Leica is amazing. I always lend my M3 to friends who wanted to try it out, and always get a free roll of film back because nobody remembered to take off the lens cap.

Great video. Very interesting. I have a q2 and am blown away by it. For the same reasons you discuss. I just love to shoot with it and it’s simplicity. Your photos are incredible.

Watching this back a second time it’s evident that, in this era of do everything cameras, there are fewer photographers that are able to appreciate what the Leica M inspires, the “D” bodies in particular. When I switched to Sony from Canon several years ago I was enamored with the ridiculous AF algorithms, exposure zebras, etc. The camera did everything for me. Leica M returns me to my film days, when I had to think, and every shot mattered. Just two years ago I thought the M-D and M10-D were a silly proposition. Now, the M-D is the only M I use. It’s an evolution.

Nicely presented. I agree with everything. It always makes me want to take photos and I never get bored with it.

Really a great video Justin! I can understand your love to these beautiful M cameras. You look through the viewfinder, you hold it in your hands and you love it immediately. I use the M10-D for most of my portraiture work and it works very good. Maybe not every photo is perfect, but I am overwhelmed by the results. Keep on going…..

Totally get it Justin. Thanks for making the point that content, ideas and many more things matters than the fancy tech. Your approach to photographing and choosing your tools goes beyond it’s Leica or any other brands.

Great video upload... and I am so glad you made the point about cost effectiveness....

Great video. You explain why Leicas work for you from the perspective of how they allow you to do your work with the least ‘interference’ possible which is what really matters. As you say, when you’re shooting professionally there are so many factors to consider that you need cameras to get out of the way and let you focus on all the other stuff apart from gear. shoot sport for a living and although it’s different to what you do, the same principles apply. I’m not a Leica guy, but after watching your video I totally get why you are.

Excellent debate, Justin. A clear set of reasons why it works for you, and quite possibly others. Have just embarked on my Leica journey, I have really enjoyed the simplicity and renewed focus I have on making photos. Not to mention the excellent photos the M body produces!

I came across this video whilst browsing KZfaq. - I came from a world of Canon 5Ds, via Fuji XT to Leica M240 then M10. I also have the awesome Q. As you say all you need to set the ISO, Shutter speed and Aperture - that's all. Now I've found your channel I am going to watch them all. Thanks Justin

Great and noble work you do!❤

Justin - Great video (even without a blue or orange light on a shelf behind you!). I have been shooting Leica M digital cameras for years now. About 45 years ago, I fell in love with photography using a Pentax K1000 - it had an aperture ring, shutter speed dial, you set the ASA based on the film you were shooting, and it had a meter that was a simple needle (if it was pointing up you were overexposed, down you were underexposed). From there, I moved to Nikons (F3, F5, and then D300, and D4). Digital cameras work, but the experience for me was distracting. For many of the reasons you articulated so very well, I transitioned to Leica M bodies (after considering a few of Fujiflim's offerings). I never looked back. They work for me. I love them. They may not work for someone else and they may hate them - no big deal. I shoot more now in a month than I did in a year when shooting DSLRs - and I enjoy every minute of it. That's why I shoot them. End of story ... now go get you some blue lights and a shelf (and a Black Pro Mist filter).

I like your thought processes.

I really like the way you pointed out that when you’re out shooting, your energy is focused on the environment/subject(s) and not on the camera and its settings. Btw, I love your office space. I would love to hear more about why you chose Hanoi as your base. Thanks as always 👏🏾

Hey Justin. Can you please talk about how you insure your equipment against theft or damage. Thank you.

