Buy a SL2-S?

[WvE]

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Have been on the fence for an SL2-S for some time and I got a fairly good deal for a new one with a lens (50mm or 35mm asph). I intend to use the SL2-S as a complementary camera to my M10-P when I want autofocus and EVF. Not so much interested in the latest and greatest, but more in IQ and build quality. Have not pulled the trigger yet as I see some cons, viz.:

- The SL2-S may get an update next year or so.

- Price and residual value.

- Use case, will I use it as much as I think?

All subjective of course, but would it objectively be a bad decision to go for a new SL2-S (with lens) at this point, or better wait for the SL3?

Appreciate to hear your thoughts.

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[Guest]

The most likely noticeable improvement with a hypothetical SL3-S would be phase detect autofocus:

Wait for SL3-S: if you are not happy with the SL2-S AF ('good enough')

Don't wait for SL3-S: for any other reason? Image quality will be very similar, there are just no new sensors that offer a step up (phase detect AF even reduces IQ under marginal conditions, causing 'stripes').

I bought my SL2-S in May 2022, and it has been my most used camera since (alongside my M11, M10M). The versatility of the system is amazing - the EVF and IBIS in particular offer a much wider 'shooting envelope' of pictures you can take, and techniques how to take them. Not to mention the 3rd party helicoid adapter that offers the '30cm' near focus capability for M lenses, without giving up infinity focus - a surprisingly big deal for me.

Bonus 'feature': World class L mount lenses (Leica & Sigma) - it's not just the autofocus ... (e.g. Sigma 35mm f/1.2, 105mm f/1.4, 20mm f/1.4, 14-24mm f/2.8, Leica APOs, 24-90, 90-280, ...).

[SoCalLeicanator]

26 minutes ago, mzbe said:

The most likely noticeable improvement with a hypothetical SL3-S would be phase detect autofocus:

Wait for SL3-S: if you are not happy with the SL2-S AF ('good enough')

Don't wait for SL3-S: for any other reason? Image quality will be very similar, there are just no new sensors that offer a step up (phase detect AF even reduces IQ under marginal conditions, causing 'stripes').

I bought my SL2-S in May 2022, and it has been my most used camera since (alongside my M11, M10M). The versatility of the system is amazing - the EVF and IBIS in particular offer a much wider 'shooting envelope' of pictures you can take, and techniques how to take them. Not to mention the 3rd party helicoid adapter that offers the '30cm' near focus capability for M lenses, without giving up infinity focus - a surprisingly big deal for me.

Bonus 'feature': World class L mount lenses (Leica & Sigma) - it's not just the autofocus ... (e.g. Sigma 35mm f/1.2, 105mm f/1.4, 20mm f/1.4, 14-24mm f/2.8, Leica APOs, 24-90, 90-280, ...).

Just out of curiosity what helicoid adapter do you use?  I have the 7 Artisans but infinity focus is lost. 

[Guest]

30 minutes ago, SoCalLeicanator said:

Just out of curiosity what helicoid adapter do you use?  I have the 7 Artisans but infinity focus is lost. 

https://www.hawksfactory.tw/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=58

Unlike the Leica M to L adapter, this one doesn't transmit 6 bit encoding, have to manually select lens to apply correct metadata and synchronize the IBIS.

[SoCalLeicanator]

Thank you!

[charlesphoto99]

2 hours ago, WvE said:

 

- Use case, will I use it as much as I think?

 

If you have to ask I don't think you need one. Esp if willing to wait for an imaginary future model (which will come of course). With only one basic lens it'll probably sit unused most of the time - I know, I've got a CL that can attest to that. I've considered one and then handled it (huge!) and looked at the cost and said never. If I have to shoot long or wide etc I'll take my D850 off my copy stand with the 300mm f4 I picked up recently for $350. So I wouldn't even consider an SL without a longer and/or wider lens choice and then it gets to be $$. If you have GAS, you can never go wrong with more M lenses. Or upgrade the not so sexy but entirely important behind the scenes stuff like Monitor or PC or printer. 

[stewartweir]

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2 hours ago, WvE said:

Have been on the fence for an SL2-S for some time and I got a fairly good deal for a new one with a lens (50mm or 35mm asph). I intend to use the SL2-S as a complementary camera to my M10-P when I want autofocus and EVF. Not so much interested in the latest and greatest, but more in IQ and build quality. Have not pulled the trigger yet as I see some cons, viz.:

- The SL2-S may get an update next year or so.

- Price and residual value.

- Use case, will I use it as much as I think?

All subjective of course, but would it objectively be a bad decision to go for a new SL2-S (with lens) at this point, or better wait for the SL3?

Appreciate to hear your thoughts.

Been using the SLS2 for the last 6 wks with the Leica 35 Apo and 24/70mm L lenses. Im blown away especially with the Leica 35mm L Apo which is superb (but big). Ive learned to realise that size doesn't matter UNLESS you want to use 1 prime and crop. My file sizes have been significantly reduced but the image quality from the best glass just makes this sensor shine. 

I will be buying an SL3 and I will keep the SL2s until there's a SL3s. The body is heavy and you can bang nails in with it. Add the 35mm Apo and if you like 1 lens only it's a beast. Value? I would suggest buy a 2nd hand mint body for a little less depreciation. 

