POLL - SL2 / SL2-S "System Error" fault

[HPFM]

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P.S: got my SL2 back from Leica..... Sent it to Leica 9th of October, back 22th of November. Changed shutter unit, thermal conductive plate, new leathering.....

My question for "shutter counts" until failure  remains unanswered.

Next trip to the arctic planned for summer 2024 - with two SL-bodies :-)) Hopefully a SL3 and my repaired SL2....

 

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[chris_tribble]

Well that’s a good outcome! Still waiting to hear back from Leica about mine. 🫤

[hjddd]

My SL2-S with newest firmware had the same problem 2 weeks ago。 it shows system problem and will not react until I took the battery out and put it again ……

[LeicaR10]

Chris,   My SL2 and SL2-S have never failed and both get an intensive workout nearly daily.  Most reliable cameras I have to date.  Same goes for the SL and M lenses.  Can't say that about my former M11, M11-M and M11-P.  I just rebought a M10-R while waiting for the M12 and see what happens at that time.  For me, the M10, P and R are the best and most reliable M cameras made.  SL system has been flawless for me.    r/ Mark

[chris_tribble]

2 hours ago, hjddd said:

My SL2-S with newest firmware had the same problem 2 weeks ago。 it shows system problem and will not react until I took the battery out and put it again ……

Sorry to hear that. If it was a “System error” message I’d not ignore it. My experience was that once it happens intermittently it becomes a problem. Contact Leica, and don’t depend on the camera for critical assignments. It seems that the vast majority of the SL2/SL2s bodies have been rock solid, but a small number have this crippling shutter problem. If you depend on the camera for a living make sure you have a backup.  The SR1-r has been a cheap(er) backup for me, so I can do work with my other SL2 body paired with the Panasonic.  Not ideal, but cheaper than having money tied up in three SL2 bodies!

I hope it works out for you…

[chris_tribble]

2 hours ago, LeicaR10 said:

Chris,   My SL2 and SL2-S have never failed and both get an intensive workout nearly daily.  Most reliable cameras I have to date.  Same goes for the SL and M lenses.  Can't say that about my former M11, M11-M and M11-P.  I just rebought a M10-R while waiting for the M12 and see what happens at that time.  For me, the M10, P and R are the best and most reliable M cameras made.  SL system has been flawless for me.    r/ Mark

@LeicaR10 good to hear!  Up until I’d had a problem I was of the same opinion (and still fully agree re M10-R!). I hope you keep on being trouble free 🙂

Edited November 25, 2023 by chris_tribble

[chris_tribble]

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An update.  Leica have got back to me with an offer to replace the shutter free (goodwill). As the camera is well out of warranty I'm very satisfied.  My only concern will be how quickly the repair can be done - they're still quoting 2 months 🤥  And I'm still hoping to hear WHY this has all happened.  Heigh ho...  

[bsmith]

My SL2-s shows "system error" after charging thru USB. In NJ now for repair .  Hoping not $$$$ 

[chris_tribble]

Additional Update:

Leica UK gave the following comment re the cause of the shutter failure: 

"Shutter failures typically occur when a camera has experienced impact damage or when excessive pressure is applied to the rear screen."

I have to say I find this a bit implausible - and in my case, I'm pretty certain there's been no impact damage...  A

[VespertineD2K]

1 minute ago, chris_tribble said:

Additional Update:

Leica UK gave the following comment re the cause of the shutter failure: 

"Shutter failures typically occur when a camera has experienced impact damage or when excessive pressure is applied to the rear screen."

I have to say I find this a bit implausible - and in my case, I'm pretty certain there's been no impact damage...  A

That’s total nonsense on their part - definitely no impact damage or excessive pressure in either case with my two failures, they travelled in a securely padded bag, and both failures occurred whilst the camera was in use. 

[HPFM]

😂, oh dear Leica UK.....

Shutter error of my SL2 in Svalbard was caused by pressing the release button to take the first photo in Svalbard.... indeed, excessive pressure and "misuse" of a high quality SL-System...and perhaps my nose touched the rear screen while focussing😬

As mentioned my questions to Leica Germany (what´s the problem, how many shutter counts?) remained unanswered. The better way than to confabulate...

 

 

[BernardC]

1 hour ago, HPFM said:

Shutter error of my SL2 in Svalbard was caused by pressing the release button to take the first photo in Svalbard.... indeed, excessive pressure and "misuse" of a high quality SL-System...and perhaps my nose touched the rear screen while focussing

Did you fly there on a propeller plane? I have heard about another brand of cameras failing from vibrations on such flights.

This also brings to mind stories of a Luminous Landscape photo trip to Antartica where half the cameras failed. Multiple brands and models were affected.

[chris_tribble]

The last time I was in a small propeller plane was a flight from Riga to Tallinn in 1994.  The pilot introduced himself as one Yuri Gagarin! A namesake - not the astronaut - though I did double-take…. Oh, and my OM1 survived the experience 😎

[Mlm918]

I’ve had system error twice this year, sent it back the first time, sending it back again. What I can say is I was using a Sony SD card and never put a second one in. once I entered a SanDisk in slot 2 is when it started locking up. Not sure if it was mixing the cards or if one was bad. I also use a urth adapter with an M lens but it never gave me an issue before only when I inserted the second card, so it’s something with the electronics for sure. I tried formatting both of them and using them solo, but the issue still came about even without a card.

[arichter]

Just received a word from Leica USA regarding my SL2-S which experienced this "system error" almost exactly after one year of moderate hobbyist use. They are replacing the shutter.

[JohnnyK]

Hey guys

I've had this error come up over the past couple of months. The problem used to fix itself by cycling the battery and card, but recently it has become more persistent to the point that the camera is now unusable. Here's the details of my camera:

CAMERA MODEL and Serial -  SL2-S sn ****733

DATE of PURCHASE - Jan 2021

DATE OF FAILURE - 2023/09

Hope you all have more luck than me!

[Photo.JLG]

My SL2 is giving me the same "System Error," which I was able to correct in the past by cycling the battery and/or changing the SD card. But now, it is more prevalent, and I am not able to correct the error. The camera has become unusable. I am sending it out to Leica, New Jersey, to see if they can fix it, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. I will update the thread when I find out more. 

[Malabito]

No system error. I used mine for almost 3 years, but i do now have an issue with the play button, it's hard to press, feels entirely different to the other buttons, I will be sending to service.

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[LocalHero1953]

I've had my SL2-S since launch (2020) and the Play button is a bit sticky. I can see that it catches a bit of dirt in the surrounding gap, perhaps because it is the topmost button, or because my thumb often rests there. I'd rather have it than leave it for 9 months in Wetzlar, so will keep it till it's unusable - or until the SL3-S is launched!

[Coral Palm]

@Malabito and LocalHero1953 I as well have a sticky  play button on my SL 2. When I have some time where I can get by with just one body will have it serviced. Thankfully can work around this or just think back to the film days with no play button. 😀