Let's talk Leica for a few mins

So, let's say we compare the Leica M8 to the soon-to-be-out 1D Mark III. What is it about the Leica camera that makes it worth the money? Is it just the name? I mean, I know the M8 is a Rangefinder where the 1D MKIII is an SLR. But, besides that, what puts Leica above and beyond when compared to Canon's 1D/1Ds series?

Only the Leica glass.

rhys wrote in post #3186147
Only the Leica glass.

What is so special, exactly, about Leica glass?

For the photography I do most, I'd choose the M8. Smaller, less unobtrusive, it is great for street photography. I do have an M3 and a IIIc that I haven't touched lately because I am so much into digital workflows now. I'd really like to get that M8 if it weren't so expensive.

FlipsidE wrote in post #3186300
What is so special, exactly, about Leica glass?

It's made to be the best.

FlipsidE wrote in post #3186076
...what puts Leica above and beyond when compared to Canon's 1D/1Ds series?

I'm not to sure anyone really thinks this. Rangefinders are a certain style of camera that appeal to certain people. If rangefinders were superior ot SLRs, you'd see many more of them on the street.

A quick read:

http://en.wikipedia.or​g/wiki/Rangefinder_cam​era

Now to the glass. Wide angle photography is great with a rangefinder. The quality of glass is of course exceptional. But it's hard to make crap glass when they are mostly primes that can fit in your pocket.

There's nothing that special about Leica that makes it worth their asking price except snobbery.

Mark

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #3186499
There's nothing that special about Leica that makes it worth their asking price except snobbery.

Mark

I expect an L hater here within seconds.

cosworth wrote in post #3186506
I expect an L hater here within seconds.

You're probably right.

Mark

Price aside; ever shot Leica?
I've yet to see any (film) SLR come close to a (film) Leica M....

I've seen some pretty nice files from an M8, but the camera doesn't seem to be to ogood at high ISO (1250 and up; most of my work).
That being said: If photography were just an hobby, I'd own one.

I've owned two Leica lenses. They were nice and all. Good solid build. Sharp. Arguably the best glass I've had the privilege of owning. I felt bad about potentially abusing such nice pieces of equipment, so I stuck with Ls.

Ls are good for roughing up a bit.