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Leica?
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Nov 27, 2020 11:59:51   #
Haden123
 
I have a Leica M6 film camera which I love. It takes wonderful pictures and is made with the precision of a Swiss watch. I have been considering getting a Leica M10 R digital camera. However, I have read a lot of stuff online that concludes Leica is way behind Sony and even Nikon in the digital camera world. These “reviewers” write that Leica M cameras are vastly overpriced and the photos they take are inferior to those taken with digital cameras made by Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, etc. I would really like to hear the opinions of those of you who have used the latest Leica M cameras.

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Nov 27, 2020 13:32:59   #
JohnR Loc: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
 
Haden123 wrote:
I have a Leica M6 film camera which I love. It takes wonderful pictures and is made with the precision of a Swiss watch. I have been considering getting a Leica M10 R digital camera. However, I have read a lot of stuff online that concludes Leica is way behind Sony and even Nikon in the digital camera world. These “reviewers” write that Leica M cameras are vastly overpriced and the photos they take are inferior to those taken with digital cameras made by Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, etc. I would really like to hear the opinions of those of you who have used the latest Leica M cameras.
I have a Leica M6 film camera which I love. It tak... (show quote)


I have found that the opinions of others, including those provided as "reviews" on various web sites, often don't agree with what I actually find when I've purchased an item. IMO once you go past a certain point with digital cameras i.e. having pro quality lenses/bodies etc, then performance is dependent on the expertise of the photographer. I've had Sony cameras that produce just as good quality shots for me as equivalent Nikons and Canons however I hated the menus on the Sony and didn't like the feel of the Canon. I do still have several Nikons and one Canon but the Sony is long gone. I could never afford a Leica per se so cannot comment on them. Anyway I think hands on is the only way to assess a camera - don't rely on the opinions of others. In the case of very expensive cameras such as Leica I'd suggest to rent first to get that hands on feel and if you don't like then the cost is less than buying and having to sell as 2nd hand.

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Nov 27, 2020 15:11:21   #
jwreed50 Loc: Manassas, VA
 
I currently use a Leica M10-R and have used each one of the predecessor Leica M cameras before the M10-R was released. I also have other digital DSLRs, including a Nikon D850. It's difficult to compare a digital rangefinder Leica M to a DSLR -- they are simply different tools. I personally like the simplicity and deliberateness of a manual focus rangefinder, but for me one of the best reasons to shoot a Leica M is to be able to use one of Leica's world class lenses. The dynamic range of the M10-R is superb, and the image quality of the 41 MP M10-R is at least equal to, if not better than, the 47 MP Nikon D850. For sports or other fast-paced activity, or scenarios where I need a longer telephoto lens and/or autofocus, I'll grab the D850. Everything else, I prefer the Leica M10-R.

A Leica M rangefinder is not well suited to every task, and to be sure, a manual focus rangefinder is not necessarily for everyone -- especially someone who has known only DSLRs. A Leica M subtly forces you to slow down and think about the basics -- composition, all of the exposure variables, etc. And that slower, more deliberate process sometimes leads to a better result. Can you achieve the same result with other camera? Yes, of course, you can, but there is something "special" about shooting a Leica M.

I started with Leica M film cameras and still shoot my Leica M6TTL (as recently as yesterday . . .). If you like your M6, I can pretty confidently assure you that you'll like -- no, love -- the Leica M10-R. I think it's the best digital camera Leica has ever made, and I personally can't see how they can improve on the M10-R. Obviously, whatever glass you current have for your M6 will work just fine on the M10-R.

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Nov 27, 2020 16:13:22   #
Haden123
 
Thanks jwreed50! That is really helpful information. Right now, B&H is out of the Leica M 10 R, but hopefully they will get some new stock shortly.

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Nov 27, 2020 16:24:50   #
jwreed50 Loc: Manassas, VA
 
Haden123 wrote:
Thanks jwreed50! That is really helpful information. Right now, B&H is out of the Leica M 10 R, but hopefully they will get some new stock shortly.


They have been in short supply since they were released, and most outlets were keeping a waiting list. I got mine at the Leica Store in DC back in September. I also see that you can now order then online through the Leica website, and they seem to have them in stock.

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Nov 27, 2020 17:43:10   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
Haden123 wrote:
I have a Leica M6 film camera which I love. It takes wonderful pictures and is made with the precision of a Swiss watch. I have been considering getting a Leica M10 R digital camera. However, I have read a lot of stuff online that concludes Leica is way behind Sony and even Nikon in the digital camera world. These “reviewers” write that Leica M cameras are vastly overpriced and the photos they take are inferior to those taken with digital cameras made by Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, etc. I would really like to hear the opinions of those of you who have used the latest Leica M cameras.
I have a Leica M6 film camera which I love. It tak... (show quote)


I have a Leica M10 (which has been discontinued). The Leica M10-R is a rangefinder camera like your M6, which is a completely different type of camera than the mirrorless cameras that Sony makes. The Leica M series cameras and lenses are works of art. I don’t know if Leica gear is overpriced, but the quality of workmanship, design and material exceeds that of lower priced equipment. I believe Leica has recently released a line of mirrorless cameras, and I can’t speak of the IQ of those cameras, but the IQ of my M10 is pretty fantastic.

