daned Posted October 23, 2023 Share #1 Posted October 23, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, sorry as am sure this is a naive or silly question but thought would check anyways before making a decision so please be gentle :). I have a Q3 which I enjoy a lot and is an amazing camera but miss the zoom functions or the zoom or prime lens for 50mm and 90mm so looking to have another body which might be a SL2-S or M11. As to the M11 is there even an option for auto or pass or is it all manual as looking at all the information it seems the camera also is missing the auto focus and its all manual. I am looking to use the camera for travel at times and family portraits which the Q3 is good but the cropping factor does take from the image on Q3. Any advice would be appreciated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 23, 2023 Posted October 23, 2023 Hi daned, Take a look here Leica M auto question. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Al Brown Posted October 23, 2023 Share #2 Posted October 23, 2023 You will be super disappointed with M11's autofocus and the zooms are super choppy - you could not even call them zooms proper. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
evikne Posted October 23, 2023 Share #3 Posted October 23, 2023 It's tempting to make fun of the uninitiated, but I still think you deserve a proper answer. The Leica M is based on a 100-year-old concept. There's no autofocus, but manual focus is surprisingly quick, easy and accurate with the built-in rangefinder. There are no actual zoom lenses either. With a few exceptions, all lenses are fixed focal lengths. The exceptions are some lenses with three fixed focal lengths that you can switch between. The M cameras have the option of Auto ISO and Auto shutter speed though. But it looks like an SL2-S is more what you're looking for, if size doesn't matter. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Brown Posted October 23, 2023 Share #4 Posted October 23, 2023 (edited) 7 minutes ago, evikne said: It's tempting to make fun of the uninitiated …unless a troll is making fun of everyone. Slight sarcasm can be the moderate bridge between both worlds. Also, helps to break the ice. Edited October 23, 2023 by Al Brown Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
evikne Posted October 23, 2023 Share #5 Posted October 23, 2023 9 minutes ago, Al Brown said: …unless a troll is making fun of everyone. Maybe I was stupid to take the bait. 🙈 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Brown Posted October 23, 2023 Share #6 Posted October 23, 2023 6 minutes ago, evikne said: Maybe I was stupid to take the bait. 🙈 It was very nice of you to answer the OP that way. I totally respect your patience, professionalism and will to help. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boojay Posted October 23, 2023 Share #7 Posted October 23, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) 14 minutes ago, evikne said: Maybe I was stupid to take the bait. 🙈 Or maybe not... I've aways felt if I have nothing nice or helpful to add - add nothing😊 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Brown Posted October 23, 2023 Share #8 Posted October 23, 2023 1 hour ago, Boojay said: Or maybe not... I've aways felt if I have nothing nice or helpful to add - add nothing😊 90% of internet would collapse upon implementation of that theory. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anbaric Posted October 23, 2023 Share #9 Posted October 23, 2023 (edited) 3 hours ago, daned said: As to the M11 is there even an option for auto or pass or is it all manual as looking at all the information it seems the camera also is missing the auto focus and its all manual. The M11 doesn't have autofocus, and nor does any other M camera. The way the M lenses work hasn't really changed since the 1950s. The M11 does have partial automation of exposure (shutter speed and ISO, but not aperture, because that would also mean changing how the lenses operate). Most M users stick with fixed focal length lenses. The Tri-Elmar lenses can 'zoom' to 3 different focal lengths, but they are large, heavy and relatively slow. You can read about them here, in an article that also covers an interesting prototype that never went into production: https://www.macfilos.com/2023/01/06/leica-tri-elmar-lenses-and-the-cancelled-m-vario-all-good-things-come-in-twos/ If you want a Leica with a selection of AF zooms, then the SL2-S (or other SL series camera) is what you need. Edited October 23, 2023 by Anbaric 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted October 23, 2023 Share #10 Posted October 23, 2023 If you have no issues buying used then maybe you want to look into the CL and TL2 with EVF. Leica stopped production recently, which is shame IMO because there have their merits. Its APS-C (1.5 crop) and 24MP, but very close in quality to the SL system. SL lenses are compatible. Leica also made 'cheaper' and more compact L lenses called T or TL which are excellent. AF and zooms are available, as well as compact AF primes. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted October 24, 2023 Share #11 Posted October 24, 2023 The M11 is a manual focus camera and there is no autofocus accessory for it but some mirrorless cameras work fine with M lenses and autofocus adapters. Just a snap with Sony A7r2 mod, Super-Angulon 21/3.4 and Techart AF adapter here. 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/383373-leica-m-auto-question/?do=findComment&comment=4881428'>More sharing options...
