colonel Posted March 26 Share #1 Posted March 26 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) 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! London Bridge: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 ISO 12500 I never went with the SL2. I kind of loved the original SL. A complete original, well made and unique user interface. The photos were superb. Well I am a very amateur amateur, so superb to me is probably average for others !! Please forgive the amateurish photos. The main reason for not upgrading my interchangeable lens camera is that I have been involved with M and Q3 for quite a long time. However, I want to get back into AF with different focal lengths, some outside the M range and some not 28mm ;), and have another crack at zooms. My Hand: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2 I have tried many cameras, some really good stuff out there. I did try medium format for a bit, surprised how high the quality of results is, and also APS-C, but not so happy with the compromises there. After all that, I have come to the conclusion that FF is still the sweet spot. Certainly in terms of the range and size of lenses, and the availability of thin DOF when needed. The Q3 has also confirmed my addiction to 60mp (or more!). The SL3 was always on the edge of my radar. Aldgate Station: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 I was surprised by how compact it is. I mean it is not a small camera, but it always seemed so large in pictures. The build is of course great but again the design makes it fun to use. A key criteria for me is how enjoyable the device is to use. Leica has a good track record here, and doesn't disappoint with the SL3. Much of that is the workflow, and the reduced optionally as compared to mainstream cameras - just focusing on the essential. The rest is look and feel. It might be a stretch to call the SL3 an objet d'art, in the same way you could a lacquered MP, but it is an objet de vertu, and its form is highly ergonomic and beautiful within its genre. It is an object you just want to have with you. Whitechapel Market: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 The box is much smaller then the SL, ok, but there is no charger. Yeah, that's the trend, and I hear it is no longer legal to enclose a charger in the EU, but this camera costs almost £6k !!! The dual charger is only £135. Seems stingy to be green. Oh well. Does anyone else have a memory card door that is like fort knox to get through. Anyway a bloody finger to show for it a few times :(, seems to be easing up now. Whitechapel 10: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii I thought I would get the development points out of the way as the rest is all good news. In typical Leica style, I ran through all the menu options when new, and set everything to my preferences with no need of a manual. Hopetown, Brick Lane: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii I also always try to use a camera with the default button settings at first, and the SL3 doesn't disappoint. I like the positioning of the display button, as the LCD is bright for night shooting, like a spotlight on me. The joystick is sexy, and with a combination of the buttons and touch screen, which I am using more and more, it is almost gentle to use. I like having a top screen. Just makes it easier to check settings. Elizabeth Line, Liverpool Street: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2, ISO 12500 Never used a cf express card so I bought one for fun. Seems more robust then an SD card, but there is no advantage to single stills. When I start to try video might be useful. AF acquisition is very good. Nothing is quite as telepathic as a Sony, but the SL3 does pick out people well at a distance, which is a problem I have had with some other brands. I use eye/person detect a lot, and spot focus a bit as well. City Thameslink: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2 The stabilisation is very good. The photos are super sharp, and I believe I can see the benefit from Leica's thinner filters. Leica colour science - this is a thing and analogue noise at high ISOs is great. Of course another advantage is the angled micro lenses at the edge of the sensor for M lenses, but I prefer to use native lenses. Unbelievably I am using 12500 ISO quite regularly. The shutter is very damped, with dull low frequency noise - I can use mechanical shutter in many more and lower noise environments. Millennium Bridge: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8, ISO 12500 In terms of lenses, I have bought a selection of Sigma lenses. I have a Leica APO on my radar for sometime in the future. I could go on a tangent about the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii but this is not the place. However it is an awesome lens. Could very well be your only lens. This is a really beautiful and satisfying camera to use. It is not too heavy, and when combined with a light lens, like a Sigma 35mm f2, can be held in the hand for a long period. I have also used it with the Sigma 24-70mm ii, and although it is not light, it is still comfortable with the right bag for a day. Arts & Crafts: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN: f2 Edited March 26 by colonel 