Watching this back a second time it’s evident that, in this era of do everything cameras, there are fewer photographers that are able to appreciate what the Leica M inspires, the “D” bodies in particular. When I switched to Sony from Canon several years ago I was enamored with the ridiculous AF algorithms, exposure zebras, etc. The camera did everything for me. Leica M returns me to my film days, when I had to think, and every shot mattered. Just two years ago I thought the M-D and M10-D were a silly proposition. Now, the M-D is the only M I use. It’s an evolution.
The funny part is how people think I"m completely BS'ing about it, I use it so much and I truly love it. If I didn't love or believe what I"m saying I would spend time making this episode and more importantly I wouldn't use the camera. I'm happy to hear people can relate, it's a shame the discontinued the D :(.
@@AskMOTT your love for Leica is very understandable. A simple camera is much more intimate than a feature-packed camera. I totally understand that but the price is not justifiable. M10 or M11 are more expensive than any other high-end camera but they have less features. I'm not after a camera that's packed with features but a camera with less features is also cheaper to manufacture then why is the Leica cameras so expensive?
@@azadpeymaparham 1. They are assembled by hand by employees making a living wage. 2. They are made with premium materials. 3. The rangefinder component is very complex; its production costs alone are higher than most cameras. 3. Words like “justifiable” or “worth it” have different meanings to different people; inspiration comes into play here. 4. My belief is Leica Ms have a longer useable life than other camera brands due to not being compelled to upgrade to the latest and greatest AF / AI / fps specs. I regularly spent more over a 5 year period with Canon/Sony models than I have with the Leica brand.
Just found your site, and watched this video. I’ve shot with everything, but primarily Nikon for 40+ years. I own a Leica CL system, and really like it. But got an m10-p with a 28cron and 50 lux. That’s all i use. It took me a bit to nail focus, and often, for walking around, just set at f8 and zone focus. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Truly simple. The last half of your video was music to my ears. I would say, once i took the plunge into Leica, and have swapped around a little, the resale value makes the cost differential less than i used to spend on film. Btw, recently visited Vietnam with my daughter - wish I’d known you were there before visiting!
Leica is amazing. I always lend my M3 to friends who wanted to try it out, and always get a free roll of film back because nobody remembered to take off the lens cap.
Great video. Very interesting. I have a q2 and am blown away by it. For the same reasons you discuss. I just love to shoot with it and it’s simplicity. Your photos are incredible.
Great video. You explain why Leicas work for you from the perspective of how they allow you to do your work with the least ‘interference’ possible which is what really matters. As you say, when you’re shooting professionally there are so many factors to consider that you need cameras to get out of the way and let you focus on all the other stuff apart from gear. shoot sport for a living and although it’s different to what you do, the same principles apply. I’m not a Leica guy, but after watching your video I totally get why you are.
I really like your videos. As an autistic adult getting into photography and trying to learn. What i like most is that you don’t use music and you keep it very simple. I don’t have a Leica camera but i just like sit down after my kids are gone to bed and learn about photography. Keep up the great videos. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Thank you Andrew and thanks for saying where you live, i love when people do that. I hope to take my camera and my bike and ride through Ireland in the fall sometime, bucket list. I offer one on one classes if you're ever interested in that kind of learning as well. www.justinmott.com/bookme-online-store
Justin - Great video (even without a blue or orange light on a shelf behind you!). I have been shooting Leica M digital cameras for years now. About 45 years ago, I fell in love with photography using a Pentax K1000 - it had an aperture ring, shutter speed dial, you set the ASA based on the film you were shooting, and it had a meter that was a simple needle (if it was pointing up you were overexposed, down you were underexposed). From there, I moved to Nikons (F3, F5, and then D300, and D4). Digital cameras work, but the experience for me was distracting. For many of the reasons you articulated so very well, I transitioned to Leica M bodies (after considering a few of Fujiflim's offerings). I never looked back. They work for me. I love them. They may not work for someone else and they may hate them - no big deal. I shoot more now in a month than I did in a year when shooting DSLRs - and I enjoy every minute of it. That's why I shoot them. End of story ... now go get you some blue lights and a shelf (and a Black Pro Mist filter).
Thanks for sharing your story Rick, love to hear people's journey with photography and with their equipment. I won't cave, I won't cave, I promise ::). I'll be sprucing up the filming area but I'm going to do it my way, I promise :).
Just about everything you said is the same logic and self-convincing I used to buy a $300, 15 year old, 12 megapixel Canon 5D classic. The simple, minimalistic and straightforward menu system is calming. Image quality straight out of camera is terrific. Battery life is awesome. Throw on some vintage m42 glass! It's great. Twelve big megapixels seem more than enough. So everything you said makes perfect sense.
That’s awesome , I did love the original 5D and I put a lot of miles on that camera until it finally died after human error using it w an underwater camera bag that wasn’t sealed properly.
I really like the way you pointed out that when you’re out shooting, your energy is focused on the environment/subject(s) and not on the camera and its settings. Btw, I love your office space. I would love to hear more about why you chose Hanoi as your base. Thanks as always 👏🏾
Thanks Gary, I launched my career in Hanoi starting as a curious young documentary photographer/traveler of sorts and then transitioning into an assignment photographer for the NewYork Times.
Short answer: No. Long answer: If you enjoy the experience and can justify the price. Yes. But shooting Leica won't make anyone a better photographer, nor necessarily produce better images.
I pity anyone who thinks that camera makes the photographer, and I realize that you actually have to point that out as you did because those people do exist.
John, Thanks for sharing your experiences with Leica...glad to find your channel. I am an amateur photographer and being retired travel plenty, {except covid stopped our traveling) We got out of Venice/Milan Jan 22, 2020, when I read about the pandemic, in that travel I carried an M10 and Sony A7RIV. I started carrying Leica in 1970, with a used CIII, then paired with with Voightlander and then a Mamiya rangefinders, the CIII had color slides while the other camera had Panx or Trix. Then I shifted to Nikkormat and Leica M3, late 80s to Nikon electronic shutter and 2000 to Canon DSLRs, the pair by 2010 were the 5D2 and 7D, made,first day order to Sony A7R 6 years ago and to the Leica M10 in 2017, getting my copy in June, upgraded the Sony to the A7R4 August of 2019. While on lockdown, I find that I carry the M10 around my city leaving the A7RIV at home. Looking forward to traveling again with the Leica M10, the 50 yr old Elmarit 28 from the M3, stays most of the time (may get a newer 35 mm) , with 50mm, 90mm (seldom do I use the 135, and Voightlander 15) as the main camera, maybe just bring the smaller classic A7R as backup with THE 16-35 mm. The A7RIV with long lenses will be for airshows, astrophotography, etc. Subscribed to your channel.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your Leica journey Antonio, love to hear it. Hope you get to travel soon with your Leica, I know I can’t wait to be on the road.
I love to hear that Alfred, most people would be too scared to shoot a wedding with Leica but if you know what you're doing and your patient enough you can have fantastic results.
Same! (Not weddings, but I shoot product full time) I bought an older Leica to have for fun, and it soon replaced the Nikon d810 I was using at work. It just nails colors really well and requires way less editing time.
My change came about thanks to a very generous gift from my younger brother. We'd both grown up shooting and processing our own B&W film from the late 70's onwards with both of us initially using Nikon FMs when they came out. Over the years my brother stuck withes and I ended up with a Sony A7RM3 which I spent most of my time menu diving. All my life I'd harped on about wanting a Leica and how I missed the simplicity of the old FM so he bought me an M10! Since then the Sony is hardly ever used, a Leica M2 has been added and when people ask me why I'm shooting Leica instead of the Sony I just reply "cos just picking it up makes me smile." I've even stopped metering now, preferring to use sunny 16 instead, I find it extremely accurate even indoors and using it lets you understand and get to know the light around you.
Justin: You are speaking about the camera as a tool, I have mirrorless because can use the vintage lenses of Canon, Voightlander, and many German Zebra on my body. I have many M Mount lenses and love the rangefinder glass for the color and tactile input, you think about your work... I am pleased that there is a person half my age , I am 60 ...that understands the knowing of the tactile and human touch and input photography. Yes: most people are caught in the great chase of ever evolving gear. I choose a different path.
I'm on old soul Chris ha ha. Actually, I wish I thought of these things when I was younger and I wouldn't have slipped discs in my lower back and neck. I noticed so many popular UA-cam photography channels out there that are all about getting you to buy whatever is new and flashy. Thanks for watching and thanks for taking the time to comments, it's nice to know people are finally watching these videos I'm making :).
@@gurugamer8632 Me or Justin? I have the 35mm Summilux and the 50mm Summicron. My 35 is the pre FLE version. Before that I did have the Leitz Canada version of the 35 which sad to say was a fairly poor performer. Luckily for me it was stolen along with my first M6.
Another way to look at the cost, if you own this camera for 3 years (156 weeks), it will cost approx. $52.00 a week. If you intend to sell it, then the 'rental' cost is about half or more as Leica's second hand value is usually great.
I liked your why, and when you said: "this thing takes photos". Turn on, then three steps: iso, aperture, shutter speed, MF, and then shutter button. I think you talking about being a photographer. That's how I was in love when I started whit my grandfather's old camera a Zeiss Icon.
I came across this video whilst browsing UA-cam. - I came from a world of Canon 5Ds, via Fuji XT to Leica M240 then M10. I also have the awesome Q. As you say all you need to set the ISO, Shutter speed and Aperture - that's all. Now I've found your channel I am going to watch them all. Thanks Justin
Thank you Justin, you hit the proverbial nail on the head. It's all about fit and having the right tool (for each of us) for the job. At some point, I will pick up an M-10 variant, more because I have always wanted a Leica than anything else, having started with my dad's Agfa Ambi Silette and three lenses. I know that it won't replace my Olympus M43 kit that I use for commercial, portrait and motorsports, but it doesn't need to. A craftsman is one who uses his (or hers) tools to their best advantage, and you do an amazing job! Thanks for the continuing inspiration!
I agree with all of these opinions. I was dissatisfied with other systems. They didn’t inspire me. I felt buried under options. I bought a second hand M10 (with my wife’s blessing) knowing if it didn’t agree I could on sell for very little loss if any. I love 1) having no settings I don’t need 2) creating a relationship with a camera that I plan on using for 5-10 years 3) I love 50mm and this is the ideal body for that focal length IMHO. I’m lucky to have the means and live in a city with a good used market.
I was offered a Leica M3 Double Stroke with a 35mm f1.4 Summilux for a significant discount from a fellow photographer who needed cash fast. I used it over a trial weekend and passed on it and for the same money bought a killer couple of newly released Nikon FM2 bodies and lenses. I don't regret that decision at all.
Everything you said justifies the purchase of any cheap camera (if you want the minimalism DSLR can't offer, there's the a7c or even Fuji if you're into the retro style), but it doesn't justify the purchase of 2 bodies for 12k
Hey doesn't need to justify his purchases to anyone... For him the lack of features provide value and if you look at the photos he is getting they are fantastic so clearly it works for him.
Literally his first argument is that he wants gear to slow him down by lacking bells and whistles. While I agree that old Fuji gear might be that, the newer stuff definitely isn't in my experience. I shoot a LOT and often overshoot.
I agree 100% with you. More than 50 years ago, I started with a Minolta SRT 101 with a 57/1.7 and added on a 28/2.8 to later. When I became professional, I used the Minoltas for 30 years (still have them), but now I'm on an M-P240 with the 50 LUX and a Q for wide angle. That works for me, as your set-up works for you. I can pull out some R-lenses, but that's less than once a month. Press photography is to get close to your subject.
Some honest and very valid arguments. Your video is so much better than the typical youtube photographer's Leica video: "The Leica, it has magic, you have to experience it to believe it, it takes pictures that no other camera can, it instantly makes you a better photographer..."
Excellent points made in this video. I sold all my mirrored Nikon equipment to go mirrorless with the Sony ecosystem. Now I think I’m going to sell my Sony equipment to go into Leica. I’m really interested in the Leica Q2 monochrome.
