Know what your saying, but best of the best is a real statement........ For me I'd take my X100 and / or the 'soon to be' awesome Fujifilm X1-Pro Setup
LINK: Why Buy Leica ?
- Thread starter Dfive
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Know what your saying, but best of the best is a real statement........ For me I'd take my X100 and / or the 'soon to be' awesome Fujifilm X1-Pro Setup
No need to have a reason for everything you do. Sometimes it is just an emotional trigger that you follow, which may turn out to be the correct decision. When we analyse too much, we may end up making the wrong decision and spend the money on something worse - say e.g. buy a mini-bond before October 2008.
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this thread is not really going anywhere...
first, i would like to thank Michael (Double Negative) for write-up and Dfive for posting it here... given that the website is called "La Vida Leica" or "The Leica Life", i don't think readers should be surprised that it might be just a little bias... but i think that the article is generally reflective of many Leica users. however, fair comment that you should nevertheless know what you are buying before you fork out your money... no matter how "easy" your money comes.
just to set the context for consistency, the "Leica" that posters on thread are referring to appear to M-system. in particularly, the M9/M9P and M lenses. and as many of you guys know, RF is not exactly for everyone. as described in a post above, some ppl might bought the "M9P + lux ASPH" expecting that if you buy a Leica it will instantly get good photographs. but much of the high hurdle is to do with entry into RF, divorced from brand... be it that expectations may have been heightened due to the cost of the equipment.
also in agreement, cameras are just tools... different people (beginners / amateurs / enthusiasts / professionals) may have different preferences in equipment and genres within photography... that's why there are all sorts of cameras from RF, MF, iPhone, DSLR, compact, mirrorless, etc to suit different users and user needs. and the age-old saying that it's the man behind the camera that "makes" the photo. RF cameras are good tools to some genres, but not others... and by inference, Leica RF cameras are the same. for those who are still using RF gear, many of the aspirations are still towards owning a Leica... which must also mean something. i must also add the M-mount RF backward compatibility with a vast array of vintage lenses (which can also now be enjoyed with the mirrorless cameras), giving you the options of the crisp ASPH lenses or the more vintage looks.
much of the "displeasure" i am reading is about the expensive price of Leica gear. i'm also not fond of their exorbitant prices and frequent price increases... for the perceived 10-20% improvement in performance, you're paying 2-10 times more than another lens. i don't think i can say that "that's the price of perfection" with a straight face, but even those unhappy with the exorbitant prices recognize the absolute and relative quality of the Leica lenses. don't' start about the m9's "50 cent LCD" and the ISO performance... i can only sigh when given the "standard" replies. the conceptual "utility : price" ratio may not be worth the additional price for the Leica... but this brings back to the crux of the La Vida Leica article. so, some ppl have decided to that the digital mirrorless works better for them than a digital RF... as in the previous para - different strokes for different folks.
last point on "the reason why people discuss Leica so much is because there are Leica collectors, traders, speculators and marketeers. These people have different agendas and not necessarily advocate good photography"... unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with great photography skills or a good photography eye... many like myself have been doing photography for many years, but am still "photographically-challenged". but that been said, we recognize the joy of using RF and Leica and Zeiss and Voigtland and Canon and Nikkor and Fujinon and... and many of us like to share our joy of RF by sharing pictures of our gear, or photos taken using our gear. some more advanced ones organize talks, outings, exhibitions, sharing sessions, meet-ups, reviews, etc. but agree, i don't condone speculative behavior here.
first, i would like to thank Michael (Double Negative) for write-up and Dfive for posting it here... given that the website is called "La Vida Leica" or "The Leica Life", i don't think readers should be surprised that it might be just a little bias... but i think that the article is generally reflective of many Leica users. however, fair comment that you should nevertheless know what you are buying before you fork out your money... no matter how "easy" your money comes.
just to set the context for consistency, the "Leica" that posters on thread are referring to appear to M-system. in particularly, the M9/M9P and M lenses. and as many of you guys know, RF is not exactly for everyone. as described in a post above, some ppl might bought the "M9P + lux ASPH" expecting that if you buy a Leica it will instantly get good photographs. but much of the high hurdle is to do with entry into RF, divorced from brand... be it that expectations may have been heightened due to the cost of the equipment.
