I Finally Bought a REAL Leica

[@ioegreer]

welcome to the family my son

[@WillemVerb]

Should have listened to you like 6 years ago telling me to buy an M6 💀

[@Irnbruist]

@@WillemVerb bought mine 7 years ago for 900.-

[@niftyfiftyfilm]

@@Irnbruist mad

[@AI-Hallucination]

@@Irnbruisti bought mine brand new for 5 grand 😂

[@Tiziano212]

lol 🤣

[@0.sit.0]

praying the 35mm Willem camera curse doesn't kill this one

[@TheWutangclan1995]

Photography gods telling Willem 120 only 😂. But in all seriousness he’ll be fine they’re a tank.

[@0.sit.0]

@@TheWutangclan1995RIGHT??? camera gods love his 120 work

[@bngr_bngr]

@@TheWutangclan1995The M4-2 was a cheapen version of the M4.

[@ianroe1076]

@@bngr_bngr Cheaper in some respects. It lacked a self-timer mechanism and utilized a more conventional manufacturing style, but it's still very similar quality. It even has a couple of additional features, including a hot shoe and automatic winder support (which is why some people report a "rough" advance - it uses harder-wearing steel gears).

[@soza.pidgeon]

There's a concept in there about having the same lens across both cameras and its something people often miss. The lens is what makes your image, the body is what makes your experience.

[@chriscard6544]

exactly

[@joshuachinn7570]

more like Leica finally acquired Willem as a user

[@WillemVerb]

lmaoooo

[@musa7606]

I bought an M3 as my first 35mm rangefinder and have been super happy with it. Mechanics are like butter, and for a Leica its super affordable.

[@SeeMick1]

Willem in 2025: Why I bought an M6 for $4500

[@FrankFiene]

Yes, a new one!

[@VariTimo]

@@FrankFieneHopefully a new one. The old ones are way overpriced and not as well made.

[@meilensteinkreativ-designa1241]

Hopefully a new one, but for a new M6 you will pay here in Germany 5.800€. I had the biggest luck... I super nice guy sold me his M6 from 1987, a 35mm Summicron F2 (King of Bokeh!!!) and a 50mm Summilux F1.4 for 2200 bugs.... I was the happiest human being on that day

[@FrankFiene]

@@meilensteinkreativ-designa1241 I know. But instead of spending 4k for a used one it might be a good idea.

[@JayJayNay]

Absolutely nice video. Congratulations on your M-4 2. I’m 63 and doing “it” with a Q2. One day I’ll be an M owner ;-). I hope. Your photos look great. Maybe it’s an idea to mention the film stock used as well as the little light meter and flash. Thank you for your inspirational video and photos.

[@classic.cameras]

Congratulations William! If anyone DESERVES a Leica I think its you. Have fun.

[@valentingondry3504]

Hey Willem! Great video as always. I have the Color-Skopar as well, and the front element also comes loose every once in a while. That being said, there's no need to send it for repair; you can tighten the element yourself pretty easily! Look for two notches on opposite sides of a silver ring, and tightening it will fix the wobbling.

[@xjoexedge]

I’ve had my m4-2 for 6 years almost 7 and it’s amazing. Has its weaknesses in construction but it’s amazing. The camera that saved Leica

[@Xenonic2]

Is there a huge difference between the M4-2 and the M4-P in your opinion?

[@eminfilmphoto]

@@Xenonic2M4-P has 28mm frameline. M4-2 doesnt have it

[@xjoexedge]

@@eminfilmphoto exactly !

[@330f]

When people are curious about getting into photography and ask me what camera they should get, specs, etc. I always make sure to emphasize that what's just as if not more important than all that is: do you like the camera? Do you like the way it looks? The way it functions? Feels in the hand? Because it could be the best camera in the world, but if you don't love it, you wont use it. Obviously you don't have that problem lol, but those intangibles are clearly driving you to shoot more, shoot uniquely, and feel good while shooting. What more could you ask for out of a camera?

[@skandahooligan88]

If you're going to put 100 rolls through it over one summer, I think you're justified splashing out on a camera that you enjoy using

[@realkevinrice]

I bought my Leica M4-2 a couple years back and it is still by far my favorite camera I've ever owned. Some real magic in there.

