The Analog Digital Camera

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The Leica M-D 262 is the most analog digital camera ever. And while there are a few other rangefinder cameras with no screens, the M-D 262 has zero connectivity options to check your images while out and about, so like film you simply have to wait until you get home to see if the images worked out or not.
The M-D 262 is both rare and very expensive, costing almost double what a M262 (the same camera but with a screen costs) and so you might wonder where that extra value comes from? Well, some say its the experience, so lets experience it together!
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Thank you John for lending me this camera, check his IG out here:
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#leica #leicamd #thypoch #simeralens

[@steveh8658]

Haha! This is my camera (I can see from the serial number at 0:28) I bought it new from Sydney Leica Store back in 2016. Sold it to Peter and I imagine John bought it from him. If you're interested, this is why I bought it... I shot film on a Leica M3 for many years, and eventually I became a bit tired of processing film...so presto...The M-D is released at that perfect time and I thought 'this is my transition camera into digital'. Got it. Loved it. Really loved it. Transition to digital complete! Thank God. I looked after this camera like a baby. It was expensive to me , but a small price to someone in danger of losing my love of the 'process' of shooting and developing, and in danger of losing my love of photography. Don't judge me please. And this is why I sold it... Over time, I felt comfortable with the shooting experience and quality of digital files, but found the 'no screen' and manual focus a bit limiting (and a tad silly), and somewhat unnecessary now that I had 'gotten over' the film versus digital question. For more growth from a film background, I got a Fujifilm GFX 50SII so that I could use my collection of Mamiya 645 lenses and started shooting commercial product photography. And at some point I wondered why I still had the M-D. Surely someone else would enjoy it more than me? Now and then I would pick it up and admire the beauty and the simplicity, but then think, I still have the M3 for that. And so I sold it, very happily and with fond memories to Peter and now it's gone to John, and you Matthew, have featured my baby here. Thank you so much. Who doesn't want their children to grow up to be all they can be? PS. I'm keeping the M3.

[@rudermanphoto]

Wow!!! What are the chances!! Thank you for providing some extra backstory on this incredible camera! It's John's favourite camera, he said its literally his most prized possession so I can tell you he definitely loves it very much!

[@steveh8658]

@@rudermanphoto I know right? You're welcome; just so glad to be able to follow up. And I am truly happy for him and glad she went to a good home. Bless you for your love of photography and thanks again, you have made my day.

[@sebastianfernandez6146]

This is why I love buying used gear because the people behind the camera are just as interesting. Love this story.

[@OrangeBrick8]

I wish the advance lever on the m10-d reset the shutter, like the Epson rd-1. Great video. The M-D is one of the dream cameras for me.

[@rudermanphoto]

That would have been amazing and I’m sad they didn’t do that! Seems like such a wasted oppprtunity

[@dromokratis]

Love it! I own my M-D since April this year and it barely left my hands. To me, this is the most deliberating camera one can get.

[@rudermanphoto]

How do you find the battery life on it? Have you charged it much since getting it haha

[@dromokratis]

@@rudermanphoto it literally lasts forever. 🤣🤣🤣

[@northof-62]

Ah! The Dandenongs.. We used to drive up there and rest on the bonnet of my mate's Ford Falcon listening to Yes - Close to the Edge and watching the sun set over Melbourne. Good times! . . . Man those trees have grown tall since then!

[@deeveeoh]

I easily made my Nikon d2X screenless by spray painting a screen protector black and putting it over the screen some 15 years ago LOL

[@degrootallard]

Smart solution!

[@snappy8k]

I put a screen protector and then used sticky leather

[@VueeyLe]

Oooh I remember seeing the M-D awhile back and always wanted one for that Film + Digital experience. Analog experience so I can't chimp, but the digital convient experience and knowing I don't have to process the film.

[@rudermanphoto]

It really is the best of both worlds! Closest i've ever felt to shooting film on a digital camera but with the ease of use and convenience that digital offers, just a shame its so bloody rare and expensive!

[@derrenleepoole]

My dream camera. Period. So jealous.

