Considering a Leica M10 to get started with Messsucher

[Essummi]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I think there are only minor differences between v2 and v3. If can send it back to the seller, if don't like it, why not trying ? The asph is probably the better lens, at least in the edges. I have no experience. My personal experience is however that I prefer smaller lenses more and more. It's your taste ! 

[Chris W]

I might have the same lens? It is my absolute favourite lens for M.

Mine is 1980's, made in Canada, with the thumb tab.

No doubt a 2020's ASPH is sharper. Many people choose the 35mm f1.4, but mine renders beautifully and is very sharp.

[Essummi]

And the price is very reasonable. The 35mm 2.8 is also a good option, but actually still on the corona price level or higher. The black  35mm v2 and v3 look beautiful on the black M10M. I would take the saved money for a set color filters. But the quality of the lens is in the case of the 35mm summicron-sl not the deciding factor for a good picture. It will be you and your mood when taking it. Enjoy 

[Alexander108]

Thank you all. I opted for the less expensive lens to get started. This is a paradigm shift in my photography anyway. I am really excited. 

[Jeff S]

On 8/10/2025 at 6:00 PM, Eoin said:

The M10 Monochrome has many of the refinements found in the M10R. 

Essentially the same camera, but without the color array. Developed simultaneously using S3 sensor architecture, resulting in 40.89 MP.  I have both, but the M10R (BP) mostly sits on the shelf.  The M11 platform holds no interest.

[fabior]

what about looking for the  first summicron 8 lenses, i have used it with M9 monochrome and was fantastic in my opinion

[Alexander108]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My M10-M arrived only one day after I purchased it on ebay via UPS air. A big thank you to the seller on ebay. It's 5y old and almost in mint condition including original box and papers.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

(I should have removed my finger prints with a lens cloth before taking the pic)

As I don't have a lens yet I just fiddled around with it and went through menus. I am certainly a spoiled Q3 photographer and there are a few things I identified:

1. Pressing long on a function button does not allow customization.
2. No automatic date / time sync with Fotos app.
3. No geo tagging with Fotos app as it does not have Bluetooth.
4. No USB whatsoever.
5. I find the handling of the bottom cover rather easy. Not a big deal. However, with the camera came a Leica leather half case and this needs to be taken off if before accessing the bottom cover using a tool or coin. I'll try it.
6. At first glance it feels fast enough (some complained about being too laggy).

These are no complaints, just observations. I will meet a friend tomorrow who will allow me to use his new Leica 35mm lens. Looking forward to take my very first photos with the camera.

Edited August 15 by Alexander108

[Archiver]

On 8/11/2025 at 3:29 AM, Alexander108 said:

I'd like some advice from M10 users whether it still makes sense to buy an M10. I am talking about the 24MP version, not M10-P or -R or Monochrom as they are still very expensive. I never had a rangefinder camera besides my Hanimex Compact R when I was young. 

I own a Q3 and D-Lux 8 but I am fascinated by the idea of the "Messucher". The M11 would by my first choice but that would break the bank. 

My questions are:

1. Is is still a camera that makes sense? Interested in pros and cons.

Absolutely. Many think of it as the camera the M9 should have been. Slim body, good high ISO performance, quiet shutter, longish battery life. The main complaints I've heard are that the highlights blow pretty easily, so better to underexpose slightly and bring up exposure in post.

On 8/11/2025 at 3:29 AM, Alexander108 said:

1. Does it allow geo-tagging with the Fotos App (could not find a final confirmation online)?

I believe so.

On 8/11/2025 at 3:29 AM, Alexander108 said:

1. Can I use the Fotos app for composition, e.g. live view on the phone like my Q3 or DL8?

I believe not.

On 8/11/2025 at 3:29 AM, Alexander108 said:

1. Is there anything why you would not buy it today? 
2. Are RAW files DNG format?

Yes, DNG.

On 8/11/2025 at 3:29 AM, Alexander108 said:

1. Does it add lens information, f-stop and shutter speed to EXIF? (I understood f-stop is a guess only as the lens cannot communicate with the camera besides the 6 bit lens type)

It does, but the aperture is not accurate because M lenses are do not communicate information electronically.

On 8/11/2025 at 3:29 AM, Alexander108 said:

1. Is there anything else I should consider?

As I have no "M" equipment: what 35mm or 24mm lenses would you recommend that don't break the bank either?

There are many excellent M mount lenses in 35, and a few in 24/25.

My choice for the best 35 is the Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4. It's large and heavy, but the image quality and rendering are unparalleled. It's a real endgame lens. Get a good copy secondhand and it will be one of the best purchases you will ever make for the M system.

The Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 MC v2 is optimized for digital sensors and delivers classic character. It's based on the Leica Summilux pre-aspheric version.

For really crisp and clean images, the Voigtlander 35mm f2 APO is superb.

