Sold Everything for Leica

#leica #leicacamera #streetphotography
Around a year ago, I sold all of my gear to make my Leica dream come true.
You can find more of my work here:
Instagram: @ivunchow
Twitter: @ivunchow
Website: www.ivunchow.com
Help me make more of these videos: www.buymeacoffee.com/ivunchow
PRINTS of my photos are now available for a limited time only. Check them out at www.ivunchow.com/prints
Gear used for this video:
Leica SL2-s w/ Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO
Panasonic GH5 w/ Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH

[@aperturebro9029]

LMAO look at this guy. can't stand him. you can get the same results with a much cheaper camera.

[@AlexOnStreets]

Is this real life?

[@Peter-df1br]

You're such a troll!

[@0zymanndias773]

Lmao homie big mad what another dude does with his paper

[@ricknicholson5894]

@@0zymanndias773 What does this mean translated into english.

[@Peter-df1br]

@@0zymanndias773 What are you talking about?

[@FaizalWestcott]

Some of the best filmmaking I’ve ever seen on KZbin 👏👏

[@ivunchow]

🙏🏻😌 thanks man!

[@matangox]

It's really a well made video. It's pretty much a movie, because it has a narrative/story. Very talented guy. You should also watch GXAce KZbin channel. Maybe not as good a storyteller as Ivan, but visually the guy could easily be the DOP of an award winning movie. Both guys are really talented.

[@marvoski547]

Agreed, was really engaging and loved the black and white.

[@joe_tographer]

Seriously though, the visuals in this video are incredible, your best yet. Fantastically made and so easy to watch. Really great video

[@ivunchow]

Thanks man 👊🏻

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Oh man you hit all the right points how it feels to own and use expensive Leica cameras... Knowing you probably never have the latest and gratest or not being able to use native glass is a very annoying feeling that is hard to ignore. The clip of Jason unwrapping the M11 haha. I felt that. I thought Leica would cure my GAS but it made it worse because I started to look at what I could get if I sell my Leica gear. And now I own nothing from Leica anymore and it honestly feels like I left an abusive relationship lol. Like a girlfriend who makes you buy expensive shit for her but you get very little in return 😂 I remember that I felt a huge relief when I sold my Q2 to a guy at a parking lot and I didn't have to think about my expensive camera anymore and that I have to worry what happens when it breaks. Of course I bought another camera eventually but I still have money left and it sits in my savings account now for times when I needed. But thats just my story. Enjoy your cameras and don't overthink them! You will know when something needs to change :) And keep making these killer videos🙌

[@ivunchow]

I feel like we’re on a very similar path when it comes to camera choices. Maybe cause I’m always watching your videos 😂 so…maybe a year later, I’ll be where you’re at. Healing from an abusive relationship.

[@nunosantos8784]

@@ivunchow I was watching this great video, and I remember the story from Samuel with Leica. At the end we choose the excuses to explain (to ourselves) our decisions. If we are using a camera and thinking when it will break, like Samuel said, something is wrong, but is not the camera. Based on that, we will never buy an "expensive" gear, or anything for that matter, with the afraid that if it breaks, probably will be expensive to fix it. In the last 25 years, I used more than 20 cameras within 5 systems, plus around 30 lenses all together, and only had one issue with a Canon lens, my fault, I dropped it. Paid almost 1000€ to fix a lens that cost me 2000€. Yeap, was that expensive.. and for a Canon lens. But you know, In those 20 cameras, none of them gave me more pleasure than using a M camera, Is not about the results, it´s about the experience, it´s about the will more and more to go out and shoot, just to look at the camera... and that never happened before. At the end, after spending more than 50K in Canon gear, plus around 40K in other systems, I realize that Leica is not that expensive, because today I realize that I don´t need so many lenses, I don´t need so many cameras... and I love much more the art of photography than ever before.. Leica M pushed me to be a better photographer ...and you don´t need to get the latest and greatest to have the same feeling of shooting a Leica. I have a Leica M-P (typ240) that cost me 3K, brand new. Is not cheap, but not that expensive. At the end, is all personal opinions, none is better than other. ...and congrats for the content, great approach, sincere and humble. Keep doing.