[@doodfilms]

I also think that one of the interesting things you get from this is: "Buy cheap buy twice". I completely agree that you don't need the best cameras or lenses for taking good photos. But for someone like you that is a pro photographer and actually taking pictures ALL THE TIME, the camera actually matters. It's going to last (clearly as you had problems with all your previous cameras) and as you said it will just be a better tool. For people that actually put things to use, investing in the tools is actually worth it. Hope you enjoy the Leica experience ❤

[@NicolasGENTYPRISCAL]

I totally understand having myself an M6 after some years shooting CLE. I so love my M6 that my other cameras are jealous of it ! Just for the notice, the magic of loading the camera is the ability to NOT flip open the back to avoid any debris entering into it, and letting the bottom plate guiding the film in the spooler when film tip properly inserted in the three fingers holder system.

[@Kevon420]

Wonderful video Willem! I’m happy to see you happy with a camera…happy photographers take better photos. 10:01 if you are looking for another 35mm M lens, I highly recommend the Voigtlander 35mm f2 Ultron mk.II (the mark 1 has some mechanical issues) or the Voigtlander 35mm f1.5 Nokton Asph Type I. Both are pretty affordable new and on the used market there are always good deals popping up. The size, image quality, rendering mechanics, and ergonomics are all lovely. You can always try out a Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 if you want a more vintage style rendering.

[@brianthatsthename]

+1 for this lens. I’ve been running with it for a while now and the images are sooooo good.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

The night shot with the car headlights is fabulous

[@aydenbyrnes]

Welcome to the M4-2 gang! Was going to get a Bessa back in 2020 but ended up picking up one of these from K&M instead, and it has outlasted SO many other cameras I've tried since then. Tried an M-A for a little bit even and the M4-2 was basically the same so ended up just selling that and sticking with this one. Hope it treats you well!

[@billem16]

I have the M5 and it’s incredibly similar in terms of the reasons you love using it, and it has a great light meter without red lights and stuff in the VF it’s just an old school gas needle meter thing, but it’s awkwardly big and people think it’s ugly 😂 I love it so much tho

[@bren.nan_]

Found you through your V70R content and now I'm here, love the content bro

[@CalumetVideo]

It took me years to finally get a Leica M3 and M4, I shoot with the 50mm Summicron, Voigtlander 50mm Nokton and Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm lens. I will say I love the way it handles and feels in the hand. I now use it for all of my 35mm and 50mm photos and reserve the 35mm Nikons for anything over 50mm. The Leica is a forever camera!

[@ChristopherBauer-g5b]

Gute Wahl Willem. I have an M4, M4-P, and MP and the mechanical performance of the M4-P (also Canada made like the M4-2) is THE BEST of all three models. Such a smooth performance. The MP is said to be the "mechanically perfect" camera of the Leica Family which I cant say. Well I guess those Canadians did a better job back than than the Germans, because they had to live up to the quality standard of the Leica history and they were new in the game. Of course it depends on the individual camera itself but its just one more evidence that it is not about a specific Leica model but more about how the individual camera performs.

[@Dibblesoldhollywood]

Sometimes I forget just how fucking amazing Willem is at the art, then I see his videos and his sets and I’m reminded again…I mean jeez that opening reel had me mouth agape…the STATEN ISLAND FERRY PHOTO?! The FRAMING?! Jeez Willem

[@Hugo.uribe12]

I was in a similar situation during the pandemic. Really wanted to try the Leica M6 but just didn't have the funds for it. After few weeks of research I arrived at the M4-2. Its such an underrated camera! Feels great in the hands and with the right lens its a power house thats hard to not bring along to shoots and photo walks. Excited to see the images you produce with it Willem.

[@GordonMoat]

M4-2 no self timer lever, and no battery bump, so it fits big hands very well. Glad I got mine a few years ago, before this video came out. You can almost hear the EBAY searches getting generated while the video is playing.

[@amarthgul5578]

Thanks for picking up a m42, I also have one of these. And now that Willem put it into a video, I can be rest assured that the price for this model will be going up in no time

[@garywebb5912]

I also recently bought an M4-2 after looking at Bessas and Zeiss Ikons. So glad I bought it and actually prefer not using a meter now, and so far have mostly gotten exposure within 1/2 a stop or so. Love the super clean RF with no distractions.