19 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! London Bridge: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 ISO 12500 I never went with the SL2. I kind of loved the original SL. A complete original, well made and unique user interface. The photos were superb. Well I am a very amateur amateur, so superb to me is probably average for others !! Please forgive the amateurish photos. The main reason for not upgrading my interchangeable lens camera is that I have been involved with M and Q3 for quite a long time. However, I want to get back into AF with different focal lengths, some outside the M range and some not 28mm ;), and have another crack at zooms. My Hand: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2 I have tried many cameras, some really good stuff out there. I did try medium format for a bit, surprised how high the quality of results is, and also APS-C, but not so happy with the compromises there. After all that, I have come to the conclusion that FF is still the sweet spot. Certainly in terms of the range and size of lenses, and the availability of thin DOF when needed. The Q3 has also confirmed my addiction to 60mp (or more!). The SL3 was always on the edge of my radar. Aldgate Station: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 I was surprised by how compact it is. I mean it is not a small camera, but it always seemed so large in pictures. The build is of course great but again the design makes it fun to use. A key criteria for me is how enjoyable the device is to use. Leica has a good track record here, and doesn't disappoint with the SL3. Much of that is the workflow, and the reduced optionally as compared to mainstream cameras - just focusing on the essential. The rest is look and feel. It might be a stretch to call the SL3 an objet d'art, in the same way you could a lacquered MP, but it is an objet de vertu, and its form is highly ergonomic and beautiful within its genre. It is an object you just want to have with you. Whitechapel Market: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 The box is much smaller then the SL, ok, but there is no charger. Yeah, that's the trend, and I hear it is no longer legal to enclose a charger in the EU, but this camera costs almost £6k !!! The dual charger is only £135. Seems stingy to be green. Oh well. Does anyone else have a memory card door that is like fort knox to get through. Anyway a bloody finger to show for it a few times :(, seems to be easing up now. Whitechapel 10: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii I thought I would get the development points out of the way as the rest is all good news. In typical Leica style, I ran through all the menu options when new, and set everything to my preferences with no need of a manual. Hopetown, Brick Lane: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii I also always try to use a camera with the default button settings at first, and the SL3 doesn't disappoint. I like the positioning of the display button, as the LCD is bright for night shooting, like a spotlight on me. The joystick is sexy, and with a combination of the buttons and touch screen, which I am using more and more, it is almost gentle to use. I like having a top screen. Just makes it easier to check settings. Elizabeth Line, Liverpool Street: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2, ISO 12500 Never used a cf express card so I bought one for fun. Seems more robust then an SD card, but there is no advantage to single stills. When I start to try video might be useful. AF acquisition is very good. Nothing is quite as telepathic as a Sony, but the SL3 does pick out people well at a distance, which is a problem I have had with some other brands. I use eye/person detect a lot, and spot focus a bit as well. City Thameslink: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2 The stabilisation is very good. The photos are super sharp, and I believe I can see the benefit from Leica's thinner filters. Leica colour science - this is a thing and analogue noise at high ISOs is great. Of course another advantage is the angled micro lenses at the edge of the sensor for M lenses, but I prefer to use native lenses. Unbelievably I am using 12500 ISO quite regularly. The shutter is very damped, with dull low frequency noise - I can use mechanical shutter in many more and lower noise environments. Millennium Bridge: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8, ISO 12500 In terms of lenses, I have bought a selection of Sigma lenses. I have a Leica APO on my radar for sometime in the future. I could go on a tangent about the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii but this is not the place. However it is an awesome lens. Could very well be your only lens. This is a really beautiful and satisfying camera to use. It is not too heavy, and when combined with a light lens, like a Sigma 35mm f2, can be held in the hand for a long period. I have also used it with the Sigma 24-70mm ii, and although it is not light, it is still comfortable with the right bag for a day. Arts & Crafts: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN: f2 ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/420064-my-new-sl3/?do=findComment&comment=5777452'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 26 Posted March 26 Hi colonel, Take a look here My new SL3. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Rmccoole Posted March 27 Share #2 Posted March 27 On the CF “door:” Try pulling the door up rather than pushing it up. Place your finger nail behind the bump in the door and pull it straight up. I hope that works for you. Welcome to the SL3 - I loved your post. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 27 Author Share #3 Posted March 27 8 hours ago, Rmccoole said: On the CF “door:” Try pulling the door up rather than pushing it up. Place your finger nail behind the bump in the door and pull it straight up. I hope that works for you. Welcome to the SL3 - I loved your post. it does work. I think I was like putting pressure down on it at the same time as trying to pull it up. on the other hand perhaps it has just eased with usage! thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffc60 Posted March 27 Share #4 Posted March 27 52 minutes ago, colonel said: it does work. I think I was like putting pressure down on it at the same time as trying to pull it up. on the other hand perhaps it has just eased with usage! thanks With regard to the card door I've also found it somewhat stiff compared to my SL2-S but I mostly attach a USB-C cable to the camera these days to transfer images to my mac. Very nice pictures btw! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted March 28 Share #5 Posted March 28 (edited) On 3/26/2025 at 10:07 PM, colonel said: I have tried many cameras, some really good stuff out there. I did try medium format for a bit, surprised how high the quality of results is, and also APS-C, but not so happy with the compromises there. After all that, I have come to the conclusion that FF is still the sweet spot. I'm curious why you have moved back to "full-frame" format from medium format. I've been using a Hasselblad 907x for two years now (the 50MP version, which uses a decade old sensor) and have found it to be a real eye-opener and such a leap above "35mm" that I am reluctant to use anything else now. The exception is my interest in butterfly photography, where the smaller sensor (with corresponding greater DOF) and lighter weight of full-frame is advantageous. Even so, I did give serious consideration to buying the heavy 120mm XCD, so that I could benefit from the larger sensor size and Hasselblad colour system but decided, in the end, that an SL2-S and Lumix 100 macro combination would be less demanding in the field.😂 Edited March 28 by wattsy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 28 Author Share #6 Posted March 28 16 minutes ago, wattsy said: I'm curious why you have moved back to "full-frame" format from medium format. I've been using a Hasselblad 907x for two years now (the 50MP version, which uses a decade old sensor) and have found it to be a real eye-opener and such a leap above "35mm" that I am reluctant to use anything else now. The exception is my interest in butterfly photography, where the smaller sensor (with corresponding greater DOF) and lighter weight of full-frame is advantageous. Even so, I did give serious consideration to buying the heavy 120mm XCD, so that I could benefit from the larger sensor size and Hasselblad colour system but decided, in the end, that an SL2-S and Lumix 100 macro combination would be less demanding in the field.😂 Hi Ian, I used the X1D and then the X1D ii for sometime. I completely agree with you about the quality. I was very surprised at the time at how noticeable the quality was above FF. I thought it would be more marginal. The reason I came back to FF was, amongst other things: 1. Weight of the X2D body 2. Cost of lenses 3. Paucity of lens range 4. No reasonably light zoom 5. Thin DOF hard to come by 6. AF is lower league then good FF, including extras like eye and people detect 7. Slowness of system for street, part of which is the internal leaf shutter Despite all that if the x3d is much lighter and there is a 3rd party lens provider I might be tempted again 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smogg Posted March 28 Share #7 Posted March 28 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) 19 minutes ago, colonel said: Hi Ian, I used the X1D and then the X1D ii for sometime. I completely agree with you about the quality. I was very surprised at the time at how noticeable the quality was above FF. I thought it would be more marginal. The reason I came back to FF was, amongst other things: 1. Weight of the X2D body 2. Cost of lenses 3. Paucity of lens range 4. No reasonably light zoom 5. Thin DOF hard to come by 6. AF is lower league then good FF, including extras like eye and people detect 7. Slowness of system for street, part of which is the internal leaf shutter Despite all that if the x3d is much lighter and there is a 3rd party lens provider I might be tempted again X2D 895g SL3 854g almost the same Edited March 28 by Smogg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smogg Posted March 28 Share #8 Posted March 28 (edited) X2D+XCD38V 1245g SL3+35APO 1604g SL3+Sigma 35 2.0 1179g Edited March 28 by Smogg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 28 Author Share #9 Posted March 28 4 minutes ago, Smogg said: X2D+XCD38V 1245g