SL3 Camera - Not able to open the cover of the memory door in the SL3

[Raul E Gomez]

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I have received two SL3 Cameras. The first (production date 2024/04/03) and the second a replacement for the first one (production date 2024/04/10). In both cameras the memory card door is stuck  not being able to open it. The second camera is a replacement of the first one send by the Leica Authorize Dealer who sold  the first one. Does anyone has experience this defect in the new SL3 camera. I have own a SL2 and SL2s and never confronted this kind of problem and/or defect.

[vhsin964]

The memory card door of my SL3 is tighter at first.

After several open and close, it is as easy as SL601.

No problem.

[SrMi]

I got mine at launch. In the beginning, the door was trickier to open than SL2's, but I could always open it.

[Mr. Impossible]

Quite tight at the beginning. But it can be open with a bit of force.

[Yellow_78]

I have this same issue unfortunately. I have to use a finger nail to pry it open. With great difficulty as well! 

I informed my local Leica store and will be bringing it in for them to look at. I'll keep you updated how it goes. 

[Linas]

First SL3 I received had this issue, sometimes it was impossible to open at all, the other times it worked.

The replacement camera does not have this issue, but the door still feels harder to open than it was on SL2-S.

[Ken Abrahams]

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I spoke about the door feeling “lighter” or thinner than other iterations when I handled one back in March. The door was definitely harder to open but in all cases it did open for me. I have had my SL3 for about a month and no problems with the door. Pushing down on the door with my thumb and pushing forwards has always worked for me. Sorry to hear your camera card door is so tight. 

[Raul E Gomez]

2 hours ago, Yellow_78 said:

I have this same issue unfortunately. I have to use a finger nail to pry it open. With great difficulty as well! 

I informed my local Leica store and will be bringing it in for them to look at. I'll keep you updated how it goes. 

Thanks for your post. Since this is my second SL3 with the same problem I am planning to return the SL3 and request a refund from my AD.  I cannot have such an expensive camera that I need a screwdriver to force the card door to open.  That is unfortunate for the Leica brand if you cannot rely on this product.

[BernardC]

23 minutes ago, Raul E Gomez said:

Thanks for your post. Since this is my second SL3 with the same problem I am planning to return the SL3 and request a refund from my AD.  I cannot have such an expensive camera that I need a screwdriver to force the card door to open.  That is unfortunate for the Leica brand if you cannot rely on this product.

You can ask your dealer to open and close the card door a few times, until it becomes easier. I understand why you wouldn't want to do this yourself, risking damage to an expensive new camera, but your dealer should be willing to do it.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

 2 x SL3's with no issues.

But yes, it would suck to get 2 bodies with a simple issue like that. I'd just insist I tried the body instore before making final payment on no3.

Gordon

[Avatar]

I had an issue at first then just used my index finger nail to open it and had no problems..Over a couple of days, it worked fine.

 

[malbooth]

I'm relieved to see these posts. I thought it was just me! The more you use it the easier it gets in my experience.

[algrove]

Got mine at launch and never had problem to slide it open. I like it tight so that I feel better using it in rain and sandy areas.

[jigesh]

Could be only me but I think it opens easily if you don't push inward while sliding it out, but simply slide it out without pushing it in. 

Edited June 12, 2024 by jigesh

[Avatar]

The first SL3 I got had a hard to open door..I learned to only use my fingernail to open it and it was fine. Sold the SL3 for an SL2-S.

I stumbled onto another SL3 as a friend of a friend just got one and was selling it..Bought it at a great price and noticed the door easily opened, nothing like the first copy.

 

[Avatar]

5 hours ago, jigesh said:

Could be only me but I think it opens easily if you don't push inward while sliding it out, but simply slide it out without pushing it in. 

That was ultimately did with the first copy but the second one feels a little different and more like the door on my SL2 or SL2-S.

[LeicaR10]

Raul E Gomez,  The SL3 has "birthing" issues as you are now experiencing if you read the various SL3 threads.  I suggest you simply return the camera to the dealer and get a refund.  My Leica dealer told me years ago, never buy a new camera model for at least 6-12 months after initial fielding.  This gives the early adopters the chance to debug the camera for the manufacturer.  Sage dealer advice.  Both SL2-S or SL2 that are very stable cameras and at a much lower price might be an avenue for you.  For the price of a SL3, you could get a SL2-S and have change for a SL lens too. The SL2-S has a great low light sensor and very good AF and all the bells and whistles a photographer could need.  Heck the SL2 and SL2-S can do things the SL3 cannot do at this time.  Its your money and decision...just something to ponder.  r/ Mark