51–60 of 105 posts
Oh, Good news!. I love photography but I hate so much having to carry enormous cameras just because analog were so voluminous and they put a digital sensor on an old analog case. I bought different Sony NEX cameras for this reason and I use those a lot. Good news to see other camera makers(canon,leica) listening.
Having used a great many different cameras what I think about Leicas is that their primary advantage is the state of mind they create in the photographer, which isn't really connected to any tangible usability in design, or engineering marvel in the camera performance. Just the fact that some photographers know they have a Leica in their hand, makes them feel more liberated and ... how shall I say it ... "photographe…
I owned a Leica M9 for 3 months last year. My "keeper" rate was 36% higher on the M9 than on previous (or subsequent) digital cameras[1]. I sold the M9 due to its limitations, but you shouldn't underestimate the value of a form factor.
[1] I use lightroom, which lets me get pretty good stats. For reference, my "non-M9" keeper rate is 5.5%, my M9 keeper rate was 7.5%. My film keeper rate is 19%.
Thats a differential of $1302
Now lets get a few things out of the way -- Yes the Leica is a 35mm equivalent and the Sony is a 55 mm equivalent. But I wanted to compare the best prime lens in each setup (in Leica T system, that is the only prime lens available so far) - The 55mm is arguably currently the Sony FE mount best lens. Also, I will address the "Leica Way" later in this post.
So what are you getting in the Leica that is much better then the Sony? NOTHING. The Sony is a FAR superior as a camera.
Sony:
- Full sensor vs Crop. This has been debated to death, but everyone will agree --> bigger sensor = better image IQ - Faster Autofocus - Better LCD display - Better EVF - Better build (weather sealed) - Better control (Two dials + exposure compensation)
And the most important quality --- - BETTER IMAGE QUALITY
Now before you guys go ranting about how Leica has a quieter shutter, better ergonomics, helps me slow down, is a photographic style. Please.
That all applied in the film days -- I have a Leica MP with a Leica 50mm f1.4 and that is the greatest film camera every made. It is worth every penny. But those were the film days.
The playing ground is completely different in the digital world. Leica does not make its own sensors, and their for will never offer "the best image quality".
What it is selling today is a reputation it has earned during the film days and fashion icon for the rich hipsters out there.
Nothing wrong with that, and if you have the money and you value the aesthetics and the feature set, great. Go buy one and enjoy it!
But please, stop with the how the Leica is the pinnacle of photography. It is simply not true in the digital landscape.
Having used a great many different cameras what I think about Leicas is that their primary advantage is the state of mind they create in the photographer, which isn't really connected to any tangible usability in design, or engineering marvel in the camera performance. Just the fact that some photographers know they have a Leica in their hand, makes them feel more liberated and ... how shall I say it ... "photographe…
In the film days, it really made a difference. You can use a Leica M4 or 6, yeah it'd cost you a little more but your camera took amazing photos at 1/4 the weight and size of say, a Nikon F3, with a shutter that is whisper quiet. You can go closer and shoot more unobtrusively; while a given Nikon has equal optics, if different characteristics, it couldn't go where a Leica could. At least that's my take on it. Granted…
The first digital Leicas used Kodak sensors.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
If money were no object and I were to buy a Leica for B&W it would be the M Monochrom. A true monochrome sensor and a lot more choice in lenses. http://en.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M-Monoc...
Or stash up on a lifetime supply of M6 Classics and a freezer full of Tri-X and x-tol (or ascorbic acid) developer solution...I'm not sure what the going price of a M Monochrom is but I'd bet you'd be able to get at least 5 M6's for that price. Spare parts!
Earlier quoted context omitted.
the review was nicely written, but after seeing the sample photos it steered me more towards the Sony RX1
I'm really not trying to be negative but it was very poorly written and more of a love letter than anything else. "...the most hyped and anticipated camera I’ve ever seen" "...Leica partnered with Audi Design and the result is inarguably stunning." "...typical Leica. Simple and elegant." Simply put Leica digital cameras are not representative of value and are luxury goods, if that is what your after well you found yo…
"The Sony is a brilliant camera with incredible clarity but lacks soul and comes off as being purely engineering driven. There’s nothing wrong with these things, it’s what makes Sony great."
I can understand people who enjoy beautiful design, but when it comes to taking pictures, everything is literally engineering.
My digital cameras are a Fuji X100s and a Fuji X-T1 (I used to have a Canon 5D Mk II, but decided to go all in on mirrorless digital cameras).
My film cameras are a Leica M6, and a Hasselblad 501C/M.
I use all four cameras on a regular basis, and have made photos with each one within the last week.
I love my Leica M6. It's really a thing of beauty, and is impeccably designed. That said, the amount of unthinking worship I see Leica given makes me roll my eyes.
Leica has always been a brand of
uncompromised quality and craftsmanship.
The reason Leica’s products are expensive
isn’t because of a deliberate attempt to
overcharge for the products. It’s a side
effect of making a beautiful object of desire.
To truly understand the T, you have to fit
into the type of photographer that the
camera really aimed at. You have to know
what you’re doing but the camera is also
going to be underpowered for a pro. It’s
a niche product for a specific consumer
but also aesthetic preference.
Having used a great many different cameras what I think about Leicas is that their primary advantage is the state of mind they create in the photographer, which isn't really connected to any tangible usability in design, or engineering marvel in the camera performance. Just the fact that some photographers know they have a Leica in their hand, makes them feel more liberated and ... how shall I say it ... "photographe…
In the film days, it really made a difference. You can use a Leica M4 or 6, yeah it'd cost you a little more but your camera took amazing photos at 1/4 the weight and size of say, a Nikon F3, with a shutter that is whisper quiet. You can go closer and shoot more unobtrusively; while a given Nikon has equal optics, if different characteristics, it couldn't go where a Leica could. At least that's my take on it. Granted…