WHY I SHOOT LEICA M

[@phototristan]

UPDATE: I know have the Leica M10-R.

[@timoplants5869]

I use Leica because in 1970, when I was just a youngster, I was on a family holiday and we were in London for the day. My father took us into a photography exhibition about the Vietnam War and Larry Burrows was there. I met him and saw that he used Leica and that’s what I wanted to use. He was killed months later in a helicopter crash. It was only in later life that I could afford to buy the gear and have slowly built up a collection of 4 lenses. I now use an M10 and an M7 after having used an M4-2 for many years.

[@abdalhafeezali]

This an amazing and informative spontaneous review. Well done!

[@Narsuitus]

The 35mm SLR was my workhouse camera system. However, on those occasions when I needed a quiet camera with no loud mirror slap, I used a 35mm rangefinder. For decades, I used Canonet QL17 or Contax G1 rangefinders when I needed to use a 35mm rangefinder. When I could finally afford a Leica rangefinder, I considered the M2, M6, and MP. I purchased the M6 because it was the first of the three I was able to find for a reasonable price and in good condition. Based on my experience using a 35mm f/1.4 on my 35mm SLR, I knew I wanted a 35mm f/1.4 lens for my Leica M6. Based on my experience with Zeiss lenses on my 35mm SLR and Zeiss lenses on my Contax G1 35mm rangefinder, I knew I liked the image quality of Zeiss glass. Therefore, the first lens I bought for my Leica M6 was a Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon. It was expensive but not as expensive as the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux. With the money I saved, I was able to buy a 90mm f/2 Summicron for my second lens. Later, I bought the 21mm f/1.4 Summilux for my third lens. The Leica M6 rangefinder with my three lenses is the primary reason why I shoot with a Leica M.

[@gurugamer8632]

Which model bag is that and which Leica lens do you use?

[@phototristan]

See these videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWWqapmKqdhpm80 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/aISwiGuefchojMk

[@CrueLoaf]

I have a M10-D which I love. No screen to worry about.

[@sharonleibel]

Agree. I shoot the M10P and 246, And although it has the Leica half case with magnetic "flap" that covers the screen, I can't help but look at it from time to time. the M10-D is liberating in many ways.

[@RolandAyala]

I really like the image at 0:50 -- great composition IMHO. It's also a great shot in terms of showing the benefit of rangefinder versus look through the lens (assuming what's captured was intentional). The M system is overpriced for what you get, but is unique from anything else and therefore needs to be experienced first-hand because no contest (loses) compared to other systems based on spec to price ratio. The IQ is great and unique, but not a system I can see being used for professional work. On the other hand, I can see a pro grabbing for it when s/he wants to get back to basics and re-experience the joy of shooting.

[@bernardlesperance742]

Loved the idea of having one but the easily blown out, irrecoverable highlights was a deal killer for me. Have never had that issue with my Nikons (D200, D3, D3X, D810) - both shadows and highlights being easily retained or fully recoverable. No problems with my Leica M6 (film camera) either, even with less dynamic range.

[@sixteenbitter]

Nice vid, I love Leica cameras. Did you get rid of the 35mm F 1.2 Nokton from the old videos? I suppose it wasn't necessary anymore considering the 35 'lux?

[@phototristan]

I did. Only b/c I got a good deal on the 35 Summilux which it turns out I'm quite happy with mainly due to it's smaller size.

[@oneharry_og]

With just general walk around candid photography where would you start with your aperture and zone focusing range? I know it can vary scene to scene, but wondering if you start with something in particular.

[@martin701]

What strap are you using?. Looks robust with great quality.

[@phototristan]

It's the Leica one here (I just took off the shoulder attachment part): amzn.to/2ViaMFG

[@gurugamer8632]

Will you get M11 and do a review 😝

[@Topscura]

Really enjoyed watching your review. Thanks for sharing.

[@vickey59]

You touch on two important points here, one being the rangefinder experience. This is what people who harp on about better image quality from x brands don't get: we shoot M cameras because we find RFs really fun to use. It's weird when people suggest Fuji X as an alternative because it is nothing like a real rangefinder. RF cameras are not for most people, and I can see why some might not understand spending lots of money on a 'fun experience'. But for people that enjoy or are suited to RFs, there really aren't any options other than a Leica M. If another brand made good digital RF cameras, I would definitely consider those options; I don't care if it has a Fuji or Sony label on it instead of Leica. The other good point is that Leica branded lenses are the best for their size. There definitely are expensive lenses in other systems with no discernable differences in image quality. But Leica's equivalent lenses are a lot smaller, especially those with built-in sliding hoods. There aren't any weight savings with a Leica M10 setup, but I definitely appreciate the significant space savings when travelling.

[@phototristan]

Yep, great points!

[@pdiseris]

Although I don't agree with your opinion on images with very shallow depth of field, being the Leica look, I did find it interesting that when we're infants we can't focus as so well which may cause some people to feel instinctually nostalgic for that kind of image.

[@giolee1274]

Stunning work. 👍

[@Sams911]

yes, expensive... my M10P and Noctilux .95 50mm and a handful of accessories topped $24000 with CA Sales Tax.... but I use it 5 times more than I ever did my Canon 5D Mk3 and 1.2 50 mm which was 2-3x more weight and bulk.

[@timothylua5885]

nice to see some leica videos, im a big fan. been watching your alden videos which is also one if my hobbies😀

[@FotosyMas.]

M-P: Mechanical Perfection

[@wojt4spes]

that's not that Leica. You are talking about a film camera, an MP, not M-P.