SL3+35APO 1604g SL3+S35f2DGDN 1174g Price £6,479 X2D+XCD38V 1245g Price £10,920 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smogg Posted March 28 Share #10 Posted March 28 4 minutes ago, colonel said: SL3+S35f2DGDN 1174g Price £6,479 X2D+XCD38V 1245g Price £10,920 There is certainly a price difference. But there is practically no difference in weight if you use Sigma. But to get close to the quality of Hasselblad you will have to use 35 APO. This will add a lot of price and weight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smogg Posted March 28 Share #11 Posted March 28 In fact, Hasselblad does not have a lightweight zoom. But in practice, I can say that holding the X2D with 35-75 is as comfortable as holding the SL3 with Sigma 24-70 2.8 due to the much more comfortable grip of the X2D. The pluses of the 35-75 include the fact that it does not change size when zooming. Still, the SL3 is a great camera, so I congratulate you on your purchase anyway and wish you great shots! 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! 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/420064-my-new-sl3/?do=findComment&comment=5778191'>More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 28 Author Share #12 Posted March 28 6 minutes ago, Smogg said: There is certainly a price difference. But there is practically no difference in weight if you use Sigma. But to get close to the quality of Hasselblad you will have to use 35 APO. This will add a lot of price and weight. Interesting trade off, given the AF and general control superiority of the SL3. I don't think you can compare the IQ directly due to the size of sensor. But for example, the Sigma 50mm f1.2 DG DN is one of the most technically perfect lenses ever. It's only £1,299 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smogg Posted March 28 Share #13 Posted March 28 5 minutes ago, colonel said: Interesting trade off, given the AF and general control superiority of the SL3. I don't think you can compare the IQ directly due to the size of sensor. But for example, the Sigma 50mm f1.2 DG DN is one of the most technically perfect lenses ever. It's only £1,299 If we consider APO lenses, the autofocus speed will be about the same, if not slower than the X2D with V-series lenses. Control is subjective. I like the X2D in terms of control more, although it is not ideal. I do not like the Sigma Art series, they are very sharp, but significantly inferior in microcontrast to APO lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted March 28 Share #14 Posted March 28 (edited) Apologies for opening up a can of worms, Harold, I wasn't trying to derail your thread. I think we all make personal choices about cameras and lenses and there are a number of factors involved. There really is no right or wrong answer and comparing tech specs gets tedious really quickly. Personally, for most of what I do now, I much prefer the larger sensor size and Hasselblad colours that I get using the 907x. Edited March 28 by wattsy 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzajl Posted March 28 Share #15 Posted March 28 Great write up and lovely photos. Congratulations on a fine new addition. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smogg Posted March 28 Share #16 Posted March 28 10 minutes ago, wattsy said: Apologies for opening up a can of worms, Harold, I wasn't trying to derail your thread. I think we all make personal choices about cameras and lenses and there are a number of factors involved. There really is no right or wrong answer and comparing tech specs gets tedious really quickly. Personally, for most of what I do now, I much prefer the larger sensor size and Hasselblad colours that I get using the 907x. You are right! I shouldn't have started arguing, this argument is endless. There are many great cameras on the market now and the topic starter chose one of the best and takes great pictures! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 28 Author Share #17 Posted March 28 (edited) 42 minutes ago, wattsy said: Apologies for opening up a can of worms, Harold, I wasn't trying to derail your thread. I think we all make personal choices about cameras and lenses and there are a number of factors involved. There really is no right or wrong answer and comparing tech specs gets tedious really quickly. Personally, for most of what I do now, I much prefer the larger sensor size and Hasselblad colours that I get using the 907x. It's always interesting to hear different opinions. I have never used the 907x, but I have handled it, and it is something special. I try not to talk about it, in case I end up buying one 😀 Edited March 28 by colonel 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted March 29 Share #18 Posted March 29 On 3/28/2025 at 7:49 AM, colonel said: Despite all that if the x3d is much lighter and there is a 3rd party lens provider I might be tempted again X2Dii rumored in June 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frame-it Posted March 29 Share #19 Posted March 29 16 minutes ago, Jeff S said: X2Dii rumored in June yep, probably the HB722 [X2Dii] 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viv Posted March 29 Share #20 Posted March 29 On 3/26/2025 at 11:07 PM, colonel said: 