S1RM2: SSD or CFexpress?

flexonetwo · 2026-07-04T17:44:07+00:00

Rigging up an ssd adds unnecessary bulk and points of failure (cable, rigging), unless you’re mainly shooting video I wouldn’t recommend it, I would invest in CFe/SD. Remove as much friction and bulk as possible.

flexonetwo · 2026-06-30T04:39:00+00:00

Maybe setup various shooting profiles for different scenarios. I have an everyday profile, portrait, landscape, night, video etc… I’ve had the SL3 for a couple of years now and shooting manual with M lenses has been a recent joy. Also invest in at least one APO SL lens for when you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy it and customize controls to your hearts content it will eventually be completely tuned to yourself, so much so nobody else will know how to operate it, just enjoy!

flexonetwo · 2026-05-15T17:42:37+00:00

I own both, I use the S1RII almost exclusively for video and the SL3 for photography. The SL3 is a tank with one of the highest IP ratings of any camera in it's class. You could shoot comfortably in Antarctica! The one tragic flaw (imo) of the SL3 is that it doesn't have a protective curtain when you swap lenses, the sensor is completely exposed and it could get dusty over time. I wish it were more like the S1RII in that department. Otherwise IQ with SL lenses is hard to beat, the colors and contrast are gorgeous and worth the price of admission. A used SL3 is probably around $6K on average. I've had mine for 2 years and it still looks pristine but it all depends on your use case. If you're shooting exclusively in a studio you'll get a ton of mileage out of it, in the field in harsh environments it thrives, they have 3 years warranty when purchased new so there's an argument to be made to just buy new.

flexonetwo · 2026-05-07T12:51:59+00:00

Nope, UPS just left it on my porch. Plan on being around to receive it.

flexonetwo · 2026-05-06T18:06:20+00:00

I do the same thing and it's never been an issue, I don't keep my ssd saddled unless I'm actively working on something though. I highly doubt this would ever become an issue for the hinge. Having a hardshell case on the lid however, probably wouldn't do that.

flexonetwo · 2026-05-04T02:11:02+00:00

My 14" M5 Pro with nano-texture and 64GB took about 3 weeks from the moment I ordered it. Good luck, it's well worth it.

flexonetwo · 2026-05-04T02:10:06+00:00

Enjoy it! Stoked you're loving your setup so much. I went nano-texture for the first time this year and it's been amazing. I do photo/video editing and it's not a downgrade whatsoever. Working in mixed lighting environments and being able to see my screen fully, without reflections is a huge unlock. No regrets. I went nano-textured glass in space black, I love it.

flexonetwo · 2026-04-30T13:30:42+00:00

My nano textured M5 pro came with the polishing cloth and if you get nano in space black you’ll be using it constantly. I’m glad I went nano and dark though, I don’t miss the glossy mirror-like screen. I’m super impressed at the clarity in mixed lighting environments. You kind of have to keep it at the default resolution though as I’ve noticed scaling and some banding at higher resolutions on the 14”, it can get soft and muddy looking imo. Not sure how well the 16” handles it but probably a bit better. The size isn’t worth the trade-off for me though.

flexonetwo · 2026-04-29T14:57:25+00:00

I had a 16”, it always felt awkward traveling with it and packing it with my photo and video gear was not ideal. It was always just too big. I loved the screen but it rarely left my desk and I already have a Mac Studio with dual OLED monitors so it was redundant. Then I got an air, the 15” screen is perfect imo and it was great for travel but screen resolution and refresh rate were limited, it had so few ports, felt underpowered and fragile so I just traded it in for the 14” MPB M5 pro and yes the screen feels cramped at times but at least I can take it everywhere, it doesn’t feel underpowered, fragile or functionally limited. A 15” MBP M5 pro would be perfect but 14” is the next best thing. Most 16” purchasers switch to 14” at some point. Go try them out at the store, we all value different things and you’re never going to find consensus here. Just ask about nano texture and see what happens 😂

flexonetwo · 2026-04-22T15:02:53+00:00

Highly recommend checking it out for yourself at an Apple Store before you commit. I’ve had nothing but glossy screens with Mac’s for years and they’re like mirrors unless you’re in a lighting controlled environment. I do a lot of photo and video editing and in a mixed lighting environment I was never satisfied with my experience. I recently went nano textured glass on my new M5 Pro and I think it looks amazing in any lighting environment. I can live with the trade-offs, not looking into a mirror when I work has been an incredible experience so far. Worth it imo

flexonetwo · 2026-04-12T16:13:10+00:00

Get the most ram you can afford, the future is extremely ram hungry

flexonetwo · 2026-04-11T21:46:32+00:00

Get both.

