Going from SL2 to M11

[Noctilux4me]

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Hi everyone.  I am looking for advice.  I spent many years learning photography on the Leica M9.  When the SL2 came out, I switched from the M system.  It wasn't because I wanted video, it was more leveraging the SL2 system to make it easier to use the Noctilux.  I have noticed that using the Noctilux on the SL2 just doesn't give you the same Noctilux look as with the M system.  

Has anyone switched from SL2 to the M11.  If so, I would appreciate your advice.

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[dkmoore]

32 minutes ago, Noctilux4me said:

Hi everyone.  I am looking for advice.  I spent many years learning photography on the Leica M9.  When the SL2 came out, I switched from the M system.  It wasn't because I wanted video, it was more leveraging the SL2 system to make it easier to use the Noctilux.  I have noticed that using the Noctilux on the SL2 just doesn't give you the same Noctilux look as with the M system.  

Has anyone switched from SL2 to the M11.  If so, I would appreciate your advice.

Are you close enough to a Leica store that you can take your Noctilux and take some images to test it out? They will let you walk around a bit with a M11  

The cameras use similar sensors and similar color profiles so I’m not sure there is going to be that big a difference. Definitely a noticeable departure from the m9. 

[Noctilux4me]

Thank you.   That's a great idea.  I am wondering if using the L-mount adaptor is the culprit. 

[Photoworks]

the images don't change much at all from SL2 to M10-R or M11 with Noctilux 0.95

[Photoworks]

the only different is if you using a 3rd party adapter that doesn't have vignetting correction built in.

if you coming from M9, well that was a different word back then. everything was more contrasty end romantic, younger and colorful .

[SrMi]

5 hours ago, Noctilux4me said:

Hi everyone.  I am looking for advice.  I spent many years learning photography on the Leica M9.  When the SL2 came out, I switched from the M system.  It wasn't because I wanted video, it was more leveraging the SL2 system to make it easier to use the Noctilux.  I have noticed that using the Noctilux on the SL2 just doesn't give you the same Noctilux look as with the M system.  

Has anyone switched from SL2 to the M11.  If so, I would appreciate your advice.

What difference do you notice? Note that M9's output is sometimes different than M11's output.

 

[geotrupede]

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very similar (SL2S and M11) and both capable of very pleasing files. I would say that M11 allows lighter shooting and street without the hefty body of sl./ BUT SL allows for a lot of extra toys including close focusing adapters which allows to use M lenses and focus closer than they should.  and that is really cool. another thing, see what you get  with the sl2 is quite useful for tight framing, larger screen superior viewfinder, etc. The m11 is more compact, lighter, somehow tries to be the sl with fast burst and the evf, but ultimately is best if used like an old school M. as for the files, as mentioned, very much the same, i would not be able to tell.

G>

 

[dpitt]

I think there is maybe a small difference in sensor. But, the M (any M) will handle differently which will affect your way of shooting. The difference in look and size may even affect your subjects too, with the M11 being maybe less intimidating and intrusive than the SL2.

[DrM]

Recently, I switched back from the SL2 to the M11. Main reason for me is the rangefinder, size, weight. I do notice that the overall success rate with the M is lower than the SL2. If the AF works it is brillantly sharp, and the APO-SL lenses are hard to beat on AF with a MF M lens.

If you go for the nocti full open, I think you have a better experience on the SL2. For all other scenario's, what works for your way of work.

 

Best

Marc

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[Harout62]

I have both the SL2 and the M11.  Images are very close, the SL2 is a bit more saturated and livelier then the M11 in my opinion. 
the Noctilux is much easier to nail focus on the SL2 then the M11, in it certainly balances better with the Noctilux then the M11 

[setuporg]

On 2/5/2023 at 10:06 AM, SrMi said:

sometimes

[Tailwagger]

On 2/5/2023 at 7:50 AM, Noctilux4me said:

Hi everyone.  I am looking for advice.  I spent many years learning photography on the Leica M9.  When the SL2 came out, I switched from the M system.  It wasn't because I wanted video, it was more leveraging the SL2 system to make it easier to use the Noctilux.  I have noticed that using the Noctilux on the SL2 just doesn't give you the same Noctilux look as with the M system.

Hmmm...  if your comparing the M9 output to the SL2, well... of course.  The M9's CCD is going to look miles and miles apart from the M11, SL2, what a have you CMOS sensors for a lot for different reasons.  There are certainly subtle differences between the SL2 and M11, mostly due to white balance IMO, but the M11 isn't going to get you your M9 look back. Only an M9 with all of its other joys and warts will achieve that.