Try Fuji. It's even easier to use. I have both Leica and Fuji and I actually prefer to use the Fuji, though in the end I prefer the images from my SL/Voigtlander combo. They just work together so well and produce characterful images. But for someone who likes simplicity Fuji is the best option.
Totally get it Justin. Thanks for making the point that content, ideas and many more things matters than the fancy tech. Your approach to photographing and choosing your tools goes beyond it’s Leica or any other brands.
Thank you Ho Sze, nice to hear some postive Leica comments, I'm getting killed on some other sites over my Leica justification :). I appreciate you taking the time to say something nice.
As a Leica shooter on both film and digital, I agree with everything you say except for the hassle of post production with film. If you have a lab you like, like Richard Photo Lab in LA, there is no post; all you do is cull the scans you get back and tweak a bit if necessary. They’ll work with you to develop a scan profile (or you can use another photographer’s profile) and deliver scans that are consistent to it. Voila-no post!
I hear you , I just know myself and I know I’m not patient so all my patience is reserved for shooting. I wish I was more crafty and more patient for film :)
Really a great video Justin! I can understand your love to these beautiful M cameras. You look through the viewfinder, you hold it in your hands and you love it immediately. I use the M10-D for most of my portraiture work and it works very good. Maybe not every photo is perfect, but I am overwhelmed by the results. Keep on going…..
After hearing about the Leica stuff for a few years I finally broke down and rented the Q2 Monochrom...hands down the best shooting experience I have ever had. Definitely has me want to shoot more Leica and more pure BW. Great video.
You know what else isn’t weighing me down? My $400 used Fuji Xe2 with a 27mm f2.8. It’s a wonderful combo, and incredibly affordable (compared to these)
I like your analysis. In photography always things that works for someone they just don’t works for another one. The thing is sometimes we forget to use what makes us more productive and happy for something that we believe (for wrong) as better. For me Leica has lost its old character. Today it’s hard for anyone to pay so much money for a camera that falls behind in almost every single way even from entry level full frame bodies. I mean, it doesn’t makes sense. Still, I understand your need for simplicity. But I will drop another thought to the table; what if Leica (say M10 or even SL2) was priced equally to the rival cameras (Sony, Nikon, Canon) at about 2000-3000$? In my opinion, it would have been destroyed. And, I know, the lenses has a character, the build quality is stellar and the ergonomics are fine, but nowadays every high end camera is built well, all pro level lenses (especially Canon L series) has amazing sharpness and color rendition and their ergonomics are great, and the most important, for less than half the price! So, no, the price by itself is not the only problem for the most people. The key thing is the fact that Leica sees all photographers as documentary or street photographers. That’s maybe good for Leica because anyway has its audience but for the rest of us (landscape, wildlife or even hobbyists) there are better options.
I'm a street photographer but can't justify paying that much money for a M10 or M11. It just doesn't make sense. If it was appropriately priced, then I would buy a Leica in a heartbeat because it has a lot of unique advantages for street photography but with that price.... nope!
I have a ‘lowly’ TL2 with the 23mm f2 and it’s a complete dream to use. I’ve had all sorts of cameras from old film Canon F1’s to Pentax k1000’s, etc. I currently have Pentax k1ll and k01 in my gear bag, but I constantly find myself reaching for the TL2. Just something so relaxing and carefree when using it instead of feeling like I “have” to work hard for whatever I’m Doing. I consider my Pentax’s as my work horses. My leica’s (have an x2 also) are my fashion cameras. There’s just something that makes it feel like the pictures just came from some GQ or ELLE shoot. Like you said, they make me also feel like I can just slow down and focus on the things that made me fall in love with photography so many years ago. The thing with the prices…I used to think that Leica are expensive. There’s no doubts about it. They ARE. But then I started thinking about it…most people that buy Leica equipment keep them for life, or for many years at a minimum. How much money would people spend that typically go buy the newest, latest greatest Sony, Canikon, etc setups every other year? In the end, it equals out or is actually cheaper to just pay up front and get the Leica. EDIT- I just got to the part of your video where you took the words right out of my mouth about the updates, etc lol. Seems we’re on the the same page with that
You are clearly a very accomplished photographer and the animal pictures really struck a chord with me. I use Leica m for landscapes, obviously an unusual choice, but I put simplicity and reliability above all else. People chase the latest camera like they chase the latest phone, all suckered in by the marketing hype.
You nailed it! I bought an M3 in 1967 and it was used but like new with a 50mm Summilux. Sadly I sold it and built up a Leicaflex outfit. Had I kept it I could now sell it for what I paid in real terms. Imagine - I could have owned a Leica for 50+ years for free! I wish Nikon etc would bring out a Digital camera with No movie, No menu system, limited ISO with the possibility of going down to 10 with good quality, manual focusing and aperture setting but good TTL Spot metering and solid build. A dream of course as no manufacturer would take the risk.
As a new Leica shooter with a M240 and small primes I love the simpicity of the system and operation during use. I would like to pickup an M-D in the near future. Great video...
The only limitation the M has is the 135. Other then that it’s only in your head. I have always compared my gear to the photographers of the old days were they carried plates around and produced iconic images. If you know what you want to shoot you can. I shoot sport with it , where’s the issue? Dial it in and off you go. You don’t need 600mm. 90 is just fine just learn to anticipate and how to get close no matter what. I got a few lenses since they come out for need and purpose but use 24 as standard and 80% workhorse. That means 1.5m is what’s on the scale, around that I’ll dial in what needs to match that but that parameter is solid. Crazy? Nope, experience! Good luck for the next projects Juzzy
Thanks Mario, totally agree. It's funny how people look at me in the "Wildlife community" when I shop with my Leica M kit and only a few lenses, they think I don't know what I'm doing at all. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.
Last year I decided to move in that direction and bought a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm for my Nikon D750 (my Leica substitute). That lens exceeded my expectation and I have hardly mounted another lens on that camera body since I got that gem. This has made my photographic experience more simplistic and enjoyable.
That's great to hear Helgi, thanks for taking the time to comment and share your story with me. I've heard good things about those Voigtlander lenses, but I've never tried them personally.
It's true that I didn't really appreciate the allure of a Leica until I got my hands on one and started using it. All you need to do is hold it in your hands and focus with the viewfinder to respect the design and quality. I'm not very excited about the picture quality of my M10, but it's useable. The dynamic range is narrow and it's very easy to blow highlights. I set it at -1 EV, and that works for quick grab-and-go shooting. I'm not willing to spend more than $5000 on any camera though.
I owned a near mint M4 for a while (sold it as I needed one with a 0.58 finder since I wear glasses) and as someone who owns top of the range Nikon equipment and a Hasselblad 501c/m I can honestly say that the Leica was the most beautiful piece of engineering I have ever held. The tension of the winder and shutter was as if it had come off the line yesterday and not 50 years ago! Everything about it - the build and feel is just perfect.
The build on my used M10 is just amazing, but I'm treating very carefully. How robust have your digital M Leicas been, specifically regarding servicing and repairs?
This video expresses very well the practical benefits of Leica and after wasting an enormous amount of money on other systems I now have, for me, my final perfect camera. I use a Leica Q, the most economical way into the Leica system, for street and architecture I can live with the 28mm lens and I love the quality and simplicity. I also have a Leica c-lux, for occasional architectural details, but with its overly complicated Panasonic menu and lack of DNG raw, there is no way that it even remotely resembles a real Leica, except for the red dot, which I cover up anyway.
Honestly, I’m committed enough to photography to consider Leica… and I’ve certainly had my share of manual cameras before (including Hasselblad). But in recent years I’ve come to the conclusion that tech like IBIS really contributes to critical sharpness of images in the low light settings I favour. I just can’t see the cost/benefit from Leica glass, given that I’d never achieve its full benefit in these scenarios.
'Leica' is shorthand for 'Leitz Camera' and was traditionally used for the camera division of Ernst Leitz (Wetzlar). I've not moved to Leica cameras yet but I've owned a couple of top-of-the-range Leitz/Leica binoculars for over 30 years. My first bins are a pair of Leitz Trinovid 10x40 BAN (from 1988) that are still in excellent condition and as sharp as a razor. My second pair are the equally impressive Leica Ultravid 10x42 HD (from 2009). If the camera lens made by this company are as excellent as their binoculars then I can't see how any other make can beat them.
I appreciate your honesty. I've said similar things on forums and gotten savaged by those who say just don't use the features. As you say, it's not that simple to get a simpler experience.
I'm using a Leica a bit below in the heirarchy from your camera. But the control is amazing, the build quality is amazing, and I love the photos and videos I get. It's also much more small and portable than my "good" camera. I once had a Panasonic equivalent of the same camera. The differences were obvious in the quality and the ease of use. The Panasonic is more usable remotely, but that is its only advantage.
Back in the day's of film, my first SLR was the Pentax K-1000.. A nice full frame Camera.. Then I bought an R-3 mot, have the 90mm, 50mm and my favorite 24mm f2.8.. Sold the R3 body and moved up to the R8 body, still pull it out and shoot a roll or two from time to time.. I will never get rid of it..
Mm not really but ok.. the beauty of it is the resolution and be able to process and print a high quality image. If you have to crop a bit that’s cool but shooting with cropping in mind doesnt improve your photography
@@jroviraphoto I don’t disagree with you, but not all compositions are 3:2, if you want to do anything else you have to crop. Also, in some genres of photography, take wildlife photography for instance, cropping is very common, so it really depends on your use case as well.
@@johnvanderploeg I agree.. but with wildlife photography I would focus more on the zoom ability and compression rather than cropping it. Cropping it wont give you more compression which is key in those scenarios. Same thing with street photography.. you cant walk around with a 28mm or 35mm and shoot 50-60 feet away from a scene and then crop.. you have to be close to your subjects. Not picking on you, this is just something I see a lot with photographers. Cheers.
@@jroviraphoto I agree with you about street photography, but if you shot wildlife more you’d realize wild animals don’t always let you walk right up to them. On a full frame 600mm is too short for small birds and animals a lot of the time. Believe me cropping is essential.
I found you through your "Hasselblad X1D System | A Professional's Review" video and appreciate your presentation and content. Subscribed. Slapped the like button. Smashed the notification bell. Commented. Doing my part.
Excellent debate, Justin. A clear set of reasons why it works for you, and quite possibly others. Have just embarked on my Leica journey, I have really enjoyed the simplicity and renewed focus I have on making photos. Not to mention the excellent photos the M body produces!
You did a good job articulating the indescribable 'vapor' that i get when I pick up an 'M' series. I'm by no means a gearhead, never heard of a 10d until just now. I love the idea of a no-screen digital. Yes, for the surprise factor but more importantly: it's one less thing to distract me from flow. Someone told me it's called 'chimping' when you're constantly checking the screen?I think back to my early days in photography where I had exactly one camera (A Contax 137(?) with a 50mm 1.7 T* Zeiss) Very similar control set up as your 'M' series. I distinctly recall shooting some future pro-skateboarders at the old 'Pipeline' in Upland, CA. I would survey the area, set a baseline (f2.8@1000) and as I would shoot I would adjust my exposures on the fly just by the feel of the clicks. 95% of my concentration was composition because I 100% trusted my camera, Leica gives me that same comfortable, trusting feel. $8000 is def not chump change but when you get portfolio quality shots it doesn't take long for that camera to pay for itself and then some! Admittedly my Fujifilm has lots of cool things it can do, but it also took about a year before I felt I had a comprehensive understanding of ALMOST all its features. And as I explained to someone who is still in the learning curve, your camera needs to only do THREE things, set the shutter speed, set the aperture and focus. Get the right combo f-stop and shutter speed and you're good! While I was getting my BFA at ArtCenter we had an old school SOB lab tech, Archie Ferrante, who would be in the lab to remind us that we didn't know squat and that his dog could process film better than we could. Part of the whole ArtCenter credo 'break you down before building you up' boot camp way of teaching. When lecturing about pricing and costs he often told us 'film is cheap, images are not' Mind you this was when digital files were still measured in KB! And when you hit the shutter you tended to put a bit more thought into the image because it literally cost money every time! All this to say, there is something intangible about a Leica that sets it apart, and you can count pixels 'till your eyeballs dry up and fall from the sockets, do hyper-radon spectral gamma inversion scope assessment studies(like that?😜)but after the moment has passed, the once in a lifetime image is gone do you look at your camera and say 'I hope I got that' or do you KNOW you got it. You're a little hipster for my tastes but once I realized you aren't just playing pretend I'm happy I gave you a chance and subscribed.