[@hoggif]

I like the feel of my Leicas every time I pick them up. Rangefinders are so nice. Fortunately I picked up Leica M6 and M7 when they were dirt cheap (along with some lenses). I have Bessa R2A too that gets more use than my Leicas, I just tend to preserve M6/M7 and use Bessa more. The feel of Leicas is so much better, the photos may not be. I also enjoy larger still affordable cameras like Fuji GW/GSW690 for quality of photo even if the user experience is not quite up to a Leica. Oh, the photos may not be the same. When I used more my Leicas I could shoot 1/8s shots rutinely. Try doing that with a mirror slap hand held!

[@trippwilsonphoto]

I've owned a CL I was 15 and I can attest to every point you've made. I ended up getting an M8 and an M6 and I actually did end up selling those keeping the CL, although I definitely don't shoot 35 as much as I still shoot medium format. Great video.

[@briangaroutte7233]

Congrats! My guy, glad you found a camera that inspires you to use it.

[@charleyfolkes]

Nice ! I like the camera bag too. It fits my M3, the Konica 21-35, the Konica 90 and the light meter. The zip slot inside fits a filter pouch and pockets outside for film.

[@crwn_munkz]

The Leica M "experience" fuzz is real!!! These cameras are very fun to use!

[@the.jonfernandez]

Welcome to the fam. Picked up an m4-p recently and absolutely in love with it

[@drizzydrew98]

I have to be in a good place mentally to watch Willems videos bc seeing how crazy good his work his makes me feel like there’s still so long to go to catch up!

[@atcovolan]

love watching your videos (both here and on the car channel) after lunch

[@happywilliam1]

I think.. you'll never leave the lecia family ever. Welcome!

[@babaidenes8020]

It's super nice to see some people content in your photography! Keep this in the future man!

[@calchurchill2730]

As a fellow M4-2 owner, welcome! It's a great camera, definitely my take everywhere camera.

[@GTAYLOR1972]

I have a M-A, and I love it. I really think that M4-2 offers one of the best bangs for the buck in the Leica world because it has everything you need, esp if you can do without 28mm frame lines.

[@GTAYLOR1972]

Also I believe if you want you can get a Leica tech to change out the viewfinder and basically turn it into an M6..

[@travis_cannady]

I just recently picked up a M4-2 myself. I absolutely love it. I do not understand way it gets so much hate in the Leica community. Whatever, their loss. The M4-2 is a great camera.

[@dontshootphotos3372]

I bought an M4-2 to dive into the Leica Rangerfinder system and honestly it one of my favorite cameras I’ve ever used! There have been moments when I’ve consider selling it, but to be honest it’s way too fun to use in all honesty! I hope that you enjoy yours Willem!

[@brianspagna7020]

every time i watch a new willem video im reminded of why im driven to grow my career in photography. its not easy, but thats not why we do it😅

[@mgrzphoto]

I had the exact same problem with the Voigtlander Bessas - They are still my favorite camera as far as viewfinder and shooting experience, but I chewed through 3 of them in 12 or so years. Shutter failures, and good luck finding someone willing to work on them. It's a shame really. I've been sticking with a Leica m4-2 for about 4 years now and its been an awesome experience, just reliable and a total tank...regardless of its reputation as a "lesser" leica.

[@Dylanwade_]

Would love to see a video on the TLA 140. I have one but have never used it. Would be great to hear what you like about it.

[@igeisendoerfer]

Fully understand you, my M4-P is pretty much always with me and I did 99% of the holidays pics wiht it. It is really fun to shoot with and with no electronics hopefully it lasts forever.

[@gideoncreates2024]

waiting for this video since I got the notification yesterday xD

[@latitude35mm]

This triggered my gear acquisition syndrome!😂 Been wanting one for ages and was hoping this summer would be the time but life (and car) had other plans

[@lukeydable]

That Jaws Bridge photo is excellent! Would have loved to run into you on the Island.

[@iHR4K]

nice, congratulations, Summikoяrn 50 v3 can be great candidate for the first lens, that's prob one of the greatest combo you can get

[@mmmfs]

Your photo's are really incredible. Your composition is so good. Not sure if I missed it, curious what film you were shooting with in some of these scenes, the colors are really vibrant. To me it looks like slide film in some cases. Thanks for the great video!

