It re-inspires you to take pictures again because you paid 6000 USD for it.

I first wanted a Leica M in 1993, after I’d been in Africa and realised that I needed a quieter, less intimidating camera to take photos of people who were nervous about the presence of a camera. I fell in love with the Leica M7, but was gutted when I researched the prices… £12-15K for a body and a few lenses. Since then, I’ve continued photography, had a family, witnessed the invention of digital photography (which I also fell for, as the dark room had to become a kids bedroom, yet I had my laptop). After the kids become adults, I started a business and after a couple of successful years, I realised I could afford an M. So I walked into Leica London, and bought an M11 with three lenses. I have NEVER gone out into the world exploring with my camera so much. I really don’t even care whether anyone thinks my work is any good (although it seems to improve the more I practice), but for the price of a small car, I’ve never been so physically fit, nor enjoyed my time out on the streets more. I’m also developing as a theatre photographer, working with a local improv theatre (the street photography of theatre photography). Don’t give a shit what anyone thinks of me or Leica, for me, the M11 has been one of the best things I’ve ever owned… the most I’ve ever experienced being in love with an object.

I’m still running around with my Fuji X-Pro3 with Fuji 35mm 1.4 lens, and I love it. Great camera, compact, and a blast to shoot. I think the key is to find what works for you, and then most importantly, get out there and hone your craft. Cheers!

Leica didn't start making cameras until 1923, although their lead designer had a working prototype as far back as 1913. They have been making microscopes since the mid 1800s, and industrial grade survey equipment is their backbone.

I’ve heard someone say: „you want to go retro? Get a DSLR!“ I like that idea! Thinking of a D800 or 5D3 with a 35 or 50 - it honestly feels retro already. The optical viewfinder, the „click-clack“, the somewhat bulky body. Could be true retro on a budget.

Most people take boring pictures, regardless of cameras they use. Leicas are fine, other cameras are fine as well. Just our brains are wired to create myths. Kudos to people who enjoy their photos more than their gear.

At 80, I’m still using my M6 and my Summicron 50mm les, my only lens. Never shot digitally and probably never will. Life is a Kodak moment ! 📷 Thanks, fun video. Rick…..

If you have to ask it’s not for you.

I got my first M6 in 2001. It was fantastic! Over the years I've owned MANY Leica cameras, and even slogged through owning the M240 for years. A clunky beast that still gave amazing images with a great sensor and of course the legendary M lenses. But the Q series has been my favorite of all time, starting with the quite fantastic original Q. Between the SL2-S with a few SL lenses and a Q3, I couldn't want anything more for stills. I can even shoot wildlife with the heavy but excellent Sigma 60-600mm for L-mount. I do also own other L-mount cameras for better video autofocus, though. I assume the SL3 will fix that, but for now it works. I've gone through many systems over the years, including Fuji (great for the size and weight), Canon (the RF 28-70 f/2 is the only zoom I've ever truly loved), and even Olympus and Nikon and back in the film days, Contax and Mamiya. But I always come back to Leica. Yes it's nice to have the build quality... also what other camera manufacturer actually gets their cameras IPX rated? Most just say splash and dust sealed, with no indication to what degree these seals will function. I've been in torrential rain with both Fuji and Canons with no issues, but I wasn't 100% confident. With my Leica's I know what they're built do endure. But more than that it really is the shooting experience. These days with computer aided design most companies are making excellent lens designs. But Leica is one of the few companies still pushing for that extra 10% (that you pay more than 10% for) and I appreciate that. Chromatic aberration is my absolute pet peeve and they've all but eliminated it in their amazing APO lenses. And they do that while still retaining the beautiful character and color typically associated with Leica lenses. Then there's the color. Each manufacturer has their preferred way to process color, and I'm personally the most drawn to Leica. The Q series has always been amazing to me in this regard. The combination of that fantastic 28mm 1.7 lens and the color processing that Leica uses... it just produces a look that I absolutely love, and haven't been able to replicate with other high end cameras.

