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WHY WOULD ANYONE BUY A LEICA IN 2023?!
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- Hi All,
I frequently get asked over on instagram why do I shoot Leica?
So in todays video we talk why would anyone buy a Leica in 2023, and why for some people it actually makes some sense even if the price is at this point getting pretty ridiculous
00:00 - Introduction
00:48 - Image Quality
02:03 - Lack of Features
03:27 - Learning Photography
04:29 - Planned Obsolescence
05:58 - Craftsmanship
06:57 - Manual Focus
07:59 - Film and Digital
08:49 - Conclusion
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I just ordered my first one - a Leica Q2! I cannot wait to play with it! Thanks for all the great content!
To me, the M11 is definitely the best digital Leica to date, as you said, people who shoot with a rangefinder camera know exactly what they want out of a camera and auto focus is definitely not high on their priority list. As a photographer, we are now spoiled for choice and only through trial and error are we able to find what suits us, I guess this is also part of the fun and appeal in this great hobby.
After trying an X1 was surprised how I preferred the DNG files over the RAW from the X100V. In addition loved the simplicity and lack of menus to trawl through so took advantage of the V being worth more than I bought it for and traded it for a digital CL and some nice glass. No regrets. Good to hear you’re enjoying yours 👍
I think you have covered most of the main points about using a Leica M. I would also add zone/range focusing as well for street photography. Once you have set the camera up, particularly a modern digital M, it's very quick to use. Any other camera I use actually feels pretty cumbersome nowadays in comparison for this sort of work.
Well summed up. It is like using a tripod for landscapes, slow down set up your image think about what you are taking. If I want quick & I can zone focus or because I know where I have focused even at full open I can wait until it/they are in the zone & just press the button.
I appreciate your thoughts and insights, and agree. Nice job!
I switched to Leica to slow down. After a year or so, I feel that in general the image quality is much better - Leica body paired with a Leica lens (out of focus photos excepted). But every now and again I get an image that is simply outstanding and somewhat difficult to describe - better than anything in 30+ years of photography. I did not believe that the 'Leica look' existed, but it really does. When I get a good one, it is really, really good.
I do wonder the same if
“The Leica look” isn’t actually an image thing but a process that leads you to liking your own images more!
I know what you mean. Sometimes i just don’t think there is anything unique, but once in a while the output is totally unique that I’ve never reproduced it anywhere else
I shoot Leica for 25 years…and I have to say…there is no Leica look…I tested it with a group of Leica people , I made color and darkroom prints of images (all film) shoot with a canon eos 30 and 35/50 L lenses…because they knew I am Leica shooter, and did not know I shoot these on Canon, they all agreed how wonderful the Leica look is. The only reason to shoot Leica is the rangefinder experience. Or if you believe in a Leica look 😉
@@ming-artoflight2761 completely agree
@@ming-artoflight2761 I think that’s echoing what I’ve said, it’s more a process that makes you feel better about your photos
Great video mate. Like I said on another video, I wanted a camera and not a computer. A lot of cameras are bloated with things I just don’t need/use. I’ve also been enjoying my gig photography a lot more as the challenge is so much more rewarding if you nail the shot. The M9 is certainly a challenge in dark venues for sure ;)
I can imagine it is a challenge! Great points! And thank you for watching!
Nice video, nice thoughts.
Leica is expensive, yes but you get a perfect system for many years. I’m still using my 12 years old M9P, and I’m happy with this camera. So I’m sure, that my M10R black paint will be in my collection for many years.
The size is why I picked Olympus and autofocus is a must along with weather sealing. And that’s also why I picked up a 100v. The M for me would feel very limiting. But I definitely get the appeal!
Which Olympus have you got! A couple people recently have been making me a little curious!
@@Goughie i actually prefer there second tier cameras because they are smaller than the top tier camera and it has the look of the Olympus film cameras. So I have their latest OM5 and the last one the EM5 Mark 3.
The 100V is a terrific camera and it really tempted me. I decided to get several Leicas though because of their simpler bodies and menus and have no regrets (but have a lighter wallet). I’m sure I’d have been happy with the Fuji though.
Planned obsolescence - to the point! I'm still using my M8 and it's still taking photos that look better than many other modern cameras can take. And it soon will be 20 years old
I recently bought an M11 and agree entirely with what you said.
My Canon camera makes me feel like I'm doing work but the Leica really makes me feel like I'm doing art.
