Leicaflex SL vs. SL2

[SteveYork]

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I chose the SL2 over the SL because of the mirror clearance issues with several lenses I wanted the option of using. In fact, I use the 24 Elmarit a lot, so the SL would be of limited use to me.

 

The only problem with my SL2 is that 1/2000 never works properly and even 1/1000 appears to be spotty. I'm not yet sure if this can be fixed with a CLA. If you opt for the SL2, check it thoroughly before you buy.

 

I've been told by a Leica tech that it has to do with the oils used on some of the early SL2s. The oil gums up and messes up the calibration. The solution involves a thorough breaking down and cleaning (read here, expensive). But I've also read that there is an actual design problem which can't be fixed. Some users report problems and other do not, and that would seem to give credence to the first explanation.

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[SteveYork]

It is a misunderstanding that the SL 2 is a better camera than the SL!

The SL 2 is technically a more complex camera than the SL that can give special technical problems!

 

Nowadays you can buy a good SL for about €200,- The SL 2 you can buy for about €450,-

Both are excellent mechanical cameras with a very big clear viewfinder!

 

"Clear viewfinder" -- that's the proper way, in my opinion, to describe it. It's not brighter then a R6.2. In fact, the R6.2 I compared side by side with a Leicaflex SL, both with 50mm lenses, had a brighter viewfinder. It was just a little more grain, not very noticeable with standard lenses, but very noticeable w/ telephoto.

[SteveYork]

I can honestly say from experience (still have 3 SL2 MOTs) that in terms of useability, the SL2 is not only far superior to the SL (think MP vs MK1 M6 in rangefinders), but, if you are looking for an all-mechanical camera, almost impossible to beat if kept in good condition (far better than R6 and R6.2, due to the lack of shutter lag, as well as exceptional viewfinder). Additionally, the SL2 will take all Leica 3-cam lenses without restriction, unlike the SL. It can also be converted easily to use alkaline or silver oxide batteries (I have tried both, and prefer the durability of the latter)

 

Finally, ergonomically, it is far more pleasing to handle, due to the narrower shape, extra features as well as more convenient knobs. Well worth the small amount of extra $ that you will have to pay over the SL.

 

I find that the only substantive difference is that the SL2 has a more sensitive meter. I've read that it is three stops more sensitive. I'm going to suggest that, as a practical matter, it is meaningless, unless you're using a tripod. An SL can accurately meter down to all handheld light levels. A bigger hurdle in my mind would be the microprism focusing screen which is not the best for low light situations.

[SteveYork]

What is amazing is that Leica still has replacement parts for both cameras. Take that Nikon. Need a new prism or meter cell, no problem.

 

Anticipated use would also be another consideration. The SL2 is probably a better all-around, jack of all trades camera. But telephoto and macro use, my vote goes to the SL.

[wizard]

I find that the only substantive difference is that the SL2 has a more sensitive meter.

 

The SL2 displays the aperture value AND the time value in the viewfinder. That's a big plus for me.

 

Andy

[wildlightphoto]

The SL2 displays the aperture value AND the time value in the viewfinder. That's a big plus for me.

 

No question the SL2 has significant advantages over the SL, but with the help of a good repair technician the SL2's meter, viewscreen, larger SS dial and angled film advance lever can be installed in an SL, and because the SL does not have the viewfinder aperture display, it can be easily modified to accept many ROM lenses.

[SteveYork]

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No question the SL2 has significant advantages over the SL, but with the help of a good repair technician the SL2's meter, viewscreen, larger SS dial and angled film advance lever can be installed in an SL, and because the SL does not have the viewfinder aperture display, it can be easily modified to accept many ROM lenses.

 

I've been told by a Leica tech that the SL2 meter cell does not fit into an SL. But this is now the second time I've read (from users) that the SL2 meter can be put into the SL. I would think that if the swap could be made, you would see a lot of SLs floating around with the improved meter, but I've never heard of one. As far as the view screen, I've heard far more SL2 owners swapping out the split-image for the micro-prism, then visa versa. I do think the larger SS dial and angle of film advance lever is better on the SL2, but that's pretty minor. Anyway, I'm not trying to be argumentative, just discussing.

[Posto 6]

I have just bought a mint- SL on the Bay which was very cheap due to a defective meter. As I will be sending it for a CLA and repairs, I was thinking of trying to see if I could get the SL2 meter put in instead. Does anyone have any ideas if this is really possible?

 

I have never had the SL, and will use it with some of my ROM zoom lenses (21-35 and 28-90) that cannot be used with the SL2 as they cannot be converted.

 

Looking forward to finally having one of these to accompany my SL2s and SL2mots.

[Toby Madrigal]

I’ve been using a pair of SL bodies and three cam 28-250mm lenses for the past five years. I’ve sold off all my Nikon film stuff. To me, the Leicaflex trio are just the most sublime mechanical film cameras of all time. The smoothness of operation, the immense view through that viewfinder and the sheer quality of build. The history of the Leicaflex trio and the subsequent R series until the R8/9 I found very interesting, especially the Leicaflex and it’s initial offering of four lenses. 
Now considering that the Leica M3 was announced with three frames in the viewfinder (50/90/135) and the four lenses for the reflex were 35/50/90/135mm, I have to ask ‘are Leica telling us something? ‘

[jpattison]

For the M3 lovers an early Leicaflex is the ultimate partner, even after having to buy the same focal length lenses twice !

John