also in agreement, cameras are just tools... different people (beginners / amateurs / enthusiasts / professionals) may have different preferences in equipment and genres within photography... that's why there are all sorts of cameras from RF, MF, iPhone, DSLR, compact, mirrorless, etc to suit different users and user needs. and the age-old saying that it's the man behind the camera that "makes" the photo. RF cameras are good tools to some genres, but not others... and by inference, Leica RF cameras are the same. for those who are still using RF gear, many of the aspirations are still towards owning a Leica... which must also mean something. i must also add the M-mount RF backward compatibility with a vast array of vintage lenses (which can also now be enjoyed with the mirrorless cameras), giving you the options of the crisp ASPH lenses or the more vintage looks.
much of the "displeasure" i am reading is about the expensive price of Leica gear. i'm also not fond of their exorbitant prices and frequent price increases... for the perceived 10-20% improvement in performance, you're paying 2-10 times more than another lens. i don't think i can say that "that's the price of perfection" with a straight face, but even those unhappy with the exorbitant prices recognize the absolute and relative quality of the Leica lenses. don't' start about the m9's "50 cent LCD" and the ISO performance... i can only sigh when given the "standard" replies. the conceptual "utility : price" ratio may not be worth the additional price for the Leica... but this brings back to the crux of the La Vida Leica article. so, some ppl have decided to that the digital mirrorless works better for them than a digital RF... as in the previous para - different strokes for different folks.
last point on "the reason why people discuss Leica so much is because there are Leica collectors, traders, speculators and marketeers. These people have different agendas and not necessarily advocate good photography"... unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with great photography skills or a good photography eye... many like myself have been doing photography for many years, but am still "photographically-challenged". but that been said, we recognize the joy of using RF and Leica and Zeiss and Voigtland and Canon and Nikkor and Fujinon and... and many of us like to share our joy of RF by sharing pictures of our gear, or photos taken using our gear. some more advanced ones organize talks, outings, exhibitions, sharing sessions, meet-ups, reviews, etc. but agree, i don't condone speculative behavior here.
Double Negative
Member
Certainly a lot of interesting feedback! Thank you all for that, and your honesty. 
No matter how such an article is written I think it would provide a little controversy! But hey, that's not a bad thing, right?
I'll go back and re-read and respond when I have a bit more time.
No matter how such an article is written I think it would provide a little controversy! But hey, that's not a bad thing, right?
I'll go back and re-read and respond when I have a bit more time.
I have been a Leica fan for over a decade. My first Leica is a "regular" used black chrome M6. I love the build quality, the feel, the design, and the result I am getting from my Leica M. And the fact that doing street photography with this camera doesnt attract as much attention as using the big bulky SLR, is a huge advantage.
The first brand new Leica lens that I bought was the cron35mm asph, in 2000. The price I paid? "Merely" USD1100. The same lens would cost around USD3000 now. If only...
artspraken
New Member
This recent post by Tom Abrahamsson is relevant to the OP of "Why Buy Leica"
Rangefinderforum.com - View Single Post - How do you justify the Leica prices (for yourself) ?
Rangefinderforum.com - View Single Post - How do you justify the Leica prices (for yourself) ?
sobrietyanonymous
Senior Member
ALFREDC said:
I understand what you are saying. As a dSLR user myself I am tired of lugging my massive black box around to capture a few shots
However your comments reflect how many "amateur photographers" feel about "amateur Leica users" - just in for the wow factor, buy an expensive toy, bring it out during social settings, get all the stares and feel good about himself.
Photography is all about capturing images, it is not a fashion statement.
Bro, times have changed.
Generally the new generation youngsters make big monies at a younger age, and their spending habits are different from the older gen. Also the old rich are beginning to spend more monies than to leave everything for the next gen. Manufacturers also are more interested in bottom lines.
We cannot stop this movement but to accept it.
That's why you have so many "amateur Leica users", "amateur Lambo drivers", "amateur watch collectors" ,etc... Don't think/talk/condemn too much of what other people have, or use, or show, etc...
Just appreciate what we can afford and have. Life's short!