Thank you Kevin and while I appreciate you taking a chance on me if our relationship is going to go to evolve you can't define me as a hipster, have no mustache, I don't shoot film and film alone, and while I do carry various satchels guilty as charged I'm way more of a shipster than I am a hipster, completely different species, not even a sub-species :).
Thanks Justin for the great video. I came here to be convinced to buy a Leica :) I really like Leica M cameras because of their form factor and simplicity - as you mentioned. They are perfect cameras for my application (street photography) as well, but at the same time, Leica's prices are unjustifiably high for no apparent reasons! The fact that Leica has less features than other cameras is a very important reason that it has to be cheaper because it takes less material, resources, research and technology to manufacture but it is insanely more expensive than others. I am all for simplicity. When I take my camera out, all the bells & whistles are turned off on my camera. I don't use any of those features just to simplify my photography but if I really need any of those features, then I can turn them back on with no charge and my camera is still cheaper than Leica - it was hell a lot cheaper when it was brand new let alone now. I also haven't upgraded my 2 cameras for the last 5 years - I might get a mirrorless at some point and that's only for the quieter shutter sound but otherwise my Nikon D7200 is still rocking with no issues. Plus, because it is not expensive at all, I don't feel like I have to be precious about it and can put it through hell if I need to. If it is pouring down but I see a photo opportunity, then I take my camera out and take the picture without being worried about the camera and cost also it has a great weather sealing which helps but even if it dies, then no big deal. It won't cost me much to replace (mind you my D7200 has been soaked with ocean water 3 times and it's got even salt crystals inside the viewfinder but it is still working with no issues). But that's not the same case with most Leica cameras. They are expensive and most don't even have proper weather sealing which isn't about simplicity or form factor. (I hear M11 has weather sealing but if I'm not mistaken M11 is the only M camera that has weather sealing.) Anyway, I'd love to hear your comments on that :)
The reasons you give are the same reasons I use a Fujifilm X-Pro3. The X-Pro3 does have a screen, but it folds, face-in, into the back of the camera. So the camera back is blank like a film camera. The Fuji lenses are auto/manual focus. But there are manual-only lenses available from other manufacturers. So, you can use the Fujifilm X-Pro3 much like the Leica, but it costs less than $2000.
Superb photos and good analytical video on my favorite brand. I began with Leica because 90 years ago there was nothing else that would produce the contrast available from the rare earth components of the German lenses. This was many decades before anyone talked about "systems" or "workflow." The marketers insist that I should upgrade my amazing first generation 35mm Summicron by breaking the bank for the current Apo Summicron. This would not offer any remarkable improvement to my photos. It would of course sustain the incomes of the marketers. This seems to be the unspoken intention behind the majority of photo vids on UA-cam. This one is a happy exception.
I appreciate that Jeremy, I don't know why I'm surprised but every time I make a video about Leica I do it from the heart but inevitably I get so much flack and anger over the brand. Oh well, it works for me and for you and for many other for various reasons and that's all that matters. Thanks for taking time to write something nice, I appreciate that.
Hey, Justin, yes, you are right. The M cameras are simple, rugged, well made and fun. Yes, I do put a lens on it and spend the day with that lens/camera combo. I do not use the Leica lenses as they are just too steep. I like the CV series which are quite good but a little too bright. I have a couple of old KMZ Jupiter 8's ('51 and '57) which have the Sonnar look of a more subdued and solid color and a Cooke Amotal for the "Cooke Look" wide open and good color when not. But back to your premise, yes, simple, grab the camera with a good 50 on it and go out and shoot. Remember the Jesuit motto of learning, "Repititio, repititio, repititio." The Canon LTM 28mm f/2.8 is also sweet. I wish we could BS over some good ca phe nau. Cheers and stay healthy.
I've been shooting with Nikon DSLRs for many years, always using them much the same way I used (and continue to use) my Nikon FE and FM2 and Leica M6 film bodies - that is, in a very basic, simple manner, in manual or aperture priority mode, rarely using the menu and rarely chimping, all allowing me to remain 100% focused on the subject and the lighting. In other words, I use my current digital cameras much the same way I use my old film cameras - relying pretty much solely on the four basic image making adjustments - shutter speed, aperture, ISO (ASA), and focus (manual or auto). Just because the bells and whistles of modern cameras are there, it doesn't mean you ever have to use them - but can do so if the need ever arises (which for me is probably about 1% of the time). Where technology really comes into play for me is in processing my raw files - but even that I keep to a minimum (abiding by photojournalism norms). I suppose for many the biggest challenge would be to develop the self-discipline to resist using all the technology made available with today's cameras - as they might say: "Why use it? Because it's there." I suppose for them, something like the M10-D might be necessary. But the M10-D cheats, too, with its available connectivity and ability to access its menus. Perhaps best go with the Leica M-D (type 262), which does not have connectivity or menus - a true film-like digital camera.
I shot a wedding with a Leica. it was quite a challenge but thought i was more comfortable with my camera than i would be with a rented sony. Images turned out really good, of course with some margin to improve but my client was really happy with the results.
You can't ask for much more than that, you're happy and so is the client :). Many people wouldn't even consider a Leica for a wedding shoot, they'd be too scared. I know when I was shooting weddings years ago I wouldn't have been brave enough to attempt that, but now I'd love to.
I totally agree with your assessment of Leica cameras. I have had a Leica M4 system that I used for many years for performance photography, because it was very quiet and of course because it was sharp as a tack. I transitioned to digital format quite some time ago and at the time Leica was not making a digital camera. I did search for an adaptor that would let me use my Leica lenses with my Nikon bodies to no avail. Recently I discovered a new Kickstarter campaign featuring digital backs that can be used on Leicas. I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of this back so I can once again use my beloved Leicas.
Still shooting a Leica M3 SS, M6TTL and M7. Shooting the poor mans Leica, Fuji Xpro1 and Xpro3. Saving up for a used Leica Monochrome. B&W is my favorite way to shoot.
Exactly! I couldn't have said it any clearer: for me the Leica Msystem is about simplicity of the interface, and the focus that allows me to have on my subject. It's my favorite camera to shoot (including professionally) if I can get away with it ;-) I do shoot GFX too if I want the megapixels, and I'll have to add a fast camera for shooting dance performances with long(ish) lenses, but that's a necessary evil. My heart lies with the M.
I’m sure you could’ve said more clearer but maybe not faster ha ha , people always complain I talk too fast. Thanks for sharing your story Filibert, what kind of work do you shoot?
I was surprised you didn’t mention that Leica bodies and lenses retain their value for longer than other brands so whilst they are a large up front cost you can recover more of that if and when the time comes, provided of course you treat it kindly.
I don’t understand shooting manual mode. Maybe with an EVF it’s better for seeing your exposure in real time. But I can put my Nikon dslr in manual mode and shoot with the exact same process for not nearly the cost. I can have that simplicity. Also what’s more simple than putting your camera in program mode? That takes away all distractions. I shoot in program mode and use bracketing to get three pictures with different exposure levels to choose from. I’m not a professional at all but that’s how I have been taking photos
@footballcoreano far from it, it might have been the best camera 20-25 yrars ago, but now, it is a luxury item...if i take a picture with the top of the range models from all the companies that produce cameras will you be able to tell the difference ?
@footballcoreano you can buy everything with money, and yes leica its a laxuary item, nothing wrong with that, as long as you know it, stil dont expect to get the pest for the money you are spending.....
Thank you Corey, I was set to loan a Leica SL for this trip to Kenya but it didn’t time through in time unfortunately. From the little time I’ve used them they are great cameras but for video I went w a Sony FX3 as it’s perfect for the work I’m doing.
@@AskMOTT I love that you touched on how important it is to enjoy your gear the feel the operation and the camera pretty much getting out of the way. I agree.
this is crazy crazy crazy damn good video.. I always cunfiuse by anymean how to pick the gear what will good enough for me with all the features, and so much photographer explain about how crazy camera right now and it makes me distracted to just alway seeing the tools. but these video make me see my self.. thank you so much to make the great content like this. *sorry if my english bad lol,
@@AskMOTT I mean I like crazy thoughts that make simple things happen.. and I love this video so much. I'm also planning if I have enough money I will bought a leica, but people around me said "that the bad idea, its not worth it and the features are too few for such an expensive camera" I thought maybe I was crazy to thing how simple the camera and I looked at it like I didn't want to stop shooting. Till I found this video and I realize photography its personal emotion.. my pleasure justin 🙏🏽 and also thanks you so much for reply this comment to make conversation
Hi, new viewer and new subscriber here - I just discovered your channel on my Recommended Page. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your philosophy behind using your Leica camera. It made me consider my own shortcomings as a photographer - that I have a tendency to overshoot - and I feel inspired to simplify my kit and be more present in the moment of whatever I'm shooting. I don't have nearly enough money to shoot on a Leica, but I can at least start with flipping down the screen on my Fuji X-T4 haha!
10:37- Isn't that just a lesson to be happy with what you have and to stop chasing the latest thing? Why would you feel compelled to keep upgrading a $3k Nikon, but not an $8k Leica? Either way, camera spec's are getting better every day, and I'm sure Leica cameras are no different. What about the Leica imbues you with the inner peace to reject consumer culture? Seems like a weak argument.
Boy, do I feel ya brother. Every word. Perhaps it comes from being a certain age. From a time when we shot once-in-a-lifetime events on film, with totally manual cameras, in my case, the Hasselblad 500 Series (aka V-Series). I found your excellent channel months ago while researching the M10-D. Still want one, but would never pay $8K. When you look down at a LEICA rangefinder, it's all there; Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Manual Focus. It is a thinking man's camera for creating thoughtful, powerful images.
Thanks for commenting JK. Many people just can't understand why you'd pay for superior design and simplicity over features and more tech. People often equate dollars to megapixels for their purchasing equation, which is too bad. I hear you on the M10D, it's a big chunk of change, an older used M10 could be the way to go. I got mine pre-loved for around 4K.
@@AskMOTT actually went a different route. Bought an SL (601) and M adapter L to digitize my M-glass. At sub-$2K, it is an incredible Leica value. Nothing like the analogue experience of an M-body, but the features and build quality are all Leica.
Leica changed the way that documentary photography was done. I have an old double-wind M3 and a Pentax SV the ergonomics are almost the same. The stripped down nature means I see the world through the viewfinder and capture the moments as they come up with those cameras. There is nothing except my mind’s eye, my eye and the camera. That M10 is wonderfully old school. It leaves the viewing of images as something that happens later and keeps the mind’s eye, my eye and the camera together making images. The modern way has the final image too close to the image capture and muddying the thought processes. I understand the zen quality of simple gear. Most cameras are as good as each other. The images are made in post production. Build quality and longevity in a tool are priceless. Your choices are utterly valid.
Love your work, love your style and really like ur openminded style. Keep up these superb video's. And btw almost all the lice gear keep there value, most other brand drops dramatically,
Like you i used many brands out there and my answer is i never had the same feeling shooting any camera like Leica and i just love it absolutely love it and you can’t put a price on that
I dig this. Although I do my work on Nikon full frame camera's (7 years old) I want to buy a Fuji X100V for the same reason. Can't afford Leica but it's exactly what Justin says: ISO, Shutter, Aperture; that's all you need and you want it on dials on top of the camera, A on the lens. I rarely use all the buttons on my Nikon's, mostly they get pressed by accident.
