Use cases for SL next to your M camera?

[jhonzatkl]

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Hi!

I would like to ask the owners of SL and M cameras, how do you use your SL next to your M? What are some examples of uses where you prefer SL and vice versa?
I have recently purchased an SL2-S during a sale, but suddenly I find that I don't really know what I would use it for next to the M (i have M11-P)? I can't find any meaningful usecase.
Next to the M I have an old Canon 5D Mark III with fast zoom lenses, which I use to take pictures of my kids during their sports activities.
The SL2-S offers better image quality than the 5D3, but according to reviews (I don't have personal experience yet) the 5D3 is still significantly ahead in terms of AF for motion photography.
I'd be glad for any experience or ideas on how to use this otherwise great camera alongside the M in a meaningful way. Thanks!

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[Almizilero]

Have the exact same cameras. Usecases:

M11-P for everything that is fun, basically. Everyday carry, travel, personal projects.

SL2-S: Whenever a professional camera / AF is needed, e. g. portrait shoots, stage photography (love the high ISO files), use with a flash system, (or simply if certain people need to be impressed by a BIG F...ING CAMERA 😇)

Mind, the M11-P is so good that it has become my backup camera. And I'm confident that I could manage any given situation with it. But the SL2-S is just a very convenient work horse. I've been using it for almost 3 years now and it's the most reliable camera I've had so far with constantly amazing results. I feel this one will stay with me until it falls apart. Back in my Sony days, I've always been chasing the next level camera. Unthinkable to use the same one for 3 years. That's like 5 generations of camera in Sony-time! But the SL2-S is just satisfying. A joy to use and a joy to see the results.

I guess, just use it? Do whatever you do with the 5D3 with the SL2-S. If it doesn't click for you it's probably a bad buy 🤗

[BillCB]

I use the SL3 as my main go-to camera for serious landscape and nature photography. I use the M11-P with the APO 35 as my back-up. It takes very little space  in my bag and is easy to use for just walking around without a specific subject in mind. Even with just the one lens, the sensor is big enough to crop for the equivalent of 50mm or even 75mm.

My only regret is they use different batteries and thus different chargers which is a pain when travelling.,

[frame-it]

2 hours ago, jhonzatkl said:

suddenly I find that I don't really know what I would use it for next to the M (i have M11-P)? I can't find any meaningful usecase.

when its raining or snowing?

[Jeff S]

M10 Monochrom with either 28/35/50, RF only, for easy walk-around.  Been using M system since 80’s, always having complementary system(s) for other needs.  Currently SL2 fills that space, with 24-90 for broader FL range, weather sealing, and stabilization. A workhorse. I never carry a color-based camera with the Monochrom.  The SL2 is not for casual, all day carry; typically it’s in the car if shooting in longer distance areas.  I also have an M10-R, but it gets infrequent use, and might be sold (or traded for Q3 43 for vacations?). Original M Monochrom will also be sold; no longer needed.  Less is more.

Jeff

[pgh]

I keep an SL2 for jobs where my m's won't work for whatever reason. Since the only color M I have is the original M10, if I need more resolution in color, then I have to use that.

Those reasons are infrequent. I don't really use them side by side, the SL2 can do whatever an M can do and more, and I'd rather not be bogged down.

That said, if I never had jobs that merited an SL2, I would sell it. It's just a practical camera is all. And it plays well with M lenses, though sometimes I need the AF so that's a moot point. 

Edited December 9, 2024 by pgh

[JoshuaR]

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I did the exact same thing: bought an SL2-S basically for no reason, because it was suddenly affordable, to use alongside my Ms, and then wondered, Why? (I have M10-R and M10M.)

After a few months, I've settled on the following use cases:

- I use the camera with M lenses with focal lengths 50mm and up. Not that I don't use those lenses on my Ms, but it's really nice to use them on the SL platform with its beautiful EVF. The SL2-S + 50mm ASPH has become a setup I use nearly every day. In certain circumstances I now pack an M with a wide-normal (like 28mm or 35mm) and the SL2-S with a tele (like 90mm or 135mm).

