The road to Leica: My story

Hi guys, I just dropped my second video! This time, I'm telling you how I got into the Leica M system and what makes it so special to me.
Don't forget to subscribe to my channel and follow me on Instagram (dromokratis) for new pictures and stories every day.

[@LindaEnfield]

It was one evening at my local camera club and we had a quest speaker come along and he brought along his camera that he used for street photography. His name was Matt Stuart and he handed me his Leica to get a feel for it and I was totally smitten, it felt so good and solid, when I held it up to my eye and focused with it I was totally won over. Sadly, I had to hand the camera back but then I started saving like mad and bought one with a 50mm lens. It is always my go to camera that I use the most, I still have my Canon 5diii for the shots that I need speed for but for just me I always grab the Leica.

[@nigelboon9212]

Great story - similar story here: several Fujis, loved especially the XPRO1 and its sensor, wanted to try CCD sensors, bought the M8, then got happily lost down the Leica rabbithole and now have others too. But like you I still kept the XPRO1 and will never sell it.

[@derrenleepoole]

I’ve had the Leica M9, and I adored using the camera. Sadly no more as it got damaged during a fall. I miss it so much. It was such a good fit for how I like to work, and the image quality is excellent. What I liked about the M9 was the fact it was just a camera. A lot of cameras are now very computer like in operation, with bells and whistles that aren’t always needed or necessary. Like you, I was much more considered in my work when using the M9. Higher keeper rate etc.

[@dromokratis]

You name it: It's just a camera. To me, this is the best thing about Leica too.

[@camerafusion]

Hi dromkratis! I wanted to let you know I featured you and a few others in my newest video. It's more or less just an unboxing of the Leica M8 and talking about how this video and a few others inspired me to pick up. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Hey mate, I'm not him, but I saw your video when you uploaded it, you might remember me. Funny story: I was window shopping for used Leica and saw a M9 and M6. In the end I didn't buy anything, since I already well equipped, but turned out it was dromkratis Leica cameras. Even more funny we started chatting and then we realised we are fellow beginner KZbinrs from Germany. I then remembered YOUR video where you featured him in the M8 video and remembered where I saw his name :D In the end we met in person today and talked about Leica and cameras for a while. Now we want to make some kind of collaboration as soon the schedule and our kids allow it. Just wanted to share you this story, since your video somehow linked us together. This part of YT community is really awesome. Dromkratis was BLOWN AWAY when a shared him your M8 video.:D!

[@camerafusion]

@@IntrovertAmateur That’s an amazing story! So cool! I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share that. I’d like to figure some way to collaborate with other upcoming KZbinrs even if we’re in separate countries. Maybe you guys would be interested?

[@IntrovertAmateur]

@@camerafusion that would be awesome! Do you have IG? I can’t find you with camerafusion on IG.

[@dromokratis]

@camerafusion Hi mate, thank you so much for featuring me on your video, I highly appreciate that! I'm in for collaborations, and I would love to work with you! How can we get in contact? You can find me on Instagram ("dromokratis") and through my website moschokarfis.de. 😉

[@camerafusion]

@@dromokratis just emailed you through your website

[@lensman5762]

I have an M2, an M3 and an M6 TTL and also a TYP 240. The TYP 240 is the closest experience in digital to using an M film camera, almost indistinguishable from an M6. It is a super tool focused on photography and absolutely no gimmicks. It only has what you need to make the camera do what you want it to do, not the otherway around.

[@forgottenamericana]

Great video! “Leica said….” Epic. 😂

[@broadkey]

I still remember today shooting with a borrowed Leica M3 in 1974! Some of the best shots I have ever taken. And I fully relate to what you said about remebering every shot. The feel and sound of that camera was something else. Now fifty years later (I cant believe that number), I bought my first Leica - albeit a used D-Lux typ109 .... but its not the same thing as its a badged Lumix. (I also use a GR III) So now I am on the lookout for a Q2 ... or maybe now I will think to go the rangefinder route..... Thanks for sharing!

[@tashihishey34]

I have had the Leica M240 for the past year with a voigtlander 35 f2 lens. Loved it but I knew the Leica magic was missing. The photos were too digital for my liking. Then, I discovered the 50mm Summilux version 2, the non ASPH lens. It has that Leica colour and glow with my Leica M240 - a perfect marrIage to produce that vintage film look.

[@hunterluo]

Hi Dromo I had a long journey with Leica as well. Appreciate this video and I ca n feel the passion from you. Would like to see more pictures you took. The moment of a piece of life.