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! London Bridge: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 ISO 12500 I never went with the SL2. I kind of loved the original SL. A complete original, well made and unique user interface. The photos were superb. Well I am a very amateur amateur, so superb to me is probably average for others !! Please forgive the amateurish photos. The main reason for not upgrading my interchangeable lens camera is that I have been involved with M and Q3 for quite a long time. However, I want to get back into AF with different focal lengths, some outside the M range and some not 28mm ;), and have another crack at zooms. My Hand: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2 I have tried many cameras, some really good stuff out there. I did try medium format for a bit, surprised how high the quality of results is, and also APS-C, but not so happy with the compromises there. After all that, I have come to the conclusion that FF is still the sweet spot. Certainly in terms of the range and size of lenses, and the availability of thin DOF when needed. The Q3 has also confirmed my addiction to 60mp (or more!). The SL3 was always on the edge of my radar. Aldgate Station: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 I was surprised by how compact it is. I mean it is not a small camera, but it always seemed so large in pictures. The build is of course great but again the design makes it fun to use. A key criteria for me is how enjoyable the device is to use. Leica has a good track record here, and doesn't disappoint with the SL3. Much of that is the workflow, and the reduced optionally as compared to mainstream cameras - just focusing on the essential. The rest is look and feel. It might be a stretch to call the SL3 an objet d'art, in the same way you could a lacquered MP, but it is an objet de vertu, and its form is highly ergonomic and beautiful within its genre. It is an object you just want to have with you. Whitechapel Market: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8 The box is much smaller then the SL, ok, but there is no charger. Yeah, that's the trend, and I hear it is no longer legal to enclose a charger in the EU, but this camera costs almost £6k !!! The dual charger is only £135. Seems stingy to be green. Oh well. Does anyone else have a memory card door that is like fort knox to get through. Anyway a bloody finger to show for it a few times :(, seems to be easing up now. Whitechapel 10: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii I thought I would get the development points out of the way as the rest is all good news. In typical Leica style, I ran through all the menu options when new, and set everything to my preferences with no need of a manual. Hopetown, Brick Lane: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii I also always try to use a camera with the default button settings at first, and the SL3 doesn't disappoint. I like the positioning of the display button, as the LCD is bright for night shooting, like a spotlight on me. The joystick is sexy, and with a combination of the buttons and touch screen, which I am using more and more, it is almost gentle to use. I like having a top screen. Just makes it easier to check settings. Elizabeth Line, Liverpool Street: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2, ISO 12500 Never used a cf express card so I bought one for fun. Seems more robust then an SD card, but there is no advantage to single stills. When I start to try video might be useful. AF acquisition is very good. Nothing is quite as telepathic as a Sony, but the SL3 does pick out people well at a distance, which is a problem I have had with some other brands. I use eye/person detect a lot, and spot focus a bit as well. City Thameslink: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN - f2 The stabilisation is very good. The photos are super sharp, and I believe I can see the benefit from Leica's thinner filters. Leica colour science - this is a thing and analogue noise at high ISOs is great. Of course another advantage is the angled micro lenses at the edge of the sensor for M lenses, but I prefer to use native lenses. Unbelievably I am using 12500 ISO quite regularly. The shutter is very damped, with dull low frequency noise - I can use mechanical shutter in many more and lower noise environments. Millennium Bridge: Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii - f2.8, ISO 12500 In terms of lenses, I have bought a selection of Sigma lenses. I have a Leica APO on my radar for sometime in the future. I could go on a tangent about the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 ii but this is not the place. However it is an awesome lens. Could very well be your only lens. This is a really beautiful and satisfying camera to use. It is not too heavy, and when combined with a light lens, like a Sigma 35mm f2, can be held in the hand for a long period. I have also used it with the Sigma 24-70mm ii, and although it is not light, it is still comfortable with the right bag for a day. Arts & Crafts: Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN: f2 I LOVE these photos. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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