Re: [Leica] Which to choose, SL or SL2?

["A.H.SCHMIDT" <horst.schmidt@actek.com.au>]

Nathan Wajsman wrote:

> Mikiro,
>
> I have recently (within the past few weeks) bought into the Leicaflex and now
> own both an SL2 Mot and an SL. First of all, I am not sure how collectible the
> SL2Mot is. It is more expensive than the SL, to be sure, but the prices are
> still well within reason, unless it is absolutely mint and includes the motor
> (mine did not).
>
> As for differences in real use: I like the SL2 better, mainly because of the
> focusing screen with the split image. This makes focusing much easier for me,
> since I have been using the M exclusively in the past year, and the concept of
> focusing using a split image is very intuitive to me now. It is also nice to
> have both the aperture and the shutter speed in the viewfinder.
>
> The other differences are really minor for me. The increased sensitivity of the
> light meter on the SL2 has so far not been important to me, as I do not use the
> SLR for "available darkness" pictures--that is what my M3+Noctilux are for. The
> way you open the camera is different too, with the SL2 having a system similar
> to Japanese cameras of that age, i.e. you lift up the rewind crank. On the SL,
> you push a button on the side while simultaneously pushing upwards a little bar.
> I actually prefer the system on the SL.
>
> Both my Leicaflexes are in good shape, so repair has not been needed. A dealer
> in Amsterdam whom I know and trust warned me that there can be problems with the
> fast shutter speeds on both of these models; I shot a roll of film using only
> 1/2000 and 1/1000 and found nothing wrong. I posed a question about this on the
> LUG and did not get any responses indicating that this was a general problem.
>
> My advice is: buy the first SL or SL2 that is in really nice condition. Either
> way, you will be pleased.
>
> Nathan

My son owns a SL2, it is the only camera he owns. He has it since about 5 years and
it goes everywhere he goes. It never ever let him down.
I would say, the SL is the equivalent of the M3 and the SL2, the equivalent of the
M4.
That says it all. They don't come any better.

Regards, Horst Schmidt