Re: [Leica] Leicaflex SL

["Dan Post" <dpost@triad.rr.com>]

I have had several- and all have been sturdy- I have used an R6 and like it
for the added modern conveniences such as the ability to use the third-cam
only lenses, and the mechanical shutter, but for sheer brute strength, the
SL is hard to beat.
I also like the bright VF and the fact that it makes focusing easy for even
the eyeglass wearer- I found it even marginally better than the R6.
If I could get a newer model to my specs--- it would be like the R6.2 with
the SL VF! Maybe a R6.3??
If you have any doubts, go for it because you can always sell it, and
usually get what you paid for it, so you can't lose!
Dan
- ----- Original Message -----
From: William Gower <wgower@eco-tec.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2000 8:57 AM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Leicaflex SL


>
>
> > Doug Herr et al. wrote regarding the Leicaflex SL:
>
> >> Yes it's built like a tank and 100 years is a conservative estimate,
and
> > neither mine nor my daughter's is for sale.<<<<<<<
> >
> > Hi Doug,
> > I think if ever there was a "classic R Leica " it has to be the
> > Leicaflex SL!
> >
> > As you say it's built like a tank.  And it is, as it's made from
> > regurgitated Tiger tanks! ;-) I had three of them then switched to  SL
> > MOT model for the motor capability. I sold two and kept one for
> > sentimental reasons, every once in awhile I shoot a roll with it just to
> > keep it limbered up.
>
> Regarding the SL:
>
> I've been pondering how to jump into Leica R for a while now. The used
> market is the most cost-effective method, however, the main thing
> discouraging me is the electronic shutters on the R series. And R3 and
R4's
> are getting to the 20 year old mark now.
>
> While I agree that Leica's are wonderfully overbuilt cameras, an
electronic
> shutter is still an electronic shutter, and eventually, they WILL die,
parts
> become unavailable, etc. Ok, sure ANY shutter will eventually fail, but
most
> likely someone, SOMEWHERE will be able to fix our mechanical shutters.
Even
> if they have to make the parts by hand.
>
> ...but the SL and SL2 suddenly appeals to my inherent love of mechanical
> cameras.
>
> How "like a tank" is it ? My Nikon F and (even more so) my F2 (both with
> standard non-metering prisms) are the most "tank like" cameras I've ever
> hauled around. Wonderfully durable hand-built cameras, titanium shutters
and
> mirror assemblies, black enamel finish -  love them or not, to disregard
the
> F and F2's legendary durability would be simply ignorant.
>
> Is the SL even more so ? I'd be curious to hear people's opinions who have
> extensively used both.
>
>
> Regards
>
>
> William
>
>