I do a lot of travel and street photography. I own a Nikon D850, a Leica Q2, a Fuji X-T4, and a Fuji X100V. I can honestly say that I find myself picking up the X100V most of the time...it's a damn good camera. You won't regret buying one.
Leica focuses on enabling you to take pictures without being in the way. The experience is everything. I come from dslr and mirrorless background, always got into multi Lenses, blazing fast and accurate AF. Image do have great intreseque quality on these systems. But I got à bunch that I needed to go to leica. I purchased one Day 2 voigtländer lenses, all rangefinders full metal frame. Picture weren't perfect, soft on the edges, chromatic abberation but in the end I realized I spent less time in post prod because I love that creamy vintage look of the pictures I took. And I had more fun taking pictures. That was my starting journey toward Leica. In short I believe these lenses started to reconnect me with my first experience with my early Journey in photography. Be minimalistic, compose with what you have, using one single lens in a creative way, spend more time shooting and less time in photoshop or lightroom. Photo is about capturing light into a story, and though I have plenty of gears and beautiful, only leica has brought back that feeling of point and shoot.
I’ve always liked the Leica body, especially the controls. My two worries are the manual focusing (never focused by numbers before), and also focusing with a rangefinder. I’ve never done that before, and unfortunately I can’t simply go to Best Buy to try it out (where I am, the higher end places are a bit of a drive, and while I can use a camera, my vision isn’t quite good enough to drive legally).
It takes time but eventually you do get used to it and focusing is pretty easy. It depends on what you're shooting as well, since I'm doing long-form documentary I have time to anticipate and prepare,. I hear you though, I'd definitely recommend going into a shop but that doesn't sound easy for you to do.
@@rml695 My pleasure thanks for watching. I really hope you get to hold one in your hand one day. The Leica Q is a nice option as well, I"m testing one out now and while I don't love it as much as my M it's a beautiful and versatile camera.
Look up zone focusing and make sure the lenses you get have a tab. It's a brilliant and fast way to focus on a Leica, if you practice for 20 minutes pre-focusing on things in your living room, when you head outside - you should be able to pre-focus on your subject by the time you've brought the camera up to your eye to take the photo. Or even just shoot from the hip which can save even more time. If your eyesight isn't great then the Q may be a better option, it's not as 'pure' but I've heard it can be easier to shoot with if your eyes need the help. Or get the Visioflex for the M bodies.
I got a Leica m11 for Christmas and it only took me about 20 minutes of fiddling to be able start getting used to it. It'll take a while before I'm as comfortable with it as my old camera but it's not as alien as it seems when you don't have one in your hands
Leica cameras are amazing, I had a M6 when still doing film and loved it, but the current Leica digital cameras are priced as luxury items… It just becomes too impractical, especially when looking at mirror less camera offerings from Fuji.
Why Leica... Less is more. Slows you down (many non-Leica users don't get this one) Just love your "review" or, to be accurate, tips on optimising the Leicas to one's personal style. Thanks for this video; very useful to Leica newbies or non-newbies who've laid off shooting those Leicas for a while like me.
Simplicity is really the most difficult step to do and to embrace, that´s why the vast majority doesn´t get it... and it is in every player of this industry, from brands to the end user.
I use and beat up my Leica Q for everything, portraits, food, cars, architecture, drinks, watches. The leica system is something you appreciate when you own it, I didn't really get it until I got my Q. The lenses have a special character that it's impossible to reproduce.
Thanks for your video. I always like your enthusiasm about Leica and especially about the M10-d. I share the same thought and own the same camera ;) I love it for the exact same reasons you mention. BTW I saw you have an Elmar 135. How does that work out for you? Doable with the rangefinder? Or do you need a a visoflex for proper focussing? Your shots looked great on YT with it :) Keep the videos coming! :)
Same reasons I like my Fujifilm X-pro3. It is enough, could last a lifetime and the rest is my art. I don't think that would change buying an $8K camera body, which is ridiculous for most normal humans.
Definitely get it, had a Q2 but sold it and I got a SL2s probably in Leica style is complex, but once fiddled and set up. And with using the manual 35mm 1.4 voigtlander which stays on it, and is well sold the Q2 as like 35mm lens loads more. Its mega, Super solid. Nice one go steady
Those SL2’s also feel great in the hand Sam. I loaned one from Leica Vietnam for a story and I really enjoyed using but ultimately I went w two M10s to stay fluid.
I'm loving Justin's humility and modesty at 17:45min when he remarks rather aptly - 'So you pick up the latest Sony, Canon, Leica' and it won't make you a better photographer. Big difference though Justin. Dead right. But if you're a shyte photographer, the Leica will 'expose' that deficiency unlike any of the others that have 'Auto'. No skill, no Leica. Just being honest because you seem to forget that many have no idea when given the task of manually exposing their own ISO, Shutter speed and Aperture exposure.
Hello Jeannine, thanks for watching and for your comments. I do actually forget that sometimes, often I'll do workshops and people have no idea how to use manual. Or I teach people and they want me to cover the basics in like 1 hour and I'm like, I went to college for this, it takes time. I should do a vlog about why learning the essential is essential , title needs to be workshopped.
Thank you Richard, it's an old video so I'd like to think my production quality is better now and my flow is a little better but all the things I said I still feel for sure. Thanks for watching.
I totally get the whole concept, but never really put into words like you did. I shoot a M10P and M9M, with 50 Summicron, 75 Summarit and 90 Summacron (I tend to shoot more normal to mid tele with 50 being my go to focal length). I also shoot with a Olympus EM1X with al the bells and whistles but hardly ever use any of the advanced features and often hate the quality of the M43 image compare to the full Frame M10P or M9M image. Most of my shooting is environmental boudoir portraiture, art nude and indoor boudoir, all using natural light. The simplicity and absolute reliability of the system is why I love it. I just hate the cost of glass lol, which is why I use Chinese lenses as well.
I didn’t put into words for many years because people get so hostile when you talk about Leica, never knew it was such a polarizing system until i started talking about it :). Thanks for watching Paul, I hear you about the glass, I try to justify it as a once in a lifetime purchase.
@@AskMOTT the glass I have are fantastic, although, I would like some sumilux's lol. If I had two lengths, it would be 50 and 75 (despite being so close). My next big lens purchase will probably be the 75 summicron to replace the 75 summarit. The Chinese glass is good for working out what focal length is used a lot, and I have the TTArtiasan 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f0.95 and a 7Artisan 75mm f1.25. Most used non leica lens is a beat up old Canon 50mm f1.4 v1 from 1957 and pretty well lives on my M9 Monochrom. I have a Wottencraft paratrooper but it's too small for my cameras so it's a gopro bag now. I can fit two bodies and three lenses (separate) in a Rock and Roll leather bag and it's way compact (but heavy when full).
I hear you about forcing simplicity to make you better. I cut my teeth on a Contax RTS3 and AX and CZ manual lenses - Kodachromes, ASA 25 / 64. Made my work excellent. Then digital came in. I got a Canon 5D2 and i had the habits of good photography still in me. But the thing is, it becomes too easy. I don't have to think and I get sloppy, no longer costs me $1 a slide. But the Canon had flaws especially in low light - anything above 640, forget it. Video was revolutionary under ISO 640, sound was mehhh. To get really good video, I bought as Sony FS100 and it was dedicated to video and the results were pretty darned good - as long as I have good glass - it means everything on that camera.. Then I got a Sony A7iii. A game changer. Astonishingly good. 24 mpx, same as Leica and Canon (21). Video is cinema quality and 120fps. audio is really good, but a dedicated Sound Devices MixPre6 takes it to professional level. The still shots are spectacular - why? Glass! Here's the thing, I have to force myself to slow down. I don't need a Leica to do that. Hell, I can go back to Contax / film to perk up my techniques. The reality, is the photographer and discipline. Carry a tri-pod. THAT will force you slow down and think. Would I go back to Canon 5D2? Nope. because Sony is way way ahead in every way. Can it compare to a Leica? I bet it does equal to or better, honestly - because I have great glass, vintage CZ lenses from the Contax N series as well as my CZ lenses. Glass is everything. The N series is no comparison. The Sony offers so much - don't have to use all the features, but Leica /Sony direct comparison, at the end of the day, I bet you will not be able to tell the difference. But I have lots of extras should I want them all at 1/4 the cost. And I hear the Sony A7iv is even better! Or the A7Siii or the A1 the flagship. Leica just does not have the same feature set. Would I spend 4x the money for Leica? Hell no. To get great shots, means I have to have mental discipline to slow down and work the shot. That is not a function of camera. It is a function of shooter. My thoughts.
Watching this back a second time it’s evident that, in this era of do everything cameras, there are fewer photographers that are able to appreciate what the Leica M inspires, the “D” bodies in particular. When I switched to Sony from Canon several years ago I was enamored with the ridiculous AF algorithms, exposure zebras, etc. The camera did everything for me. Leica M returns me to my film days, when I had to think, and every shot mattered. Just two years ago I thought the M-D and M10-D were a silly proposition. Now, the M-D is the only M I use. It’s an evolution.
The funny part is how people think I"m completely BS'ing about it, I use it so much and I truly love it. If I didn't love or believe what I"m saying I would spend time making this episode and more importantly I wouldn't use the camera. I'm happy to hear people can relate, it's a shame the discontinued the D :(.
@@AskMOTT your love for Leica is very understandable. A simple camera is much more intimate than a feature-packed camera. I totally understand that but the price is not justifiable. M10 or M11 are more expensive than any other high-end camera but they have less features. I'm not after a camera that's packed with features but a camera with less features is also cheaper to manufacture then why is the Leica cameras so expensive?
Exactly!
@@azadpeymaparham 1. They are assembled by hand by employees making a living wage.
2. They are made with premium materials.
3. The rangefinder component is very complex; its production costs alone are higher than most cameras.
3. Words like “justifiable” or “worth it” have different meanings to different people; inspiration comes into play here.
4. My belief is Leica Ms have a longer useable life than other camera brands due to not being compelled to upgrade to the latest and greatest AF / AI / fps specs. I regularly spent more over a 5 year period with Canon/Sony models than I have with the Leica brand.
Just found your site, and watched this video. I’ve shot with everything, but primarily Nikon for 40+ years. I own a Leica CL system, and really like it. But got an m10-p with a 28cron and 50 lux. That’s all i use. It took me a bit to nail focus, and often, for walking around, just set at f8 and zone focus. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Truly simple. The last half of your video was music to my ears. I would say, once i took the plunge into Leica, and have swapped around a little, the resale value makes the cost differential less than i used to spend on film. Btw, recently visited Vietnam with my daughter - wish I’d known you were there before visiting!
Welcome to our little community, too bad we didn’t get a chance to meet in Hanoi . Give me a shout if you make it back out here.
Leica is amazing. I always lend my M3 to friends who wanted to try it out, and always get a free roll of film back because nobody remembered to take off the lens cap.
Ha ha love it :)
Great video. Very interesting. I have a q2 and am blown away by it. For the same reasons you discuss. I just love to shoot with it and it’s simplicity. Your photos are incredible.
Great video. You explain why Leicas work for you from the perspective of how they allow you to do your work with the least ‘interference’ possible which is what really matters. As you say, when you’re shooting professionally there are so many factors to consider that you need cameras to get out of the way and let you focus on all the other stuff apart from gear. shoot sport for a living and although it’s different to what you do, the same principles apply. I’m not a Leica guy, but after watching your video I totally get why you are.
I really like your videos. As an autistic adult getting into photography and trying to learn. What i like most is that you don’t use music and you keep it very simple. I don’t have a Leica camera but i just like sit down after my kids are gone to bed and learn about photography. Keep up the great videos. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Thank you Andrew and thanks for saying where you live, i love when people do that. I hope to take my camera and my bike and ride through Ireland in the fall sometime, bucket list. I offer one on one classes if you're ever interested in that kind of learning as well. www.justinmott.com/bookme-online-store
Justin - Great video (even without a blue or orange light on a shelf behind you!). I have been shooting Leica M digital cameras for years now. About 45 years ago, I fell in love with photography using a Pentax K1000 - it had an aperture ring, shutter speed dial, you set the ASA based on the film you were shooting, and it had a meter that was a simple needle (if it was pointing up you were overexposed, down you were underexposed). From there, I moved to Nikons (F3, F5, and then D300, and D4). Digital cameras work, but the experience for me was distracting. For many of the reasons you articulated so very well, I transitioned to Leica M bodies (after considering a few of Fujiflim's offerings). I never looked back.
