Sell M11 for an SL3

[Jan1985]

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Hi guys,

just want to know what you think. I am photographing with an M11 and doing serious event coverage such as weddings. Overall it works quite well. But sometimes the M11 feels bit too "light" for my bigger hands. Overall I never had any issues using the M for that kind of work in the last 10 years.

But now I think that a transition to the SL might be a good choice. It's a bit bigger and might have better ergonomics. And in some cases the AF is also a great deal.

What do you think?

[LocalHero1953]

I don't do weddings, but I do a lot of drama rehearsals and other performance stuff which have similarities to weddings: often difficult lighting, activity which is is often predictable and planned, but often not, a combination of group and portrait poses and casual shots, occasional use of strobes and formal set-ups.

I wouldn't be without the VE 24-90SL zoom, attached to my SL2-S. If I had to, I would shoot the whole occasion with it without concern - that range is perfect (alternatives ending at 70 would be too short) and the IQ is great for this purpose. Where I diverge from this combination is for reach, where I sometimes use the 90-280SL zoom, and larger aperture for portraits, where I may use the Apo-Summicron-SL 75 or the Sigma 85 f/1.4 DG DN. I don't doubt that there are better AF bodies around (Sony, Canon), as many people here will tell you; all I would say is that AF is not a significant issue for me - I get the shots I want.

Edited October 31, 2024 by LocalHero1953

[Smogg]

1 hour ago, Jan1985 said:

Hi guys,

just want to know what you think. I am photographing with an M11 and doing serious event coverage such as weddings. Overall it works quite well. But sometimes the M11 feels bit too "light" for my bigger hands. Overall I never had any issues using the M for that kind of work in the last 10 years.

But now I think that a transition to the SL might be a good choice. It's a bit bigger and might have better ergonomics. And in some cases the AF is also a great deal.

What do you think?

I also have large hands and find it uncomfortable to hold the SL3 without an additional grip (there is not enough space for the little finger). I had to buy an additional Peipro grip. I recommend holding the camera in your hands before buying to evaluate the comfort. 
Plus, you'll definitely miss the Leica M experience.

[Smogg]

There are other factors to consider:

1. Shooting and focusing with M lenses on the M11 is much faster than on the SL3, especially stopped down. So for weddings I would buy the Sigma 24-70 II

2. The battery on the M11 will allow you to take more shots.

3. By the way I like the base color of the SL3 better than the M11 (all 3 of my M11s had occasional magenta casts in Lightroom that needed fixing).

[BernardC]

Any SL is a great complement to an M for weddings. The workflow is the same, and you'll be able to match colours easily.

You'll need to try one out to see if you like it.

[Jan1985]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb BernardC:

Any SL is a great complement to an M for weddings. The workflow is the same, and you'll be able to match colours easily.

You'll need to try one out to see if you like it.

Thank you for that. Will get one Next Week. But I have to decide. Can only afford one. 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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If it’s just the feel, you could add the grip and a Thumbie (doesn’t block the hot shoe).

I take it you got the black M11. That’s the lighter one. The silver is heavier with it’s brass top plate.

I shot weddings with the M9 for years and eventually transitioned to the SL system. But I didn’t try moving over with M lenses. I just went AF. For *me* I like my M lenses on an M, except things like the Noctilux. Not for DoF. I need the lens to be bigger on the SL bodies. Just be sure you’re OK with the smaller M lenses on the larger body.

Gordon