Leica is arguably the most polarizing photography brand out there, though its users tend to be fiercely loyal to the brand, which is why it is always interesting to hear why when one leaves them for another system. This insightful video essay features a photographer discussing why he might leave Leica after four years with the brand and switch to Nikon.
Coming to you from Evan Ranft, this interesting video essay discusses why he may leave Leica for Nikon after four years with the system. No doubt, there are a lot of good things about Leica: they offer some truly stunning image quality, strong construction, and an experience like none other. On the other hand, they are very expensive, which is something worth considering if you are running a business and need to minimize expenses. In addition, because of the rangefinder mechanism, you will always be stuck to using a fairly narrow range of focal lengths, ruling them out for anyone who needs particularly long focal lengths. While they arguably offer the purest photography experience, there may be some better options out there for professionals who need certain features and capabilities. Check out the video above for Ranft's full thoughts on the matter.
Misleading title…. He said he’s thinking about it, hasn’t actually done it. Plus he use to shoot Nikon before trying Leica stuff.
Fair point!
Evan's own argument is as a photographer he loves Leica but as a videographer for generating content they come up short, fair enough. However to me that is the equivalent of criticizing a Porsche 911 because it's not great for hauling lumber supplies from Lowes. No one who makes YouTube videos thinks, "oh yeah Leica is the one for me.''
The SL2-S is actually a very good camera for video productions, but I guess there are others for a lot less.
I might switch to X...oh no, not yet...Guess what? I switched to Y. Look who's back using Z... These (semi-sponsored) videos are a complete waste of time. It made me unsubscribe Evan's YT channel.
Imagine if people talked about their actual photography, influences, techniques, what they've learned over the years instead of these endless videos discussing what equipment they are using, what they like about a certain brand, why they are switching brands, we might actually learn something.
Not sure why so many photographers are devoted to one brand. I shoot with both Fuji X cameras and my old Nikon D810 and could not be happier. I love Leicas, the history, and the look of the images, however their prices are just ridiculous. I have an old Leica M2 but rarely shoot film anymore.
Hey Evan, I had to sell my Leica at the start of Covid due to financial reasons, so if you would like to donate one, I'll be very happy to go back to Leica. Just loved my M240
Use whatever makes you happy. The extreme cost of Leica equipment immediately excludes most folks from ever considering the brand. The basic fast 50mm Leica lens coast 3X what comparable options do from Sony, Canon or Nikon. Is the Leica lens 3 times better? I cannot imagine how. Can you charge 3X as much to your clients because you shoot Leica? Not in my world. You can buy into a medium format system for less than Leica where there are demonstrable differences in image quality.
It's all a matter of how you define 'better'. Is a Mercedes E-class 3x better than a VW Golf? For some it is, for others it isn't.
I've made some 'priceless' street portraits with my M10-R that I couldn't have made with any other camera. Not because the IQ is so much better, but simply because I wouldn't have had such a great connection with the subject if I would have carried another camera. The M connects to people and captures their attention, after which they were very willing to pose for many minutes. I have first hand experience that 'regular' cameras are mostly considered annoying and an invasion to privacy...