Leica cameras and lenses are rather polarizing, with some seeing them as overpriced niche items that do not do anything special and some absolutely swearing by both the experience and images they offer. So, are they worth the price? This great video essay discusses the topic and why one photographer thinks they are worth their premium cost.
Coming to you from Justin Mott, this interesting video discusses using Leica cameras and lenses and if they are worth their very high costs. There is probably no brand as polarizing as Leica. Personally, I admire the company's tenacity in sticking to their design philosophies, and they maintain a very loyal following. While the rangefinder experience is not for me, I always really enjoy images shot with Leicas, and I find the renderings from their lenses particularly memorable. One of my photography dreams is to get a Leica lens to adapt to my Canon cameras. I have seen them adapted on Sony cameras, and it seems they maintain a lot of their unique character even when used on different brands' cameras. Nonetheless, some photographers swear by the complete Leica experience, camera and lenses. Check out the video above for Mott's full thoughts.
I know diehard Nikon professional shooters who most definitely could afford red dot, still restricting themselves from doing so, despite obvious affinity... It is easy to see Leica as a hedonistic indulgence and critique it for that is for sure, but still it has its merits.
My Leica's are taped up, scratched up, so no bling here. I work alone and have no one to show it off to and since I shoot wildlife, albeit wildlife photojournalism, typically people are completely unimpressed because I lack long lenses and huge cameras, which is all fine by me. I understand people's skepticism and the pretentious affiliation that goes with Leica. Believe it or not, is fine by me, but the system does work for me. I understand it doesn't work for everyone. It's evident in my work for the past several years on my personal project. My editors have been happier than ever with my work and most importantly my work has had the most impact it's ever had in my career. People have been engaged with my stories, I'm getting better moments, I'm shooting longer days, and I'm having more fun doing so, that's all I can ask for and that's why I made this episode. It wasn't easy for me to afford a Leica system on editorial day rates, but I worked hard doing endless commercial jobs to afford it and I'm still happy I did so.
To each their own...I also have an M9 and M10 with 9 vintage and modern Leica lenses for the sole reason that I like them...no excuses or justifications needed, but I also have a Sony A7RII with lenses to support that system as well as a Canon M50 with a host of lenses supporting that system. Each has its place in my scheme of things. In the end, each of us has a choice where we spend and in what we spend our hard-earned dollars on...or VND where I live...coincidentally, Justin lives in the north and I live in the south of Vietnam.
People get so upset about Leica Scott, it's kind of humorous to me. See you up North some time for a Leica face-off or just a coffee :).
Thank you for sharing my episode, much appreciated. I'm sure the negative comments will be flowing but I'm ready :).
Leica was never known for making cameras the way they are know for making lenses, which is why the whole buy the Leica body and us voltrox lenses threw me. With computer technology and the ability to build lens that would put all lens 20 years ago to shame I think Leica is a brand first then a product, but dropping you shoot Leica does help for social media klout on art twitter
I think a lot of people are missing the point. Shoot with whatever system you prefer. Why shoot Canon when you could shoot Nikon for that wonderful sensor? Why shoot Nikon when Canon make wonderful F1.2 lenses? Why not shoot Sony which is the best AF camera, but then there is Fuji which is smaller and lighter. If you need 'better quality' images then maybe medium format is where you should be at.
I shoot Leica professionally as well. For me, I love the fact he aperture ring is on the lens and the shutter speed dial is on top of the body.
However, is Leica the ‘best camera in the world’? Well, without even getting into what does ‘best camera in the world’ really mean I can already say the answer is NO. In every area there is a camera system that is better. But for me, I enjoy using my Leica and if I am shooting all day with a camera, I want to enjoy shooting with that camera. That is all the justification I need.
That wobbly desk is terrifying. 😬
In the days of film, I've had many different cameras and lenses that must have costed me a fortune until I ended up with a pre-owned Leica M6 and two lenses only. When moving to digital I sold my M6 in a moment of mental alienation, but got paid about the amount it had costed me at purchase. So essentially, the Leica had been my cheapest camera until then.
Nowadays I use Hasselblad and Nikon professionally, but for my personal work I've had a very similar detour past different brands. Always looking for better specs, faster AF, more lenses... Until again I ended up buying an M10 with a 35 and a 75.
