Is Leica worth it? 

"I don't know why they do this...I assume it's so they can hear the compliments." The FUNNIEST thing I've heard this week!

Beyond being very interesting every time, it's amazing how relaxing these videos are!

This is my 50th year as a working photographer. I started shooting with Leica M cameras about 26 years go. My first digital Leica was the M8, which I loved. The second was the M9, which I loved not so much. The buffer sucked and when it advanced the shutter it sounded like trying to kick over my 1973 Norton Commando. As both cameras were getting old I sold them for more than I paid for them. (A Leica plus) After significant research I decided on an absolutely pristine Leica M-P240 with less than 300 shutter actuations for which I paid $3250.00 USD. Because of the massive battery it is thick and heavy however battery life is better than any camera I have ever owned. As I have gorilla hands that is not an issue, however I added a "Thumb's Up" attachment and a hand grip. PERFECTION. Now the camera... Shutter sounds like a film M. Buffer is exceptional. I bought the Leica EVF finder, which allow me to use my Leica R-mount lenses and other of my legacy lenses like my Nikkor 50mm f1.4. My Leica (R) 35-70 macro capable zoom (the best zoom lens I have ever used) is an absolute miracle on the M-P240. The "focus peaking" feature is useable certainly but not nearly in the league of my Fuji cameras. A new battery is $250.00, which is seizure producing, however these batteries last at least 10 years. In conclusion, I will never sell this camera. I love it and the photos are spectacular, particularly the B&W .jpgs right out of the camera. No matter how much fiddling I do with B&W conversion of the DNG files 90% of the time when I compared them to the out-of-camera jpgs I prefer the latter. I predict the M-P240 will be the digital equal of the M3 and M6 and as long as then survive aging they will be classics in 20 years.

Let's find some oatmilk xD

Most cameras today are technologically advanced enough to get you the shots you want. It's about whether the user experience is what you want. I shoot film Ms and digital Leica SLs, to me they just work right for my workflow. Especially I'm impressed with the SL-2S's user experience, it manages to be so intuitive and instinctual with so little buttons and dials, the EVF is amazing and the manual system just works. Sold all my Sony gear for it.

Thanks James as always for your take on cameras and the process. I own the Nikon Z7ii and the M11 and love them both for pretty obvious reasons. I spent 20+ years manually focusing my Nikon film camera so the rangefinder wasn't a stretch. I'm fine without IBIS as I never had IBIS in a camera until the Z series (2020) so that is the majority of my lifetime. It's a very personal thing with Leica and for me it's the experience and where it takes my head when I'm out with it. The good news today is there are a lot of mint M11's available for $7k'ish in the US as many bought in the spring with the hype and found out they didn't like no IBIS and no autofocus. Any camera in your hand is a good camera so keep up the good work.

I couldn’t wait for this video! Great seeing you post again, James. Became one of my favourite people from RU-vid very quickly!

James, your photos makes so much sense. You’ve mastered composition well, and I hope to do so also one day

Leica digital cameras also last a long time. Still using a M8 (*2006) and M9-P (*2012) with no issues. Just workhorses. The perfect travel companions. You don't need image stabilisation with a solid M body.

I recently was (finally) able to purchased a used Leica Q; and for me, it hits everything I personally want out of a Leica, and nothing I don’t: - Full frame sensor, I’m perfectly happy with 24mp for most things - Wonderful manual focus; but decent auto focus when I want/need it. - A beautiful, fast, AND stabilized fixed lens. - Very usable EVF and LCD - All-day battery life - The DNG files are a dream to work with in my opinion - The Leica look and colors, which I personally love Not for everybody, but ticks pretty much all the boxes for me for a dream EDC camera! 📷 🔴

Just an observation, James. The Leica M11 was designed to simulate a classic M-series Leica rangefinder as closely as possible, so when they were looking to integrate the ISO selector switch, they looked back to the classic film rewind knob of the M2 and M3 and decided to repurpose that knob as the selector. That's why you have to lift the knob to turn it, just as you had to lift the knob to rewind a roll of film on any Leica from the first one until the M4.

