I only shot wedding with my Leica M film cameras back in the 80s and 90s. It's encouraging to see someone commit only to RF for professional wedding photography. You are definitely not crazy.
Really enjoyed your video. It is great to see someone using M's as intended and not as a plaything for occasional use. I bought an M10 as a plaything (using SL's and Q2's for commercial work) , then a client rang, "can you be at our office in an hour?" Now I had M10 with me rest of gear was 90 mins away. So i turned up with M10 shot two Headshots and PR relevant images, including OCF. Edited on my tablet in their reception and delivered images 30 mins after shoot concluded. They have now booked a full re working on brand images and headshots, only prerequisite "bring that funny little camera " you bet I will. Definitely not crazy and keep the videos coming. All the best from the UK
I’m a hobby street photographer and while I don’t shoot on Leica, I completely agree with you on the bit about camera constrains, forced creativity. I switched from a Nikon dslr kit to a 35mm fixed length fuji x100f 2 years ago, and it’s the best thing I’ve done to improve my photography skills!
Beware, this system is addictive! :D The Leica M240 was my Gateway drug into the rangefinder system, now I sold most of my Sony Lenses got a M10 and a M6 and couldn’t be more happy about it. Unfortunately it‘s really expensive to start since the prices are pretty stable on these cameras, but I now got my love to photography back. Great video Benj!
I know! I was using an a6000 and a canon at1 for film. I bought an M2 and it’s ruined me :( I only want fully manual cameras now and rangefinders at that. Saving for a digital Leica soon!
mrharpman Totally agree I’m still using a M8 the colours are the closes you get today to Kodachrome, also my M240 is awesome especially with old Leica lens
I’ve started shooting weddings with my Leica M240 in 2019 side by side with my Fujifilm X-T2. Honestly the best photos comes from Leica. Looking forward to buy an M10 to have better low light capabilities. Great video as always
Agreed, I went the same route in terms of canon->leica for my personal enjoyment. The Leica M system is very inspiring. I also grew tired of the large lenses, gear and weight. I felt the same way about zooms and all I wanted is a fixed 35mm lens. I don’t shoot weddings anymore, but all my personal work is done on the same body, with all its limitations. Beat choice I have ever made in photography. Keep up the videos!
I really enjoy the access I get with my Leica MP. Many places that wouldn't allow me to bring a DSLR, pay no attention to the M. I am totally ok with that!
I also shoot the m240 professionally! One big advantage that no one talks about is that the M240 is the only digital M that can be shot tethered to a computer. Really great for studio portrait shoots as the RF cameras are small and less imposing than the SLRs. Full disclaimer: Canon DSLRs shoot the majority of my commercial work but i leave them at the studio. My Leica goes with me everywhere everyday!
As a former wedding photographer who started out in the late 60's with film and a RF, moving on to Nikon Auto Focus in the late 70's , then to a Hasselblad system in the late 90's and then into Nikon Digital around 2002. I have a Lecia M6 and a M-240 that I love for my own work. The Lecia and Hasselblad systems images are far superior than Nikon or Canon because of the glass. I love the work flow that a pure manual camera provides, it is something that you grow into overtime and might be very hard for someone who didn't grow up using a manual camera. So no, I think you have got a great idea that makes you stand out from all the other wedding photographers. Your work is more of an art form than most of today's wedding photographers.
Enjoyed watching your video. Good to see someone using Leica as a tool and not a toy. I use Nikon gear for my work (indoor Sports) but enjoy using Leica (IIIa, IIIb, IIIf , M2, M4P, M6, R6, M240, CL, TL2 and SL) for other types of photography. I don't do wedding but I can see your points regarding focus and workflow efficiency. It just shows that it is the pianist that makes music and not the piano. A lot people think buying a Steinway will make them a concert pianist.
I totally agree. All these years I have been shooting weddings with M4P, M6,MP and then M9 when film turned digital, with my 3 lens 35mm f2 Summicron, 75mm f1.4 Summilux and a 21mm f1,4 Summilux I did a lot of good jobs , clients happy and I am happy.
I've been considering Leica digital cameras since buying my M3 about a year ago. Very cool that you've been able to use such dated cameras to such great effect for so long. Amazing what you can do if you forget about gear acquisition and work with and master the tools that you have.
