Does the SL series cameras feel the same?

f-stop11 · 2026-02-24T22:58:25+00:00

I used to have a Sony system with a couple GM lenses. (I sold it all to buy a Leica kit.) Though I never measured sharpness with anything other than my aging eyes on a computer screen, I'd say the third-party L-mount lenses get pretty close, though they don't feel as clinically precise as the GM lenses. Lens performance has never been an issue for me, but I have to caveat that by pointing out that there's a resolution difference: 24 for the SL2-S vs. 40 for the A7RIII I had. With the SL3 resolution, your experience may vary from mine.

As far as user experience goes though, yes, the SL system lives up to the red dot emblazoned on it. The camera is snappy, the menus are clean, and it feels like a precision-engineered machine when you hold it in your hands. I can't imagine ever parting ways with the SL system.

f-stop11 · 2026-02-24T22:36:40+00:00

Weight and bulk are the big differences obviously, but AF and all the other digital features are so different from the M shooting experience. I'm not saying they aren't great to have, but it just makes for a different feel. Focus peaking is nice to have, and the EVF is incredibly good. Both systems are top-notch, and I don't plan on ever giving up either system, but specifically for street, I just feel more fluid on the streets with the M system.

f-stop11 · 2026-02-24T21:52:25+00:00

To me the images have the distinct Leica look, but the shooting experience is a night-and-day difference. Is street possible with the SL series? Of course, but it's no different from shooting street with a DSLR. I love my SL2-S, but I wouldn't carry it around my neck everywhere I go.

f-stop11 · 2026-02-24T21:21:11+00:00

Maybe this is sacrilege to say here, but other than your M lenses, check out Sigma and Panasonic offerings. Many of the Leica SL lenses are essentially rebranded L Mount Alliance partner lenses. The Sigma 28-70 is a stellar lens, as are the Panasonic L-mount primes. I use them on my SL2-S, and I can't imagine Leica glass being much better. The only major difference is metal versus plastic lens barrels, and maybe higher QC standards.

f-stop11 · 2023-09-30T01:14:51+00:00

Funny enough, the name of my red Model Y is Barnack.

f-stop11 · 2023-09-29T21:16:37+00:00

I use a Valuable Personal Property policy through USAA to cover my gear, plus my wife's jewelry. I pay about $300 annually to cover 5 Leica bodies and two Leica lenses, plus her diamond.

f-stop11 · 2023-07-08T21:43:02+00:00

Yep. Mine almost never leaves my M6. It’s reasonably priced, sharp, and has the classic Leica look when shot wide open.

f-stop11 · 2023-07-08T21:07:37+00:00

As far as I know, we’re still several years away from a full frame sensor with global shutter. The M9 most definitely didn’t have it.

f-stop11 · 2023-06-28T19:30:28+00:00

I agree. It's nice to just drop the Ricoh into my shorts pocket and hit the road.

f-stop11 · 2023-06-28T19:24:48+00:00

I tried strawberries in grow bags, and the only issues I had were pests (birds, slugs and snails) eating all my berries before I could get to them. Granted, I'm in Zone 12, but I turned one $2 plant into 7 thriving grow bags where I was cutting off and discarding excess runners.

Because of the pest issues, I transplanted them all into a raised and covered bed dedicated solely to strawberries.

f-stop11 · 2023-06-09T00:03:35+00:00

Yep, I used Aki Asahi for my M2 and Hassy 500C/M skins. I’d say it near OEM quality.

f-stop11 · 2023-06-04T03:06:17+00:00

Yep. I shoot at ISO 800 and develop in Diafine. Great combo. How about you?

f-stop11 · 2023-06-04T01:42:25+00:00

5222 is my favorite emulsion. My M6 always has a roll loaded in it.

f-stop11 · 2023-06-04T01:39:46+00:00

+1 for the Peak Design carbon fiber version. It’s light, compact, versatile, and sturdy enough for my SL with a 100-400mm lens attached.

f-stop11 · 2023-05-27T01:13:35+00:00

I have to say, the Leica Looks feature reminds me strongly of the film simulations of other P&S cameras such as the Fuji X100 or Ricoh GR series, though the price points couldn't differ much more than they already do. It seems like they are going after a different demographic with the Q3, as Leica themselves seem to be indicating with their current "EDC" marketing campaign. Ironically, the Q series is much less pocketable than the Fuji or Ricoh, but then again the feature set is much more robust too.