Love your videos, love the humour you bring to the game and of course the info is good too. I use a D850 and and a Q2 Monochrom, both for different applications. The Q2M is great for street photography and when I want to really concentrate on black and white only with a fixed lens and nothing else to think about really apart from composition and tones, whilst the D850 is great for landscapes and just about anything else I can throw at it. Horses for courses in my case, not sure I would go the whole way and invest in a complete Leica system though, a car is more practical. If you can't get to the location, your M11 isn't going to be of much use to you! Keep the videos coming, they always give me a smile.

James, wonderfully entertaining and insightful video. As a former Sony Alpha user, I have fallen in love with Leica. I think you’d really enjoy the Leica Q2 (47 Mpx, IS, and weather sealed) if you could get used to the (spectacular) fixed 28mm lens with a 1.7 aperture. And, here’s the bonus - use its wonderful AF when you want/need to shoot one-handed or go old school manual focus when you want to slow things down. If you want to go totally old school, try the Monochrom version for B&W photographs that knock your socks off. And, the low light capability of the Q2M is not only startling, it’s addictive. If you try the Q2 or Q2M and don’t like them, I’ll buy you a pint. 😂

Great, great video! First very honest review of a Leica! Thnx for making and sharing. Very good.

Not really about this video, but I just wanted to say thank you. After getting my first camera, your videos were some of the first I started watching. Your use if the G9 turned me towards Lumix cameras, though I bought an S5. And I acquired a wide angle lens from MPB by trading in my old gear for it, again, thanks to your videos. Your videos are awesome. Thanks for what you do. Oh, and I guess related to this video, I'm part of L mount now 😀

Welcome to Leica James! (Yes older digital Leica do last 10+ yrs but the film ones last 90+ years. I use both mentioned types of Leicas. Glad you pointed out the ease of manual focus.

I own a M4-P film Leica and an M240 digital Leica. I love the rangefinder focusing. I also like the fact that the lenses carry the "hyperfocal" distance (e.g. acceptable focus range on them). I can put an object in pin focus very quickly with the rangefinder. I can shoot quickly by using the lens focus range. I love my Sony A3RIII for many things but I shoot almost exclusively with my Leica's. Always love your "product" reviews--use the stuff and see what works and doesn't.

Loved the video. I think that you are very fair and even-handed on the Leica M11... I have an M10 and an M3 and I almost never shoot with my EOS 5D mkIII any longer but then I am predominantly a portrait / form photographer so the Leica works really well for me. I have to admit that I use my Canon for landscapes, primarily because it's easier to use filters with an SLR. I've had my M10 for 3 years and it's still "like new" in terms of the innards, at least as far as I can tell, so they are long-lasting and reliable - I shoot a lot considering it's not my job, so I do think that I can comment on durability, and as for film Leicas, well my M3 was made in the 60s and it's still going strong! Keep up the excellent videos, I really enjoy your stuff 🙂

Your opening comment on the M11 really resonates with me. I’m 74 and started photography with film, sometimes developing the roll and printing myself. I recently sold all my Sony mirrorless gear with a host of lenses and bought an M11 with a single 50 mm Summilux. I now use it whereas all my Sony gear used to lie in a drawer unused. The idea of autofocus and video features and all the jargon nauseates me. I feel liberated.

Thank you, James, for giving a true review of a Leica. It was refreshing. Thank you for standing out from the crowd of RU-vidrs who are all saying Leica is the best because they believe it is the popular opinion.

