Making The Switch To Leica | Worth It?
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- I talk about my switch to Leica and if it's worth it?
► Gear:
Leica M240
Leica M10
Leica SL2-S
Voigtländer 35mm 1.4 ii
Voigtländer 35mm 1.2 iii
Voigtländer 50mm 1.2
► Shot on
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
► Follow me on Instagram:
/ alexradsby
A long video that is basically the absolute standard for Leica owners; unproven excuses why they spent a huge amount of money for a set up that is worse in almost every way (battery life, focusing, speed, controls, screen, etc.) when the truth is that they just wanted something because it is shiny and expensive #leicamarketing
Nothing wrong with loving specs, speed and autofocus brother! We are all in this journey together in on form or another. I like shitty old things so it works well for me! Thank you for commenting, I really appreciate it! 🙂
I don’t need blazing fast autofocus because I prefer using manual focus anyway. I don’t need unlimited battery life when the M11’s battery lasts basically all day.
Canon and Sony etc are great for on a commercial job but they’re also easily rented out for said job. They also lose a lot of resale value whereas the M10-Monochrom got me my exact money back when I sold it.
The Leica M is perfect for me as a personal camera because it only has what is necessary to take a photograph, feels beautiful in the hand, and has a small form factor without sacrificing quality.
Zero “unproven excuses” from someone who shoots commercially and has used cameras from most of the big brands. The R5 is a great tool, but it just isn’t something I’d want to carry around all the time. After using the M for a period of time it’s very difficult to go back to a specs focused camera.
i used to hold the same position. i genuinely hated leica because i thought it was a toy for rich idiots. i am very competence with adobe lightroom classic and i can assure you leica photos are more malleable and the colors really are just "better"
I assume you can’t afford one…
It comes down to why/what you shoot! If you like carrying around cameras 3x larger for street…go for it! The manual system once you think about it is maybe faster than the auto of another camera…in fact you can train yourself by knowing the distance you are from your subject you will put the focus in the approximate position before you even move the camera to your eye…you can’t do that with ANY other system. Then we look at size/build quality…again…nothing else comes close.
My last setup was a X-Pro3 with 6 lenses. Now a M240 with a 50mm summicron. I´m absolutely happy with it....
That's great to hear! I'm super curious about the 50mm cron! It seems pretty great!
I have the M11-P and a Q3. I love Leica, it’s a luxury camera but I use them for everyday photography. The M11 is just an amazing experience; the weight, the sound, the colors, the need to educate yourself to use it, the trial and error, the look of the camera and again, that shutter sound. You don’t know until you do know…great video.
I made the jump recently, after 40 years of hesitation ;) I bought a used M240 in 2024 which a 2013 camera ...
Like you perfectly said:
1 - It is about taking pictures by yourself not relying on an amazing computer to do it for you (personal choice of course)
2 - It is the joy (or the pain) or either doing a great photo or missing the shot, whatever happens, it is it s on you not on the camera.
I started 40 years ago with a Nikon FM2 and I was able to do Ski, Trampoline, tennis action photo with manual focus and exposure (zone focusing and proper aperture) It was pure joy.
Now with a recent phone you can do truly amazing pictures with just pointing and shooting and this is cool !! really cool, just a different experience.
It is also cool to be in control, taking the same pictures but having to sweat a bit for that ;)
Well I do love my camera, and I totally understand people that do not want to walk that path for whatever reasons which are theirs !
Just please do not be judgmental with us, as we are not with you ;)
Nice photo experience to everyone
For most of my life, I've shot Nikon. I've used Hasselblad, Pentax 6x7, Mamiya RB 67 and Bronco SQA for my professional large format work. As I moved out of the professional sphere, I tried Canon (for a change) with the AE1 and EOS system but quickly went back to Nikon with the D100. Now years later, I have a D850 and many lenses. But I'm getting old and I don't want to be carrying heavy and bulky kit around. I bought a Q2 and never touched the D850 after that. Now I've added an M11 and one lens (another coming shortly). The Q2 as a daily camera and the M11 when I want to take more time. And that's it, I started with manual cameras, spilt screen focussing etc and I've gone back to that (except with a rangefinder instead of split screen SLR). Finding photography again, using my brain and the cameras computer. Each to his own. 30 years ago, I couldn't afford Leica, despite the fact that I spent a lot (relatively) on camera gear. Just one other thing... build quality. The feel of a Leica, the quality and ergonomics are great. I sold most of my Nikon gear to fund the M11 and I'd never go back.
