Returning My Leica to Germany

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  • Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
  • In January of 2022, I received my Leica M11, my first digital Leica camera. Nine months later I brought it back to Wetzlar. This video shares that journey. Enjoy.
    Leica M11: geni.us/GB-LeicaM11
    00:00 Opening Montage
    00:31 Interview with Andrea Pacella
    02:01 Leica M6 Launch Event
    03:22 Interview with Jesko vol Oeynhausen
    04:14 Leica Customer Care Centre
    05:09 Some Sample Images
    05:37 Interview with Dr. Andreas Kaufmann
    11:13 Surprise from Leica
    16:24 Closing Thoughts
    17:16 On the next episode…
    --FOLLOW THE JOURNEY--
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    --MORE VIDEOS--
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    Leica M11 Review
    • Leica M11 Review
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    • Fujifilm X-T5 Hands-On...
    My UPDATED Fujifilm Recipes
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    My TOP 5 Fuji Lenses
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    #LeicaM11 #Wetzlar #Leica

КОМЕНТАРІ • 117

  • @GajanBalan
    @GajanBalan  Рік тому +53

    What do y'all think? In the age of diminishing attention spans, this a monstrously long video to drop (the original cut was over 45 minutes) but I feel like I should just lean into long-form content made for a smaller, more appreciative audience. Would love to hear what you would to see more of. Also, please show some love to @Stockezy who was instrumental in capturing some key moments for this video!

    • @arkngle
      @arkngle Рік тому +1

      First video I see from you. Such a nice story. I also visited Leica Wetzlar this summer. Can I ask how much engravings cost?
      Thanks for sharing!

    • @robmcd
      @robmcd Рік тому +2

      The longer the better; but.. cut it as short as possible without cutting the story.

    • @ericrjennings
      @ericrjennings Рік тому +1

      I watched because I’m interested in Leica

    • @bychrisjones
      @bychrisjones Рік тому +1

      I listen to 3 hour podcasts on the regular, if it’s interesting I’m all in. It also helps imo for the face of Leica to change, I see a lot of black and brown people rocking with it these days.

    • @mattyjpru
      @mattyjpru Рік тому

      15-20 minutes is the ideal length in my opinion. Especially in the age of rapid fire short form that everyone forgets about after an hour

  • @Stockezy
    @Stockezy Рік тому +14

    What a journey brother! One of the best YT videos I’ve seen in ages. Thank you for making videos that matter. You deserve everything that’s coming to you in 2023!
    Love you bro! 🙌🏾❤️

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +1

      Love you too brother ✊🏾 We stay moving forward.

  • @_parkphoto
    @_parkphoto Рік тому +5

    This was wonderful. And the interviews you had were more unique than many I’ve heard with Leica staff

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Thanks brother, appreciate you sharing that ✌🏾

  • @Deetroiter
    @Deetroiter Рік тому

    One of the things that really stands out to me from all of the iconic photos in the background on the walls, etc...most all of them are NOT perfect. Some are slightly out of focus, some are heavily grained, some have motion blur, etc...but none of them are absolutely perfect. Makes me think of this 2023 obsession with getting pictures so sharp that you view a zit inside of a zit on someone's face! I'll choose a lens with some character and flaws any day over something that's soulless and unrealistic in its sharpness. Yes, there is a thing as being over sharpened! Fantastic video and in-depth interviews, thanks for sharing with us!
    Side note..even if you were 6 minutes early, the Germans appreciate it! Few minutes early is expected because when it's time to pick up your camera at 4pm, it's literally...you picking it up...at 4pm lol

  • @StuartWeir
    @StuartWeir Рік тому +3

    @GajanBalan this was incredibly well put together! Absolutely loving these longer format videos, so if that’s the direction you take the channel, I am HERE FOR IT! 🎉

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Awesome, thank you! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @MarkHoltze
    @MarkHoltze Рік тому +2

    Man this is so good! Thank you for the trip and having something to say regarding the brand and it's strive for perfection.

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed it! Hoping to explore more of this style in the months to come. Always appreciate your perspective brother, thank you.

  • @ablinkingidiot
    @ablinkingidiot Рік тому

    What a beautiful video, Gajan! 😍 Thank you for sharing this with us all 🙏🏽

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @dhaug
    @dhaug Рік тому

    I really enjoyed this. Thank you for taking all of us on this journey - back to where it all began.

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      My pleasure, thanks for watching 🙏🏾

  • @TheWutangclan1995
    @TheWutangclan1995 Рік тому +7

    What really blows my mind about Leica is the community more so than their cameras. I love how accepting it is of all photographers from any background because we all came from a background shooting nikon or canon and have been eyeing a M ever since we started. To own one means you're devoted to your craft and being serious about your work.

  • @haroldsmith7872
    @haroldsmith7872 Рік тому

    This was great. I appreciate the time you put into this!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Thank you Harold, I appreciate you sharing that 🙏🏾

  • @KarinMajoka
    @KarinMajoka Рік тому +1

    Those engravings look fantastic! Great memories of the event, thanks for brining us along :)

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Such a pleasure to finally meet in person! Looking forward to the next one 🙏🏾

  • @HennyThaBizness
    @HennyThaBizness Рік тому +1

    This was crazy! Well done 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🔥🔥🔥

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +1

      Appreciate you brother, thanks for watching 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

    • @Reggiebphoto
      @Reggiebphoto Рік тому

      Henny in the house!