Recently having bought a Q3, I 100% agree! It got me more interested in going out to shoot photos again, and I really love just taking the JPEGs and seeing that they are just fine. No need to tinker around on Lightroom at all, just enjoy your photography.

A: They're not.

Overpriced is an under statment LOL. I sold my two M8 cameras many years ago and sworn I would not get another Digital Leica M, so I got my film Leica M4P. Regarding the Q serie, I reviewed the Q2 Mono on my YT channel, the feelings are great, no doubt, but the optical quality is far from Leica's good reputation. The Leica Q3 is even worse and has heavy distortion and the software correction makes it really bad in the corners at maximum aperture... for 2000 Euros, the Q3 would be fairly priced, for 6000.... they are simply laughing at their buyers.... This Summilux speech is pure hype, no, a Leica M summilux is FAR better than that wrongly called Summilux on a Q3 that cannot properly handle the 60mpix. So if you are buying feelings, you are completely right, using a Leica camera is something unique and special, but if we speak about quality, you can get much better tool for half the price. Thank you for your interesting video.

Everything you saying could be applied to any camera... and I shoot only Leica. I'm glad you make a living via content but this video fails to cover WHY you should use Leica....

Great video. One thing I think you should have mentioned (which was one of the main reasons I sold my q2) is the worry of having such an expensive object on your shoulder every day, particularly when traveling.

Leica and Fuji make great cameras. I own and use both. I have been a Leica shooter for decades. My first Leica was an M1 that I used on a microscope in college. My second Leica was an M6 that I used for reportage, documentary, and street. The Leica M10 was my most recent Leica purchase. I use the following lenses on my Leica cameras: 90mm f/2 Leitz 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/1.4 Leitz I have been a Fuji shooter for decades. The ST750 was my first Fuji 35mm film SLR. The Fuji 6x7 and 6x9cm medium format film rangefinders were next. The Fuji S5 Pro was my first digital SLR body. The X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 digital mirrorless were my most recent Fuji digital body purchases. I use the following Fuji lenses on my Fuji mirrorless bodies: 56mm f/1.2 23mm f/1.4 16mm f/1/4 16-55mm f/2.8 50-140mm f/2.8

Amazing video. Well done. You absolutely nailed the thought process perfectly. My philosophy is exactly the same that you have laid out.

I’ve been a Leica shooter for 25 years and everything else for 50 years. I currently own 15 Leica cameras and lenses. The one relevant thing that you said about the brand is that the files don’t require as much editing.

My understanding is that Leica did *not* stop producing film cameras in 2002. They stopped making the M6 in 2002, and then introduced the MP in 2003. I don't know why so many people are buying Leica's, but I know why I own them: I like manually focusing with a rangefinder!

The modern Leica hype is something for people who believe, their creativity depends on the camera they use. But it is their decision and money, they spend on it, others have oldtimers or travel a lot. So why not. It is subjective. For me i am very happy with my X-Pro 3 and the 18/f1,4, or my GX9 with Panaleica 15/f1,7 or my X100V or my Pana LX10.

Yet 10/10 would fail to identify the Leica pics in a blind test against the likes of Fujifilm.

It’s all about the lenses. They draw unique images on film and sensor. With an M6 since the 1980’s, today I shoot portraits exclusively with a SL2-S and the APO-Summicron-SL 2/75 and clients are mind blown amazed 😊

My Leica Q3 is what I call, “ My Life Camera “. Never to be used for work. That’s what my Sony and canon bodies do. The Q3 is documenting life. Yeah it’s expensive but the satisfaction in using this camera in comparison to other brands is overwhelming. I also own a Fuji XPro3 and it too gives me a unique experience. My other brands just sit in their bags and are not released until a job calls. They are just tools.

