HuntingSand Posted September 22, 2024 Share #1 Posted September 22, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) It's "obsolete", discontinued and has no EVF/OVF, but I find my TL2 a very nice and reliable travel companion. Back in 2016 I spent a year in Paris with the original T and the 11-23mm Vario Elmar, which proved to be a very capable outfit. These days, I prefer traveling with the TL2 over my CL, mounting the 23mm Summicron or the little 18mm Elmarit. The UI's simplicity makes access to almost everything extremely intuitive and quick. Was wondering if others feel similarly. Two examples below from a recent trip. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 12 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/411764-anyone-else-using-a-model-t-as-a-travel-camera-these-days/?do=findComment&comment=5623688'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 22, 2024 Posted September 22, 2024 Hi HuntingSand, Take a look here Anyone else using a model T as a travel camera these days?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Gregm61 Posted September 23, 2024 Share #2 Posted September 23, 2024 They are fun little cameras. I picked up an original T to play around with and alongside my CL. I do prefer an eye-level finder and grabbed a second-hand EVF to use with it. What is the state of available replacement batteries these days for the T series? I’m assuming that’ll be, or is, the biggest impediment to long-term viability of those cameras. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntingSand Posted September 23, 2024 Author Share #3 Posted September 23, 2024 Besides being "fun little cameras to play around with", they are also quite serious photographic instruments, especially with good lenses, of which there are a few native ones, plus all those M lenses that can be adapted. Re batteries, Chinese companies on Amazon and FleaBay are your friends. They work well, I added a couple of spares. I also have the 020 EVF, which I mount when I need GPS coordinates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jankap Posted September 23, 2024 Share #4 Posted September 23, 2024 (edited) +1 I reactivated my Sony QX1. A fun camera with 20MP? No, it was with me to Wagner's Parsival in Bayreuth! Excellent, it has an almost noiseless, mechanic shutter. No LCD, so I used the camera with the Leitz 50mm viewfinder and AF. See the Avatar at left. Edited September 23, 2024 by jankap 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregm61 Posted September 23, 2024 Share #5 Posted September 23, 2024 Yes, I went a little crazy when the system was still current and own every native TL lens in addition to my M outfit….have my CL at the office today with the 11-23, 35/1.4 and 60mm f2.8 Macro. I only have the one native battery that came with the T so just ordered three of those knock-off at $20 apiece. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigelG Posted September 23, 2024 Share #6 Posted September 23, 2024 (edited) I usually take a TL2 with the 11-23 and EVF as my hiking camera when out in the wilds in SW USA - but also as a great city architecture camera. The pivoting viso is better than the CL in this respect. I even have the T-snap hard front and back rubber cover (when they sold off the stock for pennies) and with the bouncy silicone strap (which everyone hated) it’s a fairly rugged crossbody hiking/climbing landscape camera. The silver body is still unmarked and it has seen a lot of terrain. If I’m not by myself switching lenses and putting an EVF on and off an M for framing wides/superwides is a pain for others…so the TL2 + 11-23 might accompany an M with a 50 lux as a (still light) 2 camera bag. Edited September 23, 2024 by NigelG 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigelG Posted September 24, 2024 Share #7 Posted September 24, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) An additional bonus is that when necessary I can see the large rear screen icons (for the functions I actually ever change) without having to find my glasses… forgive the iPhone pic… Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 4 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/411764-anyone-else-using-a-model-t-as-a-travel-camera-these-days/?do=findComment&comment=5626954'>More sharing options...
