Leicaflex SL
There were three Leicaflex R-mount cameras between 1964 and 1976. The second in the series was the SL (Selective Light) introduced in 1968 and replaced by the SL2 in 1974.
The original model was criticized for a poor meter system. The SL significantly improved the meter and move to a TTL system with an easy to use match and needle system. The needle registers the actual reading from the meter and the eye match is adjusted via the aperture and/or shutter speed. The shutter speed is displayed along the bottom of the viewfinder, aperture is only viewable on the lens.
Reportedly the Leicaflex was both far late to the party and cost too much to produce. The Leicaflex arrived late and lacked many for the desirable professional features of the Nikon F. Significantly the Leicaflex lacked interchangeable prisms and focusing screens. Plus it cost significantly more at retail. When the Nikon F was retailing for about $400 (presumably at a profit) the Leicaflex was selling for $600 at a loss. The hope was that a loss on the body would drive sales of lens and make up the loss. I was not old enough to be paying attention to the Yen, D-Mark and US$ during the time but my guess is that was not helping the Germans at the time. What ever the cause, between the Leicaflex and M5 (also poorly received), it sounds like we came close to losing Leica as a camera maker. The Leicaflex system used some Minolta technology but as they moved to the R3 they incorporated even more.
The SL was offered in Chrome, Black Paint and Black Chrome. Based on the ware, mine is a black paint model. It was also available as a MOT, motor drive capable model.
My Take:
The SL may not have matched the Nikon F in some of the must have pro-features but it make it up by being bigger, heavier and louder. This is a beast of an SLR. But I liked it. It is simple to use. The viewfinder is clean and bright. The controls are intuitive and simple to figure out. If you buy an SL expecting am M3 you'll be disappointed. It would be like buying a Land Rover, expecting a Range Rover and getting a Defender 110. What you will get is a simple, sturdy SLR with Leica build quality.
Mine looks like it spent the last 40 years been rolling around on the floor of a Defender 110 on safari, but it seem to work fine. A tribute to the build quality. Only, frustration was trying to open the film compartment. To open the back you push a flush button and slide a panel on the left side of the camera. It feels more Chinese puzzle box than camera, but it make for a secure door that is not going to be opened accidentally.
I will be shooting the SL again. It is on the large size but I really liked it in the hand.
Lens: Leica Summicron-R 50mm 2.0
Film: JCH Street Pan 400 ( http://www.japancamerahunter.com/shop/jch-streetpan-400-film/ )
