Mr. Ricard, Smartest commentary on camera design, yet. Congratulations. I would like to add this: Fantastic shot opportunities are often fleeting. Sometimes we are presented with unexpected, once in a lifetime events. In the stress of the moment, when i must absolutely, positively get the shot without fail, I want a minimal user interface and trusty hardware. Worth its weight in gold.
Great photos are about emotion. I like how someone said the only reason to buy it is because you want it. BINGO! Very true and because I want it, I WILL buy one. It'll be a used M9 on eBay or local. Listen guys, the only reason you take photos is because you want to. The only reason to have a Mercedes instead of a Chevy is because you want to. Hell, you could live in a 2 room “house” and cover your head, have a bed, a place to cook, a small spot to relive yourself and bath. But most of us don’t WANT that. It is NOT OVER HYPED. Great photos are about emotion. I see emotion when I look at the Leica photos.
I started of with Zeiss because they were cheaper, but some of the lenses seemed to have focus play so I sold them all. I now have Leica 21/2.8, 24/2.8, 35/2, 50/2, 75/2.5 and 90/4. Thinking of getting Voitlander 21/1.8 for speed though.
Wonderfully thoughtful review. Less is more and I really think you're right that all the bells, whistles and specs get in the way of actually making photographs. Well done. Subbed.
Hi John, I fully agree with what you're saying. There is something so appealing about shooting with just enough and nothing more. I like the Fuji X cameras and primes for their size and image quality. When I go out I select the lens that has the field of view I feel like working with and that's it. I tend to have a tight field of view when I shoot. I like to isolate details or small objects and use a shallow depth of field to help isolate the object from the background. When I use a wider field of view it makes me think a little more about what to include in the scene with the subject. I first select the focus of my shot and then look at the edges to see what I can add to help compose the image. Most importantly I never worry about the framing I can't get because my lens is too tight or too wide. I only focus on the view I have and let that work for me. Like you said, having limitations can make shooting more enjoyable. I think it's easy to fall into a rut where we let what we see dictate how it wants to be shot, and we end up taking the same shot everyone else is taking. Not having every focal length or option, can allow you to look a little deeper into each scene and take a photograph that is personal to you. Take care.
I was laughing my ass off when you spoke about the iPhone apps and how people exchange experiences, but overall you speaking how user experience is overall the winner on cameras is basically the big deal when people use digital cameras. You hit the nail right on the head!
Thank you for the video! I actually fulfilled one of my smaller dreams when buying an M 240 with a 50mm Summicron a year ago, and I haven't regretted it for a second. I'm convinced an M is the best camera to always have with you - relatively small and light, no useless controls getting in your way, super reliable and people seem to react less defensive when you want to take a photo of them with an M as opposed to you holding an SLR in their face. I also think the 240 expanded on the viable use cases. I shot dark concerts with my M, just as I shot indoor sport events with it. It took quite a bit of practice, yes, but once you get over the "A rangefinder can't do this"-mentality, it works beautifully even in such challenging conditions.
Hi John, very intresting video ! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Very nice Jiu-Jitsu T-shirt, .... I am sure that there is more behind ! You are my philosopher of this Day ! Greetz, Roger, Antwerp.
wow, that is an awesome video. for me, comparing the m9 with a d7000 is like talking about prime lenses vs. zooms. i love the limitations that a prime lense gives you. it helps me to focus.
I know that I will reach the financial peak of my photography career when I can afford an M9, i love its class and appearance, I agree with your "focus factor" philosophy, I love my 5d, and I carry it everywhere. I would be more than ecstatic to take one of these beauties onto my collection on the streets of boston where I work
Very well put and I think you captured what Leica tries to get through to consumers. I and I'm sure a lot of people would love to own one but that price is just too steep for my budget. Keep up the good work.
a person who hasn't used a film camera ever would never be able to appreciate the simplicity of the m9, people who started photography in the digital age cannot imagine going taking photos without autofocus and all the scene modes etc.,
Hi John. I agree with you, i sure love the great "usability" of the M9 but for what I do, the best thing with it is the discretion that it gives you. I work in studio 80% of the time, but for my more personnal stuff, when i'm out there shooting street, it is the best camera for that as it is very discret. I could hardly do street photography the same way with my big dslr body even with just a 50mm attached to it. The m9 also gives a really unique look to street photography.
Hello everybody... he's NOT comparing cameras. He's not saying what's best, what isn't. He IS telling us why less is often more and this is a very important concept to us today, with the technological miracles we have avail. In particular photographers... I know many people who call themselves photographers and more than half of them like to spend more time reading about cameras, comparing sensors, arguing over which cam is best... this is camera-ography.
Just saw this vid...i like Leica and used to want one, but companies like Fuji has pulled through and given us exactly what you just describe at a tiny fraction of the cost. And for that i'm forever greatful for these companies who makes it affordable.
I absolutely love the Fuji bodies and I recommend them to people all the time. The x100t in particular is a beautiful machine. I owned a XE1 for about a year and anhalf. Great camera. However, the Fujisawa are not very much like a Leica in terms of operation. They just look like Leicas. The Fujis, like the Sinys have way too many buttons and features. Y Fuji was often in the wrong mode or set in some manner that wasn't where I left it. A Leica is always exactly where you left it last. Also, you can glance at a Keica and see setter and aperture instantly. Some Fuji lenses don't have aperture rings so you can't do that. Changing ISO on the Fuji or dealing with the menu showing up in the viewfinder it on the back of the camera were both frustrating to me. The Fujis are gorgeous but I do wish they made a truly stripped down model with a minimum of buttons.
