Using M lenses on an SL

[Farrell Gallery]

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I want either an M11 or M10 to complement my Q2 because I much prefer the analog style over SLR interface.....but why do people use M lenses on an SL? Wouldn't you just get an M? What am I missing, as I do my research? 

[LocalHero1953]

The SL2 also gives you IBIS, which is helpful, given that some posts recommend the M11 needs a shutter speed of 1/4f to avoid visible shake.

There are also quite a lot of M lenses that have no SL equivalent; you could buy a M body for them or just put them on the SL2. I don't have a (digital) M body but I do have a Summilux-M 75 which is worlds apart in looks from the Summicron-SL 75. But in general I prefer SL lenses on my SL2-S, for AF if nothing else.

[Farrell Gallery]

5 hours ago, Artin said:

Well for starters it gives you an excellent Electronic View Finder which works great with ultra fast M lenses like the Noctilux lenses.

It also makes the SL into a nice light package compared to L lenses.

the SL2 was the higher MPX solution till the M11 came out. 
and it’s also an easier focusing on the SLSeries cameras especially for a newcomer. 
last but not least a SL gives you a versatility of having an AF option when you decide to put a native lens on it and mix it up.

Thanks, that makes sense. I suppose you'd use focus peaking, unless the SL has a split image option? 

[Farrell Gallery]

1 hour ago, Artin said:

No split image option, focus peaking is the only way, and as mentioned above the IBIS is a huge deal with the SL2/s 

Depending on lighting conditions, peaking can either be easier or more problematic. At this point, IBIS is less of a concern for me, though I do wear 1.25 reading glasses and may need a custom diopter.   

[Jeff S]

11 minutes ago, Farrell Gallery said:

Depending on lighting conditions, peaking can either be easier or more problematic. At this point, IBIS is less of a concern for me, though I do wear 1.25 reading glasses and may need a custom diopter.   

I don’t use M lenses on my SL2, but if I did and needed critical focus, I’d use focus magnification, not peaking, which I find annoying and unnecessary.

I prefer to keep my M lenses on my M bodies, always using the RF, which has served me well since the 80’s (using 28/35/50mm focal lengths).  The SL2, with native SL lenses, serves other purposes, including longer/wider focal lengths, zooms, AF (with magnification assist) and weather sealing.

With M focusing, be careful making assumptions about diopter strength. Best to try and assess (and first correct for any astigmatism).  The focus patch is set at a virtual distance of 2m. If one is not close to a Leica dealer, a good local optician can provide free trial diopters to test over the VF.  Or, a good dealer will ship several and provide for return of all but the optimal one.

Jeff

[Farrell Gallery]

6 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

I don’t use M lenses on my SL2, but if I did and needed critical focus, I’d use focus magnification, not peaking, which I find annoying and unnecessary.

I prefer to keep my M lenses on my M bodies, always using the RF, which has served me well since the 80’s (using 28/35/50mm focal lengths).  The SL2, with native SL lenses, serves other purposes, including longer/wider focal lengths, zooms, AF (with magnification assist) and weather sealing.

With M focusing, be careful making assumptions about diopter strength. Best to try and assess (and first correct for any astigmatism).  The focus patch is set at a virtual distance of 2m. If one is not close to a Leica dealer, a good local optician can provide free trial diopters to test over the VF.  Or, a good dealer will ship several and provide for return of all but the optimal one.

Jeff

Next we will be talking about having to pee all the time, lol.....but it's part of life I guess. All good to know, and thank you. Do you find rangefinder focusing is feasible even in darker conditions like night, or a darker conference room / reception? I just feel more drawn to rangefinder than SL, though I know both serve different purposes. I'd probably mainly use 35 and 85, and use the Q2 for the 28. 

[Jeff S]

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RF focusing works well for me, day or night. Others will have different preferences and use cases, as with most all of photography.

You can rent or demo if desired.

Jeff

Edited November 28, 2022 by Jeff S

[Farrell Gallery]

12 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

RF focusing works well for me, day or night. Others will have different preferences and use cases, as with most all of photography.

You can rent or demo if desired.

Jeff

Thanks!! I think a visit to a store and seeing their gallery is in my future. 

[Photoworks]

On 11/27/2022 at 6:27 PM, Farrell Gallery said:

Thanks, that makes sense. I suppose you'd use focus peaking, unless the SL has a split image option? 

The SL2 view finder you can focus M lenses wide open even with out magnification , easier on fast lenses.

Do to the sensor the Sl2-s is a bit better to see focus with M lenses.

 

M cameras are great focusing, but there are situations where it can drive you crazy. Been only optical, dark spaces like candle light dinner it will be hard to focus on faces. Water, trees and other repeating patterns make focusing difficult on the M

[Luke_Miller]

On 11/29/2022 at 9:29 AM, Photoworks said:

TM cameras are great focusing, but there are situations where it can drive you crazy. Been only optical, dark spaces like candle light dinner it will be hard to focus on faces. Water, trees and other repeating patterns make focusing difficult on the M

Once light levels get low I find RF focusing a challenge. But no problem with my SL bodies.  I have the joystick configured to give a 100% zoom with a press and that makes manual focus a breeze.  Initially I thought focus peaking was useful, but now not so much.

[tom0511]

I suppose it makes sense to use M lenses on the SL instead on an M if you want the EVF and IBIS. Also some people might not own both M and SL, but just SL body.

M lens on SL makes sense:

- you allready own M lenses

- you like a special lens (with maybe a special character) not available as SL-lens (for example Noctilux or classic / older lenses)

- if you want a small and light lens ( I bring sometimes the M 18mm or 21mm instead of my 16-35SL lens)

Other than that I personally prefer the native lenses with AF on the SL

and M lenses on the M.