Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/06/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I used all the Nikon F's from the Ft through the F2. Then I happened to get a look through the viewfinder of a new SL/2. I never took another frame with a Nikon F after that. I bought the SL/2, packed up the Nikon gear and sent it home, bought some R lenses and have been happy as can be about my decision ever since. I've since added an SL. I recommend that you take a peek though the viewfinder of an SL or SL/2 with a clean viewfinder. Check out the bright, grainless, distortionless viewfinder that allows you to focus right into the corners of the screen. Check out the accurate, match needle spot metering. Check out the crank arm mechanism that slows the mirror down before it finishes it's movement. Check out the smooth shutter release and finally hammer a few nails with the thing to verify that it really is built like a tank. I read somewhere that entry level SLR's have a shutter good for about 10,000 cycles, that pro SLR's with electronic shutters are good for about 150K cycles and Leica with their big, mechanical shutters can do more than 400K. I suspect the SL and SL/2 can also soldier on for ever. Bud - ----- Original Message ----- From: "William Gower" <wgower@eco-tec.com> > > Regarding the SL: > > I've been pondering how to jump into Leica R for a while now. The used > market is the most cost-effective method, however, the main thing > discouraging me is the electronic shutters on the R series. And R3 and R4's > are getting to the 20 year old mark now. > > While I agree that Leica's are wonderfully overbuilt cameras, an electronic > shutter is still an electronic shutter, and eventually, they WILL die, parts > become unavailable, etc. Ok, sure ANY shutter will eventually fail, but most > likely someone, SOMEWHERE will be able to fix our mechanical shutters. Even > if they have to make the parts by hand. > > ...but the SL and SL2 suddenly appeals to my inherent love of mechanical > cameras. > > How "like a tank" is it ? My Nikon F and (even more so) my F2 (both with > standard non-metering prisms) are the most "tank like" cameras I've ever > hauled around. Wonderfully durable hand-built cameras, titanium shutters and > mirror assemblies, black enamel finish - love them or not, to disregard the > F and F2's legendary durability would be simply ignorant. > > Is the SL even more so ? I'd be curious to hear people's opinions who have > extensively used both. > > > Regards > > > William > > >