 

https://instagram.com/stewartweir

Edited November 9, 2023 by stewartweir

[charlesphoto99]

That said (above) sometimes changing a camera system can lead to a whole new way of seeing things and photographing it (back in my day it was often going from 35 to 2 1/4). And best to start there with a single prime (I would go with 35). But it's always best to do so with intention (of some sort at least, even if it turns out to be false or difficult to obtain later) and honesty about what's right or wrong - with you or the gear, lol. Or just do it for fun and don't mind losing on resale if it doesn't work out.

[charlesphoto99]

47 minutes ago, stewartweir said:

Been using the SLS2 for the last 6 wks with the Leica 35 Apo and 24/70mm L lenses. Im blown away especially with the Leica 35mm L Apo which is superb (but big). Ive learned to realise that size doesn't matter UNLESS you want to use 1 prime and crop. My file sizes have been significantly reduced but the image quality from the best glass just makes this sensor shine. 

I will be buying an SL3 and I will keep the SL2s until there's a SL3s. The body is heavy and you can bang nails in with it. Add the 35mm Apo and if you like 1 lens only it's a beast. Value? I would suggest buy a 2nd hand mint body for a little less depreciation. 

 

https://instagram.com/stewartweir

Your curtain in Whitstable shot is beautiful. It evoked memories about a special time this Yank had in Whitstable in the early nineties (involving a woman, of course, later wife, and then later ex). Well done. 

[WvE]

Thanks all for your responses so far, appreciated. A big concern is how much I will use it, and that may indeed lead to the conclusion that I don't need it. 😉  

[hoolyproductions]

I used SL2-S pretty much exclusively from 2021 until recently, when I got an M11 (I have previously been an M user for several years). I wanted something lighter/smaller for more casual photography plus after a long break I wanted to enjoy a fully manual camea with RF focus again.

I've had the M11 for about 6 weeks so still in the 'honeymoon' period but even so I've used my SL2-S on a few occassions - shooting a marching band in very wet weather, a jazz orchestra at a big venue where I wanted to be able to use my 24-90mm zoom, and for some headshots for a friend's website (I wanted to be absolutely sure of nailing the focus and wanted the 90mm APO SL  look). I live in Finland and often do winter photography in arctic conditions where I prefer the weather protection of the SL2 and use of the zoom to avoid changing lenses.

The minimalist in me is not so happy that I have two camera systems now, but I am completely besotted with both cameras and the different shooting style so it is all good.

I think it depends completely on your own 'use cases'

[hoolyproductions]

14 hours ago, charlesphoto99 said:

With only one basic lens it'll probably sit unused most of the time

Yes, when I first bought the SL2-S I convinced myself that I would only buy the 50mm SL APO for low light music photography and continue using my M10 for everything else. Within a couple of months I was enjoying using the camera so much that I also got the 24-90mm and a couple of other lenses. Beware

[la1402]

I would not buy the SL2S new today. The market is full of hardly used pre-owned ones at a signifcant lower price. If you then find that the SL2S is too big or heavy for your liking (which is very possible), or the upcoming SL3 is too tempting, you can can sell it again at limited loss.

[keeping_a_balance]

4 hours ago, la1402 said:

I would not buy the SL2S new today. The market is full of hardly used pre-owned ones at a signifcant lower price. If you then find that the SL2S is too big or heavy for your liking (which is very possible), or the upcoming SL3 is too tempting, you can can sell it again at limited loss.

This is great advice. 

I love my Sl2-S and my M... both for different cases, only you know what is really needed.

 

[stewartweir]

On 11/9/2023 at 7:41 PM, charlesphoto99 said:

Your curtain in Whitstable shot is beautiful. It evoked memories about a special time this Yank had in Whitstable in the early nineties (involving a woman, of course, later wife, and then later ex). Well done. 

Thanks.. that atmosphere and feel is very much to do with the 35mm Apo rendering. The micro contrast it creates adds so much to the sensor

[WvE]

Looked for a second had for some time, the prices are still rather high. The deal I got was with an SL Summicron lens so GAS took over and I bought the set. It's a beautifully built camera with a bit of a steep learning curve with regard to the settings, coming from the M10. The battery live sucks though.

[Ken Abrahams]

I would buy the SL2S because it’s a very special camera and different to the SL2. If the SL2 continues its evolution to the SL3, its new qualities will be in line with that model. The SL2S is also unique and many would say better than the SL2 with its different qualities. So if you have your eye on the SL2S for its specialness you best buy it now because the SL3S will be a long wait. Otherwise you might end up with the bigger sensor of the SL3 which is not a bad option it’s just not the SL2S direction. 

[Geoff C. Bassett]

I believe it is worth it if you buy the camera used. It's still a stunning image and the SL3 will be a significantly more expensive option. Used SL2's and SL2s's are now going for under $3200 in some instances so I believe that is a good buy.

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[opera207]

Use the budget to buy a sl apo lens, and a Panasonic S5M2 body, you will get better experience.

1. Light weight, maybe better ergonomics;

2. Better AF;

3. Better screen for low angle;

4. Much better video performance;

5. Still get Leica color by importing Sl2-s luts (for photo and video);

6. Much cheaper accessories.

7. APO lens is better than deal lens, if you want lighter lenses, buy Panasonic f1.8 series, 99% percent the same as Leica branding ones with much cheaper price.

 

 

Edited November 16, 2023 by opera207
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[WvE]

17 hours ago, opera207 said:

Yes, there are less expensive and perhaps better options to consider but I just fell for the camera, it feels so good (got it with a free 50mm asph).