masjah Posted March 15, 2008 Share #1 Posted March 15, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) A good friend of mine who is a Leica R user has just got himself a nice SL2 (for old time's sake!). So, believe it or not, for the first time, I had the opportunity to hold an SL2 in my hands. I've looked through the viewfinder, and now I know what all the fuss is about. Isn't it remarkable? What struck me was not just the brightness, or how the image snapped into focus, but also the sheer size of the image compared with my R8/R9s. What a wonderful achievment, and how it must have totally blown away the competition in its day. Actually, just holding the camera, with its tank-like solidity, was a real joy - I thought to myself "This is the real Leitz". Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 15, 2008 Posted March 15, 2008 Hi masjah, Take a look here SL2 Viewfinder. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wildlightphoto Posted March 15, 2008 Share #2 Posted March 15, 2008 I've looked through the viewfinder, and now I know what all the fuss is about.... Actually, just holding the camera, with its tank-like solidity, was a real joy - I thought to myself "This is the real Leitz". Wouldn't it be GREAT to have a viewfinder like that in the R10? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooky Posted March 15, 2008 Share #3 Posted March 15, 2008 My favorite finder as well,,,,,,I also enjoyed the SL. If I recall correctly, didn't the SL and SL2 have a 'condenser style' focusing screen? Whereas the 'R' series had the flat, interchangeable type, and are plastic, not glass as in the SL and SL2 series. Too, I think the magnification changed. I immediately noticed the difference with the R series, and thought, 'this just isn't the same, why did they do that?' (I guessed cost and the Minolta partnership) We can only hope that the R10 will bring back that viewing pleasure - it was so nice composing with the older finders. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiel Fokkema Posted March 15, 2008 Share #4 Posted March 15, 2008 I bought a Sl2 a few weeks ago and haven't used my R8 since. I always thought the R8 was as good as it gets. But the Sl2 vf is brighter and bigger. In bright outside light is however it is too bright. Great camera and a joy to use. Michiel Fokkema Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_newell Posted March 15, 2008 Share #5 Posted March 15, 2008 How does the SL vf compare to the SL2? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
telewatt Posted March 15, 2008 Share #6 Posted March 15, 2008 Yes, the SL2 is my working camera for analog pictures....still the best! The bright viewfinder is made with the prisma. This is not flat it has this form like a "condensor"...expensive to make!..but great! 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! regards, Jan Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! regards, Jan ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/47951-sl2-viewfinder/?do=findComment&comment=512072'>More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted March 16, 2008 Share #7 Posted March 16, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) How does the SL vf compare to the SL2? Different apparent viewing distance, no aperture scale in the SL viewfinder, standard SL screen is all-microprism instead of the SL2's microprism-plus-split-image, otherwise equally brilliant. The SL's apparent viewing distance is easier on older eyes. I've got the SL's microprism screen in my SL2, and a +0.5 diopter correction lens to adjust the apparent viewing distance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
psquared Posted March 16, 2008 Share #8 Posted March 16, 2008 Doug, I gather there's is no problem even with f/5.6 or f/6.8 lenses with the microprisms? How about at f/8 max aperture? How about the split prism at small apertures? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted March 16, 2008 Share #9 Posted March 16, 2008 Peter, I use the area surrounding the coarse microprisms with the slower lenses, which is actually extremely fine microprisms. The SL and SL2 are very quick and easy to focus with the f/6.8 lenses combined with the 1.4x APO-Extender where with the R8 and plain matte DMR viewscreen I have to hunt a bit for optimum focus. The split prism is useless at these apertures. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
telewatt Posted March 16, 2008 Share #10 Posted March 16, 2008 Hello Doug, can I change the screen of the SL to a screen of the SL2 ?. I prefer the SL2 screen.. Thanks. Jan Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted March 16, 2008 Share #11 Posted March 16, 2008 can I change the screen of the SL to a screen of the SL2 ?. I prefer the SL2 screen.. A repair technician can do this. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rweisz Posted March 16, 2008 Share #12 Posted March 16, 2008 What a wonderful achievment, and how it must have totally blown away the competition in its day. Talking about the viewfinder? Maybe. The meter was also amazing for its day, narrow spot and very sensitive. But talking about the camera in terms of success? It wasn't even a blip on Nikon's radar. The SL2 was hell expensive as were the lenses and didn't have the broad system accessories or support infrastructure (at least in the US) for pro's. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevelap Posted March 16, 2008 Share #13 Posted March 16, 2008 Talking about the viewfinder? Maybe. The meter was also amazing for its day, narrow spot and very sensitive. But talking about the camera in terms of success? It wasn't even a blip on Nikon's radar. The SL2 was hell expensive as were the lenses and didn't have the broad system accessories or support infrastructure (at least in the US) for pro's. It's worth noting that the title of the thread is "SL2 Viewfinder" and all the previous posts have been on topic. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_newell Posted March 16, 2008 Share #14 Posted March 16, 2008 no aperture scale in the SL viewfinder, standard SL screen is all-microprism instead of the SL2's microprism-plus-split-image, That I guess I actually "knew" (at some point)...but this: otherwise equally brilliant. was the real question, so thanks for the answer, and in the bargain you gave me this jewel: The SL's apparent viewing distance is easier on older eyes. I've got the SL's microprism screen in my SL2, and a +0.5 diopter correction lens to adjust the apparent viewing distance. which I'm sure I never knew! That's an interesting and very relevant consideration - thanks, Doug!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted March 17, 2008 Share #15 Posted March 17, 2008 It's surely in this sort of area that Leica has the chance to outshine the competition - a no-holes-barred, cost-no-object viewing system. I had hoped the same for the M8 but it wasn't to be. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevelap Posted March 17, 2008 Share #16 Posted March 17, 2008 It's surely in this sort of area that Leica has the chance to outshine the competition - a no-holes-barred, cost-no-object viewing system. I had hoped the same for the M8 but it wasn't to be. I tend to agree with Mark here. As a maker of low volume, high end products with a history of optical excellence, a superb viewfinder ought to be a strand of their DNA. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rweisz Posted March 17, 2008 Share #17 Posted March 17, 2008 It's worth noting that the title of the thread is "SL2 Viewfinder" and all the previous posts have been on topic. Steve Well now that yours makes two off-topic posts I don't feel so lonely Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crbirchenhall Posted March 18, 2008 Share #18 Posted March 18, 2008 Actually, just holding the camera, with its tank-like solidity, was a real joy - I thought to myself "This is the real Leitz". I agree. the SL2 is a great instrument and its the finder that makes it so. Retro yet it still feels right and allows you to see the picture. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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