+xiong cam The image quality on the Leica is gorgeous. The Fujis are great....I own 3 of them, XT1, X100T, Xpro2. I used to own an XE2 and Xpro1, but sold them and bought the Xt1 and x100T. I bought the Fujis, because they were the closest thing to a digital rangefinder available and they didn't cost a ridiculous amount of money...but what I really always wanted was a Leica. I used to shoot film Leicas. I had an M6 and an M3 and they were awesome. I sold the M6 and kept the M3 for a long time. Film got too expensive, because I used to shoot a lot so I basically stopped shooting and later sold my M3 and some lenses to send my daughter to Scotland with her performing arts school. Basically the Fuji cameras re-inspired me to shoot again, but after about 4 years I realized the Leica M9 has gone down in price and I finally got one. I love that camera and the images are crazy good. I won't sell my Fuji, but I finally have the camera I've always wanted and I couldn't be happier with it.
I absolutely agree with You on that. :) I have an older Nikon D50 and it has none of the bells and whistles of the newer bodies out there it is simply a workhorse for Me and is very simple. It hangs out between Aperture and Manual on any day. :) And I just walk around with a 35mm doing street photography. I love it. :) On a DSLR that is probably as stripped down as it gets haha!
Very well said John. I have a Canon 7D. But why did I buy a 7D? Because I use to have an EOS 630. And I loved it. The 7D is almost there. 95% of the time I set the ISO, aperture, shutter speed. Suppose my experience with old film cameras is my 'focus' when I use the 7D. I don't use the 19 focus points for example. I use one. I know what I want to focus on. And with center weighted metering, I can use the little 'lock exposure' button to the light level I want. Just like I did on the 630.
I can understand that, the M9 is a very capable camera, the Kodak sensor coupled with Leica lenses make for an awesome system to work with. If I had an M9, I would definitely use it for shooting landscapes and portraits, that's what I do, and its one of the things the M9 excels at for what I can see. I'm really thinking about jumping from a Canon 30D directly onto the Leica, I have used full-frame 5Ds before, but I don't think it'll ever be like handling a Leica "M".
Great, spot on. M9 can do action. I've shot alot of skiing with it. I carry 28cron, 50 cron and the TE 90. F8, you can focus very easy, and bump iso if more shutterspeed needed. I also have used it alot in the backcountry as landscape camera. I have some A7 cameras also, which are a great distraction to use. LOL
I think the way to look at an M9 is like a watch.Your canon/nikon DSLR would be your standard digital watch, with chronometer,timer,etc, but then the Leica M9 would be like the Rolex. People don't buy a Rolex because it's functional, it only gives time/date, but it's very well made, it's something special, that you know you can keep for a life time, something that stays with you since the day you purchase it.The Leica M9 is special because of what it makes you feel, not necessarily functionality
@exwhyz33 No autofocus= less moving mechanical parts= better reliability and longevity of the lens as well as internal mechanisms inside the body. It definitely gives the camera the classic "rangefinder" feel, which many photographers and enthusiasts enjoy. It also give you the benefit of adjusting the focus without having to worry about the possible mistakes that an autofocus system would cause.
Great vid! I have been shooting since the film days and now a few DSLR for weddings and portraits. But I am actually considering a Leica for the type of shots that I want (what you meant by Focus). Great thought about "More is Less" theory. Many really don't understand. I use pro bodies and pro lenses and everyday has new function but none of which I use really. So if people are pissed, they can take a cheap film body and stick a 100 film in and a prime. See what they can do! Much appreciated!
Dude, WTF, you should have 4 million views on this. From all the idiot wanna be photographers out there who need to study Cartier Bresson, Myerowitz, Erwitt...etc. GREAT video, you're a smart man and this is a great lesson for people. I just bought a Hasselblad to "slow me down" and enjoy the process again. Cheers, great work.
Nice explanation... I don't shoot Leica, but I do get your point and I agree. The fixie is a good analogy, similar to the whole vintage bike scene nowadays, people looking for a simpler experience. But I think that the price factor is what make people "don't get it"... Ok, it's really well manufactured, it has awesome lenses, but the simple things like the fact that it can't handle low light, even with today's sensor technology, get on people nerves for a US7,000 camera.
it's an intimidating time for photographers as technology seems to continue to marginalize skill and vision for novelty and ease, but your point is exactly right... no one is scratching deeper than the surface anymore. i personally like the dedicated ISO and white balance buttons on my dslr, but i agree completely with what i think you're saying; the end of photography isn't nigh, the fires tempering the ore of creativity are fueled by focus and simplicity. i think leica is next for me. cheers!
Nice if that works for you. For me, I have no intention of going back to film. Not knowing if I got the exposure right, not being able to email the final images without scanning them first, not having ability to get a decent 1600 color shot on film, etc. Many reasons why I'm no longer interested in shooting film. If it works for you, continue to do so. It's all about what is right for each person.
The general idea of overfunctionallity is good one, but I'm not sure that you did right with D7000. Put D7000 to "M" - manual. It means that you will have two dials at you right hand, 1 for aperture and second for shutter. You can change both without changing the grip. For ISO you can even set AUTO ISO with highest limit of ISO. WB can be changes very fast too. If Leica M9 had special separeted dials to change ISO and WB then yes it would be faster.
this cam is something else i had a chance to use it with the 50mm summilux 1.4 asph and it was amazing. yes you can buy a canon/nikon for 1/10th the price but i dont think there better cams just better suited for certain things but weddings,street photography,art this is one of the best cams you can own. great review buy the way
True true, in the end you need to simply use the functions you use the most. And adding allot of features to a camera.. can lead to to many buttons. Sometimes Simplicity is King! As in back in the old days.. Set and Forget!
@photoJohnRicard thanks for your answer. So if we put aside the budget factor, a camera that can achieve the same result than a dslr like the 5D, but that is much smaller, more discret, more simple and lighter is "better" for street, no ? :) Great photos on Bet!