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Nov 27, 2020 17:54:53   #
BebuLamar
 
To the OP! You have the M6 so you do have Leica lenses and if you don't think the lenses are overpriced then the body isn't overpriced for sure.

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Nov 27, 2020 18:21:54   #
Haden123
 
Thanks again!

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Nov 28, 2020 06:25:54   #
Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south
 
Haden123 wrote:
I have a Leica M6 film camera which I love. It takes wonderful pictures and is made with the precision of a Swiss watch. I have been considering getting a Leica M10 R digital camera. However, I have read a lot of stuff online that concludes Leica is way behind Sony and even Nikon in the digital camera world. These “reviewers” write that Leica M cameras are vastly overpriced and the photos they take are inferior to those taken with digital cameras made by Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, etc. I would really like to hear the opinions of those of you who have used the latest Leica M cameras.
I have a Leica M6 film camera which I love. It tak... (show quote)


They are priced far less than many Swiss watches...so they are truly a bargain!

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Nov 28, 2020 06:31:27   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
I am not and never have been a Leica fan. I know Leica has excellent cameras and lenses but I always thought their prices were too high.

I am in full agreement with JohnR, the gentleman that stated that the opinion of reviewers in the Web usually do not agree with his, it has been my experience too. If you want a lens that you need take a look at the "reviews" but use the lens and get your own opinion on it.
I also agree that the expertise of the person handling the camera is very important. A person with little experience will not do well with a Leica and its lenses. Japanese camera bodies can last a lifetime if properly cared for and the quality of their optics is excellent. I have no experience with Sony, which also is very expensive but I have seen many images made with Sony cameras and to my eyes the quality is there. I have some experience with Karl Zeiss lenses and their lenses have to be among the best I have ever used.

If you want a Leica M-10R and you have the over $8,000 it costs it is your decision. I do not know if your old Leica lenses will fit and I say that because if you have to buy lenses for that camera you better check your bank account for sufficient funds. It is going to be expensive.
In my case I am entirely satisfied with my Olympus camera and Olympus and Pansonic lenses. For my needs I do not need a 40 Mp. body and I can get by without a Leica.

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Nov 28, 2020 07:18:36   #
Haden123
 
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and insights. Most helpful!

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Nov 28, 2020 07:18:54   #
Haden123
 
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and insights. Most helpful!

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Nov 28, 2020 07:27:18   #
FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA
 
Peterfiore wrote:
They are priced far less than many Swiss watches...so they are truly a bargain!

I'll take a Leica over a Swiss watch any day of the week.

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Nov 28, 2020 07:48:00   #
Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south
 
FiddleMaker wrote:
I'll take a Leica over a Swiss watch any day of the week.


Me TOO!

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Nov 28, 2020 08:00:46   #
machia Loc: NJ
 
jwreed50 wrote:
I currently use a Leica M10-R and have used each one of the predecessor Leica M cameras before the M10-R was released. I also have other digital DSLRs, including a Nikon D850. It's difficult to compare a digital rangefinder Leica M to a DSLR -- they are simply different tools. I personally like the simplicity and deliberateness of a manual focus rangefinder, but for me one of the best reasons to shoot a Leica M is to be able to use one of Leica's world class lenses. The dynamic range of the M10-R is superb, and the image quality of the 41 MP M10-R is at least equal to, if not better than, the 47 MP Nikon D850. For sports or other fast-paced activity, or scenarios where I need a longer telephoto lens and/or autofocus, I'll grab the D850. Everything else, I prefer the Leica M10-R.

A Leica M rangefinder is not well suited to every task, and to be sure, a manual focus rangefinder is not necessarily for everyone -- especially someone who has known only DSLRs. A Leica M subtly forces you to slow down and think about the basics -- composition, all of the exposure variables, etc. And that slower, more deliberate process sometimes leads to a better result. Can you achieve the same result with other camera? Yes, of course, you can, but there is something "special" about shooting a Leica M.

I started with Leica M film cameras and still shoot my Leica M6TTL (as recently as yesterday . . .). If you like your M6, I can pretty confidently assure you that you'll like -- no, love -- the Leica M10-R. I think it's the best digital camera Leica has ever made, and I personally can't see how they can improve on the M10-R. Obviously, whatever glass you current have for your M6 will work just fine on the M10-R.
I currently use a Leica M10-R and have used each o... (show quote)


I have my Dads old Argus rangefinder that he bought in 1955. What you said about rangefinders, that it “forces you to slow down and think” is right on the money. And it is that sold Argus that has made me a better photographer.
My Canon DSLR is like an automatic, but driving a stick-shift once in awhile keeps you alert.

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