[@FotosyMas.]

@no.0221 From Wikipedia: "The 'MP' designation stands for "mechanical perfection." From Leica's website: "Leica MP, the ultimate tool. Mechanical Perfection. Nothing Else."

[@arifkizilay]

hi, where can I find leica M? thank you.

[@phototristan]

Here for this model: amzn.to/3kMijYi

[@arifkizilay]

@@phototristan thank you so much, but that is too expensive for me to afford.

[@LynxWatcher]

You thinking of getting the Fuji x100v?

[@tchin2020]

Can't downplay the fujifilm platform, I watched 100s of reviews for the x100f, and picked one up used from Tokyo, what an amazing camera, compact, and the colors and sharpness of the pictures are amazing...i downsized from Nikon D750 and D850 system, just too heavy for travel street photography, I'm always evolving looking for the ultimate camera system. I had a Leica M6 TTL, back in the early 80s, and kept evolving with digital and automation focus, I picked up a Leica Vario-x because of the fix mini-zoom lens, a great camera, and then picked up Leica Q with a fixed 28mm, also a great camera, both automatic focusing if needed, all producing that unique leica images...so still evolving, now I'm considering the Leica M-P, but, then I will be going back to the 80s, with manual shooting, Is it worth it? I just love the Leica images and want to continue evolving with Leica...the last camera to get...

[@taneltinnuri8985]

Absolutely agree with everything you sayin.

[@gamaltaha6881]

since there is no discernible difference in image quality between Leica and other top brands, I suspect that people buy Leica for the prestige, status symbol. Similar to buying a Rolex watch vs others lower end brands.

[@phototristan]

It's not all just about image quality. Things like form-factor and usability come in to play a great deal. That said, Leica lenses do have the best image quality.

[@bharathghanta]

P actually doesn't stand for professional. The P designation is actually carried over from the original Leica MP film camera from 2003 and MP actually stood for Mechanical Perfection. They started putting the P for the revised versions of the cameras for the digital Leicas after that (M9-P/MP (typ 240)/M10-P)

[@bharathghanta]

Actually my bad. Seems like the original MP was released in 1956 and the P in MP then actually stood for professional.

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

6:13 - Bwhahaha, that has to be the biggest bullshit reason I've ever heard in my life, I collect Leica's, I can swallow a lot of crap but that's on a whole new level.

[@phototristan]

Armchair expert I see. Dr. Margaret Livingston at Harvard Medical School has been studying that and even wrote a book on it called "Vision And Art". See this from Leica photographer Mark de Paola on the topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opjIkKpsqLSHl9U And, you can do your own research by reading the book yourself: amzn.to/34UCviP should you wish to actually become informed.

[@Blackmind0]

it's like rolex, pay one and sell it years later, its worth the same or more

[@jjjoooojjj]

I sold my MP for more then I bought 10 years later...

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Buy a Fuji. Just as good in a practical sense and the image quality is just as good.

[@phototristan]

But then you'd have to use Fuji.

[@phototristan]

I mean that completely seriously. Fuji is a vastly inferior experience.

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

@@phototristan To be sure, the Leica Q for instance is a great camera but before deciding which one to buy out of the Q and the Fuji XT3 I tried them both for a day shooting side by side. I loved the Fuji experience just as much and the pix were just as good. What tipped it in the balance of the Fuji was a combination of interchangable lenses and price. I don't think the Leica price is justified. I can see absolutely no way you can justify your statement that the Fuji is a vastly inferior experience as it absolutely isn't

[@phototristan]

@Mike Kleinsteuber We're talking about Leica M here. That said the Leica Q series is still better than any Fuji.

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

@@phototristan Sure, I've tried that one too but I don't like rangefinders and other than the interchangable lenses bit, the statement stands. But many Leica users fool themselves into believing the images they get are technically better than they really are. You can see so many back to back tests on YT between Fuji and Leica and both come out about the same but with the Fuji at half the price. You don't always get more the more you pay.

[@Junior-mw1zn]

Thats mine with 50 summilux👍🏾

[@phototristan]

GREAT combo

[@alexborghiphotography]

Becouse you rich

[@sharonleibel]

A common misconception: The price of a camera is the value between buying and selling, And even a 10 year old M9 now costs over $2000. Yes, The first purchase is big, But with the depreciation of other cameras, Eventually you pay (in small increments), Much more than you pay for an M. count the total amount of money someone spends over years and years, and you'll have a surprise.

[@jamesmorton81]

@@sharonleibel : yes, the first purchase is big.......yep, rich

[@AhmedBristolskiy]

Sharon Leibel 100% I’ve recently sold my 5k usd Nikon d3 for 600 dollars...

[@splootan]

The 246 is a much better camera for BW

[@Nayr747]

The camera and lenses in this video are $25,000??? Wtf... No wonder pros don't use these. You could buy five 5Ds for one of these.

[@phototristan]

Tons of Pros use Leica.

[@Nayr747]

@@phototristan Then why do I only ever see them using Canon, Nikon, and maybe Sony sometimes? Probably because those cameras have all the features (and more) of this Laica at a fraction of the cost. Seems like Laica is more of a fashion statement.

[@MattJungJinChoi]

@@phototristan Nayr747 needs to do some research before speaking out loud with his lack of insight :D

[@Nayr747]

@@MattJungJinChoi That's just vague enough to have the appearance of actually saying something.

[@MattJungJinChoi]

Nayr747 calm down mate. Go search what a dynamic range is and how Leica and Sony's color science compares. Maybe that will give you a little more idea.