This week, as we returned from our summer blogging break, I was shocked to find the Leica cupboard at Macfilos Towers in Bloomsbury almost bare. This Mother Hubbardish experience is unprecedented in the annals of Macfilos. Sadly, all that remains is one lonely little Leica, the D-Lux 8, which arrived as recently as July 9.
Poor little thing. But that camera is in line for some more action when I compare it with a couple of “cult” compacts, the Fujifilm X100VI and the long-term Ricoh GR. Will it cut the mustard? Yet, the cupboard won’t remain wanting for long because we are currently at one of those junctures where a bit of housekeeping is necessary.
We tend to have a fairly high turnover of gear to feed our constant need to write about the latest equipment. What’s more, I am in the fortunate position of being able to borrow press cameras for review — most recently the Fujifilm X100VI and the Leica SL3. In general, though, I prefer to buy and use the cameras for an extended period before selling to make way for fresh input. That way, I’m not beholden to anyone, and I can give my verdict without fear or favour.
Missing M
Most surprising, when I survey the Leica shelf, is the absence of a digital M. There has been a digital M there since time immemorial (or should we say 16 years which, in digital terms, is clearly immemorial?). Some much older digitals remain, including a couple of X models which require repair. And, of course, there are Leica film cameras. But there’s famine in the M digital world. That’s because I don’t get sentimental about digital cameras, and move them on when the time is ripe. Film cameras are a different kettle of fish.
The M11, which I’ve owned from new in January 2021, was pensioned off in March because I confidently expected that the rumoured screenless M11-D was imminent. These rumours turned out to be optimistic, and I am still waiting to see if the M11-D will materialise. If not, I might have to replace the M11 with an M11-P. Nevertheless, I am a great fan of the -D concept, right from the original “test bed” model, the M Edition. I have owned and enjoyed both the production models, the M-D and the M10-D, but there is always a time for a bit of new-brooming.
There is currently a space vacant for a Leica SL3, a camera which I never expected to bond with. But I’m always open to being influenced. Maybe the press review model will change my mind. Could it replace my old standby L-Mount shooter, the Lumix S5 II?
Leica Q3 for sale
The latest digital Leica to go on sale is the Leica Q3. Again, I’m a long-standing fan of the Q range and have owned all three models since acquiring the first in June 2015. The Q2 came in March 2019 and was sold in February 2023. That was replaced in May 2023 by the current Q3. I tend to plan ahead and watch the market — again, with not a shred of sentimentality.
The ex-Macfilos Q3, complete with all the accessories and boxed like new, is currently for sale at Red Dot Cameras in London. It’s a good opportunity to own a camera with a bit of provenance — as featured on Macfilos. Since it was purchased in May 2023, the Leica warranty is still valid until May 2025 in case anything goes wrong. [NOW SOLD]
While new Q3s are still trickling through and the waiting time has been brought right down, there are few Q3s on the used market. So I don’t think this camera will linger long at Red Dot. I have my hands busy with other cameras, so won’t get nostalgic, and I am in no rush to replace the Q3, excellent as it is. Maybe I’ll wait for the Q4 or succumb to one of the interim models if there are any.
Leica cupboard sales
Incidentally, all our Leica equipment is sold through the trade and I don’t sell privately. It’s less stressful, and the overall cost is very similar to the fees from listing sites, plus PayPal charges. From the buyer’s perspective, too, there is the confidence of buying from an approved dealer.
The next three months will be an exciting time for Leica fans, with several new models expected to hit dealers’ shelves. We will bring you all the latest updates, including in-depth reviews and commentary. However, although we do have a good overview of what’s happening and read all the same rumours as you, we don’t break confidence.
We adhere strictly to manufacturers’ press embargoes, which means that details of new models appear on Macfilos at the same time as the news is shared by other media. In the case of Leica, almost all new products are announced at 3 pm Wetzlar time on a Thursday (2 pm Macfilos time). So keep your Thursday evenings free for a bit of interesting reading.
Macfilos view on the Leica M10-D
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Hi Mike.. several new models? Leica is spoiling us 🙂 I thought it was “only” M11-D and a version of Q. I note from Leica rumours site that M11-D will be announced next week.
I suppose several could mean two. Perhaps rather loosely worded, but time will tell. There might even be a Monochrom version?
Several : “more than two but not many” 🤔 I have already verbally placed an order at a Leica shop where I’m going on a holiday next month. However, I’ll wait for the WWW (Jono) to publish his review as well. I’m disappointed that they may not have that lever anymore. It does provide a good grip
Hah Mahesh – I don’t think anyone has ever characterised me as WWW (my son would be laughing like a drain). I’m disappointed about the lever as well (but my son isn’t – he thinks a thing should be a thing!)
All the best