Owned M 240 for 4 years along with 50mm Summilux. Love the Combo! I've been using the Q for 2 years now which has the 28mm Summilux 1.7. I will get a pre-owned M10 with the 50 Summilux someday.
I only have Summarit f/2.4 lenses for my M240 so far. My dream is, like you, a couple Summilux lenses paired with an M10. That new M10 Monochrom looks amazing, too.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Shoot with what works for you. I agree that there is no need to get the latest gear if what you have works. Good video, thanks.
Benj, I feel totally the same. I have two M240s. I use one with a 28mm ,and one with 50mm. When I use one, I use the 35mm. Have other cameras, but also find myself using the Leicas 95% of the time. Thanks for the great video. Thanks you...
Got that the other evening - shooting a rehearsal dinner on an M10. Videographer came up to me and said, "I don't think I've ever seen anyone shoot a wedding with a manual focus lens." But, same story - shot with Canon for some time with hit-and-miss focus. The RF patch has given me more confidence of 'in focus' shots, even at shallower DOF. Best regards!
I own the MP240. Honestly, the sensor on the M240 is nothing special (I also have a Nikon D810 which destroys it in terms of resolution and dynamic range), but the Leica GLASS beats my Nikon glass every day of the week. Also, and as you say, working with the limitations imposed by the Leica system spurs creativity. I simply take different (better) photos with the Leica than with the Nikon. I also own Leica film cameras and use the excellent glass on those camera as well.
what glasses are you using? I am pairing my m9p with a piece of the latest 35mm f2 pre-asph. I found the lens to be fine but not exceptional. I've also used the latest 1.4 asph before, but I sold that lens cuz it's too expensive to own.
100% on point!!! You should shoot with camera that want you to let go out and shoot and not collecting dust on a shelf. Photos are magical! Nice video! Thanks a lot!!!!👍🙏
I changed my A7RIII for a M262 camera few weeks ago. And it's the best decision I took. It's the third time I buy a M camera. I sold my previous M6 and M240 for bad reasons and I missed this camera each time. "Less is more" is Leica M's claim : more pleasure, more sensations, more time, more creativity, more fullness when shooting. All this with (because of) less features. No camera is more enjoyable for me.
Love that you're doing more RU-vid Benj! I just got my light setup that we DM'd about last week and I'm stoked to get started! I think it's rad that you do wedding work on such a slow paced camera. That would terrify myself but it's sick that you do it so well and one of the aspects of your work that makes you unique!
The M system is a love or hate situation, I’m in the love side. At around 10 my father (not a photographer) gave me his « old » M3 no metering just body and a 50 2,8, that’s what triggered my curiosity and now I’m still using it (the M3) and I have a 240 and the last M-E 240, also have an M10 but don’t use it much, if I need ISO capability I’ll grab one of my Niokons. So yes, it’s getting old, but it’s like the M3 when we pushed film to 6400 it was a feast, and so is this one. I’m smaller than you are judging by the way you hold them but still the feel and the on lens depth of field scale for shooting off the hip and the glass, I only have Zeiss and 2 Leica but what definition. Anyway I could talk for ages about the Ms...Thanks for sharing and like your perspective in your work. Cheers and keep safe. André
I loved hearing all your thoughts about the value of constraints to creativity. I've been struggling with my heavy and imposing Mark iV system for the digital part of my wedding photography, and am really considering switching to mirrorless. Thank you for the detail about how the leica system works! As someone who also shoots film during weddings, I think this gear might actually streamline the feeling and overall experience of my gear and photos. Sooo grateful you made this video!
Well I think your results speak enough! The M is just great for you. Any camera that works for you, giving the results you want and, maybe more than anything, inspires you is a bingo. And your results show a huge bingo! Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Very well argued and complete description of the virtues of a digital rangefinder camera! I have a M 240 and use it daily for just about everything, including macro. I don't do wildlife & sport though.
