lencap Posted April 19, 2023 Share #1 Posted April 19, 2023 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Greetings! I've written several posts in the past about my Leica journey. Basically they boil down to this: I sell my Leica gear over some frustration, lack of skill, concern about having an expensive camera kit without using it much, but later realize that buying a less expensive camera brand, but one that doesn't stir passion while using it winds up with me returning to Leica. And today the pattern seems to be repeating as I placed an order for the SL2-S bundle with the new 50mm f/2.0 lens, hoping that dealer stock will be available soon. I was tempted to buy the SL2-S during last year's Christmas sale when in addition to a very good discount on the camera Leica included the M to L adapter for no additional cost. I thought long and hard about buying it, ultimately decided not to. And ever since I've regretted not buying it, especially since I owned the SL 601 and loved the feel and haptics of the entire system. I realize that the SL3 will likely be released sometime this year, and will also likely move up to a sensor with greater pixel count, and no doubt, some very impressive specs. For my needs a high megapixel count sensor would be overkill, and I'm perfectly happy with a 24 MP sensor. I would love a M bodied camera (I had the M-A, M7, M9), but at my age eyesight is a challenge, and getting critical focus is beyond my capability. I thought about the likely Q3 refresh as well, but I had the original Q and found the 28mm focal length and I just didn't get alone very well. I'm not blaming the camera, it's me, but I see little hope of mastering that focal length regardless of the quality of the Q3 system. That made me return to the SL line, and as I look back on my experience with the SL 601 I think I realize where I went wrong. The 24-90 zoom is a great lens, essentially providing 6 prime focal lengths in one package. But the weight and lack of balance on a strap led me to leave it home more than I expected. The Sigma ART 50MM f/1.4 I bought is also a great lens, but also not a lightweight. The smaller 50mm recently released lens will offset some of the balance and weight issues, and the platform itself is still a highly attractive tool for my desired use. The L to M adapter will also let me explore a lighter weight M lens kit, and the EVF will keep the subject in sharp focus. I've tried the Nikon Z and Fuji X camera lines, finding them technically sound, but lifeless and without passion, which I miss. Frankly my iPhone 14 Pro is always with me and generally will capture what I want, but it's also lifeless despite being a fine tool for simple work. So, that's why I'm reentering Leica ownership. The iPhone will address simple snaps since I'll always have it, but the SL2-S will return the passion and joy of composing and creating, which is what attracted me to photography more than six decades ago. What do you think of my decision? Edited April 19, 2023 by lencap Clarity Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 19, 2023 Posted April 19, 2023 Hi lencap, Take a look here I Just Placed an Order for the SL2-S Bundle - Did I make a mistake?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
trickness Posted April 19, 2023 Share #2 Posted April 19, 2023 Enjoy your SL, use M glass to keep the weight down, and think more about your photographs and creative development than megapixels and all the doodads they keep adding so we endlessly upgrade. It’s highly unlikely the SL3 will make your photos any better no matter what features it has. That’s down to the work you do, solely. Enjoy your new camera and use it in good health! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamey Posted April 19, 2023 Share #3 Posted April 19, 2023 Certainly not, as a long time user of Leica Cameras I feel that the SL system is the best, matter of fact I love the SL2-S so much that I recently bought two of them. The Green Hornet, and the Black Knight. Good Luck 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #4 Posted April 19, 2023 I did the same few months back. I sold most of my Nikon gear - D800 with many lenses and added Q to have more funds and went with SL2-S kit with superb 28-70 lens. I am 51 and wa not using those cameras that much even I did love Q. However having SL-2S the video specs are importan for me to cover occasional video work. The camera is excellent. ANd of course there will be alway better and faster but as you can see we are getting older and if you are not a proffessional its just too much good gear to worry about. At the end of the day I spent more time on forums looking for the ultimate better and faster instead of taking pictures. As one song says "too much of everything is never enough". Good luck with the kit, learn it from inside out and you'll be rewarded. 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! 8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753589'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #5 Posted April 19, 2023 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! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753590'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #6 Posted April 19, 2023 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! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753591'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #7 Posted April 19, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753592'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #8 Posted April 19, 2023 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! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753593'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #9 Posted April 19, 2023 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! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753594'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #10 Posted April 19, 2023 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! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753598'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #11 Posted April 19, 2023 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! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753600'>More sharing options...
mipo Posted April 19, 2023 Share #12 Posted April 19, 2023 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! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753602'>More sharing options...