  • @sneakingelephant
    @sneakingelephant Рік тому

    That was a great watch. Love how the whole video flowed.

  • @mdougherty0980
    @mdougherty0980 Рік тому +2

    Those engravings turned out fantastic 😍 Congrats guys

  • @MurrayMcMillan73
    @MurrayMcMillan73 Рік тому

    Lovely video man. Really nice feel to it, and a genuine appreciation all the way through it.

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      I appreciate that, thanks for watching 🙏🏾

  • @DeeRosa
    @DeeRosa Рік тому +1

    Man the intro just got me buzzed - fantastic story teller brother and you’ve done nothing but just continue to excel. Great work again!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Appreciate you fam, thank you 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @klausmoritzpeitzsch690
    @klausmoritzpeitzsch690 Рік тому

    Wow, cool content, especially the interviews! Thx for sharing!

  • @saadman.t
    @saadman.t Рік тому

    replayed the intro highlight reel of photos about 10 times. need more of where this came from. cant wait for next year dude!

  • @joelb727
    @joelb727 Рік тому

    🔥 Always. Thank you.

  • @ThastsiT
    @ThastsiT Рік тому

    Spectacular 🥰 Lovely Documentary!

  • @FrancisManapulArt
    @FrancisManapulArt Рік тому

    Duuude yes! Love these doc style of videos. More please!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Thank you brother! Definitely moving in this direction. Appreciate you watching 🙏🏾

  • @bilbo81
    @bilbo81 Рік тому

    Awesome ❤

  • @FreddieDe_Grate
    @FreddieDe_Grate Рік тому

    Love it!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Thank you brother 🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @Nedumgottil
    @Nedumgottil Рік тому

    I really enjoyed how you spliced the interviews and your personal vlog together. It felt really entertaining

  • @imseeno
    @imseeno Рік тому

    I really love this video. Even though I don't follow Leica (because I don't see myself ever investing in one) this was so interesting. And also the production, editing, and flow of this is amazing.

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      I'm so glad! Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

  • @themikepadua
    @themikepadua Рік тому

    Gotta save this one for later--gonna brew a cup of coffee because I can tell this deserves my full attention.

  • @AK-hk2pd
    @AK-hk2pd Рік тому

    Thank you

  • @qwiththephotos
    @qwiththephotos Рік тому

    Awesome Vid Gajan! loved the longer content and hearing from the people at Leica. Of course Stockezy had to do it to 'em with New York branding.

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +1

      Thanks brother! And yea, I've never met another more New York than Jason, haha.

  • @viknesh151
    @viknesh151 Рік тому +1

    This feels like a trailer for 2023. We ready 🔥🔥🔥

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      It definitely marks an inflection point 👀

  • @christopherrodriguez7223
    @christopherrodriguez7223 Рік тому

    Congratulations again and enjoy bud.

  • @bsmukler
    @bsmukler Рік тому

    What a great video! Leica is a treasured part of the history of photography and also has a wonderful history of its own regarding valuing its skilled employees, going back to the Nineteenth century, not to mention the company’s and the Leitz family’s actions in helping people in the build-up to WWII. One can feel the excellence of design and craftsmanship as well as the human history when holding and studying one of the fine lenses or cameras. The interviews of Dr. Kaufman and others in management were wonderful as was the interaction and experience with Customer Service. And no, this video was certainly not too long!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +2

      I appreciate you sharing Ben. Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

    • @bsmukler
      @bsmukler Рік тому

      Thank you Gajan for this and all of your videos. I recently watched and re-watched your Leica related videos while considering a new M (brought on by Leica’s announcement of the new M6, which I ordered that morning). My new M11 is due to arrive tomorrow!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +1

      @@bsmukler oh wow, congrats! I hope it brings you as much fulfillment as it brought it. I think you're gonna enjoy the next set of videos coming to the channel over the next few months.

    • @bsmukler
      @bsmukler Рік тому

      Great! I look forward to seeing them!

  • @UCTeeth
    @UCTeeth Рік тому +1

    Its funny, I found your channel because of the X100v, but I always liked Fuji. I actually picked up a Leica Q2 this past week without knowing you also had leica on this channel...these cameras are special in a way spec's can't explain. Something about them just draws you to pick up and shoot

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +1

      Congrats! And I appreciate you watching. Happy new year ✌🏾

  • @crazykenbei
    @crazykenbei Рік тому +1

    Didn't know Leica did stuff like that. Very cool and emphatic to their customers. Things like that could build lifelong bonds haha but I guess that's the point haha.

