Leicaflex SL2 GAS

just joined the SL2 club Vickko!
Over the last 2 years I've had trouble focusing my manual SLR's and everything I've read pointed me to the SL series cameras. This afternoon I picked up a gorgeous black chrome SL2 complete with a mint 50mm Summicron. It was serviced a few years ago by Will van Manen and seems to be working beautifully. The viewfinder is spotless and even better than my old R8. I'm going to run a roll through tomorrow.
Anyone got a hood for this lens? I think it's 12564.
 
Lovely camera, but hefty! Keep an eye on the top shutter speeds, as they can go and there's apparently no way to permanently fix them.
 
Finding one with a good clean finder is the trick, so many sellers on eBay plead ignorance of the ability to look through the finder and tell us honestly!

I would swap my SLR for a SL (v.1) and a 90mm 2-cam if I knew I could get good ones.

I thought it was only the 1/2000th speed that shouldn't be used? I think the other speeds are fine.
 
Yes, the lens hood for the 1-cam/2-cam 50mm Summicron-r lens is model 12564K and takes series VI filters. Try e-bay, KEH, ...
I believe it to be the best lens I have ever used.
The Achilles Hell of Leicaflex bodies is decementing of the pentaprism.

Regards,
Robert
 
Luckily this finder is spotless. I just checked the service sheet and found that the lens has also been serviced! The finder is lovely. I'm going to compare it with the F and F2 tomorrow. I've had an R8 in the past and numerous R4's but this is my first Leicaflex. I'll get the 35 and 90 out tomorrow!
 
I compared the viewfinder today with the F and F2 and it's definately a tad brighter and easier to focus. It's not a lot but it does make a difference. I also compared to my F100, F5 and D700. Size wise it's the same as the D700/F5 with Dk17m fitted. Brightness is equal but focusing the SL2 has the edge but then it should as it's designed for M/F.
I really like the feel and operation of the camera in general. As much as I like my m/f Nikons I like this a lot already.
 
Don't have an SL2, rather an SL which I've had since 77. Use it with a 35-70 Vario-Elmar. To my mind its the best all mechanical SLR ever made.

It, my M5 and my F5 are the three cameras I'll never sell.
 
The SL2 is great looking, too. Said a "Me Generation" waitress the other day: "This is the best looking camera I've ever seen". I guess film cameras, and especially SL2, are cool again.
 
I just dev'd the first roll from it this evening. All looks good, exposures look spot on. I will scan in the morning and post some results.
I really like using my F5 and M's for film but there is something just right about this camera.
 
Yes, the SL2, and M5, were built in the days when Leitz had the "magic touch" for ergonomics. Perhaps too drastic for its conservative customer base.

Same for the R8 and R9. When they were introduced, I scoffed at them, thinking they looked just too odd. I even recall a 'net reference to "the quasimodo of Leitz".

But in my GAS-driven fever due to wanting a DMR, I discovered how well an R9 just fit my hands.

Yep, the SL2 has the right weight to balance off many of the Leitz R lenses. And just the right amount of information in the screen. And such a beautiful screen.

....Vick



nobbylon said:
....I really like using my F5 and M's for film but there is something just right about this camera.
Click to expand...
 
A few pics with the SL2 and 50 summicron v.1

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6600044407_64a3487474_b.jpg


6600044225_e8c3051321_b.jpg
 
KoNickon said:
Lovely camera, but hefty! Keep an eye on the top shutter speeds, as they can go and there's apparently no way to permanently fix them.
Click to expand...

DAG says it's due to the oil used on the shutter speeds on the first SL2s. If you're worried go for a later serial number.
 
I had an SL2 once, and it is really a nice camera. Prices on these beasts have really plummeted over the years. Very bright viewfinder. But I prefer the micorprism focusing of the SL (of which I have two) or the even brighter finder of the original leicaflex (one of those).
 
I love my SL2, having bought it from Igor cameras
about six months ago. The battery has been adjusted
to take 1.5x batteries.

The screen isn't as bright as the SL but is still
brighter than my R4. What is interesting about
the shutter dial is that I can choose
speeds in between the detents.

The SL2 is certainly no lightweight camera,
it is heavy, and a real he-man camera.

I have loaded the SL2 / Summicron 50mm
today with the Kentmere 400 film pushed to 1600
and self-rolled to 40 exposures.

sl2-small.jpg


raytoei
 
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