should I leave my S007 for SL3?

[jg1976]

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Anyone with experience regarding image quality? 
 

I am mainly shooting in studio, once a while outside with organized flash and weight & size of the camera is no issue for me.

Edited 19 hours ago by jg1976

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[helged]

34 minutes ago, jg1976 said:

Anyone with experience regarding image quality? 
 

I am mainly shooting in studio, once a while outside with organized flash and weight & size of the camera is no issue for me.

SL3 with L-mount lenses, I presume. If so, lot's of options exist, from the absolute optical superiority, to all sorts of 'imperfect' (and often interesting) renderings. AF is much, much improved compared to S. And you have IBIS on SL3. And tilted back screen.

SL3 with S-mount lenses work fine, in my case mostly in manual focus mode, with image magnification activated (if time and subject allow). S-lens AF on SL3 is slow, no significant improvement.

Re sensor: I find the S-files easier to work with in post-processing. Plus the S-lenses have a - for my eyes - a beautiful rendering.

[John McMaster]

If you are studio based, or outside flash (presumably with CS lenses) what does the SL3 offer?  Different lenses, higher MP, better AF but better overall image quality?

john

[jg1976]

It's a shame medium format is disappearing from Leica. As I have experienced it is superior, but I could be wrong. It is over 60mp on SL3 and 37.5mp on Leica S007. My real question is how these compare in image quality, where one is also medium format.

[otto.f]

I would not leave the S for an SL which still  remains an SL, even the third.  The only thing you get more is digital über-sharpness. More pixels on a relatively small sensor gives not necessarily a nicer image. That's just my opinion and the way I see the images here on LUF. E.g. the M11M images are less nice in my view than those from the M9M. But, as suggested above,  which instrument is the best for which work? The S is not the best choice for sports or wildlife.

[Pieter12]

I wouldn't in your circumstances. Everything you do works in the S favor.

[jg1976]

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Thanks for all the feedback! I would cry tears of joy over abandoning my S medium format, for a smaller sensor. I've considered the S3, but I feel that Leica is removing more and more service as more lenses are discontinued. So, considering future-proofing, I should probably switch, but my S heart says no...

[Stuart Richardson]

I think you would need to define what characteristics of image quality you are after. If it is edge to edge sharpness, resolution and the hit rate of getting a properly focused, stable and sharp image, then the SL3 will be better. If it is dynamic range and a medium format look, then it will likely be the S007. It's really a decision you would need to make for yourself within your own workflow. If you are fully satisfied with the S007 now, then it doesn't really sound to me like you would need to change. If anything, probably better to wait another two years if you can. By then it should be clear whether Leica intends to continue the S system in a mirrorless form, or whether it is gone for good. 

There are of course other medium format options too, like the GFX and Hasselblad that exist now and are medium format. 

[LeicaR10]

jg1976,  My thoughts for your angst over the S007, might help you.  I owned and used the S system and all models for 15 years.  There is nothing that comes close to the rendering of the camera and certainly the most excellent S lenses.  You might recall the S lenses need no firmware correction and render in a most incredible cinematic way.  My clients who were very selective (picky) told me time and again, they would not buy my landscapes unless I used the S system.  Over the many years, I did very well financially with using just that system.  IMO, you have a S007 that works, along with S lenses that work too.  The S3 bodies are coming down in price, many are in mint condition in case your S007 passes away.  I suggest you keep using what you have and create masterpiece images that only the S camera and lenses can help you create.  Both Stuart and Otto.f are IMO, quite spot on too.  Last, I can assure you the S4 system is on its way as mentioned during several interviews with Leica company seniors and your S lenses will not be obsolete.  I suggest both patience and creating most excellent S system photographs might well serve you better until the S4 arrives.  Just my two cents.  r/ Mark

Edited 12 hours ago by LeicaR10

[jg1976]

Thanks Mark. It sounds exciting with a further development of the S system and you convinced me to keep my system. I also shoot with M with APO-summicron 50 which comes close to the medium feel, but nothing compares to processing the images from S. I will keep it for a while. As a thank you I share a picture of my setup: S007, 35mm, 70mm and 120mm, Handgrip, Profoto B10’s, Profoto A2’s, Manfrotto stands, peak design tripod & a couple of bluetooth speakers to get the people in the mood..  All in a Pelicase heavy enough for me 🫤.. Charging cables inside the pelicase with power outlet on side of the case..

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Edited 12 hours ago by jg1976

[LeicaR10]

jg1976,  You are most welcome.  From your photograph, you have an excellent S system kit.  If you sold or traded the contents of the case, you would take a substantial beating now.  LIke you, I have almost all my gear in the M system and I can do most anything with it.  I have one SL2-S and 24-90 but that is only for really bad weather.  The S system as I wrote before is unlike anything ever made and resulting photographs prove it with my clients opening their wallets time and again.  I must admit, I use to travel to remote geographic areas with my S system to create the photographs my clients either wanted or needed....but I also had two physically fit assistants who would help be pack mules...LOL.  At the end, they wound up buying my S system and company.  Unfortunately, the lockdowns destroyed them financially.   For me, I have ever intention of getting back into the S4 when the time arrives despite my age.  I am in pretty good shape at 71 and can still carry a 90 lb ruck 20 miles depending on terrain.  I think you will benefit quite well, using what you have at hand.  Last, I would tell my workshop clients to remember, its the content of the photograph is what matters most along with light, shadow, texture, and especially composition that separates a mere photo from that of a masterpiece photograph.  Look at the photography masters works over time and one would "see" these attributes to be true...not the type, make or model of ones camera or lens.  Master the aforementioned attributes with the wonderful gear in hand and so too, masterpiece photographs will result.  Just my 4 cents.   Thanks for sharing your kit photograph.  r/ Mark

Edited 9 hours ago by LeicaR10

[Pieter12]

5 hours ago, LeicaR10 said:

jg1976,  My thoughts for your angst over the S007, might help you.  I owned and used the S system and all models for 15 years.  There is nothing that comes close to the rendering of the camera and certainly the most excellent S lenses.  You might recall the S lenses need no firmware correction and render in a most incredible cinematic way.  My clients who were very selective (picky) told me time and again, they would not buy my landscapes unless I used the S system.  Over the many years, I did very well financially with using just that system.  IMO, you have a S007 that works, along with S lenses that work too.  The S3 bodies are coming down in price, many are in mint condition in case your S007 passes away.  I suggest you keep using what you have and create masterpiece images that only the S camera and lenses can help you create.  Both Stuart and Otto.f are IMO, quite spot on too.  Last, I can assure you the S4 system is on its way as mentioned during several interviews with Leica company seniors and your S lenses will not be obsolete.  I suggest both patience and creating most excellent S system photographs might well serve you better until the S4 arrives.  Just my two cents.  r/ Mark

The main issue with keeping an S3 or 007 system seems to be the ability to obtain service for the cameras and lenses in the future. Stating that the rumored S4 will be able to use S lenses does nothing to change that. Might as well keep the 007 for as long as possible.

[jg1976]

I used to tell friends and clients when they researched the camera and in some cases knew how much it cost, that it doesn't make me a better photographer, but it doesn't make me a worse one either 😊.. Again, thanks for all replies..