The first camera I fell in love with was my dad's 1970's Olympus OM1 with a 50/18 prime. Gorgeous big bright viewfinder and whisper shutter sound spoiled me for life. When I got a non-student job I bought a canon 300d DSLR. It was bulky and the viewfinder was like looking down a long dark corridor. The lenses were either big and heavy (Canon L) or rubbish (the "kit" lens). I bought an adapter and used manual focus OM lenses but found the viewfinder was not suitable. Using 4 years personal savings and the inheritance from grandparents passing on, I sold the canon gear in 2008 and bought a Leica M8 and 35/2 because it was the closest experience I could find to that old OM1 but with all the benefits of digital photography and processing. Never looked back. Down the years my salary has increased and I've traded in the M8, then M9, and I'm now using an M10. My only other cameras are on my phone and a waterproof camera specifically bought for diving/swimming. I borrow cameras from other photographers and can "do a job" with them, and but I never get the same user experience as shooting with a rangefinder. It is all the process. Yes, the results are excellent, but I'm sure many of the expensive options from other manufacturers provide comparably excellent results, though not many from so small a package. I do look around every once in a while to see what other manufacturers are offering, but my love is very selfish. It's the only thing in my life that is all about me. I beginning to think I've invested too much time perfecting the muscle memory on the controls to ever move to another type of camera. I looked at a Leica SL2 yesterday passing through the airport and despite all the impressive specifications I immediately dismissed it as being the kind of big brick that I walked away from all those years ago. I felt harsh doing it, because it's clearly an excellent camera; so this experience was more of a realization about myself. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but it's the truth.

I traded in all my Canon cameras & lenses & have bought Leica Q2, Q2M & an SL2 with a number of lenses. Expensive, yes but I can afford it. In return I get superb equipment (they are built like tanks), minimal number of buttons/menus. IBIS, autofocus/manual focus, etc., etc. I like Leica color. I now get to go out & take the time to capture great images rather than fiddling with all the bells, buzzers and whistles. I then turn the page & manage post processing. All this with a smile on my face!

The M10r files are lovely, smooth and flatish. I’ve had most Ms (apart from the 11) and the M10r are by far my favourite files.

I use an M10M mostly for street / documentary work. However, I am finding that I am using it for landscape photography much of the time nowadays, mostly because of the sensor, but also because it makes for a light and compact system which is very nice to use when out and about. The little external tilting EVF is extremely helpful, too. However, I mostly use it as it is just makes photography more enjoyable and fun.

When I win the lottery.... LOL Great video as usual. Love MPB. I just got an DJI Osmo Pocket from them. Great fun. I can walk to their place in 5 minutes but still have to do the delivery thing. Still they are fast, so no big thing. Keep the Videos coming.

I have a Leica Q2 that I use alongside my Sony kit. It's a fantastic little camera that gets a lot of use. The Sony only comes out when I need a longer lens.

You rolling your beanie up like that is probably the funniest thing you’ve ever done.

The problem with image stabilization is that the lens needs to project a larger image circl than the diagonal of the sensor. Leica M lenses generally don't do that, because they were designed to be as small as possible. Therefore, I highly doubt that we will ever see IBIS in a Leica M camera.

My M8 has worked flawlessly since 2007 apart from one incident where the mechanical shutter stopped working about 5 years after I had the camera. Leica fixed it for free. The M11 is a wonderful camera.

James, I like to hear you're honest thoughts, I say honest because I have a shill detector built into my forehead and you passed. I nearly wrote off your video from the beginning but watched all the way through. You teach us a lot, especially me, thank you

This review really speaks to me. I recently bought an M10, and previously owned an M9 and M8 (then took an 8-year break with Fuji). I find the M10 DNG files extremely frustrating to work with. The whole reason I went with the M10 was because I'm fed up of camera technology getting in my way, and I wanted to really enjoy the mindful process of taking photographs... but now I have to spend hours editing the photos (which I dislike even more), and can never achieve any consistency between edits. I confess my editing skills have eroded over time, as I've rarely needed to touch a raw file since I started shooting Fuji. On the plus side, the M10 (as with every Leica M) is a pleasure to use.

Appreciate the honest feedback on this video. There is always lots of mystic hype around Leica, which is deserved, but can definitely get convoluted with those that have more money than sense.

