Leica announced SL discounts - precursor to SL3 or end of line?

[stout_trapdoor9]

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So yesterday I received the latest Leica offer for the SL2-S and SL2, which amounts to a discount of $2200 USD on a brand new SL lens and SL body. Prices for new in box SL cameras have been at $5k USD for the last two weeks at many large camera stores. What do they know that I don't? Did Leica inform them they were making a price cut in advance so they would be able to shift inventory? And is that price cut in anticipation of announcing a new SL camera? Anyone? I have been considering an SL so that I have a weather resistant option in addition to my M11 and M10M, but I'm glad I didn't buy even at the lower retailer prices, as used prices will go even lower now.

[frame-it]

why would you think its the End of the line for the SL system?

prolly the SL3 with 60MP M11 sensor coming in jan-march, or hopefully by Christmas

[LeicaR10]

The SL line is definitely not dead.  The price reductions are due to the USD and EURO exchange rate. Leica needs to level the playing field for US dealers due to the strong USD.  The SL3 is coming, TBD.  The SL21 is due out next quarter due to parts manufacturing with supplers.  Plus there are a host of Leica L mounts lenses coming next year.  Leica Rumors already reported such.  The S4 is coming in 2025 and I would not be surprised if a new line of S lenses based on SL lens technology are forthcoming as well.  It would make sound manufacturing practice for lens production, cost containment with common components and technology across the SL and S lines.  Plus I would think if a new S lens line is produced, Leica would make the current S lenses compatible with the S4. My alleged new S system lenses is based what I know and surmise.  r/ Mark

Edited November 14, 2022 by LeicaR10

[robb]

Yes used cameras and lenses will be even lower cost now.

Makes sense to level the playing field for US dealers.  I’m expecting a long run with the SL series because the M can’t do “everything”.  SL picks up on strengths the M cannot provide.

Robb

[Photoworks]

Since they are collaborating on the development with Panasonic and the S5 II will probably come out next year with phase AF, I would think the Leica SL3 will follow soon after with similar technological improvements .

I think it is going to be different then M11 sensor, the construction need to accommodate AF and IBIS. I am sure they have been working on it for the last 3 years and are exited to bring out the new camera making SL line the future of Leica .

[Photoworks]

2 hours ago, LeicaR10 said:

The S4 is coming in 2025

do you think it is still relevant that people want an S camera? maybe the few thousand that still have lenses and want central shutter.
The look nice on the SL but slow and heavy, not interesting to me if there are native SL equivalents.

[robb]

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I have to say that I have an SL2 and an SL2-s

I’m planning on buying another SL2 and possibly SL2-s

the Image quality is so good that I’m really not left wanting much more.  Just minor stuff.

But I’ve just been waiting (like everyone else because an SL3 could actually replace the need for two more additional cameras and combine both high iso (from the SL2-s) and high mp (from the SL2) into one body if it is similar to the m11 sensor.  Then I’d just add all SL3 lol
 

but once I see the specs and any other improvements, I may still opt to just stay with the SL2 lineup adding more of them (at lower prices)… because they really are that good already.  It’s just that afc issue for me primarily…

Robb

[LeicaR10]

Photoworks,  The S system is designed for a small market niche; Fashion, Portrait, Landscape and maybe a couple others.  It is a truly a professional camera for those needing high resolution, accurate color, very large files for graphics, billboards, fine art prints.  The S camera saved Leica and I was told the company is certainly committed to it. The decade plus of my use in business, it delivered in spades.  The S camera and lenses do not render like the SL system.  It has a cinematic look and that IMO makes is truly unique.  My clients would not buy prints unless the photograph was created with a Leica S camera and lenses. Very selective clients that voted with their black AMEX cards.  The S camera is not a prosumer camera.  It commands a very high price for its unique sensor design and rendering with the S lenses and small niche market.  Maybe the S4 will be smaller/lighter but the sensor size will remain MF. How many MPs, I do not know.  Last, I am always amused by those who complain about the cost of a S camera and lenses, yet they never grouse at a Phase One, Hasselblad H series price tag.  The S system is weather sealed and can take a beating.  Just ask David Farkas at Red Dot Forum.  If you need to make very large prints, with excellent color and a cinematic look to your images then get the AMEX card ready for 2025 according to Leica Rumors.   r/ Mark

PS: If you wish to read about the S lenses just check out this article.  The article is spot in ever aspect.