I completely agree with your thoughts. I’m getting incredible results with Voigtlander lenses too!
That’s so nice to hear man! 🙂
Great video man, super cool to see your backstory on making the switch and what made you decide to jump into leica!
Thanks man! It's been a wild ride so far haha. Loving it though 🙂
Great Video! Moving to M240 and M6 totally re-invigorated my photography. If I miss a shot, its totally on me, not the camera. I enjoy that feeling of accountability. Yes, they are expensive. Yes, I use Voigtlander lenses (and LOVE them), but I have never owned a camera that just makes me want to go out and shoot as much as these do. Once you get zone focus down, it can be faster than autofocus. I have got some great skateboarding shots using a 14yr old M240 and a Voigtlander 50mm. By the way, the colours of that M240... wow!
That's so great to hear man! And shooting skateboarding using a leica is always awesome to me! 🔥
Thanks for posting. Yes, made the leap and got myself a Leica M240 after selling all my Nikon gear. I have paired it up with a 7artisans 50mm 1.1. Really love the feel of the camera and the images I am getting out of it.
I used to own this lens too. Definitely had some interesting glowing properties wide open. Im happy that you are loving the setup 🙂
I’m just an old hobbyist has no idea about how you professional people work , but the point I am trying to make is that even I can see by a country mile that the Leica just stands out head and shoulders above all other mainstream camera companies for its intended purpose.
There aren't that many brands that dare to release products like Leica do. It would be interesting to see if a brand like Fuji could do something like Leica or if it would just fall flat.
@@RadsbyCoI’m not going to criticise any camera company, but i certainly take your point on if they can all achieve the same goal. For me a camera that’s taking all the thought process away and doing everything for you is just killing the thrill of photography even I wouldn’t want the easy way out because I like to experiment 🧪 with different methods and techniques to see what works for me.
@@b.2221 Couldn't agree with you more on this! I guess it's a little bit different from being a working professional vs a hobbyist. Tons of professionals don't even pick up their camera on their free time because their cameras "screams" work but somehow Leicas never feel like that. 🙂
@@RadsbyCo You mean absurdly expensive?
I beg to differ. Linhof and Alpa make the best cameras in the world for medium and large format purposes.🏆🏆
Long time [analog] Leica user...I tried the fuji X-series as a potential digital camera replacement but just couldnt get on with the auto-focus, shutter beep/delay feel of the shooting experience. Leica have managed to retain the analog shooting experience in their M series cameras which is what I personally prefer. Its not just the shutter button, the Ms include a proper rangefinder also. The fuji is a toy in comparison IMO.
Couldn't agree with you more! Thank you for commenting, it means a ton!
Congratulations! It's special, the Leica becomes part of you! Don't add too many lenses! A wide 28mm and maybe the 35mm.I used 50mm alone fo many years but crowds are more and more, so 35mm!
Thank you. I joined the cult during the pandemic haha. I usually just shoot 35 and 50. I might add a 28 for versatility in the future but for now I'm very happy with the setup 🙂
You're reading my mind, man. I most certainly have that feeling right now, and it's while researching the M10 I came across this video. I'm in the market for my first Leica, and I love the idea of picking up a used M10. Thanks for sharing this. I just subscribed and followed in the other places. Looking forward to seeing what else you share!
Happy to help out in any way I can. Going Leica is a big move! 🙂
Sharing the same sentiments. I found more enjoyment in photography again when I started adapting vintage lenses. Manual focus is more than a technique, it's an artform. It gives control back to the photographer. In my case it may not be switching entirely but I am looking at the Leica-Q as my second cam for EDC.