John, Thanks for sharing your experiences with Leica...glad to find your channel. I am an amateur photographer and being retired travel plenty, {except covid stopped our traveling) We got out of Venice/Milan Jan 22, 2020, when I read about the pandemic, in that travel I carried an M10 and Sony A7RIV. I started carrying Leica in 1970, with a used CIII, then paired with with Voightlander and then a Mamiya rangefinders, the CIII had color slides while the other camera had Panx or Trix. Then I shifted to Nikkormat and Leica M3, late 80s to Nikon electronic shutter and 2000 to Canon DSLRs, the pair by 2010 were the 5D2 and 7D, made,first day order to Sony A7R 6 years ago and to the Leica M10 in 2017, getting my copy in June, upgraded the Sony to the A7R4 August of 2019. While on lockdown, I find that I carry the M10 around my city leaving the A7RIV at home. Looking forward to traveling again with the Leica M10, the 50 yr old Elmarit 28 from the M3, stays most of the time (may get a newer 35 mm) , with 50mm, 90mm (seldom do I use the 135, and Voightlander 15) as the main camera, maybe just bring the smaller classic A7R as backup with THE 16-35 mm. The A7RIV with long lenses will be for airshows, astrophotography, etc. Subscribed to your channel.

Thank you Justin, you hit the proverbial nail on the head. It's all about fit and having the right tool (for each of us) for the job. At some point, I will pick up an M-10 variant, more because I have always wanted a Leica than anything else, having started with my dad's Agfa Ambi Silette and three lenses. I know that it won't replace my Olympus M43 kit that I use for commercial, portrait and motorsports, but it doesn't need to. A craftsman is one who uses his (or hers) tools to their best advantage, and you do an amazing job! Thanks for the continuing inspiration!

Hi, new viewer and new subscriber here - I just discovered your channel on my Recommended Page. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your philosophy behind using your Leica camera. It made me consider my own shortcomings as a photographer - that I have a tendency to overshoot - and I feel inspired to simplify my kit and be more present in the moment of whatever I'm shooting. I don't have nearly enough money to shoot on a Leica, but I can at least start with flipping down the screen on my Fuji X-T4 haha!

Great video. Thank you. I’m still astonished of how many fall into the “I’ve gotta have a M6”. I have both the M6 and M4-2 and find the M4-2 superior.

I really like your videos. As an autistic adult getting into photography and trying to learn. What i like most is that you don’t use music and you keep it very simple. I don’t have a Leica camera but i just like sit down after my kids are gone to bed and learn about photography. Keep up the great videos. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪

Great philosophy, beautiful images. 😄 A great system to get into.

There was an saying in the Old West…”beware the man with a single shot rifle, he probably knows how to use it”.

i absolutely love your project!

Super well explained!!!

Great video, thank you!

I got a Cl a few weeks ago and I love it… working with black and white.. Got a m42 adapter and loving using it with vintage lenses… yipee..

I’ve shot whole weddings with one Leica body and one lens. And, like you, I got one for personal use, but it wound up as my main for professional use.

Love your work, love your style and really like ur openminded style. Keep up these superb video's. And btw almost all the lice gear keep there value, most other brand drops dramatically,

I appreciate your honesty. I've said similar things on forums and gotten savaged by those who say just don't use the features. As you say, it's not that simple to get a simpler experience.

Great video; inspirational - thanks.

I found you through your "Hasselblad X1D System | A Professional's Review" video and appreciate your presentation and content. Subscribed. Slapped the like button. Smashed the notification bell. Commented. Doing my part.

Cool. Thanks for sharing.

I agree 100% with you. More than 50 years ago, I started with a Minolta SRT 101 with a 57/1.7 and added on a 28/2.8 to later. When I became professional, I used the Minoltas for 30 years (still have them), but now I'm on an M-P240 with the 50 LUX and a Q for wide angle. That works for me, as your set-up works for you. I can pull out some R-lenses, but that's less than once a month. Press photography is to get close to your subject.

Beautiful images you've got there...

Low key area is fine Justin....as a short time Vietnam expat, your room is perfect.

Noticed your photo on a postcard at the Las Vegas Leica store. Good job.

Thank you!

I liked your why, and when you said: "this thing takes photos". Turn on, then three steps: iso, aperture, shutter speed, MF, and then shutter button. I think you talking about being a photographer. That's how I was in love when I started whit my grandfather's old camera a Zeiss Icon.

