New: Leica SL3 Reporter

[jakontil]

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Apology if was answered before but couldnt find it anywhere, is this a limited edition run or just normal run production? Just curious how leica is projecting lately which is good actually 

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[SolarChronicle]

“Over time, the trim develops a unique patina that reflects the traces of its photographic journey and the character of a true reportage camera.”

But that’s exactly what many owners disliked about it in their experience with the SL2s Reporter—at least based on the posts I’ve read. Also, if Leica is indeed using Kevlar aramid fiber, the fraying and color changes could be attributed to UV light exposure on top of the general wear.

[LocalHero1953]

1 hour ago, thierry40 said:

I used my Q2 rep. For years now without any issues. It spent hours in my hands. 
fyi

Same here. It weathered to a green-grey colour (as Leica predicted). I liked it and would preferentially take a Reporter version of a camera if available at a time when I was buying anyway - the Q2 Reporter was about £200 more than the standard version.

53 minutes ago, jaapv said:

It is telling that Leica uses the general term Aramid. Kevlar is a subclass of Aramid fibre. It suggests that they used a different type of (Kevlar-like) Aramid fibre. 

Did they ever use Kevlar? I know people here used the term, but I don't remember Leica doing so. There were pages of posts about it that I don't want to read again, but IIRC Kevlar is a Dupont brand; Leica just happened to use a similar (identical?) aramid fibre from another supplier.

Edited Friday at 01:34 PM by LocalHero1953

[jaapv]

Kevlar is a fiber from the Aramid family, but different and more brittle than other Aramid fibers. The tensile strength is high enough for applications like bullet proof vests. 
https://knowingfabric.com/aramid-vs-kevlar-real-difference-explained/

[LocalHero1953]

Yes - that site uses Kevlar as a brand name. I guess Leica reckoned they didn’t need billet protection on their cameras. 

[FrozenInTime]

2 hours ago, jaapv said:

Kevlar is a fiber from the Aramid family, but different and more brittle than other Aramid fibers. The tensile strength is high enough for applications like bullet proof vests. 
https://knowingfabric.com/aramid-vs-kevlar-real-difference-explained/

DuPont seem to put a lot of effort into trademark protection messaging.

[michali]

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5 hours ago, SolarChronicle said:

“Over time, the trim develops a unique patina that reflects the traces of its photographic journey and the character of a true reportage camera.”

But that’s exactly what many owners disliked about it in their experience with the SL2s Reporter—at least based on the posts I’ve read. Also, if Leica is indeed using Kevlar aramid fiber, the fraying and color changes could be attributed to UV light exposure on top of the general wear.

I guess then I must be in a minority of owners who's absolutely pleased with my experience with the SL2-S Reporter. Never really noticed this or paid attention to its patina changes.

I've dragged the camera all over Africa on safaris and use it alongside my SL3. The camera got exceptionally heavy use on a recent Mountain Gorilla trek in Rwanda. 

In all the years that I've owned Leicas (since 1975), I've never had a green or Safari model, though that's what I do for a living. When the SL2-S Reporter was launched in Oct. 2022, I succumbed to the temptation and traded my SL2-S for the SL2-S Reporter.

I have to admit olive green is probably my favourite colour, the camera also compliments the rest of my gear.... 😊

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Edited Friday at 06:58 PM by michali

[jaapv]

It is long ago that I trekked Mountain Gorillas, one of the most impressive wildlife experiences ever. Please post photographs! 

[Photon42]

And a Panerai Submersible in Safari green 

[Ken Abrahams]

Love the Reporter model, it's just pure camera porn as they say. My SL2S Reporter is going fine after a few years and kevlar in good shape. I do however use the L bracket for firmer grip so the deterioration of the material where fingers clench into right hand side of the body may have been alleviated by gripping in my left hand. 

I have had many comments on the street about the camera which is always surprising and mostly pleasing, to have a nice looking camera. The SL3 Reporter looks fantastic. 

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Edited yesterday at 01:04 AM by Ken Abrahams
added image

[cwcltd]

18 hours ago, thierry40 said:

I used my Q2 rep. For years now without any issues. It spent hours in my hands. 
fyi

Same here. I use my (Reporter) Q2 and SL2-S on a daily basis - no issues whatsoever.

[LocalHero1953]

Sadly those who are dissatisfied about something make more noise than those who are satisfied.

[BernardC]

15 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Sadly those who are dissatisfied about something make more noise than those who are satisfied.

It is especially ironic in this case because the Reporter's finish is meant to age. Leica mentions it in their press release. They may as well complain that black paint Ms show brassing with use. 

[Ken Abrahams]

Maybe its different climates that inflict more wear and tear? I know my hands get greasy after a couple of hours walking around the street. The heat is inescapable in Australia.   

[Jan1985]

We all should go out and purchase the new SL3 Reporter. As much as I love the design and would like to have one too, I'm not willing to pay the extra price for that.

[giganova]

14 hours ago, BernardC said:

It is especially ironic in this case because the Reporter's finish is meant to age. Leica mentions it in their press release. They may as well complain that black paint Ms show brassing with use. 

Exactly! Reporter editions are meant to be used and abused. I can imagine that the Kevlar fibers will change its appearance due to trapped skin particles.

An SL3-S Reporter would have made more sense, in my opinion, because reportage photographers need to upload photos to their editors in near-real time while being out in the field. The larger file sizes of the SL3 60 Mpix sensor makes this more difficult.

I would have bought a SL3-S Reporter edition but can’t justify the higher price of the SL3.

Edited 12 hours ago by giganova

[giganova]

That’s how Leicas are meant to be used! 😂

 

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[algrove]

I had the SL2S Reporter and liked it.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Markey]

7 hours ago, giganova said:

That’s how Leicas are meant to be used! 😂

 

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Can`t compete with that .The dent in the top plate of my SL2s that`s taken out a function button looks positively discreet compare to the damage there . I did however have to taken it in for a clean because non of the back buttons where working. Mud will do that

[colonel]

7 hours ago, giganova said:

That’s how Leicas are meant to be used! 😂

 

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That’s why I always use a filter