A dilemma on which camera for adapting M lenses

[costa43]

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Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this question but I'm looking for a new mirrorless camera and have shortlisted the sl2-s, Nikon zf and Panasonic s5ii. I want a solid EVF option for my M lenses with the added bonus of being able to take advantage of AF, weather sealing (with native glass), video and some 'light' wildlife.

From my research, all 3 of the options I have mentioned seem to be ok for the above, but I was hoping someone with first hand experience of adapting M glass to these bodies can comment on corner performance. I understand it is lens dependant but just a feel would be helpful. Fred Miranda's site has been infinitely helpful in me ruling out Sony but there is not much info on Nikon and Panasonic out there.

Cheers!

 

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[bandrews]

The results I get from my ZF with 35mm Summilux are breath-taking. Really stunning. The camera however is NOT intuitive and was the first camera I've owned that I have had to watch a youtube tutorial to work out the endless pages of settings. Once it's setup however, you can pretty much leave it. I had an SL2-S and whilst I loved the images, the build quality and simplicity, it was very heavy. Not sure what Panasonic AF is like but the Nikon tracking for wildlife is head and shoulders above the SL2-S.

[costa43]

Just now, bandrews said:

The results I get from my ZF with 35mm Summilux are breath-taking. Really stunning. The camera however is NOT intuitive and was the first camera I've owned that I have had to watch a youtube tutorial to work out the endless pages of settings. Once it's setup however, you can pretty much leave it. I had an SL2-S and whilst I loved the images, the build quality and simplicity, it was very heavy. Not sure what Panasonic AF is like but the Nikon tracking for wildlife is head and shoulders above the SL2-S.

Thank you, have you tried anything wider than 35mm on the Nikon by any chance?

[Photoworks]

you basically want a camera that does it all.

I can speak for wildlife, I think until SL3 AF can be challenging, but I will let others speak for that.

I have used the SL2 for the last 4 years with SL and M lenses. the initial purchase was a way to use the Noctilux 0.95, this is a perfect combination.

I use many other systems and I would say it depends on what you want to do with it. I found that if you shoot portraits at 1.4 -f4 the smearing in the corner is really a problem, some lenses smear more than others.

But there is no other sensor cover glass that works with M lenses like the SL cameras. it took them a long time to get it right and it showed the difference.
even Panasonic, an L camera, does not give you the same performance on M glass.

[bandrews]

1 hour ago, costa43 said:

Thank you, have you tried anything wider than 35mm on the Nikon by any chance?

I have an Elmarit 28mm but don't tend to use it as much at the 35mm. 

[Spodrasky]

I have used all my m mount lenses on my SL2.  I am just starting to try them out on the SL3. I am not sure what you mean by light wildlife.  Leica has come out with the 100-400 that could work for this. No M lenses are long enough in my opinion for wild life. I have shot the Sigma 150-600 and it works fine. You will not be tracking birds with any Leica. I do not believe the Panasonic will track birds either.  I have seen people use the SL3 photographing birds. Leica is just not really designed for this. I have photographed plenty of Elk, Deer, Mountain goat and big horn sheep with my SL2 no problems.  I also have used my R glass on the SL2. I still prefer to use my M lenses  on my M cameras and use the SLAPO on the SL2.  Fully weather sealed, rugged and beautiful rendering.   The SL cameras are the best for M in my opinion. The menu is easy, the EFV is wonderful and just makes the entire shooting experience wonderful.  

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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Most wildlife (excluding birds) doesn't move that fast. An angry corgi is probably more rapid. It's also not that close so AF is less important than most people think, most of the time. port and birds are the challenging ones.

Any of the above should be fine. The Leica will play nicer with M glass (some M glass). But at an additional cost and size.

Gordon

[Spodrasky]

Here is my WATE shot on the SL3.  Model was changing, so  just plying around setting up.  Not wildlife, However the M glass works great.  I have posted more images on the SL3 thread.  So me great work being posted.  I will post more with my M lenses as I use them more.

