5 Years of shooting Leica (Q/M10/M6/M7)

It's been 5 years since I picked up my very first Leica Camera. Ever since I fell in love with the system. In this video, I talk about my very own experiences shooting the Q- & M-system, why I love shooting Leicas and what I don't like about the cameras.
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[@enzovoortsribeiro]

We are all on the same boat! I have shot years with Canon DSLR’s and was really done with it due to the size and weight. So in 2017 I switched to Sony and was happy again. But in 2020 I was not happy anymore. I shifted to shooting analog on several camera’s and sold all my digital gear for a original Leica Q in early 2021. Until now this was my best decision ever!! Its the most fun and easy camera to take with me and thats it all about. Have fun again and shoot more! My next goal is to have a M7, that’s my analog dream. 😊

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

makes me very happy to read that we kind of share this journey. the m7 is such a dream camera, fingers crossed you'll hold one in your hand very soon

[@alainmonnens]

Great to see that Stromae has fans in Germany too. Creative greetings from Belgium

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

I became such a fan!! what an artist. greetings back :)

[@juhaimmonen]

How did you 'solve' the focus issue with fluid shooting style? I've shot models 10+ yrs with a lot of motion both on subject and myself, using SLRs and constantly focusing manually while moving, as it's what you see is what you get - it allows one to fully focus on the moment. Key reason why I'm still not on m system is the 'focus and recompose' requirement - any tips?

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

I have to say the M system is the most convenient to shoot with manual focus it is very fluid and intuitive especially if you shoot it with zone focusing. I’m pretty sure other camera systems especially SLR’s won’t work as easy as M system for manual focusing :)

[@minhzek]

So ein unfassbar gutes Video. Danke für deine Arbeit und deine Kunst. Nur Liebe!

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

ich danke dir!! :)

[@vincepetitjean]

would love to hear why you went from m10 to m6/7. What about film drew you to them from the m10

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

simply put: imperfection and that if forced me to slow down :)

[@eric.onthego]

I'm torn between the M6 and M7 and coming from the Nikon F3, I love the Aperture Priority (Auto) function. I know you sold your M6. Did you keep the M7 because you like it more than the M6? Eager to hear your thoughts between these 2. Thanks! and subbed!

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Hey man, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I made a very recent video about the M6 and the M7! Feel free to watch. I’ve basically upgraded for the M1, especially because of the Shutter Speed Automation. But I’m still selling the M7 because I don’t use it anymore :)

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for sharing your 5-year experience with Leica. The M1 that I used on a microscope in college was my first Leica. I was so impressed with its durability and construction that years after I graduated, I purchased an M6. In addition to the M6, I have owned and used the following rangefinders: Contax G1 35mm Canon Canonet QL17 G-III 35mm Minolta Hi-Matic 9 35mm Argus C-3 35mm Fuji GW670iii medium format Fuji GSW690iii medium format However, the M6 was my personal favorite rangefinder. I loved it so much that I patiently waited for Leica to produce a digital version. The M10 was the first digital version that I liked. However, the first M10 that I purchased in 2017 was so defective that Leica gave me a full refunded for it. My second M10 spent more time in the repair shop than I spent shooting it. It is very unlikely that I will ever purchase another Leica digital.

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Thanks for your feedback

[@gregmiller98]

Do you recommend the Q in 2024? Or now the Q2 is the better sweet spot value for money?

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

i always loved the q1 more than the q2. and its still super valuable in 2024

[@gregmiller98]

@@TobiasHolzweiler why is that? I am curious.

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

@@gregmiller98 the images look too digital due to the 48mp and I don't like the handling of the camera itself. it's just different from the Q1 that I'm used to

[@aljoschawolff4069]

Dude... ich komm aus Bergheim, gleich um die Ecke. Mega Qualität auf dem Kanal. Bleib dran! Die Views werden folgen... bislang krass underrated für die Qualität!! Weiter so!!

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

vielen dank!! :)

[@tobatus]

126er😊

[@emmanueltsI5]

It’s a wonderful camera. Overpriced perhaps but cannot find anything similar out there. Colour-wise, no idea as I shoot bw film only :) Good video! Thx!

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

you're welcome! i think you can tell from the contrast and the sharpness even in b&w that leica lenses are very good. but other manufacturers also make great lenses for sure

[@alucard19]

would you recommend the m10 for 2023?

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

absolutely. But I'd go for the m11 since it has some lovely features that are more 2023 adequate (faster, higher resolution, etc.). still the m10 is a great cam

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

That was interesting. Thank you. I'm wondering how you justify shooting film. I have a Leica M-A (film) and a Leica M10-R (digital), and it's my feeling that my M10-R will shoot rings around my M-A.

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

It has a lot to do with what process I’m looking for. I live analog for being so slow, but obviously you can’t edit it too much. Sometimes I feel like really wanting to edit my photos, then I’d pick my digital one :)

[@AdrianNiveau]

Hast du mal Erfahrungen mit der SL oder SL2(s) gemacht?

