New to Leica..M10 question

[Harvard Kiwi]

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Sounds like we were in a similar situation at a similar time. Here's my take after a month with my M10.

I moved to Leica because my X100V didn't scratch my Leica itch. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, they are different tools and I love them both. I thought I'd sell my X100V to help recoup some of the M10 cost but I cannot bring myself to do it. It was pouring with rain last Sunday and I wanted to take a photo of an abandoned house. I pulled out my X100V which is fully weather sealed (with squarehood and UV filter) and didn't worry about the rain. It was super easy to use and the photos are both sharp and beautifully rendered. Fujifilm JPEGs (Classic Chrome and Acros in particular) are probably the best of any system IMHO.

My first M mount lens was a Voigtlander 50mm Nokton f1.2. I knew my first shots would be out of focus and I was right. It doesn't take long to get used to the rangefinder but it does require a lot of practice. Also practice zone focusing and hyperfocal distancing if shooting street. It is quite intuitive but does take practice. 

I didn't go with the M10-R because of the cost, but I like to tell myself that there is enough of a learning curve with 24mp and the R would be too sharp, particularly with such a narrow depth of field. 

I prefer to use the rangefinder wherever possible as that is part of the Leica experience. But I do a lot of night street work and I find it a real challenge. I open my lens up to try and keep my ISO lower and like the shallow depth of field but in the dark, I cannot always hit the required critical focus. This is where the Visoflex 020 comes in. I just look for my subject to turn red and I know I'm good to go.

My second lens was a 90mm f2.8 Leica and the Visoflex is quite handy at times with this longer focal length, particularly when needing to focus quickly.

I hope this helps as I feel like we were quite similar.

[macfrik]

On 4/15/2021 at 7:50 PM, BrettW said:

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to post a follow up...I recently took possession of my new travel partner 😁📷

It's one fine piece of German engineering, thank you again for everyone's feedback...I'm looking forward to capturing portraits from around the world (hopefully sooner rather than later).

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Congratulations Brett! What a nice combination setup you got going on there. Can't wait to see what you capture. Cheers

[martinot]

On 2/9/2021 at 3:28 AM, BrettW said:

Hi, this is my first post here and I’m looking for some first hand user experience.

I’m considering buying myself a new M10-P and 35mm summilux asph fle lens for my 40th birthday. I’m primarily a travel photographer with a particular interest in environmental portraits. My workhorse camera is currently a Sony A7iii and my street camera is a Fuji X100f.... the Leica will replace the latter.

A few questions I have about the camera:

-is the camera sensitive to knocks or bumps... does it need calibration often?

-I’m not interested in buying a visoflex, how difficult is it to nail focus at f1.4 with the view finder or live view?

-I don’t need more resolution than 24mp but should I consider the M10-R for the new sensor?

 

I think that about covers it, thanks for the help

 

-Brett

The Leica (RF) and the X100 (compact mirror less) is very different types of cameras, and I would not replace one with the other. Very different animals.

Keep both is my advice! 🙂

[martinot]

14 hours ago, Harvard Kiwi said:

Sounds like we were in a similar situation at a similar time. Here's my take after a month with my M10.

I moved to Leica because my X100V didn't scratch my Leica itch. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, they are different tools and I love them both. I thought I'd sell my X100V to help recoup some of the M10 cost but I cannot bring myself to do it. It was pouring with rain last Sunday and I wanted to take a photo of an abandoned house. I pulled out my X100V which is fully weather sealed (with squarehood and UV filter) and didn't worry about the rain. It was super easy to use and the photos are both sharp and beautifully rendered. Fujifilm JPEGs (Classic Chrome and Acros in particular) are probably the best of any system IMHO.

My first M mount lens was a Voigtlander 50mm Nokton f1.2. I knew my first shots would be out of focus and I was right. It doesn't take long to get used to the rangefinder but it does require a lot of practice. Also practice zone focusing and hyperfocal distancing if shooting street. It is quite intuitive but does take practice. 

I didn't go with the M10-R because of the cost, but I like to tell myself that there is enough of a learning curve with 24mp and the R would be too sharp, particularly with such a narrow depth of field. 

I prefer to use the rangefinder wherever possible as that is part of the Leica experience. But I do a lot of night street work and I find it a real challenge. I open my lens up to try and keep my ISO lower and like the shallow depth of field but in the dark, I cannot always hit the required critical focus. This is where the Visoflex 020 comes in. I just look for my subject to turn red and I know I'm good to go.

My second lens was a 90mm f2.8 Leica and the Visoflex is quite handy at times with this longer focal length, particularly when needing to focus quickly.

I hope this helps as I feel like we were quite similar.

Well said! Totally agree.

Keep both the Leica M and the Fuji X100. Great cameras both, but for different strengths and usage.

[BrettW]

On 5/14/2021 at 5:49 PM, Harvard Kiwi said:

Sounds like we were in a similar situation at a similar time. Here's my take after a month with my M10.

I moved to Leica because my X100V didn't scratch my Leica itch. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, they are different tools and I love them both. I thought I'd sell my X100V to help recoup some of the M10 cost but I cannot bring myself to do it. It was pouring with rain last Sunday and I wanted to take a photo of an abandoned house. I pulled out my X100V which is fully weather sealed (with squarehood and UV filter) and didn't worry about the rain. It was super easy to use and the photos are both sharp and beautifully rendered. Fujifilm JPEGs (Classic Chrome and Acros in particular) are probably the best of any system IMHO.

My first M mount lens was a Voigtlander 50mm Nokton f1.2. I knew my first shots would be out of focus and I was right. It doesn't take long to get used to the rangefinder but it does require a lot of practice. Also practice zone focusing and hyperfocal distancing if shooting street. It is quite intuitive but does take practice. 

I didn't go with the M10-R because of the cost, but I like to tell myself that there is enough of a learning curve with 24mp and the R would be too sharp, particularly with such a narrow depth of field. 

I prefer to use the rangefinder wherever possible as that is part of the Leica experience. But I do a lot of night street work and I find it a real challenge. I open my lens up to try and keep my ISO lower and like the shallow depth of field but in the dark, I cannot always hit the required critical focus. This is where the Visoflex 020 comes in. I just look for my subject to turn red and I know I'm good to go.

My second lens was a 90mm f2.8 Leica and the Visoflex is quite handy at times with this longer focal length, particularly when needing to focus quickly.

I hope this helps as I feel like we were quite similar.

Thank you for your insight, I agree that both cameras are different tools and I too love them both. It's funny, I've never been able to sell any of my cameras over the years as I seem to form a bond with them and have fond memories of my travels together. I'm still learning how to use my M10 and I feel that I will become a better photographer because of it. I enjoy how I have to slow down and think about what I'm doing,  it's a fantastic experience.

[BrettW]

On 5/14/2021 at 11:31 PM, macfrik said:

Congratulations Brett! What a nice combination setup you got going on there. Can't wait to see what you capture. Cheers

Thank you very much...work has me a bit busy lately but I will be posting some photos soon from my M10-P 😁📷

[BrettW]

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On 5/15/2021 at 8:41 AM, martinot said:

The Leica (RF) and the X100 (compact mirror less) is very different types of cameras, and I would not replace one with the other. Very different animals.

Keep both is my advice! 🙂

Agreed, It's great to have choices depending on your needs...two great cameras, love them both.