Is the M10 (still) a good (value) gateway to the Leica world?

[Jadcx]

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Hi

Like so many others before me, I have long dreamed of a Leica, and now, I'm probably able to make that dream a reality.  However, money is not unlimited, so I still have some choices to make, which I'm hoping some of you can help with, or at least confirm that they might not be as tough as they appear.  My current thinking is that I can get a good used M10 (£4100) and 35mm Summilux ASPH II (£2300).  I'm mostly going to be using this for travel and street style, so I think that this seems like a good combination.  Photography isn't my profession, or even a money-making sideline, it's just for my own enjoyment.  And yes, I fully realise that there are many cheaper, newer, 'better' cameras out there.  I don't want one of those.

But then, the internet hinders as much as it helps.  Should I spend another £1000 for the M10-P?  The touch screen looks nice but isn't a big issue for me, and the quieter shutter is, well, nice?  I don't see hundreds of threads of people complaining about the outrageously loud shutter on the M10, so is it really worth it for me?  And it will take me another few months to save the extra cash.  Then there's the M10-R, obviously, but at least another £3000 on top of my M10 budget.  And an even longer time to save.  Ideally I could add in some actual real world experiences to my decision making.  However here in the UK it doesn't seem possible to hire any of these cameras so I can't try them out to see which I prefer, and I don't know anyone with one either.

I find it very easy to get caught up in the details, just because there's something newer, 'better', whatever.  So maybe my question is this; is the M10 still a good value introduction to the Leica world?

Thoughts, ideas, and help all appreciated. 

 

[jaapv]

Welcome to the forum, and the simplest answer possible: Yes.

[a.noctilux]

Welcome Jadcx.

I second Jaap, yes .

M10 is very capable M with good lens like the Summilux 35mm asph.

For my "amateur use", it's more than enough.

I use one since early 2017, when launched and I don't want/need to "upgrade" to P or R .

 

Don't forget to buy a second battery 😇.

[Jadcx]

29 minutes ago, jaapv said:

Welcome to the forum, and the simplest answer possible: Yes.

 

4 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

Welcome Jadcx.

I second Jaap, yes .

M10 is very capable M with good lens like the Summilux 35mm asph.

For my "amateur use", it's more than enough.

I use one since early 2017, when launched and I don't want/need to "upgrade" to P or R .

 

Don't forget to buy a second battery 😇.

Thanks - that's very straight forward!  I think I've got too distracted with the idea that there is something 'better' and not focusing on whether or not that's actually important.

[jaapv]

And forums and blogs are rife with geekery.

[Matlock]

I will chip in with my two-penneth. My main digital Leicas are my M10-D and M10-R. I recently bought a second hand M10 as a sort of "take everywhere camera" on which I mounted a 40mm C lens. I hate to say it but it is getting just as much use as the other two. Go for it.

 

[Jadcx]

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3 minutes ago, Matlock said:

I will chip in with my two-penneth. My main digital Leicas are my M10-D and M10-R. I recently bought a second hand M10 as a sort of "take everywhere camera" on which I mounted a 40mm C lens. I hate to say it but it is getting just as much use as the other two. Go for it.

 

That's great to hear, thanks.

[Jeff S]

The M10 is a terrific camera; I have no need or desire to trade mine for a P or R version.  Likewise, my 35 Summicron ASPH v.1 is more than sufficient for my needs.  I’d rather preserve cash for printing solutions, as online viewing can be accommodated with far less. Great results can be achieved with basic tools in the right hands; and Leica gear won’t guarantee them.

With the introduction of the M10-R, and subsequent trade-ins, and the discontinuation of the M10s, there should be some excellent used deals around if one doesn’t seek new. In any case, buy from a reputable dealer with warranty and return policy. 

Jeff

[astrostl]

Still base M10 here. If I were buying new I'd surely get an M10-R, but I felt no need to upgrade at any point and still don't. I expect that when I do, I will keep the base M10 as a second body.

[Jadcx]

44 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

The M10 is a terrific camera; I have no need or desire to trade mine for a P or R version.  Likewise, my 35 Summicron ASPH v.1 is more than sufficient for my needs.  I’d rather preserve cash for printing solutions, as online viewing can be accommodated with far less. Great results can be achieved with basic tools in the right hands; and Leica gear won’t guarantee them.

With the introduction of the M10-R, and subsequent trade-ins, and the discontinuation of the M10s, there should be some excellent used deals around if one doesn’t seek new. In any case, buy from a reputable dealer with warranty and return policy. 

Jeff

 

43 minutes ago, astrostl said:

Still base M10 here. If I were buying new I'd surely get an M10-R, but I felt no need to upgrade at any point and still don't. I expect that when I do, I will keep the base M10 as a second body.

Thanks - there seems to be a very clear message here  

[michali]

I'll throw my 10cents in here as well, I agree with the collective wisdom expressed above.  I've had an M10 since 2017 and have no need, reason or desire to upgrade to the next version. The M10 does everything I want a digital M to do, with excellent IQ.

Spend the difference on a good lens.

