JCharlton Posted February 12, 2013 Share #1 Posted February 12, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) For me, it's many things. First and foremost, it's the ability to simultaneously capture photographs that are unique and technically precise. With the use of Leica glass and the CCD sensor, the marriage, I feel, creates images that embody great character and surreal resolution. Second, is form factor and aesthetic connection. I have a special bond to a camera that is so meticulously crafted and well designed. At the end of the day, it may be just a tool - but it's a damn fine one. How about you. What draws you to Leica? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 12, 2013 Posted February 12, 2013 Hi JCharlton, Take a look here What draws you to Leica?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
IkarusJohn Posted February 12, 2013 Share #2 Posted February 12, 2013 For me, it is the traditional simplicity of the M Camera (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed), coupled with the quality of its lenses and the form factor of the camera. I do think the cost has got out of hand, but having spent a lot already, I would hate to see the values fall (selfish, I know). The world would be very dull with the all singing, all dancing, but fundamentally bland Japanese offerings ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted February 12, 2013 Share #3 Posted February 12, 2013 Agreed - the only digital that I can use exactly like my manual film cameras. All else is fluff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCharlton Posted February 12, 2013 Author Share #4 Posted February 12, 2013 Tom, absolutely! In fact, I seldom check the photos on the LCD. I think a good photographer should be confident in what he is doing and the results should follow. I know that when I return to process at home or in the studio, I'll generally have what I was aiming for, and even a few good surprises. Slow down, observe, visualize, compose, and capture. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
helged Posted February 12, 2013 Share #5 Posted February 12, 2013 For me, M9 + a few lenses (e.g. 21, 50, 90), balance the wish for low weight, small size, easy handling and high quality when hiking or skiing or travelling. As simple as that. A large, heavy photographic computer system is no option for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted February 12, 2013 Share #6 Posted February 12, 2013 1. Enjoyment - I actually enjoy using Leica rangefinders and have done so since first owning an M4 in 1980. To me taking images with an M is a pleasurable experience and I do believe that this has a beneficial effect on my picture taking. 2. Simplicity - the Ms remain fundamentally no frills cameras and are easy to use as a result. 3. Complexity - all parameters involved in taking a photograph have to be considered by me, the photographer. If I fail to make the right decisions then an M is unforgiving and will reflect this in its output. Well taken pictures are very satisfying as a result. 4 - Quality is high both of the equipment and images. All other things being equal, an M will consistently and reliably deliver technically superb images. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IWC Doppel Posted February 12, 2013 Share #7 Posted February 12, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Image Quality Quality in the widest sense Engineering precision simplicity and design elegence (Like a Swiss watch) brand and pedigree and what that means (service, longevity, support etc) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pragmatist Posted February 12, 2013 Share #8 Posted February 12, 2013 Exclusivity Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnfell Posted February 12, 2013 Share #9 Posted February 12, 2013 A combination of this: Lenses - free from most aberrations that bug the hell out of me when shooting canon. Simplicity - direct control and manual focus means less fumbling and more concentrated shooting. Volume - especially with the less exotic lenses. An execllent balance between size and weight. Too light and it feels flimsy, too heavy and it becomes a beast. Betweeen one and two pounds is perfect for a hand held camera (in my hands). Optical rangefinder - For maximum overview of the scene and separation from the finished product. What You See Is NOT What You Get. Blus a few, smaller more intangible factors. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leffe Posted February 12, 2013 Share #10 Posted February 12, 2013 For me it is the disguise. Having a full format camera and being recognized just as another tourist or artist, but extremely seldomly as a professional photographer! That's just awesome! