And why do I want a Leicaflex SL2?

Plusses: Equal in build quality of your M4 and F cameras, yet takes a number of R lenses with their own unique imaging properties.

Minuses: Another camera to keep maintained along with a substantial current collection.

Good luck with your dilemma.
 
Vickko said:
And why do I want a Leicaflex SL2?
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Sellers remorse maybe? I thought from previous post you had sold 2 of them.
Although nice the SL2 doesn't feel to me as nice as an SL. I just prefer the shaped back on the SL.
The SL is also the bargain out of the 2 cameras unless you like black paint :D
 
what fun in a serious shoot?
you must be joking? right?

it's great fun, it's why i love my gear and the hobby of photography...to shoot pics!
if vick isn't shooting then he doesn't really need another old camera...
buying new gear seems an almost traumatic experience for him at times...
 
Yep, all of the above and guilty as charged.

- sellers remorse, even after selling a downright user one (my last one)

- not fond of prospect of having to keep an SL2 ticking. Might try to learn the insides of it, but, a very wise man has warned me about the challenge of trying to figure out an SL2. Might end up with a doorstop on the first "subject"

- for "a serious shoot" with an SL2? No. For that, if digital, I take out the M9. For film, well, have plenty of choices.

:)
 
The SL2 is a fine machine, but apparently it's inherently less reliable than the SL -- the high shutter speeds can become inoperative. I got one years ago with this problem and DAG fixed it, but I guess this can become a problem again. But it's a joy to use, if a tad heavy (so is a Nikon FTn). I think it, and the M5, represent the apotheosis of Leica cameras.
 
The SL2 is one of those cameras one picks up and one cannot help but think "gezz they really used to build cameras right, how come I never owned one of these beauties?"

But you are supposed to come to your senses and remember cameras like the Nikon F2 and 3, with the great cheap lenses and remember why you did not buy an SL2.

You are like me, a sucker for beautifully make photo gear.:angel:
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I've always wanted an SL/SL2 and and R8/9.
I've always had and loved Nikon F/F2/F3.

Still want both. Still have only the Nikons...

G
 
Platinum RF said:
No, you do not need a SL2, it is ugly, clunky and use obsolete battery, 1/2000 is a joke. why do you need one?
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Ugly? depends who's looking.
clunky? It feels like an M in operation and runs like a swiss watch.
obsolete battery? so do OM1's but I hear few complaints.
1/2000? I never had a problem and as long as you know not to leave the shutter cocked for any period then you wont.

Common myth re SL and SL2 is that you can't get them serviced and they are over complicated. 2 guys I know in Nederlands service them, CRR Luton do and I'm sure there are plenty in the US.

For those who dont get the Leicaflex thing there is only one way to understand it. Buy either SL or SL2 and a 35 or 50 lens and shoot some film. Nikon and all other 35 SLR viewfinders are a joke after using one of these.
Lens wise, some people may not want to hear this or believe it but R glass is every bit as capable as M and gives a comparible look.

In summary,
strong mechanical construction for those that want it,
best viewfinder ever in a manual focus 35 slr,
superb lenses.

Vickko knows all this anyway! :D
 
I hate you all. Now I remember I want a Leicaflex SL again. :-\

Heaven provide me the strength to resist once more. Then I'll need lenses ... sigh.

G
 
Platinum RF said:
1/2000 is a joke.
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Guess I'm a walking photographic joke! I'm using OM-1 cameras that go only up to 1/1000, Olympus 35 SP and Mamiya 6 cameras that go only to 1/500!!! The mechanical leaf shutters of the 35 SP likely are a bit slow (like most similar cameras) so maybe its top shutter speed is probably really around 1/350.

I guess I should share your thinking and just throw out those "joke" cameras of mine . . . . even though they do seem to take awfully good pics. :)
 
dtcls100 said:
Guess I'm a walking photographic joke! I'm using OM-1 cameras that go only up to 1/1000, Olympus 35 SP and Mamiya 6 cameras that go only to 1/500!!! The mechanical leaf shutters of the 35 SP likely are a bit slow (like most similar cameras) so maybe its top shutter speed is probably really around 1/350.

I guess I should share your thinking and just throw out those "joke" cameras of mine . . . . even though they do seem to take awfully good pics. :)
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The 1/2000 speed on some SL2's can become unreliable. I was told that this was caused by the lube used by the factory and can arise when the camera is left in a cocked state for an extended period of time, say more than a few hours.
I never had a problem with mine and would assume that once cla'd with the correct lube by tech's who know then the issue is another internet myth propogated by some that have probably never used a Leicaflex anyway.
As an aside there are many cameras which should not be left cocked. Nikon even recommend not do so in their F and F2 manuals due to the fine springs used in their shutters. Here's what Sover Wong referred me to when I used F's and F2's,

http://soverf2repair.webs.com/Cock_shutter.htm
 
I have asked myself the same question: Why should I keep my SL2? The answer (for now) is that it is one of the best-made quality SLRs of all time, and as such inherently desirable; that it looks unique (gotten compliments from young people on its looks- not my looks, mind you) and that I recently spent $250 for a CLA to get the 1/2000 fixed. Now works like a charm and will for "another five years", according to Steve's Camera Repair in L.A.
 
Godfrey said:
I hate you all. Now I remember I want a Leicaflex SL again. :-\

Heaven provide me the strength to resist once more. Then I'll need lenses ... sigh.
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Down the tube I went.

Just acquired a good looking chrome Leicaflex SL + Summicron-R 50/2 lens. Hopefully it will be on par to the fantasy of having one that's been in my head for 43 years.

I've become a collector. My Leica collection now includes an M4-2, CL, M9 and Leicaflex SL. Such it is.

G
 
Congratulations

I don't see it so much as ownership, but stewardship for the next generation.

Oh, wasn't that a Patek watch ad?



Godfrey said:
...I've become a collector. My Leica collection now includes an M4-2, CL, M9 and Leicaflex SL. Such it is.

G
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