Breaking Down my Leica Kit: What I Have, Had, and Why

[@Fleet42]

I love this Dave! I really want the M11 Monochrome. I got my 90 back today, remember I dropped it when we were shooting.

[@davidherring]

Yes! Glad you got it back. Let’s go shoot soon!

[@thegaragejournal6584]

Randomly came across this video... 90 summarit is absolutely one of the most undervalued Leica lenses... I love the thing for portrait work.

[@davidherring]

Totally! Love the 90.

[@ajterry15]

Finally just picked up a Q2 after years of looking. Great content as always..

[@davidherring]

Have fun with it!

[@torb-no]

I think it's great that you explain beyond just brand specifics (like what kind of lenses you want). That way it can also apply to photo gear in general. I shot on Fuji X-Pro3, but I found this video useful. Thanks for making it!

[@davidherring]

Awesome, glad to hear! Thanks for the comment.

[@Fjalll]

Some of the vintage offerings can be incredible performers without looking too vintage. Even some of the slower lenses has that pop. Great kit so far

[@davidherring]

For sure! Thanks for sharing!

[@dylantollefson]

Great kit. I literally just sold that voigtlander 35mm vintage and picked up a summilux fle. I loved the voigtlander and had no complaints but I dreamt of the lux for years

[@davidherring]

Yeah the lux is such a magical lens. Still trying to sell my 35 Voigtlander but no takers yet. Holding out on Facebook marketplace haha

[@davidherring]

@linjicakonikon7666 10% of everything, right off the top. 💪🏼

[@rexgigout1472]

It is good to see that you sorted-out your M10-R. I decided to remain with my original-version M10 and M Type 246 Monochrom cameras, with their 24MP sensors, for now, but it is obvious why you need more MP. If I want to shoot images with higher resolution, I can still opt for my DSLRs, especially a 47MP D850. (My wife and I share a decent selection of Nikon F-mount lenses, and she is the more-senior photographer, by far, so we are keeping our Nikon gear.)

[@davidherring]

The M10R has been perfect since that video haha. I love the idea of a monochrome but when I'm feeling the itch I just through some Ilford HP5 into my M6 and that helps!

[@nickballantyne]

After the last few years of refining I’ve settled on pretty much the exact same kit. I’m selling my Voigtlander 28 Ultron though because I definitely prefer shooting 28 on the Q2. So I’m settled into Q2 for 28mm and M10-R + 35 Lux, 50 Lux, and 90 Summarit. I enjoyed film but sold my M7 as well because I found the M10-R and Q2 a much better fit day to day. On a day to day basis I really enjoy going Q2 and then picking either the 50 or 90 to compliment it on my M. this gives me a good variety of shot types properly utilizing the two focal lengths without overthinking gear decisions in the moment. For me less is more when out shooting. Having 28,35,50, & 90 allows me to decide beforehand which single lens or which two lenses are the best fit for that particular shooting situation.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing! Pretty cool that we're shooting the same kit!

[@sc1]

Similar to my collection. 28/35/50 lux. But my longest lens is the 75 APO. I need to keep the Q3 to do the occasional video and macro video.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing! I sold my Q2 a few months ago. I kind of miss having a Q, but really love the M experience so I just push forward!

[@anthonymiller8979]

I agree with the wide, normal and tight setup. For wide I use either a 28mm or 35mm, my normal is a 50mm of course and tight I have 90mm and 135mm. If only going out with a single lens though it is usually a 35mm or 50mm.

[@davidherring]

Yeah! 35 and 50 are my one-and-done focal lengths too.

[@joseuribe430]

cool beans! I just bought a black Leica MP yesterday! I'm stoked. I normally shoot Nikon Fm2 or f4, so shooting with the Leica still feels awkward/foreign. But I'm sure in due time I'll become efficient. Heading to the west coast in the spring/summer and would be cool to meet up if you're up for it. Maybe a photowalk and coffee or a bourbon. Perhaps you can organize a group of fellow Leica shooters.

[@davidherring]

Hit me up when you’re out this way!

[@joseuribe430]

@@davidherring will do!

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Awesome kit Dave! Regarding selling your Q2 you can do a test run and lend it to a friend / family for one or two months. With the Q2 physically out of reach you'll find out, if you will regret / miss it, if it is not available :) I literally sold my complete Canon and Sony stuff and put all my money into the Q3 and until today I don't want to miss that little beauty. Perfect for family stuff. Only while recording YT videos I sometime miss the flip screen from other brands :') But since I only do personal stuff (nothing professional) the Q3 is enough for my needs, special with the upgraded video features. Lately I was very lucky on eBay and got a quite cheap M6 in good condition, but it needs service. I have to wait up to 2 months, but the deal was worth it :) Great video as always Dave and I envy your lenses :D

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, probably a good idea to give my Q2 for a friend for a bit before I sell it haha. I do worry I'll miss it. I'm just trying to lighten the load and a 28mm elmarit is much smaller than the Q2 in my bag!