I’ve been capturing images from the age of 8 when I was gifted a 110 film Kodak camera. I moved on to my Dad’s Canon AE-1, his Canon T-50, and then I purchased my first digital camera a Canon 40D. A few years later I borrowed a friends Leica M6 and fell hard. The ergonomics, the small form factor and the beauty of the images captured by those beautiful little Leica lenses. I sold my other equipment and purchased a Leica M8 and slowly purchased other lenses. That camera was my daily companion for 6 years, taking the M8 to 12 countries, and taking over 100,000 photos. I sold the M8 to a young photographer who had dreamed of owning a Leica camera. And a few years later I purchased a used M9, which was sold to accommodate a Leica MP-240. Two years ago that became a Leica Q2. There’s just something special about how Leica cameras draw light.

I really like how you laid this out. I also love how you addressed detractors ahead of time. Lots of great things to consider. Thanks for your post and for how you did it. (Loved the Jimi Hendrix sidebar about the Strat.)

My Leica works the way I think. I capture exactly what I see with very little effort. No ridiculously complicated menus, just the basic exposure triangle with dials easily at hand. That my Leica is built like a tank is a bonus.

It's not about Leica film CAMERAS, a film camera simply holds and advances film, has a shutter and a viewfinder. It has little effect on the image. But Leica LENSES do make a difference. The leica look, or for my usage, Zeiss pop, is real and when folks learn there is more to a lens than sharp sharp sharp, they begin to appreciate those lenses. After shooting film for 40 years, in 2000 I moved to digital and loved the clean images. But after 10 years, sterile images started to appeal to me less and less. So I now have 9 rolls of film in a half dozen cameras plus backs because of the look of film. Also, the older Nikon lenses or my zeiss, voigtlander glass is 5 to 9 elements, not 21 light sucking, reflecting modern lenses with flat rendering and muddy shadows. THAT is why folks like Leica... of course the "cool" or hipster factor can't be ignored. But in 1978 I ditched my range finder for my long coveted slr and you couldn't pay me to use one. Lighter? The cry of people carrying an extra 20 lbs of fat. Now I haven't gone mirrorless but the one reason I would consider it would be to adapt Leica glass to a nikon mirrorless. But, I doubt that will ever happen as my mamiyas, nikon, pentax film carmeras and lenses give me what I want.

I've got an SL2 and one workhorse L-mount zoom; Leica 24-90. But I really enjoy shooting with the M lenses. Got a 28mm and 50mm. Both Voigtlanders. I prefer manual focus - and way lighter lenses.

Great video my dude 🙌

Idk I love my Q3. It’s my first Leica and I upgraded from a D800. Yeah, it’s not as versatile, but it feels good to shoot with and I like the pictures it takes. That 60MP allows me crop to my hearts content. Is it stupid? Sure. Should I have gone with a Sony ? Maybe.. but I like shooting with my Leica. The same way I enjoy looking at my watch to tell the time.

Spot on. I shoot with a Fuji X-T3 as a hobby and have no plans to upgrade. Swapping systems is expensive, especially if you have a lot of lenses. Today I am thinking about selling some of the lenses I don’t use very often. For me, I am noticing what lenses I gravitate to the most. I prefer to focus more on honing my own craft vs upgrading gear.

I’m an amateur photographer. I have been for many years. I’ve spent a lot of money on equipment in my time. Over the last few years I realised that I wasn’t enjoying my photography. I sold all my gear, and had a break. Recently I bought a second hand Fujifilm X-E1 with a 27mm pancake lens. Suddenly I’m enjoying photography again, the old feeling of excitement when I go out with the camera has returned. I have one camera with one lens. That’s all I need. The X-E1 is brilliant. That said, if I had the money I’d have a Leica.. Outrageously expensive, but bloody lovely to use.. 🙂

Awesome review thanks

The Q3 seems like the perfect companion!

Not everyone is buying into this example of conspicuous consumption.

What is happening during the 0:17 part? Are they removing the painted numbers?

I might have missed it, but was "showing of" mentioned?

More Leica nonsense rationalizing why you spent some much on a camera, if it costs that much it has to be better, it just makes want to shoot. I made a living as a photographer for a very long time and having shot with most every brand of camera there is. At the end of the day the only thing that really matters is the image, whatever tool that allows you to create the image you see is the best one to inspire you to shoot. Image creation for one's self is where the inspiration should come from not some overpriced camera jewelry.

