"Cameras, like rattlesnakes, should always travel in pairs..." Working on it.

 

Black SL2 in X-Ray mode.

The used Leica SL2 I ordered last week came today. It was a day early. I bought it from the guys at Leica Store Miami. I get absolutely no preferential treatment or pricing from mentioning them here but I think it is appropriate that I do because they sent a perfectly packed box with an inner-boxed camera inside that looked (seriously) brand new. No tripod plate scratches. No wear. No tear. Perfectly clean. It arrived in the same condition as the one I bought brand new, back in 2020. For the low price I paid I think the whole package (camera, packing, shipping, etc.) is worth calling out in a positive way.

I sat in a comfortable chair and went through all the menu items so I could configure this camera to the exact same settings as the first SL2. I'm using both cameras this week for a personal project. I'll have a 35mm lens on one body and an 85mm lens on the other body so it will be nice to have the colors, resolutions and handling all match as I switch back and forth between them. 

There doesn't seem to be a logical reason for the big price drop on SL2 cameras lately but I guess Leica has been able to deliver a plentiful supply of SL3 and SL3-S cameras into the ready hands of their brand enthusiasts and I guess most people are happy to buy and use their cameras one at a time. Serial relationships. One in and one out. I think people working professionally have a different mindset. One that fixates on always having a back up for any contingency on paid jobs. Or multiple back-ups...

I have been backing up my SL2 with an SL, and more recently the SL2 and SL2-S have been the tag team of choice. It will be nice to have a pair of SL2s for the work that requires their unique features and looks. And the SL2-S will be there for the times when high ISO/no noise work is on the table. 

I am re-emerging from the ridiculous idea I had of retiring from work-a-day photography. My significant other is out of town a couple days a week taking care of family and frankly I got bored. When clients came calling after the first of the year I was ready to hop back into the mix. Sure, I could travel around by myself and play tourist with camera but would hate to do so while leaving B. behind. And, what I found out when I was taking it (too) easy is that I really love the challenge of doing photographs well. At least the kind I like. 

We're being a bit pickier this year though. No jobs starting before 10 a.m.--- in order to preserve the sanctity of the morning swim practices. No dumb jobs that anyone could do. No jobs that have anemic budgets. Just looking for the whip cream and cherries at this point. 

Now heading out the door for a nice walk in the hot weather (80° Fahrenheit) we're having. A good time to break in the new camera. 

First thing I did was grab an SCL-6 battery for the new camera. Got a 50mm lens on the front and my walking shoes on. Let's go!