Really natural and enjoyable watch. Nicely done

$9000 US is pretty over the top.... but their target audience is not the average hobby photographer or even 99% of Pro 's... its for the status symbol crowd with more Dollars than sense... that being said.... I would like to have the Leica Q2....

Great video. Well done.

I have a Leica C from 2012. I keep it in my glovebox. Still works perfectly. I'm in Australia, so the car can reach over 50C in summer. Camera is like new.

😂 … love your dry humor … very helpful review, thanks!

I want to take a moment and say Happy Holidays and thank you for videos, shared knowledge and entertainment. I wish you and yours happiness and continued success. ~Jennifer Call

Beautiful camera love to see videos of them so thanks for sharing James but cant ever imagine buying one. I lack the money and they lack the features. The best compromise for me as someone who enjoys travel photography and often lugs a camera around all day is a G9 with Pana Leica lenses.

The problem of not taking level photos is quite common and without the EVF or artificial horizon most people’s images are on the wonk. Love the points you make about the camera, would love to afford one, and I still covert the Q2 but will stick with my Canon for the moment. I tried some Fujifilm’s recently but didn’t like the colours, grass looked luminous 😢

Great take and video thanks 😊

If you want the joy of using tactical manual focus lenses, but with the convenience of IBIS and EVF, I suggest reviewing the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar line up for Sony E-Mount. I think you’ll be blown away by the image quality wide open, especially on the Voigtlander 110 Macro f/2.5 lens.

I don’t want to push towards spending more money, but I guess the Leica Q could be your answer: EVF, OIS, summilux lens. I’ve found one fairly cheap (little under 2k) and enjoy it a lot more than I imagined …

I'm not a collector but a serious user and I've been using my beloved Ms since the early 90s - M4, M6, M8,M9, M240 and currently the M10. Still using the original lenses that I bought - the Mandler designed 21,28, 50 and 90. I also use the GFX system for my landscape stuff although they are currently retired in the dry cabinet. I've tried many cameras and they are all excellent . However, I keep going back to the M due to their portability, ease of use and lens quality.

If you're truly looking to treat yourself, look into the M240 series. As long as you're under ISO 5000, it's an amazing experience. Or perhaps a "well-loved" M10 + couple of Voigtlander lenses, or that lovely little 28mm Elmarit you featured in this video. Fantastic setup that will definitely last for years!

Thank you for not faking your likes and dislikes. When people dump that kind of money on something so ordinary they can go to great lengths brainwashing themselves into thinking it's a solid investment and money well spent. It's not.

Nice video James. I have the Leica D-Lux-7 and it has image stabilization and manual/autofocus, and a lot cheaper than the M series. Great little camera when my Nikon is just too big to carry around, so great for street photography and packing in a small bag ... when traveling. Not sure if I'd shoot with it every day, but I do enjoy the experience. Only downside is that it is not weatherproofed, so you have to treat it gently.

See if you can get your hands on an M10R or M10P. I’ve had the M11 twice, and twice I sent it back. It’s their newest M model and while there are some improvements, there is a departure in color science due to the new sensor. The M10p(24mp) & M10r (40mp) give a noticeable different look which IMO is much more pleasing than the M11. Love your content.

I told the Leica Rep at Optic West the same thing. Love the feel, quality camera...way out of my price range.

Treated myself some years back to a Leica range finder and the sensor corroded after two months, second one did the same. Got the sensor replaced under their replacement scheme so sorted however it never worked well in really cold weather but really loved using it. Did then buy an SL again lovely camera but I would argue no better than a Fuji that a replaced it with.

As a former Leica owner, the brand offers one thing others (currently) don't, which is the ability to see outside the frame. This helps in deciding what to include, and just as importantly what to exclude in your composition, which is great. Plus, Leica rangefinder cameras are reasonably compact for the sensor format. In every other way, you can reproduce a similar experience with other cameras. Swivel the screen and put an optical viewfinder on the hot shoe, use zone/hyper focus, shoot from the hip, use vintage lenses, and so on, and you'll get a simpler photographic experience. Not sure why you'd use a Leica for anything except street photography because there are better choices.

