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Since 2019 I have been using a motley collection of Leica's mirror-free cameras. I started with an SL2, added a couple of SLs (the original), then an SL2-S and after that another SL2. Seems as though I am a fan of the body type, the size and the look of the files I get from them. You'd think I'd be smart enough to stop right there. Seems like more than enough hardware to do the work. Or the art. But as Monty Burns (Simpsons reference) said: "I'd trade it all for just a little more..."
When I finally realized that I wouldn't be resigned to living on ramen in retirement I thought I might splurge just one more time and buy an accessory I could use across all three of the SL2 variants. An accessory that's dumb, totally unnecessary but wildly appealing to a photographer who grew up being in awe of those big, professional cameras with giant, noisy motors bolted to their bottom plates. The motor drives..... ahhhhhh.
The digital version of the old motor drive has to be the accessory handgrip which usually is designed to augment the in-camera battery with one more battery for extra shooting endurance. Because we retired photographers are apt to spend long, full days shooting thousands and thousands of frames and we can't waste time changing out batteries???? Or is it just that we were acculturated to think that weighty appendages bolted onto the bottoms of our cameras looked super cool?
My only rationale is that the bigger grip, along with an extrusion that should make vertical shooting easier and more comfortable, will be an aid to handheld portrait shooting. Even if I know that's probably not the case nor have I considered it necessary even when I was working for money. But what can I say? It's blingy and it works on all three of the SL2 cameras I own. And I'm a sucker for add ons.
I bought the Leica multifunction grip for the SL2 and SL2-S cameras. It should be coming to me early next week. I thought the price was a "Leica Bargain" which means that it was outrageously expensive for what it actually is but at the lower end of the price spectrum for this item, offered used, by a reputable dealer. Price? About half the average, American, monthly car payment. Roughly 79 basic lattes. Not much but far more than I really needed to spend on toys...
The SCL6-Grip can hold an extra battery and that gives the user twice the number of frames versus the naked body with one battery. It also offers an additional shutter button that's positioned to make vertical handholding easier and more comfortable. But really? I have no idea what I'll really use it for. I have a tentative plan to make another trip to West Texas and to visit places like Marfa, Marathon and Alpine. It would be nice to be able to hike around with only the camera, grip and lens, and get maximum frames.
Seemed like a good idea at the time but again, I had just woken up from a short nap and was momentarily flustered.
I've spent a lot more money on a lot sillier stuff over the years. Bear with me and I'll talk some more about this "rare gem" after it arrives and I've figured out how to use it....
Once you have a grip, you'll be tempted to get a long telephoto lens because they're easier to hold with a grip attached. The telephoto will help justify the grip and you get to buy another lens. Win, win.
ReplyDeleteI have finally kicked my follow Kirk habit, thanks to this post. Because of you I am now the happy owner of 2 Leica SL2s and 2 SL2-Ss. I already used LUMIX L-mount bodies and lenses so the Leicas, all used, at bargain prices, were a lovely addition. I am more than happy. Love the cameras. Love the wonderful files, both color and monochrome HC. Very glad that the rangefinders don’t lose price like the SLs. I am even waiting for the SL4 to appear so I can be tempted by the plummeting prices of the SL3s. But the accessory grip is a bridge too far. For better or worse, I shoot square (1:1, 2 1/4 x 2 1/4) and have no need to turn my camera. I’ll just keep a few batteries in my pocket:-)
ReplyDeleteI have the multifunction grip on my SL (Typ 601). It fits almost seamlessly, so looks almost like it is part of the body. A quality accessory. My only criticism is the configuration of the joystick and shutter button on the grip is different enough from that on the body that I have to search for them when going vertical. From photos of the grip for the SL2 models it appears the same is true for them.
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