[@SourPlanet]

Well said. Very comprehensive, deftly avoided the trigger points in the discussion ha. For me, I found my way to Leica by realizing time and time again that the fewer features I had to deal with, the better I could focus. I think some people's brains naturally work this way. I stopped using autofocus a few years ago and that helped a lot. Attaining focus became intentional when I wanted it, but I could also ignore any sort of camera interjections and simply use DOF and intention to place focus by "dancing" with myself and my subject (zone focus, etc). But, still, I was using this Sony that's just covered in buttons and dials which I never, ever touch. Plus, EVF and focus peaking. Just, no. I want to see the world not another damn screen. So eventually I picked up a beat up old Q to test the system. Immediately sold all my other gear. The color, the handling, the simplicity.. it just worked. Within a few months I had picked up a M240 and that's it. Once I held and used an M body, just immediately right. Colors are good almost SOOC, OVF is so satisfying, Rangefinding is exactly how I wanted to work this whole time. And, of course, the FEEL. Brassy, heavy, chunky, satisfying clunk of machinery with every action. Meters off the shutter, which I love. The list goes on and on. I totally get why anyone would shoot with any other system. Makes all the sense in the world. But Leica is exactly what I want, across the board.

[@davidgalicia9945]

Nice video. A journey for sure. For me, I believe it had to do something with the colors, build quality and reputation Leica has. I ended up with the Q2 earlier this year. I found a deal that I couldn’t pass up. The form factor, full frame sensor and the lens fit my needs. It’s a joy to shoot. Before I shot with the Nikon DX format.

[@ankerwiedemann]

I really identify with what you describe in having a near analog experience - depending on how you use the camera of course. The tactical feel and intuitive handling was something that came to me after buying it. I mainly bought my M10 for its good looks and classical design and the simplicity of shooting in a very basic analog like way. About the "one day I will buy me a Leica" thing: If you are convinced you would like to buy into the Leica M Eco-system, exchange one day for here and now. You could start with an M3 or M4, or an M8 like you did or one of the other affordable options. The cost is immense, if you measure it buy the prevailing M11 but less is more. Så just jump into an affordable body and mount an affordable 35 mm or 50 mm from either Leica or one of Voigtländer, Zeiss, 7Artisans, TTartisan and the other M-Mount lens offerings out there. Don't wait. If you get hooked on the rangerfinder way of shooting, you will probably not look back or take your other gear out of the bag or only infrequently. In short, (re)entering the world of rangefinder photography was like coming home again after a long time. I currently scan all my negatives back from the seventies and am amazed by the quality and clarity of my FP4 negatives shot with my mother's Agfa Super-Silette as a teenager and the complement my M10 photos very well. Thank you for the inspirational and very recognisable experience you shared in your video!

[@palmhousebookrestoration3284]

Hi Dromokratis, just found your story, dromokratis, great stuff man! I too picked up a Leica M8 just last year on MPB, only 3,995 shutter actuations?!?! not too bad I guess, thought I was taking such a risk at the time, the fact you hear Leica no longer repairs them and all the various components that are now impossible to replace, I was actually thinking I could of been purchasing a very expensive paperweight, but those thoughts have left me now, I love shooting with this camera, I was thinking of the M9 as my next purchase, but even with replaced sensors they have been problematic I have heard? so I want the M240 next, and originally was planning to trade up from the M8, but now I will definitely keep the M8 also! they are such beautiful cameras!

[@ansgarbook712]

I would always take the M9 over the M240. They are different!! Find a replaced sensor M9.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

I shot only one rangefinder, Mamiya 7, so not much I can say. I have now q3, but that's another story and being leaf shutter does come in hand so to say. Interesting take with number of pictures and general quality from the shoot. A good video overall. Thanks Man 🙂

[@Narsuitus]

I was introduced to Leica in college when I used a Leica M1 on a microscope. Before I purchased my first Leica rangefinder (the M1 was not a rangefinder), I used Argus C3, Minolta Hi-Matic 9, Canon QL17, and Contax G1 35mm rangefinders. I also used Fuji 6x7cm and Fuji 6x9cm medium format rangefinders. The Leica M6 with 21/35/90mm lenses was my first Leica rangefinder. Years later, I purchased two Leica M10 digital rangefinders. Regretfully, my two M10 rangefinders were not as reliable as my M6.

[@camerafusion]

Awesome story, Leica Said only needed 74 images 😂 I’m with ya! I’m a Leica junky too.

