Why Leica Lenses So Expensive - Understanding Manual Lenses

[@joashtsw1]

Stanley Kubrick, that’s the director you’re talking about.

[@robertocordero4682]

Every photographer should know how to manipulate ISO, shutter speed and the aperture of the camera and also be able to manual focus a lens. You should be able to control the camera and not be lost shooting manual. However, once that’s mastered I don’t see a problem using automatic lenses and or settings that help create the look you want. Manuel lenses can’t be used for every application. For example, sports, wildlife and shooting children that move around really fast would be a disaster. Event photography would also be difficult if shot with a manual lens. I think your discussion should be focused on learning the fundamentals of photography not on criticizing photographers for using automatic focusing lenses or cameras with automatic settings. Moreover, I don’t know if you notice but you come across a bit dismissing to people whom don’t shoot Leica and don’t buy their 12K lenses. In the positive end I was still able to retain a positive message from your video 📸 @bobbyfingers

[@chepo1956]

Hello Oz, Jose from Puerto Rico. I truly enjoyed this video. We live in an era where folks don't take the time to slow down and enjoy the view. That is why I love the Leica philosophy and I can understand what you're referring to in this presentation. I would love to own an M rangefinder camera from Leica. Leica cameras are built by artists for artists. Thanks for this enjoyable video. I subscribed to your channel a long time ago, but this video with your explanation is wonderful.

[@chancegabriel2827]

I realize Im kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good place to stream newly released series online?

[@andychance9995]

@Chance Gabriel I watch on flixzone. You can find it by googling =)

[@amirdariel1303]

@Andy Chance definitely, I've been watching on Flixzone for months myself :)

[@chancegabriel2827]

@Andy Chance thanks, I signed up and it seems to work :) Appreciate it!

[@andychance9995]

@Chance Gabriel Happy to help :D

[@illitrait]

...I love Leica lenses and so does Oz Yilmaz. But please, this is some righteous BS.😒

[@darrenliu1724]

Can’t afford any Leica system simple as that

[@nophotoplease6284]

Leica is great but... real talk, is for Rich people. The closer I can get is to afford a Texas Leica, Fuji fujica Gw690 and have huge negative (6x9) with plenty of details. An other option is Mamiya 645 with 80mm 1.9 The win win with Maiya 645 glass is easy yo adapt to anything. Mamiya glass is awsime

[@kinoglazbunt]

He ist talking about quality. But why ist the composition of the videoimage so odd? In the direct shot he is centered in front of a bw-picture, the hair of that picture framing him - looks like a fault and has no tension. In the second (driven shot) i can see also no idea of framing. His position contradicts his viewing direction, often he has too much headroom: looks like a amateur has shot it. You can do this all, if there is a idea behind it. But i can`t see any and so the way of shooting undermined his talking about quality. Best regards from a professional filmmaker

[@bernardosilva7306]

So... your argument is that: I get Leica stuff because it is harder and I am afraid of technology to take over my job (or hobby)? You can make any "automatic" camera fully manual. You can always use manual lenses on "modern and automatic" cameras... Those are NOT good arguments to justify Leica prices. You can always buy amazing Takumar lenses, fully manual, build to last, for $100 or less. I think it is very ironic that Leica people just creates this allusive world of shallow justifications just to prove their purchases and material possessions. It is very simple: Leica lenses are expensive because people believe that their logo is a symbol of status. Same with Rolex, Porsche or any kind of very expensive brand. You have the material item, and you feel special, part of a special "club". That is the reason for the Leica prices, it is that simple. The art of photography is not going to die with technology. Technology just helps true artists, that is it. A camera is a tool. A lens is a tool. The true art comes from the photographer, doesn't matter if he uses a manual lens or a "plastic automatic" lens, if he does everything "perfect" on camera or if he does a lot of work on Photoshop. Doesn't matter, art is art, and the tools are just there to help the artist to realize their vision. The fallacy of the Leica fans is that they believe they can "buy" the "golden ticket" to become a real artist. No, they don't. There is a lot of "Leica lawyers/doctors" out there with tons of crappy photos and a lot of amazing artists using cheap crop cameras with kit lenses (or even phones)...

[@orangorill]

I would love to own a fast Leica prime, but I don't believe for a second it would produce images that are vastly better than similar Voigtländer. I'm sure even a Mitakon or a 7Artisans could, in many uses cases, be just as good. Honestly, I'd love to see this guy do a blind test with, say, a Summilux 50mm versus the 7Artisans 50mm stopped down to f/1.4. I'm not going to eat my hat if the Leica actually is better, but I would still like to see it properly and convincingly demonstrated. I think the real value of Leica is branding, heritage, build quality, ethics (they actually pay their workers a decent wage), esthetic design and "feel" just a much as it is image quality. Nothing wrong with that, just there's nothing wrong with appreciating a Rolex or an Omega even if a Tissot or even Casio tells time just as well.

