Why I enjoy being an exception: A fish out of water in the world of Leica

“Treasure your exceptions” is an adage that was drilled into me at university where I majored in Genetics and Biochemistry. It forms the basis of Darwinian evolution. It’s random mutations that provide the important variability for ongoing evolution of a species, as their surrounding circumstances change.

My daughter-in-law Rachelle is a professional photographer who uses a Canon 1Dx with Canon 100-400 lens. It’s in the same price range as top-end Leica. You cannot deny the power of the images it produces. (Image courtesy of Rachelle). But I don’t paddle in that duck pond.

What has all this got to do with my Macfilos and Leica journey? Well, I do feel like an exception in the Macfilos and Leica world. Allow me to explain: I discovered Macfilos at the recommendation of my friend and most prolific Macfilos contributor John Shingleton (aka Mr X1) about ten years ago. 

Discovering the mighty morphin’ Evans

They were the days soon after Michael Evans morphed Macfilos from an Apple fan site to a Leica photography focus. I wrote a first article for t’Editor Michael at that time and nervously submitted it to him. To my surprise he accepted it, then suggested that John encourage me to draft another contribution. Over the years I ‘d guess that I’ve had the fun of writing about 30 or so articles for Macfilos. (Does Mike have an archive of all Macfilos articles? How many have I actually written?) 

Where “Exceptions” begin to reveal themselves

And it was this Macfilos discovery that led me into the world of Leica. A quarter of a century ago, at the start of digital photography, I was using Olympus cameras and lenses. By the time I discovered Macfilos I was a confirmed Sony user.

This is the point where I need to explain the “Exceptions” quote at the start of this short missive. 

Well, I am aware that “gear articles” get the most readership on Macfilos, but I do have to admit that I’m an exception. I’m a fish out of water, a minnow in the sea of Leica whales and sharks — I’m not one for the expensive gear at the end of the Leica price list. 

Results — first, last, and everything

Instead, my real interest is in the images that I can capture, not so much the latest and greatest gear. My Leica cameras over the years have been the Leica compacts-X1, X2, X Vario as well as Pana-Leicas V-Lux4, V-Lux 5, D Lux 109, C-Lux and the little Leica C (typ112). They are all exceptions, and exceptional.

I’ve also deliberately chosen certain Panasonic Lumix cameras at other times because of their Leica lenses. For years now I’ve been using a Leica D Lux 109 for the quality of its output and the compact, light form factor as an ideal travel camera. 

No peeping!

I find that I’ve been delighted with these cameras, even with their smaller sensors. I don’t pixel peep, or crop heavily (I generally let Leica short zooms do that work for me). Nor do I make prints big enough to cover the side of a bus. I simply enjoy the use of a lightweight compact camera, to use as a walk-about. But the real exception is that they all include that special Leica glass up front. 

And proof that small Leicas render stunning sunsets

Even with small sensors Leicas are exceptional

Images through the Leica looking glass

What is it that keeps me in this relatively shallow end of the Leica world? Two main factors. First, it’s the Leica glass. In the world of photography they are the exceptions. The crisp sharpness and rendition of images from a Leica lens on a compact camera provide me with results that I love. Indeed, that provides a confidence and enjoyment when using a camera. Second, It’s the colour science that Leica have in their firmware. 

Even the Panny Leicas provide a different colour bias from their Panasonic siblings. They give that slightly cooler Leica palette rather than a warmer colour spectrum. My camera tech guru here in Australia has convinced me of this, and I think that he’s right. Although I might be convincing myself of something that doesn’t exist. 

Small Leicas that punch above their weight

So, here in 2025, I still find myself interested in Leica compact kit(s) and what it can provide. I still treasure the X1, and now departed X2, as favourites. Their image quality in these times when we most often view on screens is absolutely wonderful. These cameras are from well over a decade ago and can still hold their heads high in esteemed company.

I continue to love my D-Lux 109, which is a great everyday travel camera. I have not been tempted yet to switch to a D Lux 7 or D Lux 8. Well, I must admit that I have been somewhat “tempted”. However, I find myself currently playing with a Lumix GX85 and bolting onto it the superb Leica G 12-60 lens. It’s old kit, I know that, but wow it does provide a stunning output from the small m43 sensor. 

Where next?

Where to go in the future? I’m finding myself succumbing to the convenience of a phone camera, more and more. The fun and convenience of having my iPhone Pro with me at all times, pocketable and providing quite good output, often rears its head as a conversation topic in my weekly coastal walk coffees with Mr. Shingleton. 

So, shhh, it’s a secret! I might well next head into the world of a Xiaomi Pro smartphone with its Leica camera. All good fun, but continually looking for that “Leica” moniker and output. 

Dianne doesn’t know that yet, but the next compact Leica will probably be part of a Xiaomi Pro replacement for Wayne’s iPhone. Shhh!

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