The reason why they attack you is because you are actually very very smart and it overwhelms them to realize that they haven't thought of this concepts that not only require sensitivity but humbleness
I am 100% with You on the usability and the beauty of the stripped downness of the camera. I love everything I have seen about the Leica I just simply cannot get My head around the price tag. Nothing to Me justifies it. Hear Me out I have no interest in adding more features to the M9 I love the point of this camera but I am just saying I feel there is no reason this camera should be eight grand. :) I am really studying this camera and I am open minding and would love to hear Your thoughts. :)
If it is used by a pro it is a pro camera. That includes Holgas, iPhones, Lomos, Canon Rebels and anything else you can think of. I use the Leica M9 professionally on set at BET's 106 & Park every single day. That makes it a professional camera.
@petertwang @photoJohnRicard Peter I think another way to look at it as well, just like John mentioned like the iPad, what makes apple products so successful (besides the hype) is there "focus" , and their focus is the basics, and they do the basics better than most. Yeah you can say, "Don't want those extra features? Then don't use them." But its hard not to be tempted by them. Focus one area and get great shots, or take many different mediocre shots. Plus it's a great camera to use.
I totally get your point. everything made today (not just camera) is a list of features that we don't use. I call this the "bullet point war". I love your iphone app analogy. they are hot only because they are the latest and the greatest. and when the next gen app comes out, today's app is no longer desirable. what does that tell you? it was never good to begin with. products like the Leica M9 lasts. As a friend of mine calls this... it's an exquisite turd. and I love it.
The Helio Gracie shirt I'm wearing in the video can be purchased at gracieacademy dahtcahm. It's rather expensive compared to other shirts there, but I think its well made and looks really cool ;)
John Ricard guess you train bjj as well👍 my two biggest hobbies - photography and bjj. All the best from Denmark✌️and great video by the way - Love you approach to photography - I have the M8
Used to use a manual FM, then when digital arrived used a compact (too many options and mediocre photos). So now after several years gone back to a manual camera (fortunately I can afford a Leica but any "manual" camera would be OK) and I have re-discovered the art of simple photography.
i was wondering if it was dawn or dusk, but as he was talking i was thinking no one is that awake that early, then i thought the sky looked darker in 8 min, then i confirmed it by resetting the video clip, looks like vinny barbarinnos old classroom in there
@exwhyz33 photoJohnRicard is right. But it's also so there is absolutely no compromise in optical quality. Autofocus complicates what's going on in and behind the lens. And it won't be compatible with every M lens made.
I've been shooting orca, humpbacks & gray whales et al, 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 5 years. When I came ashore for good this year I couldn't wait to put my D3's w/ frickin' telescopes on them, down. I realized a rangefinder, now that digi-rangers are kick ass, would allow me to knock myself out doing street photography. I haven't picked up the Nikons since (a year now), nor shot anything other than B&W street scenes with my fuji x100. Vids and kids is what sub $500 zoomers are for.
I just stumbled on this video trying to figure out why is Leica so expensive, truth be told I never even saw one in person. After watching this video I still have no clue and you should really change the subject from why M9 is better to: next time you want to go out shooting stuff, take your Nikon/Canon/Sony/Pentax etc. and sit down for 5 minutes think of what you want, adjust your camera for one task and then go shooting. And If you still have that less is more attitude (in technology at least) in 2014 you can always switch back to shooting film, nice 35mm, prime lens, 3 controls and you rock.
In theory, what you are saying makes sense. You could configure a Nikon/Canon/Sony/Pentax to work in a simplified mode just like a Leica. However, it doesn't work like that in practice. Consider the following: in theory you don't need to buy a prime lens. You could by a 24mm-70mm lens and keep it see to 50mm and that becomes your prime lens. That should work. It doesn't. Once you have the zoom on your camera, you'll use it as a zoom -not as a prime. So although I obviously know how to set up my Nikon to work similarly to my Leica, the fact of the matter is, I shoot very differently with my Nikon and with my Leica. And despite the many flaws of the M9, I consistently take great photos using the M9.
John Ricard First of, sorry I didn't want to be rude, reading my comment again it sounds kind of cocky. I agree with you, but as I first said, M9 costs about 7.000$ even do i could never afford to give that much money for a camera since I'm no professional, Nikon D4s sounds like a better deal to me.
I came here for the same reason. WHY $7k for a limited-functionality camera??? I don't get it! At all! I did just drop $1700 on an X-T1 kit, but that camera can do so so much and has such awesome controls.
***** Are you familiar with a fixed gear bike? It's a professional bike that doesn't have speeds, doesn't have lights, doesn't even have brakes. Think about that. A professional bike that is very popular among serious cyclists that does not even have brakes. Logically, that doesn't make sense. And yet people will pay MORE for a fixed gear bike than you might pay for a fully featured bike. I'm not saying the Leica is "better" than my Nikon. I'm just saying there is a place for a stripped down digital camera. Nikon has never produced one. Neither has Canon. I own a Fuji XE and I can assure you that that camera is not stripped down either. It is fully featured. Where is the equivalent of a fixed gear bike for photographers, other than a $7,000 Leica? Unfortunately, it does not exist.
