Why Leica? 

I own two Leicas, a 1956 M3 and a its first digital, the M8. I love them and their simplicity. I used to belong to a camera club, mostly guys-I’m a76 year old gal who has shot for around 70 years-and most of them seemed to act as if the size of their gear reflected their masculinity. Mmm. Such derogatory comments, especially when I used post WW2 Soviet lenses. How could they be acceptable? I still own a bunch of cameras, many analog Soviet Leica knockoffs, which fascinate and amuse, especially since I’ve a freezer full of film. But the old Leicas are amazing and faithful friends which confuse others. Why use them? I don’t have to worry, to think, and just rely upon motor memory. They work with left handed arthritis and make no noise. And the photo quality is incomparable. Would I love to own a Leica Monochrome of any vintage? Indeedy. But my coinage most likely will not support such an item at my young age. I would love such a gift but the camera club guys for some reason aren’t involved in such things and count megapixels as bragging points. I’m not interested in competition. I know what works for me, the Maine septuagenarian street photographer living in a state where there aren’t many urban areas.

An interchangeable Q3 would nail it for me. I don't own a Leica yet! because of the value offering, but when I see them they sure inspire me to go out an take photos, something my Sony doesn't but the Sony a7r V does everything so well, but it feels like I am using a computer rather than a photographic tool.

Watching this video, makes me want to sell all my equipment & buckle down on what's needed for me & my style. Thanks Staley.

Nice to see a video that pretty deftly avoids the cliches, and even leans into some of them without falling over too. I loved that Leica existed before I owned one. I love that all camera brands exist, because we can seek out the one which is best for us. It took me some 20 years to realize for me that brand is indeed Leica... but in the meantime, I got to shoot a ton of different things with all sorts of widely varying awesome bodies. It's a real golden age for photographers. Landed on the M240 not so long ago, and finally home.

Your videos helped me make the decision to purchase a Leica Q2. Loving it already!

The internet: "Leica sux because they aren't weather sealed" Ben: "I'm gonna take an M11 to the Bering Sea during a storm..."

One of the most likables testimonials I have ever seen, thank you so much Staley! In the era of film I used to work with Leicas for decades: Leicaflex SL, Leica RE, Leica R9, Leica M6 ... But when the digital epoch started Leica became too expensive for me, I just couldn't justify to get into a such costly system, without autofocus ... My first digital was the Nikon D700 full frame camera with 12MP - excellent, but on the heavy side. So I changed to mFT: Panasonic Lumix GH2, GH4, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk III - very practical equipment, but image quality not always satisfying in difficult light situations. Therefore I went back to full frame: Sony A7RII, A7RIII, A7RIV - excellent , but I didn't like the ergonomics of the bodies. For three years now I am en route with Nikons Z- system, and I am happy in every respect: Ergonomics, functionality, image quality. They even made tiny prime lenses which, - in combination with the Z6II for example, - could replace your beloved Q2 - think about it 😉 Best regards from Switzerland, Markus

Love my Q2M as well as my M8 and T but on the other side my Ricoh GXR with Leica module, even the Sony RX1R2 and my Sigma FPL. Always depends how I feel like and what I want or need on that day. My profession is archer and I have on this side kind of 60 bows in my basement. Same here, depends what I need, want and how I feel. There is not one tool which can do all

You should keep the q2 😮 you do a such amazing work with this camera.

Love my 6 as well and with it's V4 35 cron. I finally replaced it and got the M10R black paint. Didn't think the .72 finder would be that big a deal but my 6 has the .58. Well now that I wear glasses it is. Just did not give me the same experience with the lack of room outside the frame lines with a 35 on it. No problems with the eye relief using a 50mm but not enough to keep it. Sad because the Ms are process cameras, feel shooting experience, optical, etc. Now just rocking my Fuji xPro 2 and 3 and am happy. The optical hybrid finders are what Ms should be. Love adapting M lenses and Voigtlander M on the Fuji. In fact the Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 Nokton is my favorite portrait set up ever on the Xpro (60mm equiv) If Leica ever did a Q with a 35 or 40mm I would be down for that. Until then, Xpros and 100V is the jam. Cheers man.