Definitely get it, had a Q2 but sold it and I got a SL2s probably in Leica style is complex, but once fiddled and set up. And with using the manual 35mm 1.4 voigtlander which stays on it, and is well sold the Q2 as like 35mm lens loads more. Its mega, Super solid. Nice one go steady

Fully agree, I just bought an mp240 & summicron 50 and couldn’t be happier for the next few years

this is crazy crazy crazy damn good video.. I always cunfiuse by anymean how to pick the gear what will good enough for me with all the features, and so much photographer explain about how crazy camera right now and it makes me distracted to just alway seeing the tools. but these video make me see my self.. thank you so much to make the great content like this. *sorry if my english bad lol,

Just bought a Lumix / Leica ZS70 .. Very Excited

Great video, totally agree, indeed less is MORE!

Everything you said justifies the purchase of any cheap camera (if you want the minimalism DSLR can't offer, there's the a7c or even Fuji if you're into the retro style), but it doesn't justify the purchase of 2 bodies for 12k

Last year I decided to move in that direction and bought a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm for my Nikon D750 (my Leica substitute). That lens exceeded my expectation and I have hardly mounted another lens on that camera body since I got that gem. This has made my photographic experience more simplistic and enjoyable.

Great post. Honest and to the point. Shame they’ve discontinued the M10D…the Digital body with the analog soul.

Like you i used many brands out there and my answer is i never had the same feeling shooting any camera like Leica and i just love it absolutely love it and you can’t put a price on that

As a new Leica shooter with a M240 and small primes I love the simpicity of the system and operation during use. I would like to pickup an M-D in the near future. Great video...

Just about everything you said is the same logic and self-convincing I used to buy a $300, 15 year old, 12 megapixel Canon 5D classic. The simple, minimalistic and straightforward menu system is calming. Image quality straight out of camera is terrific. Battery life is awesome. Throw on some vintage m42 glass! It's great. Twelve big megapixels seem more than enough. So everything you said makes perfect sense.

I’m extremely fortunate in that I bought my Leica lenses new just before the millennium. They were merely expensive then as opposed to eye watering.

Excellent points made in this video. I sold all my mirrored Nikon equipment to go mirrorless with the Sony ecosystem. Now I think I’m going to sell my Sony equipment to go into Leica. I’m really interested in the Leica Q2 monochrome.

Good video. Thanks

Justin: You are speaking about the camera as a tool, I have mirrorless because can use the vintage lenses of Canon, Voightlander, and many German Zebra on my body. I have many M Mount lenses and love the rangefinder glass for the color and tactile input, you think about your work... I am pleased that there is a person half my age , I am 60 ...that understands the knowing of the tactile and human touch and input photography. Yes: most people are caught in the great chase of ever evolving gear. I choose a different path.

great video! instant subscribed ;-) greets from germany

Love the look of your work. I've been curious about the S-line Leica's..