[@LensForgotten]

Nice Kit Dave!! Not overloaded with too many toys. All your stuff has practical purpose.

[@davidherring]

Thanks! I try to keep it practical and not bloated.

[@sam.halljr]

Great breakdown, I have that same flash for the Q2! Currently only have the Voigtlander 35 for my M6, waiting for the right 35 summi KOB to come around....

[@davidherring]

I love the KOB! Hope to get my hands on one for my M6 one day!

[@jimgonyea]

I sold my Q2, just picked up an M10 and Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 nokton. Looking at adding either a 75mm or 90mm Voigtlander.

[@davidherring]

Any M > Q camera.

[@drwatsonismine]

Where did you get the black dot? I’m looking at similar set up. Thanks so much!

[@davidherring]

Amazon! I think the link is on one of the comments on this video.

[@Gj_frames]

Haven't tried the 90 2,5. But I bought the 90-C f4 just to try the focal lenght because it was really cheap! Sold it later and bought the Elmarit 2.8 Chrome version with built in hood and L.O.V.E it! the ccontrast, sharpness and overall rendering. A bit big, but for a 90mm it's still comapct and works great with my M10. The only thing is, I really wish my 50 summicron v5 rendered the contrast och colors like that 90 f2.8 does! :D

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DirectRegister]

Excellent video, thanks! I really agree with the idea of buying it once. These lenses could easily last my entire photographic career, so it’s worth investing. For me that meant selling my Voigtlander and getting the latest 35 ‘cron. But I do think we need to stop perpetuating the idea that people dislike the summarit lenses. That may have been the case once, but when I researched and bought a 35 summarit as the first lens for my M10, all the recent discussion seemed super positive. The lens worked great for me, and I sometimes think of switching my V5 50 ‘cron for the 50 summarit, which would add a focus tab and is reputedly sharper. As I think about expanding the kit, I’m considering an SL or SL2 as a second body for adapting M lenses. Might be helpful for the portrait and close-up applications you mentioned?

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing! I think Ken Rockwell put a bad taste in everyone’s mouth for the Summarit line early on (he trashed it) and people just regurgitated what he said. But I agree… it’s a fantastic lineup. I have a Sony system for modern or autofocus needs. May switch someday to the SL3 when it comes out and I can evaluate a major move like that!

[@ciscognz]

I bought that godox flash, and it shorted out after like the 3rd shot hahah. Sent the return immediately. Ended up with the LightPix Labs FlashQ Q20II that hasn't failed me at all and for $90 you can't beat it.

[@davidherring]

Nice! Mine has been working fine but for $60 I don’t expect it to last forever haha

[@ciscognz]

​@@davidherring same! this my second lightpix, first one I dropped it and it got ran over by a car hahahah

[@leafsfan71]

Dave - do an M6 review please! I am seriously considering getting a new one and would love to hear your perspective!

[@davidherring]

I will! Keep your eyes out.

[@jurrevandermeer4857]

Shooting mostly sony (amazing auto focus) and fuji (reasonable auto focus) but have been looking more and more into Leica lately, in part because of your amazing videos! It's so interesting to hear that you now prefer manual focus over auto focus! How long did it take you to get comfortable with it, and would you say getting a Q3 and switching between manual and auto on that could be a gateway into the M series? The latter is just such a financial leap that I can't decide whether I want to take the plunge. Thanks :)

[@davidherring]

I would compare the Q3 in manual to a Sony in manual. It's just not the same. Using an EVF with manual isn't really what I enjoy...it's the rangefinder experience. The Q series will give you an intro to the Leica look, but the real look and experience comes from the M and M lenses. Most people say a Q will lead to an M, anyway haha.

[@agrnbrg]

What kind of stickers do you use? Gaffer tape?

[@davidherring]

Just these 12mm stickers: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FJJ3XM6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@agrnbrg]

Thank you. I want to keep the Q3 a little ambiguous when I'm walking around. My Z9 is way too conspicuous for street photography mostly.

[@drwatsonismine]

Deciding between M 11 and M10R. Would appreciate your view.

[@davidherring]

I’ll do this video next! Look for it next week.

[@drwatsonismine]

@@davidherring great!

[@xiiiconcepts]

Ever consider using macro mode on Q2 rather than upgrade 50 summilux close focus for your product photography?

[@xiiiconcepts]

I’m currently using Q2 monochrome and SL2s paired w 50 lux m adapted, mainly for b&w street photography and portraits. Passed on m11 because of EVF on SL2s was so satisfying to manual focus the lux as well as they both use same batteries and are low light beast. I predict if you sell the Q2 you’ll upgrade to the next SL camera coming out and pair it with an adapter for your m lens. Then the Sony gear will be expendable.

[@davidherring]

I tried the macro on the Q2 but it's no where near "marco" enough to fill the frame. With cropping I can get 2x closer with the 50 and close focus than I can in Q2 macro. And I'm watching for the SL3....maybe haha.