[@EDHBlvd]

You’ll be back.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

@@Leicam10 If they are so comparable then why should a (working) photographer for example spend 9000$ for a Leica M11 if he/she can get a Nikon Z9 for 2000$ less? From a business point it doesn't make sense to invest in Leica as a system. Photographers who buy Leicas do it for the user experience and the Lifestyle it comes with. And nothing wrong with that and I will never say Leica cameras are bad. They are great tools that will last you a long time. But in actual use in the field they have limitations that feel unnecessary in todays age (again its all my personal opinion). I get to my destination faster with other brands. I appreciate the simplicity but sometimes too much simplicity can also get in the way. It is not hard to ignore the countless features of a camera and only focus on what you need. I rather have too much that I can neglect if I don't need it than encounter a needless limitation that ruins the shooting experience or worse hinders me in getting the desired result. The high price tag is only justified because of their exclusivity as the only brand who offers true rangefinder cameras. Great Craftsmanship should have it's price. yes. But at the moment it feels as if Leica knows that they can keep raising their prices as long as they are in this unique position. And to me (and many other photographers who could afford a Leica) it starts to feel as if they don't care about photographers but rather the luxury brand oriented customer. I doubt that the legendary photographers who they pride themselves with would still use Leica cameras today. They didn't buy Leica M's at that time because they thought they are sexy or cool. They were the smallest 35mm cameras around and that helped them take more intimate photos. Anyways, use whatever camera you choose to use and that is all that matters :) For me Leica is not on my Radar anymore and I can live with that. And I would have never know unless I tried the Leica system and make my own experiences with them.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

@@nunosantos8784 Yes all good points and totally valid! :) If I know I am going to use a camera until it breaks and commit to it because I feel I made the right choice then I don't think about the price anymore. But it is all realtive. I think it makes a difference if you carry a 15000$ camera around your neck or a 1000$ camera :) Especially if use it for something like Street Photography where all kinds of things can happen to you or your gear.

[@StuartWeir]

I think it comes down to picking a piece of equipment and sticking with it. Ray Barbee is probably my biggest inspiration for this: he’s shot his Leica M6 and 35mm Summicron for more than 20 years, nothing else at all really. His goal was 1 camera 1 lens 1 film stock 1 paper (to print his work on). We lose sight of what photography is actually about when we only think about the gear, and that’s what becomes so costly. I say this as someone who did something similar, Ivan, except I sold all my Fuji gear (minus the X-E4) to fund a Leica MP (film) purchase. I have a backup film camera if something happens to the Leica, but other than that, I’m doing what Ray does: 1 camera, 1 lens. If I use that same kit for the next decade (easily possible), the cost will be about $75/month. That’s still not cheap, but it means that I’ll have focused my efforts on the actual point of owning the camera: to make photographs. Anyway, thanks for sharing. Such a wonderful video, and hit the nail on the head. I hope you feel at rest with what you have, so you can simply enjoy the picture making process.

[@wubbadubnub]

Great advice, but it is important to point out that you do not need a Leica to do this, and it can be done with any camera. In general it is important to enjoy the gear you are using, otherwise photography won't be as fun.

[@diogoferreira9039]

This one of the most wonderful and honest reviews on photography gear I've heard... Nothing compares to the fun one has... I'm not a Leica fan in anyway, what drives my interest is the experience of being out there in the nature, experimenting with gear and light and the results I get, so at the moment I'm pretty much in control of my expenses, but believe me I completely get it, the importance is to be transported to that state of mind when photographing...

[@diplomac]

Love this video man. I switched from Fuji to Leica and went through all the thoughts and emotions you represent here. It is way too difficult to place a value on how a camera system makes you feel. And I agree, limited my choices, makes the process more enjoyable. The fact we had the option to make the switch means life does not suck.