You did a good job articulating the indescribable 'vapor' that i get when I pick up an 'M' series. I'm by no means a gearhead, never heard of a 10d until just now. I love the idea of a no-screen digital. Yes, for the surprise factor but more importantly: it's one less thing to distract me from flow. Someone told me it's called 'chimping' when you're constantly checking the screen?I think back to my early days in photography where I had exactly one camera (A Contax 137(?) with a 50mm 1.7 T* Zeiss) Very similar control set up as your 'M' series. I distinctly recall shooting some future pro-skateboarders at the old 'Pipeline' in Upland, CA. I would survey the area, set a baseline (f2.8@1000) and as I would shoot I would adjust my exposures on the fly just by the feel of the clicks. 95% of my concentration was composition because I 100% trusted my camera, Leica gives me that same comfortable, trusting feel. $8000 is def not chump change but when you get portfolio quality shots it doesn't take long for that camera to pay for itself and then some! Admittedly my Fujifilm has lots of cool things it can do, but it also took about a year before I felt I had a comprehensive understanding of ALMOST all its features. And as I explained to someone who is still in the learning curve, your camera needs to only do THREE things, set the shutter speed, set the aperture and focus. Get the right combo f-stop and shutter speed and you're good! While I was getting my BFA at ArtCenter we had an old school SOB lab tech, Archie Ferrante, who would be in the lab to remind us that we didn't know squat and that his dog could process film better than we could. Part of the whole ArtCenter credo 'break you down before building you up' boot camp way of teaching. When lecturing about pricing and costs he often told us 'film is cheap, images are not' Mind you this was when digital files were still measured in KB! And when you hit the shutter you tended to put a bit more thought into the image because it literally cost money every time! All this to say, there is something intangible about a Leica that sets it apart, and you can count pixels 'till your eyeballs dry up and fall from the sockets, do hyper-radon spectral gamma inversion scope assessment studies(like that?😜)but after the moment has passed, the once in a lifetime image is gone do you look at your camera and say 'I hope I got that' or do you KNOW you got it. You're a little hipster for my tastes but once I realized you aren't just playing pretend I'm happy I gave you a chance and subscribed.

I'm using a Leica a bit below in the heirarchy from your camera. But the control is amazing, the build quality is amazing, and I love the photos and videos I get. It's also much more small and portable than my "good" camera. I once had a Panasonic equivalent of the same camera. The differences were obvious in the quality and the ease of use. The Panasonic is more usable remotely, but that is its only advantage.

Thanks Justin for the great video. I came here to be convinced to buy a Leica :) I really like Leica M cameras because of their form factor and simplicity - as you mentioned. They are perfect cameras for my application (street photography) as well, but at the same time, Leica's prices are unjustifiably high for no apparent reasons! The fact that Leica has less features than other cameras is a very important reason that it has to be cheaper because it takes less material, resources, research and technology to manufacture but it is insanely more expensive than others. I am all for simplicity. When I take my camera out, all the bells & whistles are turned off on my camera. I don't use any of those features just to simplify my photography but if I really need any of those features, then I can turn them back on with no charge and my camera is still cheaper than Leica - it was hell a lot cheaper when it was brand new let alone now. I also haven't upgraded my 2 cameras for the last 5 years - I might get a mirrorless at some point and that's only for the quieter shutter sound but otherwise my Nikon D7200 is still rocking with no issues. Plus, because it is not expensive at all, I don't feel like I have to be precious about it and can put it through hell if I need to. If it is pouring down but I see a photo opportunity, then I take my camera out and take the picture without being worried about the camera and cost also it has a great weather sealing which helps but even if it dies, then no big deal. It won't cost me much to replace (mind you my D7200 has been soaked with ocean water 3 times and it's got even salt crystals inside the viewfinder but it is still working with no issues). But that's not the same case with most Leica cameras. They are expensive and most don't even have proper weather sealing which isn't about simplicity or form factor. (I hear M11 has weather sealing but if I'm not mistaken M11 is the only M camera that has weather sealing.) Anyway, I'd love to hear your comments on that :)

You right about simplicity, I have a brand that has more buttons that I need it, I love Leica and I am saving money for the LS2 thanks bro for sharing

My change came about thanks to a very generous gift from my younger brother. We'd both grown up shooting and processing our own B&W film from the late 70's onwards with both of us initially using Nikon FMs when they came out. Over the years my brother stuck withes and I ended up with a Sony A7RM3 which I spent most of my time menu diving. All my life I'd harped on about wanting a Leica and how I missed the simplicity of the old FM so he bought me an M10! Since then the Sony is hardly ever used, a Leica M2 has been added and when people ask me why I'm shooting Leica instead of the Sony I just reply "cos just picking it up makes me smile." I've even stopped metering now, preferring to use sunny 16 instead, I find it extremely accurate even indoors and using it lets you understand and get to know the light around you.

