Leica SL2


Tmuussoni

New member
Question is, can a M lens handle a 40MP sensor. A dealer once told me that Leica have not inched past 24MP in order to preserve their M lenses.

There is not a question whether Leica M lenses can handle more resolution. They absolutely can, no question about that. It is however, a question if the mechanical rangefinder can handle the increased demand for higher focus accuracy. And in my opinion, it cannot. That is why my fantasy always has been to see M camera with some kind of optoelectronic rangefinder - one which would eliminate the mechanical aspect of the rangerfinder. just imagine having perfect focus every time with Summilux-M 75. Right now - no way. A ~50 MP sensor is probably gonna make it even worse. That said, I fully support the proposition of higher megapixels. People have not realized how wonderful these modern Sony BSI sensors are these days, so your ISO performance is not going to suffer (as demonstrated by Sony A7r III vs Sony A7 III), yet the difference in clarity and details is very obvious. It is also apparent in prints.

However, in my opinion even the SL is not the perfect solution to use M lenses. Based on my experience the best platform for M lenses remains to be M bodies. SL has different filter stack (I think it is about 1.0-1.1 mm, so bit thicker than the digital M) so depending on the lens a slight performance hit is apparent (e.g. I just hated how my Summicron-M 28 version 1 looked on SL, version 2 = much better). I would use L-mount lenses on SL body (apart from some exceptions, like Summilux-M 75 + SL is wonderful combination).
 

Andrea75

New member
There is not a question whether Leica M lenses can handle more resolution. They absolutely can, no question about that. It is however, a question if the mechanical rangefinder can handle the increased demand for higher focus accuracy. And in my opinion, it cannot. That is why my fantasy always has been to see M camera with some kind of optoelectronic rangefinder - one which would eliminate the mechanical aspect of the rangerfinder. just imagine having perfect focus every time with Summilux-M 75. Right now - no way. A ~50 MP sensor is probably gonna make it even worse. That said, I fully support the proposition of higher megapixels. People have not realized how wonderful these modern Sony BSI sensors are these days, so your ISO performance is not going to suffer (as demonstrated by Sony A7r III vs Sony A7 III), yet the difference in clarity and details is very obvious. It is also apparent in prints.

However, in my opinion even the SL is not the perfect solution to use M lenses. Based on my experience the best platform for M lenses remains to be M bodies. SL has different filter stack (I think it is about 1.0-1.1 mm, so bit thicker than the digital M) so depending on the lens a slight performance hit is apparent (e.g. I just hated how my Summicron-M 28 version 1 looked on SL, version 2 = much better). I would use L-mount lenses on SL body (apart from some exceptions, like Summilux-M 75 + SL is wonderful combination).

Totally agree with you. The next generation of M bodies have to incorporate high resolution EVF in order to make the system future proof. M lenses are indeed wonderful but there’s really no point in having more than 24 Mpx with the current mechanical rangefinder system. Even now, it’s a tough call to nail accurate focusing for anything above 50mm. Film was forgiving, not so are the current digital sensors. When I switched to the Leica SL, I immediately felt the compromise of adapting M lenses. It still remains the best body out of a M camera for the purpose, but I would never invest on M lenses out of a Noctilux just to be used on a SL alone.

And when you try any of the native SL lenses, the jump in quality is so obvious that it’s easy to forget size and weight increase.
 

hteasley

New member
L mount lenses (both TL and SL) are tested at 60 lp/mm, instead of 40. They're clearly capable of coping with increasing sensor resolution.
 

himalayabear

New member
Is this whole L-Mount thing, I began to ask myself, Leica's strategy and scheme to delay or avoid releasing SL2 forever ??

Let Panasonic and Sigma come out with higher resolution bodies...

SL has already become my second workhorse. 24MP is barely enough for me because I make large prints.

SL2 should have at least a 36MP sensor or better 45MP and get released now (!!!)

I switched from Nikon to Leica when M Monochrom came out, then upgraded to 240/246 later. When I first saw SL at Leica Mayfair in London, it was like love at the first sight. I have been using SL as my main workhorse ever since. I love Leica over these years but now I have growing pain with it. First I have stopped using rangefinders because of high maintenance. I just do not have the luxury of sending in the cameras for calibration from time to time. Comparing with Japanese brands, Leica's camera build quality is superior but working quality is not upto the level of their competitors. I had used Nikon system for over a decade and never had a single trip to repair shop. Even with SL I had numerous malfundtion problems. Its body skin came off, moistrue gets inside the EVF in raining days though the camera is sealed, the 24-90 zoom got stuck internally, and repair service took ages...even my Q has got dust spots on its sensor twice -- Leica Service in New Jersey suggested to send it to Germany to rebuild while I need the Q on daily basis and there was no loaner. I preordered the 50mm Summilux and was hugely surprised with its weight and slow autofocus.

I love Leica but its a love with pain.

I bought Z7 last week and its a decent and humble camera. Its like an old friend came back...what should I say?

Dear Leica, if you do not release SL2 now, you are becoming my ex-girlfriend!!!
 
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himalayabear

New member
This thread is about SL and too many people are talking about M.

IMHO, unless Leica modernizes their rangefinder mechanics to make it sturdy which I do not believe its a mission impossible, or adopts an X-Pro solution, M body will not last for another 100 years.
 

hteasley

New member
The M will last a long time. Can't get some of its best features any other way, and there will always be recondite folks like myself who like optical manual shooting.

For higher resolution, you do have to get out of mechanical coupling, and go electronic, so that particular future is tied, for Leica, to the L mount.
 

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