[@analog_astronaut]

No matter what anyone says, gear absolutely matters to an extent. The way I see it is that great gear does not make someone a great photographer but a great photographer will make beautiful work with great gear.

[@stedalejandro]

Love the set up for this video. It feels like I’m talking to the homie

[@CineDelMar]

Recently picked up a M6 with a 50mm Voightlander and I'm never giving it up.

[@TomPark1986]

If I were to get a Leica, would have to be the M11 and a 35mm f/1.4. Congrats on your acquisition.

[@GRAYMASKMAN]

I was waiting for Wildwood to show up.... Thanks Willem!

[@sethpotterphoto]

Man, I went through something sorta similar. I always wanted a Leica Q but I could never justify the price. So I bought a Fuji x100f then a V then a GRiii then a GFX. Finally bit the very expensive bullet and bought a Q3. Hardly leave my house without it.

[@Leicashootr]

Welcome to the family Willem ❗️🙂

[@GIOMACHAVARIANII]

You can pin light meter on camera strap and use camera with flash at the same time💫

[@spencersanderson4590]

8:24 is a crazy shot

[@josemariaboggiobuteler224]

Beautiful video, I love it ! The only thing is u can put the film under the photos so we can know which u used!!! But everything awesome!!

[@martinkoziel9654]

tough I am mainly a M6 guy I like the M4 as well. Thx for the ligtmeter tip

[@sushi_donut]

Not me thinking this was Plants vs Zombies music for a sec 😭

[@dunerino892]

🙌finally willem! ...but without a nice cron on the cam the leica experience isn't complete imho

[@iandickerman365]

I would highly recommend the voightlander 35 1.5 nokton (not the 1.4). Performs almost the same as my buddy's summilux but can be found for about 650 bucks.

[@pieter-jandirven9889]

Hello, I use a nokton 1.4 and I really enjoy it but at wide open aperture, the vignetting can be quite intense sometimes. Is it the same on the 1.5 nokton ?

[@AnthonyZyc817]

Look forward to seeing you in the next Leica film camera commercial. 🎉

[@999killerchris]

Just got to say that the m4 is a really amazing build

[@ShawnPBruce]

The M4-2 is my favorite. I want one so bad. Hopefully next year.

[@iainlaurence]

Really nice photos from the Leica. Putting 100 rolls through a camera in a summer is no small feat!

[@gmiddleb]

Oh man. I've been contemplating this very thing for several months now (I'm also a happy longtime CL shooter, FWIW). This review might tip me over the edge.

[@Teun]

12:10 MY BMW SCRAPE THE FLOOR

[@ianroe1076]

The M4-2 is an excellent complement to the M3, with one being suited for wide focal lengths and one for narrow. It's massively underrated because it's made in Canada, and lacks a meter. However, almost every time I have ever met or spoken to an M6 owner they mention the meter is inaccurate or non-functional, which is the only feature that justifies the $1200+ price increase between the M4-2 and M6. Meter electronics fail and require outright replacement, but a mechanical Leica with regular (every decade or two) servicing will last a lifetime.

[@patrickjclarke]

Congrats. If you ever get a chance to use a Konica Autoreflex T3 you should try it. I think everything is smoother than my Leica but has that same precision feeling. Severely unknown camera with an amazing set of lenses including the 40mm f/1.8.

[@JasminGendron]

The M4-2 is a nice camera. I used to own one back in the days, but it is built much cheaper than an M6… mine started to loose the rings behind the top plate and that’s why I moved to the M6… Good luck 🤞

[@billlai3106]

Just yesterday I had my slr Leica r7 broken,so I bought a leica M6 and feel the same here😍

[@Shiyumvm]

Welcome to the club 😂. Bought a leica m4-2 a few months ago and im loving it so far 😁

[@Ultrammaarr]

The photos are sooo beautiful

[@patrickjclarke]

and I know you are looking for something brighter than the Voigt, but the 35mm Summarit f/2.4 ASPH is a STELLAR lens, and TINY and a perfect balance of character and clinical. It's my only 35mm I own for my Leica.