John Ricard Yes it does exist. Buy a film camera for 50-100 bucks. Has less bells and whistles and still takes amazing photos. Heck if you want a leica, you can go for a film one. Someone can spin their tires trying to justify spending 7 grand on a camera by saying all sorts of stuff. Bottom line is people buy what they like due to perceived benefits. Very often it is a type of group think that forms because people generally try to understand why someone likes something. If someone really likes something a persons response is to like it as well or at the very least be interested in the reasoning why. They may check a few reviews and you will always get reviews that praise the said item because they drink the coolaid associated with said item. If a reviewer hazes such item they tend to be destroyed by "fan boys" of the product. People read these responses and with it either start to drink the coolaid themselves or they will shun the product and often turn into a said hater of the item. You see this with any product line whether is be cameras, watches, clothing, cars etc. It almost always is focused on luxury items that are basically worse than entry level stuff but have magical properties that give life to said object or the task they are involved with. Dont believe anything Im saying? Check out rolex forums. Another great example in the Sebenza for those interested in pocket knives. The list goes on and on. It is the human condition to want new items and these kinds of goods often have a special pull because most people always like an upgrade to a product. I am often interested in these items :)
Just a question to all the Pro photographers here, that own an M9: If you go out shooting for your passion and as a connoisseur for photography as a form of art, which camera would you use most of the time? I am really looking for answers from you. Personally I think most of Leica M9 users are photo enthusiast and amateurs. But as mentioned in the video, they choose a M9 because of the limited focus. In my opinion most amateurs use 10% of the capacity of a dslr Camera and 90% of a Leica M9!
Nice perspective but all the things you mentioned I feel can be achieved with your average dslr. I only use 3 buttons on my camera: iso, aperture, and shutter speed, they are all easy to access. And then I guess if you wanted to limit yourself in your picture taking, you could always just stick one lens on there and just shoot solely with that. What I'm trying to say is that I don't see an immense benefit for the price.
@ilgas11 forgot to say that I only talk about digital m8 and m9, analog Leicas are awesome in every aspect. I would buy one, but I don't shoot film anymore...
Thanks John for the resonse. I agree there are a lot bad amateur Leica shots. But i think, thats because many have a Leica not because of the quality, but the name. Using Leica means the biggest bug for the photo is the person behind the camera, because the Leica is second to none in photography in terms of Quality (many say!). But just a question, what lenses do you use with the M9 and is there a focal length, you prefer most and why? The one in this video is a zeiss, correct?
Hi. I understand and agree with you. I have a Nikon system with most every lens a non pro could ever need and a Sony a6k with lenses from 10mm to 210mm but I don't enjoy using either of them. The Sony is more like a computer that take pictures and the Nikon is just too large to carry with me everywhere. I have been considering the Leica M9 or the Leica Q as my walk around a city camera but the price and limitations of them worry me. I tried out the Fuji x-e2 when I originally bought my Sony but at the time although I loved it I went with the Sony because everything I read told me the Sony was the better camera. I don't shoot pro anymore and I grew up with a fully manual camera and miss the simpler times.
Nikon or Canon should make the equivalent of a digital FM2 -a stripped down digital camera. The FM2 stayed in production even after the F4 and F5 were released. Back then, Nikon understood the appeal of a stripped down camera to use alongside your more advanced camera. Today, every company seems to feel that every camera should be fully featured.
Although I respect the people at Leica for making some of the best camera in the word never forget that a good photographer makes good pictures with any camera, it's not the camera it is always the mind! That's my take.
Yes Zeiss makes mindblowing optics too just like leica and the japanees brands too.Keep focusing one the new ones on the scene,Samyang and Noktor.PhaseOne whil go ahead in the digital medium format scene.
I hear ya, sure thing it's what works best for you and of course everyone's experience will be different. I'm a canon shooter and I also hear so much talk about lens not being sharp and crappy service but in my case it's the absolute opposite. I just hope when I do get my Leica I have a lot of good things to say about it. By the way are you going to sell it :D
@breakit46 Totally agree. That is another major draw to the leica m series. The idea that if forces u to go back to the basics of photography. You may not be able to do everything that a DSLR can do on the fly but you will take much more time in preparing your shot and compose the scene. That alone will take your pictures to another level and make it that much more rewarding.
mmm it is the Viper vs Ferrari debate... elegance and prestige! I am a Pro photographer I own 4 cameras all pro level, which one do I use the most... M9
Mr. Ricard, Smartest commentary on camera design, yet. Congratulations. I would like to add this: Fantastic shot opportunities are often fleeting. Sometimes we are presented with unexpected, once in a lifetime events. In the stress of the moment, when i must absolutely, positively get the shot without fail, I want a minimal user interface and trusty hardware. Worth its weight in gold.
this is by far the best explanation on the differences on photography techniques. you are a genius. the best photos are taken by you, not the camera.
Great photos are about emotion.
I like how someone said the only reason to buy it is because you want it. BINGO! Very true and because I want it, I WILL buy one. It'll be a used M9 on eBay or local.
Listen guys, the only reason you take photos is because you want to. The only reason to have a Mercedes instead of a Chevy is because you want to. Hell, you could live in a 2 room “house” and cover your head, have a bed, a place to cook, a small spot to relive yourself and bath. But most of us don’t WANT that.
It is NOT OVER HYPED. Great photos are about emotion. I see emotion when I look at the Leica photos.
Great review. I bought the M262 and it's become my companion. Less is more.
I started of with Zeiss because they were cheaper, but some of the lenses seemed to have focus play so I sold them all. I now have Leica 21/2.8, 24/2.8, 35/2, 50/2, 75/2.5 and 90/4. Thinking of getting Voitlander 21/1.8 for speed though.
This video is amazing. I love your outlook on photography, and the focusing factor.
Wonderfully thoughtful review. Less is more and I really think you're right that all the bells, whistles and specs get in the way of actually making photographs. Well done. Subbed.
You made many great points. Thanks for sharing. You're absolutely right about the limitations can sometimes help you as a photographer.