  • @westdk6705
    @westdk6705 Рік тому

    It's called Passion!!! 🖐️🙂

  • @forgottenamericana
    @forgottenamericana Рік тому

    Leica can be an experience and culture as well. Sweet engravings. Enjoy it man!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Well said. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @sneakingelephant
    @sneakingelephant Рік тому +1

    LOL I could feel the tension when it sounded like your Eelam engraving wouldn’t be ready

  • @FriendsFan4ever
    @FriendsFan4ever 9 місяців тому

    Well said! Leica sure goes to 90 when other manufacturer sattle at 70 or even 60. There are several Leicas that goes to 95 though. Ones like Titan MP, Titan M7, M-A BC, M6 Millennium or M6 LHSA.

  • @benjhaisch
    @benjhaisch Рік тому +1

    Dude. Goals.

  • @dunkkid23
    @dunkkid23 Рік тому

    Keep making movies, this was dope as hell!
    Next goal is to get my m11 engraved 😎

  • @mahdimanesh4221
    @mahdimanesh4221 Рік тому

    Cheers from Berlin! 😂 Will need to stop by Wetzlar again sometime soon!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +1

      I couldn't get enough, hope to be back soon.

  • @VANKLAB
    @VANKLAB Рік тому

    That intro was awesome.

  • @marcusoutdoors4999
    @marcusoutdoors4999 Рік тому +1

    I thought it had broken down like mine 😱… I was delighted this was about Leica being excellent which the are (99% of the time), so when will we see the new 50mm f1.4? That will be my perfect lens, especially if it can focus to 0.5m

  • @AdamMuise
    @AdamMuise Рік тому

    Awesome video Gajan. That must have been a tough edit to do.

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Very! So much good stuff left on the table. Maybe I’ll make a directors cut in the future.

  • @Passingmomentsvideo
    @Passingmomentsvideo Рік тому

    Great video man! These are the types of cameras that are perfect for an opportunity like this and something that means so much! You wouldn’t get a Sony engraved would you? Haha. I have a birth year (86) black leitz logo M6 that I’d love to do this with.

  • @ThastsiT
    @ThastsiT Рік тому

    Awwww🥰

  • @jeffscott2246
    @jeffscott2246 Рік тому +1

    Enjoyed it very much!🤙🏽Wish I could have seen your engraving better!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Will showcase that in a future video much better ✌🏾

  • @diba4645
    @diba4645 Рік тому

    Greetz from Germany

  • @kotwa
    @kotwa Рік тому

    Haha I thought it will be about Leica’s infamous quality control that made all of my Leica purchases go back to Wetzlar for fixing (as a matter of fact, it didn’t ever happen with neither from couple dozens of Nikon/Nikkor or Fuji cameras and lenses that I own…).

  • @touchtennis
    @touchtennis Рік тому

    Wow. Just wow.

  • @gurugamer8632
    @gurugamer8632 Рік тому

    Why did u return M11?

  • @ephraimchama4756
    @ephraimchama4756 Рік тому

    How much did the customisation cost?

  • @gurugamer8632
    @gurugamer8632 Рік тому

    Which is your fav Leica M body and M
    Lens ?

  • @enigmaticreverieproduction5169

    I live longer videos, I use it like a podcast when I have stuff to do.

  • @marcusnz232
    @marcusnz232 Рік тому

    I assumed this was about a fault you had to send it back to have remedied!

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      Sorry? Tried to dispel any of that in the first 60 seconds.

    • @marcusnz232
      @marcusnz232 Рік тому

      @@GajanBalan The title.

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      @@marcusnz232 I can see why you thought that

  • @flymrjones
    @flymrjones Рік тому

    Long format is the move. Too many short attention spans in the photo communities at large. Photography should be discussed and observed as opposed to quick scrolling and short form video which build insensitivity to the content itself. These types are inspirational.

  • @Leicam10
    @Leicam10 Рік тому +2

    Steal RIM not Ring ✌️

  • @gokulnath4838
    @gokulnath4838 Рік тому

    தமிழில் பேசலாமா அண்ணா

  • @robiulahmed
    @robiulahmed Рік тому

    The black dude with the German accent caught me off guard!

    • @bodythetan
      @bodythetan Рік тому +1

      That seems mildly racist?

    • @robiulahmed
      @robiulahmed Рік тому

      @@bodythetan It was surprising, though, right?

    • @crazykenbei
      @crazykenbei Рік тому

      Lol yes there are black Germans.

    • @lumenlabs2467
      @lumenlabs2467 Рік тому +2

      You clearly need to get out into the world more.

    • @robiulahmed
      @robiulahmed Рік тому

      @@lumenlabs2467 Nice virtue signal.

  • @bodythetan
    @bodythetan Рік тому +2

    This was peak Leica cringe content lmao

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому

      And yet, you’re here 😘

    • @bodythetan
      @bodythetan Рік тому

      @@GajanBalan haha. I watch your content sometimes and it’s generally excellent, especially the photography content. This video tho seemed mega cringe to me. Like you set out to hit all the cliches and stereotypes in one video

    • @GajanBalan
      @GajanBalan  Рік тому +2

      @@bodythetan Well, they won't all be winners for everyone. I thought it'd be cool to share the Wetzlar experience in a way that isn't a typical vlog. Something that felt more docu-style. Most people liked it but I appreciate your honesty ✌🏾