SL3-Some impressions about the body vs SL2-S

[tom0511]

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First body impressions:

I like the lighter weight of the SL3 but for my hands the higher size and the grip of the SL2-series felt more steady in my hands and a little more solid.

I do like the larger items and I slightly prefer the new top display, even though the letters are thinner. And I doo like to have a swivel display now, even if its not the most important thing for me.

I don't like that the shutter became louder.

Regarding the new on/off switch...dont know yet, is there a way I can see if I switched off the camera or if I put it just to sleep?

I like it but overall I think it feels a little less solid in hands than the SL2-series, including the shutter sound.

I don't like the camera tells me all the time that I can't use all functions with the old batteries. Can I switch this message off?

 

Edited June 5, 2024 by tom0511

[MediaFotografie]

vor 9 Minuten schrieb tom0511:

 

I don't like the camera tells me all the time that I can't use all functions with the old batteries. Can I switch this message off?

 

no, sadly, that's not possible and very annoying 

[Chaemono]

It’s a feature, not a bug. This way one has to buy new batteries, too. 

[kkcsm]

Is the sl2 shutter different than the sl 601?  I’ve never used an sl2; the sl3 sounds different than the original sl, but it is not noticeably louder.  I’ve read other complaints about the sl3 shutter sound and now that I have one it baffles me.

[kkcsm]

OK.  It's evening, relaxing time here and I've had a few cocktails.  So of course I did an experiment.

Mounted a SPL meter directly above the mount flange of my 601 and sl3 and measured three shutter actuations for each camera.  Manual, 1/200 MF so there is no lens noise:

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SL (Typ 601):

70.3dB, 70.6dB,  70.7dB

SL3:

67.1dB, (less than previous, I set the meter to show max), 67.8dB

I don't remember the reading, but flipping the on switch of the 601 was louder than the shutter.

Edited June 6, 2024 by kkcsm

[kkcsm]

To further this scientific study, I would like 1 or 2 dozen SL2 and SL2-S owners to ship me their cameras.  PM for shipping instructions.  The cameras will be returned within six months.

[tom0511]

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vor 3 Stunden schrieb kkcsm:

Is the sl2 shutter different than the sl 601?  I’ve never used an sl2; the sl3 sounds different than the original sl, but it is not noticeably louder.  I’ve read other complaints about the sl3 shutter sound and now that I have one it baffles me.

I dont remember. But to me the shutter of my new sl3 sounds a little louder than my sl2-s. I didn't measure it.

It sounds a little more hallow and the sl2 sounds a little more damped. Just my impression.

I dodnt see it as problematic though.

 

[jiggyb21]

For me the difference in the grip is actually the single biggest downside of the SL3 when compared to the SL2. Even my Canon R5 had a superior grip. When I am walking around I like to carry my camers by essentially letting them hang from my fingers. I really helps with hand fatigue. With the SL3 I have to squeeze the camera more with my thumb and it’s simply not a comfortable or confident experience. I am also unable to operate the SL3 single-handed and that defeats the purpose of moving all the buttons to the right side.  I have found myself only reaching for the SL3 when I either need 60mp or I am on a tripod. It’s such a shame really. The more I use my SL2-s the more I realize that it is a few millions pixels and a tilt screen away from the perfect camera for me. It operates considerably smoother, although I assume the SL3 will get better with firmware updates. 
 

As to the other points, I’m not sure the SL3 shutter is actually louder but it is far more mechanical sounding, less dampened and higher pitched. The SL2-s almost sounds like a leaf shutter. Very pleasing indeed. 
 

I’m fine with the power button in the end, I might even prefer it. I do have several firmware wishes. Does anyone know the proper outlet to suggest to Leica? 

Edited June 6, 2024 by jiggyb21

[tom0511]

vor einer Stunde schrieb jiggyb21:

For me the difference in the grip is actually the single biggest downside of the SL3 when compared to the SL2. Even my Canon R5 had a superior grip. When I am walking around I like to carry my camers by essentially letting them hang from my fingers. I really helps with hand fatigue. With the SL3 I have to squeeze the camera more with my thumb and it’s simply not a comfortable or confident experience. I am also unable to operate the SL3 single-handed and that defeats the purpose of moving all the buttons to the right side.  I have found myself only reaching for the SL3 when I either need 60mp or I am on a tripod. It’s such a shame really. The more I use my SL2-s the more I realize that it is a few millions pixels and a tilt screen away from the perfect camera for me. It operates considerably smoother, although I assume the SL3 will get better with firmware updates. 
 

As to the other points, I’m not sure the SL3 shutter is actually louder but it is far more mechanical sounding, less dampened and higher pitched. The SL2-s almost sounds like a leaf shutter. Very pleasing indeed. 
 

I’m fine with the power button in the end, I might even prefer it. I do have several firmware wishes. Does anyone know the proper outlet to suggest to Leica? 

But overall do you keep the SL3 or do you stay with the SL2?

I am pretty sure I will get used to the SL3 ergonomics. And sometimes the lower weight will come handy.

I might use a handgrip if I use larger lenses. But as you say, the SL2-S size/ergo was near to perfect for me. But then others complained the SL2-S would be too big.

You can not make everybody happy.

