Leicas are expensive, but they are among the highest-quality engineered cameras and lenses that bring joy. For haptics, image quality and craftsmanship Leica is second to none. Leica is suited for discerning artists who can afford the investment in their artistic adventure. Occasionally I would drift elsewhere and then would experience the errors of my ways, and return to Leica.
Most other brands by comparison feel like a camera attached to a computer. You do not get the same level of satisfaction or confidence that you are in charge. Instead, they leave you wondering what the computer is doing. With a Leica you feel fully in control. They just seem to be able to get out of the way and facilitate the capture of a fleeting moment. That’s what brings you joy.
Joy for life or joie de vivre if you prefer
A single Leica camera can be a lifelong companion if you do not fall for the siren call of upgrading to the latest model. For me, the Leica M is the ultimate camera. You absolutely do not need the latest model to create better images. It is better to be fully familiar with the camera you currently own than to have to learn from scratch.
The M cameras are a truly unique and worthwhile experience. They are particularly wonderful to use, capturing moments. But you do need to learn how to use a rangefinder and practice using it. Once there, they are a joy to use.
That familiarity puts you in the zone and enables you to capture your artistic vision rather than spending hours studying the manual. Or searching through endless menus, and then wasting a lot of time developing additional muscle memory. Researching how to focus an M properly is a knowledge, skill, and practice that delivers valuable and joyful photographic experiences.
For M lenses, there is a price to pay for achieving superlative image quality while still maintaining their compact size. Tolerances in parts and assembly must be very tight. A comparison can be made between the Leica 35mm APO and the remarkable, but much lower-priced Voigtländer 35 APO. The Voigtländer provides similar performance, but is a lot larger and significantly blocks the viewfinder a lot more.
Haptics meet muscle memory
The haptics are outstanding and a pure joy to use, especially if you are a competent photographer. It is like using a tool that is an extension of you — you can be in the photographic capture zone and use muscle memory.
For only $1,000 I will provide you with a key secret! What the hell! Here is a freebie that will make reading this article worthwhile and a good use of your valuable time. Do not hunt for perfect focus by turning the focus ring back and forth. Instead, adjust the focus ring until focus is reached and then immediately capture the image.
With any instrument, “practice makes perfect”
Practice, practice, practice focusing in the comfort of your home and you will become a shooting star. Thorsten Overgaard is an example of an outstanding photographer who is proficient shooting wide open and capturing magical and evocative images at events that do not come with a second opportunity.
A Leica M is faster and more reliable in many situations than an autofocus camera for capturing street and candid images. This is based on personal experience, but I practised a lot with my M cameras. It provided me the most joy in photography without the limitations that you face with zoom lenses.
The image below was captured many years ago with the M240 and the tiny Apo-Telyt-M 135/3.4. I was confident that the lens would deliver no flare and have great contrast. I was not disappointed.
I am now 71 years mature and have been pursuing photography as a hobby for over 50 years. I have owned a wide range of brands and high-end glass during my photographic journey. Leica equipment is a truly superbly crafted photographic tool that delivers ultimate image quality.
Second to None!
A cup of coffee works wonders in supporting Macfilos
Did you know that Macfilos is run by a dedicated team of volunteers? We rely on donations to help pay our running costs. And even the cost of a cup of coffee will do wonders for our energy levels.
Well said. Your points on the haptics and feel of the camera as an extension of self are well made.