- I use it with very wide lenses, too, like 24mm (which is very wide for me). So, same thing but in reverse: I might take an M with a 50mm and the SL with a 24mm.

- I use it in low light when I want color. Which is pretty often, actually. I anticipate using the camera a lot this winter, for indoor color photography when it's dark. In previous years, those pictures have mostly been in black and white, so it's nice to be able to use the SL2-S.

- The colors out of the SL2-S in good light are exceptionally beautiful, to my eye. So I use it for certain situations where I know I want great color. Portraits with my 50 f/1.2 are a good example.

- In the rain (and soon snow), I use the camera with the Leica 24-70. I may eventually trade that lens in for a 35mm prime, because the zoom is pretty big.

I thought I'd use the SL2-S for video, but it's just too much camera for me; I prefer using my phone or little Sony ZV-E1.

Overall, I'm very glad to have the camera, and it's proven useful to me in a variety of ways. The Ms are still my favorites, but I think the SL2-S will remain in the kit for a long time.

[LeicaR10]

Jhonzatki,  I see a number of forum members have chimed in with their sage advice.  I will offer mine relative to the SL2-S and M11 cameras.  I initially had the M11 when it first arrived on scene along with the SL2 and SL2-S.  The SL cameras are very table and robust cameras that help me create great photographs.  You may recall the M11 had birthing issues that lasted a couple years and that caused me to return to the M10s.  I recently went back to a M11-M because it appears the camera is far more stable now.  As for the SL2-S, its great in harsh environments and works superbly with M lenses.  The color files need little PP.  Also the SL2-S is excellent in low light, low noise, has multi-shot functionality (that feature is not yet available with the SL3) plus the EVF is very good.  Your M11-P delivers large MP files if you need them, body is weather sealed, more stable with the latest firmware and can deliver superb photographs.  Both cameras have pros and cons.  In your case, you have a back up either way if you are out doing landscape photography or hiking in challenging weather and terrain.  I use my cameras solely for landscape photography.  I like them both for what they do.  If I find myself "needing" a M11-P, I would consider only a new one vs used.  Whether true or not, I was told some of the early M11s had both firmware and component issues.  My Leica source has always been reliable, but really makes no difference to me as long as the camera reliably works.  Ultimately, its your decision as to what to keep with the good news being you have choices.  Whatever you do, I suggest you simply get out and create excellent photographs with both cameras and use their unique functionality to create masterpiece photographs.  Hope this helps.  r/ Mark

Edited December 9, 2024 by LeicaR10

[vkdev]

I use SL2 in cases where I need a zoom-lens (16-35, 24-105, 100-400). I also use SL-series in difficult weather conditions: rain (and tropical rain), severe frost (M-series viewfinder does not work very well in very cold weather, it freezes up just from breathing). I take this camera when careful handling is impossible, for example on the ski slope or ride a motor boat.

[jhonzatkl]

Thank you all very much for your comments! From your experience it makes sense to me to use SL because of its durability in conditions where a less durable (and significantly more expensive) M could be rushed. I'll try to use SL this way and see if it finds its place in my camera bag.

[satijntje]

Somebody told me a while ago:
“If I have to take photos I use an SL
If I want to take photos I use a M“

Make sense 🙂

[JohnathanLovm]

M camera for fun, SL for cover what M camera can’t do.

[Stuart Richardson]

You could also donate it to a local school photo program in your area if you don’t need it. 

[Printmaker]

I bought a SL because I found the visioflex frustrating to use on my M10. The visoflex never made a solid contact and was a very on and off again experience. But I soon came to really enjoy the SL. So I added a 105 macro and then two years later upgraded to the SL2S. I took the SL2S on safari with a 100-400 and a 28-70. The 100-400 was a joy to use on the SL2S but changing lenses in the back of a bouncing Land Cruiser was a nightmare. So the next trip back to Africa, I took the SL2S with the 100-400 mounted and a SL2 with the 28-70 mounted. Nothing else other than 4 spare batteries and a few SD cards. This was a great solution BUT (and this gets to your question), the weight was a bit much for trudging through the bush. So, on the next trip, I'm going to bring the SL2S wearing the 100-400 and a M10 with a 35 Summicron. This will trim a pound or two off the load and let me wear both cameras at the same time. For me, this is a flashback to 1968-1972 when I carried a Nikon F with a 105 and a Leica M2 or M4 with a 35 Summicron on assignments.