[@bernardosilva7306]

@@orangorill You are absolutely right. My problem is not the fact that people appreciate expensive stuff (like a Rolex for example). Nothing wrong with that at all. I have a very good friend that owns a lot of Leica glasses, but he is honest about it, and I am totally fine with that. He is also an amazing photographer and when he is going for his "work", he uses all his other "plastic computer cameras" to deliver the client's job, because he knows it is just more efficient. For him, the Leica is a hobby/personal camera, and he is rich enough that the price doesn't matter. That is totally fine. My problem is with people that associate expensive stuff with "real art" or being a "real artist". That is hypocritical. That is the same fallacy of thinking that you can "buy talent". If someone tells me: "I want a Leica because I value the craftsmanship or the heritage", and if in real what I am listening is "I want a Leica to show off how much money I have", I am 100% OK with that. My problem is with people that say "If you use an automatic plastic camera, you are not a real photographer, a real artist, or 'the computer is taking the picture, not you'. That argument is just stupid. Also, saying that using a Leica with manual lenses is the "only" way to really understand or learn the craft of photography is plain dumb.

[@CrueLoaf]

Where are you dude? Hope you are ok. Chanel is v quiet.

[@DennisLimCY]

Stanley Kubrick was also a legend in terms of how hard it was to work with him. don't start on "high standards". talent doesn't not equals the right to be an asshole. So i'll pass on the 0.8. Finally, let's just enjoy photography shall we? every form of photography is good. there are merits to manual lenses, but there are so many more uses for all other sorts of photography and lenses.

[@FabulousPepper]

Very interesting point of view, the videos and pictures included are nice too. I have came to the conclusion that the Leica M system that can be summarised in one word, both from the producer and user perspective: craftsmanship. Maybe a topic for another video?

[@Irisda1st]

Very elitest video with overtones of exclusion. Give me a Leica, Sony, Nikon, Canon, Hasselblad, Fujifilm, or Panasonic and I can tell you it’s not the camera; it’s the person behind the camera

[@richardsimms251]

I should add that Leica bodies and lenses are worth the money. I just wish everyone could afford them. I have an M6 and several Leica lenses. I have a MORE DIFFICULTY focusing with my Leica but that may be MY FAULT. I find it easier to focus with my SLR Nikon F3-HP. I enjoy both systems equally. Great video. Thanks. RS. Canada

[@Richardsumilang]

I always feel like you're the Arnold Schwarzenegger of photography.

[@LuisSanchez-uv7qp]

He'll be shout that pic back

[@hellomihai]

are you referring to the film Barry Lyndon showing a scene captured by candlelight using one of the Zeiss f/0.7 lenses?

[@j.p.7708]

I keep my manual lens next to my turntable, carburetor and woodworkers hand drill🤣📷

[@MathMeertens]

Thank you. Always looking forward to your reviews (Leica user)

[@lemon58421]

I own the Leica MP and the 35mm summicron! Just because it's an amazing nice great object and tool for life!! :-)

[@pirate9882]

Wow what a beautiful video....you're a poet speaking from your soul...👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LeicaReview]

Thank you!

[@peppebjornarce274]

Thank you so much , you just bring the photography level high , I agree with you100% , unfortunately technologic cover the eyes of people to see reality , call their selves photographers by taken photographs with cellular phones or automatic cameras which they do everything for them , the only action they do is press the bottom and after that photoshop the image which bring the image to another level and don't belong to them because is a program creation , also is very sad to see we can't stop technologic is already fast and far from us and the new era of photographers with skills in programs are leaving behind the true photographers who understand terms of photography and the creators of todays photography , thank you again and hope your video will be watch for those who are calling their selfs photographers and wake them up to see what a manual lenses can do and learn from them . Best regards and hope learn more from you Peppe Bjorn Arce

[@rodrigoalbertocorrea]

Simple. Made in Germany. Plus excellent materials and high quality industrial and optic design.

[@phototristan]

Those reading, I heard from an associate of Oz that he was in a bad car accident. This is why we have not heard from him and there have not been any new videos for a while. I do not know his condition, but understand he is being treated and his friends and family are praying for him. I just wanted to update those wondering.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

Please update us. I miss this guy.

[@paulatterby7507]

A very well articulated point of view. I totally agree.