Beautifully said
Fantastic video Goughie!
For me you are certainly the best not-official Leica sales rep :D
Before I had found your channel, I had the perception of Leicas being overly expensive due to brand name. But your usage of these cameras and honest opinion on them, have convinced me that this brand is for real, even though I never held one of their cameras yet XD
The fact alone of being able to mix and match lenses and bodies from a 70 year span, and get amazing photos is a big justification for their high price tags.
Cheers mate!
They are very hard to recommend for most people! Very niche!
Great video. I was telling a friend that ‘me’ of 5 years ago would have to eat my words because I used to think I’d never need or buy a Leica and now it’s almost all I use. I started out with the system partly out of curiosity and partly because I was shooting a lot of film and wanted to have a system that worked well for both mediums. I travel a lot and film / digi combination is perfect for me. I’ve also found the SL cameras are a good compromise if one needs a camera with sports / action capabilities are needed. Most mirrorless cameras don’t perform too well with M mount lenses due to the design of their sensors glass and IR cut filters, but the SL cameras were developed with this use in mind, so they perform well (though not as good as an M) on SL bodies, and when needed the SL bodies can be fitted with high performing autofocus lenses from Sigma / Panasonic or Leica if one has the budget…
I just really hope the SL3S brings a little more to the table in terms of video!
Quality post, points well made and delivered. IMO, part of the Leica allure is unvarnished panache - the aura, for instance, of street photography masters having used Leicas. A touch of snob appeal, if you will. Re lenses: I can adapt my 50 yr old Pentax manual screw mount lenses to current Sony gear - all manual mode, but still useful. Cheers!
I totally get the appeal of sharing a same set of lenses between a film camera and a digital camera. That would be the optimal kit for me too if I still shot film (sadly I have no good local lab to bring rolls to so I'm digital only now). I reckon you could do this by mixing other brands, like have a Canon digital camera body (with EF-RF adaptor if mirrorless), Nikon F mount lenses with F-EF adapters, and a vintage Nikon F-mount film camera for example. But it's not as nice as keeping everything within the same system, that's for sure.
I was able to budget a Q2 into my workflow and absolutely love it. Minimalist and stunning quality. I do use video features a small bit (I am a professional videographer)…so the price tag isn’t so wild compared to our digital cinema cams. But, in my personal life it would be hard to acquire a Leica…getting spoiled to a lifestyle I can’t afford!
I'm looking for my forever camera having enjoyed photography since 1964 aged 14 year. Now 59 years later I'm now looking at all different camera and keep on going back to Leica. I can't afford a new one so secondhand it will be. It's funny when I look on Flickr and seeing a picture I like more often than not taken with a Leica. So 2024 will be my 60th year of joy with my hobby and hopefully I will find my forever camera. Loved your video and thank you for the upload. For the record my 3 favourite cameras I've owned so far are Canon Canonette QL19 out in 1964 but I purchased it later, Canon A1 and in digital Nikon Df. The Df would be my forever camera apart fronm the weight being an old person so I'ii continue the money saving sell all my current cameras apart from Fuji X-Pro1 and invest in probably a Leica Q,.
Having used a Nikon DSLR exclusively for paid work and film Leica M's (or MF cameras) for some paid and pretty much all other photography for years, I'd been feeling lately that it would really be nice to have a much smaller digital camera that I'd actually want to use both for work and play.
After looking around a bit and seeing the love for Fuji''s and other brands, I began thinking one night that maybe a digital M would be the perfect solution. I landed on the M240, and I'm SO happy I made that decision. I already had the lenses, and if you're already used to making film work for a lot of things you'd also shoot digitally, there's really no way a modern digital sensor and settings suite could be more limiting. Add to this the bonus of having camera that feels just like the film camera you were already carrying everywhere, and what I've essentially fallen into is the setup I already loved, but with unlimited frames, flexible ISO, and images I can turn around a few hours after they'd been taken.
From reading so many reviews, though, it seems the experience is very different if a digital M was your first Leica camera.
I´m a Leica R user from my 18 years old(now I´m 52) and love the cameras and specially the lenses.
Now after brought my R8 in 2001, so 22 years ago, they works like new and give me much fun using it and it was a film camera.
The Leica philosophy when less is more is in my opinion the Key goal of Leica cameras, the R8 despite of electronic camera whit 1/8000 shutter top speed and others top specs and multi-modes, is a camera very ease to use and focus on image quality and pleasurer of use.