Got to admit, I’m slightly disappointed you’ve decided not to go with the M11. I picked one up about a month ago and would have loved to see how you travelled with it as I go on the rangefinder journey and especially as I’ve been using the Q2 for about 2 and half years. Good luck with whatever direction you go!

OK, I was shooting film for @ 30 years. Started out with a Leica M3 then a Nikon F2. When I learned about the Leica MD 262 in 2023, it was a no brainer for me to purchase it. It`s a digital camera on the inside whilst a film camera on the outside...!

Recommend getting a stick on "skin" for a Leica. That AND a silicone case that covers it on top of that. Obviously a screen protector too. Also a soft shutter release button. Also skins for the lenses.

I recently purchased a used Leica M240. Like a pair of distressed Levi's, the paint has worn off and the brassing is beginning to show. At 65 I'm beginning to embrace the art of Wabi Sabi - to be more accepting and open, embracing the beauty of flaws and rawness of life. The M240 is the perfect tool to start my learning journey as I'd like to create impressions of Wabi sabi from its abstract form.

After years and years, I purchased a Leica. My dream camera. It has proven to be amazing.

Based on the great experience I had with my Leica M1 that I used on a microscope and my Leica M6 that I used with 90/35/21mm lenses, I purchased two Leica M10 rangefinders. Regretfully, my M10 digital rangefinders were not as reliable or durable as my M6 and M1 35mm film cameras.

Thank you for your honesty & authenticity, Ben. Good vibes & Abundance

I really loved this video. Your stream of consciousness approach here is very off the cuff and super intimate, and they're genuine thoughts from an artist who simply loves the craft. As someone who usually shoots Fuji (though I'm not brand "loyal") and just picked up a Leica, I appreciate your thoughts! Instant sub.

I got inspired by the look of your 28mm Q2 portraits and want to try 28mm for street portraits. I tend to shoot mainly between 50-105mm. I’m on a budget, so I’ve just ordered myself a Nikon 28mm f1.8G to use on my D700 & D3S. I have a 24-70 zoom, but it’s really MASSIVE & has a stop less light & blur. Fingers crossed. Good luck with your gear change.

Love your content. I own a Leica M10 Monochrome. Adore it. Paired with a 50mm Summicron. Love it as well. I love everything about this kit. Inspires me.

Again another great video. I don't know. I love my Q2 Monochrom. I am not an agnostic about cameras. Leica for life for me. I always go back to the Q2. I love it so much. Like you it's the one camera that is always in my bag. I get it if you need the coin to buy another camera but I will never ever sell any on my Leicas or their awesome lenses. Either way I am looking forward to hearing what you decide...

Love this video but have to say I got rid of my other cameras to move to Leica & loved my Q2 but traded that for the M11 & kept my Q2. I do love as you said the simplicity of Leica & the lenses (Leica & Voightlander). The cameras bring the creativeness inmate as it slows me down to compose not be snap happy as most likely the M6 does for you I borrow friends latest cameras but its like coming back home after a trip when I pick up the Leicas when again.

Love it man, excited to see where things go!

The Barents Sea shots are amazing! Actually saw them on Reddit but didn't realize it was was you. 🙂

Why change? Why 'upgrade'? I have my Leica-M3 since 1967.. Yup 56 years. I mostly use the 50mm Collapsible Summicron f2.0. I simply carry on. Auto focus has never truly worked for me. I've never needed 145 fps per second. I hate editing. I use film, it's getting expensive, but how many rolls purchased plus if color needing pro labs, to cover costs of M11/M10 ? I dont shoot less with film, merely more carefully and thinking! I'm retired but shoot every day that I go on a walk. Heart exercise. I have lots of 35mm SLR that folks gave me. They ALL are excellent. Digtally i never needed those high Megapixels. Pentax Optio was 3,5MP. I made 20x 30cm prints. No! I have no walls for murals. I do however make small prints, mounted on board, as gifts. Those I see when I visit, on shelfs, fridge doors, in glass cabinets. Film though in problem with new scanners at airports.Travel for me, small compacts, real small. AA battery. My DSLR is a D-50! Takes I GB card. ONLY! Glad I never invested. Seldom used. Great Video. Good portraits.