Great video! I had a CL with 4 lenses. Then I added a X100V. Then I got tired of trying to figure out which one to take with me. So I sold them all and got a Q2. It’s the last camera I will own.

Quick question (love your vids btw): why is it 5 month ago, you raved about Fuji X100? What is your feelings today, Do you still have your Q2 / Q3? or moved on to M ? (genuine question)

I want the good ol days back Leica: You got $7000?

first up, if I had enough lazy money, I WOULD buy a Q. It would be fun. I'm a full on Fuji shooter, recently retired from photojournalism. I enjoy using the Fuji's. I do have the X100V as well, but unlike most users, it doesn't make me want to pick it up. It's a 'meh' experience. The Fuji I most enjoy is my GFX 50R, used with old film camera lenses. That is what brings a smile to my dial. Oh, and I don't need Peter McKinnan (however it's spelt) or anyone else to inspire me, I've had the photography bug for 50 years now :) Cheers from Australia.

Agree, as a starter, also just got my first Leica Q3 last week, enjoying & loving the experience

Leica Digilux-2 and Leica TL with Leica Summilux 23mm f2 is my entry to Leica and some of my best photos are taken from that set. It is not the M or Q Series level but the feeling and the experience is hard to explain. It is beautiful and the Jpegs are really awesome. The RAW Files also just need a really small amount of tweak. My issue is the lack of viewfinder and cannot build firther the lens collection that is why I did not regret selling them. I currently shoot Lumix GX8 with 2 Leica Summilux Primes and 1 Vario Elmarit Zoom, I will say that the output are really close to what I am getting from Leica TL which makes me happy. I am saving now for a used Leica Q.

Great video and excellent points! I just wanted to add, Leica has made the best 35mm film cameras (and this also only really since around the early 1930s) -- otherwise it sounds like they made made medium format and large format cameras too, which they didnt.

Got my first Leica (SL2-S) a few months ago. Now, my Sony kit sits neglected (except the RX1). My film gear is also neglected - I seem to have lost interest in shooting film for now. The SL2-S is brilliant.

1:04 this is so painful to watch, this is how the shutter curtain gets damaged 😅

As a M10 and now Q (the OG one) shooter they just work and I enjoy them.. Have been thinking of picking up a Monochrome M or even an M-D (which has now back screen).

Great video!

I made someone happy today. I chose not to buy the shiny new Q3 that had my name on it at Seattle’s best camera store, so it’ll go to the next person on the waiting list. I’d been on that list since mid-summer but when my name came up in the queue yesterday, I was torn. Do I really need this? Do I WANT it that bad? I have the money, barely. What finally tipped the scale all the way to no was the fact that I’d rather use that cash to pay for travel experiences, to go somewhere I’ve never been, or return to places I love. I already have a good camera with a 28mm lens, a Fuji X70. I’ve got film cameras and a couple of other Fujis, including an X100F that does a fine job. None is a Leica, and of course I’d really like to have that Q3. Maybe in a few months I’ll make a different choice; I had the people at the store put my name at the bottom of the waiting list. For now, I feel liberated from the constant debate in my head, and I’m feeling more motivated to use the cameras I currently have than I have been in quite a while.

All these companies are living at their prime from all the free advertisement and hype they are receiving from the internet. Their products are not even hitting the shelves, they don’t even need to spend money on advertising anymore.

"Sony/Nikon/Canon is a tool; a Leica is an instrument”! This says everything!

Amazing video with lots of interesting thoughts.