 

 

[jiggyb21]

12 minutes ago, tom0511 said:

But overall do you keep the SL3 or do you stay with the SL2?

I am pretty sure I will get used to the SL3 ergonomics. And sometimes the lower weight will come handy.

I might use a handgrip if I use larger lenses. But as you say, the SL2-S size/ergo was near to perfect for me. But then others complained the SL2-S would be too big.

You can not make everybody happy.

 

 

Agreed, I like the lower weight and I too am already getting used to the SL3 grip but I don’t think I’ll ever gain the level of confidence I have in the SL2 grip. I have larger than average hands for sure and I’m willing to bet the SL3 grip is great for 90%. 

[kkcsm]

11 hours ago, jiggyb21 said:

When I am walking around I like to carry my camers by essentially letting them hang from my fingers.

I do the same and typically preferred to go out with my M over the SL due to hand discomfort on longer sessions.  Just handling the SL3, even though it is noticeably lighter, I believe I’ll have the same issue in never being able to relax my hand.

I have ordered a Peak Design Clutch which I hope will allow me to carry longer without fatigue.

[jiggyb21]

1 minute ago, kkcsm said:

I do the same and typically preferred to go out with my M over the SL due to hand discomfort on longer sessions.  Just handling the SL3, even though it is noticeably lighter, I believe I’ll have the same issue in never being able to relax my hand.

I have ordered a Peak Design Clutch which I hope will allow me to carry longer without fatigue.

That’s a great idea because I’m not an actually sure I would drop it, it just feels like I might. Having the insurance of a wrist strap would let me test carrying it. 

[LocalHero1953]

I use a hand strap on the SL2-S for just this reason: a Herringbone Heritage in my case. I took it off for some reason the other day and forgot to replace it. I agree that one ‘can’ carry the SL2-S by the fingertips, but I prefer the security of a hand strap. 

[Mikko Kankainen]

I agree with Tom.

Sl2-s feels more solid and more "premium". And it's so much faster to use, no lagging like SL3 does. I have started to use again SL2-s for my work because it's just faster to operate (and more reliable). SL3 needs new firmware and fast. I hate on/off button that SL3 has, it's not looking nice and it's harder to operate. I just dont get the point why replace something that was working. And card writing LED is too dim in SL3, I need to look it all the time how I operate my camera.

[tom0511]

vor 2 Stunden schrieb Mikko Kankainen:

I agree with Tom.

Sl2-s feels more solid and more "premium". And it's so much faster to use, no lagging like SL3 does. I have started to use again SL2-s for my work because it's just faster to operate (and more reliable). SL3 needs new firmware and fast. I hate on/off button that SL3 has, it's not looking nice and it's harder to operate. I just dont get the point why replace something that was working. And card writing LED is too dim in SL3, I need to look it all the time how I operate my camera.

But in which regard would you say the SL2-s is faster to operate?

[Mikko Kankainen]

Startup time, working with camera (menus etc), shutting down camera, most clearly playback. It freezes like for 2 seconds when I press play sometimes and scrolling is slower. This becomes clear when you work in some event and take many hunrends of photos. And it becomes even more clear when you have a lot of photos in your card. And writing to card is slower even if I use M-dng. It writes longer (led blink) vs Sl2-s. Using Cf and SD. Fast SD.

At least my SL3 usually reboots when I turn it on after it's closed. So it takes maybe 5-8 sec camera to turn on. Never with SL2 lineup. But this is a firmware thing or my unit has some issues, different memory card etc. But I have tried many cards.

Edited June 7, 2024 by Mikko Kankainen

[tom0511]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb Mikko Kankainen:

Startup time, working with camera (menus etc), shutting down camera, most clearly playback. It freezes like for 2 seconds when I press play sometimes and scrolling is slower. This becomes clear when you work in some event and take many hunrends of photos. And it becomes even more clear when you have a lot of photos in your card. And writing to card is slower even if I use M-dng. It writes longer (led blink) vs Sl2-s. Using Cf and SD. Fast SD.

At least my SL3 usually reboots when I turn it on after it's closed. So it takes maybe 5-8 sec camera to turn on. Never with SL2 lineup. But this is a firmware thing or my unit has some issues, different memory card etc. But I have tried many cards.

I am too new wit the SL3 to comment on oll those points but start up time was one thing where I find the SL3 to be quite fast.

 

[Mikko Kankainen]

And it can be that these is some corruption or some issue with my unit. It can be fast but quite often camera is not responsive right after boot. And sometimes it reboots. 

[costa43]

I prefer the body design of the sl2/sl2s. I  tried the sl3 and definitely preferred the slightly lower weight which was noticeable to me but the shutter was louder and the body does not feel as sleek a design but I guess that’s the compromise when you add a flip screen and extra dial.  It just felt a little bit busier, and more in line with other brands. 

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[Chris Nebard]

On 6/7/2024 at 12:37 AM, LocalHero1953 said:

I use a hand strap on the SL2-S for just this reason: a Herringbone Heritage in my case. I took it off for some reason the other day and forgot to replace it. I agree that one ‘can’ carry the SL2-S by the fingertips, but I prefer the security of a hand strap. 

I carry mine the same way; an Oberwerth wrist strap for me. The indent on the grip is then perfect for holding from the fingers. Can this not be done with the SL3? 

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