[@guilherme0stevan]

Woow... Its a dream to have this "leica look"... I have a Canon SL3... And sometimes i close the screen, turn of auto ISO, and use full manual .. for training... Is a similar feel i think... 🤔 Obviously way cheaper... But here in Brasil, even a beginner canon is veeery expensive... But is what i have... And I'm happy with the hobby 😅

[@rudermanphoto]

Haha yeah, that’s why I said its probably better to just close your screen and resist the urge to peek if you want a experience similar to this for a fraction of the price

[@Xisbrezatsgzormd]

This is the craziest thing about Brazil. Unbelievable high taxes for technic import 😢 Like for what, why restrict people and make the life harder on this everyday level. That’s simply insane

[@davidbrighten2572]

I very much wanted a Leica M-D or M10-D. Given the cost I bought a brand new Pixii which as no screen, a range finder, 26mp etc. Love the experience.

[@nathanvrvrt]

There is now coming a new pixii max! Full frame without a screen for 4000 euro

[@GastonShutters]

How fast does it start up from off or sleep mode. My M11P can take up to 5 seconds which it’s an eternity for street photography.

[@rudermanphoto]

It’s pretty similar to that, maybe 2-3 seconds.

[@steveh8658]

Off to On is about 2-3 seconds. Stand-by is entered if no shutter use for 30 seconds. The camera just turns off the metering. It is instantly on again when pressing halfway on shutter button. So perfect for street and very long battery life means 2-3 days of shooting without recharging.

[@PanditaP]

This is really cool.

[@superkrell]

I shot film many years first with a Leica M3 then a Nikon F2. I have my film developed in the States which cost over $100 a roll! Cost of film, optical prints, premium scans, flash drives and shipping had me buy the Leica MD 262 with no regrets. It`s a digital camera that actually shoots like a Leica M3 and Nikon F2...!

[@jamesjacocks6221]

The photographer at the beginning of the video had a SWC? Nice.

[@chrischan9392]

Great to see someone talking about the 262 MD. I'd like to add a problem I've been having with mine: the switch lever to the S position will sometimes engage the self timer. Also, the battery drain is much more than the 240, I have the latest firmware. Hope it's not a circuit problem. I love the camera regardless. The dng are so beautiful and is what brought me out of film photography. The back iso dial is so good.

[@steveh8658]

First, make sure you have the firmware update. The original firmware did cause battery drain. The next firmware fixed that and battery life is exceptional unless the battery has degraded. Second, it sounds like the mode switch is shorting. My advice is take her to your Leica store and get a service, repairs. But make sure firmware is good first. Edit: If the mode switch is shorting then that might also explain battery drain. Edit 2: I am sorry I see you have latest firmware. Must be a short. Maybe water got in, the camera isn't waterproof.

[@jams0001]

Photos turned out really great, love the portraits with the vintage canon glass. If I had infinite money I'd look at picking one of these up 💸

[@rudermanphoto]

Thank you so much! Me too, i'd love to use this as a beater camera if I had more money then sense

[@ry1sfly]

This was such a cool review... Had heard there was a Leica camera out there like this, but never saw a review on one. The portraits were suuuuupppeer great with this. I have an XP3 and this really interests me... (if only the price did too haha). Giving up the menus systems sounds difficult to do (maybe all the reason I need to)! But I'll take your advice and tape my XP3 closed when I go for a walk sometimes.

[@rudermanphoto]

Thank you!! Yeah there is something freeing about not having to worry about settings or anything, just take photos and enjoy! But at the price that it is… definetly not for everyone!

[@HarrisonPainter]

Leica is just trolling people now. 😂

[@YarGnawh]

curious if you had a screen, say a M11, would often would you actually use it? great video and photos. i much prefer the colors in the video over the photos (bit too saturated imho).

[@rudermanphoto]

Thank you! The over saturated colours in the video are unfortunately due to a editing mishap, I forgot to change the colour space in the timeline and as such all the images are a bit too saturated - learnt my lesson though and won’t be doing that again lol

[@woodedape]

Grab any digital camera you have and tape some black paper or plastic over the LCD screen. Wallah! Instant Anolag Digital Camera!

[@rudermanphoto]

Leica hates this one simple trick

[@woodedape]

@@rudermanphoto You could even print out a piece of paper to resemble any film camera back you like or even 3D print one.

[@camerafusion]

Matthew... I've been eyeballing this camera too! Hopefully I can refrain this time. They're pretty hard to come by. Wrist Watch Check 41mm OP?

[@rudermanphoto]

They are very rare and very cool!! It’s a Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT! Absolutely loving it, that orange GMT hand is so sexy haha

[@camerafusion]

@@rudermanphoto NICE!!!