I started shooting with Leica in 1968. I've had my current M3 and Walter Mandler designed Summicron lenses for over 40 years. It would seem natural that I would go with digital Leica. I actually spent a morning at Samys in Hollywood looking at the newly released M8. My wife was with me and was encouraging me to walk out with one. Unfortunately, I had read some information about the M8, plus discovered my dual range Summicron 50mm was incompatible. Since then I've examined the M10 and Monocrom. I could have (and still can) easily afford a digital Leica M, but I just couldn't justify buying one. I have a degree in photography and worked for several years as a full time commercial/industrial photographer. I've used everything from 8x10 view cameras to 16mm motion picture cameras for both personal and professional work. I've shot with most of the iconic film cameras. I don't think you have to use a camera with constraints to still enjoy shooting. I regard Leica's limitations as an artificial constraint. If you're not having fun, it's not the camera. However, I do enjoy shooting with my Fuji cameras much more than shooting with my Canon DSLR. I regard Fuji cameras, especially the X-E series and the X-Pro series to be what digital Leicas should be. Fuji lenses are as good as Leitz lenses, both in technical performance (read the tests) and with the intangibles (bokeh, etc.) and cost far less. If I wanted to spend $10k+ on a system, I'd pick up the Fuji GFX-100 II and lenses in a heartbeat over any Leica.

Paid out the butt for a Q2 and a SL2-S. Which is a weird move considering I had a Fuji X100v and an R5C (still have it). They are by far the two best built cameras I have, but more importantly the two cameras I enjoy shooting most. Which has gotten me out to shoot more, and with the reps I've seen some improvement. Love that reporter Q2, had the opportunity to buy a Q2 mono a month ago, and Kind of regret not pulling the trigger.

Bought a Leica M-4 in 1973. The lenses are a revelation. Because I worked in a camera shop at the time and was privy to information from a Leica rep, I was able to see their quality control standards. They are extraordinary. Their standards are so high, that in the 1970s when they had Minolta subcontracted to build the original Leica CL, Leica told their dealers at the time that the product they were receiving from Minolta was so far out of tolerance, that only 10% of them could be adjusted into tolerance. That’s the difference between the best of Japanese production, and what Leica was doing. This is a camera where you don’t look at how many features it has. You look at how well it connects to your eye. On that count, absolutely nothing beats a Leica. The only operation I’ve ever been around, where they had standards at least as high as Leica, was when I was in Hollywood 30 years ago and I had good friends working at Panavision. It’s almost impossible to describe how high their engineering and manufacturing standards are. That’s also why when a production company rents a camera package from Panavision, they have to insure that camera package for at least $1 million dollars.

As I heard hundred of years ago, “most cameras are better than most photographers”,… 😅

I’m into B&W and it was a no brainier for me to save up for a monochrom. I can’t afford a brand new m10m or a second hand one…but I did manage to get a typ264 and I have NO regrets, worth every penny for the happiness it gives me

I’m using Leica for both my professional fashion/beauty work (next to Hasselblad) as well as personal work. I’d argue that over the years Leica has cost me less than some other brands I’ve used. First, you tend to buy only what you really need, but next to that, depreciation is often far less than what I’ve seen with other brands. In fact, some of my M cameras (both film and digital) I’ve bought pre-owned and sold them at the price 4-5 years earlier. Lenses hold their value even better.

Cool video but I don't really agree :) Since you professional photographer guys use other high end brands such as Canon, Sony etc to do your work (because they are very good and easy to work), Leica feels an escape to you and remind you your hobby days. I am a hobby photographer and using my R6 Mark II gives me the same feelings, grab it and go out to create some art! It can do everything a Leica can do and more. I enjoy shooting anything, anything in between, friends, family or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I am not against Leica, I like it but I also think its a bit overrated. Kind regards.

When u talk about how when you first started photography as a creative outlet really hits me I started doing photography 4 years ago I was bored and just wanted to get out to do something to not look at the PC 24/7 I dont know maybe its because of how it make me clear my thoughts or how it is so chill I was just hooked. I was using the x-Pro 3 and just take picture and that is my first time owning a body system now i owned a Leica m11p and it just makes me want to bring it everywhere i go

It inspires you to take pictures because otherwise you feel like an idiot for paying 6000 dollars for a paperweight.

100% agreed. Own a fujix100v and LeicaQ..the Leica is next level and something I love to carry with me.

A really great video. I have several M Leicas and love them. Thanks so much RS. Canada

hot damn that film loading clip into that M got me nervous hahah!

