tougher and in my opinion look better than the SL2/SL2-S regular cladding that tears from some peoples' fingernails after some use. And that's an issue not limited to just a few people.

[J12]

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There really wouldn’t be any need for a reporter model if the SL2/SL2-S retained the rock solid monoblock chassis of the original SL. The SL 601 remains a rugged, dependable and responsive camera to this day. Also far less affected by all the bugs, QC and battery issues that seem to be more prevalent in the newer models. (M11 included.)

 

It’s a tough act to follow:

 

https://leicarumors.com/2019/02/27/leica-camera-saved-the-life-of-an-italian-photojournalist-in-syria.aspx/

 

 

Did not like the SL2/SL2-S redesign. Found the improvement in specs appealing, but not enough to justify the investment in upgrading. The Hasselblad X2D has me more interested when it comes time to compliment or replace the SL with another mirrorless camera.

[goodbokeh]

On 10/26/2022 at 12:53 PM, hdmesa said:

It's going to be tougher and in my opinion look better than the SL2/SL2-S regular cladding that tears from some peoples' fingernails after some use. And that's an issue not limited to just a few people.

I understand that the complaints of the tearing were about the rubber inlay on the interior side of the grip. That inlay still exists in the photos of the SL2-S Reporter.

[hdmesa]

1 hour ago, goodbokeh said:

I understand that the complaints of the tearing were about the rubber inlay on the interior side of the grip. That inlay still exists in the photos of the SL2-S Reporter.

The tearing I saw — and where my nails dig into the camera — was right between the two front function buttons and the grip itself. It was tearing the cladding, not the rubber. The rubber insert wasn’t an issue for me.

 

Edited October 30, 2022 by hdmesa

[Photoworks]

That is a bummer that that happens. It would be good to investigate what happens and how they are holding it.

I think it is an isolated case and very few reports of it.

The should just replace the cover on those.

I have 2 SL2 with heavy daily use and that part looks like new after 3 years, the rest had bumps and color loss.

[goodbokeh]

17 hours ago, hdmesa said:

The tearing I saw — and where my nails dig into the camera — was right between the two front function buttons and the grip itself. It was tearing the cladding, not the rubber. The rubber insert wasn’t an issue for me.

 

Thanks for the memory jog on the wear point. Well, with only 1000 copies being produced we may never hear how the SL2-S Reporter's Kevlar holds up in this area. Time will tell.

[hdmesa]

17 hours ago, Photoworks said:

That is a bummer that that happens. It would be good to investigate what happens and how they are holding it.

I think it is an isolated case and very few reports of it.

The should just replace the cover on those.

I have 2 SL2 with heavy daily use and that part looks like new after 3 years, the rest had bumps and color loss.

It’s only people whose hand size and anatomy puts the fingernails in contact the cladding with a normal grip. If someone’s hand is smaller or built differently, it’s not an issue.