Hi John, I fully agree with what you're saying. There is something so appealing about shooting with just enough and nothing more. I like the Fuji X cameras and primes for their size and image quality. When I go out I select the lens that has the field of view I feel like working with and that's it. I tend to have a tight field of view when I shoot. I like to isolate details or small objects and use a shallow depth of field to help isolate the object from the background. When I use a wider field of view it makes me think a little more about what to include in the scene with the subject. I first select the focus of my shot and then look at the edges to see what I can add to help compose the image. Most importantly I never worry about the framing I can't get because my lens is too tight or too wide. I only focus on the view I have and let that work for me. Like you said, having limitations can make shooting more enjoyable. I think it's easy to fall into a rut where we let what we see dictate how it wants to be shot, and we end up taking the same shot everyone else is taking. Not having every focal length or option, can allow you to look a little deeper into each scene and take a photograph that is personal to you. Take care.
Your words give me a lot of inspiration.
By far the most genuine video Ive seen on the Leica. That passion
Thanks for the video, it was refreshing, intelligent and informative. I'm thinking about selling my 5D and picking up a M6 classic.
I was laughing my ass off when you spoke about the iPhone apps and how people exchange experiences, but overall you speaking how user experience is overall the winner on cameras is basically the big deal when people use digital cameras. You hit the nail right on the head!
Well put John. It's nice to see some unbiased opinion coming from somebody who uses both the M9 and DSLRs.
Thank you for the video! I actually fulfilled one of my smaller dreams when buying an M 240 with a 50mm Summicron a year ago, and I haven't regretted it for a second. I'm convinced an M is the best camera to always have with you - relatively small and light, no useless controls getting in your way, super reliable and people seem to react less defensive when you want to take a photo of them with an M as opposed to you holding an SLR in their face. I also think the 240 expanded on the viable use cases. I shot dark concerts with my M, just as I shot indoor sport events with it. It took quite a bit of practice, yes, but once you get over the "A rangefinder can't do this"-mentality, it works beautifully even in such challenging conditions.
+TheIScreamer I own both. I like both. I'm hoping the next model has the weight of the M9/M262 but wit a proper buffer so I can shoot faster.
i started with a rangefinder and it taught me how to shoot and focus on what i can do not what i want to do in post
Hi John, very intresting video ! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Very nice Jiu-Jitsu T-shirt, .... I am sure that there is more behind ! You are my philosopher of this Day ! Greetz, Roger, Antwerp.
Thanks ;)
wow, that is an awesome video.
for me, comparing the m9 with a d7000 is like talking about prime lenses vs. zooms.
i love the limitations that a prime lense gives you. it helps me to focus.
great M9 review ever. U talked what i dont even think about. thanks u so much
I know that I will reach the financial peak of my photography career when I can afford an M9, i love its class and appearance, I agree with your "focus factor" philosophy, I love my 5d, and I carry it everywhere. I would be more than ecstatic to take one of these beauties onto my collection on the streets of boston where I work
Very well put and I think you captured what Leica tries to get through to consumers. I and I'm sure a lot of people would love to own one but that price is just too steep for my budget. Keep up the good work.
a person who hasn't used a film camera ever would never be able to appreciate the simplicity of the m9, people who started photography in the digital age cannot imagine going taking photos without autofocus and all the scene modes etc.,
Hi John.
I agree with you, i sure love the great "usability" of the M9 but for what I do, the best thing with it is the discretion that it gives you. I work in studio 80% of the time, but for my more personnal stuff, when i'm out there shooting street, it is the best camera for that as it is very discret.
I could hardly do street photography the same way with my big dslr body even with just a 50mm attached to it.
The m9 also gives a really unique look to street photography.
very concise; exactly the reason why I use Leicas, John. And they are best bought used, it makes them a bit more affordable.
Agree w/this video. I'm a rangefinder guy, but can see the appeal of any camera, including dSLRs, w/traditional, basic controls.
Good point of view. Thx and greetz!
This was very eye opening. Thank you for posting this.
Very nice video and good thinking about Leica's camera.
Hello everybody... he's NOT comparing cameras. He's not saying what's best, what isn't. He IS telling us why less is often more and this is a very important concept to us today, with the technological miracles we have avail. In particular photographers... I know many people who call themselves photographers and more than half of them like to spend more time reading about cameras, comparing sensors, arguing over which cam is best... this is camera-ography.
I never saw it that way!Thank you!
This is still a great video, grtz from the netherlands
good points whats lenses do you have with the m9? That Leica Noctilux f/0.95 is amazing although it cost's as much as a car :)
Just saw this vid...i like Leica and used to want one, but companies like Fuji has pulled through and given us exactly what you just describe at a tiny fraction of the cost. And for that i'm forever greatful for these companies who makes it affordable.
I absolutely love the Fuji bodies and I recommend them to people all the time. The x100t in particular is a beautiful machine. I owned a XE1 for about a year and anhalf. Great camera. However, the Fujisawa are not very much like a Leica in terms of operation. They just look like Leicas. The Fujis, like the Sinys have way too many buttons and features. Y Fuji was often in the wrong mode or set in some manner that wasn't where I left it. A Leica is always exactly where you left it last. Also, you can glance at a Keica and see setter and aperture instantly. Some Fuji lenses don't have aperture rings so you can't do that. Changing ISO on the Fuji or dealing with the menu showing up in the viewfinder it on the back of the camera were both frustrating to me. The Fujis are gorgeous but I do wish they made a truly stripped down model with a minimum of buttons.