hansvons Posted April 19, 2023 Share #13 Posted April 19, 2023 4 hours ago, lencap said: I realize that the SL3 will likely be released sometime this year, and will also likely move up to a sensor with greater pixel count, and no doubt, some very impressive specs. For my needs a high megapixel count sensor would be overkill, and I'm perfectly happy with a 24 MP sensor. I use my SL2-S on assignments, primarily for campaigns and essays. Sometimes I also use it for little videos with a set of R primes. I owned the 24-90 and sold it recently as I figured that I'm still that 35mm and 50mm guy and don't need the long and short end, plus I travel more as anticipated back then when I bought it and preferred to do it lightly. I use only two cameras, the SL2-S and a film camera for B&W, previously an R6, now an M4-P (I also use the R6, respectively the M4-P for family, party and private travels). I chose the 35mm Summicron M ASPH and the 50mm Summicron M for still photography. Plus, I own a Color Skopar 35mm for backup when I need both cameras with a 35mm attached or things get rough, and I don't want to risk the fine Leica glass (that was the 24-90's big plus, as it's weather-sealed and build like a tank). As a bundle, the two cameras and lenses do whatever I need to do. I reckon that I won't upgrade the SL2-S anytime soon. It has all the goodies I need, especially an excellent sensor with IBIS that leaves nothing to be desired. However, I could be tempted if that sensor had an M. Fortunately, GAS is not my problem, only the tendency to optimise because less is more (Das Wesentliche). But I absolutely agree that your gear should be motivating you to go out and shoot. Cameras and lenses are not just tools. In that sentiment, the SL2-S delivers when you use inspiring lenses. My experience is that it needs considerable time to understand what a lens can do for you. So I tend to keep them for a couple of years. And if I figure they don't do much for me, I let them go. Below are a few shot's I took with the SL2-S on assignments (that's why I can post them here as they went public anyway). I hope you can break that vicious circle of buy and sell. 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! 12 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753641'>More sharing options...
hansvons Posted April 19, 2023 Share #14 Posted April 19, 2023 (edited) And a landscape recently shot in Portugal. 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! Edited April 19, 2023 by hansvons 4 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753643'>More sharing options...
hansvons Posted April 19, 2023 Share #15 Posted April 19, 2023 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! 9 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375718-i-just-placed-an-order-for-the-sl2-s-bundle-did-i-make-a-mistake/?do=findComment&comment=4753647'>More sharing options...
drjonb Posted April 19, 2023 Share #16 Posted April 19, 2023 You made a sound decision in my view; I recently made a similar one and zero buyer’s remorse. Enjoy your new camera in good health. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
satijntje Posted May 23, 2023 Share #17 Posted May 23, 2023 In a few days I will leave for a 2 weeks trip to Iceland. I own several cameras, but the one and only body that will be in my camera bag will be the SL2-S. Most important issue for me was the SL24-90 lens and the x2 extender that I can use at the long end of the 24-90mm and the fact that the camera and lens are IP54 water and dust sealed. Under difficult conditions I do not want to exchange lenses, so the Sl 24-90 will be my major choice. The 35mm Summicron-SL ASPH will be in my suitcase for evening walks. Heavy, yes, indeed, but I will not return back home with a lens or camera with water or dust. The SL bodies are build like a tank and are designed for this kind of difficult jobs. Pics will come later 🙂 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OR120 Posted May 24, 2023 Share #18 Posted May 24, 2023 (edited) Last year I took my SL2-S w/50 R lux lens and Leica QP to Iceland. Nothing else just extra batteries and cards. Worked perfect - Have a wonderful trip! Edited May 24, 2023 by OR120 sp Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpau17 Posted May 24, 2023 Share #19 Posted May 24, 2023 vor 22 Stunden schrieb satijntje: In a few days I will leave for a 2 weeks trip to Iceland. I own several cameras, but the one and only body that will be in my camera bag will be the SL2-S. Most important issue for me was the SL24-90 lens and the x2 extender that I can use at the long end of the 24-90mm and the fact that the camera and lens are IP54 water and dust sealed. Under difficult conditions I do not want to exchange lenses, so the Sl 24-90 will be my major choice. The 35mm Summicron-SL ASPH will be in my suitcase for evening walks. Heavy, yes, indeed, but I will not return back home with a lens or camera with water or dust. The SL bodies are build like a tank and are designed for this kind of difficult jobs. Pics will come later 🙂 Enjoy your trip, my last trip to Iceland was this January and I had a great time there with my SL (https://www.pfister-online.de/seite5_island.html). I put the 24-70/2.8 lens there and didn't take the heavy 24-90 lens with me. Much more important than the 2x extender, I would take a focal length less than 24 if you have one. I have the 14-24/2.8 from Sigma and it's just perfect for the landscape. I no longer have the Leica 16-35 for cost reasons and the mostly low usage. In the meantime there is also a 16-28, lighter and cheaper. I think I used the 14-24 more than 60%, so with a lens change, not always easy there, of course. And, very important, a 2nd battery or more on the trip! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lencap Posted May 24, 2023 Author Share #20 Posted May 24, 2023 I agree with the wide angle for travel. I bought the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60 zoom on a popular auction website in "new, open box" condition from a seller who bought it as part of a kit and only wanted the camera. They seem to be selling in a range of $275-$350 including shipping and sales tax in open box condition. It's not a Leica, but it is a weather sealed design, lightweight, compact with fast focusing and surprisingly capable at capturing wider than usual focal lengths as well as more traditional ones. Allows a relatively wide range of useful focal lengths without changing lenses, which I've found to be somewhat handy when traveling. It also uses the same 67mm size filter as the new Leica Summicron SL 50mm f/2.0 bundled lens with the current Leica SL2/SL2-S promotion. I haven't used the zoom much, but for the price, flexibility and size it seemed like a good idea. Now that I have it in hand, I'm glad I bought it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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