Fascinating account of your experience. An M10 + the cheapest Leica lens could cost £5000 2nd hand. As an owner of a M10 I use vintage lenses & Voigtlander for my experience (I sold my Leica 50mm F2). The Rangefinder & Hyperfocal experience is an eye opener for sure and as you pointed out, pretty easy one you got the hang of it. You mentioned it may be a treat to use or own one ???? I think you are without doubt a very accomplished photographer and educator, I subscribe ! Nice work ! I think one day, maybe not the M11 but either the M10 / M240 or a Q with a decent lens, you probably will treat yourself. Resistance is futile. The Leica owners club is an elite club. Can you resist temptation..............? Good luck !

I was just on Amazon and happened to see a Leica battery... cost? $280! Definitely paying for the name to some extent, that's for sure.

Roles hat up, to here the complements. That was very good

I like old school cameras...shutter speed, aperture, focus. 35mm. Gotta be quick, with eye-skill. My tool was a Nikon FM2. (Early 1980's model). Crisp shutter, solid, magnificent lens, constructed heavy duty. I used to do my own stuff in the darkroom. I considered my stuff something in-between art and documentary. College class taught me how-to. All black and white, only; natural light only.

I have used Leica M10 but I sold it and I bought the used Leica SL (the original one) which is more affordable (when compare to other Leica cameras). Really happy with SL :)

Good points, as usual. 👍🥂

The beanie (head covering) flip up … classy touch 😂

I loved your video, great commentary is great pictures. Nice opinion and the bit about Leica headwear is absolutely true, even down to the colour of the headwear 😂😂😂😂👌🏻

the quality of this video, when paused, is far 'better' than the Leica shots.

As a film shooter these shots from the M11 are really tempting. The depth of the images is unreal, I'll likely stay film but this is the closest I've been swayed in a while

I can appreciate Leica cameras from afar and I get what they are doing, but I'm already stretching my photography equipment budget and I'm clearly not the target demographic for these cameras. If I was rich, sure, I'd pick one up. Leica cameras seem they'd be a lot of fun to use and from everything I've heard, they seem to be well made. Enjoyed watching the video though and appreciate your thoughts!

Really surprised, especially after one of your recent videos on this, that you didn't really talk about lack of weather sealing. Your previous point was about people not taking photos because they spend all their budget on expensive gear and are then scared it'll break. I can't really think of a better example than a seven and a half grand non weather sealed camera. :P

I would recommend looking at the Carl Zeiss ZM range. You get glass which is on par with Leica at a fraction of the cost. The C-Biogon 35mm f2.8 comes to mind. I use this lens with my Leica M5 and it is great for black and white and colour.

I'm sure it comes down to the individual photographer and what they value in a camera. For me, personally, the red dot is just not worth the premium. If I want to shoot real manual and not focus by wire, I got a an entire shelf in my dry cabinet dedicated to vintage manual lenses (Minoltas, Canons, Takumars, Zeisseseseseses, etc.) that are an absolute joy to use. But that's just me. I live in DC, so I pal around with some lawyers who shoot and they live and die on their love for that red dot. More power to them, I'd rather spend my money on other things.

I have an M8. Still going strong. A friend still uses his professionally and had a shutter replacement after 200k shots. Respectable since you will not be firing machine gun bursts

I shoot my M6 Classic since 1994 and M6 TTL from 2002 with 35, 50 &90mm Summicrons very happily. Won’t bother going digital M, have my little X1 for that 😉

Bit of an issue with the hyperfocal distance comment. When you're focusing for max depth of field out to infinity, you don't focus using the center line on the lens. You focus using the _aperture lines._ You need to line up the line that can actually reach the infinity mark for your chosen aperture with said infinity mark rather than the center line. Focused that way, at 50mm and f/8 on a full frame camera, everything from _five_ meters out should be in focus. Focused that same way, getting everything from about ten meters out can be done at f/5.6. I'm sure someone's going to say I'm wrong, but that's literally what the aperture lines are for, I do this with a Nikon 50mm lens all the time, and it's why I basically never need to refocus while doing street photography.

