stephen_york3

<p>I live in sunny Florida and shoot 1/2000 all the time with a gaggle of Leicaflex SL's (4) w/o any exposure problems. The SL2, however, does have documented issues with higher shutter speeds, but I don't know if it is a design defect as some say or an issue with the oils used on earlier ones as other repair guys tell me. I had a SL2 when I first got into Leicaflex, and didn't notice any issues, but really didn't use the camera must, because at the time I had an SL and used that camera much, much, much more. The SL is the only camera I've used where taking the picture is as much fun as getting the picture. I've used a lot of mechanical cameras over the decades, and the SL is not only my favorite Leica (along with the M5), but it is my favorite SLR from all makers.<br> The SL -- as probably all the Leicaflex -- has this great braking system which allows them to be shot at low, low shutter speeds w/o visible shake. I figure they give an extra stop or two of speed compared to the R cameras or SLRs from other makers. Pretty cool. And the viewfinder is one of the best. Can't say enough about these cameras. It's the camera that made me largely give up rangefinders. </p>

<p>The Leicaflex SL is the camera that broke up my 15 year relationship with rangefinders. Now I know longer own Leica rangefinders, and although I'll try different cameras out every once in awhile, I still come back to the SL as the near perfect film camera (for me). That's not to say there aren't other great film cameras -- there are; from every manufacturer -- but give me a couple SL bodies and a 35mm Elmarit, 50mm Summicron, and 90mm Elmarit, and I'm content as a geeky photographer can be. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Leicaflex SL all the way. Never much liked the Nikon F or F2. Find them to be ergonomic disasters. And the FM2N has a squinty viewfinder. I do like the F3 though, but I keep coming back to the Leicaflex SL -- intuitive, luxurious, fantastic. And as far as the SL's meter, it's plenty sensitive for handheld shots. </p>

<p>I like the noise my Leicaflex SL (all 4) make. Low pitch. I like even better that you can shoot handheld at low shutter speeds -- great breaking system. Can shoot 35mm focal length at 1/15 and still get good pics. With the Leicaflex, in my experience, you can shoot about 1 stop slower compared to something like a mechanical Nikon. Great cameras. </p>

<p>For occasional use, I would opt for a Zeiss Contax or even a Voigtlander Prominent over a Leica. More 'bang for the buck,' probably by a factor of ten or more. However, as a main camera … but what do I know; I prefer a Leicaflex over Nikons, by a wide margin, and all the 'experts' on the internet say that's 'wrong,' so I'm probably wrong here too.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Thanks for the replies.</p> <p>I ended up returning the system for a refund, because it had 'cellophane in the prism problem.' Half of me wishes I kept it, because it is a really nice camera system, minimally used, with a beefy quality reminiscent of the Leicaflex SL I've been using for the last decade or so. Nicer, in my opinion, then a Nikon F, and that makes you wonder ….</p> <p>Both Kurt's Camera Repair and Clarence Gass indicated they would service the system.</p> <p>Precision Camera Works, Steve Grady, Guss, Lazzari and Steve's Camera Service Center indicated they do not device this model. In fact, Guss indicated that henceforth he will only be working on "German cameras."</p>

<p>Thanks for all the replies.</p> <p>I ended up returning the system for a refund, because it had 'cellophane in the prism problem.' Half of me wishes I kept it, because it is a really nice camera system, minimally used, with a beefy quality reminiscent of the Leicaflex SL I've been using for the last decade or so. Nicer, in my opinion, then a Nikon F, and that makes you wonder ….</p> <p>Both Kurt's Camera Repair and Clarence Gass indicated they would service the system.</p> <p>Precision Camera Works, Steve Grady, Guss, Lazzari and Steve's Camera Service Center indicated they do not device this model. In fact, Guss indicated that henceforth he will only be working on "German cameras." </p> <p> </p>

<p>Any suggestions who might service an original Canonflex and lenses?</p>

<p>I picked up an original Canonflex system, a camera I admired for many years, but now with Essex gone, who repairs old cameras like this?</p>

<p>I'll post this late comment for someone who might be researching this issue: People always bust on the Leicaflex series because of their weight, but they're really no more heavier of any camera of that era (late 60's, early 70's).</p> <p>A Leicaflex SL (5 samples tested) weighs about 745 grams. That's about 150 grams LESS then a Nikon F/F2 with metered head. In fact, a F/F2 with eye level prism weighs in that 750 gram range. Additionally, that's about the same weight as a Nikon F3 and Canon F1/FTB. </p> <p>Modern compact SLRs are in that 600 gram range (e.g., R6, FM2n, ext). So basically it's about 150 grams heavier.</p> <p>A Leica rangefinder is in that 560 gram range (w/o meter). So, again, with meter, a Leicaflex SL is about 150 grams heavier. </p>

<p>The Leicaflex series of SLR cameras are very resistent to vibration. Something to do with their breaking system. You can shoot at one or two stops slower then corresponding brands. I've gotten sharp images at 1/15, hand held, with focal length ranges from 35 to 90. And they're build similar to the M3, M2 and M4. Lastly, Leica still has spare parts for these cameras. Just great cameras. </p>

<p>A little late, but I just wanted to the post in perspective for anybody researching this issue. Compared to, for example, Nikon lenses, Leica lenses are sharper wide open, have warmer colors, and smoother bokeh. In other words, they are optimized for the wide apertures, which makes them great for available light photography. It seems Fred above was disappointed because he wasn't playing to the strength of Leitz optics.</p>