Anyone here regularly using a Leicaflex Standard or Leicaflex SL?

Kodachromeguy · Mar 28, 2018

Hi Folks, are any of you regularly using a Leicaflex Standard or a Leicaflex SL? I think of them as the Bismarcks of Teutonic engineering: big, strong, complicated, and superb (if in good condition). The prices of the bodies are surprisingly low on the big auction site, but I was surprised how many bodies are being sold without lens. Are the R lenses being used for digital cameras now? In the old days, a body almost always was packaged with a 50mm lens. Any comments or advice on using one of these machines as a regular user? Thanks!

summicron1 · Mar 28, 2018

I"ve got a couple SL2s -- great cameras. Yes, built like tanks and significantly heavier than the R4 and up cameras.

But they are easy to use, simple match-needle metering. If you can find an SL2 it has better metering -- wider sensitivity -- and can take a couple lenses the SL cannot because of mirror box clearance, such as the 24mm Elmarit.

As to the lens question, yeah, a lot of them are being adapted for digital camera use so the prices have remained high, but you can score older ones at good prices. The SL is a 1-cam camera, the SL2 is a 2-cam camera that can also use the 1-cam lenses, and those are cheaper. The 3-cam lenses have a 3rd cam that only works with R-3 and up cameras.

But don't be afraid of old lenses. Leica didn't make no bad glass.

Larry Cloetta · Mar 28, 2018

I am down to (when it comes to R bodies) a Leicaflex SL, and SL2, and two R8s. Have had a variety of SLs and SL2s, but never a plain Leicaflex, so someone else will have to cover that. The R8s have better meters, and higher available shutter speeds, (though the meters in the earlier cameras are more than “good enough), but they are all wonderful as daily users, as far as I am concerned. The Leicaflexes have a wonderful precision feel to them, and are a joy to use, IMO.
Yes, people have taken all the R lenses to use on mirrorless digital things, (though they are natural on Leica SL digital bodies) and they are no longer cheap, though the 50mm Summicron is still very inexpensive for what it is. Some internet research will tell you all you need to know. Leicaflexes are one of my all time favorite cameras. I actually use mine more than the R8 bodies, just for the feel of tripping the shutter. And the viewfinders, which are unsurpassed.
To people unduly obsessed with cameras being “light”, i.e. constructed from plastic and thin metal stampings, these are not for them.
Anyway, yes, no problems as daily users, for me at any rate.

Theo Sulphate · Mar 28, 2018

summicron1 said:
... . The SL is a 1-cam camera, the SL2 is a 2-cam camera that can also use the 1-cam lenses, and those are cheaper. The 3-cam lenses have a 3rd cam that only works with R-3 and up cameras.
....

Actually, the proper lens for an SL is the 2-cam lens. A 1-cam lens can be used, but in stop-down mode. The best chart for this is here:

http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/Lens-R.html

These early Leicaflexes are nice cameras; I have two SL's.

guangong · Mar 28, 2018

Just to clarify the misleading information posted above, I have and use a Leicaflex Standard, one cam; a Leicaflex SL and SL2, two cam; and a Leica R5, rhree cam.
In my opinion Leicaflex cameras are the most aesthetically pleasing 35mm cameras ever made and are very comfortable in the hand. The R cameras, unfortunately, are battery dependent. I prefer a Leicaflex to an R. Also, all Leicaflex are more durable.
However, if in the market for any Leicaflex I would suggest purchasing from a reputable dealer than the auction site because their prisms an sometimes suffer from a slight separation (not a big problem) or, in th the case of the SL2, become discolored (which can be annoying). After 40-50 yrs of ownership and use I had all of my Leicaflex cameras cla-ed and replaced the SL2 prism with a new one. Now ready for another 40 years of use. A proper cla costs as much as a camera from the auction site, so buy from a seller that stands behind his product.
One reason for the relative scarcity of R lenses is their use on latter reflex Leica cameras. Also, Leitz and Leica used to offer a service for adding additional cams. I can use lenses initially made for my Standard on my R5. Lenses for Visoflex can also be used.
Good luck on your quest.

E. von Hoegh · Mar 28, 2018

At least one, maybe two (maybe all?) Leicaflexen have continuously variable shutter speeds, IIRC. Anyone know for sure? Now that I am properly provisioned with a lifetime supply of F2s, an SL or SL2 is the only slr I'm lacking.

mrosenlof · Mar 28, 2018

The SL manual says continuously variable except between 1/4 and 1/8 and 1/30 and 1/60.

Hatchetman · Mar 28, 2018

I have the original Leicaflex. Primitive meter but otherwise outstanding camera. I had to replace the light seals with wool thread. No problem. Lenses cost a fortune. 90mm Elmarit is great and reasonably priced.

Kodachromeguy · Mar 28, 2018

UPDATE: By amazing coincidence, on the 35MMC blog, a fellow just posted an article about using the Leicaflex for street photography.
https://www.35mmc.com/28/03/2018/leicaflex-standard-jason-s-ganz/
It sounds like a nice instrument, but he warns that the 'flex makes a rather prominent shutter thunk. I may stick with my M2 or IIIC, both of which are quite discreet. Also, we have a nice Spotmatic at home for times when we want a reflex camera. Thank you for your comments and observations.

Theo Sulphate · Mar 28, 2018

There are two cautionary items that appear in regard to the SL's (may not apply to the SL2 - I don't know). These are:

1. Plastic (red) lens release tab is fragile and breaks easily. One of my SL's has it. My other one has the aftermarket(?) improved metal release tab.

2. The prism starts to show brown "age spots". I have a few spots in mine. Don't know if it can be fixed with cleaning or needs re-silvering.

mrosenlof · Mar 28, 2018

Leica changed from that red plastic tab sometime during the run of the SL, or maybe it was a replacement part for repairs. My SL has a metal tab.

To the OP, I have a standard and an SL, the SL has been used within the month, longer for the standard. I really prefer the R6.2 most of the time. The viewfinder for the std is amazingly bright. And shows focus only in a central spot. Second nature to a Leica (RF) user maybe, but odd for an SLR. The Leicaflex series are heavy cameras, very solid. I think the meters all require the old PX625 mercury cells. The meters on both of mine do work. The lenses are good, but expensive. It sounds like they're being used on cine cameras of various types.

guangong · Apr 3, 2018

Leitz usually replaced plastic tab if sent in for other repairs. My plastic tabs have lasted since the 1970s, when bought new. My friend, a highly regarded photographer but rough on equipment broke his on the first day, returned next day, and went back to Nikon.

Chuckwade87 · Apr 3, 2018

I bought an SL on eBay a few months back, (for 50$) great camera, using a 3 cam 50mm summicron, fantastic glass. Meter is very simple match needle system .

Used it half a dozen times then the evil little Red Tab broke, and I couldn't remove my lens.

Sent it to DAG, had it CLA'd, new Metal tab and the Meter voltage adjusted for newer Non-Mercury batteries. I think it cost 100$ + shipping. Well worth it to me anyways.

bherman · Dec 5, 2024

Hey Summicron1;

Respectfully, you were incorrect regarding the 3-Cam lenses. Three Cam (3 Cam) lenses are forward and backward compatible from the original Leicaflex all the way through the Leicaflex R8-R9, but no ROM data will be passed.

What you were referring to was the 3rd or "R" Cam lenses, which came out when the R Series cameras were introduced. This will only work on the "R" Series cameras, but shouldn't be confused with 3 Cam lenses, which are the most universal of the lot.

-Brad

Anyone here regularly using a Leicaflex Standard or Leicaflex SL?

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