I got a Q2 and find it incredible to use and much “cheaper” Same incredible sensor but with IS ( 2 steps) and autofocus. I find I can use it easily in very low light without bumping the ISO much. With regards to Leica colour I tend to desaturate a little in post

Gee, it's charming. Yea! When I was photographing, I made a living and won a couple of contests,. using two second hand, $200.00 dollar Nikons. Nobody ever said, "great pictures, shame you didn't take them with a four thousand dollar camera".

Thank you for an excellent honest review. Red Dot premium - Illusion depends at least in part on self-deception on the part of those being deceived

There are those things, sailboats, mechanical watches, vintage manual-shift sports cars, that lack modern technology and conveniences, yet these are things that many people love. However, I totally get the need for a business tool that one must rely on for consistent production, repeatable results. I could say much more on this topic, but I just realized I forgot to wind my watch and my fire is dying.

Not so long time ago, it happened - brand new Leica MP is in my hands. To go back, more than 10 years ago I started my hobbyist photography and owned Nikons (D700, D3, F100, F5) and they were nice, and still is even today. Since I have Leica, I can tell some of the impressions I got. To begin with, It has got only what’s necessary, item and design of it is very refined. You can’t find any of compromises on quality, advancing, buttons, viewfinder, lever, anything.. is top notch. There’s no function you won’t use, even an user manual is very brief. That minimalism somehow makes you feel good, involved in that simple and ingenious process. You just get straight to roots and basics of photography without studying anything. The only mixed feeling was when I paid for it, part of me was shocked because that’s insane amount of money for just a simple camera. But I forgot all that crap after I’ve done first roll and before purchasing it I was aware it gonna stay at my possession for decades. I even knew 5 years ago already I’ll do that step. Talking about pictures and what it provides, on most technical aspects my Nikons with hi-end glass are probably better. But what I want to say, in the end of the day I just makes you feel good about using it and you can’t wait for another day you gonna have with it. I understood that all these comparisons (value you get for price, etc.) is a BS. If you can buy with money any good feelings - do it and don’t look back.

I think we need to admit that as photographers, we often like the hardware. Liking something purely because it's a very beautiful/cool/tactile/modern/retro piece of hardware is not something to be ashamed off. The fact that it may or, may not, take stunning photos doesn't have to distract from the desirability. Ask any jewelry manufacturer! Is a Rolex watch worth the price because it keeps better time than a Timex? Nope not at all, but that is not why you might buy a Rolex. So all I'm trying to say is that it's OK to just love, and pay for, photographing hardware - it is beautiful stuff. I'm not quite in the Leica/Rolex income band, but I can admit I bought my X100V because it a very cool camara, and I love it - but I also know It's not actually going to do more than my Canon R6 with a short lense on it. And that's OK! ...as long as my wife doesn't find out

For my professional work I use Hasselblad and Nikon Z, but for personal work I love my M7 and M10R. It’s almost therapeutic in a busy world ;-) I bought most of my Ms and lenses pre-owned and when you keep them for a while, the depreciation is probably the lowest in the market. Even my digital M9 I sold after 6 years at a higher price than I paid at purchase. In that sense I spend much more on other brands (except Hasselblad). M cameras are probably not the best as your only camera, but here are a few tips for daily use: - though formally they’re not weathersealed, in practice they’re quite sturdy. A friend of mine is in Ukraine as a photo journalist and he uses M10 and M10M; - on the M11 you can set manual ISO using the back dial. This is much handier than the top wheel; - with some practice handheld shutterspeeds down to 1/15th are possible. Even with an M11; - I’ve seen a guy using a tripod spirit level on his M10 hotshoe (doesn’t look cool, but can do the trick for some); - the M11 has quite different DNG colors than all previous models. The M10R is notably ‘flatter’, but it’s quite easy to use a flat import preset for LR or C1; - the USB in the bottom plate is there to keep the sides of the camera ‘clean’. Use a USB cable with a 90° connector. PS. when you doubt the price, take a factory tour in Wetzlar. There’s a lot of professional (well-paid) craftmanship going into each camera and you can also see why there’s no room for IBIS in an M.

