DSLR platform for Leica M lenses. Leica SL3S or Nikon ZF
I am considering another platform for my small Leica M lenses.
I have read here that the ZF plays quite well with M lenses and has excellent manual focus confirmation. I have seen that high ISO files are also pretty good. I like the retro look and the dials, and that it is weather sealed and seems robust. I’ve also heard that the viewfinder is clear and bright with good resolution.
What I don’t like is the size and the fact that the screen flips out sideways (a complete stupidity as far as I can see on a retro stills camera) I would have preferred a simple flip up screen.
I am also considering the Leica SL3S, since this obviously works somewhat better with M Lenses. Again, good screen, great weather sealing. It also has a simple flip-up screen, and yes, I like the simple, minimal interface.
What I don’t like is, again, size. Just too big! It is also unclear whether it can manual focus as well as the Nikon - I don’t feel that peaking is ever accurate enough, and magnification is too slow (the same goes for the MEV1). I am also not sure whether it competes with the Nikon at high ISO or not.
The big difference is of course price. if money were no object, I’d get them both and play around with them.
I am tending towards the ZF, but how noticeable are the ‘faults’ I’ve mentioned? (I hate those flip-out sideways screens).
I use Sony which I really like, but they do not play well with M lenses (nice, small cameras, though) and an M246, which I love, but I’m intrigued by another focusing system (if only the MEV1 had got that right).
Any other thoughts?
Aug 06, 2026 at 02:48 AM
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