[@eirikkittelsen9787]

Thank you for another great and informative video Oz! I really love my new Leica M10 and my Summilux 50mm. I first bought both second hand from a Leica retailer at a good price. But there was something wrong with the camera shutter an high shutter speed 1/3000 and up. so they offer me a brand new one. so i only paid $6000 for a brand new body. I really love the images the Leica with the Summilux produces. Especially how the main object pops out from the surrounding. And even when i slightly miss focus, the images are very pleasing to the eye. And they bring a smile to my face when I see how my children look in the images. Its a system that warms my heart when using it and i get a rush when i know i captured something special that I know would look very different on mu Fuji. Even tho the fuji produces great images, I feel the Leica/summilux combo give me something more. Take care!! Eirik

[@honestfeedback]

"That is why manual cameras and manual lenses are still around." You really convey a great sentiment that is often tough to explain to non-manual shooters. Glad to have found your channel, Oz. - Hacker

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

As always this comes from a sense of art from the person involved. Pictures come from the imagination and if they are not absolutely perfect does it matter. Like a piece of music, it has to engage with our soul.

[@Leicashootr]

Hi Oz, it’s nice to see that you are back, I have been missing you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@arunr4103]

Amazing 👌 loved this review

[@TheVFXbyArt]

So what happened to this channel?

[@MikeMyers00]

Hello Oz, I expected a very different kind of video, but the more I watched this, the more interesting it got. I need to watch it one more time, to be sure I didn't miss anything. My viewpoint is very different - to me, a camera, or a lens, is a tool, like a wrench is to a mechanic. I've thought that since the 1960's. However, you're saying the photographer is more of an Artist than a Mechanic, and that's a whole different viewpoint. I used Contax, Nikon, and Leica rangefinder cameras since the late 1950's, and once I was taught to consider them as tools, the way I thought about them changed. I guess when I want to achieve a certain effect, it is important to select the right "tool". Also, with any of my "automated" cameras, it's the camera that does most of the work, with me left with only "composition". You reminded me that there's a lot more to it, things that I have to consider with a Leica, but which my computerized cameras have been selecting for me. I bought a Leica M8.2 ten years ago, because I wanted to get back to my "roots". I bought a Leica M10 a few weeks ago, because it removed many of the limitations I had with the older camera. Picking up the Leica to take a photo has me considering SO many things that my other cameras did for me, but because of my experience with the Leica, I find myself second guessing many of the things the other cameras want to do, and often over-riding the camera's choices with what I prefer. Sometimes I'm right, and sometimes I'm very wrong. It's back to a learning process. You noted something about this in your video, but I have a reasonably good collection of the Leica lenses I needed way back when, and they work just fine on my M10. People tell me that I'm not getting all the clarity the new lenses are capable of, but as you pointed out, there's a lot more to a photograph than "clarity". (I still have my old film Leicas, and Contax cameras, and my Nikon SP, but they just sit in my apartment as a reminder of what I used to do. All that "stuff" I used to do, which I forgot as I got into the Nikon world, is just as important with the Leica M10 as it was with the Leica M3.)

[@DM-ty4lr]

Good stuff. Speaking of camera as conversation starter, I pulled out a Leica X2 at a gathering and everyone started joking about me being in the dark ages for using a P&S and not a cell phone. Vs a DLSR they would understand. But I know why it's good. It may be a P&S but you still get a bit of that glow in the results. Even if it's too subtle for some to see. But one person was gobsmacked at the quality of the shots, and kept holding up the prints going oh wow. But question, you mention colours in one video, but how do you get them in RAW, eg. in Canon I get Canon colours if I use the Canon RAW software, but how do you get Leica colours in RAW? None of my RAW converters give exactly the Leica colours. Although I get close enough in some photos, but they're approximations, and often the Leica JPEG colours still look the best. And using JPEG may limit other adjustments. So is there anything like the Canon software in Leica? If not is there any reason to seek a Leica for colours except in JPEG, as it seems you have to do their RAW colours yourself or use the camera profile provided by the RAW converter which may be an approximation? Whereas in Canon you can get their colours.

[@MB-or8js]

You should mention in your videos where you get your gear from and especially if you are sponsored by Leica. I mostly shoot with manual rangefinder lenses - even on my (non Leica based) MLC. Shooting with IIIc, M3, M6, and M7. Film is still my main medium in photography. Love the look of vintage lenses. But to get great vintage effects, you could have mentioned the 50/2 Summitar with beautiful swirly bokeh.

[@LeicaReview]

Hello Martin, Leica Review is not sponsored by Leica. Leica Review is always independent. Analog is a great medium for artistic expression in photography. I applaud your persistence. On Leica Review. have many videos on vintage lenses. Yes, Summitar is particularly interesting for bokeh which we would love to test out side by side with our Canon TV Lens f/0.95. We are still looking for a clean Summitar, hopefully, our contacts in Japan will find us one.