[@andykphoto]

I’m leica adjacent… minolta CLE, canonet QL17 GIII, xPro1, minolta himatic G I think… I used to have a Voigtländer R3M, and I’m kind of missing (after selling) it a decade later. I’ve been enjoying the CLE experience, and the canonet. I’m intrigued by leicas, but I’m not sold on the film loading process. 🤷‍♂️😅 if I could rent one (for more than a weekend) for less than it would cost to buy a Z6III new, I would probably try one… I’m really enjoying the CLE, but fear the electronics failure some day.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

What I like is also that they produce in Europe and the people involved are decently paid. That matters to me, still well, it is a big amount of money and one worries what happens if I loose it, crash it and so on. 🙂

[@haithamalmuzayan3050]

This is the best LEICA review I ever read or watch,

[@grazioso58]

there is another digital rangefinder Pixii made in France, not that i had a chance to test it yet and it has electronic shutter so it is gonna be different and it is APSC

[@andrewbutton5580]

Back in the film days I used an R4. My friends in labs running the autoprocessors at the time noticed how much better my negatives looked. Later I jumped into rangefinders. Largest and most comprehensive lens selection as well. Everything else beside Ms bore me to tears. Enough said.

[@manilamartin1001]

nice journey. Thanks very much for sharing

[@dromokratis]

Glad you enjoyed it mate, I appreciate that! 👍

[@user-vn1er5lz1d]

Hi , I shoot Leica film and digital and own Leica and Voigtlander lenses. Some of the best lenses I have are Voigtlander. So now after your interesting video (although your pictures flashed on and off the screen far too quickly) you have posed a question for me . Why don't Cosina make at least one rangefinder camera to go with their excellent lenses? If their first attempt was a success they could follow up on it wth another model. Just a thought. Best wishes Jake E.

[@dromokratis]

Hi Jake, I had the exact same thougt to be honest. A modern Cosina / Voigtländer M-Mount camera would be perfect. Maybe a re-issue of the Bessa RF or the Epson RD-1 with a more modern sensor.

[@user-vn1er5lz1d]

Yes I bought a Bessa T recently because I like old cameras and it's a lovely camera to use, so lightweight and compact and the results with a Voigtlander lens are just elegant ( as Marilyn Monroe says in the Misfits). I'd love to see them make a modern digital Bessa. Regards Jake E.

[@donwhite332]

I had a walk around street shooting opportunity with an M10P and a 50mm Lux. The experience was closer to my analog work and the files were nice. But objectively, there was nothing I could not have done faster and easier with my Sony, probably with better results too. I think Leica is about feel and experience, but not necessarily best results. It is also a very limiting camera. Some say limits help refine vision, but if you have vision you do not need artificial limits.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Myth crap. Done all that, too. It’s still a camera. You change not because of the camera, but because you want to be an artist regardless whether you will ever be one. Now you come up with the classic clichee arguments to make it happen. Video number 9.373.597 of the same self-BS talks. I have all the Leica types, multiple models. My best photos were shot with the Minolta XE. Not any of the M, the TLR, the digital, the analog, the … Now having a Minolta XE again, I’m not sure I’d get that same feel and attention to the photography. A M, many M get me near that, but it’s totally not it. So it’s a personal thing what tool actually fits you best, and it’s not features arguments and it’s not brands, brands make nothing to photographers.

[@olasek7972]

@@jan-martinulvag1953. I shoot exclusively jpegs too, hence using the Fuji system since it gives me all the options but the rest of your “philosophy” is lost on me, cheers 😂

[@TheVFXbyArt]

The best combo? Fuji bodies Leica Glass. I don’t have to sell leica glass, so I’ll just mention the Fuji bodies: 1) DR 400 mode gives you about 3 to 5 stops of highlight detail. Worth the price of admission. 2) modern EVF frees hot shoe 3) film simulation 4) price point means reality of digital rot is manageable. No modern digital Leica will ever be a heirloom because of Digital rot. 5) transport series from 2018 to 2022 represents the best bounce between speed and megapixel. Allowing for a very usable, electronic shutter while keeping shutter lag almost nonexistent.

