Opinions on moving to M10 or SL2-S from Q-P

[pixelstrata]

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Dear all.. 

Wondering what some opinions are on my thinking of migrating from my Leica Q-P (didn't love the 28mm focal length), which I just sold, to either the M10 or the SL2-S. Horses for courses, I know. I also have the M9 in good working order; no sensor issues; it produces decent work.

I have the 50mm f2 Summicron-M 1979-today version. And also the 90mm f2.5 Summarit-M lenses. 

Logically, getting an SL2-S leaves me with an M and L camera. Can use the M lenses with the SLS-2 and adapter. The thinking behind the SL2-S is big viewfinder, decent low light performance, the zoom-to-focus feature, and a decent sensor. Added advantage of adding an AF lens too, some decent low-cost non-Leica options.

OR get an M10, which gives me 2x M cameras—use the lenses on both. Access the newer M10 sensor. Stay in the rangefinder focus world. 

Wild card: sell the M9 too, get into the M11. 

I'd be interested to hear thoughts on this type of transition. My work is street, urban.

Thanks!

Edited June 25 by pixelstrata

[Chris W]

It's very personal.

I prefer the M focussing to SL2-S auto focus. I prefer to carry my M10 around as opposed to the bulkier SL2-S. 

Others would advise the exact opposite.

[martin]

you will love the SL2-S over the M10

the SL2S is easier to focus, more accurate and has more possibilities to adapt other lenses

less stylish, less hip and the value will possibly trop down

[jaapv]

I do use my SL2S as everyday, carry everywhere camera, but I would hesitate to use it for street. Too much of a "I am taking a photograph!" billboard due to size and "professional" look. What about the Q43?

[jaapv]

59 minutes ago, martin said:

the value will possibly trop down

From 2000 Euro?

[Jeff S]

Everyone is different, involving lots of variables, which often change over time.  I currently have two Ms (M10-M and M10-R) and an SL2, using each with native Leica lenses. The SL2 with 24-90 serves to complement the Ms for myriad circumstances, so I sold my other SL lenses, and don’t adapt M lenses; they work best on the M for me. The Monochrom is my favorite M, using 35/50, while the M10-R mostly sits on the shelf.  The Q3-43 is tempting, but I’m reluctant to introduce a third system. Instead, I’m selling my infrequently used 28 M Summicron and picking up the new SL 28-70 for a lighter, compact native zoom option.

I’m sure your path will differ. Nobody else can plan it for you.

[Dazzajl]

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I can’t tell you that I like the combination of M and SL. I only use manual focus lenses on the SL and the workflow of picking a lens and then being able to choose rangefinder or big bright EVF, depending on the situation is great. 

[pgh]

My SL2 mostly sits in its pelican case save for specific jobs. 

I wouldn’t buy an m11 if it were priced the same as a used m10. 

Hard to answer this as only you know the way you make pictures and what you need for it. SL2s is a modern mirrorless and while nicer in many ways for me nothing is enjoyable to actually use as the Ms. 

[Chris W]

On 6/25/2025 at 10:46 AM, martin said:

you will love the SL2-S over the M10

 

As others have already said, it's very personal. I have an SL2-S and an M10 and for me the SL is utilitarian while the M is pure joy and fun.

I find M focussing extremely easy (I'm 66 too).

[FarbSpieler]

If you enjoy rangefinder shooting, I’d lean toward the M10—you already have the lenses, and it pairs beautifully with them. It’s a big step up from the M9 in low light and usability, without losing the soul of the M system.

The SL2-S is very capable, but it’s more tech-driven. Great EVF, sure, but if you didn’t love the Q-P, there’s a chance the SL2-S might feel a bit too clinical too.

As for jumping to the M11—only worth it if you really want the resolution and don’t mind a shift in color and handling. Personally, I’d go M10 and keep the M9 as a character camera.

Street and urban? M10 all the way.

[UliWer]

On 6/25/2025 at 4:29 AM, pixelstrata said:

I also have the M9 in good working order; no sensor issues; it produces decent work.

I have the 50mm f2 Summicron-M 1979-today version. And also the 90mm f2.5 Summarit-M lenses. 

Best option.

Instead of thinking about a new camera perhaps another lens (35mm?) would be more sustainable

[RF’sDelight]

Am 25.6.2025 um 11:46 schrieb martin:

you will love the SL2-S over the M10

Since I love my M cameras I wouldn’t say "over" here but the 24MP IQ experience of the SL2-S is definitely more exciting and special than with the M10. And I would state that next to the M the SL2s/SL3s are the best alternatives to shoot any M lenses.

 

@pixelstrata My personal opinion in the order of the investment amount 😎

1) Keep the M9 for the joy of shooting a rangerfinder and look out for a reasonable priced SL2-S.

2) M10 era only as -R or -M, especially if it's supposed to be a successor to your M9. 

3) M11 only if your are keen on having longer battery life and fast Leica app connectivity. The sensor, except from its resolution, hasn't many surprises to offer compared to the M10-R.

[Chris Nebard]

Getting an M10-P in silver-chrome is a dream of mine. I’d love one, but mainly because it looks absolutely beautiful. I’ve owned 2 M cameras in the past and, while I enjoyed them immensely, the SL2-S is the best camera I’ve ever owned. Hands down. By a mile.

I disagree that its size doesn’t lend itself to street and urban work; I use it all the time with a 50 M-Summicron, 75mm Summarit, and the superb I-Contemporary lenses from Sigma (24 f3.5, 35 f2, 45 f2.8). I don’t feel conspicuous, or that the camera is too large with any of those combinations. The simple industrial design of the SL2-S is clean and lovely and, for me personally, using it with M lenses is a much better experience than using a rangefinder. The EVF is marvellous and the manual focus, manual aperture, and shutter speed selection is just as tactile and enjoyable - to me.

I can’t speak for the M-10; I’ve not used one in anger (yet! 😂) but another plus for the SL2-S is the excellent sensor and low light performance. And the little Sigmas look, feel, and work tremendously well on it (both in autofocus and manual focus).  As I said, I’d love an M10-P, but there’s no way I’d swap out the SL2-S to get one. If you genuinely prefer the rangefinder experience, there’s probably only one option - a rangefinder. But if, like me, that is not a primary need, the SL2-S is a superb camera.

Anyway, what a nice problem to have - hope you thoroughly enjoy whichever you choose! 👍

[Ralf]

Am 27.6.2025 um 09:59 schrieb Chris W:

As others have already said, it's very personal. I have an SL2-S and an M10 and for me the SL is utilitarian while the M is pure joy and fun.

I find M focussing extremely easy (I'm 66 too).

+1