I’m sure some will disagree but I think we go on about the gear because we can and there are many valid points but I believe that what your image is about is more important than what camera you took it with. Of course that’s subjective and harder to quantify.

I obtained my used M3 in my senior year in high school. It came with a 35mm Summicron (Canadian). And, amazingly, it cost about what my Canon TL cost new about a year before. That is, about $250 each. Now the Canon was a good budget SLR, but nothing like the quality of the Leica. Even if I desperately wanted a recent Leica, there is no way I could justify it given the cost-however superb the quality. Instead I would be looking at a Sony or a Fuji, probably.

Not sure if I like the idea of all new cameras having IBIS, because it also has some big drawbacks. For example it means that the sensor is floating and therefore you could get blurry images when you use a mechanical shutter. The other problem is that the automatic compensation of vignetting and other optical flaws by programs like Lightroom or Capture One Pro could get more difficult in some cases, if the sensor was moved out of the center of the image circle by IBIS. In those cases there could be more vignetting in one corner than in another corner. I also wonder how long IBIS will work before it breaks. I saw IS break on my Canon 35mm f/2 lens, although I treated that lens very well. I could buy another lens now, but replacing a camera or repairing IBIS could be much more expensive. I love that the Leica does not have any video capabilities. That has the advantage that you can bring the camera to places that do not allow cameras that can record video.

Low voltage electronic components will typically last decades if the circuits are designed well, if they do fail it's mostly very early in their lifespan. I don't know much about sensor longevity but I'd guess that will be the main risk for a reduced lifespan

I don't know what is different but it looks fantastic.

James, first thanks for the great video as usual! It's my first time commenting, but have watched everything you've posted for a while. About the punchy DNGs, I was thinking you might be more seeing the effect of the profile that LR applies to your pics... so I downloaded a few samples from the Leica M11 and the Leika A7R4 🙂 and opened them up using darktable (which doesn't apply anything). And from my quick peek, they both look pretty much the same - fairly flat. I think in LR you can somehow apply a neutral profile? I dunno... Cheers!

I get the Leica experience (almost), using an old Fuji X-E1 with a TT Artisan manual lens. Total cost £278 😊.

When I want the "slow photography" feel, I just use my film camera. I have an old Olympus OM2, it has very nice lenses available, that are also relatively cheap. To be honest, I'm getting lazy, so that happens less and less :) A friend of mine swears by the Leica system, he loves them. Especially because you get access to some lenses that are truly beautiful, but I can't find a reason to buy a Leica just for the lenses honestly. Too much money for me. I get it, there is more to it than just the lenses, but I still can't afford it really, to buy into a system where everything is quite expensive... But that is true for other brands as well, like Hassleblads. Regarding the ability to see what is coming in the frame, I usually keep both my eyes open... This way I can check who/what is coming in the frame and I am ready to shoot. When I feel they are reasonably close to getting in the shot, I just use the one eye in the EVF and I'm ready...

I have inherited my Dad's Leica film camera. It must be at least 70 years old and is built like a tank. I just have to learn how to use it! My riding instructor used to say I was always tilted to the left and now, so are my photos. So, I have this natural tilt that to me seems to be level. By raising my left shoulder I can correct it, although it feels strange.