I have owned cameras from many brands. Among those cameras, M7 & MP have been top 2 cameras I’ve ever owned. That feeling of wind lever, that feeling of the shutter. So satisfying. I truly enjoyed it.

A year ago I bought a new MP and wanted a second film body so I got a mint 60 year old M2. What a dream they both are. When I take photos with especially the M2 I feel like I'm driving a 60 yr old Porsche with the top down...

You got me with the Cartman insert! Great job on the material.

Everywhere I look on youtube, influencers are buying Leicas; no one I've ever met has one.

Just so I dont sound like a prick... I'm warning you.... I may... Like driving an air cooled Porsche. Like driving with a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission and feel the road. Like you said, picking up a vinyl record that you specifically bought because you love that band. This is why you choose a Leica -- in my case, a Q3 and Q2 Mono. Yes, you can def enjoy a water cooled Porsche that's fast and comfy and amazing. You can drive an automatic car and eat a burger at the same time. You can play music with an amazing streaming device and get the worlds catalogue at your finger tips and yep, you can pick up your Sony A7R camera and crush it with ease. So here is the answer: You can do both -- and enjoy both in different ways. It's that easy. And guess what? You probably will be a richer person and happier.

I disagree completely! - as a photographer for the past 30 years, I’ve shot with everything, the digital Leica cameras are maybe 10% better than FUJI due to the FF sensor and that’s only noticeable in lowlight …. Everything else is people trying to justify their overpriced Leica … same when people say that their off white jacket is better than a Nike jacket with a similar feature set 😂 Hype is hype, Leica was only in front in the analogue world

I started shooting with Leica R 6.2 after been with the superb Minolta SRT-101 for 30 years. When I had to switch to digital, I started out with Canon, later Sony, but I wasn't satisfied. I got the chance, to pick up a brand new Leica Digi Lux 2, a very slow camera, but it performed very well. Today, my professional gear for press photography is Leica only and even the cameras are 10 + years old, they do the job perfect. For video shooting I'm on Panasonic, but that's a different story. Keep on rolling.

everyone is a bit exaggerated - lets say whoever likes it and can can afford it ...

The most "inspiring and fun to use" camera I've ever handled was the Fuji X-Pro2 and I had the 35mm f1.4 basically bolted to it most of the time. Should not have sold that camera. They are now hard to find in excellent condition and sell for not much more than they were new. Viewfinder wasn't all that great, AF was slow but it was just fun to use and got out of the way. I'm afraid I'm going to have to get another one..

I can't justify a Leica camera because I can have a lot of fun with my Sony A7iv and have more options from it. That said, I also have multiple $5-10k mechanical watches. I could very easily get a Casio that would do more than my Omegas or Rolexes, but it's not the point. So I get the draw for Leica, but it's just not enough of a draw for me at the moment..

I'm a wildlife and landscape photographer with a premium Nikon Z system of gear. Yet, I just plunked down $2000 for a Leica CL / Vario-Elmar kit. The CL is a 24MP APSC camera that Leica discontinued 18 months ago. What's more, they have discontinued all of the APSC cameras. However, if you pick up the CL, put it on AF-S mode, shoot single advance, and add a piece of vintage M-Glass, you experience a back to basics feel that emphasizes simplicity above all other things. I've owned Leicas in the past, and they just feel good in the hand and embrace both a simple and elegant design ethos. Would I take this camera to photograph an epic landscape on Diamond Beach in Iceland... no, but it would be the camera I keep next to me as I speed through the Icelandic country side... My like inspires me to be serendipitous.

One of my relatives was an engineer at Leitz Wetzlar who worked on the M Line. I remember him taking shots in family settings on Christmas. He was just standing with his back to a wall and the simplicity of his M6 forced him to wait for the right moment - to come to him, without forcing anything. The pictures were gorgeous and the man was in his 80s. I am far away from beeing in my 80s but the complexity of my brand new Fuji XT30-II is just making me nervous. I stoped taking pictures with a Canon AE in 1987. I don’t understand the overload in options, it takes me far away from concentrating on the most important task, taking a good photo….