Fujifilm cameras are pretty fantastic! They aren’t Leica, but they are good blend of retro and modern simplicity / functionality… inspired by Leica.

Love the videos Staley! Can't wait to see more M6 content and where you head next. You're images have been very inspiring for my work.

Really enjoyed this. I’ve been a longtime Nikon shooter, switched to Sony 3 years ago and I have Fuji as well, love it. However I’ve been renting the Leica , the m10 and now the q2. I love both😮‍💨 I think I’m gonna shake things up myself with 2024 around the corner.

I get it. Though I’ve not come across anyone who has mastered the Q as well as you, I appreciate the desire to find a new inspiration. For me, after 25+ years shooting Canon and Sony I have found the M to be my ideal companion. The notion of slowing down and making images as opposed to taking. For non-personal work I do, however, lean on the SL2-s, which satisfies those that are not interested in sharing my patience. 😊 Leica glass,otoh, is another conversation. While expensive, they cure GAS and, typically, appreciate in value over time. This simply does not exist with other manufacturers. Cheers.

I respect your opinion, I agree with your points, especially when those are supported by your amazing work. I see passion on the way you talk and we seem to be aligned about value for the money about how those Leicas cost. My main doubt is: how worse would all of your photos be if you have taken them with my Fujifilm xpro3 and my TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 manual focus. For me the formula is there: manual focus, focus peaking viewfinder, aperture, shutter speed and iso right in the hand. Loved your video.

I love how you embrace personal challenge, change, and discomfort, Ben. Keep up the excellent work!

I really don’t care what you shoot with, just dig your thought process! I’ll be watching…….

My first digital camera was a Kodak of some sort with a 2MP sensor. The enxt one was the Sony F828. Sony hadn't acquired Minolta by then, so they didn't really know much about stills camera manufacturing and it showed. The F828 looked like a mini version of one their camcorders. It did have a tilting Zeiss zoom lens though.

I have an M6 and 6 M mount lenses and an adapter to my Sony A6xxx and also Nikon film equipment etc..., but I mainly use Sony E mount with APS-C AF lenses nowadays. I think my best compliment to this video is that i listened to a lot of it because it seemed honest and candid. I related to your contemplation about gear you like vs what you really need to do the job you have our your self employed job,

Don’t do it. Regular mirrorless cameras will suck your soul into a black abyss. If you want more simplicity supplement your Q with the SL3 that’s likely coming out with phase detect (same as Lumix s5.2)

How is life without the q2?? Do you already miss it? Whats your next pick to challenge yourself? :)

Seen your photography. You could blow everyone else out the water just using a Box Brownie. A few critical points you made here... Smaller sensors can still achieve epicness; Know what you like to shoot the most; Keep it simple, keep it light weight. Takes years to figure this out.

I started digital photography with a Coolpix 950 ME, later on I got a Kodak DCS760C and a Kodak DCS720X both based on the Nikon F5. Awesome cameras with great output. I also had a Coolpix 990. Then I got the older Kodak DCS620C, 620X and 660C also based on the F5. I still have all the Kodaks and also a film F5 for the completeness. Later on the Leica M virus got me. Started with the M5, went on with the M8, M9-P, M4. I also went into the Hasselblad H system with the H2, film and digital back and H3DII-31. A superb system. I just love modular cameras like the Nikon F2 system I started serious photography with and have now three of them including the motordrives and several finders. I also like the Visoflex for macro work with the Ms.