There’s people that take pictures and there’s photographers. I hear a lot of people moan about Leica…and many of them have never even touched one, let alone shoot with one. I used to think they were just overpriced nonsense but once I actually used one, it made sense. Sure, other brands make some great cameras that take nice looking pictures. Leica makes great cameras that capture the true essence of photography. It’s a feeling that doesn’t have words to describe, you just know it when you feel it. As far as price goes, especially in 2023, tons of people are buying and selling their cameras, lenses, etc almost yearly. Leica owners tend to shoot with their equipment for years. So it actually equals out when the numbers are crunched. It really just matters if you’re someone who wants to keep your equipment or if you’re someone who swaps constantly regardless. As far as Leica lenses go, the lower end ones are nice but I’m in the camp that NO lense is worth $8000+ etc. that’s just ridiculous

Agree with everything you've said James.

I've been trying to refrain from being sucked into the leica M void, because that would be an expensive thing to do. It's becoming more and more difficult though...

Very much enjoyed this video and your likes and dislikes were interesting. I actually preferred your photos with a bit more pop in the colours but this hobby would be boring if we all liked the same... Re the ISO dial you can assign ISO to the function button on the top and then use the back dial to adjust I believe so you never have to use the poorly designed ISO dial. It would be interesting to see you try the Q2, which has stabilisation, and an EVF, and is much cheaper (for a Leica) although is obviously only 28mm.

Nice vid. The music selection has a chilled animal crossing vibe to it.

I’ve been looking forward to this video, James. You make some very good and balanced points about the M11. It is extremely costly but does look amazing. I’m definitely considering purchasing an M10 or possibly an M240 as they are considerably cheaper (although still not cheap) but would more than do for me (certainly the M10). If you ever do get a Leica then I would consider looking at Voigtlander lenses as, from what I’ve seen of videos and review websites, they are considerably cheaper than the Leica lenses and are pretty close (if not matching in some cases) the quality of the Leica lenses. I have also been considering purchasing a Leica Q 🤔

Interesting insights on the M11, James. I am happy with my M10-P and do not need more than 24 Mpx, so I see no pressing need to upgrade to the M11. I, too, have misgivings about using a 60 Mpx camera without stabilisation, but since I have not tried shooting with an M11 I can't really comment. I guess it's all about technique. If one uses an M camera in the same manner as cameras with good stabilisation systems, I think the results would be disappointing. With 60 Mpx, I suppose one could use a tripod, but I feel that would rather miss the point of using an M camera. By the way, my M10-P has a level indicator, but only on the rear screen in live view. Like you, I can never get my horizons straight (Pentax has a means of tilting the sensor to compensate for the camera not being quite level - why don't more cameras have this?). I find the Leica M cameras are all about the shooting experience. I love the simplicity of the menu system and the lack of features. Outrageously expensive, of course, but to my mind, worth every penny.

I really wish Leica would make an affordable M camera for the regular photographers. That would be a bigger love letter than remaking the M6 imo.

“Let’s go find some oat milk.” 😂 I’m safe with my fuji and almond milk. Good work James!

I have an MP film camera which I am hoping will last for decades but agree with you that the M11 as a digital camera may not last the same.

Amazing photos!!! Quick question please, do you sell your photos as prints?

That would be nice to ear from you about photography.

“Let’s find some oak milk”. Pure genius! 😜

You've got GAS James. Solid set of photos as usual btw.

Hmm. You’re right about focus-by-wire. It’s generally terrible, making manual focus on AF lenses awful enough to have led me to use Voigtländers and old Soviet Industars on my Fuji X. Manual focus is wonderful with real MF lenses on modern digital bodies. Possibly the only manufacturer to have fixed this is … Leica whose Q has a lens which manages both AF and real MF, I believe. Though I’ve not myself used that in anger yet.

Nice video, you should do one shooting a Sony A7CR with Voigtländer lenses. It’s got a floppy screen, IBIS, a view finder, its weather sealed, and the same 60MP sensor. Not to mention that it can also do AF with AI subject recognition and video. Makes the Leica M11 look like a horse-drawn cart.