[@davecooper6173]

Great video. I had not even looked at that 90mm and now I'm thinking that may be my next lens. I've had the older Summicron and it was great, but bigger, heavier, and at 90mm, you don't really need/want to shoot at 2.0. Quick question on the images in the video. Are they all film or a mix of film and digital? I love how non-digital they all look. How are you post-processing the digital work?

[@davidherring]

Hey Dave, thanks for the comment. The photos on the video were a mix of film and digital, but more digital than film. I use a look that I have created and sell on verygoodpresets.com if you want to check it out!

[@davecooper6173]

@@davidherring very cool, thanks for the reply. Are both presets there yours? I've purchased so many "Portra" presets but like you mention in your video, none ever look right upon applying them. I'll try yours out-thank you again.

[@davidherring]

@@davecooper6173 yep! That’s my site! I got tired of buying Portra presets too, so I used over 100 of my film shots to make the pack on VGP. Hope it works out for you!

[@caffeinatedcameras]

That's an enviable kit!

[@davidherring]

Thanks!

[@leonarddumas3427]

why the black dot on the red dot?

[@davidherring]

Less noticeable

[@leonarddumas3427]

@@davidherring where do you get them?

[@davidherring]

Amazon! www.amazon.com/dp/B08FJJ3XM6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@carlosestrada8756]

You’ll regret selling your Q2. I sold and bought it twice. I have an M10-R and love manual focusing, but the Q2 comes in handy when traveling with the family.

[@davidherring]

That’s the biggest reason I haven’t sold it yet. I keep feeling like I’ll regret it!

[@nickballantyne]

Same. I have bought and sold a Q 3 times now because I kept trying to convince myself to simplify to focus more on my M. Every time I regretted it because there are so many practical benefits the Q offers. I find my 28 shots are significantly better and have more life to them when I shoot them with a Q2 - AF, Live exposure preview, tap to capture from the back LCD, setting EVF to monochrome, IBIS, and weather sealing are all things that have me routinely pick the Q2 for shooting 28 over using my M10r + 28 Ultron.

[@ErikObjectenco]

Nice hat

[@davidherring]

Thanks!

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

Leica digital bodies are ridiculously overpriced. I've only bought the lenses but never the modern bodies. Maybe when the prices go down I would, but I just hate paying so much for transistors and silicon.

[@davidherring]

I ran some test with Leica lenses on my Sony and unfortunately found that while the lenses are beautiful, you need that Leica sensor for the look. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ListenHereOldMan]

@@davidherring oh heyyyyy, i was just gonna ask you about that, can you post some examples? the YT compression might crush out a lotta the differences but you could link to higher quality somewhere... bc man, that would be a vid I haven't seen anywhere, and one I feel like could do really good numbers. You mentioned possibly doing a vid about the 'Leica look,' which is a great idea, and comparing the lenses adapted to native, and then maybe against comparable Sony lenses (or w/e brand) seems like a great way to demonstrate it. just an idea!

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

@@davidherring Ok I'll stop by my local Leica store to try it again, but I remember years ago I tried it and I didn't see a noticeable difference. Maybe things changed after 10 years.

[@MGraslund]

@@davidherring​​⁠”The Leica sensor-look” from your camera is actually a Panasonic-look simply based on that it’s using a Panasonic sensor from their first gen. mirror less camera. There’s nothing pic-technical to your M10-R that you can’t replicate in the very same sensor based Panasonic camera. They might differ a bit in Color profile and processor handling speed, but that’s it. If you wanna compare a Leica-look to a Sony you need the M11 up against the A7RV, as they both are using the same sensor. The Sony still uses a thicker glas in front of the sensor which makes the Leica lenses perform a bit worse without a sensor mod, especially on the wider focal scale, but that’s it. Of course; You need to be using the same lens on both of the cameras. The Leica-look was a thing with the earlier cameras, M8/M9 and perhaps even the M240/M260. As a working tool though, their totally different. Cheers

[@johnsharaf6736]

What? No SL's? No Monos? You're only half way there. LOL

[@davidherring]

Haha I technically have a mono when I out BW film in my M6! And maybe one day I’ll sell off my Sony kit and move over to an SL system, but that’s not today 😂

[@---us7qf]

​@@davidherringmuahahahahaha! Perhaps you'll have to sell a kidney too, just to afford those SL lenses. Phwoar! They are expensive!

[@theinnerdreamer7043]

Just adapt your m mount lenses, boom SL…

[@sithbk0075]

Wait for SL3, my gut feeling is that it’s coming late this year or early next year.

[@rumporridge1]

@@sithbk0075it’s in the wild now for beta testing.

[@oshanefa]

cool vid . only wish that you've shot close ups of gear so than it would be less of talking head and more a video . its funny to see somebody's metamorphosis than one once went through himself ( talking about Sony to L conversion) . other than that all good . later @georges_angeles

[@davidherring]

Figured it’s easy to find gear close ups all over KZbin and other places. Hard to see my face anywhere else 😂