[Dennis]

I bought my M10 in 2018, and I have no intention so far to trade mine. The silent shutter of the M10P is a plus, of course, but It's not a reason to upgrade for me. Are you a unit still photographer? If you are using your M10 for street and travel, nobody will care about the shutter sound. In my opinion, get an M10 and save the extra money of an M10-P for a better lens. Or even get a brand new Voigtlander/Zeiss among with your Summilux
Answering to your question, it's still a fantastic camera and every day it surprises me more. Welcome to the forum, looking forward to seeing your imagery around here

 

[jwr50]

5 hours ago, Jadcx said:

My current thinking is that I can get a good used M10 (£4100) and 35mm Summilux ASPH II (£2300).  

 

That actually is a great choice.  You might find that combo is more than just a "gateway" -- could be all the Leica you'll ever need (although be forewarned that in the Leica world "want" sometimes overtakes "need"!).

Edited October 17, 2020 by jwr50

[Guest Nowhereman]

I have the M10 and prefer to have its 24 MP sensor rather than the 41 MP sensor of the M10R, which, in my view, involves some issues — same goes for the M10M.
____________________
Frog Leaping photobook

[paulsydaus]

No plans to upgrade here from M10 until M11 comes around and even then it won’t be because I need to upgrade.  Second the second battery.

[cboy]

Theres probably better 'value' digital leica out there...But that said seems alot of used M10 being sold off lately since the M10r came out. Hmm wonder if its better to wait out the M10 till the M11 superseeds it or maybe the price wont get any lower lol

Edited October 18, 2020 by cboy

[erniethemilk]

I was in a similar position to you last year. I had made the decision to buy an M10 & Summicron 50mm as my ‘forever’ camera. Even told the Wife (stupidly) it was the last camera I’d ever need to buy.  I can’t argue with your thinking, M10 & 35mm Summicron is an excellent choice.
 

I would ask if you’ve shot Leica M before, there’s quite a steep learning curve to them. The focussing takes some getting used to, the metering is very different to other digital cameras - mainly centre weighted as opposed to matrix. If you’re coming from another brand such as Fuji or Sony etc. They really are very different beasts. 
 

I ended up with an M10-P as I found a used one at an absolute steal at London Camera Exchange. And in truth I’m glad I did rather than go for a new M10. The additions to the P make it worthwhile to me, of course YMMV. 

Having just crossed over 12 months of ownership with the M10P I couldn’t be happier - I love the Leica experience, it’s not all plain sailing and there are certain occasions I reach for a more ‘simple’ camera with AF and such like but it does reward you hugely and for sure puts a smile on my face whenever I use it. 
 

Good luck whatever you decide. 

[otto.f]

16 hours ago, Jadcx said:

Hi

Like so many others before me, I have long dreamed of a Leica, and now, I'm probably able to make that dream a reality.  However, money is not unlimited, so I still have some choices to make, which I'm hoping some of you can help with, or at least confirm that they might not be as tough as they appear.  My current thinking is that I can get a good used M10 (£4100) and 35mm Summilux ASPH II (£2300).  I'm mostly going to be using this for travel and street style, so I think that this seems like a good combination.  Photography isn't my profession, or even a money-making sideline, it's just for my own enjoyment.  And yes, I fully realise that there are many cheaper, newer, 'better' cameras out there.  I don't want one of those.

But then, the internet hinders as much as it helps.  Should I spend another £1000 for the M10-P?  The touch screen looks nice but isn't a big issue for me, and the quieter shutter is, well, nice?  I don't see hundreds of threads of people complaining about the outrageously loud shutter on the M10, so is it really worth it for me?  And it will take me another few months to save the extra cash.  Then there's the M10-R, obviously, but at least another £3000 on top of my M10 budget.  And an even longer time to save.  Ideally I could add in some actual real world experiences to my decision making.  However here in the UK it doesn't seem possible to hire any of these cameras so I can't try them out to see which I prefer, and I don't know anyone with one either.

I find it very easy to get caught up in the details, just because there's something newer, 'better', whatever.  So maybe my question is this; is the M10 still a good value introduction to the Leica world?

Thoughts, ideas, and help all appreciated. 

 

Yes I think so. Anyway, for me the gateway to Leica World in the nineties has been secondhand gear and it has been for a long time after. I then even preferred an M4 above a new M6. In your case however I personally would definitely choose for the M10-P. The silence of its shutter is such a joy in actual shooting, which would be my main reason. But in theatre photography, which I like,  it is an important functionality too. The built-in level gauge would help me making good vertical shots and with a 35mm, or wider later on, this is an important aid. As I get older I see that  I make much more often tilted shots. The touchscreen is faster in checking focus.
Your argument for the choice for the Summilux 35mm asph ii is bull’s eye in my view. It is exactly during travels that I have enjoyed it as a very versatile lens which covers a wide range of types of photography in day and night. 

[cboy]

15 hours ago, erniethemilk said:

I was in a similar position to you last year. I had made the decision to buy an M10 & Summicron 50mm as my ‘forever’ camera. Even told the Wife (stupidly) it was the last camera I’d ever need to buy.

I hope your m10p will be your 'forever' camera as you told your wife haha. But when gas sets in lol....

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[Jadcx]

On 10/18/2020 at 7:50 AM, erniethemilk said:

I was in a similar position to you last year. I had made the decision to buy an M10 & Summicron 50mm as my ‘forever’ camera. Even told the Wife (stupidly) it was the last camera I’d ever need to buy.  

So I'm learning fast - I have definitely avoided saying that I will never need to buy another camera again 😅  Although to be honest i don't think he would believe me if I said anything like that following years of astronomy purchases.