HuntingSand Posted September 25, 2024 Author Share #8 Posted September 25, 2024 vor 11 Stunden schrieb NigelG: An additional bonus is that when necessary I can see the large rear screen icons (for the functions I actually ever change) without having to find my glasses… forgive the iPhone pic… I agree about the tiles as a very accessible interface. Leica never repeated that UI on any other camera AFAIK. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntingSand Posted September 25, 2024 Author Share #9 Posted September 25, 2024 Am 23.9.2024 um 15:30 schrieb NigelG: I usually take a TL2 with the 11-23 and EVF as my hiking camera when out in the wilds in SW USA - but also as a great city architecture camera. The pivoting viso is better than the CL in this respect. I even have the T-snap hard front and back rubber cover (when they sold off the stock for pennies) and with the bouncy silicone strap (which everyone hated) it’s a fairly rugged crossbody hiking/climbing landscape camera. The silver body is still unmarked and it has seen a lot of terrain. If I’m not by myself switching lenses and putting an EVF on and off an M for framing wides/superwides is a pain for others…so the TL2 + 11-23 might accompany an M with a 50 lux as a (still light) 2 camera bag. So you stuck to the Silicone strap?! Or the other way round...; good for you. I replaced the lugs on one side and put a wrist strap on, which is how I carry my TL2. Wouldn't work well while out hiking when one sometimes (or all of a sudden) needs to use both hands. That 11-23 is a stellar lens, I even compared it to my 21 Super-Elmar when I still had both. More versatile of course, and comes in handy in tight spaces. Hike safely! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maidenfan84 Posted September 28, 2024 Share #10 Posted September 28, 2024 I take my TL2 and the 23mm f2 summicron, along with the 35mm Summilux TL, everywhere. It's a fantastic system and quite sad that Leica abandoned it. Honestly, I looked recently and was shocked to see the values skyrocket on these cameras. I had an original T 701 and then decided to get a TL2 when they were discontinued at dirt cheap prices (I think I paid $950 out the door for a brand new silver TL2). They're going used now for $1900+! Regardless what some folks say, it IS a real Leica and the photo possibilities out of the cameras are gallery exhibit quality. I usually take mine on motorcycle rides, traveling, hiking, etc. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Lane Posted October 2, 2024 Share #11 Posted October 2, 2024 The T series is my favourite travel cam. I sold my original T earlier this year but still have my Titanium TL as well as a silver TL2. I prefer the output from the T/TL’s 16 megapixel sensor so the TL will continue to get more use than my TL2. Last month I spent a couple of weeks on a few of the Greek islands with just the Q2. While the Q2 is nice I realised my mistake not having my TL with me by day three 🥲 They really are lovely cameras. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CM7 Posted October 3, 2024 Share #12 Posted October 3, 2024 (edited) I use the CL as my main camera and also keep my old T. Just bought a 55-135 mm Zoom. As of now, I don’t see a reason to leave this wonderful little discontinued system. Edited October 3, 2024 by CM7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhound Posted October 12, 2024 Share #13 Posted October 12, 2024 II boght my black TL 3 years ago for a cheep price including a viewfinder an 3 batteries. It was in mint condition. Also I put a thump holder in the hot shoe witch helps holding the camera. Usually I have the 18-56 mounted witch made excellent Photos and the Voigtllaender Color-Scopar 4/21 is an excellent point and shoot lens. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/411764-anyone-else-using-a-model-t-as-a-travel-camera-these-days/?do=findComment&comment=5654036'>More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted November 22, 2024 Share #14 Posted November 22, 2024 On 9/24/2024 at 5:20 AM, Gregm61 said: I only have the one native battery that came with the T so just ordered three of those knock-off at $20 apiece. Got a link Greg (please)? My battery is getting tired. So is the internal battery but I’m screwed with that, I fear it would cost more than the value of the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregm61 Posted November 22, 2024 Share #15 Posted November 22, 2024 https://www.batterymart.com/SEARCH.html?q=Bdc13 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhound Posted December 25, 2024 Share #16 Posted December 25, 2024 Inspired by this posting on Leicaforum I decided to take my Leica TL on my next Trip to the east of Thailand.I was rather skeptic to work with the screen alone, so I had the Visoflex also with me. I bought the camera 3 Years ago for a small price including the Visoflex and three batteries. But I managed well with the screen alone. I always loved to take photos with the viewfinder of my Rolleiflex and my Hasselblad, I always found composition easier. Operating the camera menu is quite simple and has easy access. I don`t understand why Leica did not follow this line. Also the small flashlight is often helpful, in dark corners of an old temple ect. The light condition this year in December have been rather difficult, high contrast and a deep sun gave deep shadows and hard light.So I was quite satisfied with my TL on this trip to Thailand. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/411764-anyone-else-using-a-model-t-as-a-travel-camera-these-days/?do=findComment&comment=5728594'>More sharing options...
greyhound Posted December 25, 2024 Share #17 Posted December 25, 2024 More pictures from Thailand Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/411764-anyone-else-using-a-model-t-as-a-travel-camera-these-days/?do=findComment&comment=5728596'>More sharing options...
greyhound Posted December 25, 2024 Share #18 Posted December 25, 2024 And some more Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/411764-anyone-else-using-a-model-t-as-a-travel-camera-these-days/?do=findComment&comment=5728598'>More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted December 25, 2024 Share #19 Posted December 25, 2024 Every few months I get a yearning to buy a TL2 again (I've owned one twice). It's just such a beautiful concept camera, and takes great photos, especially with the 35TL and 60TL. I know the TL2 + 35TL is not much smaller than the Q3 43, but logic doesn't come into it. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntingSand Posted December 26, 2024 Author Share #20 Posted December 26, 2024 vor 12 Stunden schrieb LocalHero1953: Every few months I get a yearning to buy a TL2 again (I've owned one twice). It's just such a beautiful concept camera, and takes great photos, especially with the 35TL and 60TL. I know the TL2 + 35TL is not much smaller than the Q3 43, but logic doesn't come into it. Funny that, owning the same camera twice. Happened to me with the X Vario. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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