evikne Posted October 24, 2023 Share #12 Posted October 24, 2023 I saw the OP lurking around here yesterday, but without commenting on any of the replies. And the other one of his previous posts has been deleted. So it's probably correct that he's just a troll. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted October 25, 2023 Share #13 Posted October 25, 2023 (edited) 16 hours ago, evikne said: I saw the OP lurking around here yesterday, but without commenting on any of the replies. And the other one of his previous posts has been deleted. So it's probably correct that he's just a troll. Hello evinke, I think that your Post #3 above was appropriate & nicely done. I think that some other Posts by others, which were negative, may have led "daned" to go some place else. Negative responses that forget that: Everyone has to start somewhere & that: Sometimes some people might not know something that other people do know: Are not going to be seen as welcoming to newcomers here. And, even if the person posting was not who they say they are: Many other people from all over the Planet, with various levels of knowledge about things that you know well, might have benefited from what you wrote appropriately & nicely in your Post #3 above. Best Regards, Michael. Edited October 25, 2023 by Michael Geschlecht 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daned Posted October 25, 2023 Author Share #14 Posted October 25, 2023 Sorry as was traveling for work and could not respond but have read through all the replies and they have all been informative. Not a troll by any means just a newbie in the question for SL vs M camera and wanted feedback before making a decision. Again appreciate alll the answers as steers me towards a SL3-S body. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Brown Posted October 25, 2023 Share #15 Posted October 25, 2023 2 hours ago, Michael Geschlecht said: think that some other Posts by others, which were negative, may have led "daned" to go some place else. If this was aimed at me - of my 3600 or so posts here, 99.97% have been very positive, informative, helpful and giving. But I can smell foul for miles, have been on the internet for too long. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted October 25, 2023 Share #16 Posted October 25, 2023 (edited) @daned I think nobody wanted to scare you off the M series. Actually, I would encourage you to walk in a Leica store and look through the viewfinder. It is special and unlike any other camera's around today. This is the main reason for this camera series that Leica released in 1953 and that revolutionized the industry at the time. It is also the series that made Leica's name, mainly for the many outstanding (very compact) M lenses designed for it. It was copied eventually by lots of others, long gone. It had its ups and downs, but stood the test of time. The M always provided a unique shooting experience and top quality for informal, documenting types of shots (I believe that is what you do). From the first digital M8 till now it continued its unique position in this digital era and kept compatibility with all (99%) of the M lenses since 1953. After some practice MF with the M is very fast and accurate. All M users are happy to give up AF and some other perks of other systems for its unique way of handling. So if you want a small FF package with the best IQ and shooting experience (IMO) available in FF, then the M is it. If size and weight does not matter then the SL series can be the better choice. Edited October 25, 2023 by dpitt 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlashGordonPhotography Posted October 25, 2023 Share #17 Posted October 25, 2023 On 10/24/2023 at 3:52 AM, evikne said: It's tempting to make fun of the uninitiated, but I still think you deserve a proper answer. The Leica M is based on a 100-year-old concept. There's no autofocus, but manual focus is surprisingly quick, easy and accurate with the built-in rangefinder. There are no actual zoom lenses either. With a few exceptions, all lenses are fixed focal lengths. The exceptions are some lenses with three fixed focal lengths that you can switch between. The M cameras have the option of Auto ISO and Auto shutter speed though. But it looks like an SL2-S is more what you're looking for, if size doesn't matter. A correction... The current tri-elmar (WATE) is an actual zoom lens. It is fully usable between the click stops and has full zoom functionality if used with the EVF or live view. And it can be focused down to 0.5 meters, which is closer than the RF will allow. The original tri-elmar (MATE) is NOT a zomm and you can actually damage it if you try to use it between the click stops. Gordon and a +1 for assuming the best.... thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
evikne Posted October 25, 2023 Share #18 Posted October 25, 2023 9 minutes ago, FlashGordonPhotography said: The current tri-elmar (WATE) is an actual zoom lens. It is fully usable between the click stops and has full zoom functionality if used with the EVF or live view. Thanks for the correction, I didn't know that. What does EXIF say about the focal length if you shoot between the click stops? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anbaric Posted October 25, 2023 Share #19 Posted October 25, 2023 2 hours ago, dpitt said: It is also the series that made Leica's name, mainly for the many outstanding (very compact) M lenses designed for it. It was copied eventually by lots of others, long gone. Oskar Barnack wants a word. 🙂 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted October 25, 2023 Share #20 Posted October 25, 2023 The MATE must be used between the click stops to benefit its "hidden" macro feature at about 40mm. Here on digital CL. https://photos.smugmug.com/Diverse/n-QFBj4/Leica-digital-CL-Leica-28-35-504-v1/i-qgqqNKV/0/15194739/X4/C1080434_si-X4.jpg 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.