My honest opinion of Leica cameras (ad-free)
Added 2025-01-30 16:25:17 +0000 UTCIn my six-year career as a camera reviewer, I have heard many things about Leica cameras, from "they are the best cameras ever made" to "that red dot sure does cost a lot of money." However, I had very few personal opinions about these coveted systems because I hadn't spent much time with them.
So, about three weeks ago now, I decided to rent the Leicas of all modern Leicas--the $9,000 Leica M11. And then, I set out on two weeks of travel with it.
My Leica journey started in Aruba, where I ate a LOT of fish.
I had a quick stopover in San Francisco for a Samsung Event.
There was one night in NYC.
And then I got home to the woods.
After two weeks with this perfectly machined piece of gear, I can safely say that it's a great camera. But I can also safely say that it is not for me. If I wanted an analog experience, which the M11 certainly provides, I would much rather go full-analog and just shoot film for a lot less money (film prices and processing included)! If I wanted a perfect digital experience, I would much rather spend less money and get a top-of-the-line camera from Sony, Canon, or Nikon that has more features and auto-focus.
That being said, I get why this camera exists. It is the evolution of a historically great camera from a company that has never compromised on build quality or engineering, and making this video confirmed for me that a Lecia M6 is likely more my speed.
But! If/when I do pick one up again, please tell me the best lens to pair with it.
Comments
Great vid, gorgeous photos. I'm 100% in the "aspirational Leica" audience (hipster-adjacent with a love of "practical object that's also art piece") – maybe it's time I rent a Q3 for a bit and tool around.
Cory Zanoni
2025-02-03 22:22:38 +0000 UTCI did not realize the focusing distance was a problem; it is kinda a drag. But you cant have it all!
Becca Farsace
2025-02-01 22:23:55 +0000 UTCI DID! thank god!
Becca Farsace
2025-02-01 22:23:01 +0000 UTCyes to all of the above! I think I will be reviewing the Q3 soon so stay tuned!
Becca Farsace
2025-02-01 22:22:48 +0000 UTCBut did you find the lens cap?!?
Will Cox
2025-01-31 03:55:50 +0000 UTCThe freezing issue is a bummer, considering how leicas are always being hailed as getting out of your way. Hopefully it really was only the firmware. I've handled an M3 for a few hours and an M6 for a few minutes, and while I can appreciate the craftsmanship (the seams are so tight!) I still preferred my Leitz-Minolta CL for M mount lenses. The Ms always feel too big and thick, and I wish they had some kind of grip. BTW my favorite m-mount lenses are the 35mm 1.5 Voigtlander Nokton(recent acquisition), 50mm 2.8 Leica Elmar, and 40mm Minolta M-Rokkor/ Leica Summicron C. Don't have opinions on other Leica lenses because I can't afford em ;) The closeup distance issue is pretty universal with rangefinder lenses unfortunately... At least you can use a helicoid adapter when using them on digital. (Maybe there's a short macro tube for M that you can use??)
Phil Knall
2025-01-30 23:58:52 +0000 UTCI owned a Q2 for a few years and loved it. It was almost the perfect travel camera for me. It had decently quick auto focus and with the macro mode could focus really close. That said the lack of interchangeable lenses and the existential dread of possibly needing to replace my $6000 camera while I’m in a downpour, or on a boat, or leaning over the edge of a cliff was too much for me. I’ve “settled” for a Sony A7CR but there are definitely times I miss the macro mode, simple easy to use menus, and the gorgeous clarity of the Q2. I looked at the Q3 but that price…
Ramsey Kail
2025-01-30 21:24:40 +0000 UTCsmh I have no idea what I was thinking with the wide... my biggest regret!
Becca Farsace
2025-01-30 17:41:12 +0000 UTCahhh thank you!
Becca Farsace
2025-01-30 17:40:29 +0000 UTCYour photos do look incredible!
Giovanny Gutierrez
2025-01-30 17:03:43 +0000 UTCI have been contemplating this exact strategy for years – just rent the dang thing for a few weeks. I would've gone with one of the legendary 50mm lenses, not the 28. And I say that as someone who's been using a GR for almost 10 years!
Emmet Kowler
2025-01-30 16:44:23 +0000 UTC