+John Ricard Siny and Keica are better than Fiji
+xiong cam The image quality on the Leica is gorgeous. The Fujis are great....I own 3 of them, XT1, X100T, Xpro2. I used to own an XE2 and Xpro1, but sold them and bought the Xt1 and x100T. I bought the Fujis, because they were the closest thing to a digital rangefinder available and they didn't cost a ridiculous amount of money...but what I really always wanted was a Leica. I used to shoot film Leicas. I had an M6 and an M3 and they were awesome. I sold the M6 and kept the M3 for a long time. Film got too expensive, because I used to shoot a lot so I basically stopped shooting and later sold my M3 and some lenses to send my daughter to Scotland with her performing arts school. Basically the Fuji cameras re-inspired me to shoot again, but after about 4 years I realized the Leica M9 has gone down in price and I finally got one. I love that camera and the images are crazy good. I won't sell my Fuji, but I finally have the camera I've always wanted and I couldn't be happier with it.
very simple and good explanation :) i hope to c a lot of leica m9 reviews from u.. thanks
I absolutely agree with You on that. :) I have an older Nikon D50 and it has none of the bells and whistles of the newer bodies out there it is simply a workhorse for Me and is very simple. It hangs out between Aperture and Manual on any day. :) And I just walk around with a 35mm doing street photography. I love it. :) On a DSLR that is probably as stripped down as it gets haha!
Very well said John. I have a Canon 7D. But why did I buy a 7D? Because I use to have an EOS 630. And I loved it. The 7D is almost there.
95% of the time I set the ISO, aperture, shutter speed. Suppose my experience with old film cameras is my 'focus' when I use the 7D.
I don't use the 19 focus points for example. I use one. I know what I want to focus on. And with center weighted metering, I can use the little 'lock exposure' button to the light level I want. Just like I did on the 630.
I can understand that, the M9 is a very capable camera, the Kodak sensor coupled with Leica lenses make for an awesome system to work with. If I had an M9, I would definitely use it for shooting landscapes and portraits, that's what I do, and its one of the things the M9 excels at for what I can see. I'm really thinking about jumping from a Canon 30D directly onto the Leica, I have used full-frame 5Ds before, but I don't think it'll ever be like handling a Leica "M".
What an extremely thoughtful review.
Great, spot on. M9 can do action. I've shot alot of skiing with it. I carry 28cron, 50 cron and the TE 90. F8, you can focus very easy, and bump iso if more shutterspeed needed. I also have used it alot in the backcountry as landscape camera. I have some A7 cameras also, which are a great distraction to use. LOL
Superlike your perspective !
Nice video John. Your words are quite inspiring. By the way, is that a Zeiss ZM 28mm f/2.8 ?
I am a photo enthusiast and love your "focus factor" statement. sometimes having it all makes ya a lazy picture taker!
i already knew all this, but wow.. you gave a very well speech about it for sure!
wow.. what you just said in this video wraps it all up indeed. well spoken :-)
I think the way to look at an M9 is like a watch.Your canon/nikon DSLR would be your standard digital watch, with chronometer,timer,etc, but then the Leica M9 would be like the Rolex. People don't buy a Rolex because it's functional, it only gives time/date, but it's very well made, it's something special, that you know you can keep for a life time, something that stays with you since the day you purchase it.The Leica M9 is special because of what it makes you feel, not necessarily functionality
@exwhyz33 No autofocus= less moving mechanical parts= better reliability and longevity of the lens as well as internal mechanisms inside the body. It definitely gives the camera the classic "rangefinder" feel, which many photographers and enthusiasts enjoy. It also give you the benefit of adjusting the focus without having to worry about the possible mistakes that an autofocus system would cause.
Very well done. Excellent!
Great vid! I have been shooting since the film days and now a few DSLR for weddings and portraits. But I am actually considering a Leica for the type of shots that I want (what you meant by Focus). Great thought about "More is Less" theory. Many really don't understand. I use pro bodies and pro lenses and everyday has new function but none of which I use really. So if people are pissed, they can take a cheap film body and stick a 100 film in and a prime. See what they can do! Much appreciated!
Great video and to the point...
Dude, WTF, you should have 4 million views on this. From all the idiot wanna be photographers out there who need to study Cartier Bresson, Myerowitz, Erwitt...etc. GREAT video, you're a smart man and this is a great lesson for people. I just bought a Hasselblad to "slow me down" and enjoy the process again. Cheers, great work.
thank you for this informative video!!
Nice explanation... I don't shoot Leica, but I do get your point and I agree. The fixie is a good analogy, similar to the whole vintage bike scene nowadays, people looking for a simpler experience. But I think that the price factor is what make people "don't get it"... Ok, it's really well manufactured, it has awesome lenses, but the simple things like the fact that it can't handle low light, even with today's sensor technology, get on people nerves for a US7,000 camera.
Great ideas about photography this days!
The Helio Gracie shirt is from GracieAcademy dhot chom. One of my favorite shirts!
it's an intimidating time for photographers as technology seems to continue to marginalize skill and vision for novelty and ease, but your point is exactly right... no one is scratching deeper than the surface anymore. i personally like the dedicated ISO and white balance buttons on my dslr, but i agree completely with what i think you're saying; the end of photography isn't nigh, the fires tempering the ore of creativity are fueled by focus and simplicity. i think leica is next for me. cheers!
Nice if that works for you. For me, I have no intention of going back to film. Not knowing if I got the exposure right, not being able to email the final images without scanning them first, not having ability to get a decent 1600 color shot on film, etc. Many reasons why I'm no longer interested in shooting film. If it works for you, continue to do so. It's all about what is right for each person.
The general idea of overfunctionallity is good one, but I'm not sure that you did right with D7000. Put D7000 to "M" - manual. It means that you will have two dials at you right hand, 1 for aperture and second for shutter. You can change both without changing the grip. For ISO you can even set AUTO ISO with highest limit of ISO. WB can be changes very fast too. If Leica M9 had special separeted dials to change ISO and WB then yes it would be faster.
this cam is something else i had a chance to use it with the 50mm summilux 1.4 asph and it was amazing. yes you can buy a canon/nikon for 1/10th the price but i dont think there better cams just better suited for certain things but weddings,street photography,art this is one of the best cams you can own. great review buy the way
Lots of interesting concepts :) Perhaps you could share some of your photography from your m9. Id like to see how it has improved your photography :)
Thanks for checking out the video. Most of my Instagram is done with the M9 and now M240. All of the Leica images are tagged. My IG is @johnricard.