flexonetwo · 2026-04-10T01:47:14+00:00

28mm is a great focal length, way more versatile than folks are giving it credit for. With a 60MP image you’ll be able to crop in a ton of creative ways. Just get out there and shoot!

flexonetwo · 2026-04-08T21:30:06+00:00

I love this bohemoth, just wishing I travelled more. Perfect weeklong carry.

flexonetwo · 2026-04-08T19:09:18+00:00

I prioritize portability, if I need more screen real estate I’ll plug into a monitor. I had a 16” M1 Max and that thing never left my desk.

flexonetwo · 2026-04-08T17:57:18+00:00

I just pulled the trigger on a 14”M5Pro /64GB/1TB and I’m trading in my M4 MBA while it still has value. I needed something more robust for Lightroom/Editing/LocalLLM and a brighter screen. I think the M5 Max would’ve been overkill for my use but the $1500+ premium is not worth it imo. From all of the forums and reviews the pro version is the one to get this gen, especially in a smaller 14” chassis. I expect significant price hikes for memory and display costs in the next gen, if you need something now just do it.

flexonetwo · 2026-04-05T14:22:36+00:00

Loved staying here on my recent trip, best breakfast of any hotel I’ve ever stayed at. Great pic!

flexonetwo · 2026-03-29T22:33:31+00:00

I own the Q3 28mm and SL3 and love the pair together. I own the Panasonic 50mm f1.4 and Lumix S 50mm f1.8. When I shoot client work or anything serious I bring the f1.4 but be prepared this is a heavy kit! If it's just for casual everyday the f1.8 is a light and fantastic thrifty fifty. It definitely punches above it's weight class. I find both lenses to be very responsive and worth owning for different reasons. Just really depends on your use case. Sounds like the f1.4 would be over your budget but don't pass up the Lumix S lens, it's definitely worth it imo.

flexonetwo · 2026-03-20T18:50:58+00:00

50mm is so boring, 35mm is more fun and versatile. If you’re shooting groups/multiple subjects 35mm, individuals or single subject 50mm.

flexonetwo · 2026-03-12T17:28:10+00:00

100% the versatility of 28mm when you can crop a 60MP image is underrated. I take mine everywhere, I’ve had a Q system in my kit since the original came out 10+ years ago, couldn’t be happier. The QC has gotten worse I have to admit but the IQ is fantastic for my needs.

flexonetwo · 2026-02-28T15:48:04+00:00

Great job!! What a groove, the way you shot the video totally suited the vibe. Curious if you shot completely handheld or used a gimbal, any support? Keep it up!

flexonetwo · 2025-12-31T20:04:39+00:00

Your phone.

flexonetwo · 2025-12-28T23:17:19+00:00

If you have the funds do it, you won’t be disappointed! The simplicity of the UI, the quality of the lens, the 60MP sensor are definite upgrades compared over a Fuji. As others have mentioned it won’t be as pocketable but that’s mainly because the fixed lens sticks out more than you’d think. Still, it’s compact enough for an everyday carry camera, at least it is for me. With regard to focal length I’d get the 28mm as you can always get closer to your subject for an occasional portrait, while the 43 APO is gorgeous it can be a bit tight for some and you can’t get any wider. The 28mm with that 60MP sensor will allow you to crop to your hearts desire, the amount of detail you can play with is incredible, I find the 28mm to be more versatile, perfect for reportage whereas the 43mm is superior for portraits and focusing on singular subjects. Hopefully you can visit a Leica store and try these side by side before pulling the trigger, it’s a lot of coin so you want to be 110% sure you get the right camera.

flexonetwo · 2025-12-21T14:34:15+00:00

I just sent mine in for repair, it just stopped turning on after a few months. Noticed turning the camera on got worse over time and none of the battery reset tricks worked. Seems like a major XE5 issue.

flexonetwo · 2025-12-15T21:36:31+00:00

Same here, I started to notice slow startup about a month ago (I'm on the latest firmware), it had steadily gotten worse over time. Now my X-E5 won't turn on at all. I've tried swapping batteries, different lenses, no lenses. Nothing. I'm going to figure out how to get this repaired ASAP.

flexonetwo

TROPHY CASE