Watching this three years after it was made, there is so much that I love about this. I've been a photographer for over 30 years. I've used so many cameras over the years. Two years ago I bought a Q2 and then an M6. I'm now looking at the M240. I'm in a different place in my life and want to focus on my art. I no longer have to make a living from my photography. I've never had so much fun with cameras. You ask are you crazy for using this camera? I believe the tool that works for you and your clients is the one that you should use. I've used a Nikon FE2 for paid work as well as a Fuji X-T1. I've also sold images shot with a Fuji X100T. I believe it is actually more about the photographer and what they see and feel through the lens. Curious, three years out, do you still use this camera for paid work? Love your videos. They have been instrumental in my journey back to film.
Great video and a very interesting point of view. After years working with nearly every canon FF camera (R5 and R6 at the moment) I finally realized one of my dreams by getting into the Leica M ecosystem starting with the M240. Ultimately, I've made the same experience as you did, especially in terms of improving creativity by limitations. Good job, mate!
Umm, you have a 50mm Lux and you know what you’re doing. Convenience features of modern cameras are basically ass savers for photographers with less skill. Your understanding of the technical aspects of photography allow you to operate within the parameters of your camera and lens combo. Probably 99% of any situation can be handled by ISO 1600 and an f1.4 if you know what you’re doing. Maybe a dim church or dark dance floor you would have trouble or want autofocus, but the shots that matter are all covered. I love my M’s. M2 and MP240 are my daily cameras. Love them.
Over the years of my studies and viewpoints of different photographers about the Leica Cameras, how good, how old, how this and that, I got to my view is that no matter HOW old a Leica camera is, it will always take amazing shots, it will always be a competition or even be better than a modern 40MP camera, and I think is because of the sensors and image processor these cameras use. Same as Fuji
Much respect sir. I tried covering an event with my M9 and it turned out OK, not great but it was mostly human error. Recently got myself an M10 and loving it. Got the Canon R as well, and the thing with rangefinder is the focusing might not be as quick (at least for me) but you can be damn sure if you focus correctly, that image is a keeper. With the EOS R, I would assume that the auto focus nailed the shot but when I downloaded to my computer, some missed focus. So moving forward, i'de be using the M10 for photos and the EOS R for video. :-)
I still shoot with my Leicas, there is something to be said with the image quality, freedom in just focusing on the subject and the composition. The camera puts you in control all the time. Its simplicity is a joy and you improve as a photographer. In fact I still use my M8.2 for my monochrome studies with stunning results. Working over 30 years as a pro, for me there is no other camera better for photographing people be it weddings, portraits, documentaries or editorial studies. It is less intrusive and makes it easier to direct my subjects. I still use my DSLRs and my full frame mirrorless even medium format, whatever the assignment or booking requires but for human studies my go to are my Leica M's.
I used to shoot some weddings with an M9, loved it and seriously considered switching fully to two M9s with three lenses but didn't have the balls at the time to take the risk and rebrand and re-market to push that as a good thing to my clients etc. I totally agree with you on your points, the Leica system removes a ton of the mush between the photographer and the moment. I always prefer the rawness of shooting with the Leica. No having to use a joystick to tap a box around for focus or manually focusing and never being fully connected to knowing if the focus was 100%. It also put me in a different mindset when using the Leica, it's one of those things that just sounds ego hipster but you have to take the time to use one and settle in to it to understand. If I went back to photographing weddings I would do it with 2 x Leicas, some Summilux lenses (wide, 50mm and ~80mm) + the smallest and most powerful (inc radio range) remote flash units. I might even convince myself I *need* a Noctilux..... for my clients... of course. ;)
The M240 is a great performer, if you can handle its limitations. I've a Lumix GX8 for telephoto lenses, but my main shooter is a M240 with 21, 50 and 75 lenses, a solid combo for press photography. Just remember to upgrade the soft ware. (I don't do weddings)
Hi, Benj, from S France. Your video has been absorbing and inspiring. It's now 2023 (!) and I'm here because I'm looking at the 240 as a way to experience a rangefinder camera. I work with a Q2 and a CL for street work, candid portraits, intimate landscape and still life, and I get great results with both cameras. So tell me if further along the years you still think buying the 240 will be worthwhile. Maybe you've moved on? Thanks and stay well Gerry
Great review and great photos!! Shooting weddings on a Leica is like nothing else. I shot a full wedding a few years ago on the MD 262 and got some of the best wedding images I have ever made, sadly sold it last year to make some cash, and now just ordered an M-P 240 to shoot a wedding next month and to keep for any more weddings coming my way. The thing with these cameras is, nothing gets in the way of making images like so many other brands I have used over the years, I ditched the Canon system just like you and haven't looked back. Nice one man!!