You can also get older secondhand Leica lenses like the Canadian Summicron and Summilux, the Elmar 24/2.8, and others. They will all work beautifully on the M10.

As for a 24, an option is the Zeiss Biogon 25mm f2.8, Superb sharpness and rendering, just be careful to get one with smooth focus ring. Zeiss lenses have a tendency to become dry and scuffy over the years, or the barrel becomes a little loose and wobbly. This has happened to three of my Zeiss lenses. Fortunately, the Distagon 35 it not one of them.

On 8/11/2025 at 3:29 AM, Alexander108 said:

Thank you!

 

[IkarusJohn]

Fotos connects with WiFi.

Turn on WiFi, wait for the red flashing light on the back to turn green, then connect with Fotos.

[Jeff S]

7 hours ago, Alexander108 said:

I find the handling of the bottom cover rather easy. Not a big deal. However, with the camera came a Leica leather half case and this needs to be taken off if before accessing the bottom cover using a tool or coin. I'll try it.

The only accessory I use on any digital M, other than a diopter and an original M strap (14312), is a Leica thumb grip. No need for any case.  Preferences of course vary.

Happy shooting.

[Chris W]

I only use wi-fi when connecting my two Leicas (M10, SL2-S) to Fotos app

[PCPix]

20 hours ago, Alexander108 said:

I should have removed my finger prints with a lens cloth before taking the pic

 

If you are ever struggling to focus… The first thing to check is there isn’t a thumbprint on the little window!

Edited August 16 by PCPix

[Alexander108]

Today my 1980ies Canada Summicron 1:2 35 arrived. We had a local event "Wolfenbüttel Altstadtfest" so I went with my wife for a little street photography hike.

Given that the Messucher is totally new to me I expected 80% to 90% blurry / out-of-focus pictures. That wasn't the case. The opposite was true. More than 90% were in focus. As it was dusk already most of the pics were taken in low light. I had no idea what this sensor is capable of.

Here are a few examples of images I really like. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

ISO 12500 😮

ISO 12500 1/125s which already induced some motion blur from my side. 

None of the pictures were denoised in any way. Just regular editing in LR including some cropping.

I am blown away by the quality of the camera! 

[pgh]

5 hours ago, Alexander108 said:

Today my 1980ies Canada Summicron 1:2 35 arrived. We had a local event "Wolfenbüttel Altstadtfest" so I went with my wife for a little street photography hike.

Given that the Messucher is totally new to me I expected 80% to 90% blurry / out-of-focus pictures. That wasn't the case. The opposite was true. More than 90% were in focus. As it was dusk already most of the pics were taken in low light. I had no idea what this sensor is capable of.

Here are a few examples of images I really like. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

ISO 12500 😮

ISO 12500 1/125s which already induced some motion blur from my side. 

None of the pictures were denoised in any way. Just regular editing in LR including some cropping.

I am blown away by the quality of the camera! 

It’s arguably the best thing Leica has ever done (digitally). But yea, careful at 1/125 even if you’re shooting quickly. Or even 1/180 if you’re using a 50mm. If you’re shooting more slowly and can be mindful then 1/2x fl tends to be safe enough. 

On the other hand, don’t even be afraid of 25000 iso. 

[Alexander108]

One interesting observation. A friend borrowed me a Summicron 35mm f/2. It is supposedly a bit newer as it has the same square-ish font like my Q3. Maybe less than 10y old. I did a few test shots at f/2, f/5.6 and f/11. I looked in Lightroom for differences but I was not able to find any. So the older Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 (Type III) does an excellent job!

[Alexander108]

With my "experience" over the weekend here are my answers to my own questions:

1. Is is still a camera that makes sense? Interested in pros and cons.
   As I decided to go for the M10-M it absolutely does make sense. It is less modern (no USB etc.) but the handling and first and foremost the IQ is outstanding. It is certainly outperforming my Q3 as 90% of my images are B&W. I will keep the Q3, though
    
2. Does it allow geo-tagging with the Fotos App (could not find a final confirmation online)?
   No, it doesn't. You need a Visoflex 020 that comes with a GPS receiver.
    
3. Can I use the Fotos app for composition, e.g. live view on the phone like my Q3 or DL8?
   Yes.
    
4. Is there anything why you would not buy it today? 
   If you have unlimited financial resources, go and the the M11-[whatever] + new Leica lens. Or buy a sports car.
    
5. Are RAW files DNG format?
   Yes
    
6. Does it add lens information, f-stop and shutter speed to EXIF? (I understood f-stop is a guess only as the lens cannot communicate with the camera besides the 6 bit lens type)
   Yes. Aperture is a guess of the camera. If your lens is not 6-bis encoded, just select it from the menu. 3rd party lenses are not natively supported. You need to select a Leica equivalent.