[@gamerw1zz]

Love the concept ! Now someone other than Leica needs to make it 😂

[@rudermanphoto]

A French company called Pixii actually made a camera with the same concept, but its 4.5k AUD and has Wifi so its not even as analog as the M-D 262. Also, no SD card at all, its all internal storage which I hate haha Would be awesome if someone developed a camera like this that was closer to 2k in price instead, then it would be an unique yet still somewhat attainable camera for most people!

[@PanditaP]

Get an xpro3

[@GBO76]

@@PanditaP The xpro3 isn't a good option, as there are now lots of users having the issue with the LCD screen ribbon of their Xpro3...which occurs with normal use. Try Xpro3 screen issues on google. It can repaired of course, but it will coming back.

[@gamerw1zz]

@@PanditaP I'm done supporting Fuji until they fix their autofocus. Not spending full price for half functionality of a camera. 🤷‍♂

[@PanditaP]

@@gamerw1zz oh yeah i heard about that. Thankfully I have older bodies that don’t have issues at the moment 😅

[@mkiv20v]

shouts out to homie with the 645 at the park !

[@rudermanphoto]

I hope he watches this video haha

[@jklphoto]

Nice review. Wish I would have grabbed an M10-D when I had the chance. I would suggest your friend John pickup an incident light meter to complete the analog film experience. Your images of the lovely model would have been perfectly exposed with an incident meter's dome facing the camera. That's how we nailed exposure back in the 1900s ;-) People rarely speak of the quaint metering systems in M cameras. They are very easily fooled by backlight and vertically oriented shots that are 50% cloudy sky. Cheers!

[@rudermanphoto]

I should have brought my Sekonic meter with me, should have known better then to trust the light meter in the camera haha

[@mwales2112]

I would love to shoot with one and have even thought about selling my M10 & Q to get an M10D... Nice...

[@Koro-Sempai]

Congratulations, this is a great camera! BUT, I have to, I'll just have to correct you, the fact is that the most analogue of digital cameras is Paper Shoot.

[@timoplants5869]

Being left-eyed and having no screen, at least you don’t get a greasy mark on the screen 😂 It is just as cold here in England, middle of summer and I’m thinking about putting the heating on.

[@rudermanphoto]

Yeah for us Australians 2c is virtually a Siberian tundra cold wise, I’m much happier with a nice balmy 25c+ 😂

[@kimchikidbear]

I won’t hate on Leica. I’m never ever afford one but I won’t hate on it. It’s too cool

[@cwiley512]

Epson rd1 is definitely the most analog digital camera, you have to wind the lever to take the next shot. It’s the best experience ever

[@rudermanphoto]

It has a screen though! But yes the R-D1 is very cool, would love to shoot with one some day

[@bukso8888]

Just buy old SLR and you have this experience for 50 instead of 8000 lol

[@eike.zender]

But what's the deal with the Leica look, when editing with presets anyway? Don't get me wrong, I liked how you edited the shots. Just thought with such an expensive camera it would be more redundant to to "heavy" editing 😊

[@rudermanphoto]

That’s a valid observation, but i have noticed even with presets applied M cameras still have a “look”, especially if you compare them with the same presets used on other cameras. I think a large portion of the appeal of shooting with a Leica, or at least an M body isn’t so much the image quality (which is excellent) but also the rangefinder focusing which is so truly unique compared to everything else on the market! Slow yes, but very fun to use haha

[@enshongmiranda]

If you can, try the Simera on the Texas Leica - GFX 50R! 😂

[@rudermanphoto]

I’d love to try the GFX50R!! It’s on my list of cameras I’m super keen on

[@enshongmiranda]

@@rudermanphoto it's clunky, quirky but super fun! Love playing with vintage lenses on it. If you manage to get one, please try out your Simeras on it! I was actually planning on removing the back screen of my 50R so I'll be forced to just rely on the EVF. Your video just reminded of it and I might push through with that mod. Feels like everything in the world is so instant that maybe being forced to photograph with restrictions might ease the mind from overstimulation.

[@bwizzlethemc2]

Where are you seeing this for $8500? That's crazy since the M10D goes for $7000. I'm seeing it on eBay for $5000. Either way, super expensive haha. And nice video!

[@rudermanphoto]

It’s $8500 AUD, that’s what John paid for it and is $5700 USD.

