SL2 good value proposition now?

[Nedward]

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Hi all, thinking of going for a used SL2 for use with M and Zeizz manual lenses. There really is good value out there now. Im thinking that as I'm committed to M lenses the SL3 is not that compelling of a package seen as I will be using manual focus all the time. I'd just like to confirm that the joystick will bring up the magnification box to aid manual focusing. I heard it was taken off on the last firmware update? Or was it only on non Leica Lenses or older lenses that applied. Thanks in advance all. N

[Chris Nebard]

I think that you might get good value with either the SL2 or SL2-S. The version 6.0 firmware issue of removing the zoom/magnification from the joystick (for the focus of M lenses) is still there. Leica have not remedied it. Speaking personally, and if my main use was to be with adapted M lenses, I would look for a camera whose firmware had not been updated to v6.0 - if buying used.  That said, some users are content to use the thumbwheel which provides the function, but, again speaking only for myself, I prefer to use the joystick and want the option of both. 
Hope this helps. 

[Nedward]

7 minutes ago, Chris Nebard said:

I think that you might get good value with either the SL2 or SL2-S. The version 6.0 firmware issue of removing the zoom/magnification from the joystick (for the focus of M lenses) is still there. Leica have not remedied it. Speaking personally, and if my main use was to be with adapted M lenses, I would look for a camera whose firmware had not been updated to v6.0 - if buying used.  That said, some users are content to use the thumbwheel which provides the function, but, again speaking only for myself, I prefer to use the joystick and want the option of both. 
Hope this helps. 

 

[Nedward]

Chris, thanks that’s what I needed to know. 

[Chris Nebard]

4 minutes ago, Nedward said:

Chris, thanks that’s what I needed to know. 

No worries. Good luck with whatever you decide 👍

[V23]

3 hours ago, Chris Nebard said:

I think that you might get good value with either the SL2 or SL2-S. The version 6.0 firmware issue of removing the zoom/magnification from the joystick (for the focus of M lenses) is still there. Leica have not remedied it. Speaking personally, and if my main use was to be with adapted M lenses, I would look for a camera whose firmware had not been updated to v6.0 - if buying used.  That said, some users are content to use the thumbwheel which provides the function, but, again speaking only for myself, I prefer to use the joystick and want the option of both. 
Hope this helps. 

Not sure about SL2, but my SL2-S lost magnification via joystick with fw 6, but it is accessible via front top Fn button using MF lenses. 

[Photoworks]

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SL2 has a strange implementation of the issue.

- If you use the Leica adapter 6Bit, the magnification is not working on the Joystick press at the moment in v6.0.

- if you use a 3rd party adapter the magnification still works 🙊

 

Since you are playing to use the 3rd party lenses anyway, you don't need to buy the Leica adapter. Just select the focal N## in the menu to be able to activate IBIS in the camera.

 

Voigtlander is making very good glass, everything that came out in the last few years is comparable to Leica's popular lenses.
Zeiss are often heavy and on the blue tone.

[Nedward]

Interesting, thanks for the input.

 

[Stuart Richardson]

Just towards the original question: I think the SL2 is an excellent value proposition. The results are spectacular as long as you don't go into very high ISOs, and even then, it is much better than older cameras. The build quality is unlike anything you will encounter in most other camera brands, and the EVF, stabilization and user interface are still top notch. 47mp on a super sharp sensor with good color...even without multishot it is enough to print huge at gallery quality. I am sticking with mine even though I could afford an SL3 if I wanted to. I still think the SL2 is the better camera for me.

[LBJ2]

1 hour ago, Nedward said:

Interesting, thanks for the input.

 

A few additional thoughts as you consider a purchase:

The Leica SL2 after many firmware updates is now with the latest firmware, the peak of its operational stability to include having added many new features along the way. So IMO the SL2 is a better camera than it has ever been.

Also important to note and although I prefer to use the joystick for this purpose ( as mentioned by the first response on this thread), I found it truly just as convenient to use the rear wheel dial about an inch away from the joystick to dial in focus magnification for MF lenses with the M-L Leica adapter.  If you've never used the SL2 before I think the rear dial will seem a very natural process for this function. 

Edited August 1, 2024 by LBJ2

[Nedward]

2 hours ago, LBJ2 said:

A few additional thoughts as you consider a purchase:

The Leica SL2 after many firmware updates is now with the latest firmware, the peak of its operational stability to include having added many new features along the way. So IMO the SL2 is a better camera than it has ever been.

Also important to note and although I prefer to use the joystick for this purpose ( as mentioned by the first response on this thread), I found it truly just as convenient to use the rear wheel dial about an inch away from the joystick to dial in focus magnification for MF lenses with the M-L Leica adapter.  If you've never used the SL2 before I think the rear dial will seem a very natural process for this function. 

 

[Nedward]

thanks for that, sounds good.

[hellobrandonscott]

I was so upset when they removed the zooming functionality from the joystick but now I actually prefer pressing the clicky wheel, to the point where if they reenable the joystick I think I’ll stick with the click wheel. I think it makes more sense from a hand positioning perspective and the tactile feel is pretty great.

[jrp]

If you are using only M lenses, then the Sl would be a good camera, but for one thing, the SL2 has in-body image stabilisation, which will make a big difference to the sharpness of your images, unless you are a tripod only shooter.  If I was shooting only M lenses (and I don't as they are so expensive that I hardly take mine out) I'd probably go for the SL2/S or adapt them to a Sony body and spend the difference on another lens (Zeiss, Voigtlander, etc).

But it's your $£€¥

[Nedward]

31 minutes ago, hellobrandonscott said:

I was so upset when they removed the zooming functionality from the joystick but now I actually prefer pressing the clicky wheel, to the point where if they reenable the joystick I think I’ll stick with the click wheel. I think it makes more sense from a hand positioning perspective and the tactile feel is pretty great.

I guess you'll get used to anything and the folk at Leica really do know their craft...

Thanks that's helpful