Superb photos and good analytical video on my favorite brand. I began with Leica because 90 years ago there was nothing else that would produce the contrast available from the rare earth components of the German lenses. This was many decades before anyone talked about "systems" or "workflow." The marketers insist that I should upgrade my amazing first generation 35mm Summicron by breaking the bank for the current Apo Summicron. This would not offer any remarkable improvement to my photos. It would of course sustain the incomes of the marketers. This seems to be the unspoken intention behind the majority of photo vids on KZfaq. This one is a happy exception.

I have a ‘lowly’ TL2 with the 23mm f2 and it’s a complete dream to use. I’ve had all sorts of cameras from old film Canon F1’s to Pentax k1000’s, etc. I currently have Pentax k1ll and k01 in my gear bag, but I constantly find myself reaching for the TL2. Just something so relaxing and carefree when using it instead of feeling like I “have” to work hard for whatever I’m Doing. I consider my Pentax’s as my work horses. My leica’s (have an x2 also) are my fashion cameras. There’s just something that makes it feel like the pictures just came from some GQ or ELLE shoot. Like you said, they make me also feel like I can just slow down and focus on the things that made me fall in love with photography so many years ago. The thing with the prices…I used to think that Leica are expensive. There’s no doubts about it. They ARE. But then I started thinking about it…most people that buy Leica equipment keep them for life, or for many years at a minimum. How much money would people spend that typically go buy the newest, latest greatest Sony, Canikon, etc setups every other year? In the end, it equals out or is actually cheaper to just pay up front and get the Leica. EDIT- I just got to the part of your video where you took the words right out of my mouth about the updates, etc lol. Seems we’re on the the same page with that

I agree with all of these opinions. I was dissatisfied with other systems. They didn’t inspire me. I felt buried under options. I bought a second hand M10 (with my wife’s blessing) knowing if it didn’t agree I could on sell for very little loss if any. I love 1) having no settings I don’t need 2) creating a relationship with a camera that I plan on using for 5-10 years 3) I love 50mm and this is the ideal body for that focal length IMHO. I’m lucky to have the means and live in a city with a good used market.

Another way to look at the cost, if you own this camera for 3 years (156 weeks), it will cost approx. $52.00 a week. If you intend to sell it, then the 'rental' cost is about half or more as Leica's second hand value is usually great.

You are clearly a very accomplished photographer and the animal pictures really struck a chord with me. I use Leica m for landscapes, obviously an unusual choice, but I put simplicity and reliability above all else. People chase the latest camera like they chase the latest phone, all suckered in by the marketing hype.

Great video .. Justin I let all my Nikon kit go in 2015 .. now I’m a happy Leica user .. I wear it everyday .. .. one camera one lens … way to go ! … IMHO

All good points.....worthwhile commentary

Try Fuji. It's even easier to use. I have both Leica and Fuji and I actually prefer to use the Fuji, though in the end I prefer the images from my SL/Voigtlander combo. They just work together so well and produce characterful images. But for someone who likes simplicity Fuji is the best option.

excellent, simple and true plus a great resale value after all that usage

I owned a near mint M4 for a while (sold it as I needed one with a 0.58 finder since I wear glasses) and as someone who owns top of the range Nikon equipment and a Hasselblad 501c/m I can honestly say that the Leica was the most beautiful piece of engineering I have ever held. The tension of the winder and shutter was as if it had come off the line yesterday and not 50 years ago! Everything about it - the build and feel is just perfect.

I was testing the waters by getting a Q2 liked it and picked up Q2M - Point n shoots really. I love both of them Eventually I'll move up but for right now I'm good with it. Sony? They update their bodies every 20 minutes.. More often than the NYC subway arrives on time. Also in Sony's defense the menu system has been revamped(I'm not a Sony shooter) Congratulate me! I'm a new Sub!

Some honest and very valid arguments. Your video is so much better than the typical youtube photographer's Leica video: "The Leica, it has magic, you have to experience it to believe it, it takes pictures that no other camera can, it instantly makes you a better photographer..."