[@NetvoTV]

How about just cover the screen with a tape of something or just force yoirself jot using it, i guess its a passive limit with money or active limit with will power

[@rudermanphoto]

Ofcourse, that’s what most people should do - this camera is just for people who have the means to afford it and want something truly unique - doesn’t detract from the fact that it’s still a really cool concept, just wish it was a bit more affordable or made by someone other then Leica haha

[@noway8233]

Its like the old cameras , yuo need to wait to see the pictures...its an expensive time machine😅

[@SlavaVeres]

1:40 “It’s the middle of winter… it’s bloody cold… 😅 like 2 degrees” 😂🤣 Greetings from ❄️ Ontario 🇨🇦 By the way - a digital camera with no screen - it’s a very OLD concept - all digital cameras in the beginning of digital camera era had NO SCREEN 📸

[@rudermanphoto]

I knew the Canadians would chime in eventually - yes it’s a typical summers day for you guys but for us Australians it’s fucking COLD hahahaha

[@Equiful]

I just turn the screen off on my xpro-2 and use the ovf

[@cameraprepper7938]

If it had an excellent EVF and not an OVF, then it would be fine !

[@ribbitrocks]

after all my years with leica, i would say insane and ridiculous to think life will be better for 8.5k and no the experience would not be so much $$ different than other leica cameras....mpo

[@sputumtube]

Anyone ever hear the story about "The Emperors New Clothes"? Same thing with this camera.

[@user-rr6ix3eq4d]

Only Leica and the crazy pre-owned market can get away with selling a digital camera with no screen, with 24 megapixels for north of $4000

[@rudermanphoto]

It was even more brand new!

[@r423sdex]

I turn my screen off

[@user-zz4xh6bo8i]

A screen less digital camera for $8.5K

[@anon-vw6ut]

The most analog digital camera ever Epson RD-1: am I a joke to you? lol

[@rudermanphoto]

The epson has a screen tho ;)

[@chrissnyder4439]

Couldn't you just turn off the screen on an M 262 and save a few thousand dollars for the same experience?

[@rudermanphoto]

yes, but it wouldn’t be as ✨special✨

[@thomashilmersen711]

It seems a bit lame to refer to religious scripture, but it is actually quite brilliant. Keep in mind the great religions of the world were designed over hundreds of years, and they have proven their value in creating sustainable societies and personal relationships.

[@antdenzic7977]

Just turn the screen off on the camera you have.....Shimples.

[@randall.chamberlain]

Doesn't make sense at all to charge twice for the experience. What am I missing? Buy the cheaper one and cover the screen, you'll have the same experience I promise. Marketing bs I think.

[@rudermanphoto]

Stop thinking so rationally - this camera isn’t designed for rational thinking ;)

[@randall.chamberlain]

@@rudermanphoto good point lol, Though it's hard not to be rational when something costs 8000+ $$$, or double the other excellent alternative. On the other hand, isn't the purposely suspension of rational thinking the same as religious cult mentality? I ponder.

[@rudermanphoto]

@@randall.chamberlain it’s really just for people with so much money that the extra 4k doesn’t really matter, it’s not for you or me, more so just an exercise in what can you get rich people to buy with enough branding power behind it haha It’s still a cool concept, but I would never buy it - I’m just not the target audience

[@randall.chamberlain]

@@rudermanphoto makes sense when you put it that way, I guess it is difficult for me to grasp the concept entirely because I'm poor :) But it gets me thinking, maybe there could be a market for normal people that want the experience of no screens, etc. Then again, maybe not and that is why this thing is only targeted at more wealthy individuals. I'll tag this as a rich people problem. Thanks for the chat mate!

[@rudermanphoto]

@@randall.chamberlain you can experience it by turning your screen off or folding it shut and resisting the urge to peek haha

[@ducgerard2361]

buy a fuji gfx for this price!.... you will get better pictures than leica!

[@rudermanphoto]

I agree! There are definitely much better cameras for the money, the M-D is for these with a lot of money who desire a unique experience over image quality and performance

[@wojciech2456]

Just shoot real film at this point. 8k will get you filmstock for a lifetime

[@MrSwan67]

Yeah, just get an m6 and buy film with your leftover money and put it in a freezer

[@guyles2462]

terrible photos

[@rudermanphoto]

Thanks

[@guyles2462]

😘