Who's leaning less on their Leica and more on their iPhone/etc.?

[TL3]

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I don’t take the CL out on the daily grind, but I find just by taking it traveling, I end up shooting way more of my photos overall with my CL, compared to using my phone / Lux app for day to day situations. I guess when I take a camera out I’m more in photo making mode, whereas with a phone it’s for convenience and quick sharing, not so much for serious work.

More of a mindset difference for me, with a camera in hand I am more inclined to shoot purposefully than with a phone.

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[LocalHero1953]

On 10/19/2025 at 8:38 PM, elambo said:

I'd expected some pushback on a Leica forum, but no one should take offense to the improving quality of these alternate devices.

I haven't seen anyone taking offence - just simple disagreement and different practice.

Edited Tuesday at 07:39 AM by LocalHero1953

[davysn]

I’ve been going through old photos lately: film frames shot on a Minolta 500si, toddler pictures of my son taken with a Canon G2, growing-up moments captured on a Nikon D3X, and hundreds more from an iPhone 4, a Xiaomi 13, and other phones. There are also recent keepers made with a Leica M11 and an M240. Even the iPhone 4 files have been upscaled and tidied in software before being archived. Cameras and phones will keep changing, but time moves in only one direction—never to be repeated. Whatever the device, if the moment means something to you, it deserves to be treasured and saved.

[elambo]

13 hours ago, TL3 said:

I don’t take the CL out on the daily grind, but I find just by taking it traveling, I end up shooting way more of my photos overall with my CL, compared to using my phone / Lux app for day to day situations. I guess when I take a camera out I’m more in photo making mode, whereas with a phone it’s for convenience and quick sharing, not so much for serious work.

More of a mindset difference for me, with a camera in hand I am more inclined to shoot purposefully than with a phone.

Good point, and my mind operates in the same way. With a dedicated camera I tend to take each shot more seriously, resulting in photos that are better composed.

[elambo]

11 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I haven't seen anyone taking offence - just simple disagreement and different practice.

It's a civil conversation, as usual, but I think some people are offended by the idea of using a phone's camera for photography, and because of that there's a feeling (by some) that the mere suggestion of a non-camera lacks merit, even in basic conversation. So I recognize that the conversation isn't for everyone.

[lykaman]

In some instances a cell phone camera is ideal and necessary, 99% of the time  dedicated cameras are a must for me. 😉

 

[erl]

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Ergonomically and functionally they are completely different tools. They can both be useful, in the right application. In the wrong application they can be a nuisance. 

[KitW]

I went the other direction. I went to Japan on holiday and was aiming to pack very light, so left my Canon 5d at home. I found using my phone to be a miserable experience and no substitute for a proper camera. I ended up shopping around for something a bit lighter and ultimately bought the CL against my better judgement when I got home.

I hate pecking at a screen to take a picture and I miss having a viewfinder. I'd probably use my phone more often if it had tactile controls.

Edited yesterday at 12:01 PM by KitW

[Dazzajl]

If we're talking about a results driven situation, the facts are that a phone will be the better tool for the job in some cases. There are times that being powered up and in your hand/pocket ready to shoot will get the shot. Maybe 'computational photography' will save the day, maybe the endless DoF will get a shot that a 24mm cant. Sometimes a phone will simply be the best camera for the job because it's there when you need it.

Some people even enjoy the form factor and experience of phone shooting, sadly I'm not one of them. It's only when needed for me.

[dem331]

I just had to upgrade my iPhone which was over 5 years old and I bought a 16E, which has just one camera. I only use the camera for functional stuff, like photographing a document, or a menu, or a price tag.  Using the iPhone as a camera is one of the most dissatisfying experiences I have had.

[elambo]

7 hours ago, dem331 said:

I just had to upgrade my iPhone which was over 5 years old and I bought a 16E, which has just one camera. I only use the camera for functional stuff, like photographing a document, or a menu, or a price tag.  Using the iPhone as a camera is one of the most dissatisfying experiences I have had.

 

10 hours ago, Dazzajl said:

If we're talking about a results driven situation, the facts are that a phone will be the better tool for the job in some cases. There are times that being powered up and in your hand/pocket ready to shoot will get the shot. Maybe 'computational photography' will save the day, maybe the endless DoF will get a shot that a 24mm cant. Sometimes a phone will simply be the best camera for the job because it's there when you need it.

Some people even enjoy the form factor and experience of phone shooting, sadly I'm not one of them. It's only when needed for me.

I also find no pleasure in the process of quick phone snaps, but as mentioned above (results driven situations), at times the requirements of the moment don't allow for the typical gratifications of photography. But it's often when I get to Lightroom that the real fun begins. And I have to say that I'm finding less of a difference between Leica-sourced pics and the iPhone 18 Pro's once the photo is ready to be exported. Considering my mental and financial investments in this art, that's a bit painful to say.

[Markey]

On 10/21/2025 at 8:23 PM, elambo said:

It's a civil conversation, as usual, but I think some people are offended by the idea of using a phone's camera for photography, and because of that there's a feeling (by some) that the mere suggestion of a non-camera lacks merit, even in basic conversation. So I recognize that the conversation isn't for everyone.

I don`t have a problem with phones being used I just never think to do so. With me its probably an age thing .

[elambo]

Adding complexity to the question, I started a thread in the D-lux forum because I'm thinking that perhaps fully abandoning a dedicated camera might not be the best option. I had a D-Lux 109 and certainly liked its size, so I'm considering selling the CL for the new D-Lux 8. It's not on the same level as the CL but considering my situation it might be a better option. I'd be more likely to bring it out with me, and the loss of IQ won't hurt my feelings in most cases. I actually always liked the 109's images and the 8 is a small step forward in some ways.