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I have used both the Leicaflex SL and the SL2. Both are solid, straightforward, purely mechanical film SLRs. No electricity? no problem. These are a joy to use. The controls are easy to use and just feel "right." The viewfinders are bright and clear and focusing is easy. And, of course, the lenses are the best available. The main differences are in the increased light sensitivity of the meter in the SL2 and the addition of the shutter speed being visible in the viewfinder along with the f-stop. Also, some lenses cannot be used on the SL but can with the SL2 because of a different mirror design. I've read that the viewfinder is brighter in the SL than in the SL2, but since I only have had one at a time, I can't say. Both are great. I have had some nice DSLRs, but I can say that this is the camera that really excites me to use. It is an extra step to have the film developed and scanned, but I have been very pleased with the results. This way, I get to shoot film and still process and print/send digitally. Best of both worlds for me.Read full review
Oscar Barnack the inventer of the 35mm Camera at Leitz Wetzlar. In 1925 The Leica was first sold, the Leicaflex SL2 with the 50 Year ingraving was to celibrate the 50 year aniversity. German instrument maker who became head of the microscope department of Ernst Leitz in Wetzlar soon after joining the company in 1911. After initial research on the construction of small cameras, Barnack began work on two prototypes of the Leitz Camera (Leica) in 1913, used by himself and Leitz. The Leica I was launched commercially in 1925. Barnack remained head of Leica's construction office until his death and developed many refinements of both cameras and lenses. I also spent 50 Years with Leica from 1958 to 2008
The Leicaflex SL2 is a large, superbly made camera that has that Leica precision feel to it. If you have large hands, this camera fits like a glove, the controls fall right in place. The meter is extremely accurate as well. In use it doesn't feel large, as everything is right where it should be. Adjusting the shutter is right at your fingertip, the release and advance lever is perfectly placed. Unlike most cameras you can actually read the frame number and ASA dial. The viewfinder is where this camera takes off from the crowd. It is simply the brightest easiest to focus viewfinder I have ever used, only the R8/9 come close. In use it feels like an M on Steroids, though in fact it is only 5 ounces heavier than the Leica R6. The newer 35, 50 and 90 E55 series lenses balance perfectly on this camera. I use this frequently for Black and White, and adapt the lenses to my s=digital camera when I want to use digital. Haven't used them on all digital cameras but the R lenses work well with the Sony Sensor.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Unfortunately, you can't get one of these anymore. However, this was the height of German 35mm engineering technology. These things are truly built like you have read elsewhere--like a precise PANZER! The viewfinder is substantially brighter than its peers at the time--the Nikon F and F2. Fit and finish are unmatched within the industry. No wonder Leitz lost money on every one they assembled. Only about 25,000 of these out there. Get one while you can, and enjoy the reemergence of film in the world, today.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I recently bought this camera. It was produced in 1974 and today considered one of the best 35mm SLR cameras ever produced. Not to mention that the quality is Leica. I recommend to all.