[@rewris]

I thought canon's social media marketing of the mid 2000s was something but man... Leica's over the last four years has been something to behold. WOW.

[@True_Narcissist]

You style and tone give a feeling of genuine honesty which is very refreshing! You’re not someone who feels superior because you have a Leica but rather someone reached their goal.

[@rishabh.jangid]

This is such a refreshing take as opposed to the mundane camera reviews, there is never a story, not that there has to be, but that's what you brought to the table, thank you.

[@lassejangas7735]

Wow. I never write comments, this is my first, I just have to: This is by far the best video I`ve seen here about cameras or equipment - or perhaps about anything. So well made; the quality of filming, the sound, your way of talking, your voice, the honest opinions and the impressive reflections. Thank you.

[@ivunchow]

Thanks!

[@rodwhite6308]

Whatever you decide to do, don’t stop making videos. One of the best I’ve seen in a long time.

[@ivunchow]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ddaavvee2796]

I think the single most important thing in a camera is to love using it. Having that feeling when you pick it up. Second important is to be happy with your images. Nothing else matters. Simply nothing.

[@scs_one]

You are a real poet of photography. While many people discuss return on investment with the cheaper cameras, they value the result but not the process and miss the factor of joy in photography.

[@photographer7]

Great video, man! You really nailed the (mostly) universal feeling of wanting something out of our budget, getting it, and then realizing we could live without it.

[@zenonbillings9008]

awesome ethos !!! its all about excellence for the things that are important in our lives. I'm 77 years young and still striving to live by these statements.

[@ikakau]

I also got into the Leica ecosystem and I really do like it. I started with a used Q and have added a SL2. I have mostly 3rd party lenses, Sigma and Voightlander, and that makes the ecosystem more affordable to me. Did it make me a better photographer, maybe because I really enjoyed using the cameras, it is fun, therefore I shoot more so and in doing so I have gotten better photos. There are many who may not understand your decision, but the workflow with a Leica, the build quality and the photos are something that I really enjoy and thats the most important thing.

[@vincepetitjean]

I spent 4 hours trying to find this video, all I could recall was that it was great story telling. I am so thankful I finally found it again!

[@Archimbaud]

Well done! An eloquent explanation and exploration into why gear can matter. Not for the final result, as you stated in the film, amazing results can be had with a 10 dollar vintage thrift store find. And as a many year Leica shooter myself, I can attest to that yes, while your purchases in that gear category are often fewer, they are also longer lasting and more satisfying to use.

[@lsamoa]

Finding the right tool / system that works for you is such bliss. Happy for you!

[@charleswilson8023]

Ivan Great, Very Inspiring video. I did the same thing last year. I carry my fairly new Leica q2 with me everywhere. It fits me, It feel extreme satisfying to hold and to create photos with. I get a feeling in my chest every time I see it and shoot with it. I have a SL2S and all M mounted Voightlander lenses. I wouldn’t give them up. The feeling I get when I use these camera is a feeling I hunted for when I used Sony, Canon and Nikon. But for some reason I never did. No it doesn’t make since to sell everything and buy into Leica. But I want to give back to this world. Give back by supporting the goodness in this world.And when I found Leica, or Leica found me. I read the history, and watched videos about the company and the people that create these amazing creative tools. And I was sold. Leica as a brand is something I feel good about because of the DNA of the company. And most of all they create beautiful pieces of art every time they create a new camera. Thank you for sharing Ivan.

[@maxxmckinney3777]

Honestly, probably the best video on this topic I’ve seen. Thorough, personal, high production value. Glad KZbin recommended this to me

[@ivunchow]

Thanks!

[@mahdiali6732]

You can absolutely set the x100 series to use zone focusing. Easy work around.

[@seetkumar9797]

Wow! Great review/vid. Very brave move and you should be proud. You achieved your dream no matter what the cost (literally!) and that's more than most of us ever will. So, no matter whether you stick with the system or not, you'll always know you did it and have the memories. I applaud you.