I was offered a Leica M3 Double Stroke with a 35mm f1.4 Summilux for a significant discount from a fellow photographer who needed cash fast. I used it over a trial weekend and passed on it and for the same money bought a killer couple of newly released Nikon FM2 bodies and lenses. I don't regret that decision at all.

After deciding to finally get a good camera, I shopped, and shopped, and finally decided on a Leica SL 601 for many of the reasons you describe here. Yeah it was more expensive, but not having to go through a 50 page manual was worth it ;-). Also, is that a Leitz Wetzlar Elmar 135mm f4 I spied there for a second?

I totally agree with your assessment of Leica cameras. I have had a Leica M4 system that I used for many years for performance photography, because it was very quiet and of course because it was sharp as a tack. I transitioned to digital format quite some time ago and at the time Leica was not making a digital camera. I did search for an adaptor that would let me use my Leica lenses with my Nikon bodies to no avail. Recently I discovered a new Kickstarter campaign featuring digital backs that can be used on Leicas. I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of this back so I can once again use my beloved Leicas.

Spot on and I totally get it.

After hearing about the Leica stuff for a few years I finally broke down and rented the Q2 Monochrom...hands down the best shooting experience I have ever had. Definitely has me want to shoot more Leica and more pure BW. Great video.

I like your analysis. In photography always things that works for someone they just don’t works for another one. The thing is sometimes we forget to use what makes us more productive and happy for something that we believe (for wrong) as better. For me Leica has lost its old character. Today it’s hard for anyone to pay so much money for a camera that falls behind in almost every single way even from entry level full frame bodies. I mean, it doesn’t makes sense. Still, I understand your need for simplicity. But I will drop another thought to the table; what if Leica (say M10 or even SL2) was priced equally to the rival cameras (Sony, Nikon, Canon) at about 2000-3000$? In my opinion, it would have been destroyed. And, I know, the lenses has a character, the build quality is stellar and the ergonomics are fine, but nowadays every high end camera is built well, all pro level lenses (especially Canon L series) has amazing sharpness and color rendition and their ergonomics are great, and the most important, for less than half the price! So, no, the price by itself is not the only problem for the most people. The key thing is the fact that Leica sees all photographers as documentary or street photographers. That’s maybe good for Leica because anyway has its audience but for the rest of us (landscape, wildlife or even hobbyists) there are better options.

It does make sense to me. I'm trying to work that way with other systems since i just can't buy into the leica world, it's very expensive for an amateur like me. But i get the idea and I agree with you, simplicity in the camera allows you to focus in what matters. I sat my camera in a way and then try not to go into the menu ever again. You mentioned something controversial, the leica look. There is a stir about in the web, many do not believe there is any leica look. Could you make a video about it? Thanks

The only limitation the M has is the 135. Other then that it’s only in your head. I have always compared my gear to the photographers of the old days were they carried plates around and produced iconic images. If you know what you want to shoot you can. I shoot sport with it , where’s the issue? Dial it in and off you go. You don’t need 600mm. 90 is just fine just learn to anticipate and how to get close no matter what. I got a few lenses since they come out for need and purpose but use 24 as standard and 80% workhorse. That means 1.5m is what’s on the scale, around that I’ll dial in what needs to match that but that parameter is solid. Crazy? Nope, experience! Good luck for the next projects Juzzy

I shot a wedding with a Leica. it was quite a challenge but thought i was more comfortable with my camera than i would be with a rented sony. Images turned out really good, of course with some margin to improve but my client was really happy with the results.

Back in the day's of film, my first SLR was the Pentax K-1000.. A nice full frame Camera.. Then I bought an R-3 mot, have the 90mm, 50mm and my favorite 24mm f2.8.. Sold the R3 body and moved up to the R8 body, still pull it out and shoot a roll or two from time to time.. I will never get rid of it..