[@MB-or8js]

@@LeicaReview Thanks for the clarification! I enjoy watching your channel. Just as suggestion, maybe you want to talk a bit more about vintage Leica lenses and how they still work very well on modern cameras?

[@autodidact537]

@@LeicaReview Hi Oz, Why aren't you making videos anymore. You have been missed all these months.

[@seppiapazza]

I totally agree! ..it is like playing the violin for an audience, versus putting a cd for them to listen. In a way, we could even say it is a question of identity: revealing more of our selfs. (tiredness and other matters will show). A craft versus an automatization.

[@larsrosing5033]

I like using manual lenses, I own a leica M, but what I miss is a view of the distance scale on the lens in the viewfinder, some old type cameras had that, and it is very usefull, I don't have the 'fingermemory' to know the distance, so it would be nice to have a second window in the viewfinder ;)

[@tomislavmiletic_]

I'm Canon and Fuji shooter. But quite often I use Olympus OM and M42 lenses, on both of those camera systems.

[@davidrichards6718]

actually started laughing at this, after 26 minutes, trying to justify it as a conversation starter as opposed to a mirrorless or dslr, what rubbish. The quality and craftsmanship , yes that justifies the price, is it better, i think not, digital prints from leica and decent "other brands" are impossible to tell apart. The shooting experience is such a personal thing, you can slow the experience down on most cameras, "automatic" and exposure compensation is manual exposure, taking a reading and adjusting for the scene, so that arguement is dead in the water. The video was too long by 28 minutes.

[@tjmanou6422]

Funny how in the old days hard core Leica shooters (the masters) never really gave a crap about any of this talk. i've see so many interviews and ppl kept asking "what camera, what lens?" and pretty much all of them answer "whatever, who cares". But they were busy shooting then ;)

[@alanshu3900]

The camera which tool this video is excellent

[@j.p.7708]

Even at 1.5x it's slow watching , kinda like Leica 😁

[@klarion]

put a thought in here? NO lol

[@morgankane4115]

Well.. I'm not a photographer.. I'm might be some sort of musican.. Anyway we got this thing going in all aspects of life. We got autofocus, autotune, self driving cars and so on. Maybe it makes the average picuture (or average "anything"), a little better, BUT it can NOT compare to the really great artists! (no matter what genere). A modern "recording" might be more in tune than Bob Dylan (he still got the Nobel prize resently), drum machines,and click tracks no doubt keep "better" time than my favourite drummer Levon Helm. (Who called the producers "so called record producers". And said "you can always speed up a little in the middle of tune if it feels good, but never slow down"). What's next? We got fuck-machines,but.. Autofuck? Autowife? That's not the same as LOVE, and FEEL.. Anyway, I'm downscaling my life. I will buy a Leica M (maybe even a film one). And my turntabe (that is a contraption to play vinyl records, look it up..), my old guitar (far older than me),my (paper) books,my old Mercedes Benz ("analog", and running on veggie oil),and my beautiful wife will be with me for the rest of my journey. No more fake-digital-auto-plastic in my life! All you need is love!

[@Massproduce201]

He broke out the glasses for this review

[@scottgrittner2753]

i shoot on cheap manual lenses .. yahh me

[@LeicaReview]

Here is something you might enjoy - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKvFaI1sfrOIg7c

[@robertcudlipp3426]

I do not doubt the quality of the Leica lens having owned and still owning a 50/2 Summircon and 35/2 Asph. That said, I do not believe there to be any doubt that you are also paying a true premium for the name and "red dot".

[@LeicaReview]

Without a doubt, premium quality, especially in higher-end products, has a premium for the name.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

Also, as fuji moves its production to China to cheapen labor, Leica keeps the tradition of craftsmen in a first world economy employed and necessary. This is also why it’s pricey.

[@jal2550]

Why the title written in ghetto-speak ebonics?

[@FotosyMas.]

I moved away from Leica and started investing in the new canon RF system. I have the new RF 50mm 1.2 which is an excellent lens, but in many ways it can’t match the output of my (now sold) 50mm f2 Summicron non asph.

[@PissTakeProduction]

RF doubles the lens size is not the point of mirrorless. Now you need two camera bags to carry just a few lenses.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

I have a canon R with my old Ef lens.... I use it for jobs and with strobes. For my own shooting I have a fuji xt3 plus a 50 summilux and summicron 28. A lot of fun!

[@FotosyMas.]

FYI I sold all my Canon RF gear and went back to Leica with SL and M262

[@6042833]

Mate Leica a going to be bankrupt Why should I buy Leica Why should you buy Leica camera when you can buy Fuji cameras they're much better

[@TheVFXbyArt]

I get fuji bodies and Leica lenses. Leica is the only 35mm system that have native support for decades of glass that’s tiny and highly rated.