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

Well Ivan, I can't say I envy the choice you made, but I do understand and feel the urge to rectify that which is missing from your photographic experience. In many ways this to, is a learning experience, it's the internal desire to make it count, to make your love of photography mean more than the sum of its parts. I wish you well, I wish you sincere happiness on this road you are about to travel over. It will be challenging, and at times awkward. It will feel elusive, and only becoming rewarding for you - that which you put into it.

[@PhreestyleNYC]

Man this was too good to watch. Not only that but it’s really relatable for anyone that’s ever gotten that crazy rush into wanting to purchase something. Sometimes it’s about the feeling itself to something can help make you feel better as an individual and that’s okay. I’ll say it again I really loved every second to this video. The storytelling to it all was great and my favorite part had to be the Jordan’s reference of a childhood memory a lot of us felt as kids once whether it was shoes or a new toy 🥲✌🏽

[@ivunchow]

Thanks! 💯 that’s all I wanted to say with this one

[@schueweTV]

I know what you are talking about. I own a Leica X Typ 113 and I love it. The picture quality is great, but what really matters to me is the feeling I have, when I shoot photos with it. I can't put it in words, but Leica is somehow different... a very special brand. Love it!

[@halz7]

This is one of the best presentations I’ve seen on KZbin. I agree with you 100%. It also translates to a lot of other things in life. Thanks.

[@byok.lighting]

Great, thoughtful and well done video....and your conclusion is right, it is all about the feeling in the end!

[@Devildogcacti]

My first Leica was an M7. They were cheap at the time because they were the black sheep. A great first lens for the M mount is the Elmar 50mm F2.8, very sharp and affordable still. Great video! Lovely photos

[@zackbulatao]

As a fan of rangefinder style cameras, i felt this a lot everytime i made i switch...from a canon dslr to a Lumix GX7...then a GX85...then currently on a Fuji XE3...i also realized there's no perfect camera...and since the photographer also isn't perfect, its the method/relationship that needs to be perfected...

[@mohandass3442]

Well said 100 percent

[@JuanRhodes]

This was an awesome video. I love the production. You basically nailed my feelings as well. I bought the D-Lux 7 for travel. I wanted a small point and shoot with manual options. After one trip and looking at the JPG files, I was struck. I bought an M5, then an M240, now the SL2. I was knee deep in the Canon RF system. R5, R6 and most of the L lenses. I've sold most of the lenses and am going to sell the R6 first, with the possibility of selling the R5 and remaining lenses. I had several m-mount lenses that I used with adapters on my R5, and it was cool, but after using them on the M5 and the M240, I saw what I was missing. I'm amazed that a 60-year-old mount can still be used today and move seamlessly between film and digital. I liked the Canon RF system, but it didn't inspire me. It felt like driving an Accord. Which is fine, but no one strives to drive an Accord. The Leica system feels like driving a Mercedes-Benz, and inspires me to shoot more.

[@GawxArt]

This video amazing! Loved every second of it

[@ivunchow]

Thank you!

[@gumdocga]

Watching your video was an amazing experience. You are a very talented artist and deserve whatever gear inspires you.

[@frand6822]

Wonderful video, young man. I'm much, much older than you and have been shooting various Leica cameras for nearly 50 years. During the digital age, I also bought and used quite a few other brands, all of which served me well. However, I now shoot only Leica digital cameras and have no regrets. I choose to no longer shoot rangefinders because of my aging eyesight (do miss my M9 and M240 though), but now really appreciate my Leica Q2 Monochrome, CL, and SL2. I can use all the glass on the CL and SL2 interchangeably, and the Sigma Contemporary lenses are simply wonderful on both. I'm not wealthy. Many of my friends have expensive cars and homes while I drive a modest 2014 model and live comfortably with my wife in a smaller house by today's macmansion standards.. Works for me. As for cameras, however, I'll take the build, ergonomics, menu system, file quality, color, and that indescribable something that is the Leica experience. Let others scoff while you pursue your indulgence.