I know what you are saying and now at this stage in my life i can also say i agree with a lot fo what you are saying. but i would not have if i had been in the earlier part of my photographic journey. Back then i just could not afford it and actually never was keen on trying to get one even if i could afford it. I just could not understand why it would be any better for my photography than anything i could afford already. Fast forward many years and i have gone through systems and cameras like most of us have most likely, but i was pretty extreme and lost a lot of money buying and selling and buying back into systems and while it is part of the experience and learning and getting to know what will in the end work best for you, i could have moved a bit more in a straight line towards that goal and i would be a lot less poor ;) I went through Canon, Nikon Fuji and leica along the way, and the only system i have had as my base was Nikon. And on the side i had other mirrorless cameras as my smaller travel or street cameras, mainly from Fuji which i really liked and still like but probably wont get back into after i started shooting with Leica instead. On the Nikon side i came to the same conclusion you did several years ago, meaning i upgraded up until the D810 and then realized i would never need that many pixels, as well as deciding the body and character of the lenses and how much they inspired me in my photography was more important than pixels and other specs. All that image stabilization and stuff they make us believe we MUST have to be able to take great photograph. Its so ridiculous , especially since we all have so much proof of how little that really means when it comes to taking a great picture . Look no further than all the great photogs of our past using such "limited" means and still being able to do that, they just practiced their photography instead of chasing gear and talking about it lol. So i stayed with the Nikon DF and the D4, a sensor i love, and a kit of lenses i really like, both manual and AF newer G ones. Then i also bought a Leica Q at first. Loved it, it was my street and documentary camera and one i thought id keep for a very long while. After that i kind of knew id always have some sort of leica camera, just because of the things you said, and because i love picking it up and shoot with it. And that means so much. A quick setback when i sold it and went into Fuji for the X-T3 and lenses, and then immediately regretted it and bought probably my most loved camera to date, the Leica Q-P. So that would have been it for me, i had the Nikon gear i loved using and felt no need to upgrade, and i had my beloved Leica Q-P. yes, i rediscovered Film photography again , and then i was into the frey again, but this time not upgrading but buying the used camera bodies i wanted to get a kit for that, but that actually played into what i already had. I sold the Leica Q-P and got myself a few lovely Nikon FE2+NikonFM3a bodies, a Leica M4 and a used Leica M240. So now i have the best of both worlds for me, lenses i can switch between my digital and analog bodies both on the Leica side and the Nikon side. And no more upgrading and i hope the gear i have just last for a long while now:D So now i can finally say i agree with you, you don't need those pixels or technically "advanced " bodies, you need gear that inspires you and works for you and your photography. the your are set:) /Martin The swede.

I can only answer because I love it , I have tried the Sony a7r3 crap but not long

Thanks for your video. I always like your enthusiasm about Leica and especially about the M10-d. I share the same thought and own the same camera ;) I love it for the exact same reasons you mention. BTW I saw you have an Elmar 135. How does that work out for you? Doable with the rangefinder? Or do you need a a visoflex for proper focussing? Your shots looked great on YT with it :) Keep the videos coming! :)

You nailed it! I bought an M3 in 1967 and it was used but like new with a 50mm Summilux. Sadly I sold it and built up a Leicaflex outfit. Had I kept it I could now sell it for what I paid in real terms. Imagine - I could have owned a Leica for 50+ years for free! I wish Nikon etc would bring out a Digital camera with No movie, No menu system, limited ISO with the possibility of going down to 10 with good quality, manual focusing and aperture setting but good TTL Spot metering and solid build. A dream of course as no manufacturer would take the risk.

