Would you buy a mint Black Leicaflex SL2?

[kknox]

I found a mint almost like new Black Leicaflex SL2 from a dealer. Asking $399.00.

I don't even have any R mount lens that will work, but this is a time warp back to the early 70's. Everything works as new, comes with a 14day return plus 60days repair. I can pick it up then shop a lens later.

I have quite a few SLR's & shoot mainly my M Leica's. Your thoughts?

 

[Maiku]

Yes! It is considered one the best mechanically constructed cameras ever made. There was a recent Leica SL2 post on photo.net`s classic camera forum. Check it out.

 

[rodinal]

If you have the money and don't need to use it right now, buy it. The price is good for a mint camera of such quality. Get a lens later.

 

[wblynch]

I would buy it and use it.

 

[Vickko]

That's amazingly cheap for a mint SL2.

R lenses prices are going up, because the M-240 can use them.

 

[CameraQuest]

I found a mint almost like new Black Leicaflex SL2 from a dealer. Asking $399.00.

I don't even have any R mount lens that will work, but this is a time warp back to the early 70's. Everything works as new, comes with a 14day return plus 60days repair. I can pick it up then shop a lens later.

I have quite a few SLR's & shoot mainly my M Leica's. Your thoughts?

oh no, absolutely not.

who's selling it ? .....

Stephen

 

[Tejasican]

If you buy it there will be more...

 

[kknox]

LOL Stephen, I suppose you would like me send it to you for safe keeping? My wife knows I have way too many cameras I don't use.

 

[mfogiel]

This camera is a delight to use for portraiture. Try it with the Summicron 90 and Macro Elmarit 60 - these are the lenses to get.

 

[awilder]

If the SL2 is anywhere as nice (probably nicer) as the SL, grab it! Many years ago I owned an SL and it was the nicest handling SLR I've ever used. That said, keep in mind it uses a mercury cell and the replacement cell doesn't last as long nor is the voltage output isn't as consistent possibly affecting meter accuracy. Also as nice as the camera condition seems to be, it may need service to get the shutter speeds and meter adjusted to spec.

 

[rbsinto]

No.
I wouldn't buy it.
First , I'm not a Leica fan, and,
Second, I'm already running two 35mm manual focus film systems I like very much (Nikon f and Nikon s), and triplicating bodies and lenses to run a third is a financial luxury I couldn't justify.
I've been divesting myself of some excellent Canon, Minolta, Minolta Maxxum, Pentax, Yashica, Chinon, (and goodness knows what other) equipment I've been given over the last few years for that very reason.

 

[FrankS]

If money isn't an issue, sure, buy it. It's a Leica. I have way too many systems and too much gear, but when a Leicaflex SL with Summicron 50 came along at a good price, I bought it and am glad I did.

 

[Retrotech68]

As already said, that's a damn good price for a mint SL2. If you don't mind adding another 35mm manual focus system to your collection, go for it.
Personally, and having devoted myself to two very different but nicely complementary SLR systems (Nikon F and Olympus OM), I just don't have the physical space at home (or time to shoot all that gear, btw) that could possibly justify the expense and, above all, an entirely new system in my operation. But... well, think about it! After all, it is a mint SL2... 🙂

Alex

 

[leicapixie]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134352

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134352

i say no. definitely no.
One the reason Leica lost in SLR race,is complexity of R cams..Some meter some don't. The age could be problem.The silvering of pentaprism and mirror are known to flake off..
For that money you could add a wonderful high end Nikon-F series with lenses. Lenses!

I use Leica M but have seen too many fellow pros and friends, with the Leica SLR that ran into massive repair problems.
In use( I've used it and both earlier models) it's heavy and clunky.
My Nikon-F from 1970, is way more reliable and nicer to use..
Look elsewhere or add to your M system.

 

[splitimageview]

Depends. Peppermint or spearmint?

 

[mfogiel]

Coming back to this thread, it looks, like people simply do not understand. The Leicaflex SL2 is not a pocketable camera, but it is the best body you can have for using Leica R lenses. And, so what, some might reply ?
So, if you haven't tried some of these lenses, you won't know. Japanese glass is simply different, I am perticularly referring to Mandler era lenses, not the latest APO stuff, which is just modern.

 

[awilder]

Mandler glass is of course top notch and won't disappoint even by todays standards. Build quality of the lenses was spectacular surpassing that of Nikon and Canon when they had some great MF in that era. The bottom line is of course is if you plan to stay with film for the foreseeable future. These lenses can of course be adapted to certain modern digital cameras like Canon.

 

[Shac]

I had one - had some great points but check very carefully the viewfinder - If I may quote
Doug Herr:
"Bugs, quirks, problem areas: The 1/2000 sec shutter speed is unreliable. The shutter has a design flaw which may result in the shutter not opening fully for speeds faster than 1/1000 sec. If the problem appears, it can be repaired with a complete shutter rebuild, but this will not prevent a recurrance of the problem. The SL2's viewscreen may yellow with age, and the viewfinder pentaprism may also start de-silvering in spots. Neither of these problems will affect picture quality but will make viewing and focussing less pleasurable than it ought to be. Replacing a viewscreen or viewfinder prism is an expensive repair but I consider the expense well worthwhile. " - my underline - this was a problem with my otherwise mint SL2 - in the end it found a new and happier home - but of course YMMV - the good news with your deal is the ability to return it - so try it and see how you feel about it

 

[CameraQuest]

LOL Stephen, I suppose you would like me send it to you for safe keeping? My wife knows I have way too many cameras I don't use.

better yet, let me buy it and I will keep it hidden from your wife.

Stephen