I can definitely recommend Leica Q. Just recently got the Q2, build quality feels better but I do overall like the images out of the Q original more. It's not bad, but the original Q sensor has something to it that I really like.
@@RadsbyCo Making a trip to Japan next winter and I'm hoping to avail of japan's duty free on a Q3. I value being able to crop in post and the built in feature to do that is really appealing. I also come from Canon which doesn't have a centered tilt screen like other brands. I've been shooting from the hip way more often in street which is another plus for the Q3. I heard the astro performance is better as well so I'm looking forward to trying that out if I can get my hands on one.
Very interesting! That's exactly the same reason I got the M240 after using A73 for work. It just feels too "easy" and always makes me doubt if the camera does it all with that much of technology support, lol.
I think a lot of Leica users feel like this. Going back to the roots and doing the work is so much nicer 🙂 thanks for commenting man, I appreciate it a ton!
Love me some Leica! It made my Sony a7iv and Gmaster glass start collecting dust too. Leica is just so enjoyable and satisfying to shoot.
Congratulations on your switch to Leica. I was in the same boat as you. My camera is technically perfect in my opinion. It does everything for me. The autofocus is incredible. The burst speeds are something like 15 per second. And everything is great. There's a ton of buttons. And features. But often times I would come back from trips with a bunch of images I don't remember taking. Because I wasn't consciously taking them. I was more or less just spraying. I understand that that's my fault. And there are a ton of ways that I could have improved that situation. But I think being forced to slow down with my new Leica and manually focus each shot makes the process a lot more enjoyable. And it makes me feel like I'm a part of every image.
100% agree and such a great point too. I remember taking every photo now. It's very clear and deliberate every time! Which setup do you use man? 🙂
Wow, I really appreciate and relate to the journey you described. I've always been looking for more. Naturally, looking at Leica after having a great run with Sony. Always fun to challenge yourself with new and different gear.
Couldn't agree more! 🙂
I am a Leica shooter but also Nikon and others. One thing I keep seeing in these types of videos is how Leica allows you to set everything manually and to “slow down”. Not to state the obvious but most cameras like Nikon and Canon also have a Manual setting option 😀. Cameras are tools and you use different tools for different purposes. Can’t imagine using rangefinder beyond 90mm or for sports/action.
Haha yes of course but you can't replicate the rangefinder experience on mirrorless or dslrs. Manual settings I use for almost every camera I use regardless of brand.
Rangefinders are definitely not for sports especially not for tele shots 😂. But I believe it has been done but it's a lot of work for something where critical focus is needed fast.
Thanks for the video! I love to laugh at the amount of hate that comes Leica owner's way. I grew up shooting film and have unfortunately had to stop last year due to the insane price rises! Since then I've been looking for a setup that is like shooting film - unfortunately there is no brand that comes even remotely close to Leica in this regard. I can't even tell you how disappointed in Nikon I am that they just threw their f mount onto the scrap heap! Can you imagine if Leica just discontinued the m-mount?! So I dipped into Leica with the m-262 and a Voigtländer 35 f2 and a rehoused Contax 45mm f2. Absolutely no bells and whistles - not even live view! I bloody love it - it's as close to shooting my Nikon fm2n as I can find in a digital camera. Let each person find their own way into photography - some of us want a stripped back experience, and unfortunately for our wallets, the only brand currently offering anything like that id Leica. Thanks
Couldn't say it better myself my friend! Well done! That Leica is a beautiful camera!
I use the video game metaphor too! Zone focus is like lobbing focus range grenades throughout the scene- capturing your subjects in the blast. It's an extremely gratifying way to work. There's physicality to it, and indeed Leica cameras feel more like tools than cameras. It's done with an OVF too, so no tricks to rely on. The idea of owning the shots and being responsible for their success is a type of rewarding that simply isn't the same on a modern pocket rocket Sony type system. Not that those systems aren't gratifying, or less creative, or take no skill, etc. Nothing wrong with Sony, at all. But Leica is Leica. If *that* feeling is what you're after, it doesn't exist elsewhere. Shades of it maybe, but it's just not the same.