The R lenses are top notch,I love my Summicron R 50 they give me very good results and the bokeh are simply amazing.
I would add, unique to fuji is its DR400 mode:
It underexposes the image while upping the mids and blacks.
Basically what you do in Lightroom, except this is done in camera as you hit the shutter.
Works in JPG AND RAW!
This allows highlights about 3 stops of headroom, avoided that clipped look in mid day shots that plague Leicas.
You also get tone curves for shadows and highlights.
This combo gives this very filmic falloff of highlights that retain highlight detail, even with high key desert shots.
If leica did that (which they can, its all software), it would make their street photography bullet proof, exposure-wise.
Also the x-trans 4 sensor and processor combo (xt3, xt4, xpro3, x100v, etc) made for very fast cameras, unlike the higher mp xt5 and xh2
Love your vids. I'm a new Q2mono owner and love it, but can't wait to get into an M body (someday). Thanks for your continued content!
Q2 mono! How do you like it? I’m afraid to buy one. Limited to 28 and mono.
@@ericrjennings It’s not my only camera, and I’m a big B&W fan, and the filter-free sensor is amazing. 28mm isn’t ideal, but the cropping “mechanism” works well, so I make it work. So it is a luxury camera that I’m pleased to have and hope not to trade it when I try to get into the M system - we’ll see. But overall, I love going out with the monochrome restriction - it is very intentional. Otherwise I have Fuji in my “back pocket”.
@@danielscheerer3032 I have an M10 now and was wondering if I’d get more use out of a Q2. Thanks
@@ericrjennings I’d be hotter for the M10 but for the cost when adding lenses. Q2 is a “cheap” way to start with Leica though restrictive on the lens front. But all of us are fortunate!
no frills at all! I have a combination of xh-2s + M11, which is why I skipped a full-frame mirrorless. I love being able to take the best of both worlds.
What I miss most on my M compared to Fuji (and my Leica Q), is a closer focus distance. To me 0.7m is just so limiting. And another thing. Personally I often feel a bit like shooting in blind with the missing EVF. I often get the exposure wrong and find out to late. So I have set my M10p up to show the image for 3 seconds after a shot. And this leads me to chimping a lot more. The light meter is simply to bad when not using live view, but only the finder. (I know it is much better on the M11). But other than that I love the system and the files.
Love your works images images looks outstanding,I have hasselblad x2d which is unbelievable image quality but when I compared with Leica looks more vintage also love it so going to purchase one of them Leica q3 or m11 images quality is better 🙏
I’ve given up on trying to give up on the Leica M. I’ve always had other cameras, and do now, but there is something about the M bodies, analog and digital, coupled with the user experience as well as with the character and history of the company (especially regarding early efforts at treating employees well and the Leitz family’s positive actions before and during WWII), that always draws me back. As I have gotten older, there is an increased fun factor in getting sharply focused and steady shots, especially with the M11 60 MP sensor (surprisingly easy, by the way). It forces me to slow down a bit, examine the entire frame, and concentrate on breathing and stance. It’s a very different experience from using my relatively high-speed, more automated cameras and lenses. Finally, given the level of design and engineering, and the great care in production, I don’t begrudge the prices. Honest pay for honest work.
That WWII history is amazing! Really debated making a video on it
Yes, it is amazing and I think it would be a great subject for a video.
I am glad that people have the choice, but for me, the X100V with the front of lens converters is a more desirable option. If I want interchangeable lenses then I reach for an X-H2 or X-H2S. It is easy to switch to fully manual on my Fuji's, but I could not switch the Leica to have features it doesn't have. For compact and interchangeable arrangement, the Fuji f2 lenses are stellar and the incredible f/1.4 alternatives give me plenty of choice. I think the 18mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.2 are an easy match for other brands. Just my 2 cents' worth...
Both my M6s, both a Classic from 1994 and TTL from 2001, with their Summicrons 28, 35, 50 and 90mm thank you: no obsolescence as the M6 was just relainched by Leica.
Still shooting a pair of 11 year old M240s and love them. I love how they have slowed me down. Less is more and that's how I like it. M240 battery life is to die for and zone focusing is faster than any auto focus.. .. Thanks mate...
Thanks for the video.
I bought my M6 for the reliability, the ergonomics, the image quality, the manufacturing quality, the attractiveness, and the status.
My brand new M6 2022 scratched film from the get go. Took Leica four months and three attempts to fix. I was told by Leica they had a bad batch of pressure plates. So much for their quality control checks.