Try:  https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2020/04/the-definitive-guide-to-leica-s-lenses/

Edited November 15, 2022 by LeicaR10

[frame-it]

1 hour ago, Photoworks said:

do you think it is still relevant that people want an S camera? maybe the few thousand that still have lenses and want central shutter.
The look nice on the SL but slow and heavy, not interesting to me if there are native SL equivalents.

that's a nice idea, CS lenses for the SL3 as an option

[robb]

I will double the thumbs up for the CS lenses to work on the SL3…

Robb

[hansvons]

5 hours ago, robb said:

I’m planning on buying another SL2 and possibly SL2-s

the Image quality is so good that I’m really not left wanting much more.  Just minor stuff.

Agreed. I’d like to see a Leica style engineered articulated screen and internal raw video recording. If that doesn't materialise with the SL3-S I happily wait until the SL4-S. 

--

Because the SL cameras can take M lenses without compromising quality, I find it hard to justify buying an M if I were looking for the look/IQ, which varies highly depending on age group. It’s purely the user experience; that alone can be a great reason. But when money is an objective and profits have to be made off the camera system, the SL makes more sense as it is lens-agnostic.

 

 

[frame-it]

3 hours ago, robb said:

I will double the thumbs up for the CS lenses to work on the SL3…

Robb

yes, i mean native L mount CS lenses

[frame-it]

5 minutes ago, hansvons said:

I’d like to see a Leica style engineered articulated screen

and if possible the original 4 buttons with short and long press = 8 functions

[frame-it]

12 hours ago, stout_trapdoor9 said:

So yesterday I received the latest Leica offer for the SL2-S and SL2, which amounts to a discount of $2200 USD on a brand new SL lens and SL body.

you mean this?

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[T25UFO]

Currency realignment is a relatively small factor.  In January this year the USD : EUR exchange rate was 1.13.  The EUR has been in gradual decline through the year and bottomed out in September at 0.96 and has since strengthened to around 1.04 so these discounts outstrip any currency realignment.

This a clear signpost to the imminent arrival of the SL3 - standard marketing practice to discount the current model before introducing its replacement.  Similar things happening with all the recent special editions of the Q2 - Reporter, Seal and the now rumoured Hodinkee - all of which points to the arrival of a Q3.

Doesn't make the SL2 or the Q2 any less desirable.

[LocalHero1953]

I use a SL2-S and Sigma fp in tandem for theatre/performance: either both for video (e.g. one static on wide angle, the other mobile for tele/close), or the fp for video and the SL2-S for stills. I've been thinking of simplifying by replacing the fp with a used second SL2-S. Perhaps I should just take time to read the tea leaves about the arrival of the SL3 (to replace the fp). I would hope that there would be a more video-centric model (SL3-S), though last time the SL2-S trailed a good long time after the SL2 itself. 

[MediaFotografie]

Zitat

https://leicarumors.com/2022/11/14/save-up-to-2300-on-the-leica-sl-system-with-the-new-customer-appreciation-program-us-only.aspx/

 

[Photoworks]

9 hours ago, LeicaR10 said:

Photoworks,  The S system is designed for a small market niche; Fashion, Portrait, Landscape and maybe a couple others.  It is a truly a professional camera for those needing high resolution, accurate color, very large files for graphics, billboards, fine art prints.  The S camera saved Leica and I was told the company is certainly committed to it. The decade plus of my use in business, it delivered in spades.  The S camera and lenses do not render like the SL system.  It has a cinematic look and that IMO makes is truly unique.  My clients would not buy prints unless the photograph was created with a Leica S camera and lenses. Very selective clients that voted with their black AMEX cards.  The S camera is not a prosumer camera.  It commands a very high price for its unique sensor design and rendering with the S lenses and small niche market.  Maybe the S4 will be smaller/lighter but the sensor size will remain MF. How many MPs, I do not know.  Last, I am always amused by those who complain about the cost of a S camera and lenses, yet they never grouse at a Phase One, Hasselblad H series price tag.  The S system is weather sealed and can take a beating.  Just ask David Farkas at Red Dot Forum.  If you need to make very large prints, with excellent color and a cinematic look to your images then get the AMEX card ready for 2025 according to Leica Rumors.   r/ Mark

PS: If you wish to read about the S lenses just check out this article.  The article is spot in ever aspect.

Try:  https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2020/04/the-definitive-guide-to-leica-s-lenses/

Yes sure there can be a few funs of the system, I  do sometime have to use the Phase one 150MP camera, but it is a niche products and people will adapt the lenses on the SL2 only because they don't have the native alternative in SL.

I have talked to David in the past and even he doesn't carry the S line to workshop anymore, SL2 and Q2 is what he has.
It doesn't take anything away from the system and the sensor. it is not even important the sensor update was few years late and the next can be too. I have used the M10R for a year and not using the M11, tech evolves and time goes by, I find that the M11 sensor has and edge over the M10R especially at 64 Iso.

To come back to SL line, I think the SL3 is going to deliver the next milestone for the SL system for Leica. I use two SL2 as my primary cameras and they have an edge over the competition in a few factors that make the difference for me.
I always use multiple bodies at the same time, sometime for quick change to different lens or just to have it as a backup, or for video the same format different angle. What is beautiful is that the camera menu layout is been unified between cameras even the buttons , something that many other brands don't do. that is important for me.

When Sony and canon use to come out with new cameras I had to buy two so that the menu is the same and I don't get lost in finding what I am looking for.
I remember hating the M10-R buttons where flipped from the SL2 layout, I would alway press the wrong one for PLAY.

I think many people are interested in seeing what is new, many of them will be more that happy with SL2 many more years.

[LBJ2]

19 hours ago, stout_trapdoor9 said:

So yesterday I received the latest Leica offer for the SL2-S and SL2, which amounts to a discount of $2200 USD on a brand new SL lens and SL body. Prices for new in box SL cameras have been at $5k USD for the last two weeks at many large camera stores. What do they know that I don't? Did Leica inform them they were making a price cut in advance so they would be able to shift inventory? And is that price cut in anticipation of announcing a new SL camera? Anyone? I have been considering an SL so that I have a weather resistant option in addition to my M11 and M10M, but I'm glad I didn't buy even at the lower retailer prices, as used prices will go even lower now.

This is an excellent SL offer. Maybe the best yet! Might be time to pick up that SL prime some of us have been pondering. Win/Win for your scenario too. Grab this deal for new products or buy used. You save a lot of money either way. I read some rumors Panasonic will be announcing new FF camera(s) February 2023 at the CP+ show. IMO a strong timeline hint for us Leica SL3 hopefuls. But the SL3 will come with a new Leica camera price tag. 

Regardless, the SL2/SL2-S similar to its predecessor will continue to be very viable cameras for some years to come and if you buy with this major discount deal or used, you'll also be able to sell well when the time comes. 

Edited November 15, 2022 by LBJ2

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[BernardC]

21 hours ago, stout_trapdoor9 said:

And is that price cut in anticipation of announcing a new SL camera? Anyone?

We will probably see an SL3 or two next year. Panasonic has already dropped hints of a replacement for the S5, which uses a similar sensor to the SL2-S.

That being said, all camera brands have special offers at year-end. Last year's offer was called “Change to Leica trade-in promotion." I wouldn't read too much into it. Leica's summer promotion ("Leica Family & Friends Program") ended on October 31.