[@jimmymanan5997]

What can I say …. Everything, so perfect, so right, thanks so much, I am a 73 year old guy with a life long interest in photography, digital as well as film, but honestly, you inspire me so much! 👍🙏

[@Drew_Eden]

I bought a Leica Q a few weeks ago, and put a little post on Facebook saying "I always thought I'd like a Leica" I immediately got a sarky comment about striking a pose from someone. I stopped posting on there a while ago. Some people just don't get it, whether it's cameras, cars phones or whatever. Anyway I'm really enjoying the camera and that's what matters. Keep it up Ivan

[@ky.lussss]

Wow, this is the first video I watched from you and it was amazing! My dream camera has always been a full frame sony. After buying one last year, I found myself wanting to shoot more, just like you mentioned! I'm still new and learning a lot, but I found a lot of what you said in this video to be true for myself as well! Also, if you ever want to, you should do a photo walk in Toronto! I'm sure there's more folks here from Toronto that would love to join!

[@mikaellumos563]

Love the video Ivan. Great work, well narrated, filmed and you captured the essence of owning a Leica. I totally get you as I for much of the same reason sold all of my camera gear just to get smaller, lighter and stealthier with Leica Q2 Monochrom for stunning B&W and also Ricoh GRIII for color (28mm focal length is right up my alley). No regrets at all and I always bring either both or one of them with me on a daily basis.

[@danieldijo]

you're story telling is next level. Congrats on that. No matter what decision you make to keep or sell its the right one so don't trip. Follow your heart and the rest will fall in place.

[@saltydog1311]

Good for you!! Congratulations!! Very nice and inspiring video!!

[@krisjustkris3465]

Damn, I expected another leica hype video, but no! I love how honest you are about the overall leica experience. From the pricing to the non tangible factors that help make the system what it is.

[@triumph_cv]

Beautiful story you have told. Being a part of the Leica system definitely seems stressful, financially, but ultimately if it is making you happy then that is all which really matters.

[@rs2841]

Awesome video that stands out over most of what is out there. Great storytelling.

[@markh2351]

What a charming, honest, well-made video Ivan. As a senior professional photographer who has used and owned a myriad of cameras I can fully relate to how one can have an emotional bond with certain equipment that just makes one feel good and want to use, irrespective of technical specifications. The camera I could never be without is my Nikkormat FTn, bought for me by my mother when I was 19. To me, it's the best feeling camera of all. I have owned Leica but these days I am mainly a Fuji user, they get somewhere close for me in the digital realm but you can never beat a mechanical camera and an optical viewfinder. At least, not yet ;-) All the best.

[@JohnPatrickWeiss]

Beautiful video. Appreciate the raw honesty. I shoot with a Sony A6600. Bought a used Leica 240 but what I really wanted was a Q2M. If money were no issue, I suspect a lot of photographers would embrace the simplicity of Leica. I’ll eventually pick up a Q2 and that will be that. Life is too short to anguish over gear. Get what you want, even if you have to save, and then go make your art.

[@ivunchow]

100%

[@jorgemoro5476]

I LOVE my Leica! Just returned from being on a 32 day road trip with 22,368 images and more than 11,000 were with my Leica. The rest were on my Fuji 100s and 50r

[@henrywyau]

Bro can’t agree more about the reason to have Leica. You spoke all the truth from our mind,

[@ivunchow]

Thanks bud 👊🏻👊🏻

[@antivar]

Very nice video, your are a great story teller and docu maker, keep it up!

[@blazerbarrel2]

Tools , tools , tools , you use the best you can afford to start , but as you gain experience , everything you use gets very personal to do your best ! No matter what the cost .

[@scottyharp]

I was totally ApertureBro in the first 2 min of this video (minus "can't stand him") but this is honestly a beautifully crafted and thoughtful video. Killer job! And keep on enjoying your craft! 🙏❤️

[@ivunchow]

He’d be disappointed 😂

[@RobsonCabanas]

thank you for the approach of this video. Beautiful

[@fatlabphotography2943]

Fabulous video. It was a pleasurer to watch.