They work for me. I love them. They may not work for someone else and they may hate them - no big deal. I shoot more now in a month than I did in a year when shooting DSLRs - and I enjoy every minute of it. That's why I shoot them. End of story ... now go get you some blue lights and a shelf (and a Black Pro Mist filter).
Thanks for sharing your story Rick, love to hear people's journey with photography and with their equipment. I won't cave, I won't cave, I promise ::). I'll be sprucing up the filming area but I'm going to do it my way, I promise :).
Hey Justin. Can you please talk about how you insure your equipment against theft or damage. Thank you.
Just about everything you said is the same logic and self-convincing I used to buy a $300, 15 year old, 12 megapixel Canon 5D classic. The simple, minimalistic and straightforward menu system is calming. Image quality straight out of camera is terrific. Battery life is awesome. Throw on some vintage m42 glass! It's great. Twelve big megapixels seem more than enough. So everything you said makes perfect sense.
That’s awesome , I did love the original 5D and I put a lot of miles on that camera until it finally died after human error using it w an underwater camera bag that wasn’t sealed properly.
still sad that i sold queen mum 7 years ago :(
Just bought and returned one for 200. Decided it’s too heavy for me. I’m spoiled by mirrorless
@@AskMOTT Damn. She died too young.
@@Chris-ey7zy It is certainly heavy. Especially with this Tamron 35mm I keep on it now.
I really like the way you pointed out that when you’re out shooting, your energy is focused on the environment/subject(s) and not on the camera and its settings.
Btw, I love your office space. I would love to hear more about why you chose Hanoi as your base. Thanks as always 👏🏾
Thanks Gary, I launched my career in Hanoi starting as a curious young documentary photographer/traveler of sorts and then transitioning into an assignment photographer for the NewYork Times.
Short answer: No. Long answer: If you enjoy the experience and can justify the price. Yes.
But shooting Leica won't make anyone a better photographer, nor necessarily produce better images.
I pity anyone who thinks that camera makes the photographer, and I realize that you actually have to point that out as you did because those people do exist.
John, Thanks for sharing your experiences with Leica...glad to find your channel. I am an amateur photographer and being retired travel plenty, {except covid stopped our traveling) We got out of Venice/Milan Jan 22, 2020, when I read about the pandemic, in that travel I carried an M10 and Sony A7RIV. I started carrying Leica in 1970, with a used CIII, then paired with with Voightlander and then a Mamiya rangefinders, the CIII had color slides while the other camera had Panx or Trix. Then I shifted to Nikkormat and Leica M3, late 80s to Nikon electronic shutter and 2000 to Canon DSLRs, the pair by 2010 were the 5D2 and 7D, made,first day order to Sony A7R 6 years ago and to the Leica M10 in 2017, getting my copy in June, upgraded the Sony to the A7R4 August of 2019. While on lockdown, I find that I carry the M10 around my city leaving the A7RIV at home. Looking forward to traveling again with the Leica M10, the 50 yr old Elmarit 28 from the M3, stays most of the time (may get a newer 35 mm) , with 50mm, 90mm (seldom do I use the 135, and Voightlander 15) as the main camera, maybe just bring the smaller classic A7R as backup with THE 16-35 mm. The A7RIV with long lenses will be for airshows, astrophotography, etc. Subscribed to your channel.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your Leica journey Antonio, love to hear it. Hope you get to travel soon with your Leica, I know I can’t wait to be on the road.
I’ve shot whole weddings with one Leica body and one lens. And, like you, I got one for personal use, but it wound up as my main for professional use.
I love to hear that Alfred, most people would be too scared to shoot a wedding with Leica but if you know what you're doing and your patient enough you can have fantastic results.
Same! (Not weddings, but I shoot product full time) I bought an older Leica to have for fun, and it soon replaced the Nikon d810 I was using at work. It just nails colors really well and requires way less editing time.
My change came about thanks to a very generous gift from my younger brother. We'd both grown up shooting and processing our own B&W film from the late 70's onwards with both of us initially using Nikon FMs when they came out. Over the years my brother stuck withes and I ended up with a Sony A7RM3 which I spent most of my time menu diving. All my life I'd harped on about wanting a Leica and how I missed the simplicity of the old FM so he bought me an M10! Since then the Sony is hardly ever used, a Leica M2 has been added and when people ask me why I'm shooting Leica instead of the Sony I just reply "cos just picking it up makes me smile."
I've even stopped metering now, preferring to use sunny 16 instead, I find it extremely accurate even indoors and using it lets you understand and get to know the light around you.
Justin: You are speaking about the camera as a tool, I have mirrorless because can use the vintage lenses of Canon, Voightlander, and many German Zebra on my body. I have many M Mount lenses and love the rangefinder glass for the color and tactile input, you think about your work... I am pleased that there is a person half my age , I am 60 ...that understands the knowing of the tactile and human touch and input photography.
Yes: most people are caught in the great chase of ever evolving gear. I choose a different path.
I'm on old soul Chris ha ha. Actually, I wish I thought of these things when I was younger and I wouldn't have slipped discs in my lower back and neck. I noticed so many popular UA-cam photography channels out there that are all about getting you to buy whatever is new and flashy. Thanks for watching and thanks for taking the time to comments, it's nice to know people are finally watching these videos I'm making :).
I’m extremely fortunate in that I bought my Leica lenses new just before the millennium. They were merely expensive then as opposed to eye watering.
I wish I'd done the same Tom. I did have a Leica M6 many moons ago and it was pretty affordable.
Which lens? 😉
@@gurugamer8632 Me or Justin? I have the 35mm Summilux and the 50mm Summicron. My 35 is the pre FLE version. Before that I did have the Leitz Canada version of the 35 which sad to say was a fairly poor performer. Luckily for me it was stolen along with my first M6.
@@Tom_UA-cam_stole_my_handle how did it get stolen and where?
@@gurugamer8632 There was a targeted burglary at home. Pretty much the only thing that was taken.
Nicely presented. I agree with everything. It always makes me want to take photos and I never get bored with it.
Thanks for watching and commenting Catherine.
Another way to look at the cost, if you own this camera for 3 years (156 weeks), it will cost approx. $52.00 a week. If you intend to sell it, then the 'rental' cost is about half or more as Leica's second hand value is usually great.
I liked your why, and when you said: "this thing takes photos".
Turn on, then three steps: iso, aperture, shutter speed, MF, and then shutter button.
I think you talking about being a photographer.
That's how I was in love when I started whit my grandfather's old camera a Zeiss Icon.
I always love hearing stories like this Sebastiano of generations passing down camera to the next and carrying on a family love for photography.
I came across this video whilst browsing UA-cam. - I came from a world of Canon 5Ds, via Fuji XT to Leica M240 then M10. I also have the awesome Q. As you say all you need to set the ISO, Shutter speed and Aperture - that's all. Now I've found your channel I am going to watch them all.
Thanks Justin
Thank you Justin, you hit the proverbial nail on the head. It's all about fit and having the right tool (for each of us) for the job. At some point, I will pick up an M-10 variant, more because I have always wanted a Leica than anything else, having started with my dad's Agfa Ambi Silette and three lenses. I know that it won't replace my Olympus M43 kit that I use for commercial, portrait and motorsports, but it doesn't need to. A craftsman is one who uses his (or hers) tools to their best advantage, and you do an amazing job! Thanks for the continuing inspiration!
Thank you for watching Stan and thanks for taking time time to comment, I appreciate that. Let me know how it goes when you get your M10 :).
@@AskMOTT will do sir! In the meantime, my trusty Olympus Pen-F will have to hold me over until the jobs coming in can subsidize it!
@@MrSpiff9 Fair enough :).
I agree with all of these opinions. I was dissatisfied with other systems. They didn’t inspire me. I felt buried under options. I bought a second hand M10 (with my wife’s blessing) knowing if it didn’t agree I could on sell for very little loss if any. I love 1) having no settings I don’t need 2) creating a relationship with a camera that I plan on using for 5-10 years 3) I love 50mm and this is the ideal body for that focal length IMHO. I’m lucky to have the means and live in a city with a good used market.
Thanks for sharing your story Greg, I had to get my wife’s blessing as well for the Leica M10D :)
I was offered a Leica M3 Double Stroke with a 35mm f1.4 Summilux for a significant discount from a fellow photographer who needed cash fast. I used it over a trial weekend and passed on it and for the same money bought a killer couple of newly released Nikon FM2 bodies and lenses. I don't regret that decision at all.
Everything you said justifies the purchase of any cheap camera (if you want the minimalism DSLR can't offer, there's the a7c or even Fuji if you're into the retro style), but it doesn't justify the purchase of 2 bodies for 12k
Hey doesn't need to justify his purchases to anyone... For him the lack of features provide value and if you look at the photos he is getting they are fantastic so clearly it works for him.
Literally his first argument is that he wants gear to slow him down by lacking bells and whistles. While I agree that old Fuji gear might be that, the newer stuff definitely isn't in my experience. I shoot a LOT and often overshoot.
@@jockturner1547 you said what I was going to say, thank Jock.
@@bartjandebruijn1567 glad someone actually hears what I’m saying Bartjan, thanks :)
I agree 100% with you. More than 50 years ago, I started with a Minolta SRT 101 with a 57/1.7 and added on a 28/2.8 to later. When I became professional, I used the Minoltas for 30 years (still have them), but now I'm on an M-P240 with the 50 LUX and a Q for wide angle. That works for me, as your set-up works for you. I can pull out some R-lenses, but that's less than once a month. Press photography is to get close to your subject.
what benefits! I own a M3 to M6. A canon AE1P a way better investment. The best? Your phone!
Some honest and very valid arguments. Your video is so much better than the typical youtube photographer's Leica video: "The Leica, it has magic, you have to experience it to believe it, it takes pictures that no other camera can, it instantly makes you a better photographer..."
Thank you for saying that , I speak form real use and my experience and I don’t think everyone will have the same experience as I do :)
Excellent points made in this video. I sold all my mirrored Nikon equipment to go mirrorless with the Sony ecosystem. Now I think I’m going to sell my Sony equipment to go into Leica. I’m really interested in the Leica Q2 monochrome.
Thanks Rocky, I'm currently testing out the Q2 Monochrom so perhaps I can offer you some insight once the video is done.
Try Fuji. It's even easier to use. I have both Leica and Fuji and I actually prefer to use the Fuji, though in the end I prefer the images from my SL/Voigtlander combo. They just work together so well and produce characterful images. But for someone who likes simplicity Fuji is the best option.
Totally get it Justin. Thanks for making the point that content, ideas and many more things matters than the fancy tech. Your approach to photographing and choosing your tools goes beyond it’s Leica or any other brands.
Thank you Ho Sze, nice to hear some postive Leica comments, I'm getting killed on some other sites over my Leica justification :). I appreciate you taking the time to say something nice.
Watching Leica videos don’t cost me a thing. I’ll do it over and over again!
I actually send out invoices Sakir, trying out a new strategy to afford my next Leica purchase.
As a Leica shooter on both film and digital, I agree with everything you say except for the hassle of post production with film. If you have a lab you like, like Richard Photo Lab in LA, there is no post; all you do is cull the scans you get back and tweak a bit if necessary. They’ll work with you to develop a scan profile (or you can use another photographer’s profile) and deliver scans that are consistent to it. Voila-no post!