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[costa43]

Just now, Spodrasky said:

I have used all my m mount lenses on my SL2.  I am just starting to try them out on the SL3. I am not sure what you mean by light wildlife.  Leica has come out with the 100-400 that could work for this. No M lenses are long enough in my opinion for wild life. I have shot the Sigma 150-600 and it works fine. You will not be tracking birds with any Leica. I do not believe the Panasonic will track birds either.  I have seen people use the SL3 photographing birds. Leica is just not really designed for this. I have photographed plenty of Elk, Deer, Mountain goat and big horn sheep with my SL2 no problems.  I also have used my R glass on the SL2. I still prefer to use my M lenses  on my M cameras and use the SLAPO on the SL2.  Fully weather sealed, rugged and beautiful rendering.   The SL cameras are the best for M in my opinion. The menu is easy, the EFV is wonderful and just makes the entire shooting experience wonderful.  

Light wildlife is me walking around the lakes and nature reserves where I live with a long zoom lens casually taking pics. Nothing too arduous and more of an entry into a genre I have not really explored before. The opportunity to attempt it is more accessible now as I've recently moved to a more rural area.

 

[costa43]

Just now, FlashGordonPhotography said:

Most wildlife (excluding birds) doesn't move that fast. An angry corgi is probably more rapid. It's also not that close so AF is less important than most people think, most of the time. port and birds are the challenging ones.

Any of the above should be fine. The Leica will play nicer with M glass (some M glass). But at an additional cost and size.

Gordon

Thanks Flash, the weight of the sl2s is definitely the thing I'm most unsure of. I have the m10r as my daily carry though so I'm trying to talk myself into it 😀

[costa43]

Just now, Spodrasky said:

Here is my WATE shot on the SL3.  Model was changing, so  just plying around setting up.  Not wildlife, However the M glass works great.  I have posted more images on the SL3 thread.  So me great work being posted.  I will post more with my M lenses as I use them more.

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Looks great. 

[LanceR]

I have used an M11 since it was introduced as my everyday carry.  I have a set of M lenses I really enjoy.  I too wanted to shoot my M lenses on a camera with an EVF.  I spent time with hands on with the SL2/SL2-S and the Nikon Zf with my lenses.  I tried the dumb converters on the Nikon as well as the AF converter.  For the shots I did, the image quality seemed fine on the Nikon.

However, for me the overall shooting experience and image quality really come together with the SL2/SL2-S and now the SL3 when shooting with M lenses.

With the M11, I used the Wotancraft 2 Pilot.  That combination travelled a significant distance with me, as I am a one camera one lens traveller.

For the SL3, I stepped up to the Wotancraft 3.5 Pilot.  I have been out three times since getting my SL3, including two all-day walk-abouts.  The slight increase in size and weight is negligible to me, when coupling the SL3 with an M lens.

I am also getting shots with the SL3 that would have been difficult to impossible with the M11. 

 

[costa43]

Just now, LanceR said:

I have used an M11 since it was introduced as my everyday carry.  I have a set of M lenses I really enjoy.  I too wanted to shoot my M lenses on a camera with an EVF.  I spent time with hands on with the SL2/SL2-S and the Nikon Zf with my lenses.  I tried the dumb converters on the Nikon as well as the AF converter.  For the shots I did, the image quality seemed fine on the Nikon.

However, for me the overall shooting experience and image quality really come together with the SL2/SL2-S and now the SL3 when shooting with M lenses.

With the M11, I used the Wotancraft 2 Pilot.  That combination travelled a significant distance with me, as I am a one camera one lens traveller.

For the SL3, I stepped up to the Wotancraft 3.5 Pilot.  I have been out three times since getting my SL3, including two all-day walk-abouts.  The slight increase in size and weight is negligible to me, when coupling the SL3 with an M lens.

I am also getting shots with the SL3 that would have been difficult to impossible with the M11. 

 

Thank you, that is helpful. Did you notice a big difference between the Nikon and the SL2s in weight when walking around all day?

 

1 hour ago, Photoworks said:

you basically want a camera that does it all.

I can speak for wildlife, I think until SL3 AF can be challenging, but I will let others speak for that.