[@ratgirl13]

It’s the IT factor babe, and that never gets old-welcome to the fold-spend those greens, and enjoy having your Leica gear dude-you only live once!

[@AllanKim]

I really enjoyed your video. Honestly, I think a lot of people felt the same way before getting their hands on the Leica system. Can't wait to see ur next video!

[@yourboyhood.]

“It is all about having fun.” I totally agreed; thanks for this great video.

[@jonashuckphoto]

I love seeing videos about failing. :) great video. To me it was always clear that it was never about switching camera systems due to actual reasons. It’s only about being uncomfortable to be happy not buying new stuff. So use what you got.

[@ForrestMankins]

Truly well done. Thank you for the effort on this.

[@eyeofalchemy]

Bruh. Talk about visual storytelling! This is marvelous, man. From the colour to the chapters, I enjoyed it all. Kudos to you, my dude. As a side note, about the snap focus you wished Fuji had, some of their cameras actually have a focus limiter setting so it's kinda similar. Anyway, enjoy your new gear! At the end of the day, we shoot with what makes us happy and what makes us want to shoot more💯

[@ivunchow]

Thank you!

[@DrScottMcDonald007]

Nicely done Ivan. You've expressed this quite well. I too am a Leica user and due to limited funds have purchased "most" of my Leica gear on the used market over the years. Nothing wrong with letting someone else break it in for you. Although, you still need to be careful as they say, "Buyer beware"...but if you know what you're looking at you can discover excellent gems. Besides the fact that it saves you thousands overall...who doesn't like that? I have an M9 and M10 (both used) with a 21el, 28el, 35lux, 50lux, and 75rit (a 90mm tele-elmarit V2 is on the way) along with some truly vintage Leica glass...Summar, Summitar, and the original Summicron from 1954. It really does come down to the experience, as personal as it is, that provides that Air Jordan feeling that others who do not experience it for themselves will never understand. Using Leica gear does NOT make anyone a better photographer but that's not the reason we buy into the system. Holding one in your hands, making a photo, and seeing the results is where the magic happens. Cheers!

[@mjfalcon007]

Incredible video! It was like watching a movie which I thoroughly enjoyed. Kudos to the thought process behind it. Those black and white clips were stunning well done 👍

[@ivunchow]

Thanks!

[@rg3412]

Perfect use of silence and timing in your movie.

[@AbrahamMusalem]

Amazing video. Thanks for making it.

[@victorparadise5878]

Your videos are the best. Your perspectives on photography are awesome. Your photos are great!

[@ivunchow]

Thank you!

[@D.Trider]

Same here: sold everything (Fuji GFX, Xpro) went with m246 monochrom, SL2 to accompany my very old, and well used M3. Love this system, especially with M lenses. Autofocus lenses- 24-90 used 90% of the time when AF is needed. 35 apo is unreal. But for my shooting, AF is really not needed. Mostly going to sell all L glass and opt for all M lenses. Have fun and good luck!

[@nomadsam9512]

This video is so good... thanks for posting

[@msandersen]

Beautiful and excellently-produced love-letter to Leica and the passion for photography.

[@ivunchow]

Thanks!

[@mifcnm]

I literally just did the same thing. I sold all my Fuji gear and my Q2(which I wish I hadn’t) and got an M and 3 lenses. I agree with you about the expense, but I really agree with you about the fact that in the long run it will be cheaper, as you definitely think before you buy. With other systems, you just buy because it is in reach. Even though you don’t need it. Now I have to joy of learning a new system and continue to be inspired by your work and others who use Leica and those who don’t. This was a really great video!

[@ohmwai]

Great video. Enjoyed every frame from start to finish.

[@html401forever]

Thanks for this wonderful video. I really liked it! 👏

[@marc6652]

I'm 61 and fan of photographie since I'm 25. So I owned a lot of beautiful cameras. I understand perfectly what you feel. To make it simple : With any camera you take a picture. With a M, you make a picture. And that's not the same pleasure at all.

