how many pros are using leica

[alexc]

To start with, I am not a pro just amature. I love my M8 my leica lenses. I like RF concept and do not like complicated multi featured SLR. I understand shortcomings of M8 and I am fine with them.

however the biggest questeion for me is how many pros are using camera now in comparioson with lets say 25 years ago. I suspect much less. I think this is the fundamental criteria for Leica if they want to survive. I would love your input.

[sdai]

The money Leica made from amateur photographers may be 10 times or even 100, may be 1000 times more than they could squeeze from the "pro" market, they don't need to worry about the pros.

Same applies to Nikon, Canon, etc ...

In fact, if Leica could develop a full lineup of popular point and shooters they could completely drop the M and R systems .... and never look back.

[emraphoto]

although i make peanuts i pay my mortgage by taking photograph's, i suppose this makes me "pro"?

i shoot 5-6 days a week on an m8. i have been very pleased with it. fast, simple and so far totally reliable.

i have been working on a documentary project covering the effects of oxycontin on the streets. definately no flak jackets (yet) but lot's of use and abuse. i believe the m8 allows me to get closer to a group of people who are extremely paranoid and distrustful of the media. i also like the simplicity of the interface which allows me to focus (pardon the pun) on my interaction with the subjects. this is essential to what i'm doing.

with proper use, good post production the m8 has done nothing but impress me.

regards
john

gallery 7 : WELCOME

[trs]

I am not sure how we count that. It's not like every pro has to register their gear with some organization or even Leica. I guess closest guess would be how many pro service contract (what ever they are called) Leica has for M8?

But, my guess is you are right, there are less than 25 years ago considering M8 just came out and people probably had branched out to other digital solutions, not waiting for Leica.

[jimmy pro]

Originally Posted by sdai

The money Leica made from amateur photographers may be 10 times or even 100, may be 1000 times more than they could squeeze from the "pro" market, they don't need to worry about the pros.

Same applies to Nikon, Canon, etc ...

In fact, if Leica could develop a full lineup of popular point and shooters they could completely drop the M and R systems .... and never look back.

Unfortunately it doesn't work like that. A lot of amatuers buy based on what the pro's use. That's why sports celebs rake in more money from product indorsements then there salaries.

[Olsen]

Of the three Leica M8 owners I know here in Norway I am the only amateur. Mind that here in Europe VAT/sales tax makes Leica gear 15 - 20% more expensive for amateurs than in USA. While a pro with company don't have to pay VAT (well, they charge it on to his/hers customes). For the European pro, Leica gear could be cheaper than what is typical in USA or typical 'tax free' sales outlets, like Abu Dabi, Hong Kong, Singapore etc.

[sean_reid]

I use an M8 professionally.

Cheers,

[jklotz]

I use the M8 professionally, although it is almost always accompanied with another system when on assignment. ie - 4x5/digital back, M8 for detail shots and the like.

[honcho]

As a full time professional, I do not use the M8.

[35mmSummicron]

I am described as a "young and emerging" professional photographer.

My main setup for commercial work is Canon, however my obsession with my Leica and rangefinder shooting has me shooting a lot of creative material with an M8.

my most recent promo in fashion advertising was shot exclusively with an M8 and a noctilux (that's being sold in the B&S section).

However, as much as I would love to shoot all my work with my Leica M8, I would think twice before committing to using the system for commercial work because I have experienced many of the well documented problems/frustrations associated with the camera.


hope this helps.
andy

[kimjakobsento]

I know a a few professional fashion photographers who use the M8 for magazine shoots - and Hasselblad for adverts.

[ammitsboel]

Originally Posted by 35mmSummicron

my most recent promo in fashion advertising was shot exclusively with an M8 and a noctilux (that's being sold in the B&S section).

Can we see those shots? :-)

[microview]

Originally Posted by alexc

however the biggest questeion for me is how many pros are using camera now in comparioson with lets say 25 years ago.

Why would this be 'the biggest question' for you? You surely need to define the parameters for 'pro'. I live in an area where several 'personalities' are followed by paparazzi, hoping to sell a snatched image from a long-lens Canon. Is this 'pro' use? The Leica has its limitations – no use for wild-life or (close) flower studies for instance. So choose another kind of camera. Local newspaper journalists use DSLRs with telephoto lenses as they are quick to compose with and connect fast to send images electronically. 25 years ago you couldn't do this!

[Printmaker]

My studio guns are 4x5s. When working on chase boats or from a chopper, I use my D2x because it is fast and water-resistant. VR lenses and auto everything are essential when you're holding on with one hand while the boat is slamming into 8 - 12 foot waves.

My M8 is mostly for personal work, though it does find its way into my work case more and more. It may never see much sea time as once salt water touches the rubberized body, it never feels the same again. The M8's skin may react differently but I don't care to find out. This is not much of a problem with older Ms because salt spray wipes off the leather and the chrome cleans up nicely. (A perfect situation for CV and older Leica lenses and UV filters.)

Tom

[fotografr]

I've been a working pro for 30 years and have used the M systems for 25 years. I have always had another SLR/DSLR system for the work not suited to the Ms (mainly long lens stuff), but my preference has always been to use the Leicas whenever possible. There are two reasons for this: One is the quality of the glass. The other is that I find rangefinder focusing to be easier and more accurate than the SLR. I currently use the M8 for about 75% of my work.

[35mmSummicron]

Originally Posted by ammitsboel

Can we see those shots? :-)

My fashion promo is a 5" x 7" 16page booklet, here are a few shots from it. All shot with M8 and Noctilux.

fashion6.jpg fashion9.jpgfashion8.jpg

[ammitsboel]

Originally Posted by 35mmSummicron

My fashion promo is a 5" x 7" 16page booklet, here are a few shots from it. All shot with M8 and Noctilux.

Attachment 94718 Attachment 94721Attachment 94720

Thanks, C1 was used I presume?

[fotografr]

Dynamite work, cron.

[pgk]

Well I shoot professionally (full time) but, although I tackle a variety of work, I specialise in underwater photography with Canon 1D series and 5D cameras - underwater photography is not one of the M8's strong points.

Above water I shoot with the Canons and M8. The M8 is a 'carry around camera' which anyone carting a 1D series outfit around will appreciate, and is getting more use accordingly.

[Rolo]

You've asked a fairly open question and I'll take advantage of that freedom.

Based on acquaintances and observations from magazines and the web I think a tiny number of Pro photographers are using Leica cameras for their work. Much less than 1%, IMO.

However, of those Pro photographers who are actually interested n photography beyond their 9am till 7pm job, and that too is a very small percentage IMO, a high proportion use Leica M in particular as personal cameras. A very positive response I hope.

Divide the pro market up into its segments and a hand held rangefinder isn't suited to most. The top end dslr's (specifically the 1Ds and not much else until the D3) are into the pro MF market, but there's lots of cameras that fit a tripod/studio/lighting rig better than a RF or dslr. 35mm is still 35mm. The MF digital back is still ahead of the dslr and the technology to move MF forward is kicking in now. Hasselblad have announced a 50 meg, 645 chip to be launched at Photokina.

But for comfort, M and M8 is very popular with Pro shooters on their days off for the same reasons we like it.

Rolo