I hear you , I just know myself and I know I’m not patient so all my patience is reserved for shooting. I wish I was more crafty and more patient for film :)
Really a great video Justin! I can understand your love to these beautiful M cameras. You look through the viewfinder, you hold it in your hands and you love it immediately. I use the M10-D for most of my portraiture work and it works very good. Maybe not every photo is perfect, but I am overwhelmed by the results. Keep on going…..
Well said Quirin, it’s great to hear other people having a similar experience w the M10D. It’s a special camera indeed.
After hearing about the Leica stuff for a few years I finally broke down and rented the Q2 Monochrom...hands down the best shooting experience I have ever had. Definitely has me want to shoot more Leica and more pure BW. Great video.
That’s great to hear Jaime, it’s a pretty incredible all around camera.
You know what else isn’t weighing me down? My $400 used Fuji Xe2 with a 27mm f2.8. It’s a wonderful combo, and incredibly affordable (compared to these)
Fair enough, that’s a nice set up and if it works for you that’s great on the wallet.
Great video. Thank you. I’m still astonished of how many fall into the “I’ve gotta have a M6”. I have both the M6 and M4-2 and find the M4-2 superior.
I like your analysis. In photography always things that works for someone they just don’t works for another one. The thing is sometimes we forget to use what makes us more productive and happy for something that we believe (for wrong) as better. For me Leica has lost its old character. Today it’s hard for anyone to pay so much money for a camera that falls behind in almost every single way even from entry level full frame bodies. I mean, it doesn’t makes sense. Still, I understand your need for simplicity. But I will drop another thought to the table; what if Leica (say M10 or even SL2) was priced equally to the rival cameras (Sony, Nikon, Canon) at about 2000-3000$? In my opinion, it would have been destroyed. And, I know, the lenses has a character, the build quality is stellar and the ergonomics are fine, but nowadays every high end camera is built well, all pro level lenses (especially Canon L series) has amazing sharpness and color rendition and their ergonomics are great, and the most important, for less than half the price! So, no, the price by itself is not the only problem for the most people. The key thing is the fact that Leica sees all photographers as documentary or street photographers. That’s maybe good for Leica because anyway has its audience but for the rest of us (landscape, wildlife or even hobbyists) there are better options.
I'm a street photographer but can't justify paying that much money for a M10 or M11. It just doesn't make sense. If it was appropriately priced, then I would buy a Leica in a heartbeat because it has a lot of unique advantages for street photography but with that price.... nope!
I have a ‘lowly’ TL2 with the 23mm f2 and it’s a complete dream to use. I’ve had all sorts of cameras from old film Canon F1’s to Pentax k1000’s, etc. I currently have Pentax k1ll and k01 in my gear bag, but I constantly find myself reaching for the TL2. Just something so relaxing and carefree when using it instead of feeling like I “have” to work hard for whatever I’m
Doing. I consider my Pentax’s as my work horses. My leica’s (have an x2 also) are my fashion cameras. There’s just something that makes it feel like the pictures just came from some GQ or ELLE shoot. Like you said, they make me also feel like I can just slow down and focus on the things that made me fall in love with photography so many years ago. The thing with the prices…I used to think that Leica are expensive. There’s no doubts about it. They ARE. But then I started thinking about it…most people that buy Leica equipment keep them for life, or for many years at a minimum. How much money would people spend that typically go buy the newest, latest greatest Sony, Canikon, etc setups every other year? In the end, it equals out or is actually cheaper to just pay up front and get the Leica.
EDIT-
I just got to the part of your video where you took the words right out of my mouth about the updates, etc lol. Seems we’re on the the same page with that
You are clearly a very accomplished photographer and the animal pictures really struck a chord with me. I use Leica m for landscapes, obviously an unusual choice, but I put simplicity and reliability above all else. People chase the latest camera like they chase the latest phone, all suckered in by the marketing hype.
You nailed it! I bought an M3 in 1967 and it was used but like new with a 50mm Summilux. Sadly I sold it and built up a Leicaflex outfit. Had I kept it I could now sell it for what I paid in real terms. Imagine - I could have owned a Leica for 50+ years for free! I wish Nikon etc would bring out a Digital camera with No movie, No menu system, limited ISO with the possibility of going down to 10 with good quality, manual focusing and aperture setting but good TTL Spot metering and solid build. A dream of course as no manufacturer would take the risk.
Thank you Gareth, I'd love to see that M3. Perhaps Canon will make a simple minimalistic camera to counter Leica for making the SL2 ha ha.
As a new Leica shooter with a M240 and small primes I love the simpicity of the system and operation during use. I would like to pickup an M-D in the near future. Great video...
Thank you , you’ll either love or hate the M10D :), I love it
The only limitation the M has is the 135. Other then that it’s only in your head. I have always compared my gear to the photographers of the old days were they carried plates around and produced iconic images.
If you know what you want to shoot you can. I shoot sport with it , where’s the issue? Dial it in and off you go. You don’t need 600mm. 90 is just fine just learn to anticipate and how to get close no matter what.
I got a few lenses since they come out for need and purpose but use 24 as standard and 80% workhorse. That means 1.5m is what’s on the scale, around that I’ll dial in what needs to match that but that parameter is solid.
Crazy? Nope, experience! Good luck for the next projects Juzzy
Thanks Mario, totally agree. It's funny how people look at me in the "Wildlife community" when I shop with my Leica M kit and only a few lenses, they think I don't know what I'm doing at all. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.
Last year I decided to move in that direction and bought a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm for my Nikon D750 (my Leica substitute). That lens exceeded my expectation and I have hardly mounted another lens on that camera body since I got that gem. This has made my photographic experience more simplistic and enjoyable.
That's great to hear Helgi, thanks for taking the time to comment and share your story with me. I've heard good things about those Voigtlander lenses, but I've never tried them personally.
It's true that I didn't really appreciate the allure of a Leica until I got my hands on one and started using it. All you need to do is hold it in your hands and focus with the viewfinder to respect the design and quality. I'm not very excited about the picture quality of my M10, but it's useable. The dynamic range is narrow and it's very easy to blow highlights. I set it at -1 EV, and that works for quick grab-and-go shooting. I'm not willing to spend more than $5000 on any camera though.
I owned a near mint M4 for a while (sold it as I needed one with a 0.58 finder since I wear glasses) and as someone who owns top of the range Nikon equipment and a Hasselblad 501c/m I can honestly say that the Leica was the most beautiful piece of engineering I have ever held. The tension of the winder and shutter was as if it had come off the line yesterday and not 50 years ago! Everything about it - the build and feel is just perfect.
I had a 501 as well Robert , but I’m not big into film, wish I had more patience for developing.
@@AskMOTT Worth the perseverance, Justin :)
The build on my used M10 is just amazing, but I'm treating very carefully. How robust have your digital M Leicas been, specifically regarding servicing and repairs?
I had a small issue w a used M10 but they fixed for me , no issues w my M10D .
This video expresses very well the practical benefits of Leica and after wasting an enormous amount of money on other systems I now have, for me, my final perfect camera.
I use a Leica Q, the most economical way into the Leica system, for street and architecture I can live with the 28mm lens and I love the quality and simplicity.
I also have a Leica c-lux, for occasional architectural details, but with its overly complicated Panasonic menu and lack of DNG raw, there is no way that it even remotely resembles a real Leica, except for the red dot, which I cover up anyway.
Love to hear that Ronald, I cover my dot too so the bling argument is wasted on us :).
Honestly, I’m committed enough to photography to consider Leica… and I’ve certainly had my share of manual cameras before (including Hasselblad).
But in recent years I’ve come to the conclusion that tech like IBIS really contributes to critical sharpness of images in the low light settings I favour. I just can’t see the cost/benefit from Leica glass, given that I’d never achieve its full benefit in these scenarios.
The Leica is a statues expression, illusion and just in the head thing. Capable cameras like Sony, Fuji, Canon .. are so much more reality useful.
'Leica' is shorthand for 'Leitz Camera' and was traditionally used for the camera division of Ernst Leitz (Wetzlar). I've not moved to Leica cameras yet but I've owned a couple of top-of-the-range Leitz/Leica binoculars for over 30 years. My first bins are a pair of Leitz Trinovid 10x40 BAN (from 1988) that are still in excellent condition and as sharp as a razor. My second pair are the equally impressive Leica Ultravid 10x42 HD (from 2009). If the camera lens made by this company are as excellent as their binoculars then I can't see how any other make can beat them.
Low key area is fine Justin....as a short time Vietnam expat, your room is perfect.
I appreciate your honesty. I've said similar things on forums and gotten savaged by those who say just don't use the features. As you say, it's not that simple to get a simpler experience.
I'm using a Leica a bit below in the heirarchy from your camera. But the control is amazing, the build quality is amazing, and I love the photos and videos I get. It's also much more small and portable than my "good" camera. I once had a Panasonic equivalent of the same camera. The differences were obvious in the quality and the ease of use. The Panasonic is more usable remotely, but that is its only advantage.
Great to hear from a fellow Leica user, and thank you for the kind words and taking the time to comment :).
Back in the day's of film, my first SLR was the Pentax K-1000.. A nice full frame Camera.. Then I bought an R-3 mot, have the 90mm, 50mm and my favorite 24mm f2.8.. Sold the R3 body and moved up to the R8 body, still pull it out and shoot a roll or two from time to time.. I will never get rid of it..
Right on, I wish had the patience to develop film.
You right about simplicity, I have a brand that has more buttons that I need it, I love Leica and I am saving money for the LS2 thanks bro for sharing
The beauty of a 50MP camera is the ability to crop down and still get a high quality image.
I second that!
Mm not really but ok.. the beauty of it is the resolution and be able to process and print a high quality image. If you have to crop a bit that’s cool but shooting with cropping in mind doesnt improve your photography
@@jroviraphoto I don’t disagree with you, but not all compositions are 3:2, if you want to do anything else you have to crop. Also, in some genres of photography, take wildlife photography for instance, cropping is very common, so it really depends on your use case as well.
@@johnvanderploeg I agree.. but with wildlife photography I would focus more on the zoom ability and compression rather than cropping it. Cropping it wont give you more compression which is key in those scenarios. Same thing with street photography.. you cant walk around with a 28mm or 35mm and shoot 50-60 feet away from a scene and then crop.. you have to be close to your subjects. Not picking on you, this is just something I see a lot with photographers. Cheers.
@@jroviraphoto I agree with you about street photography, but if you shot wildlife more you’d realize wild animals don’t always let you walk right up to them. On a full frame 600mm is too short for small birds and animals a lot of the time. Believe me cropping is essential.
I found you through your "Hasselblad X1D System | A Professional's Review" video and appreciate your presentation and content. Subscribed. Slapped the like button. Smashed the notification bell. Commented. Doing my part.
I appreciate that so much , more videos coming soon :).
Excellent debate, Justin. A clear set of reasons why it works for you, and quite possibly others. Have just embarked on my Leica journey, I have really enjoyed the simplicity and renewed focus I have on making photos. Not to mention the excellent photos the M body produces!
You did a good job articulating the indescribable 'vapor' that i get when I pick up an 'M' series. I'm by no means a gearhead, never heard of a 10d until just now. I love the idea of a no-screen digital. Yes, for the surprise factor but more importantly: it's one less thing to distract me from flow. Someone told me it's called 'chimping' when you're constantly checking the screen?I think back to my early days in photography where I had exactly one camera (A Contax 137(?) with a 50mm 1.7 T* Zeiss) Very similar control set up as your 'M' series. I distinctly recall shooting some future pro-skateboarders at the old 'Pipeline' in Upland, CA. I would survey the area, set a baseline (f2.8@1000) and as I would shoot I would adjust my exposures on the fly just by the feel of the clicks. 95% of my concentration was composition because I 100% trusted my camera, Leica gives me that same comfortable, trusting feel. $8000 is def not chump change but when you get portfolio quality shots it doesn't take long for that camera to pay for itself and then some! Admittedly my Fujifilm has lots of cool things it can do, but it also took about a year before I felt I had a comprehensive understanding of ALMOST all its features. And as I explained to someone who is still in the learning curve, your camera needs to only do THREE things, set the shutter speed, set the aperture and focus. Get the right combo f-stop and shutter speed and you're good!