[@enochristmann1919]

one of the best videos I have seen in a long time. a piece of art! very personal and honest. I am in a similar position myself at the moment, trying to justify the budgetary aspect of a leica m and lens purchase. - I love my x100f but the build and the feeling of it and the xpro2 was never the same, after I held a leica m-a in my hands for the first time. for me it was soccer shoes as a kid - seriously man , I know exactly , what you mean. - I feel it keep up the good work eno chers from France

[@mwales2112]

I sold all me Fuji gear and moved to Leica last year and have no regrets... Great video... Thanks

[@hendrixg]

Great content Ivan. Great perspective. It's still out of my budget but recently went into full frame. Whatever get's you shooting no matter what system, Leica or otherwise is a good individual choice. I'm also in the Toronto area and would love to go for a walk and shoot one day.

[@ezekielkok1848]

Love the video bro! You actually speak my mind and even though I can’t afford so much of Leica’s newest cameras or lenses, I’m glad and proud to say I love my M5 and M9! I must also add that I used to be against Leica coz I didn’t want to spend so much money and felt I could still take good pics using other cameras. However, once I tried leica glass, I was indeed blown away!

[@mattmurray2071]

Such a powerful video. I can relate with you Ivan. Thank you!

[@EdGeinSonOfSam]

Oh man I’m totally on your side. I support your choice in every possible way. You do what makes you feel better and be proud about it. Always.

[@IsabelCurdes_photos]

I stumbled across this video completely by accident and funny enough right at the moment where I am literally sitting between lots of camera gear, trying to decide where to go and what to do. I know your feelings, having been there before...and maybe going there again. A beautiful video, thank you!

[@ivunchow]

A never ending cycle for sure 😅

[@forgottenamericana]

This video is spot on and AWESOME!!

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

I sold my fifteen digital cameras (eight of them being full frame sensor ones) and have gone with simply a Sony A6000 & Zeiss Touit 32mm f1.8 (with an adapted Sony 85mm f2.8 as an extra option). Honestly I couldn't be happier presently.

[@nelsonclub7722]

One mans journey to how he got to where he is now. I'm in. We all have one of those stories - more please.

[@riski21]

This video hits hard. Every point is relatable and true. You are very talented brother! Coming from an introvert means I really meant it! Cheers man!

[@ivunchow]

Thanks man!

[@philipsutton8921]

Great video and thanks for taking the time to make it. I love it with photography how we can all be finally satisfied with a camera or manufacturer that suits us. I am glad we are all different and don't desire or need to shoot the same system or gear as the next guy. I wouldn't have a Leica as a gift - as you said be worrying about using it, or how expensive it would be to fix or replace. I also don't like the way that they are the only manufacture that doesn't offer some kind of flip out screen - it's like the are stuck in the 70's. I shoot about 50% of my images from the hip for my gigs and events work - that is the deal killer for me on the Leica. I agree with what you said about Fuji - I couldn't get into their range finders and the screen on the Pro 3 was a deal killer. I've just got rid of my Fuji X-T3 kit for my paid work and have swapped over to FF - best choice I've made. Please make some more videos - I love you style and work.

[@senkawascott]

I’m amazed at your story telling skills. This was a beautiful short film, even for non-photographers. Thanks.

[@ivunchow]

Thank you!

[@WidePhotographs]

Thank you for sharing your experience with a Leica camera. Making us realize this brand is a luxury rather than a necessity for those getting into photography. Brands like Nikon releasing the Zfc can get you that same feeling of being a tourist rather than a photographer. For now, I’ll stick with my Nikon z5 and hopefully make a living with it so I can buy the Zfc for travel non-work related.

[@Lonnie.G]

A very pleasing video from beggining to end. Well shot, and very well made points throughout. I love it

[@ivunchow]

Thank you!

[@vincentoliver]

Love the honesty of this guy.