[@garysong8163]

Liked your Leica M journey. You are correct that Leica M’s aren’t for everyone. My journey started in late 50’s when someone gave my mom a Leica IIIF. Just the feel and precision was a unique experience. I took a photography course in college and got a Nikon F which an uncle got for me when he was in the USAF. I always wanted to pick up an M2 or M3 but never made the commitment until the early 70’s when I bought a used M2…..they had stopped production since the M4’s were in production. Been an M shooter since. Like you mention Leica range finder cameras are not for everyone but for those who use them you’ll be hard pressed to make them trade in their M’s for another camera. To those who hate Leica M’s I only have to point out that they haven’t changes much since the Leica M3 when it was introduced in 1954 so they must have gotten it right. Also let’s see how many of the newer cameras will be in 70+ years. My M2’s and M3 are still working as if new. I also shoot with a 1935-1936 Leica IIIa which after a recent CLA works like a champ. Please do a follow up on your Leica M journey.

[@krolldavid]

Started with Fuji then tried an M8 and was instantly hooked. I will never sell my M8.

[@Astyanaz]

Yes, I can see much of that. But different photographers may have a different camera goal, maybe a Rolleiflex or a view camera, or a Leica clone or a Contax. I have used a screw mount Leica but haven't tried a bayonet mount.

[@philhartley7564]

I have a Nikon D850 and several lenses but since I bought a Leica Q2, in December 2020, the D850 hasn't moved - it's all just too bulky, heavy and complicated. I'm thinking of selling the Nikon gear and getting a pre-owned M10 R or M11 and a single lens. Selling all my Nikon gear not will only pay for half an M11 so I'm taking my time over a decision 🙂

[@tearsofglass88]

I also have a D850 and picked up an M11 and 50 summilux. Decided to keep all of my Nikon gear because I soon also picked up an M-A and now use my D850 for film scanning with a 105 macro.

[@armindreier7861]

Back in 1989 I earned my first money and had the chance to buy a M4-P without lens for all my money I had at this time. I didn’t do it and that was a mistake. After shooting many years with Olympus and Nikon I sold everything I had and bought a Leica M6 with a Summicron 50. The first Kodachrome slides blew me away. I had never seen such pictures before. In the beginning of the digital revolution (we shot with 5 Megapixel in 2005) I sold the M6 with all optics. Another mistake, I found out later. My analog pictures at this time looks much better than any digital shot I took at the same time. In 2018 I bought digital M. After several Leica M’s I found the M that will stay, I think. The look, feel and weight is closer to the M6 than any other digital M. I use it for my Job and I like it. Near every shot I took with the M, I remember. Not so with the SL. I love and hate my M 11 at the same time but I think I will keep it. The shot’s look so special. I think It’s a mix of camera technique and the way I took a picture. The M is not a photo cumputer like any other camera. So you have to watch a scene, adjust sharpness and aperture and think about the look before you shoot, cause you don’t see what the camera see’s when you look through the rangefinder. When you shoot with a Leica M you are a part of the scene.

[@superkrell]

Talk about shooting film with a digital? No one does it better than a MD262 paired with a vintage 50mm Summicron Rigid...!

[@dromokratis]

@superkrell Can't say much about the vintage Summicron, but right now, I'm travelling with the M-D 262 and the Voigtländer VM Nokton 50mm f/1.2 ASPH and it's by far the most analogue digital experience I've ever had. BUT you can get a quite similar experience for a fraction of the price with the M8. M-D model prices are constantly rising since I got my M-D in April.

[@superkrell]

@@dromokratis Yes, but an M8 has a LCD screen which kind of defeats the analog experience for me...!

[@robertjureit2574]

Where do i begin. Started as a pro, when 20 years old. Now at 69,still shooting. When i was young, it was 35mm,2 1/4, even 4X5. All great but bulky and heavy. I did use an R4 Leica for a while. But favored 2 1/4 Hasselblad. Currently at my age with back problems. I only shoot Leica M10R, and M10M, with five lens,ranging from 21mm to 90mm Thambar. I mostly shoot B + W. Also i use the electronic view finder on top. SLR habit from the old days. I saw one mention,they bought the camera because it looks good. How times have changed. We the PROS back they never bought cause it looked good. It had to DO the job.

[@ThoughtFission]

Can I ask where you purchased the M8?

[@petegleeson1]

Interesting, never even touched a Leica but enjoyed your story.

[@RobMatthews21]

Can you recommend an ir cut filter?

[@fuelediowa]

I would love to play with some Leica's and there lenses. However I can not even afford to rent them. So Leica if you are listening???? I can hook you up with a mediocre gallery .

[@elliotresnick5433]

I noticed you wear eyeglasses and you wear them while holding the viewfinder to your right eye. Can you explain the relationship between the camera’s diopter and your eyeglasses? Do you have a dominant eye, because mine seems to be my left eye which makes seeing the scene while using the viewfinder impossible?