While I was getting my BFA at ArtCenter we had an old school SOB lab tech, Archie Ferrante, who would be in the lab to remind us that we didn't know squat and that his dog could process film better than we could. Part of the whole ArtCenter credo 'break you down before building you up' boot camp way of teaching. When lecturing about pricing and costs he often told us 'film is cheap, images are not' Mind you this was when digital files were still measured in KB! And when you hit the shutter you tended to put a bit more thought into the image because it literally cost money every time! All this to say, there is something intangible about a Leica that sets it apart, and you can count pixels 'till your eyeballs dry up and fall from the sockets, do hyper-radon spectral gamma inversion scope assessment studies(like that?😜)but after the moment has passed, the once in a lifetime image is gone do you look at your camera and say 'I hope I got that' or do you KNOW you got it. You're a little hipster for my tastes but once I realized you aren't just playing pretend I'm happy I gave you a chance and subscribed.
Thank you Kevin and while I appreciate you taking a chance on me if our relationship is going to go to evolve you can't define me as a hipster, have no mustache, I don't shoot film and film alone, and while I do carry various satchels guilty as charged I'm way more of a shipster than I am a hipster, completely different species, not even a sub-species :).
Great video upload... and I am so glad you made the point about cost effectiveness....
Thanks John, I don’t feel enough people consider the lack of need to upgrade = savings.
Thanks Justin for the great video. I came here to be convinced to buy a Leica :)
I really like Leica M cameras because of their form factor and simplicity - as you mentioned. They are perfect cameras for my application (street photography) as well, but at the same time, Leica's prices are unjustifiably high for no apparent reasons!
The fact that Leica has less features than other cameras is a very important reason that it has to be cheaper because it takes less material, resources, research and technology to manufacture but it is insanely more expensive than others.
I am all for simplicity. When I take my camera out, all the bells & whistles are turned off on my camera. I don't use any of those features just to simplify my photography but if I really need any of those features, then I can turn them back on with no charge and my camera is still cheaper than Leica - it was hell a lot cheaper when it was brand new let alone now.
I also haven't upgraded my 2 cameras for the last 5 years - I might get a mirrorless at some point and that's only for the quieter shutter sound but otherwise my Nikon D7200 is still rocking with no issues. Plus, because it is not expensive at all, I don't feel like I have to be precious about it and can put it through hell if I need to. If it is pouring down but I see a photo opportunity, then I take my camera out and take the picture without being worried about the camera and cost also it has a great weather sealing which helps but even if it dies, then no big deal. It won't cost me much to replace (mind you my D7200 has been soaked with ocean water 3 times and it's got even salt crystals inside the viewfinder but it is still working with no issues). But that's not the same case with most Leica cameras. They are expensive and most don't even have proper weather sealing which isn't about simplicity or form factor. (I hear M11 has weather sealing but if I'm not mistaken M11 is the only M camera that has weather sealing.)
Anyway, I'd love to hear your comments on that :)
The reasons you give are the same reasons I use a Fujifilm X-Pro3. The X-Pro3 does have a screen, but it folds, face-in, into the back of the camera. So the camera back is blank like a film camera. The Fuji lenses are auto/manual focus. But there are manual-only lenses available from other manufacturers. So, you can use the Fujifilm X-Pro3 much like the Leica, but it costs less than $2000.
BTW Fujifilm makes an adapter for the X-Pro3 to mount Leica lenses. It’s the only adapter made by Fujifilm.
I see the merits in the Fuji, I had the orginal Fuji XPro and I liked it alot. I just prefer the Leica, but yeah Fuji makes awesome cameras.
Superb photos and good analytical video on my favorite brand. I began with Leica because 90 years ago there was nothing else that would produce the contrast available from the rare earth components of the German lenses. This was many decades before anyone talked about "systems" or "workflow." The marketers insist that I should upgrade my amazing first generation 35mm Summicron by breaking the bank for the current Apo Summicron. This would not offer any remarkable improvement to my photos. It would of course sustain the incomes of the marketers. This seems to be the unspoken intention behind the majority of photo vids on UA-cam. This one is a happy exception.
I appreciate that Jeremy, I don't know why I'm surprised but every time I make a video about Leica I do it from the heart but inevitably I get so much flack and anger over the brand. Oh well, it works for me and for you and for many other for various reasons and that's all that matters. Thanks for taking time to write something nice, I appreciate that.
I got a Cl a few weeks ago and I love it… working with black and white..
Got a m42 adapter and loving using it with vintage lenses… yipee..
Right on , great to hear :)
Hey, Justin, yes, you are right. The M cameras are simple, rugged, well made and fun. Yes, I do put a lens on it and spend the day with that lens/camera combo. I do not use the Leica lenses as they are just too steep. I like the CV series which are quite good but a little too bright. I have a couple of old KMZ Jupiter 8's ('51 and '57) which have the Sonnar look of a more subdued and solid color and a Cooke Amotal for the "Cooke Look" wide open and good color when not. But back to your premise, yes, simple, grab the camera with a good 50 on it and go out and shoot. Remember the Jesuit motto of learning, "Repititio, repititio, repititio." The Canon LTM 28mm f/2.8 is also sweet.
I wish we could BS over some good ca phe nau. Cheers and stay healthy.
Thanks for your comments Zoltan, would love to BS some day :).
I've been shooting with Nikon DSLRs for many years, always using them much the same way I used (and continue to use) my Nikon FE and FM2 and Leica M6 film bodies - that is, in a very basic, simple manner, in manual or aperture priority mode, rarely using the menu and rarely chimping, all allowing me to remain 100% focused on the subject and the lighting. In other words, I use my current digital cameras much the same way I use my old film cameras - relying pretty much solely on the four basic image making adjustments - shutter speed, aperture, ISO (ASA), and focus (manual or auto). Just because the bells and whistles of modern cameras are there, it doesn't mean you ever have to use them - but can do so if the need ever arises (which for me is probably about 1% of the time). Where technology really comes into play for me is in processing my raw files - but even that I keep to a minimum (abiding by photojournalism norms). I suppose for many the biggest challenge would be to develop the self-discipline to resist using all the technology made available with today's cameras - as they might say: "Why use it? Because it's there." I suppose for them, something like the M10-D might be necessary. But the M10-D cheats, too, with its available connectivity and ability to access its menus. Perhaps best go with the Leica M-D (type 262), which does not have connectivity or menus - a true film-like digital camera.
I shot a wedding with a Leica. it was quite a challenge but thought i was more comfortable with my camera than i would be with a rented sony. Images turned out really good, of course with some margin to improve but my client was really happy with the results.
You can't ask for much more than that, you're happy and so is the client :). Many people wouldn't even consider a Leica for a wedding shoot, they'd be too scared. I know when I was shooting weddings years ago I wouldn't have been brave enough to attempt that, but now I'd love to.
I totally agree with your assessment of Leica cameras. I have had a Leica M4 system that I used for many years for performance photography, because it was very quiet and of course because it was sharp as a tack. I transitioned to digital format quite some time ago and at the time Leica was not making a digital camera. I did search for an adaptor that would let me use my Leica lenses with my Nikon bodies to no avail. Recently I discovered a new Kickstarter campaign featuring digital backs that can be used on Leicas. I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of this back so I can once again use my beloved Leicas.
Thanks for watching Lee , share that Kickstarter link that is interesting.
@@AskMOTT You are welcome... The company is called 'I'm Back® 35' They are making digital backs for many different cameras, including Leica.
@@leeeverett6160 Thank you Lee, I'll check them out.
Still shooting a Leica M3 SS, M6TTL and M7. Shooting the poor mans Leica, Fuji Xpro1 and Xpro3. Saving up for a used Leica Monochrome. B&W is my favorite way to shoot.
Nice set up, curious to hear how you like the Monochrome when you get one.
@@AskMOTT once I find on for around $2500 I’ll let you know. They’re getting close.
Exactly! I couldn't have said it any clearer: for me the Leica Msystem is about simplicity of the interface, and the focus that allows me to have on my subject. It's my favorite camera to shoot (including professionally) if I can get away with it ;-) I do shoot GFX too if I want the megapixels, and I'll have to add a fast camera for shooting dance performances with long(ish) lenses, but that's a necessary evil. My heart lies with the M.
I’m sure you could’ve said more clearer but maybe not faster ha ha , people always complain I talk too fast. Thanks for sharing your story Filibert, what kind of work do you shoot?
I was surprised you didn’t mention that Leica bodies and lenses retain their value for longer than other brands so whilst they are a large up front cost you can recover more of that if and when the time comes, provided of course you treat it kindly.
Noticed your photo on a postcard at the Las Vegas Leica store. Good job.
So random Daniel, love to hear it :). The more people that learn about the northern white rhino rhino situation the better.
I don’t understand shooting manual mode. Maybe with an EVF it’s better for seeing your exposure in real time. But I can put my Nikon dslr in manual mode and shoot with the exact same process for not nearly the cost. I can have that simplicity. Also what’s more simple than putting your camera in program mode? That takes away all distractions. I shoot in program mode and use bracketing to get three pictures with different exposure levels to choose from. I’m not a professional at all but that’s how I have been taking photos
Leica is a luxury item. Influencers buy it to look cool. I'm a photographer and want to own one but now it's not the time.
Interesting angle.
@footballcoreano far from it, it might have been the best camera 20-25 yrars ago, but now, it is a luxury item...if i take a picture with the top of the range models from all the companies that produce cameras will you be able to tell the difference ?
@footballcoreano you can buy everything with money, and yes leica its a laxuary item, nothing wrong with that, as long as you know it, stil dont expect to get the pest for the money you are spending.....
When you buy one we will call you influencer not a photographer anymore - see your logic is simply stupid.
@@hellogamiesai6135 I hope to get the pest.
Love the look of your work. I've been curious about the S-line Leica's..
Thank you Corey, I was set to loan a Leica SL for this trip to Kenya but it didn’t time through in time unfortunately. From the little time I’ve used them they are great cameras but for video I went w a Sony FX3 as it’s perfect for the work I’m doing.
@@AskMOTT I love that you touched on how important it is to enjoy your gear the feel the operation and the camera pretty much getting out of the way. I agree.
this is crazy crazy crazy damn good video.. I always cunfiuse by anymean how to pick the gear what will good enough for me with all the features, and so much photographer explain about how crazy camera right now and it makes me distracted to just alway seeing the tools. but these video make me see my self.. thank you so much to make the great content like this.
*sorry if my english bad lol,
I'm trying to avoid crazy Sadrail, that's why I bought a simple Leica ha ha. thanks for watching and thanks for your kind words.
@@AskMOTT I mean I like crazy thoughts that make simple things happen.. and I love this video so much. I'm also planning if I have enough money I will bought a leica, but people around me said "that the bad idea, its not worth it and the features are too few for such an expensive camera" I thought maybe I was crazy to thing how simple the camera and I looked at it like I didn't want to stop shooting. Till I found this video and I realize photography its personal emotion.. my pleasure justin 🙏🏽 and also thanks you so much for reply this comment to make conversation
Hi, new viewer and new subscriber here - I just discovered your channel on my Recommended Page. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your philosophy behind using your Leica camera. It made me consider my own shortcomings as a photographer - that I have a tendency to overshoot - and I feel inspired to simplify my kit and be more present in the moment of whatever I'm shooting. I don't have nearly enough money to shoot on a Leica, but I can at least start with flipping down the screen on my Fuji X-T4 haha!
10:37- Isn't that just a lesson to be happy with what you have and to stop chasing the latest thing? Why would you feel compelled to keep upgrading a $3k Nikon, but not an $8k Leica? Either way, camera spec's are getting better every day, and I'm sure Leica cameras are no different. What about the Leica imbues you with the inner peace to reject consumer culture? Seems like a weak argument.
I like your thought processes.
Thank you Terry.