That’s awesome man, if I was in a position to shoot like that I certainly would. I think it would be liberating to have the creative restraints and take less deliberate photos. I have wanted one of those cameras for years but currently not in a position to purchase one. I do have an beautiful M4 with a 35mm Zeiss Biogon but that is purely for personal use.
I shot weddings and events and I use the M240 for both but not as my main camera for weddings. Before COVID, I was saving up for an M10 to use as a main camera. I’m not comfortable shooting above 2500 ISO on the M240 which is why I’m looking to get a couple M10’s for my kit!
With practice using it is not as hard as one would think. In time you know to judge distance, before even bring the camera to your eye your focus tab is just about right at the correct position, focusing is not a problem. Also in daylight situation with F4 / F5.6 at about 2m distance you don't even to adjust focus and capture the right moment.
If you adapt your Zeiss, Voigtlander, Leica lenses in a modern full frame mirrorless (EOS R, Nikon Z or Sony R7x) you would have a similarly small package but with all the benefits from an EVF and modern sensor. Manual focus on the EOS R is so easy and you would not be limited to the center of the frame.
DR35MM DR35MM I went from Leica Q to Leica M within 6 months of getting the Q. I sold the Q and made a new friend in the process. He now owns an M10. The hype is real.
I have been wanting to try my hand at a Leica range finder for sometime now. I shoot with a Fujfilm X100V and X-Pro3 and really enjoy them. I started using manual glass with the Pro3 with TTArtisan lenses and love the images... Nice informative video Benj... Thanks
Benj, Happy and Safe holiday season to you and yours. I have watched, learned, and enjoyed your videos for some time now. During which time I have learned your passion for the Lux 50 1.4. When I switched from Fujifilm (X/GFX) to Leica that 50 Lux was my first purchase. And now I have an opportunity to get the legendary APO 50 f2 at an incredible price. Your thoughts, if any, would be greatly appreciated. And by way of introduction - I’m a U.S. Navy Chaplain with a background in Behavioral Health. Photography is my passionate hobby and my ‘spiritual therapy’. I shoot the M7 and M9. I had but traded the SL2. Nice. EVF. IBIS. And serious eye candy. But for me, shooting the M is an experience that I can’t explain. And the images just seemed punchier and are more pleasing to my eye. Thank you Good Sir. “Stay Safe and Be Blessed.”, Chaps
I own an M8 and a Mamiya 7 and love rangefinders. Super easy to be fast and accurate with this type of system and I think it’s a fantastic system to shoot on. You don’t think like you normally do when using a rangefinder so I definitely know how Benj feels. I actually plan on getting an M240 and a Leica Q and switching out of my 1DX because the shooting style of these types of cameras call to my more creative and deliberate side of shooting portraits
Thank you so much for this review! I love your perspective on the camera and how you make it work with your workflow! I'm heavy into film and been running a Leica m3. However, I use a Sony a7ii for my digital work but I just don't find that satisfaction in my digital work like how I do with my Leica m3. I do a lot of fashion photography and was kind of worried the m240 wouldn't be for me but I just love how you expressed the control you have with your photos and that's exactly how I feel with my m3 and how I would want to portray my work. So thank you for helping me feel less crazy with my idea of using a RF system for my type of work!
I've always thought I dont need a leica to take good photos, but when my wife bought me a cron, I was blown away by its beauty. That the lens thou. Pls tell me why the 240 is gd. Oh wait I just watched your video telling me why haha. I'll def consider it
This video really did it for me. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a Leica rig but I don't know which to purchase. After tons of research, it's nice to hear what you have to say. Cheers.
Definitely enjoyed the video. I have been a photographer for years and I have been considering a change like this. I shot Nikon for years and years then down to Fuji which are fabulous but I was starting to feel uninspired so Im changing again and I think a main camera full frame Nikon and secondary a m240 would be a great wedding kit.