Like many others, the M10 is my EDC. And for most purposes, 24 MP is just fine. But a SL2S or SL2 has many advantages. The most important ones are for longer lenses and macro work. But it does require some mental juggling when changing back and forth. And the SL2S does have some autofocus issues. I often found myself switching to manual focus to get the eyes of a big cat sharp and not the leaves or twigs in front. Not often, but it does happen.

[psyclism]

The M is great for close range documentary photography. Think street photography, reportage, candid, family, etc.  It's also great for anything else that allows you to take your time.

The SL is great for faster paced tasks that aren't friendly to the more methodical and leisurely pace of the M.  Think performances, events, etc. Also, the M is a bear (IMO) to focus using long lenses regardless of aperture. Accurately focusing a 75mm/90mm or longer lens at any semblance of a large aperture on a non-static subject is a recipe for frustration.

I personally use my M10M for personal projects, family events, street photography, etc. Or when I want to travel very light. It's the camera I carry everywhere. A tiny 2L Wotancraft pilot bag can carry my camera with a Voigtlander 28 2.8 color skopar mounted, plus a Voigtlander 40mm 1.4 and a Voigtlander 75mm 1.5 stacked via a dual cap. Super compact and light.

The SL2-S and SL3 are for performances in dark auditoriums. When I need to use an 85mm @ 1.8 and nail focus. They're for color portraits and videography. They're for when I absolutely *need* a long zoom (think 70-200) that is impractical, or frankly impossible, with a rangefinder. The cameras themselves are much larger, the lenses (typically) are not all day carry friendly, and they require a rather large bag to hoof around my kit.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I’m the opposite.

Since I got my SL3’s I really don’t use my M11. Like at all. I’ve shot M’s for 15 years but I really get on with the SL3. Things might change but I enjoy the SL3 more than the M. That wasn’t the case with the SL or SL2.

If I want the SL3 smaller I’ll use Sigma DGDN primes. Bigger? SL APO’s or zooms.

I know some of the reasons. IBIS etc… But it’s more than that. The SL3 has the X factor, for me. It’s a goldilocks camera.

I still love the M system. I may come back. But for now I went the other way. And this is just me. I’m not suggesting others buy a SL3. Try one for sure, though.

I still use my M11M but I yearn for a SL3M.

Gordon

[Cronilux]

When photographing waterfalls in central Vietnam. 
On a more serious note. When I need some autofocus for quickly snapping photos. I love to pair my SL2-S with the M10-R. 

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[davidmknoble]

Agreed on weather sealing.  I also use various lens adapters with the SL system as it works well the S glass, R glass, Nikon glass, etc.  The lenses are not necessarily as good as the SL lenses (S glass is unique) and auto focus won’t always work with 3rd party lenses, but it gives you the ability to play some with other glass. 

Here’s a snow storm in Antarctica

 

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[tom0511]

I also don't use the M that much at the moment.

SL-System usecase:

if you want to use zooms, if you want to use tele, if you want to shoot shallow DOF face detection works good,

its not as fast as a Canon maybe in C-AF, but in S-AF it works decent, except maybe fast sports stuff.

SL is a very good all-round system IMO. I think it's also cool that you can use M lenses on it as well. (For example I sometimes bring a M21/3.4 or M18mm in addition to the 24-90.

 

 

[ALScott]

I got the SL3 and swore to myself I would not go down the M rabbit hole but, oh well.  So, on our trip out west I took the M for wide shots, 50 and mostly 35.  I carried the SL3 and M together constantly.  I would have the 24-90 on the SL3 a lot but also the 150-600 on it along with the M11P and 35.  I loved having the combo with me.  The M11P was unnoticeable to carry.  I would be shooting bison or even a landscape with 150-600 but would also shoot the same scene with M11P and the 35.  Even with the 24-90 I found I would shoot it on the long end most of the time.  I just really enjoyed mixing the two.  We are headed back soon and I am going to get a 75 for the M11P for this trip.