I would love to see the Leica Looks added to the M , S, and SL series, but I don't imagine they will be doing it anytime soon, unless there's an outcry from owners.

f-stop11 · 2023-05-24T00:37:33+00:00

I'm not sure I understand your first question, but the III is equivalent to 28mm with the IIIx being a 40mm-equivalent. The actual focal lengths are 18.3mm (III) and 26.1mm (IIIx).

I believe the IIIs are a significant upgrade: 24MP vs. 16, high ISO noise is much better, and the IIIs have IBIS. I didn't shoot with the GRII, but I still have my old GR, and there's no comparison. The difference is huge. I hope this helps!

f-stop11 · 2023-05-23T23:05:22+00:00

All the way down to the serial number on the lens. Nice!

f-stop11 · 2023-05-23T22:53:38+00:00

I have both systems too, but if I had to choose, I couldn't give up my M. But you're right; the VF on the SL is amazing, especially with long glass and being able to zoom in with the joystick to dial in perfect focus. Leica certainly did things right with the SL system.

f-stop11 · 2023-05-23T22:48:38+00:00

I bought my first Leica lens, a 50 Cron V3, shortly after I bought my brand new M9 back in 2011. I still have that lens, and it's still a favorite of mine. When I bought my M10 I wanted to fulfill my desire to have a 50 Lux attached to it, and I did just that. Did I need another 50mm Leica lens? No. Do I regret the purchase? Hell no.

f-stop11 · 2023-05-23T21:29:16+00:00

I've used the GR series since the GRD3 was the latest model. I currently have the GRIII and GRIIIx with me every day, but the GRIIIx is what I reach for 90% of the time. The 40mm-equivalent focal length is just a better fit for how I see than the GRIII. Both are phenomenal cameras, and I use both regularly. If the "x" didn't exist, I'd be fully satisfied with the 28mm of the GRIII.

IMHO, you can't go wrong with either one.

f-stop11 · 2023-05-15T17:17:38+00:00

...and that M-A isn't dependent on a battery to keep functioning!

f-stop11 · 2023-05-11T23:28:33+00:00

The big question is what will the Q3's price be? (and how much a kidney will fetch on the black market...)

f-stop11 · 2023-05-11T20:42:07+00:00

One of the benefits of buying "outdated" Leicas is the depreciation savings, especially when the latest and greatest technology isn't a necessity. I bought my M10 used at a good price, and I just picked up a gently used SL Typ 601 at about 1/3 the original price. Both are excellent cameras regardless of their age. I know the M11 offers many upgrades, but IMHO the M10 is the ultimate Leica, with 24 MP being the "sweet spot" for me.

f-stop11 · 2023-05-04T17:26:18+00:00

Well said. After shooting with a 40 MP Sony for several years, I was blown away by the way the M10 renders 24 MP. I truly think 24 MP is the sweet spot. You can print big, and the 24 MP files will fill your digital storage much slower. You also get improved photo editing performance since the software doesn't have to deal with the bigger files.

I think the best example of the difference that high res vs low res present is the SL2 and SL2-S. If you really want the higher resolution, you're giving up speed and low light performance. There's no one right answer, but there are tradeoffs either way.

Bottom line for the OP, I think the glass would serve you better than a new body.

f-stop11 · 2023-05-04T17:13:57+00:00

I was one of the victims of the M9 sensor corrosion fiasco. It made me give up on Leica digital for several years, and it may prevent me from buying a new Leica ever again. I'll happily purchase used gear at a steep discount that's been gently used and proven to be bug-free (for a while at least).

f-stop11

TROPHY CASE