@@husshardan3511
I understand!
I recently purchased a new M10. It had a sensor problem. The second M10 also had a sensor problem. There will not be a third.
Ms basically make every other camera seem cumbersome. Plus, you actually learn to take pictures. Oh, and you fall in love with your lenses, and photography, all over again. Worth every penny.
i pick up the camera that gives me the most enjoyment to use , and that is a leica rangefinder . i was traveling in europe in the 70's with an oly
35rc which was stolen in spain . i had purchased a leica llla for $50 , bought a light meter , and used it for the rest of the trip . this camera peaked my interest in photography . i used an m2 until i lost my darkroom . with digital i went thru a few cameras until the fuji x100 series ,
but they are not true rangefinders . finally the m8 price came down enough to be affordable . i was also able to purchase an m240 . i still use the fuji x100t , but i will pickup the leica first . nothing like zone focusing with the leica m .
Whoa, the xh2s has some crazy Alexa quality. Looks so smooth
it's just easy. There's no fussing about. And the M11, the one battery is mostly enough and you can charge via USB-C while still in the body is great.
What I dislike about digital is all the set-up needed and too many options. I just picked up a Sony A7RIV for film scanning and even while going through that, the menu was so convoluted.
Good video.
For me, I will never be a Leica buyer. The price is a big barrier to entry. Even an old used body is more than I want to spend. I don’t care why they are so expensive. The lenses are even more expensive than the body. I choose not to spend an excessive amount of money on my hobby.
There are features I appreciate on digital cameras. I love IBIS. I love autofocus. There are other features Leica will never provide for me. At their great price.
Many of my photography hero’s used a Leica. The sad news is I could spend the thousands of dollars to purchase a Leica and my images won’t improve because of the purchase. The additional money spent on Leica gear, for me, would be better spent on workshops and photography books.
I’m glad for your photography journey you have selected Leica as your tool. I don’t see a Leica in my future and that is alright. Different strokes for folks.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
The Apple and Omega analogy is spot-on! Mind if I use that? Because a lot of people don't understand why I shoot Leica.
Ahaha! Go for it!
I have no doubt that Leica cameras and lenses can deliver better image quality than my Fuji cameras and lenses but for me as a hobbyist the improvement in image quality is not worth paying 5, 6 or 7 times more when the image quality that can be achieved with the Fuji system is already good enough for my needs.
Also, I think that a good photo will always be a good photo, even when taken on a phone, and a bad photo will always be a bad photo, even when taken on a Leica.
If you have a Leica Q2 or Q3 camera, can you please create a video with Lens sharpness Chart? I seriously want to see how it stacks against Fujifilm X-T5. Thanks
The only Leica I wanted was the monochrom, however, if Fuji brought out say a monochrome version of the XPro 3 then I would save my money and get that.
That would be pretty cool! Can’t see it happening! But we can hope!
I use a Canon but I hear ya about the lenses. Switching the body shouldn't have to make you switch lens systems.
I would absolutely love a Leica but there's a few things that put me off. Price being the first, which is probably the same for most people. The annoying thing is the amount of money I've spent on various cameras oer the years would have paid for one but then, you know, trying cameras is a part of growing.
Another is that over the last few years my photography has changed and I now just capture family moments. I have no need to shoot raw any more and love the jpeg output of my X100V.. It's not a dealbreaker to process raws, but I'm after a more simple life. Oddly enough, that's what attracts me to a Leica!
Lastly, having used a manual focus lens on my XT3 for a while I found myself a little frustrated when I missed focus. Probably mostly to do with focus peaking trouble reallly.
Anyway, I completely understand why people buy Leica, I would if I could. Maybe one day. Hopefully by then the M11 will be on the used market.
The prices being so high is tough! Especially went you can’t look to the used market much as it’ll still be more expensive than a modern camera!
The X100V is such an awesome camera!
And yeaaah I find manually focusing on typical mirrorless cameras a pain too, I’ve never really grown to love focus peaking! Rangefinder is completely different! :)
Have a Q2 and M11. LOVE leica camera and the software and the lens quality. After owning these camera’s I can’t imagine buying anything other than leica or gopro.
Once a Leica owner always a Leica owner (shooter). I have an X-T5, it does everything and more I could ask of it. I have a M10, I work with a passion to produce images the X-T5 could only dream of producing because it has a soul image quality.
After switching from a Nikon film camera to a digital, kept several usable Sigma lenses. In theory, you're supposed to change to lenses made specifically for digital cameras because digital sensors capture light differently from film cameras and the images may not come out the same way. Didn't find this to be an issue.
Using MF is something people would do 50 years ago but not exactly outdated. Some people with bad eyesight would prefer to get something with AF. Some of the time I find focusing manually to infinity when shooting landscapes is better. Stops some cameras from "hunting" for the correct focus after every shot.
The product obsolescence debate for electronic devices can go on forever... such as features that are added to a new model that weren't available in the previous. Having the latest doesn't make people smarter. Some people carry new latest gadgets to show off they can afford the best in the market.
I love my Sony full frame cameras (I have two), but I really don’t like their absurdly large lenses for my travel/street photography. I mostly use manual lenses and I prefer them. I can’t imagine buying a Leica because of the absurdly high price of admission and the antiquated technology.
Does the M11 have a Level gauge? In my past usage of M9 and a M (240) lots of my photos were not perfectly level (not just me, it had been commented by others). I love Leica M lenses as well as APO 35 and 50 from Voigtlander on my SL2S with added benefit of IBIS. Watch YTers pronounce Omega as Omega, not Omeega, Omega sounds better, but just me, for about 20 years a had an Omega Seamaster, just stunning just like Leica and other well-crafted items.
The M11 does have a level gauge but I only use it when the camera is mounted on a tripod. It also has Perspective Control to help make converging vertical lines (eg tall buildings) straighter and horizons more level. Baked into the jpeg but adjustable in the DNG. Never used PC so I’ve no idea how effective it is
What are your thoughts regarding manual and zone focusing with an X110V? I ask as I am also considering a used M10. Thanks.
I don’t really enjoy manual focusing with an LCD or Digital viewfinder, the X100V is the same as any other camera for that really!
The Leica rangefinder is a different experience all together! If you haven’t tried one see if you can before you purchase
You can't do manual focus when you're doing wave, photography, or doing anything that's moving at a fast object, so it restricts you to a certain style of photo, and it's fun doing manual focus trust me. I start in the film days, but you can't do anything creative like wave photography. Or ocean, photography, or fast moving objects, so it sounds cool, but it really restricts you and you see everyone that owns a Leica ends up taking those same dreary images that after awhile, they become a bit boring. But I like your work and I did have a look on Instagram and it's fun and cool
I quite like my dreary images!
I think they are the ultimate cameras - I just wish other manufacturers would think along the same lines. The limitations though, say if you want to focus on something closer than 70cm
and rangefinder calibration- the potential for it to go out of alignment and needing adjustment, plus Leica don’t have a great history with sensors. They might have improved but really? Corroding sensors in the earlier variants of the digital M is embarrassing. I still want one though, I don’t think that will ever change 😂
The corroding sensors were a nightmare! And also the amount of issues people are having firmware wise with the M11 is super disappointing. Often feels the M10 range is the sweet spot
The rangefinder calibration seems like such a red herring, I’ve shot Leica for 6 years over 3 different cameras and have never required a calibration once
Love your channel Goughie. Thanks for the time and effort you give. Just an FYI, whatever lens your using to make this video makes you look like a bobble head 😂 Kind of scary 😁
Sat a little close
It’s simple in my opinion. Sofujicanikons are marketed towards people who are easily influenced by social media folks. Leica are marketed to people who actually do photography and look at the ART of it, appreciate the deeper knowledge than to just point and shoot.
In terms of full frame does Leica have any clear advantage when considering lens & body weight comparisons?
Body wise it’s usually pretty close in most cases, eg. Sony A7iv 659g, Leica M10 660g
It’s more to do with the size of the lenses that makes the bigger difference
How are the images straight out of camera?
01:19 Maybe I'm reading it wrong but isn't the overal score for the M11 the same as for the Sony A7R III plus a couple of older Nikons and a Panasonic at half the price of the M11?
Yes! You are right! And interestingly they score higher than the modern Sonys which is interesting!
@@Goughie Indeed. Personally I much prefer the Leica colours compared the Sony ones. Nikon is great too, but for some reason I've never managed to get excited about anything Nikon, other than their vintage lenses haha.
@@lsamoa funny you say that about Nikon! I agree! They make some really good cameras atm! But I really can’t get excited about them!
@@Goughie Right? I don't know what it is, I look at their cameras and just immediately doze off haha.
You could buy one and look really cool, or you could buy a Fuji film XT5 or an X-100 V and probably take far better photos.... Look cool with the camera in your hand or take great photos I know which one I will take. Thank you for attending my Ted talk...over!!
How about cool photos with a cool camera, that’s my choice!
Also own an X100V, great camera but very different
@@Goughie Yeah they are I own three different cameras and I pick the camera that I need for the job.. Maybe it’s just my taste, but I’m not a big fan of the three colour edits that a lot of people use even with Fuji film and leica camera but it seems to be trending so maybe I’ll give it ago. Don’t get me wrong they do take great photos but you can get exactly the same photo with a camera that’s worth 1000 bucks and just using presets in editing. You’ll get exactly the same result. Very similar at least
@@nevvanclarke9225 have you ever used a modern Leica?
I am a long time user! My M3 is 56 years, from new, still in use! My lenses are old. 50mm Collapsible Summicron f2, 35mm Goggles-Summaron f2.8 and a 135mm Tele-Elmar f4. (it is an APO but not stated). Auto Focus never really works for me! Too many missed focus. Truth tell, my pro work was mainly SLR! the 'myth' of Leica is based on the M3, M2 and it's kin! M4, M4-P M4-2 and M6. Digital has spawned numerous models, that because of nature of electronics, cannot be serviced! The'new' lenses may be sharper and faster! Actually the Rangefinder is at disadvantage with these faster lenses. It's optics and physics. So faster than f2, may not be 1st choice! Sorry. If one uses a 50mm max. aperture f1.4 bracketing focus, oK. The new lenses are all too big and freaking heavy.
Worst part! So expensive, even I hate dragging my M3 into bad areas and weather. No easy service or repair folk! Being manual only, pure ego! I use digital, fully auto, everything and happy. Results outstanding. Truth tell, why so sharp? Did portrait of my Lady with 135mm and even diffusing, softening, it's horribly sharp! PS Ken Rockwell shows how sharp his i-Phone is! Buy with care! One can buy truckloads of film and processing of film, for these costs! Medium format 120/ 6x6 kills 35mm. A Rollieflex the better choice! If you've bought a M10, M11 enjoy!
Actually you can mount any lens manufactured for a Leica since 1932 (Leica II with standardized film to flange distance of 28.8mm) by means of a $25 LTM (aka M39) to M adapter. Trust me, I still have several of those that I regularly use in my M10. BTW the soviets manufacured plenty of those as well, and Japan too.
PS, If you ever shot an M2, you'd know the L mistique...
I thought it would have been clear I meant natively! Yes! Many iconic Soviet lenses!
@@Goughie Some were something worthy of a LOMO. OTOH, from winter to fall you came across a real gem. I forget them, they were usually confined to my IIIf but I still have in a blocked out (by me) cloud storage some *_interesting_* images made with those. 😂
I had a lovely old M8 which I adored sadly due to major eyesight problems I could no longer get sharp focus so I reluctantly let it go along with all my M mount lenses. The only good thing that came out of it was I made a profit. My current thinking is I'll be looking for a Leica Q as and when I'm ready to take the plunge. As a Fuji and Leica fan boy I enjoy your vids. Cheers.... 👍
I see you are talking about Leica M, since there are other Leica digital cameras (Q, SL, etc). OK. I'm aware that Leica is the (or one of the) pioneer of 35mm photography, so they are historically relevent. And of course, iconic street photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eliot Erwitt, William Eggleston are Leica shooters. For me (and like lots of other hobbyists) the #1 obstacle for getting the Leica M is obviously the price tag. Such high price for less features... doesn't sound logical for me. I happily embrace modern tech, so less features = less price for me certainly makes sense.
Of course, if you include "film photography" into the discussion, I guess the only contender is the Nikon F system. Which for me is more practical and affordable. But really, Nikon F is just a big brick. On the other side, Leica M (or even those older screw mount bodies) are still damn good looker. Honest opinion :D
Seems to me like people who want a Leica and pay the Leica tax are the same as people who insist on having manual transmission in their cars. It’s not better, it’s worse in almost every way for the intended purpose, taking pictures or driving from point A to B. But hey, people value the experience and will quote all manner of excuses or reasons to make that choice. They’ll say size but forget that if they really wanted size they would go for a smaller camera and sacrifice some more image quality since they’re doing that anyway compared to medium format and save money doing it especially if they’re going for older Leica Ms. Like new cars, you can throw it into a manual setting and control your shifts, you can also manual focus an af camera. You don’t have to use the extra features. I just feel anyone who wants a Leica, me included, should be realistic and see it for what it is, a lot of money in exchange for tickling emotions. Like anything though if you’ve got that money, go ahead. I know people who spend thousands on rocks because they’re rock collectors.
What would be the best leica alternative for someone unable to purchase leica due to budget?
There’s isn’t a true rangefinder alternative, maybe an X-Pro3 but it’s not the same
X-E1, X-E2. Evf only but Fuji optical vf just adds size and expense.
If I was given one for free, most certainly I would take it. I have played with a Leica M 11 and to be brutally honest the raw photos did not look anything different than what my Canon or Sony cameras would produce.
They wouldn't mate. Not because the extra information is not in the file, but because to make use of the huge MP count and super sharp lenses, the camera either needs to be solidly mounted on a heavy stable tripod or an almighty powerful Image stablisation has to be emplyed. Leicas are inherently deisgned for hand held shooting. Anything above 12 MP is a waste of time and money. I speak from over 45 years of experience in photography, using all formats in film, I still do, and digital. I would not dream of using my D810 handheld without the lens stablisation activated, and even then, I have to try very hard to keep the camera steady. I really don't know what Leica was thinking putting a 60MP sensor in a hand held camera. All you get is 60MP of mildly blurred data.
@@lensman5762 That makes perfect sense. The M11 was handheld at the time. Thanks for your reply!
@@walkingmanvideo9455 My pleasure.
Still using a Leica M10 (along with an M3 and MP). No need to go to an M11 for me.
Still got my M10 too!
never used a digital leica, but if they make them as hard as the old film cameras then they have to be bulletproof
Tbh! Reliability might be the thing they’ve really got wrong at the moment
Why? they look great on shelves!!!! or when you show up at a party, they make great fashion accesories lol.
I get the appeal but the cost alone puts me off ever investing in a Leica.
Fully get that!
Prices like this should be accompanied with features.. we should not pay that much for no features causing a small body and small lenses
the m9 sensor corrosion debacle is one of the main reasons i'll never get a digital leica
I definitely wouldn’t reckon an M9 for that reason alone! The only good thing was supporting replacements for over 10 year
I have a 2010 manufactured M9 with replaced sensor. It’s the only digital camera I own and need.
I can a fujifilm x-s10 is 1000 bucks.... And it would take better photos than most Leica cameras
Even though it may seem exhausting at first to shoot with a rangefinder, you quickly get used to it. now any other camera with autofocus is too boring for me. :D
I’m switching to a Leica for image quality, small body, and simplicity.
Great reasons! 💪🏻
Best explanation is: If you have to ask you wouldn't understand.
I'm not sure why people buy them, but I know why I did. My favorite color is red and the logo caught my eye, hahhaahhaahahaha #reddotlust
Reasons? Just being rich, pretending to be rich, trying to gain credibility by brandishing the red circle, joining the bandwagon at the expense of the oveloaded credit card, trying to compensate for lack of photographic talent by owning expensive equipment, or just wishing to be different. I have 3 Leicas, two of them classic film, M3 and M6. There is nothing that I couldn't do with my Nikon, Canon or Olympus digital cameras that I could do with the Leica. As for built in obsolesence, you are correct. Nikon used to be the shining example of longevity, as their 50 year old lenses still worked perfectly on their latest D series, but even they have fallen victim to the digital cancer. Any digital camera manufacturer is slave to the development of sensor technology. Even Leicas have now built in obsolescence in their DNA. My advice, just enjoy the camera you have. Forget £7000 Leica bodies or £5000 Apo this and Apo that lens. If you are not a photographer, they will not make you one. Sorry to swim against the tide.
This just sounds jaded
I call it as I see it, jaded to shining.@@Millicente
@@lensman5762 Well yes, of course you call it as you see it, like most people. I didn't think you were lying or anything.
Why do you not mention Nikon???
On a Leica video? 😂
I suppose I better also mention Pentax, Olympus, Sony, Hasselblad, Phase one, Ricoh, Polaroid….
Well, no but Nikon is one of the top three. @@Goughie
@@user-oq1we2sh8r it’s a brand I’ve never shot other than one film SLR,
So it would be wrong for me to discuss, best keep to my own experiences, which is predominantly Leica and Fuji! So that’ll be the main discussion points in my videos
saying that Leica cameras don't depreciate is WILD. used leicas are still expensive because they are astronomical at retail. they depreciate at the same rate as most professional cameras. my used m10 cost $6300 which is less than half of retail at release.
The M10 was $6450 new…. and you bought a used one for $6300? 😂
@@Goughie $AUD you nonce
And right now on Australia ebay… the cheapest M10 I can find is $7100?
So have you proven that they appreciate in value when you buy them used? 😅
@Goughie just accept you have been wrong.
@@georgiostriantopoulos9921 if you buy used they barely drop in value at all, my M6 is worth about £1000 more than I bought it for, my M10 will sell for the same price it bought it 12 months ago, I sold my M240 after 5 years for more than I bought it for 🤷♂️
I bought a M240 in 2023 and sold my X100V lol
Enjoying it?? My M10 definitely reduced my X100V usage!
@@Goughie definitely enjoying it so far, my hit rate is enough that it encourages me to keep going and I want to shoot all my non paid work on it. I take it along on paid work but I’m not confident in my focus yet without the evf. It’s taking all I can not to immediately upgrade to the M10 for better dynamic range. The details I’m getting on a 11 year old sensor and these voigtlander and zeiss lens though wooo
@@bychrisjones good to hear it! Lovely cameras and they make you think!
@@Goughie 100% I agree with you regarding they make you better, I’m proud of my work but I was thinking for a bit is it just this computer in my hand or am I actually making these photos. With the m240 I have no doubts it’s all me and a light meter
"photography is not about equipment but about capturing the moment" Yasmin Ahmad, Malaysia. Think twice and just shoot. The most expensice camera might not change your photography.
If people enjoy playing with gear…. Then they should do that. I’m not going to tell people to stop having fun
Nope. The best camera you can have is the camera that inspires you and is the one you always carry with you. To me that is a M10p and/ or M10m.
Just my opinion, but if I had the money for a Leica I'd buy an Epson RD-1 and spend the rest of the money travelling with my Epson RD-1.
Hopefully people aren’t missing out on holidays for cameras!
Never tried the Epson, been outbid a couple times on eBay!! Maybe one day!
@Goughie Ah, if you do get one I hope you make a video. Just found your channel and I'm enjoying. Subbed. :) I have a little M4/3 Lumix, a D700 and my holy grail: the Fuji s5 Pro. It's heavy, bulky and ugly, but that Super CCD creates utter magic. :)
I strongly disagree with your definition of (planned) obsolecense: to me obsolescence of a device is when it can no longer perform its function. And Apple devices are amongst those that can keep doing their function for the longest time. The fact that compagnies try to increase their sales by promoting their new products has nothing to do with obsolescence. Whereas not being able to apply software updates or having performance degrading over time because of poor design/build/lack of effort to back port software, etc. is what causes premature obsolescence. Not the fact that there is new stuff being made all the time. The « planned » part would be that there was never the intention to make the product last to start with. I do not think it is accurate or honest to say that it is Apple’s intention, whether we like the company or not. On a regular basis, companies release updates such that those we buy at that time get their latest and greatest products. It does not make their previous products obsolete though.
“Planned obsolescence describes the practice of designing products to break quickly or become obsolete in the short to mid-term”
That’s the definition from google. You’ve focused on the first part, and I focus on the second.
And in Europe Apple were fined for their use of planned obsolescence on the iPhone 6
And they were re-accused of it in 2022.
Whether you agree with my definition or not, courts have found them guilty of it. And look to still find them guilty of it
What did Apple do to make the iPhone 6 obsolete? AFAIK, from a hardware point of view, iPhones are among the phones that last the longest because among the fastest performers when released and because of the quality of the hardware which maintain its original performance, e.g. storage. As for the software, the iPhone 16 received OS updates during 5 years.
I don't know why anyone would buy a Leica in 2023. With inflation like this. We're all more broke than ever.
Definitely tough! They’ll be gone the second the moneys better spent elsewhere
I'll be honest, I bought a Leica M11 because it's just a nice looking camera. We need to be honest with ourselves, tons of cameras take really good photos. But, at the end of the day, if it's in our hands all the time we better like how it looks. And I just like how Leica's look.
worst and expensive camera, but a must buy...for dumb rich...??
I like to pay the annually price increase of Leica products!
Ahaha I did that with my 50mm lux! Sold it a few years back for £1500, cost me just over £2k a few months back