Thank you, Zen master. This was probably one of the best photography/ gear/ philosophy videos I've seen in a long time. It IS all about F-O-C-U-S
True true, in the end you need to simply use the functions you use the most. And adding allot of features to a camera.. can lead to to many buttons. Sometimes Simplicity is King! As in back in the old days.. Set and Forget!
Mister, you sold me a Leica M9.
I was about to buy a Pentax K-5 but it can wait for a while.
@photoJohnRicard Cheers man, good to read a solid reply. Peace.
Well said sir! Inspiring!
@photoJohnRicard thanks for your answer. So if we put aside the budget factor, a camera that can achieve the same result than a dslr like the 5D, but that is much smaller, more discret, more simple and lighter is "better" for street, no ? :)
Great photos on Bet!
The reason why they attack you is because you are actually very very smart and it overwhelms them to realize that they haven't thought of this concepts that not only require sensitivity but humbleness
Great job!
Dude, your words were so deep that I didn't notice Relio until 6mn Into the vid. Where can we get a shirt like that? Good stuff, thanks for sharing.
I am 100% with You on the usability and the beauty of the stripped downness of the camera. I love everything I have seen about the Leica I just simply cannot get My head around the price tag. Nothing to Me justifies it. Hear Me out I have no interest in adding more features to the M9 I love the point of this camera but I am just saying I feel there is no reason this camera should be eight grand. :) I am really studying this camera and I am open minding and would love to hear Your thoughts. :)
If it is used by a pro it is a pro camera. That includes Holgas, iPhones, Lomos, Canon Rebels and anything else you can think of. I use the Leica M9 professionally on set at BET's 106 & Park every single day. That makes it a professional camera.
Great review, it's sincere and i like it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jhon.
@petertwang @photoJohnRicard Peter I think another way to look at it as well, just like John mentioned like the iPad, what makes apple products so successful (besides the hype) is there "focus" , and their focus is the basics, and they do the basics better than most. Yeah you can say, "Don't want those extra features? Then don't use them." But its hard not to be tempted by them. Focus one area and get great shots, or take many different mediocre shots. Plus it's a great camera to use.
very deep and very true, nice video!!!
Great video
It is very well said ! Thanks!
I totally get your point. everything made today (not just camera) is a list of features that we don't use. I call this the "bullet point war".
I love your iphone app analogy. they are hot only because they are the latest and the greatest. and when the next gen app comes out, today's app is no longer desirable. what does that tell you? it was never good to begin with. products like the Leica M9 lasts.
As a friend of mine calls this... it's an exquisite turd. and I love it.
The Helio Gracie shirt I'm wearing in the video can be purchased at gracieacademy dahtcahm. It's rather expensive compared to other shirts there, but I think its well made and looks really cool ;)
John Ricard guess you train bjj as well👍 my two biggest hobbies - photography and bjj. All the best from Denmark✌️and great video by the way - Love you approach to photography - I have the M8
@@MrBasjunk If you’re on IG, my BJJ account is @RicInAction
Used to use a manual FM, then when digital arrived used a compact (too many options and mediocre photos). So now after several years gone back to a manual camera (fortunately I can afford a Leica but any "manual" camera would be OK) and I have re-discovered the art of simple photography.
In terms of ergonomics, the "thumbie" (not ThumbsUp) is great on the M9. Makes a really big difference in my shooting ability with the camera.
i was wondering if it was dawn or dusk, but as he was talking i was thinking no one is that awake that early, then i thought the sky looked darker in 8 min, then i confirmed it by resetting the video clip, looks like vinny barbarinnos old classroom in there
Maybe The best review for The leica M system out there.-
Thank you.
@exwhyz33 photoJohnRicard is right. But it's also so there is absolutely no compromise in optical quality. Autofocus complicates what's going on in and behind the lens. And it won't be compatible with every M lens made.
Wise words man, wise words
I've been shooting orca, humpbacks & gray whales et al, 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 5 years. When I came ashore for good this year I couldn't wait to put my D3's w/ frickin' telescopes on them, down. I realized a rangefinder, now that digi-rangers are kick ass, would allow me to knock myself out doing street photography. I haven't picked up the Nikons since (a year now), nor shot anything other than B&W street scenes with my fuji x100. Vids and kids is what sub $500 zoomers are for.
beautifully described! you could be a photo prof/lecturer!
I just stumbled on this video trying to figure out why is Leica so expensive, truth be told I never even saw one in person. After watching this video I still have no clue and you should really change the subject from why M9 is better to: next time you want to go out shooting stuff, take your Nikon/Canon/Sony/Pentax etc. and sit down for 5 minutes think of what you want, adjust your camera for one task and then go shooting. And If you still have that less is more attitude (in technology at least) in 2014 you can always switch back to shooting film, nice 35mm, prime lens, 3 controls and you rock.
In theory, what you are saying makes sense. You could configure a Nikon/Canon/Sony/Pentax to work in a simplified mode just like a Leica. However, it doesn't work like that in practice. Consider the following: in theory you don't need to buy a prime lens. You could by a 24mm-70mm lens and keep it see to 50mm and that becomes your prime lens. That should work. It doesn't. Once you have the zoom on your camera, you'll use it as a zoom -not as a prime. So although I obviously know how to set up my Nikon to work similarly to my Leica, the fact of the matter is, I shoot very differently with my Nikon and with my Leica. And despite the many flaws of the M9, I consistently take great photos using the M9.