You know what else isn’t weighing me down? My $400 used Fuji Xe2 with a 27mm f2.8. It’s a wonderful combo, and incredibly affordable (compared to these)

Hey Justin, Jose from Puerto Rico. I enjoyed this video. I enjoy your minimalistic approach to Photography; in fact you remind me of Fan Ho and his approach to Photography. To coin your phrase and borrow it "its sounds crazy" but if I had the money, I would love to own a Leica. Someday... maybe. I totally understand your thought process, knowing the exposure triangle and shoot. It's the only way to get better. I totally get your thoughts on menu systems. I have a used Olympus OMD EM 1 mark ii I bought on eBay and the menu system can be daunting, but I just set it up to the basics and just go at it. Any how, it comes down to what you need and what works for you. I really enjoyed this take man! Take care!

I was surprised you didn’t mention that Leica bodies and lenses retain their value for longer than other brands so whilst they are a large up front cost you can recover more of that if and when the time comes, provided of course you treat it kindly.

I dig this. Although I do my work on Nikon full frame camera's (7 years old) I want to buy a Fuji X100V for the same reason. Can't afford Leica but it's exactly what Justin says: ISO, Shutter, Aperture; that's all you need and you want it on dials on top of the camera, A on the lens. I rarely use all the buttons on my Nikon's, mostly they get pressed by accident.

As a Leica shooter on both film and digital, I agree with everything you say except for the hassle of post production with film. If you have a lab you like, like Richard Photo Lab in LA, there is no post; all you do is cull the scans you get back and tweak a bit if necessary. They’ll work with you to develop a scan profile (or you can use another photographer’s profile) and deliver scans that are consistent to it. Voila-no post!

Honestly, I’m committed enough to photography to consider Leica… and I’ve certainly had my share of manual cameras before (including Hasselblad). But in recent years I’ve come to the conclusion that tech like IBIS really contributes to critical sharpness of images in the low light settings I favour. I just can’t see the cost/benefit from Leica glass, given that I’d never achieve its full benefit in these scenarios.

Thats a beautiful apartment! Wow!

The reasons you give are the same reasons I use a Fujifilm X-Pro3. The X-Pro3 does have a screen, but it folds, face-in, into the back of the camera. So the camera back is blank like a film camera. The Fuji lenses are auto/manual focus. But there are manual-only lenses available from other manufacturers. So, you can use the Fujifilm X-Pro3 much like the Leica, but it costs less than $2000.

A like from Vietnam. I don't have any Leica and never used this brand before, maybe I will try it in the future.

It's true that I didn't really appreciate the allure of a Leica until I got my hands on one and started using it. All you need to do is hold it in your hands and focus with the viewfinder to respect the design and quality. I'm not very excited about the picture quality of my M10, but it's useable. The dynamic range is narrow and it's very easy to blow highlights. I set it at -1 EV, and that works for quick grab-and-go shooting. I'm not willing to spend more than $5000 on any camera though.

I don’t understand shooting manual mode. Maybe with an EVF it’s better for seeing your exposure in real time. But I can put my Nikon dslr in manual mode and shoot with the exact same process for not nearly the cost. I can have that simplicity. Also what’s more simple than putting your camera in program mode? That takes away all distractions. I shoot in program mode and use bracketing to get three pictures with different exposure levels to choose from. I’m not a professional at all but that’s how I have been taking photos

I’ve always liked the Leica body, especially the controls. My two worries are the manual focusing (never focused by numbers before), and also focusing with a rangefinder. I’ve never done that before, and unfortunately I can’t simply go to Best Buy to try it out (where I am, the higher end places are a bit of a drive, and while I can use a camera, my vision isn’t quite good enough to drive legally).

The build on my used M10 is just amazing, but I'm treating very carefully. How robust have your digital M Leicas been, specifically regarding servicing and repairs?

Boy, do I feel ya brother. Every word. Perhaps it comes from being a certain age. From a time when we shot once-in-a-lifetime events on film, with totally manual cameras, in my case, the Hasselblad 500 Series (aka V-Series). I found your excellent channel months ago while researching the M10-D. Still want one, but would never pay $8K. When you look down at a LEICA rangefinder, it's all there; Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Manual Focus. It is a thinking man's camera for creating thoughtful, powerful images.