What Leica means to Sir David Suchet CBE — “a joyous and memorable part of my life”

Whenever I see the word Leica or see anyone holding a Leica camera, so many responses come to mind. The initial response is to recall those exceptional and memorable days when I was eight years old sitting with my late grandfather, James Jarché FRPS.

Following in memorable footsteps

He was a well-known Fleet Street Press photographer and was one of the first to use a Leica for his professional work. At eight, I was fascinated with photography and ‘Jimmy’ taught me the rudiments. When he died, I was eighteen, and he left me his Leica M3, which I still use to this day. I made a TV documentary film about my Grandfather called “People I Have Shot”, and I used his Leica M3 for all my photos that were intended to replicate his iconic ones. 

Since then, I have been using Leica Cameras and must admit to having a small collection of classic film cameras and digital ones. For me, Leica cameras and lenses represent the pinnacle of quality. Holding one to take a photograph, no matter the model, is to hold one of the very finest cameras and lenses ever made. I feel it’s a real privilege. 

Being a member of an enthusiastic club

Whenever I see another person using or carrying a Leica camera, I feel I need to go and say ‘hello!’ It’s almost like being a member of a club.  Talking of clubs/societies, I am also very proud to have been invited to be the Honorary President of The Leica Society in the UK.

A rangefinder enthusiast

Recently, I have reverted to taking photographs using film. I have found this to be very challenging as it really is going back to basics and using a camera that doesn’t do all the work!

What better camera, then, to use but my Grandfather’s memorable M3 or the more modern M7 (option of aperture priority!) or the latest MP.

Reading this, you will soon be aware that I am a classic rangefinder enthusiast. My latest purchase being the Leica M10R. This camera is almost the last model of the classic Leica rangefinder. Of course, there is now the M11 and soon the highly anticipated M12.  For me, though, I have reached the stage where I will be happy to settle with what I have got. 

The joy of slowing down

Photographing with a Leica rangefinder allows me to slow down and take time and really think about what I am doing. I find that using a Leica camera, I am less inclined to just take family snaps. If I do, I am usually told to “hurry up!”, especially by those who are used to using their mobiles. 

But, in practice, I am sad that quite often, especially when using the camera for street photography, I get told not to invade peoples’ privacy. If I was using my mobile, this would not happen — or, at least, it never has. I now find myself almost having to ask permission from those I would like to photograph.

Mobile phones are now everyone’s portable camera, and it has opened up photography to the masses, who can now enjoy the magic of photography. The quality of photos from mobiles are also quite exceptional. However, it’s not for me — even the Leica version!

You wear it well

Most days I will wear my camera because that is what my Grandfather taught me to do! He memorably said, ‘Without your camera, you may miss a photo opportunity. So… always carry your camera!’

Finally, just one nugget of advice my Grandfather gave me. “When using your Leica, don’t worry too much over the technicalities, just remember that the most important lens to use is the one God gave you – your eye!”.

So… what does Leica mean to me? Simply this — a joyous and memorable part of my life.

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