It's great to hear your experience with it! And I agree with you 100%
Dude your Dark Soul comparison is so spot on :D
Specially when I should my M6 in hurts double when I didn't nail the shot (because I literally pay for every shot), but it is also extremely rewarding, when I got the shot with manual focus and on film :)
I did my own odysee of cameras and basically it went the same way like you described. I'm not a professional photographer, only hobbiest, but had the same preference gravitating towards smaller cameras and in the and landed on the Leica M system.
I still have my AF cameras for family stuff, when the scene is too fast. My kids are moving too fast for my current manual focusing skills and it happened often enough they entered the minimum focus radius of 0,7m - therefore no shot possible :D
Regarding your content: I think longterm doing videos more related towards the art is more interesting then specs. But it is harder to grow, because of SEO. But since you start with Leica I think you will do just fine combined with your professional experience. That's why I think I can so much from you :). And Leica is a strong SEO keyword.
And your camera presence is amazing! I wish I could talk as comfortable in front of the camera.
I myself do currently a lot of gear related videos and they perform good, but I also want to shift it a bit, but it seems it takes a hit on views / SEO. It's difficult and interesting game this YT stuff :D
Love that you liked the Dark souls thing. It's a certain type of personality who just enjoy failing all the time. We are passionate people haha. I totally get having auto focus for kids, they are crazy fast 😂. I haven't even tried shooting film M cameras yet. I would love to, but I've spent too much money on digital at this point. One day!
I do believe that the people who are looking for long form content or real photography talk are the people who are over the specs hunting. They know what they like and just want to watch others talk about their photography. I highly prefer that part of youtube.
I also have the privilege not to do youtube full time or anything so I don't care about views really, for me it's the community like yourself that is the most fun part.
And thank you, being on camera is super difficult. I mess up all the time, it's the reason why it cuts a lot 😂.
@@RadsbyCo If you were in my area, I would lend you my M6 to try a few weeks, but Sweden is a bit far for that 😂
And yes, that community part I really underestimated in the beginning and it turns out really fun and I appreciate people spending time watching and commenting.
To be honest I don’t plan to go full time on YT since it is my creative outlet to have a hobby with photography. Having a full time job and two small kids doesn’t leave much more room for other hobbies 😅
But as you said not having the pressure of full time to count on the views for money is good for me. But I also have to admit sometimes it hurts when you try to something out and put the time in and the count is low - but that’s normal I guess 😅
Looking forward for your next video!
All Leicas are from a monetary standpoint is taking your money out of the bank and parking it into an object. You never really lose money on a Leica and sometimes you even sell it for more than what you bought it for.
Definitely. It's a better investment than most cameras in general.
I have been shooting with Leica cameras for a long time. Zone focus is super fast after you learn it. Like all equipment, it takes time to learn them. You are also paying for hand made in Germany. Tour the factory and you will see the care and precision that goes into them. They are absolutely worth the money. I make prints up to 40"x60" and nothing compares
Nothing compares? So you've shot every digital and film camera and printed to the same size and compared in person, and then decided that the Leica is still the best? 🙄
@@alhOOO2O My first camera I bought for my self was the Sinar F2 with Rodenstock lenses. Film is a different look than digital.. I still have my Rollieflex,Hassleblad 501C, I/A, IIIF,M3, M4, M6,R8 as far as film cameras. I no longer have my Sinar cameras, Fuji GX680, my Mamiya 645 or RZ. I have shot sony, fuji, aps and the 50 and 100. I have shot the Phase on the ALPA system. The phase on the ALPA is a beautiful set up. I do not really do landscape work so was not for me. I cannot decide if I want ALPA TC no rise fall or the STC which has a little rise and fall. They are works of art. You can shoot with film as you can put film bask on them. the Hassleblad X1 and X2D cameras. The X2d is a huge improvement over the 1 for sure. The Hassleblad has the best color science in digital. The Sony was the least comfortable in my hands and the menu system was awful. I have made prints for my friends that use Canon. I did not like the feel of the Canon when I tried it out. The Nikon felt good in the hands, however in my testing the lenses fell off at the corners wide open.You have to find the system that works for how you create and print. My standard print size is 24'x36". I also have a limited series of work that I print at 40"x60". M,R, S and SL glass. They all work on my SL cameras and the M glass work on all my film and digital M cameras as well as the SL cameras. I have worked with multiple cameras and systems over the years and the Leica just works for me and I can print them at any size no problem. Most of the cameras very few people are actually going to try or compare. Most are looking at Sony, Canon, Nikon or Fuji and based on these cameras they do not have the build quality of the Leica's. Like everything this is my opinion and everyone can have their own. Buy what you want and I will create my images with the cameras that work best for me.