[@danieltntbomb]

I really enjoyed this film. I like your honesty with the camera system too,idk if i could ever shell out that much at once lol. I too get all my cameras second hand and i’m okay with that. I also gotta say i love how you mentioned that superficial feeling of being a little better with your Leica i remember experiencing that when i bought my first D3. Keep being rad, man.

[@ernestthomas9406]

One thing you're doing that I've look for online was a reason to own a Leica , I think you're reasons are cool , and your not afraid to speak the truth which I respect and like . Wish more people would say what feel about Leica one day I may own 1 !

[@ivunchow]

🙏🏻 Thanks Ernest!

[@eddie_g]

Ivan this was simply amazing! The daily mindset of a Leica user.

[@ivunchow]

Thanks man 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Cargobikelovers]

I can so relate to this marvelous video! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you so much for it!

[@jlinwinter]

I get masochistic joy from putting expensive Leica items into online shopping carts, waiting until the ecstasy has passed, and then clicking the remove icon to clear the cart. That lasts me for about 2 days.

[@TeeNorbu]

I enjoyed watching. Love the way narrate and the music.

[@hans-dieterbrand3388]

What a wonderful video - love it

[@alhOOO2O]

Hi man, as always such a great video. The pacing and scripting, the message, and the cinematic shots are just incredible. I’ve just been through exactly the same decision making process - I bought a Leica M and Summicron and gave myself a month to make a decision between it and all of the rest of my gear. I’d have to sell one to afford the other. I loved the history, the design, and the idea of having one small camera you can take everywhere. In the end, I decided to keep the gear I already have and return the Leica. It just wasn’t right for me, and just like you said in your video, that’s the only thing that matters. I use my X-Pro3 with Voigtlander 35mm 1.2 when I want the all-manual, rangefinder ‘feel’, and my other system when I want to feel modern or have the easiest workflow. I also really vibed with what you said about the cost of staying in the ecosystem. I could have afforded one body and one great lens, but then you start looking for a second body, or telephoto/ultra wide lens options, and I can’t afford or justify the price of two M11s. In forums and comment threads, I often get derided for the important of ‘liking’ your gear aesthetically and creatively. It’s different from being gear obsessed and making comparisons of images shot at ISO 25,600. It’s about wanting to pick up the camera when you’re not even planning to go outside, exactly as you said, and that goes way beyond ‘what is the best sensor’ or ‘who has the fastest autofocus’. I hope, at some point, to add a Leica camera and lens to my collection because as I said I love the history and design, but right now it wasn’t the right thing for me. I’m really glad you are super happy with yours!

[@ivunchow]

Agree with all of this. The first note I made when I was planning this video was “just have gear that inspires you”. People don’t really talk about how important it is to have an emotional connection with your gear. Or they don’t want to because they’re afraid that they’ll be labeled as pretentious or superficial. Pick a camera that makes you feel good when you shoot, it doesn’t matter what others think.

[@wubbadubnub]

> In forums and comment threads, I often get derided for the important of ‘liking’ your gear aesthetically and creatively. It’s different from being gear obsessed and making comparisons of images shot at ISO 25,600. It’s about wanting to pick up the camera when you’re not even planning to go outside, exactly as you said, and that goes way beyond ‘what is the best sensor’ or ‘who has the fastest autofocus’. This is an amazing point, and I think a lot of it has to do with the increasing elitism that has developed in the photography community, both when it comes to film and digital. The idea that cameras are tools is a good and correct notion, but you should also enjoy using your tools. Picking up the camera you spent so much money on shouldn't feel like a chore, it should be fun, and that's ultimately what photography is about.

[@winniebucur655]

best video-confession I ve seen ! did the same 50 years ago , I know and now you do as well ; BRAVO !

[@ivunchow]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@janromo9753]

Great video Ivan. So relatable. Well done! 👏

[@ivunchow]

Thanks!

[@sunpromises3806]

thank you for this piece of art!

[@q3dm17]

Cool honest video. Appreciate it!

[@petera1033]

Outstanding production - subscribed for the quality of your exposition.