I have a Sony A7Rv . Amazing camera with great lenses. I had 3 Leicas sold them all. I miss my q2 monochrome

You need to try a Fuji X100 or XPro

Bought my first Leica M2 in the 70’s used because I was too stupid not to buy either a Leica M3 or M2 new when I could. My mother had a Leica IIIf which was gifted to her which I really loved, unfortunately it was lent out and never came back. Well I enjoy my Leica M2’s and M3 which I bought used when they were a lot less. Never saw any reason to get a new M6 when they first came out. One major advantage of them over a $9k+ Leica digital is that they will not really go obsolete as there is film and when the electronics of the M11 goes and you can’t get parts like the older M6 light meter you’ll have a very expensive paper weight while I’ll be still shooting film lol. Also hate those extra frame lines, shoot mainly 28, 35 and 50

All one needs is good glass, decent film, motorvation and opportunity. A Himatic 7 took me to Canon AE1+P to a raft of earlier model Pentax (LOVE the MX) and all are awesome.

Really nicely done, I am really enjoying your videos, sir. Looking forward to our chat in a few weeks, really feeling like I'm starting from scratch here and am excited.

Can’t see you without the Q2. 1. As jack said above, you have inside info on the Q3. Or. 2. You will wake up tomorrow and realize you want to keep the Q2, Or 3. You end up keeping the Q2 and adding a Panasonic s5ii. I’m betting on #3.

Good stuff, really enjoy your videos and perspective on this wonderful art form. Thanks for producing and sharing them!

Good thoughts. My two brains are fighting right now over whether to pick up an M10. You ever check out the Zeiss Loxia or Cosina Voigtlander lenses on Sony? Just lovely.

OMG, I nearly dropped my beer. Please don’t keep use waiting too long Ben!

Is that silver 50mm lens A Noctilux 50 1.2. Reissue chrome limited edition? Or a vintage 50mm 1.4 Summilux?

Interesting argument… I wanted to simplify. I guess it’s an exercise in self discipline as well. On December 2022 I said my New Year’s resolution was going to be making 2023 a black and white year. Only black and white. By March I was done … so if selling your gear was something you felt you had to do and get the q2 … more power to you! It seems from your videos that it takes some amazing shots, well… you take some amazing shots with that camera. Because in the end it’s the photographer and his/her skill. It’s not the brand, it’s not whether it’s film or digital, it’s not whether it’s monochrome or not, or heck, even the lens … you are talented, period.

I owned an M7 and an M8 never got used to the focusing. And the framing was more a guessing game than precise framing…. Must be my eyes.

Neither the best camera out there nor just fetishistic art objects. Like all cameras, Leica M cameras are well suited to some types of photography and not so much to others. They endear themselves to some photographers and not to others. But unlike most other cameras, Leica M cameras also double as jewelry or fashion accessories, and the more expensive, the more so. They are never just a 'tool.' They make a fashion statement, even the plainest among them. Nothing wrong with that, just more value added.

Started my Leica journey also in 2015 with a used M6 which I am using to this day. Added a few years ago a M 240 for digital which works still fine for me. M10-R or M11 would be great but also can't justify the price tags for what the cameras offer (even used).

that was the longest most interesting Craig’s List I’ve experienced 👏😉

Try Fuji X pro 3 you are going to love it I am a photographer and cinematographer from India converted from Canon and now using Fujifilm XT3 from last 4 years and I am so much satisfied before Fujifilm I tried Sony but never find connection with that camera so try once any Fuji

Excellent! (and an impression of what could possibly follow..)

As a Q2 owner who has came from Fujifilm and like you sometimes needs a longer focal distance I found myself for 1 week with a canon and then straight back to Fujifilm because it works for me. I may also sell my Q2 because I don’t need 2 cameras, and I can get what I need out of the Fuji but it’s hard to let go.

Sweet video! Loving that T-shirt dude

You can definitely use the M cameras professionally outside of landscapes. But I never understood why anyone would do that. There are quirks you have to deal with like parallax, .7m close focus and range finder calibration. I see M cameras as more of a hobbyists or enthusiast camera for daily and vacation use. I see more value shooting a mirror less camera like Sony professionally because of its flexibility, and features to help you get the job done. I mean if you really want to get a SL I guess that can work too.

Just did a shoot and I feel for me I love shooting my M11! When I use flash it’s tough focusing in low light but I do it! I used my R5 too and it was awesome but honestly it’s like cheating! I think how you feel when you use the camera matters most because all the cameras today are god!