Against my better judgement I bought a used Leica M240. Never looked back! I'm now looking to buy the Zeiss 35 Distagon.
Ive only heard good things about the Zeiss lens! Beautiful rendering. A bit heavy maybe but pairing it with the m240 is the right move since the camera itself is a bit chunkier. You'll make some real nice shots with it! 🙂
Definitely have that gnawing feeling. I shoot film on an M3 double stroke and sadly inhad to stop using it due to the viewfinder prism separating. I shoot on a fuji x-pro 3 for a few years now, but im considering getting the leica m 240
I would go for the M240 over X-Pro any day. That said X-Pro is a beautiful camera still. Fujis are wonderful.
I think the X-Pro to Leica M pipeline is super common haha, I actually just sold my x-pro 3 and bought a 240, hasn't arrived yet but I already love shooting with my M4 so I expect that I'll love it
I am using a Sony A7IV and some digital lenses including a 35mm GM… then I bought a vintage Minolta 58mm f1.4 with a manual focus… I tried using it for my portraits, used it to both of my friends and some models collaborations… I have been using it since then and my other digital lenses were just in my cabinet… I felt happy with a manual focusing, now I was thinking to sell all of my gears & equipment to try buying a Leica rangefinder (M240 or M10?). 😅
Oh man that minolta 58mm 1.4 is such a beast of a lens. Shoots lovely portraits. I mean I did it. Sold all sony stuff to move to Leica and it was the best move. I personally love the M240, the sensor has something beautiful but the M10 is incredible as well 🙂
Whatever you do, don’t buy an M6. I rarely shoot digital because I enjoy the film experience so much.
M6 is on the wishlist but I have been eyeing a M2 actually 😅
I totally agree. Sold all of the canon stuff and made the jump for all the same reasons. No regrets. M11+50APO.
That is a crazy jump. Damn! Great picks my friend! How is that APO? 🙂
Honestly, it's been a little rocky. Both my M11 and my lens are back in New Jersey (Leica US) for some checks. Assuming I get another body, that will be my third M11 from Leica, due to memory card problems and freezes. And since my body is "in the shop" I figured I would have my lens checked to alleviate some doubts I've had over sharpness. For an APO I often wonder, is this as sharp as I should expect? The good people at my local Leica store kind of agreed with me - seems off. So since I splurged for what I thought was the best, I'm happy that I'm still under warranty and that they submitted it for me for CLA (Clean Lubricate Adjust, for anyone reading and not familiar). Again, since I was trying to buy the best, I don't like that I've wondered: really? All in all, I know they are handmade and in shorter runs. I actually visited Wetzlar last summer, and so I get what's going on. Nothing is perfect. But for this price, I'm not just going to accept the problems I've had. Hoping for peace of mind in about 8 weeks when I get everything back. I do enjoy the experience of shooting, problems aside. I get the Leica vibes, magic, and look of the whole thing. I came from shooting Canon 5DMK2 and a lot of L lenses. I'm with you - got tired of lugging that stuff around. Time to simplify and enjoy the experience more.
I have heard that the M11 have had problems like that. Pretty crazy for such an expensive camera. Personally I now shoot older versions of leica glass. I feel like most of them are plenty sharp. I hope you get your gear back in perfect working order man, as soon as possible 🙂
Many thanks.