Generally the new generation youngsters make big monies at a younger age, and their spending habits are different from the older gen. Also the old rich are beginning to spend more monies than to leave everything for the next gen. Manufacturers also are more interested in bottom lines.
We cannot stop this movement but to accept it.
That's why you have so many "amateur Leica users", "amateur Lambo drivers", "amateur watch collectors" ,etc... Don't think/talk/condemn too much of what other people have, or use, or show, etc...
Just appreciate what we can afford and have. Life's short!
That's why you have so many "amateur Leica users", "amateur Lambo drivers", "amateur watch collectors" ,etc... Don't think/talk/condemn too much of what other people have, or use, or show, etc...
Just appreciate what we can afford and have. Life's short!
Damn right !!
So how is this thread any different from the other "Why Buy <Insert camera brand of choice>?" etc. It is strange that people must come up with lengthy essays with candy-coated words to justify their purchases. If you like the system and it gets you the pictures you want, that alone should justify the cost you put in. It just happened that the system you chose is more expensive than what others choose. However, every system and camera has their own advantages and disadvantages and a good photographer will know what features they need and know the strengths and weaknesses by heart. Photographers using a Leica (not for showing off/impressing others) DONT NEED the "gimmicks" on a top-of-range DSLR but that doesn't make Leica a better product than all other brands. Jeff Ascough, a renowned wedding photographer, was using 4 M6 previously but had moved on to Canon simply because his needs had changed and a Canon DSLR suits his needs better.
Perhaps for the potential "amateur Leica users", they should take a look at this blog - A Leica won't improve your photography
Perhaps for the potential "amateur Leica users", they should take a look at this blog - A Leica won't improve your photography
artspraken
New Member
This.
Good article.
I've since quit thinking a Leica gives me more talent. Nowadays, I wear a Leica T shirt to improve my skill hehehe
Good article.
I've since quit thinking a Leica gives me more talent. Nowadays, I wear a Leica T shirt to improve my skill hehehe
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ZShutter
New Member
I once asked someone what was the difference between using a voigtlander camera body and a Leica body? Since the light falling one the film in the camera body is the same given the same lens is on both bodies. His reply was it's like driving a Toyota or a Ferrari. For some, it's not just the photo capture but the feeling you get with using exquisite gear.
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haizzzzz..... you people really...... PM below I received from a CS'er who prefers to remain anonymous and wants to continue staying friends with his fellow CS'ers lolzzz
p/s do not PM me asking to post anonymous replies to this please lolzzz
anonymous CS'er said:
p/s do not PM me asking to post anonymous replies to this please lolzzz
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My short 7+ months ( love affair ) with my M9P w/ Lux 50..... well it did make me "think more" mainly with focusing, and composing technique..... now without it and a few weeks on without it perhaps I feel Ive gained some more knowledge. ( Now days - using my nice Nikon System ).
Thanks Leica
artspraken
New Member
ed9119 said:
The OP topic is "why buy Leica"?
So naturally the discussion can swing either way.
Contrary to what mr anonymous suggests, nobody is picking on anybody. In fact, the OP was a one sided article PRAISING leica no end.
The thread followed to give some balance by proffering opposing views why Leica is not perfect. I see nothing wrong.
I dun think we have "begrudged" anybody. What ive seen in this thread are healthy discussion with dual perspectives. They help inform interested newbies so they do not rush into leica blindly (cs buy/sell sadly this week got someone selling M9P almost immediately after purchase coz he feels system not for him, i guess u can snap it up if u interested).
If mr anonymous thinks hes getting picked on, he's prolly being oversensitive and defensive. I also question the motivation why he would write to moderator (to request moderation?).
artspraken
New Member
Orh mr anonymous if u not happy abt my T shirt remark, thats just a joke, i always say the red dot makes me feel talented. Its a fact i have many leica t shirts, ive posted pics in RFSG facebook. My t shirt remark is not picking on leica users.
Hey im a leica user myself, with a huge dry cabin full of leicas. I just dun agree with the perception leica is as good as its brand value presently because it isnt.
Hey im a leica user myself, with a huge dry cabin full of leicas. I just dun agree with the perception leica is as good as its brand value presently because it isnt.
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