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iedei Posted February 12, 2013 Share #11 Posted February 12, 2013 A) beautifully designed, beautiful to take photos with rangefinder C) remarkably characterful photos D) fantastic lens selection E) the history and majesty F) not an el cheapo festival of plastic like the japanese blah blahs. that being said...these days i am also finding myself attracted to little Ricohs, as they exude many of the same qualities when it comes to actually taking photos. I wish Ricoh made a rangefinder solution. That would be epic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucisPictor Posted February 12, 2013 Share #12 Posted February 12, 2013 The "feeling" when you shoot with it. It may sound pretentious, but when I shoot with my M8, I have the feeling that I shoot with my soul. I don't feel that with any other camera (and I have a lot!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted February 12, 2013 Share #13 Posted February 12, 2013 The "feeling" when you shoot with it.It may sound pretentious, but when I shoot with my M8, I have the feeling that I shoot with my soul. I don't feel that with any other camera (and I have a lot!) I might use different language to express it, butI know exactly what you mean, and I agree! Also, light weight and small size, direct simplicity of controls, beautiful lenses, and wonderful manual focus and rangefinder. All in all, an immediate and direct connection with the subject in a way no other camera gives me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted February 12, 2013 Share #14 Posted February 12, 2013 Precision, quality, simplicity. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronazle Posted February 12, 2013 Share #15 Posted February 12, 2013 I agree, in varying degrees, with most of the preceeding. Having bought my first Leica in the 50's, the fact that it (i.e., Leicas) are an embedded habit cannot be overlooked. Also, use of many Leitz accessories (particularly the Reprovit) and lenses makes its use almost unavoidable. As a relative of mine noted: "you can tell his photos because the subject is sharp". regards, ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted February 12, 2013 Share #16 Posted February 12, 2013 Precision, quality, simplicity. Pete. I was just about to write a long-winded explanation, but this would be it in a nutshell. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted February 12, 2013 Share #17 Posted February 12, 2013 I was just about to write a long-winded explanation, but this would be it in a nutshell. Precision Quality Simplicity and may I add size and portability. I like my Nikon Full frames, but all the new lenses are monsters. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyedward Posted February 13, 2013 Share #18 Posted February 13, 2013 Leicas lenses are originally lured me to the brand. I bought an elmarit 100/2.8 for my d3x, sold my d3x, bought an MP+35 lux and now an R9 to mount my 100/2,8 on. I must admit to preferring the rangefinder over an SLR Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darylgo Posted February 13, 2013 Share #19 Posted February 13, 2013 It's a camera first and the modern bloatware of electronics kept to the essential minimum. Manual aperture selection and depth of field scales on the lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Muller Posted February 13, 2013 Share #20 Posted February 13, 2013 For me, it's many things. First and foremost, it's the ability to simultaneously capture photographs that are unique and technically precise. With the use of Leica glass and the CCD sensor, the marriage, I feel, creates images that embody great character and surreal resolution. Second, is form factor and aesthetic connection. I have a special bond to a camera that is so meticulously crafted and well designed. At the end of the day, it may be just a tool - but it's a damn fine one. How about you. What draws you to Leica? First I have to say that you have a superb website and I really like the 'feel' of your available light images! Secondly, having used an M2 and two lenses for about 18 months back in the day of film I can concur, yes the M has a nice feel and look and I just loved the sound of the shutter. No doubt, it is a damn fine tool! I loved that shutter sound so much that I dialed it into my 'X' even though its artificial. Thirdly I am not sure I quite agree with you that the Leica camera can , exclusively, capture unique and technically precise images...I can think of a whole bunch of 'tools' that can do that, or that it really matters that much...the famous photograph of Dorothea Lange comes to mind...a photograph that is certainly not technically perfect in any way, and having had a look at some of Fay Godwin's prints in London may years ago I was rather disappointed in the technical quality of the prints...My problem with a lot of camera ads and advertising literature is that they create the impression that 'our camera' is all you need to give you great pictures, as if the resolution and sensor and lens is all that matters..how about Duane Michals camera that had to have a nice soft and bad quality lens..., and what about the Holga? Personally I feel we place just a little too much emphasis on the camera and achieving technically perfect images and too little on developing a unique vision and signature...in my humble opinion only of course... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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