You guys forgot it is not camera that’s create a photo but creative thought process and technical acumen. Moreover when it comes to film camera, it is the film and the lenses make the difference and not the body or make. For Leica shooters, it is just a pride and status symbol than quality of images taken for 90% of the Leica shooters.

We all know that Leica has a great and deserving reputation from all these previous years ago..and gain "legendary" status among "famous" photographers" early on especially with street and documentary photographers with their M6 film cameras..etc...but in my opinion..these "modern times"..Leica has sadly become a "luxury brand"..and in some sense a "status symbol"..yes when you reach their level you can "justify" their price points but an "M6 film camera" still costing like what 5K for a Film Camera!!.C'mon their is something wrong with that..haha Yes..its German made, quality, design..etc..we all get that and what they are producing..but in all honestly its obviously not an "everyman/persons' camera..Is Leica "afraid" of losing their "status"..so thats why they don't price their cameras within a reasonable and comparable price point as like Canons, Sony's top of the line model?. .It would be awesome if everyone got a chance to expereince a "Leica Cameras"..at a reasonable price and be able to grab them any time like the other camera brands..yes we all pay a price point to get the "latest techs and specs" on our camera's..but you can't tell me a Leica's specs..AF, color rendering, low light, processors, sensors etc..is "worth more" than the next brands hardware and software? German "design" are worth more than "Japanese" ones?..haha ..they get some of their sensors from other brands..and yet they put their camera at a higher price point...haha Leica digital cameras should never be around 10K+..only cameras that justify those prices are like a Hasselblad medium format stuff, Phase One and other cameras like that where its reasonable and practical for high end studio and commercial photography etc..hence they cost more because of their intended purpose ..but not a "regular" mirrorless camera.. Leica seems overrated for what they are..

It’s a trend and a image thing. Leica never did anything for me , I can’t focus a range finder.

There are brands which are, if you can afford it, a nice and sustainable investment, like Leica, Rolex and others. I have many cameras beside of my 2 Leica's but always come back to just take the Q3 and shoot. The feeling and experince is unmatched, at least for me.

The Fuji Xpro2 did all you say for me, after 25 years as pro news snapper... Still does, it inspires me to shoot pictures, and I can carry it everywhere. Even if I had the money I wouldn't get a Leica. I like the look, hence the reason I like the Xpro2 as well, they look very similar..but I could literally get 8 or 10 Fuji's for a Leica M11.. Interesting debate though!!

"Why is everyone turning to these inferior cameras?" They were broke and Leica offered them brand sponsorships is why.

I just watched the whole video: So why is everyone buying Leica?

Does anyone have a link to the video about the baggy clothes?

Outhouse shot at 5:08 is crazy 🤩 I like the tool vs. instrument analogy - I would love to rent one for a short trip just to try one out. And super jealous of the double left kidney havers.

I shoot with all sorts of brands, Sony, Nikon, Ricoh and Fuji. I agree they are just tools to get a picture. 5 years ago, I thought I would get a Leica Q to try, It’s definitely worth it to me, absolutely loverly to use and the images I get are worth it. I cover it with black electrical tape so no one knows it’s a Leica from a glance and I just get out there and take pictures with it. Cameras are tools but Leica is like a instrument, I agree with that. Happy Shooting.

Love my Leica M10D paired with the 28mm Summilux-m.

Well done if only for the scenes of the Tetons taken when you did. I have been shooting since I was a teenager and now nearly 70 years old living the first half of my life in NYC and the great majority of the second half of my life in Saigon where in both places there is never a boring day with a camera. My current kit came with three Leica lenses for less than a thousand dollars and they threw in a computer, all day battery, 256GB storage, a 6.7 inch amoled display, music player not to mention a communication device and being the co-branded Xiaomi Leica 12S Ultra. While not universally super results… many of the images it produces simply awe me even after shoot in full frame stuff many years. With respect to my photography passion I have been lucky to have never had to work in the field giving me the total and complete freedom of shooting exactly as I please and with who I please and with 99.9% of the images through random encounters. One day a few years ago for example I came across Leica champion Nick Út while walking around. He is the guy who won a Pulitzer Prize war ending photograph of the Napalm Girl being that photo of the young girl who had just been hit with napalm. He was there in front of me with the napalm girl herself nearly a half century later. Anyway… if you have the funds and the interest… go for the full Leica but that Xiaomi Leica device is awesome!