Great Video! Can‘t imagine your art without q2! I‘ll want one for sure.

Great art does not tell you what to think, but it makes you think of Leica.

Nice video. I know the feeling of wanting to shake things up. Your shot at 4:30 is amazing. So are the alaskan shots and the eagles. Cheers!

Great video Ben. had an M10 loved it, sold it to get a Nikon Z7II to shoot my sons soccer games ( always raining). Missed my M10, sold the Nikon, never spoke to me. Got the M10 monochrom and thrilled to death. Smiling again, love to carry it, hold it in my hands like a newborn baby and of course to shoot it! so wait and see, you'll be back with an M before you know it, and make new Adventures and Art 😉.

Excellent!!!! Great no BS tell all, get it out. Keep changing it up. It helps keep you growing. Complacency isn’t good in photography. Great channel bro!

Just wanted to let you know I really appreciate the work you do.I appreciate you candor and frankness. Your videos have been incredibly helpful in terms of my journey to making some decisions of my own on my next camera. I would be super interested in you doing a video of the Leica sl2-s vs your q2. I would be interested in seeing you would find yourself using the sl2-s more because of its versatity. Hopefully you find this feedback helpful. Cheers

Honest question…do you think a Leica m240 would still be a good choice in 2023? I’m trying to decide between an M camera and the sl2s. The big thing for the sl2s is the built in diopter and AF when I want to use it, but I do enjoy the manual focus experience and smaller body size of the M. The only thing is the m11/10R is a bit too expensive for what I’m willing to spend currently. I do have a tl2 and other cameras (Fuji, pentax) but I agree there’s just something special and unique about the Leica experience. I really can’t put it into words.

the Q3 is probably right around the corner so if you end up wanting to go Q again the upgrade will be there for you. Love the shots you’ve gotten with those cameras

Owned a Q2 for a while and actually moved to Fuji recently, as I couldn’t really get myself to be fully comfortable with pulling out a $5000+ camera in some places and scenarios, which kind of defeats the purpose of having such a powerful but portable camera 🫠 Also for most of my casual shooting I really don’t like spending hours in front of a screen editing photos, making Fuji a better choice overall. But I did take the Q2 on many walks and trips and it was definitely an amazing camera that’s worth the price and (most of) the hype ❤ Hopefully I get to try Leica’s rangefinders some time soon too

Looking at your excellent work, I think you should have an M11 Monochrome. Best and most lovable camera I ever owned. Like your calm and unobtrusive way of presenting, by the way.

That was the longest ad I’ve seen in a while 😅 But I agree, Leicas are unique! And it feels like changing the Q2 will shake things up. You will never get a more compact FF body+lens than that! It would be really cool with a 35 or 40mm option, without the crop-function. I had a 28 and it’s a great focal length for some situations but 35-50 is better for every day use IMO. Looking forward to see what you come up with!

I sold my Leica Q2 and immediately started missing it. I bought a much hyped Fuji x100v but it was no match against Leica Q2.

Great vid ….. loved your honesty in buying into the hype just a touch ….. whatever you end up with I’m sure you’ll be just fine …. You are a hell of a photographer …… just for shits and giggles ….. I’m figuring you for an M10d type of guy …. Keep up the good work!

Hi Ben…Why Leica? And Why not? It isn’t the gear they say, but your Photo’s show something different. The rendering of a Leica is far beyond what other brands can give you!! Flat pictures is the new hipe, cause people want clinic sharpness…i have bin there and my advice…stay with the tool you are in love with 🙏

Well I’m a huge Leica fan. But I always had another modern camera on the side, going from Nikon to Sony now Canon R5. The Canon R5 and the RF lenses are incredible. But the rendering from Leica M and 50 summilux is just have that special look. It’s such a love hate relationship. It is such a pain to use, and with all the missed focus with the slightest movement. But it is magic when it hits.

Always dig your videos and especially this one. I like your work and your passion for photography. Slap yourself and get the M11! Your art comes through more with the M11. I know it’s expensive but you know resolution is insane. I think your images pop more with the M11 images that you showed. Keep up the great work, another fan of yours.

