Leica M10 or SL?

raid

raid

Dad Photographer
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If you were to get another Leica camera, and if the choice for you is to pick between a M10 or SL, which camera would you get and why? I have seen RFF friends with M10 and with SL cameras, and it seems that different users have different preferences. In my case, if I get another camera, it will be to complement my M9. I am not a fan of 28mm lenses, or I would have also considered the Q or Q2.

Thank you for your views.
 
Anything what is not M is not Leica, including anything from Leica without M.

But with SL you will still maintain your special status at forums and in front of those who still thinks what Leica is something special. And with SL you could have much more exotic lenses to buy for extra price and post pictures of the same at the forum. :)

I know how many older photogs have no choice but EVF, where are better choices for it now instead of SL.
 
For me, whatever is smaller and lighter. As I age, I've discovered that I really hate hauling around largish, heavy cameras and lenses.

Jim B.
 
giganova said:
To me, anything not made in Solms or Wetzlar is not Leica. Touché!
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You are absolutely right. Here is no single Leica Germany AG made camera, it seems, which hasn't got some dubious issues, which Japanese cameras don't have. What was SL German quality signature? Cracking sensors instead of corroded?
Leica Q collects dust just as GR. And so on. Next to eight thousands dollars camera without dust clean and in body stabilization in 2019. But hey it is same size as M6. What a huge achievement...

You are 100% right, anything not made is Solzlar has local service in most of developed and developing countries, service takes few days, instead of weeks and months. This is so unLeica.

Non Solzlar cameras have more and better functions.
But no aura of German "guality" and "engineering".

Yet, I still rather get used M240 rather than those made in Japan ones. :)
 
Ko.Fe. said:
Anything what is not M is not Leica, including anything from Leica without M.
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I wouldn't say it as harsh, because I like the CL and the Q series, but the SL is not my thing at all. M all day long in this scenario.
 
I am still loving to use my M8 and M9 cameras and I enjoy their simple designs. It feels like using a Leica fim camera. It seems to me that using an SL will imply not to use any other cameras.
 
The SL can be used with M lenses via an adapter, making the set not too large or heavy. It was released in 2015, and I have not seen posts about problems with the SL. A clean used SL may cost $4000 these days.
 
Speaking from experience - the SL is a wonderful piece of machinery. The EVF is superb in good light, and really good to good in dim to low-light scenarios. As a platform for both M and R lenses, it's unbeatable. Leica really did their homework to ensure that it mates seamlessly and performs impeccably with all of them. For a time I thought it was the answer to all my digital camera wants and needs.

My relationship to it shifted over time. The size and weight took a toll on my desire to carry the camera with me. I get the best pictures with the camera that's in my hand and it sitting at home didn't help.

The sense of feeling a connection to a camera also felt lacking over time. The things that make the SL such a good platform also make it more of a utilitarian object as opposed to an everyday companion. Combined with the size and weight concerns, I just never bonded with it. Eventually I sold it to fund an M10 and have no regrets whatsoever. My blunt summation:

The SL a fine appliance, but the M10 is a camera.
 
Thanks for your input. I love using my very basic and small Standard Leica for its simplicity. There is no need to focus and I guess the exposure. It is back to basics. Your words match closely my "fears" about having a camera such as the SL.
 
jsrockit said:
I wouldn't say it as harsh, because I like the CL and the Q series, but the SL is not my thing at all. M all day long in this scenario.
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If not used M240, I might get used Q. Classic shapes of M, not CL, fitted in last minute, before production starts (Oops, we really can't sell cameras like this without EVF anymore), EVF bump.

IMO, CL is totally behind of current camera manufacturing for cropped sensor cameras. IMO, it is camera for those who need Leica label for some (but not photography related) reason.
No image stabilization at all in this camera class is so lame.
Some non-Leica made one kilogram lens is needed if you want fast 35mm lens equivalent.

While Q has OIS and focus tab. Put OVF bright-finder, EVF on magnifying loop and it is GW's twenty first century street kit.
 
Well, I look here for such issues, Huss.

Are there far more issues with the SL when compared with the M10? Which problems have been reported (anywhere)?
 
When I decided to give my old Leica x1 a bigger sister I had for a short time the same issue, thinking that an SL with adapter and an M lens is not so much bigger than the M, not sure about the weight.

But when I realized that using the M10 was so similar to use the M7 any doubt disappeared and I went for it, with a little help from my wife :)

I later bought the EVF which I only seldom use and as an accessory for a camera intended to be used mainly with the VF is not bad...i know there are better VFs around...

It depends a lot on your shooting style, your preferred subject, but this you already know!

robert
PS: this is my personal opinion which of course could be wrong...but usually it isn't :)
 
raid said:
If you were to get another Leica camera, and if the choice for you is to pick between a M10 or SL, which camera would you get and why? I have seen RFF friends with M10 and with SL cameras, and it seems that different users have different preferences. In my case, if I get another camera, it will be to complement my M9. I am not a fan of 28mm lenses, or I would have also considered the Q or Q2.

Thank you for your views.
Click to expand...

It's fun to spend some time agonizing over which new toy to get. But I think you really want an M10. I know I do. It's just a matter of time.
 
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