The autofocus, auto ISO, and so on were killing the joy of photography for me, last year I had 2 big photoshoots back to back and after that, I couldn't even touch my Canon R anymore or even have the mood for street photography, all I felt was just like mindless robot hitting the shutter button and that's its, the job is done. Switching to M10R makes me love photography again and I want to go out, shoot more, learn more, and most importantly, take it slow. No more point-and-shoot for me.
Same feeling I had for surea! Happy to hear about your experience! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Using a Leica is not just about producing great photos but also enjoying the experience of shooting.
Couldn't agree more friend!
Do you think it’s possible to shoot a whole wedding only using a Leica Q2? Actually I‘m thinking about selling all my gear (Sony a7 III, some GM lenses and my X100V) to buy one. But I‘m unsure if I make a mistake with the decision.
100% possible. Greg Williams shoot weddings with Q cameras and one of my favorites Teri Bocko have shot weddings with it too. www.teribphotography.com/2022/04/01/leica-q2-wedding-photography/
That said. It works well for 24-35mm style of photography. If you are used to 50mm 1.4 or 85mm then it wont hold up to your expectations looks wise.
But I could shoot weddings with it no problems!
of course it's worth it!
Did you get the diopter to to help with the vision issue you mentioned? I read you need to know your vision at 6’ or something
I haven't. Think they look ugly so I've just learned how to live with it and shoot it as is. Ideally, I should use glasses too which I don't either haha
@@RadsbyCo i actually just got back from a Leica store to try out the M10 without my glasses and was shocked I didn’t need them at all for focusing
Say someone had the exact same illogical urge to sell his gear as well for an M240, what first lens would you get?
Depends on what you like to shoot. Voigtländers are always safe bet in my opinion, their performance to price ratio is just ridiculous. I've shot Voigtländers for years and would happily use any of their lenses.
Voigtländer 35mm 1.4 or 40mm 1.4 are great picks. Leica Summicron 35mm v3, v4 or ASPH are amazing picks if you can afford it.
Voigtländer 50mm 1.5 is a great pick too. That said. The Leica 50mm Summicron and Summilux are just incredible to me.
I just recentely bought Leica lenses for the first time so I might be a bit biased but I have done real photo shoots with all of these and they are all incredible.
@@RadsbyCo thanks so much!
Gonna throw a shout in for the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f/2.8, don't let the aperture put you off, it's one of the nicest rendering lenses I've ever used, look up "Pushing Film"' 's review of it
Yes, it is worth it.
Definitely agree! 🙂
you also pay for decent paid workers at Leica in EU if that matters to you of course 🙂
Yes of course! It's definitely an aspect people forget to talk about 🙂
I put an order in for a Leica M11-P. Moving away from fujifilm…please let me know why I made the right decision lol. My wife thinks I’m crazy 😂
Oh that's a big move for sure. At least the nice thing with Leica is that they keep their value. I'll bet you love it. 🙂
@@RadsbyCo Not really, unless you buy them used. Right now you can buy an M10 for half of what it originally sold. This is a big loss to an original owner, but... when you are rich, who cares?😃
I wouldn't buy Leica new haha. Always gotten them used.
@@RadsbyCo Me too! I purchased an M240 in mint condition 3 years ago and could resell it for almost what I paid.😃
Is that a gw690 behind you?
Good catch haha I just got it last week. I wondered if anyone would see which camera it was 😂
Similar journey!
I definitely believe a lot of Leica users go through this journey 🙂
expensive body + cheap lens is a bad idea
Yeah? Well, you know, that's just like uh, your opinion, man.
You don’t know anything I would say 👍🏼
the cheap lens is not the issue here -- Lennon
Nah. It comes down to lens quality, which isn't necessarily tied to price. Particularly as people shoot differently. A $300 lens and a $3000 lens often perform near identical at F5.6 and F8.
Try A 50 f2 Apo aspherical Voigtlander - absolutely stellar!