Help me reduce my kit (SL2, CL, M10)

[Jackalope]

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Friends,

I find that I have more cameras than I actually use. As I've reported elsewhere on this forum, I'm in love with my little CL for long distance walking. I carry it with the 18mm attached on a Capture Clip on my daypack, with the 18-56 in the pack. https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/397555-cl-on-the-southwest-coast-path/#comment-5402269

I had already sold a Q2 and purchased an M10, and eventually a Summilux 35mm FLE along with a Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm and a Voigtlander 21mm Color Skopar. I've derived enormous pleasure from the M10; and, despite my age (I'm 74) I took to rangefinder focussing rather easily. In the course of time, though, I found that I missed having autofocus, IBIS, and weather sealing in too many situations.

Which led to the purchase of an SL2, to which I've now added two Sigma lenses: the 24-70 ii and the 35mm f/2 dg dn. 

I find that I'm reaching for the SL2 for most of my non-walking photography, while the lovely M10 languishes in the cupboard.

I have tentatively decided to sell the M10 and the FLE, keeping the two Voigtlanders for use on the SL2.

If I do that, I'll be able to expand my SL2 kit; I'm tempted by the Leica 14-24 f/2.8, but would lean toward adding another first class prime.

So, two questions:

1) does the sale make sense given my usage profile?

2) what should I get if I do sell.

Thanks so much for your consideration!

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[hansvons]

As you like your CL and the SL and prefer AF, sell everything related to the M10, including the lenses. Then, I'd buy the Summciron 35mm APO, the SL system's signature lens. Voightlander wide-angle M lenses tend to vignette on the SL and smear in the corners (I'd check that). I'd take a look at Sigma Primes.

For 50mm, the Summilux 50mm SL is closest to the FLE, with the caveat of being heavy and bulky, but the eyes of your subjects at f/1.4 will always be sharp. The images are, like the 35mm APO, on a singular level. For everything light and travel-related, use your CL.

The M system allows for a user experience that can elevate one's photography but that's highly individualistic. Its natural focal lengths are 35mm and 50mm. Thus, it's not meant to be a system that covers everything. If you feel like parting with the M10, do it. It probably doesn't add anything special to your photos. Maybe checking your catalogue in that way makes sense before you sell it.

 

 

[Jeff S]

17 hours ago, Jackalope said:

 

2) what should I get if I do sell.

 

GAS therapy?

(You know you’re suffering when this is a question about reducing your kit.)

Jeff

[tomasis7]

1. yes

2. depends how heavy lens you want to carry. 24-90 is quite popular. Otherwise 35 or 50 APO. Look at weight of zooms and decide what is the limit. I carry 20-60 Panasonic and I find the weight on limit.

Im big fan of primes so im a bit biased. But I was surprised by the Panasonic. 24-105 is an interesting candidate.

Edited October 1, 2024 by tomasis7

[huwm]

the 24-105 is excellent but for not much loss in IQ you can go lighter and longer with the 28-200 which has displaced it in my hiking kit, probably for good

[Jackalope]

Update: After a lot of consideration, I did sell the M10 and 35mm FLE. The SL2 is a great solution for me, and I used the money to get the 75mm APO. Thanks for the helpful replies!

[lencap]

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I'm your age and agree with all the decisions you made.  I did the same as you, sold the M bodies and original Q, and now have the SL2-S/50 SL Summicron bundle.  It's not lightweight, but the flexibility and image quality makes it worth it for me.  The M body was my initial foray into Leica, but my hit rate fell yearly along with my visual acuity.  I tired the Q, but didn't bond with the 28mm lens.  I'm tempted by the Q3 43, but my kit is really all I need.  The 35/75 lens combo that you have is great.  Enjoy it!  

As an alternative to the CL/TL body I have a Nikon D5600 with kit lens.  You can buy one refurbished from Nikon for less than the sales tax on any Leica body.  It weighs less than a pound, is less than 5" across, has a built in flash (handy for fill lighting), and a very decent DX 24MB sensor.  The kit lens covers the most used focal lengths, giving me a lot of flexibility without any added gear.  It's my alternative to an iPhone when I want an ultra lightweight kit.