I know it's not the 'best' camera (whatever that may be) and probably not the best value-for-money, but the feel of slowing down and focus on photography rather than gear and menu options is priceless to me. On top of that the Leica service here in Switzerland is fantastic (and Wetzlar is only a few hours away). So now that Leica is supported by Capture One for tethering, I'm even tempted to switch to the SL2 professionally, replacing my beloved Nikon.
For people more obsessed with gear than photography and for sports and wildlife photographers, Leica is a bad choice unless your goal is to go for bankruptcy. For those who see photography as a craft or art or those who want a cure for their GAS, I can whole-heartedly recommend it.
I was invited to a 4th of July party this weekend where the host, a friend and really nice guy, had spent $1,000 on fireworks. Everyone has their hobby, and who cares what people spend their money on.
I have a Leica M 240 and a couple of Summicron lenses that I love, and the whole thing cost me less than each of my neighbors spend on car payments every year for those big SUVs that they don't need. Photography nerds are so weird that they obsess over other peoples' gear all of the time.
Leica made their reputation in the analog era. Their analog cameras were totally worth the price (and still are) as they are very well built and can last a lifetime and beyond - many pass them down as heirlooms. Digital Leicas are a whole other story. I wouldn't spend $10K on a digital Leica knowing that it will be junk in 5 years. Buy Sony, cheaper and better. Spend your time trying to make a good photo and less worrying about showing off the red dot!
I do use such 5 and a half year old SL Typ601 every day for a half a year already and I love it.So in my oppinion it is not junk. I do understand I coulda had something more mainstreamish with better features for a bit less, but that is my choice and I am enjoying it.
Exactly my point. In the age of digital, every camera you buy in terms of specs will be obsolete in a few years. The only thing that lasts a bit longer is good glass. So, why not buy a camera that gives you joy when using it?
Whenever I go out on the street with my M10, I always get a connection with people. They'll recognize the rangefinder as something special and are curious about it. Doesn't have anything to do with Leica itself. My X-Pro1 and 2 had the same response. You get a connection and people are willing to pose and talk. My Z7II has the exact opposite effect on people. As soon as you point it, they dive away. Afraid of that "semi-pro peeping Tom" taking their picture. In that sense the Leica is all about spending more time trying to make a good photo...
PS. the really desirable Leicas are actually the ones without the red dot.
All most people really need is a used Canon 5D, or something similar. A new, top-end Leica, Canon, Nikon, Sony--whatever-- is just luxury item with bragging rights.
Fstoppers staff meeting: "We don't have any news or rumors to report. Let's do another Nikon is doomed or Leica is overpriced article".
Who cares! People want to buy Leica, let them. I drive a Honda because it is reliable and practical. I don't go around writing articles about people that buy the Acura version of my car. If they want to pay much more for a few extras to feel good about themselves, that is their decision.
We mostly just share pet pics during our staff meetings.
I can confirm this.
J.W. what, exactly, is the point of this comment? That you don't write useless articles just useless comments?
That's a highly personal choice. No, Leica cameras are not suitable for me; my primary interest is in macro photography of small arthropods and small wildflowers. Canon does the job for me, Nikon or Sony would probably suit me as well.
I have owned over 30 Leica cameras over the past four decades. They are beautiful cameras and the lenses are stunning. But with that said, the most important camera is knowledge of design and a large portion of creativity. Owning a Leica will not make you a master photographer. Only art skills will do that.
They're not worth it for what you get, but that's not why people buy Leicas.
In my opinion, the endless dialog about which camera system is best serves no purpose for anyone -- participants or observers. To engage reminds me of a great line from an old movie -- something about the futility of swinging at a pitch in the dirt.
Instead, if we must bring up the subject, we should be asking: What do you like about the camera system you use, or I have these requirements -- which camera system do you think would be good for me? Those are discussion starters that can lead to positive places.
Listen more than you talk. Read more than you write. We might learn something together.
Its down to the individual, what camera they use. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I don't use Leica but I don't begrudge anyone who does. If someone can afford and enjoys using a Leica, good for them.
I can easily understand, why he is trying to slow down his photography. I do the same, generally shooting from a tripod, until I am happy with my setup.
The lenses are worth it, seems no one even comes close. The crisp they deliver is divine. But it´s like art, it´s just worth it if you can afford it. A Fujinon or a Canon 1.2 can make you happy too, but without the divine intervention.
I´m in hell my self and can´t even afford a Ford right now. No Leica, no Porsche, no Cristal and seagull brained hookers, but I´m still really good.
A Q2 or a M10 with a Noctilux 1.0 (the old fckr) would be nice though...