Any love for the T, TL, TL2 + Visoflex 020 ?

[Njhaley]

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I am in the process of acquiring a cheap (I think) Visoflex 020, it's not yet in my hands.

 

What I think I'll like:

- framing shots on bright days

- stability when we know this camera and almost all lenses have no IBIS

- tilting 020 up 90 degrees, and being able to look down, not up, which I imagine may help with stealth now and then for street shots?

- wondering about whether I may mod other lenses to the TL2 in the future if this goes well (back to manual focussing with M lenses?)

 

What I think I'll dislike:

- the shape of it and what it does to the camera's outline

- the fact I can't use my nerdy but lovely Leica T holster (modified, aka stretched out a bit for the TL2)

 

So, yes, is anyone here a fan of the T, TL, TL2 + Visoflex 020 set up?

Edited June 22, 2024 by Njhaley

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[dpitt]

I hate using the iPhone way of taking pictures, in part because I need reading glasses to see the back screen sharp enough. And with reading glasses on, I have to look over them to see further than 3m... With the eye correction on the 020, I have both stability and perfect view on the scene.
Because I use M and R lenses most of the time on the TL2, the EVF and magnification is essential to get critical focus right.

Yes, the EVF makes the combo bulkier and not as streamlined. But it is very easy to remove for transport. I have bought the TL2 used with my 020 and would not want to use it without. The TL2 with a small M lens is the most compact, high IQ solution. With EVF removed even more compact than the CL or the M or Q series.

From time to time the tilting of the EVF comes in handy too. This is an other advantage over the CL for me.

YMMV

Edited June 22, 2024 by dpitt

[Njhaley]

When you say eye correction, I didn’t think there was a dial or use of diopters available. I am short sighted (about -3.00) so didn’t know if that was an option (whereas know the CL has this built in). 
 

Which small M lens did you go for. I was in love with the TL18 (and in matching silver) but sold it to fund the 11-23mm

[Adid Acevedo]

Hello!

• I'm also thinking of acquiring a Visoflex Typ 020 for my TL2.
• My main reason is focusing.
• Currently, I'm having a hard time getting good focus on Manual lenses.
  • I check the photos with Built-in Screen and use the X6 zoom option for focus assist.
  • But when I check them in my computers many of them are out of focus.
• I'm hoping to get more precision with the Visoflex.

Thanks, 

[Steven Lane]

I have been using one with my TL’s for several years now. It is a really useful accessory particularly as it tilts through 90 degrees allowing you to look down into it. That said, it is a bit flimsy and does not feel like a premium product. Its lightweight plastic design feels a bit like something that would fall out of a Christmas Cracker. But it does a pretty good job and mine is still working so all is good.

[tom0511]

I am not using the tl any more but I found the EVF quite useful for many occasions.

 

[LocalHero1953]

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The TL2 is a beautiful camera (I've owned it twice and I keep thinking about buying it again) but limited by reason of its concept. It is designed to be used like a smartphone, and the settings are designed to be used just by touchscreen. If you accept its limitations, it is unique in looks and performance. Adding a VF 020 spoils its looks and the EVF performance is still not great.

IMO, the TL2 should be considered and used as it was designed - with AF lenses, and held like a phone. If you want a camera with the functionality of the TL2 with an EVF, the CL is better - but not so attractive!

[Njhaley]

Oh yes, I have weighed that one up in my mind, the ‘should I sell my TL2 and get the CL’, but in the end I decided to add the 020. (For a lot less than the whole overhaul to the CL)

Got it today! It was just the stability factor for longer lenses, and maybe to become smaller on the street rather than holding it out in front of me. And yes, you can always go down/remove it to make it more like a phone. 
 

the TL2 is a great camera! 

[LocalHero1953]

9 hours ago, Njhaley said:

Oh yes, I have weighed that one up in my mind, the ‘should I sell my TL2 and get the CL’, but in the end I decided to add the 020. (For a lot less than the whole overhaul to the CL)

Got it today! It was just the stability factor for longer lenses, and maybe to become smaller on the street rather than holding it out in front of me. And yes, you can always go down/remove it to make it more like a phone. 
 

the TL2 is a great camera! 

This thread prompted me to look (once again) at TL2 availability and prices (the idea of having a TL2+35TL again stirs my GAS). I could only find one on eBay and none on MPB. A search on usedlens.co.uk found nothing else. Those who own them are holding onto them.

[TL3]

I mostly use it for the GPS tagging.  I do find it flimsy, and the plastic cracked a bit after my first trip to Indonesia with it (my unit was also made in Indonesia).  I suspect it was because I was just putting the whole set up into my tote bag in between photos without removing it.  I found it annoying to remove and remount every time.  The GPS functionality is slow outdoors, and not usable at all indoors.  I am fine shooting the TL2 like an iPhone.

I definitely prefer using the CL's integrated viewfinder, but I will occasionally take out the Visoflex if it's outdoors, sunny, and I am trying to GPS tag my photos.  But usually it just sits in my drawer.

[KitW]

I have yet to meet a camera with a screen I could use on a sunny day outdoors.

[Dopaco]

Right now TL2 + Visoflex =20 is my main camera along with the iPhone 14 pro, which also takes excellent photographs, sometimes even better than the TL2 due to its good stabilization, although the difference is noticeable in favor of the TL2, when we zoom. in 100x100.

Visoflex 20, I carry it in my pocket to use it on those occasions that I consider necessary. Is it essential? No, but if you can afford it, it's better to have it.

On my Leica TL2 the screen sometimes did not respond and I solved it by removing and installing the battery.

I am very happy with this camera, it is unique and one of the most beautiful that Leica has, it is a shame that it does not have stabilization in photography.

Sorry for my English based on a translator program.

[dkCambridgeshire]

After acquiring a CL almost two years ago , my Leica T (Type 701) was 'full spectrum' converted for use as an IR and UV camera. The CL is fine but I miss being able to use the T as a regular 'close-up' photography camera at low level / ground level with the Viso 020 'flipped up. Thus contemplating acquiring another Leica T – but s/h examples have almost doubled in price during the last 4 years – and they fly off s/h camera dealers' shelves as soon as they're listed.  They are the cheapest s/h digital Leica ICL cameras; typical UK prices c. £650 for a decent Type 701 example (if you can find one); less for a 'user' grade. 

 

Edited June 30, 2024 by dkCambridgeshire

[Einst_Stein]

I wish CL had EVF tillable, then I will have less interested in Tx + EVF. 

No problem with your Pros, but outline shape in your cons I have quite opposite feeling. It actually makes it more beautiful.

I agree the nature of touch screen of T/TL/TL2 does makes the EVF less integrated.  

[Njhaley]

On 6/27/2024 at 9:45 AM, KitW said:

I have yet to meet a camera with a screen I could use on a sunny day outdoors.

Does that include the TL2 at full brightness? Should i be apologising for my months of usage of the TL2 until now 😅

[Njhaley]

On 6/29/2024 at 10:13 AM, Dopaco said:

not have stabilization

I do think there are some stabilised SL lenses, although i think i have read they drain the battery a fair bit. 

[Njhaley]

I think I got lucky, I bought a BNIB TL2 from MrPorter.com (lux menswear seller) for £831 inc shipping in July 2023. The stock had sat there for I suppose a few years !

[aj55]

I really love my TL2 with or without the 020. Often makes me leave my SL2-s at home!

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[KitW]

6 hours ago, Njhaley said:

Does that include the TL2 at full brightness?

To be fair, no it doesn't. They must have come on a long way if you can use them on a sunny day in Australia?

Edited July 7, 2024 by KitW

[dkCambridgeshire]

Looking forward to receiving a s/h Leica TL ordered 10 July from MPB. Will supplement my Leica CL which is a fine camera but not so fine for low level c/u photography. The 'flip up' Viso used on the T /TL series enables comfortable low level close-up imaging. My original T was converted to full spectrum sensor and is mainly used for IR imaging – with 720nm IR 'pass' filters fitted to various lenses. Leica T, TL, and TL2 are now popular 'entry level' Leica Interchangeable lens (ICL), digital compact cameras. Prices are reasonable but rising. Prudent to buy now before they become more scarce. 

BW, dunk 

Edited July 12, 2024 by dkCambridgeshire