I guess the old adage "a fool and his money are soon parted" still holds true today...

“Sony/Nikon/Canon is a tool; a Leica is an instrument”. That’s it. That’s the analogy I was searching for to describe it. That’s it. Nice video. Thanks.

Beautiful photos!

really enjoyed the video and agree 100 percent!

No the elephant in the room is that leicas most cameras are built by Panasonic and should cost a third of the price but they go extreme lengths hiding the Japanese trail and charge an arm and a leg. A brand new leica q should cost max 3000 dollars. That's already not a small number. But 7000????? Where does this number come from? Especially that digital technology gets outdated so fast, and in it self is not as robust as manual mechanical technology. The moment Leica went digital first problem it hit is sensor rust which makes a 10 15 year old camera and overpriced paperweight. A good mechanical leica can run for 50 years easy. Leica is not about photography anymore it's about branding and gouging prices. I got a q 1 in excellent shape for 1800 dollars. Full frame 1.7 f lens. That's a good fair price. But 7000 dollars for pretty much the same camera with a bit more pixels. Now if it was real built in Germany by gnomes camera I would get the price. EU salary and regulations that special German touch. But most leicas are automated Japanese mass produced electronic products. Which by its nature should cost less as Asians always try to make something high quality at a bargain competitive price .You have to be an idiot to waste all that money on a red dot made in Japan assembled in Portugal. Some old Leica lenses were built by this one guy in Germany who had magic hands. I totally get prices of 20000 to 200000 dollars for his work. But a Japanese machine grinded and assembled "summilux" lens???

I just got back from 2 weeks of hiking and photography the Grand Teton NP and RMNP. I brought my Leica Q2M and Nikon D850. Though the Nikon D850 yields very good results, the Leica results were stunning. Yes, it is limited with the 28mm, but it will make you a better photographer and want to photograph. Yes, they are expensive, but the sharpness, black, grey, and white tonality is very impressive! Plus, it becomes the camera you want to pick up and shoot. Just buy it.

ehhh... one can always make an argument for being "overpriced." You can buy a rather well functioning 2005 Malibu for $4000 and with care, drive it until you need a nursing home. Such thinking makes nearly anything else "overpriced." Dollar Tree used to sell watches... so Timex, one can argue, is overpriced, etc. and consequently there is no end to such discussions.

My little Leica CL appeared on the market at a time when I was looking for a camera just like that. I am not a Leica fan boy and I have, and used, different cameras but the clean and simple shooting experience, the size and most of all, the image quality made the CL my most used camera these days. The Fuji's I had a look at simply don't compare (yes, price wise too). I have not bought any other camera since (2018).

Waste of money

Be real - it's a status thing. It's also an anti Asian thing. 😔 Yes I think it's effen stupid.

Cracking thoughts enjoyed that. Personally I have and use many brands and formats both professionally and for leisure I love them all, I love trying vintage gear then uploading the experience to my channel, but around a year ago I bought a Q2...it was a ropey start to be fair, but now it's my go to camera, I absolutely detest this overused saying but sadly it's true, the Q2 makes me want to pick it up and go out to shoot, it's just a cracking camera, lens combo.

Honestly Leicas are not a waste of money. If anything, digitals are a bigger waste of money. I’ve bought a couple mirrorless and dslr bodies from Nikon, Sony, and Fuji and can tell you from my experience, after doing the math, I lost a lot of money because of how much they depreciated. Even when they’re in great condition, I still lost 1-2k. With a Leica, the demand is so high that you don’t lose a lot of money selling it. That’s why people don’t mind investing if it means getting 90-95% of your money back. Another thing I notice is my GAS as in gear acquisition have died down. The only time I’ll buy a new piece of gear is if I truly want it instead of following the marketing.