Boy, do I feel ya brother. Every word. Perhaps it comes from being a certain age. From a time when we shot once-in-a-lifetime events on film, with totally manual cameras, in my case, the Hasselblad 500 Series (aka V-Series). I found your excellent channel months ago while researching the M10-D. Still want one, but would never pay $8K. When you look down at a LEICA rangefinder, it's all there; Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Manual Focus. It is a thinking man's camera for creating thoughtful, powerful images.
Thanks for commenting JK. Many people just can't understand why you'd pay for superior design and simplicity over features and more tech. People often equate dollars to megapixels for their purchasing equation, which is too bad. I hear you on the M10D, it's a big chunk of change, an older used M10 could be the way to go. I got mine pre-loved for around 4K.
@@AskMOTT actually went a different route. Bought an SL (601) and M adapter L to digitize my M-glass. At sub-$2K, it is an incredible Leica value. Nothing like the analogue experience of an M-body, but the features and build quality are all Leica.
Leica changed the way that documentary photography was done. I have an old double-wind M3 and a Pentax SV the ergonomics are almost the same. The stripped down nature means I see the world through the viewfinder and capture the moments as they come up with those cameras. There is nothing except my mind’s eye, my eye and the camera. That M10 is wonderfully old school. It leaves the viewing of images as something that happens later and keeps the mind’s eye, my eye and the camera together making images.
The modern way has the final image too close to the image capture and muddying the thought processes. I understand the zen quality of simple gear. Most cameras are as good as each other. The images are made in post production. Build quality and longevity in a tool are priceless. Your choices are utterly valid.
Love your work, love your style and really like ur openminded style. Keep up these superb video's.
And btw almost all the lice gear keep there value, most other brand drops dramatically,
Thank you much, I made a note to point out holding their value but I forgot to mention that so I’m glad you said it here.
I'm a photographer that uses $100 LG cell phone camera. I want a Leica. But I can't make the mental leap from $100 to $10,000.
Whatever works for you and saves money :)
Great philosophy, beautiful images. 😄 A great system to get into.
Thank you Wayne, the kind words help offset all the Leica hate ha ha.
Like you i used many brands out there and my answer is i never had the same feeling shooting any camera like Leica and i just love it absolutely love it and you can’t put a price on that
I dig this. Although I do my work on Nikon full frame camera's (7 years old) I want to buy a Fuji X100V for the same reason. Can't afford Leica but it's exactly what Justin says: ISO, Shutter, Aperture; that's all you need and you want it on dials on top of the camera, A on the lens. I rarely use all the buttons on my Nikon's, mostly they get pressed by accident.
Glad you said that , I was starting to feel that I was the only who hated all those buttons :)
I do a lot of travel and street photography. I own a Nikon D850, a Leica Q2, a Fuji X-T4, and a Fuji X100V. I can honestly say that I find myself picking up the X100V most of the time...it's a damn good camera. You won't regret buying one.
@@GoodLifeInSpain I only hear good things about those Fuji's , thanks for sharing.
Fully agree, I just bought an mp240 & summicron 50 and couldn’t be happier for the next few years
Love to hear that Kieran, thanks for watching :). I’m considering swapping out my 75mm for a 50mm, nothing wrong w the 75 but the 50 suits me better.
Leica focuses on enabling you to take pictures without being in the way. The experience is everything.
I come from dslr and mirrorless background, always got into multi Lenses, blazing fast and accurate AF.
Image do have great intreseque quality on these systems. But I got à bunch that I needed to go to leica. I purchased one Day 2 voigtländer lenses, all rangefinders full metal frame. Picture weren't perfect, soft on the edges, chromatic abberation but in the end I realized I spent less time in post prod because I love that creamy vintage look of the pictures I took. And I had more fun taking pictures.
That was my starting journey toward Leica.
In short I believe these lenses started to reconnect me with my first experience with my early Journey in photography. Be minimalistic, compose with what you have, using one single lens in a creative way, spend more time shooting and less time in photoshop or lightroom.
Photo is about capturing light into a story, and though I have plenty of gears and beautiful, only leica has brought back that feeling of point and shoot.
Absolutely, I agree, thanks Son
I’ve always liked the Leica body, especially the controls. My two worries are the manual focusing (never focused by numbers before), and also focusing with a rangefinder. I’ve never done that before, and unfortunately I can’t simply go to Best Buy to try it out (where I am, the higher end places are a bit of a drive, and while I can use a camera, my vision isn’t quite good enough to drive legally).
It takes time but eventually you do get used to it and focusing is pretty easy. It depends on what you're shooting as well, since I'm doing long-form documentary I have time to anticipate and prepare,. I hear you though, I'd definitely recommend going into a shop but that doesn't sound easy for you to do.
@@AskMOTT I may do some additional research but I can definitely see the worth in the Leica M system thanks to this video. Thanks 🙏
@@rml695 My pleasure thanks for watching. I really hope you get to hold one in your hand one day. The Leica Q is a nice option as well, I"m testing one out now and while I don't love it as much as my M it's a beautiful and versatile camera.
Look up zone focusing and make sure the lenses you get have a tab. It's a brilliant and fast way to focus on a Leica, if you practice for 20 minutes pre-focusing on things in your living room, when you head outside - you should be able to pre-focus on your subject by the time you've brought the camera up to your eye to take the photo. Or even just shoot from the hip which can save even more time.
If your eyesight isn't great then the Q may be a better option, it's not as 'pure' but I've heard it can be easier to shoot with if your eyes need the help. Or get the Visioflex for the M bodies.
I got a Leica m11 for Christmas and it only took me about 20 minutes of fiddling to be able start getting used to it. It'll take a while before I'm as comfortable with it as my old camera but it's not as alien as it seems when you don't have one in your hands
Leica cameras are amazing, I had a M6 when still doing film and loved it, but the current Leica digital cameras are priced as luxury items… It just becomes too impractical, especially when looking at mirror less camera offerings from Fuji.
Fuji color is poor
Why Leica...
Less is more.
Slows you down (many non-Leica users don't get this one)
Just love your "review" or, to be accurate, tips on optimising the Leicas to one's personal style.
Thanks for this video; very useful to Leica newbies or non-newbies who've laid off shooting those Leicas for a while like me.
My pleasure , thanks for taking the time to comment.
Simplicity is really the most difficult step to do and to embrace, that´s why the vast majority doesn´t get it... and it is in every player of this industry, from brands to the end user.
I agree, it took me a decade to get it Nuno.
I use and beat up my Leica Q for everything, portraits, food, cars, architecture, drinks, watches. The leica system is something you appreciate when you own it, I didn't really get it until I got my Q. The lenses have a special character that it's impossible to reproduce.
Thanks for your video. I always like your enthusiasm about Leica and especially about the M10-d. I share the same thought and own the same camera ;) I love it for the exact same reasons you mention. BTW I saw you have an Elmar 135. How does that work out for you? Doable with the rangefinder? Or do you need a a visoflex for proper focussing? Your shots looked great on YT with it :) Keep the videos coming! :)
Same reasons I like my Fujifilm X-pro3. It is enough, could last a lifetime and the rest is my art. I don't think that would change buying an $8K camera body, which is ridiculous for most normal humans.
Definitely get it, had a Q2 but sold it and I got a SL2s probably in Leica style is complex, but once fiddled and set up. And with using the manual 35mm 1.4 voigtlander which stays on it, and is well sold the Q2 as like 35mm lens loads more.
Its mega, Super solid.
Nice one go steady
Those SL2’s also feel great in the hand Sam. I loaned one from Leica Vietnam for a story and I really enjoyed using but ultimately I went w two M10s to stay fluid.
A like from Vietnam. I don't have any Leica and never used this brand before, maybe I will try it in the future.
Go to a Leica store and just hold one in your hand :).
@@AskMOTT wish I can run fast enough
Cool. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watch Rupert.
I'm loving Justin's humility and modesty at 17:45min when he remarks rather aptly - 'So you pick up the latest Sony, Canon, Leica' and it won't make you a better photographer.
Big difference though Justin. Dead right. But if you're a shyte photographer, the Leica will 'expose' that deficiency unlike any of the others that have 'Auto'. No skill, no Leica.
Just being honest because you seem to forget that many have no idea when given the task of manually exposing their own ISO, Shutter speed and Aperture exposure.
Hello Jeannine, thanks for watching and for your comments. I do actually forget that sometimes, often I'll do workshops and people have no idea how to use manual. Or I teach people and they want me to cover the basics in like 1 hour and I'm like, I went to college for this, it takes time. I should do a vlog about why learning the essential is essential , title needs to be workshopped.
Good video. Thanks
Thank you Richard, it's an old video so I'd like to think my production quality is better now and my flow is a little better but all the things I said I still feel for sure. Thanks for watching.
I totally get the whole concept, but never really put into words like you did. I shoot a M10P and M9M, with 50 Summicron, 75 Summarit and 90 Summacron (I tend to shoot more normal to mid tele with 50 being my go to focal length). I also shoot with a Olympus EM1X with al the bells and whistles but hardly ever use any of the advanced features and often hate the quality of the M43 image compare to the full Frame M10P or M9M image. Most of my shooting is environmental boudoir portraiture, art nude and indoor boudoir, all using natural light. The simplicity and absolute reliability of the system is why I love it. I just hate the cost of glass lol, which is why I use Chinese lenses as well.
I didn’t put into words for many years because people get so hostile when you talk about Leica, never knew it was such a polarizing system until i started talking about it :). Thanks for watching Paul, I hear you about the glass, I try to justify it as a once in a lifetime purchase.
@@AskMOTT the glass I have are fantastic, although, I would like some sumilux's lol. If I had two lengths, it would be 50 and 75 (despite being so close). My next big lens purchase will probably be the 75 summicron to replace the 75 summarit. The Chinese glass is good for working out what focal length is used a lot, and I have the TTArtiasan 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f0.95 and a 7Artisan 75mm f1.25. Most used non leica lens is a beat up old Canon 50mm f1.4 v1 from 1957 and pretty well lives on my M9 Monochrom. I have a Wottencraft paratrooper but it's too small for my cameras so it's a gopro bag now. I can fit two bodies and three lenses (separate) in a Rock and Roll leather bag and it's way compact (but heavy when full).
I hear you about forcing simplicity to make you better. I cut my teeth on a Contax RTS3 and AX and CZ manual lenses - Kodachromes, ASA 25 / 64. Made my work excellent. Then digital came in. I got a Canon 5D2 and i had the habits of good photography still in me. But the thing is, it becomes too easy. I don't have to think and I get sloppy, no longer costs me $1 a slide. But the Canon had flaws especially in low light - anything above 640, forget it. Video was revolutionary under ISO 640, sound was mehhh. To get really good video, I bought as Sony FS100 and it was dedicated to video and the results were pretty darned good - as long as I have good glass - it means everything on that camera..
Then I got a Sony A7iii. A game changer. Astonishingly good. 24 mpx, same as Leica and Canon (21). Video is cinema quality and 120fps. audio is really good, but a dedicated Sound Devices MixPre6 takes it to professional level. The still shots are spectacular - why? Glass!
Here's the thing, I have to force myself to slow down. I don't need a Leica to do that. Hell, I can go back to Contax / film to perk up my techniques. The reality, is the photographer and discipline. Carry a tri-pod. THAT will force you slow down and think. Would I go back to Canon 5D2? Nope. because Sony is way way ahead in every way. Can it compare to a Leica? I bet it does equal to or better, honestly - because I have great glass, vintage CZ lenses from the Contax N series as well as my CZ lenses. Glass is everything. The N series is no comparison. The Sony offers so much - don't have to use all the features, but Leica /Sony direct comparison, at the end of the day, I bet you will not be able to tell the difference. But I have lots of extras should I want them all at 1/4 the cost. And I hear the Sony A7iv is even better! Or the A7Siii or the A1 the flagship. Leica just does not have the same feature set.
Would I spend 4x the money for Leica? Hell no. To get great shots, means I have to have mental discipline to slow down and work the shot. That is not a function of camera. It is a function of shooter.
My thoughts.