I have used the SL2 for the last 4 years with SL and M lenses. the initial purchase was a way to use the Noctilux 0.95, this is a perfect combination.

I use many other systems and I would say it depends on what you want to do with it. I found that if you shoot portraits at 1.4 -f4 the smearing in the corner is really a problem, some lenses smear more than others.

But there is no other sensor cover glass that works with M lenses like the SL cameras. it took them a long time to get it right and it showed the difference.
even Panasonic, an L camera, does not give you the same performance on M glass.

Yes I basically want an all round mirrorless camera that plays nice with the M glass. There is not much info on Panasonic. Nikon supposedly have a thinner than average filter stack (1.1mm according to sources online) so I thought that may play in their favour when it comes to corner performance, especially as the zf seems to be aimed at the manual shooter a little more than their regular offerings. The eye detect for MF is awesome looking and a real plus for me. 

 

 

 

[Spodrasky]

I have had no problems with the SL2 through Estes Park with the the wildlife. They are not running that often. Will be trying the SL3 this summer and see if the animal tracking works.  The eye tracking and auto focus has been improved a lot of the SL2

[LanceR]

3 hours ago, costa43 said:

Thank you, that is helpful. Did you notice a big difference between the Nikon and the SL2s in weight when walking around all day?

 

Yes I basically want an all round mirrorless camera that plays nice with the M glass. There is not much info on Panasonic. Nikon supposedly have a thinner than average filter stack (1.1mm according to sources online) so I thought that may play in their favour when it comes to corner performance, especially as the zf seems to be aimed at the manual shooter a little more than their regular offerings. The eye detect for MF is awesome looking and a real plus for me. 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, I did not get the Nikon to walk around with all day.  I only had it for a few hours.

I find that the SL3 with an M lens in the Wotancraft sling style bag to be a non-issue carrying around all day.  Like the M11 in a similar bag, it does not hinder or tire me in anyway.  To help with scope, when we travel and I say walk around, I mean 18,000 - 22,000 steps a day, with hills and steps.

Also, I keep my camera in my bag, except while shooting.  If I am at a location where I expect to take multiple photos, I will keep it out.  Being able to get the camera in and out quickly and quietly is critical to me.

Edited March 18, 2024 by LanceR

[tom0511]

With any SL camera you get the advantage that the camera knows/can read the coding and correct the lens. Also as far as I know its the best solution for IQ in the corners due to sensor/micro lenses besides Leica M bodies.

It would be my choice if I did not have a digital M body.

[BernardC]

10 minutes ago, tom0511 said:

Also as far as I know its the best solution for IQ in the corners due to sensor/micro lenses besides Leica M bodies.

Yes. Bodies from other brands work with some lenses (usually 50mm and longer), but not with others. I can understand buying a cheap M adapter for Canon/Nikon/Sony if you already own one of those bodies and have some M lenses, you'll have fun. However, if you want a mirrorless platform for your M lenses, the only choice is between an SL, SL2(s), or SL3.

[tomasis7]

SL body, every day! 

I've been in your place and looked at various Nikon and Sony bodies. When the SL 601 price dropped, it was a no-brainer to choose and I bought type 601 recently after Nikon ZF arrived.

Reasons listed below

1. special sensor to adapt to M lenses in the same way as an M-body
2. software profiles to give corrections whether colors or vignetting.
3. It is Leica design, minimalistic, and easy to use

The second body would be Panasonic, depending on your interest in video. 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Simone_DF]

It all depends on which M mount lenses you are going to adapt. 

Leica lenses wider than 35mm may have corner issues. On the other hand, Voigtlander lenses play well with all mirrorless.

[LanceR]

3 hours ago, tom0511 said:

With any SL camera you get the advantage that the camera knows/can read the coding and correct the lens. Also as far as I know its the best solution for IQ in the corners due to sensor/micro lenses besides Leica M bodies.

It would be my choice if I did not have a digital M body.

Agreed!  Additionally, even with non-coded M lenses the SL3 will prompt to set the focal length for EXIF data, etc.