[@elidrljaca7483]

Fellow M4-2 owner here 🤙 it’s the Leica that saved the M line.

[@maxadams69]

Just got a Leica m3 a few months ago and I still pick it up to look at it every day even if I’m not shooting lol.

[@kristoffergo6294]

Congratulations man!

[@ryanalexweisz]

You will have an MP in no time 😂🫶🏼. I got an m6 and mamiya 7ii still my fav of all time. Just can’t beat medium format.

[@spencermazur8312]

Do you have a video on how to travel with film through airports?

[@maheshg212]

great shots.. One question, do you get these pictures scanned, and then process on computer? I assume they are not SOOC ?

[@mozaic_channel]

Oh no, Willem drove up the price of the 645 and is now working on his Leica stock. Just kidding. Just bought an M3, still going through it (cleaning rangefinder, lenses, etc…) but really stoked to put a few rolls through very soon. I got a Summaron 35mm with goggles, love what I see in the big viewfinder for the focal lens, but that lens needs a good cleaning. I had found a few leads on decent M4-Ps, but in the end decided on the M3. Really like the photos shared in this video.

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

Q: How do you know someone has a Leica? A: Don't worry, they'll tell you.

[@ezpoppy55]

Hidden in this video is yet another example of buying right the first time… I have no idea what you spent $$ on those other 35mm cameras, but the hours of frustration dealing with their issues is a huge expense. Hopefully, this M4-2 will continue to bring pleasure and results for many years. Or until you finally decide, “Price be damned, I’m getting the M6!” Looking forward to the upcoming “What I Did On My Summer Vacation” videos!

[@JuanHurrea]

6:02 holy shit, Johnny Depp. Willem is cracked at this

[@HenryBobeck]

loooving your people/street style photos!

[@BLKXK]

i sold my M4-P a couple of years ago to finance my computer, still miss that camera everyday

[@casualgrains]

Congrats! These are great shots!

[@likeanelephant9314]

The hot shoe is important!

[@kirktheshirt307]

That Action Bronson Outro *chefs kiss*

[@matthewmeier7065]

Have you found the shoe mount meter easy to use/convenient and accurate?

[@WillemVerb]

Yes! Been great so far. I still like setting it to 1 stop over to be safe though

[@matthewmeier7065]

@@WillemVerbawesome thanks!

[@oldmanmikey]

You can have those save problems with any camera. The ideal thing to do with any analog camera is to have it maintaince as soon you get it. If it’s a Leica send it to Dag. He’s the leica specialist.

[@stephencaserta2969]

Would be curious to hear your thought process in determining exposure

[@documentprogress]

Thank God I bought this camera before you posted this. The price is going to go up after this one! Hahaha

[@benjaminwhatever]

stoked to see more mate! How's the Porsche?

[@iloveeattingyellowtail]

Not Leicas, but I have a Petri 7s and a Pentax K1000. The Petri rangefinder already needs to have the spool readjusted after a few months of use. The Pentax on the other hand feels like it repairs itself. I accidentally froze the camera twice in cold weather, and the previous owner somehow cracked the inside of the viewfinder, but the damn thing still runs reliably

[@michaelappleyard6300]

After decades of trouble-free shooting with my Nikkormat SLRs, plus a dozen different Nikon AI lenses from 18mm to 300mm including zooms (try doing that with a Leica M!), I recently thought of discovering the much vaunted rangefinder experience for myself. However, I wanted significantly better image quality than 35mm can ever deliver so there seemed to be only one option - the Texas Leica. This is, of course, the Fujica GL690 6cm x 9cm medium format camera: a Leica on steroids. Well, it is certainly an experience to use due to its comical size but it is not all that heavy (think Nikon D810-ish), it is smooth and quiet and the rangefinder is pretty nice. Also, the Fujica lenses (65, 100 and 180mm) which I got for it are really excellent so the image quality is terrific and compares that from a modern digital camera, but with that "filmic" look as a bonus. However, the negs cost about £3 a shot and reliability is something to discover in the future. I wonder if Willem has ever tried one of these.

[@jasminacevedo9098]

Great images Willem ❤

[@iammarcdaniel]

the exact camera i have been eyeing on, but ive been addicted to my x-pro2