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

habe nur mal einen tag mit der SL fotografiert, wirklich viel Erfahrung habe ich damit also leider nicht

[@paulsehstedt6275]

Ich besitze seit Jahren eine Q, aber benutze sie sehr selten. Irgendwie ist der Funke der Begeisterung, den Du hier zum Ausdruck bringst, bei mir nicht herübergesprungen. Sie ist zwar immer dabei, aber hauptsächlich benutze ich meine MP240 oder M240. Liegt wahrscheinlich daran, dass ich zu lange nur mit 50, 24 und 90 herumgeschossen habe. Nach 30 Jahren Dunkelkammer ist die Digikamera eine wahre Erleichterung. Aber prima, dass Du Deine Gedanken und Erfahrungen mit uns teilst. Mach weiter so.

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Vielen Dank für deine Nachricht!! Ich kann's mir nur vorstellen, wie die Zeit ohne Digitalkameras war. Ich, als jemand der jetzt 3 Jahre analog fotografiert, stelle immer wieder fest, dass ich für manche Vorhaben lieber zur Digitalen greife, aber eben auch manchmal zur Analogen. Dabei geht es oft nicht darum was die Kamera kann, sondern was ich fotografieren will. Wenn ich z.B. an einem Langzeit Projekt arbeiten will, nehme ich gerne die Analoge, weil ich mir dann automatisch die Zeit nehmen muss, mich intensiver mit den Bildern zu beschäftigen :)

[@tobatus]

Fujifilm expirience?

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

don’t have any besides the 100t but that’s 5 years ago

[@SourPlanet]

I really like that you specifically point out how the camera allows you to let imperfections slide. I feel like with these "best" cameras from Sony and what not... when people miss shots, they blame themselves. The camera could have got it, because it can get ANYTHING. Where-as with a Q 116... it clearly cannot perform at that level. It's not even intended to. So what happens is we give ourselves permission to slip. And anyone who makes art knows that the best work often happens when you slip, when you catch yourself, when you mess up, etc. The veritable "happy accident," you know? Everyone should give themselves permission to have these moments. I feel like Leica is always cited as the "slows me down and gives intention" camera... but that's any camera. There's more to learn from inspecting why one needs gear to do that when it's simply a meditative choice. I think your take of "it allows me space to adapt" is way better. Either way. I found an original Q for $1795 and I'm over the moon. How can you not buy it at that price? Can't wait to jaunt around NYC it. Thanks for the random inspirado. Love that red tinted train shot especially.

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Hey man, I’m loving your comment, you’re so damn right about it. I always tend to make things very complicated when it comes to gear. But in fact it’s very simple. Thanks for reminding me!!

[@devroombagchus7460]

Thank you! I would never consider the Q, because of the fixed lens. I often use a 28mm. But with cropping, you still get the wide angle perspective. The M7 is also not an alternative. Based on my experience, electronics and Leica don’t mix. Too many problems. I am happy with my MP, a kind of old M6 with a better viewfinder. With 24 to 35mm and f5,6 to f11, zone focusing is easy and reliable. Especially with the tab the lens focus ring to make quick corrections. My major problem with my camera is the old fashioned shutter. Only up to 1/1000. With modern fast films and avoiding f16 or f22 for diffraction, an ND filter is necessary. Also the flash synch of 1/50 belongs to an earlier era. I can understand the problem with close up. On my travels, I always bring the 75 or 90mm. This helps a lot. But don’t forget that if you want a camera that can capture the entire Kölner Dom and details higher up as well, a range finder is not for you.

[@FacesOfLA]

What are you talking about? The M7 is way better than the MP. The M7 is going to be legendary in the long run. watch!

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Thanks for your feedback 🙏🏻

[@Narsuitus]

"...if you want a camera that can capture the entire Kölner Dom and details higher up as well, a range finder is not for you." ---devroombagchus7460 Out of curiosity, what would you use to photograph the Kölner Dom? My first choice would be a drone. My second choice would be my Fuji 6x9cm medium format camera with a 65mm wide-angle lens. Preferably shot from a helecopter. My third choice would be my 4x5 inch large format view camera shot from ground level. However, I would use the rising front standard for perspective control. If forced to use my Leica M6 or M10 rangefinder, I would use a Nikon F to Leica M adaptor to mount my Nikkor 28mm f/4 perspective control lens.

[@paulfeldem]

Sehr schönes Video, gute Insight :)

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

danke :)

[@TheVFXbyArt]

Luv your gram!😊

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Thanks 🤝☺️

[@lievencorthouts]

Cool! Stromae

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Love his music

[@jasongold6751]

Overpriced and under developed! A Canon/Nikon have better color, better QC, better after sales service. One can buy models that ordinary folks can pay off! I have Leica-M but professionaly it was Nikon-F, Pentax Spotmatic and Canon A series. A viewfinder, in this day and age, a joke! You wanna see nice, get a DSLR, SLR or Mirrorless. Anti-shake. The Leica SL are huge. lenses enormous. Who Fluffing needs all these Mp? For images on Facebook? My phone does better. Way better.

[@TobiasHolzweiler]

Hey Jason, thanks for your message. I agree, Nikon and Canon both have amazing cameras. I think it all comes down to what makes the most fun to you and how much you wanna be spending. How good the photographs are in the end totally depends on the photographer