WOW. That was my 1st digital also

I got a friend of mine who want to sale his Leica M6 none TTL Model and is a black body from 1984 year for £1.000 to me and you got over £10.000 to as much as £50.000 worth of Leica cameras and lenses

GFX 50s and could you adapt vintage lenses and use native too. Best portrait camera for the money imo

Why not a Leica Q2 Monochrom, since you usually convert your photos to black and white?

Whats your fav M glass of you could have only one when cost is irrelevant

Hasselblad X2D for Ben ?

Loved the video as usual! I too am camera agnostic. I do find that people assume if you own a Leica you are a fanboy....not true. I use an M11 now (should have stuck with my m10...long story) but I am not a professional. I shoot merely for pleasure and an M is perfect for that. I do need a general purpose camera for other needs. It won't be a Leica as an SL2 is probably too expensive for how I'm going to use it. And in this day and age all high end cameras are good in some way. I'm stuck in an indecision loop lol. Looking forward to seeing what you decide...

I have my 3rd fetishistic art object. It's not too big and I can use my old glass.

Real cool. Real honest. Love how you reflect the perplexity of the craft. If I had a few Gs I’ll buy your Q2 right away. I love small, powerful and solid cameras. Ain’t that many around. Sure you wanna get rid of it?

Huge fan of your work and YT channel Ben! Would you or have you considered a medium format camera to take you to the next phase of your artistic journey?

2:35 I want that 3.3 million megapixels camera, that's 3.3 terapixels; should be enough for 2000K video too! ;-)

Honest to a fault! Good work!

No need to validate using a Leica. Simply put they're just so much fun to use. No "features" will ever replace the simplicity and pure joy of shooting with any Leica M cameras.

currently professional photographers don't use leica cameras. rich amateur photographers hope that a leica camera will make them look professional. but of course that doesn't work.

Ben, have you looked at a second hand SL2? I’m lucky enough to have it in addition to my Q2. I’m sure you’ll find something you’d like. Wherever you go next, I’ll be with you on the journey. Best, Bart

Love the way you talk about Leica. I am thinking about buying Q2 lately as my first Leica. Do you think it is still worth it to buy Q2 now when Q3 would be released in 2023? Thanks a lot. Keep up the great work.

I’ve been inspired by your Q2. photos, I started my Leica Journey with the Q and now the Q2 and a used SL with a few M lens. You’ll miss the simplicity of a Leica. Keep up the good work. I need to get out and make some art.

Consider M10-R too. Great camera with no video etc.

My tinglys are telling me HASSELBLAD. Oh and great photos

No! That Q2 still has a lot of mileage in it for you. In terms of replacement I can’t even imagine what you’re looking at. You said you didn’t want an SL2. You’re not into Fuji. You don’t care for Sony. Nikon is very different these days than how you remember it. (IMO they cranked up the vintage hype to 11….it’s just too much.) Canon? You never talk about Canon but I don’t think you’ll find them interesting. What else is out there? Some of the more exotic brands? Medium format? Wait, I know: Panasonic S5 II?

Always good and thought provoking!

I can’t get past the price. It is great that it the jam for so many photographers . So many of my photography hero’s used or use Leica. For me, the more expensive my gear, the quality of my work doesn’t improve. I like the idea of Leica. I can’t imagine plopping $10k for gear. Photography is my passion but is only a hobby. I think my gear is adequate for what I do. I would get more out of attending workshops and buying books than purchasing expensive gear. Sometimes I am bedazzled by GAS. Then reality, which is overrated, sets in. If I use the gear my photographer hero’s use my work won’t look as good as theirs. Cameras don’t make the image. Photographers make the image. Unless I win the lottery I don’t see a Leica in my future. The closest to owning a Leica item is a Leica branded Panasonic lens. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

You nailed those Bering Sea images. Concert ones were excellent too. But damn. The Bering Sea stuff mid-action was stellar.

This guy seems smooth.

the M6 was also my gateway into Leica, great video!