Well, a lot has happened since I posted a couple of days ago...
Of course, the SL2S is pretty much the same camera as the Panasonic S1. And the S5, from a sensor and image pipeline point of view, is pretty much the same as them both.
Yeah, the Panasonic's are definitely an option to consider. I like the S5 series for the smaller size. But, the allure of the SL series is the Leica menus & controls. Very intuitive and would match up with my Q2, making a nicer pairing.
I ran Canon DSLRs until I got into m43 in 2013. My last Canon body was the 5dii and It was a revelation to get pretty much the same IQ out of a little EPL5. So I went on a ten year crusade for small camera bodies. The first time I saw the Panasonic S1 I laughed openly at the the folly of making such a behemoth.
But I got an S1R in 2023 and I have grown to absolutely love it. It’s the same size, more or less, as the old 5dii and it feels good to be back using a meaty camera. It feels good in the hand and it’s easier to operate than the m43 cameras I’ve been used to. Sure it’s a bit heavier, but what’s 300g in the big scheme of things?
Try renting an SL2 or SL3 and see what it’s like with a longer period to adapt to it. Or even pickup a used S1 - they are now very cheap. If you like it and if you’ve got the cash, go for that SL3. YOLO!
This aligns with my thinking over the past couple of years. I used to be in a race to the smallest, most compact camera, but that comes with sacrifices in terms of handling and features (ie. EVF size) when the bodies become too small.
Also, if a bag is needed to carry, then the camera/lens sizing becomes less important - proper bag selection will allow for many camera options. For me, the key size is the depth of the lens, as that has the greatest impact when packing imo, as most cameras are similar in thickness, although heights of bodies obviously vary (i.e. SL2 vs Sony A7C - my current ILC).
A brand new SL2-S with the Leica M to L adapter, an extra battery and a screen protector can be had for $2995, that is very tempting. But then I found a "used excellent" SL2 with a M to L adapter for $2600. The low light capabilities of the SL2-S is attractive. Then the extra resolution of the SL2 would also be nice and with today's denoise software I lean more towards the SL2. And no, I have only had my coffee so far!
Oh wow - that is a great deal for new. I have been looking at used SL2-S bodies, as they have dropped a fair bit to around $2K or so, but this deal with the extras is really an excellent value.
Bear in mind there's the faintest rumour of a FF CL next year too. Imagine if that was the same size as the current one.
Yes please Leica. I would love to see that, even if it were an SL2-S in a CL shaped body. Still think they are reluctant to do that, as it could impact their other camera lines. But, it could also further expand their market share (not sure they want, or have the capacity for that, though).
So I caved. I ordered the SL2-S from B&H, the price is just too good to not give it a try. It will come with the Leica M to L adapter(unfortunately it is on backorder 😞), an extra battery and a screen protector. I also ordered the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art lens. Since the adapter is on backorder, I placed an order for a Fotasy adapter on Amazon to tide me over. The SL2-S is being shipped overnight for free, very nice. I will most likely get the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN prime, I have it in Sony mount and I like the size and image quality. I foresee only a handful of AF lenses and of course using my M mount lenses on it. My M11-P will remain my travel camera due to its size. MF with the rangefinder has not been an issue for me.
If I am happy with the SL2-S, I I will most likely sell off my Sony gear which I just don't enjoy using. While the image quality of Sony is excellent, the ergonomics and use frustrates me more than it pleases me. I have been debating this move for some time now. I got to play with the SL2, SL2-S and the SL3 at the Leica store in Amsterdam this past summer. I was very tempted to buy as they had quite a few used SL2 and SL2-S bodies on hand from those who had traded them in on the SL3. I did not want to make an impulse decision so it has been percolating in my mind. While the SL3 is intriguing and I will probably cave on that some day as well, the price right now, even for used is too high. I think the SL2-S will be a good fit for what I want out of FF at this point in time. The low light capabilities and the colors are what pushed me over the edge, as did the images on this thread.
Congrats Bruce! That was quick action, but I'm excited for (and living vicariously through) you!
I am also looking to move on from Sony. As much as it works amazingly well, I just don't enjoy using it. The two main considerations are the SL2-S or the Nikon Zf. The latter with its manual dials and MF assist tools is particularly interesting. They also have some nice lens options that would cover my needs, but going L-mount offers up the Sigma line like the contemporary/I-series (I have the 45mm for my Sony and it's a lovely lens). Both the SL and Zf would provide much better MF on manual glass with their MF controls and MUCH nicer EVF's.
Anyways, back to you. Please share pics in the GAS and Gear Porn threads so that we can all enjoy in your new addition.