Leica Lovers Anonymous

It's definitely a better tool for some types of work and it's no more expensive than the top of the line Canon or Nikon and you won't loose money on Leica glass.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16710294
Objectively, there's nothing you can do with leica which you can't do with a canon... and you can do more with canon.

But rangefinder as an interface may invite a different style which you might like.

For folks making assessments between DSLRs and rangefinders, then yes, it's important to recognize functionality at its core, objective level.

However, and as you noted, the reality is that preference often extends beyond the basics, and therefore it's not trivial that as much as what a DSLR can do, it can never be a rangefinder.

The smallest full frame Canon DSLR would still inhibit me from taking certain public candids that I might otherwise take with a rangefinder. Yes, this is more of a psychological (subjective) impediment, but it's a barrier as relevant as any physiologically impediment.

Also admittedly subjective is the far greater joy I receive from using a rangefinder over a DSLR.

However, those seeking "Leica" as some golden key to greatness need to reconsider the DSLR or any other format and all of their capabilities. Because in the end, all of the manufacturers make excellent cameras...it's the one that fits your style, needs, and wants that will obviously matter most.

Yes,I agree sjones. There are no magic equipment bullets. The best thing to do is to become one with your equipment. Changing equipment all the time is counter productive to that. Find something that fits your work and vision and use it to a point where it becomes an extension of you and the way you see.

They all make cameras that are fully capable of capturing your vision. The key, as you have already pointed out, is you have to be able to see.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16710294
Objectively, there's nothing you can do with leica which you can't do with a canon... and you can do more with canon.

But rangefinder as an interface may invite a different style which you might like.

Off the top of my head, manual focusing in near darkness is MUCH easier with a Leica than a Canon or Nikon. Indeed, manual focusing in general is much easier, even comparing a Leica to a manual focus Canon or Nikon SLR.

Likewise, visualizing out-of-scene elements with the left eye is much easier with a rangefinder (especially with a high magnification viewfinder like the 0.91 in the M3); this is a major advantage of rangefinder design, and one of the principal failings of the modern pseudo-SLR mirrorless cameras (where the SLR hump is largely skeuomorphic).

In addition, rangefinder lenses are far smaller than SLR lenses, and can be built such that the rear elements are very close to the sensor/film.

Yeah, the main reason I was interested in the leica M was because of how much smaller it is compared to a DSLR.

And to the untrained eye... it doesn't look as expensive as a DSLR either. So If I were to carry it around all day on me, in my backpack, or something like that... I'd be much less worried about being mugged. But I can't say the same for a full size DSLR. Not only is it a burden to carry, but it would also increase chances of death by alot.


Not to mention the amazing leica build quality, something you don't find alot anymore. By the time I save up, I think the new version will be out.. Which isn't that bad tbh.

diesel47 wrote in post #16711415
Yeah, the main reason I was interested in the leica M was because of how much smaller it is compared to a DSLR.

And to the untrained eye... it doesn't look as expensive as a DSLR either. So If I were to carry it around all day on me, in my backpack, or something like that... I'd be much less worried about being mugged. But I can't say the same for a full size DSLR. Not only is it a burden to carry, but it would also increase chances of death by alot.


Not to mention the amazing leica build quality, something you don't find alot anymore. By the time I save up, I think the new version will be out.. Which isn't that bad tbh.

That's true, to an extent. Leica's digital cameras are notorious, however, for some very curious failures. Cracked sensors, failing LCDs, and other oddities. At the end of the day, a digital Leica is still a computer with a lens mount.

Now, a fully mechanical film Leica (M3, M2, M4, M5, M4-2, M4-P, M6, MP); that's another story.

20K through my MM no problems.... I think some of the problems they had with the M8 and early M9s have been ironed out.

Size difference
5DII 35l
MM 35 lux

edge100 wrote in post #16711021
Off the top of my head, manual focusing in near darkness is MUCH easier with a Leica than a Canon or Nikon. Indeed, manual focusing in general is much easier, even comparing a Leica to a manual focus Canon or Nikon SLR.

Likewise, visualizing out-of-scene elements with the left eye is much easier with a rangefinder (especially with a high magnification viewfinder like the 0.91 in the M3); this is a major advantage of rangefinder design, and one of the principal failings of the modern pseudo-SLR mirrorless cameras (where the SLR hump is largely skeuomorphic).

In addition, rangefinder lenses are far smaller than SLR lenses, and can be built such that the rear elements are very close to the sensor/film.

My answer is in frame with the question. Diesel asked me to compare canon and leica... I can give an opinion since I used both.

As for lenses, I used to care. In practice, the fact that you can only focus in the center and with less accuracy than any AF system, means sharpness advantage goes out the window.

In terms of contrast - there's higher contrast lenses out there.

And the whole "great lenses" point is moot, because most people just zone focus at f/8-f/11 load too slow a film and shoot at "rangefinder handholdable" slow shutter speeds.

But I'm not getting rid of my Leicas any time soon.

In terms of reliability - film leicas "work forever" if you listen to the fanboys. Then they add that you should probably expect to get yours serviced every 10-15 years "just to make sure". Any camera with barnack shutter can "work forever" with a full CLA every 15 years.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16711600
My answer is in frame with the question. Diesel asked me to compare canon and leica... I can give an opinion since I used both.

Same here.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16711600
As for lenses, I used to care. In practice, the fact that you can only focus in the center and with less accuracy than any AF system, means sharpness advantage goes out the window.

When did I say anything about sharpness?

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16711600
In terms of contrast - there's higher contrast lenses out there.

Ok. And??

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16711600
And the whole "great lenses" point is moot, because most people just zone focus at f/8-f/11 load too slow a film and shoot at "rangefinder handholdable" slow shutter speeds.

Who cares about "most people"?

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16711600
In terms of reliability - film leicas "work forever" if you listen to the fanboys. Then they add that you should probably expect to get yours serviced every 10-15 years "just to make sure". Any camera with barnack shutter can "work forever" with a full CLA every 15 years.

How do you CLA a cracked sensor? Or a dead logic board? You don't; you replace the camera.

Oh, and M9s, MMs, and M Typ240s need service, too. Think their rangefinders just magically stay calibrated?

edge100 wrote in post #16711857
Who cares about "most people"?

They contribute to the hype

I have not tried digital leicas. I would assume their latest digital stuff is worse mechanically than the stuff from M3 era, so I have no reason not to believe you.

How does one crack a sensor, btw? Link?

I have had a lot more problems with my digital Canon equipment.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #16712244
They contribute to the hype


I have not tried digital leicas. I would assume their latest digital stuff is worse mechanically than the stuff from M3 era, so I have no reason not to believe you.

How does one crack a sensor, btw? Link?

Honestly???

http://www.l-camera-forum.com …crack-out-warranty-2.html
http://www.rangefinder​forum.com …s/showthread.ph​p?t=125661
http://www.l-camera-forum.com …28-help-sensor-crack.html

Ad infinitum...

edge100 wrote in post #16712880
Honestly???

http://www.l-camera-forum.com …crack-out-warranty-2.html
http://www.rangefinder​forum.com …s/showthread.ph​p?t=125661
http://www.l-camera-forum.com …28-help-sensor-crack.html

Ad infinitum...

Whoa. Interesting.

I had no idea.