John Ricard First of, sorry I didn't want to be rude, reading my comment again it sounds kind of cocky. I agree with you, but as I first said, M9 costs about 7.000$ even do i could never afford to give that much money for a camera since I'm no professional, Nikon D4s sounds like a better deal to me.
I came here for the same reason. WHY $7k for a limited-functionality camera??? I don't get it! At all! I did just drop $1700 on an X-T1 kit, but that camera can do so so much and has such awesome controls.
***** Are you familiar with a fixed gear bike? It's a professional bike that doesn't have speeds, doesn't have lights, doesn't even have brakes. Think about that. A professional bike that is very popular among serious cyclists that does not even have brakes. Logically, that doesn't make sense. And yet people will pay MORE for a fixed gear bike than you might pay for a fully featured bike. I'm not saying the Leica is "better" than my Nikon. I'm just saying there is a place for a stripped down digital camera. Nikon has never produced one. Neither has Canon. I own a Fuji XE and I can assure you that that camera is not stripped down either. It is fully featured.
Where is the equivalent of a fixed gear bike for photographers, other than a $7,000 Leica? Unfortunately, it does not exist.
John Ricard
Yes it does exist. Buy a film camera for 50-100 bucks. Has less bells and whistles and still takes amazing photos. Heck if you want a leica, you can go for a film one. Someone can spin their tires trying to justify spending 7 grand on a camera by saying all sorts of stuff. Bottom line is people buy what they like due to perceived benefits. Very often it is a type of group think that forms because people generally try to understand why someone likes something.
If someone really likes something a persons response is to like it as well or at the very least be interested in the reasoning why. They may check a few reviews and you will always get reviews that praise the said item because they drink the coolaid associated with said item. If a reviewer hazes such item they tend to be destroyed by "fan boys" of the product. People read these responses and with it either start to drink the coolaid themselves or they will shun the product and often turn into a said hater of the item.
You see this with any product line whether is be cameras, watches, clothing, cars etc. It almost always is focused on luxury items that are basically worse than entry level stuff but have magical properties that give life to said object or the task they are involved with.
Dont believe anything Im saying? Check out rolex forums. Another great example in the Sebenza for those interested in pocket knives. The list goes on and on. It is the human condition to want new items and these kinds of goods often have a special pull because most people always like an upgrade to a product. I am often interested in these items :)
Why don't you use Lecia lens on M9?
Just a question to all the Pro photographers here, that own an M9:
If you go out shooting for your passion and as a connoisseur for photography as a form of art, which camera would you use most of the time?
I am really looking for answers from you.
Personally I think most of Leica M9 users are photo enthusiast and amateurs.
But as mentioned in the video, they choose a M9 because of the limited focus.
In my opinion most amateurs use 10% of the capacity of a dslr Camera and 90% of a Leica M9!
Nice perspective but all the things you mentioned I feel can be achieved with your average dslr. I only use 3 buttons on my camera: iso, aperture, and shutter speed, they are all easy to access. And then I guess if you wanted to limit yourself in your picture taking, you could always just stick one lens on there and just shoot solely with that. What I'm trying to say is that I don't see an immense benefit for the price.
@ilgas11 forgot to say that I only talk about digital m8 and m9, analog Leicas are awesome in every aspect. I would buy one, but I don't shoot film anymore...
Thanks John for the resonse. I agree there are a lot bad amateur Leica shots. But i think, thats because many have a Leica not because of the quality, but the name. Using Leica means the biggest bug for the photo is the person behind the camera, because the Leica is second to none in photography in terms of Quality (many say!).
But just a question, what lenses do you use with the M9 and is there a focal length, you prefer most and why?
The one in this video is a zeiss, correct?
Hi. I understand and agree with you. I have a Nikon system with most every lens a non pro could ever need and a Sony a6k with lenses from 10mm to 210mm but I don't enjoy using either of them. The Sony is more like a computer that take pictures and the Nikon is just too large to carry with me everywhere. I have been considering the Leica M9 or the Leica Q as my walk around a city camera but the price and limitations of them worry me. I tried out the Fuji x-e2 when I originally bought my Sony but at the time although I loved it I went with the Sony because everything I read told me the Sony was the better camera. I don't shoot pro anymore and I grew up with a fully manual camera and miss the simpler times.
Nikon or Canon should make the equivalent of a digital FM2 -a stripped down digital camera. The FM2 stayed in production even after the F4 and F5 were released. Back then, Nikon understood the appeal of a stripped down camera to use alongside your more advanced camera. Today, every company seems to feel that every camera should be fully featured.
All I need is iso, aperture, and shutter speed. That is all I need and all I want on a camera.
Although I respect the people at Leica for making some of the best camera in the word never forget that a good photographer makes good pictures with any camera, it's not the camera it is always the mind! That's my take.
Yes Zeiss makes mindblowing optics too just like leica and the japanees brands too.Keep focusing one the new ones on the scene,Samyang and Noktor.PhaseOne whil go ahead in the digital medium format scene.
I hear ya, sure thing it's what works best for you and of course everyone's experience will be different. I'm a canon shooter and I also hear so much talk about lens not being sharp and crappy service but in my case it's the absolute opposite. I just hope when I do get my Leica I have a lot of good things to say about it. By the way are you going to sell it :D
You didnt mention the amazing build quality
@breakit46 Totally agree. That is another major draw to the leica m series. The idea that if forces u to go back to the basics of photography. You may not be able to do everything that a DSLR can do on the fly but you will take much more time in preparing your shot and compose the scene. That alone will take your pictures to another level and make it that much more rewarding.
mmm it is the Viper vs Ferrari debate... elegance and prestige! I am a Pro photographer I own 4 cameras all pro level, which one do I use the most... M9
Good point 👍