I am glad I saw this video. I have the SL 601 and have been thinking about "upgrading" to SL2, but now I changed my mind.

I've only recently got an SL601 and it's the sensor and clean design that absolutely wins me over the others in the line, can't imagine needing anything more!

Hi John, thanks for your interesting video. I have the SL Typ601 and of the many cameras I have used over the years it's easily my favourite. From the, as you mentioned, fantastic build quality to the lovely image quality, the ease, simplicity and joy of use it does everything I require of it. It may not be the fastest camera out there and I'm not particularly into video but it Always makes me happy ! When Leica decided to bring out subsequent models without the clean finish of the 601's rear - that was a real disappointment ! For me, it's a wonderful design aesthetic that not onlly looks super cool but I believe can help the photographer with it's simplicity and non distracting features bringing an ease of use unmatched by any other camera out there !!

Have a Sl typ 601 and love it. Thinking about buying a second one.

I love my SL 601 and I wouldn't change it for the ones after, the robustness, the cleanliness of the file, the colors and the GPS are all top notch

I'm just having an anxiety attack with those exposed sensors. I've said it before and I'll say it again! The more they put video in cameras, the worse it becomes for photography.  The cameras get bigger, and the style gets worse. While the lenses get bigger and heavier.  Video is ruining photography cameras.

very useful information

Fully agree, the original SL body is the best one of them all. Just got the SL3-P (‘downgraded’ from the SL3) but that is definitely the best SL-camera so far. If they could put the SL3-P internals in an SL body, it would be the best camera of all times. Btw, get the lens hood of the 24-70, it’s a perfect fit for the 24-90. And available as separate item.

I have the SL3-P in hand, and it is the best SL camera I have used by far...but I never got to try the 601, so will be curious to see your feelings on the new one!

I’ve had both the 601 and I currently use an sl2 and m11. I love them both and have not had the battery issues you mentioned. I usually change out bats when they are a little past halfway drained. I don’t like pushing the batteries that hard. Totally agree with the build. The 601 was by far my fave on build quality. The sensor was wonderful but for me I wanted the higher resolution for landscape work. Call me lazy butI do  like to punch in on a composition in post. I also like some of the more advanced creature comforts on the SL2. Its workflow integrates well with M11. Great video and insightful comments. Thanks!

Hi John.  Wow is all I can say. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate a review like yours telling it like it is. Refreshing in many ways. I will get to my point. Within the last year I obtained both a SL2 and SL2-S..and just started to use them in ernest (photography only), and I encountered hitting the buffer with the SL2 exactly as you described when I shot a series of bursts. Not only that, the extra higher capacity Leica battery now available for these cameras, still depleted very quickly in hot weather. The same as you experienced in cold weather. I used to shoot Nikon which never missed a beat.

One thing to consider though about your original SL 601 when you compared it to the SL2. The 601 is only 24MP whereas the SL2 is 47MP, so the SL2 buffer and also the depletion of the batter is going to happen faster with the SL2 vs the 601. A good comparison would have been the 601 vs 24MP SL2-S. The SL2S also has a different chip that the SL2 and also dynamic range and battery life closer to the 601. Thaling to keep in mind. Again thank you for the most refreshing review that I've seen in a very long time.

IMO Your Opinion is Excellent!  SL, SL2-S (Better Video Capabilities), (IDK about the SL3-S) & SL3-P are the Best Leica Hybrid Cameras.  The M's are for Photography Except for the M242 which can do video and then the discontinued Medium Format, APSC Cameras.  They still have the Micro Four Thirds Point & Shoot Cameras. (D-Lux maybe the only ones left that are being made).  They have the Sofort Instant Photo Cameras also.  Leica still repairs any Leica Camera that has been outdated.  Cheers!

SL601 is excellent and rugged. The camera leatherette is not built to last……I changed once by Leica CS at costs and currently also have repeated the same quality issue. The issue is leatherette outer skin is deteriorating peeling off, due to getting wet especially sweating. Anyway I still keeping mine and continuously maintain & preserve it at all times. Hope all the other SL versions will not face this issue….time will determine.

John-Please advice which type or model battery you have used into the Leica SL2.
Additionally which type and model of SDs Card you are using into SL2.
Which version of FIRMWARE is loaded into SL2.
FYI - Leica builds the SL2 to function reliably in harsh weather (IP54 weather rating)…..cameras are tested in climate chambers simulating….extreme cold + thermal shock etc.

I bought a SL 601 about 7-8 years ago. I had absolutely no interest in the camera when it first came out (long time M-user, but Leica reflex cameras back in the day also). In the box with everything, mint condition, and a third of the price of an M10 at the time, plus all the modern features and even weather resistant, I gave it a try. Best camera I’ve even owned for price-value. It’s a handful and heavy, but with the long strap over the shoulder and across the chest the weight is manageable. It just works, and does everything I need of a camera. Bonus…, I adapt vintage lenses that are great for low cost. Is the SL601 still the best deal in used digital Leica?

Hey John, very interesting take and I appreciate the honesty based on your experience. I adore my SL2, it's worked almost flawlessly but no camera is perfect. It also depends on what you use the camera for. I'm curious to try the SL Type 601 perhaps pick one up as a 2nd body. I've heard about robustness of the SL Type 601 even with the photographer who's life was basically saved by it in a war zone. With the buffering issue you had with the SL2, did you report it to Leica? I'm wondering if they had anything to say about it. Anyway, I think the SL series is wonderful but it also depends on how and what you shoot. I'll be happy to hear your thoughts on the SL3-P. Also I would like to see some of your photography, especially those in Mongolia.

Just curious: any feedback on SL2s vs SL 1st gen and SL2?

Just rebought the OG SL. $1,300 USD. Couldn't pass up on the price and I missed the images. Cheers!

SL2s is what the SL2 should have been. That SL2 sensor just pulled to much power.

It may be that these Leica SL bodies are more robust than my Canon R6 Mk II — I could even buy the SL 601 used for 1,548 Swiss francs in Zurich. But it is certainly miles behind the Canon in terms of functionality, and the sensor also performs worse, for example offering less dynamic range.
Besides, there is now the Canon R5 Mk II — also very robust, and clearly superior to the new and much more expensive Leica SL3‑P when it comes to autofocus and other features.
That’s why my fundamental question is: Why does anyone need a Leica SL at all? The competition delivers more for less money.
If the answer is: Because of the glass, then all I can say is: I can afford that even less. Leica glass may be the best, but for an ordinary photographer — even for professionals — it is so expensive that you can hardly amortize it.
Conclusion: You buy a Leica with your heart, not with your head.