[@dromokratis]

My right eye seems to be the dominant one, but I often use my left one when shooting portraits. The glasses never bothered me when working the Leica M, I even use sunglasses with it, something I can't do with other cameras.

[@elliotresnick5433]

Good morning from New York! Do you think I can use my reading glasses on a Q?

[@donjagoe]

Q2, M246, R4. Agree!

[@alanjackson7428]

Leica Mistake! - The biggest mistake I ever made was selling my M Monochrome. Still stinging after nearly 2 years since that move.

[@thomastuorto9929]

What led you sell it?

[@thomastuorto9929]

Leica definitely has its own look as does Hassleblad! Lens quality plus sensor/processor plus firmware & sometimes propitary software = image output. Back in the day it was film + lens. And of course, always the photographer. JMHO!

[@Docmakesfotos]

I have Sonys in the closest but picked up a M9 and have been shooting with that exclusively for two months now. It’s not perfect but I like it, and it makes me think more to get the shot. I actually like the jpegs as well.

[@thomashilmersen711]

The digital Ms are the closest you can come to the analog feel, but the experience is still quite different from using an analog M. Try the M4, for example, there is a more tactile feeling when a camera is 100% mechanical - the pressing of the shutter button, advancing the film, rewinding the film...

[@Astyanaz]

Say quickly, several times in a row, "I like a Leica, I Like a Leica".

[@tonym9635]

First thank you for sharing this video, I have the exact same M8 even the red soft shutter (lol) I totally agree with you that camera is super special, the images are just so different, I'm sure it's the CCD sensor. I dont mind the 10 megapixels and lets not even talk about the black and white images!!! Thanks again and enjoy your Leica's

[@dromokratis]

Thank you for your kind words! You're right, the Kodak CCD sensor is by far one of the most beautiful rendering sensors of all time! What lens do you use primarily on your M8?

[@tonym9635]

@@dromokratis voigtlander 40mm 1.4 and a 35mm 2.0

[@rebelwithano]

I scored a great deal on an m10 w/28 elmerit and 50 cron. Just holding the camera is unbelievable. I still have my canon r6 and love it as well. But the m system is just so compact and perfect for my travels. It’s a joy to use.

[@theexxecutionah8872]

Nice video. There is one alternative - Pixii A2752.

[@dromokratis]

Indeed it is, would love to get my hands on one of these! The Pixii camera seems to be the only real alternative, even though it's an APS-C.

[@lensman5762]

Its a nice enough camera with a price to match, but it is no Leica. It has neither the analogue feel, looks, or the pedigree.

[@SebastianReichenbach]

I would love a comparison from you of the Leica and Fuji X Pro Rangefinder.

[@barrytcook1]

I don't understand why you are saying a rangefinder changed how you viewed photography ... what about other digital rangefinders ? did I miss something?

[@dromokratis]

Don't mistake rangefinder-style-cameras (X-Pro1 for instance) with real rangefinders like Leica, Voigtländer Bessa, Epson RD-1 etc. Your way of composing a photo changes and with that the overall look of your captures. It's difficult to explain.

[@barrytcook1]

@@dromokratis thankyou .....

[@Johnny5tele]

Went from a Q2 to a Q3 then traded the Q3 towards an M11-P. I am very very new to a rangefinder and zone focussing, in fact I’m still learning but it’s an enjoyable ride all the same.

[@dgoullet1]

Good points!

[@patillas6895]

Es gibt noch eine weitere echte digitale Messsucherkamera, die Pixii, mit einem sehr interessanten Nachhaltigkeitskonzept. Man kann die Kamera upgraden, wenn es technische Neuerungen gibt.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

I was totally in the dark…… and bought a Leica M. What did I know….

[@thomasgoetze]

Same here. Sold my big Sony equipment for one camera and one lens: Leica M240 with Summilux 50. The experience is much, much better than with any feature monster. Over the last month I've added a 35 mm and a 15 mm Voigtlanders. That's it, no more g. a. s. any more …

[@Being_Joe]

I love my M3

[@Being_Joe]

BTW I traded a great X-T2 for the M3. I have a X-T10 that I got for cheap. Fuji has a great manual focus system. My fave was the rangefinder style X-E2s. I love my M3 but I can't shoot film all the time and love the convince of digital. I hope to one day pickup a digital M. The overall experience of the M system is great.

[@recreationalplutonium]

consumerism - the movie

[@emmanueltsI5]

dromo-kratis. I like it :) Kalo dromo - subscribed ;)