Enjoyable, inspirational presentation; well-done! I just watched this one for impulsive fun, as I entered the Leica M camera system with an M10, in 2018, and frquently use its high-ISO capability, so I have little to no reason to take a retro step to an M Type 240, but your presentation has relevance beyond the specific Type 240. I understand exactly what you meant about using a 35mm and 85mm lens. My do-almost-everything Canon EF combo, for a while, for personal shooting, on 5D-series cameras, was a 35mm and an EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS. (I needed a top-tier macro lens for the grim duty of forensic/evidentiary/crime scene photography, which is not art, but requires dedication, especially for documenting the injuries of living, breathing victims, who are looking at me, and trusting me.) In the M system, we share a couple of favorite lenses, the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, and Zeiss Distagon 1,4/.35mm ZM. Thanks. Keep up the good work! Rex G
I see no need to update, especially with the Leica system. The three main advancements that cameras make year after year are autofocus, which doesn't matter for Leica, resolution in which 24MP is fine, and low light performance. And if the files are clean enough for you, it's not like weddings are getting darker year after year. I shoot Fuji for my wedding work, and more and more I've found myself using the Mitakon 35mm f0.95 rather than my native Fuji glass just because I've found my manual focusing to be more reliable than the autofocus speed. I definitely get what you're saying about your frustration with the Canon system. I know if I have an out of focus shot when manually focusing, it was my fault and not the cameras. I love that control. I've accepted the inevitability of ending up in the Leica system eventually, once I decide to drop the money.
Yeah, I wouldn’t say the files are clean enough for me tbh. I often have to do some creative problem solving with lighting. I probably need about 2 stops more to really have something usable in situations that I usually encounter.
If you like limitations the M9P would be a better option. It’s like shooting film on a digital camera : ) Also, the CCD output is even better than the CMOs. I had both, came back to the M9P in 2020 simply because the output is better than the M240 and M10.
Benj Haisch ahah indeed, given I mostly shoot film using the M9 feels the same, but to me is just a hobby I totally get it for someone like you it might be too limiting. Same as you though, as soon as I tried a rangefinder I knew it was for me and never looked back :) Hope you keep enjoying the m240! Thanks for the video
I own M9 and for me there is no better leica. Acts like analogue with beautiful color rendition, iso above 800 is not good, but eaither fast lans or flash can help with that issue.
Great video, really like the music. I started shooting weddings and other stuff 1 year ago, i also shoot on a leica m 240 as main camera. I love the camera so much more than any other.
I shot a season on a m240 and loved it but switched systems because I love trying different gear and get inspired that way. I’d love to get a 240 again, dream would be an m10.
If you’re shooting street in reasonable daylight and iso you can set infinity to your aperture mark say f11 and bingo - you don’t need to manually focus!
Hey Benj, great video. That’s exactly what I experienced, except I’m not a professional. But switching to the M forced me to focus more on light, composition and technique. Additionally I love the feeling that I took the photo and not the camera. As for the missing auto focus, you get so fast over time that I really don’t think it’s a big issue. Keep up the good work. PZ
Great video and samples. Searching for the last year for the prices to fall until I can own one. Picked up an X2 in the mean time and it has become my carry at all times camera. Replacing my Xpro 2 as my everyday
Love it, Benji.. big fan of M240 as well, but mostly use it during wedding just for the easy stuff.. definitely challenging to use it for whole wedding! keep rocking, love your work
So nice. If the M240 worked for you so far, it will be with you the next 7 years as well. Those lenses and the look are just amazing. I don't do weddings but I would definitely also give the M a try. Maybe not my M-D but who nows. ;-)
Great review and very tasteful use of your own images to highlight how beautifully it works for you. I am a total amateur and have had Leicas for 30 years. Since this is my hobby and passion I don't in any way have to rationalise the outlay of things like a Noctilux...
Beautiful images Benj, Just wanted to say that I've shot multiple weddings on my M262, with my 5Dsr as a back up.. just in case. honestly the images that i get out of the leica are always prefered my both the couple and myself. i think going forward ill try to get another M body and just take those.
Always wondering if I'll go for it or wait good deal on used M10... Or in the contrary go for an M9. After this video I'm still not decided but for sure M is a joy to use. Just sold my M8 because I want to switch to full frame and get the best out of the M lenses... when considering their prices, it's a shame not to use 100% of their power on an APSH format camera!