ROOKIE: Help me pick a camera - buying a Leica for Wildlife/Hunting/Backpacking

[dcmcmill]

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Hi Folks and Greetings from Denver Colorado....

 

I am brand spanking new to the world of anything related to photography. I have been an avid archery Elk, Mule Deer, and Bear hunter in the Rockies and would like to begin exploring ways to capture some of the details of my hunt, scouting, and general love of the outdoors. 

 

I have been doing some basic research, nothing too exciting, and exploring some options within the various Leica lines. 

 

Here is what I am looking for in terms of features of a camera...  Can you please suggest which Leica would be best. I have been looking at the Various M models and the T model.... I am pretty confused about the general features of each, but am willing to spend the money to get the one I want.... I will most likely try and shop locally in Denver to find a slightly used one to save some money. 

 

1) Mirrorless lightweight design

2) Durable construction - since I am going to be walking around the mountains, it would make sense to have something very durable

3) interchangable lenses - I am willing to spend money for two lenses... what sizes do I get for the type of outdoor longer range photography? 

4) HD video capability - I really want to be able to take cool videos

5) lastly, what tripod should I get as well?  I want the most minimalistic/lightweight carbon one that would suit this camera...

 

Also - do older Leica lenses work on the newer M-240 camera body?   I am willing to invest in the body to start, but would like to try and find a deal on some lenses out of the gate if possible. 

 

Thanks a bunch for your help and insights.

 

Dustin 

 

[dcmcmill]

The more I look at these and factor in how much I want to spend and my skill level - It probbaly does not make much sense to buy an M series Leica....

 

I am more leaning towards the Leica T with 55-135 lens for longer range.... is that a good idea?  

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Dustin,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

What I am writing about here pertains to Leitz/Leica film & digital bodies prefixed by "M". Some varieties of these "M's" are combined with various numbers or/& letters. I am not writing about the other camera/lens combinations you asked about. All of the various "M" cameras have a large degree of overlap (not total) in many situations. Many (not all) lenses & accessories are readily interchangeable among the various models.

 

When thinking about an "M" camera/lens combination in terms of the types photography you are interested in it is important to remember that given the rapid evolution of digital camera bodies at this time period it is often beneficial to separate discussions of camera bodies from lenses.

 

Interchangeable lenses are more long lived in their usefulness. Digital (not film) bodies have, on average, a shorter useful life span.

 

It is often good to choose a photographic system by determining which camera's lens line is best for your needs.

 

"M" lenses are most useful for distant views (ie: Scenery) as well as from reasonably close (approximately 1 meter) to where a bow hunter might expect to be reasonably successful if they were aiming at a deer. Further from where that deer would be standing out to what would be scenery the magnification of the image would show "Landscape with deer." 

 

Having said that: Things are in flux in terms of what I have just written above. Somewhere in the future that intermediate lens coverage gap which is do-able now in a sometimes inconvenient manner will most likely become simpler.

 

"M" lenses are the equal & often superior to many other Company's systems in terms of the quality of the images they reproduce.

 

Like the lenses, the various "M" cameras (film or digital) are uncluttered, quick & intuitive, like a bow.

 

Leitz/Leica quality, durability & reliability are a standard of the Industry.

 

A while back when I was learning about photography & was in a situation somewhat similar to yours I ended up with an earlier film version of an "M" (no video) because the small size, high quality optics & intuitive handling made it the best choice for me. It doesn't do quite everything other systems might offer but it does what it does quite well in an easy to handle package.

 

By the way, there is a discussion about a lion going on in the Section of this Forum called "Barnack's Bar. You might want to read it.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael