Why Aren't More Black Photographers Using Leica? A Discussion on Diversity
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- Join Uche “The Sneaker Principal” Njoku as he delves into the underrepresentation of Black photographers in the realm of high-end cameras like Leica. This discussion isn't about labeling brands as racist; instead, it focuses on how the photography field can benefit from greater diversity.
In this video, Uche shares his personal experiences as a Black photographer using a Leica and discusses the broader implications of these experiences. He clarifies misconceptions from previous comments and highlights the importance of visibility for Black photographers. Uche reflects on the challenges and unique insights that come with being one of the few Black photographers in this niche. He emphasizes the need for inclusivity in the photography world and calls for a reflection on how to promote diversity effectively.
The video concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to share their thoughts and help spread the conversation about diversity in photography.
This video aims to stimulate thoughtful dialogue on the lack of Black photographers using high-end photography gear and how enriching these spaces with diverse perspectives could benefit the entire community. 
Развлечения
Seeing someone on the street with a camera other than their smart phone is rare enough.
Yes… and exciting! Like an openly secret society member.
For sure. Carrying a camera is becoming more noticeable because of the smartphone.
It's important to acknowledge that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to photography equipment. While Leica cameras are known for their quality and reputation, the choice of camera brand ultimately comes down to individual preference, budget considerations, and the specific needs of the photographer.
Rather than focusing on the race of the photographer, it's more valuable to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the photography community as a whole. Different photographers have different preferences based on their own style, requirements, and experiences. By celebrating this diversity, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all photographers, regardless of the gear they use.
It's essential to respect and appreciate the choices that individuals make regarding their photography equipment, and to focus on fostering a community that values creativity, talent, and passion over the brand of camera one uses.
Heavy chatgpt energy
I’ve owned 2 leicas when first started photography. They never made me money due to its lack of functionality I need, so I sold both. It was just a flex for me
It sounds like you found that Leica cameras, while prestigious, didn't meet your practical needs or help you make money, so you decided to sell them. It's a good reminder to choose photography equipment that not only has status but also supports your professional goals. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Black man here, I shoot canon. I think the vast majority of ppl shoot what’s more accessible. A lot of people started in school which used Nikon or Canon also they’re at all the big box stores. You definitely made it about race with the statement being “why am I the only black person with said camera” to be honest with you, the majority of photographers of any race it’s a small population that shoots leica. lol great job grabbing attention though
I think it's an interesting question though. I was in KEH last week and there was a brother in there selling two Leica m10 bodies with an assortment of lenses and it was nice to see another brother shooting Leica, even though he was selling his gear. With so many POC into photography I'd be interested to know how many shoot Leica and why since I also don't see many with Leica cameras either. I understand price is a major factor for most people and not just POC, but I also know many photographers with a whole lot of top of the line Sony, Canon and Nikon gear which is not cheap either. I'd be interested to know what drives some POC towards, or away from, Leica. With that being said, Gordon Parks and many other POC shot Leica back in the day, but perhaps today there there are just more choices.
Thanks for your perspective. You're right that most photographers choose accessible and familiar brands like Canon and Nikon. The mention of race aimed to explore visibility within the small, niche community of Leica users, not to create division. It’s true that Leica is a rare choice among photographers of any background. I appreciate your feedback on the topic.
It's great that you noticed another Black photographer with Leica gear, even if he was selling it. You raise an interesting point about the presence of people of color in the Leica community, considering the high costs not unique to Leica but also seen with top-tier Sony, Canon, and Nikon gear. While price is a significant factor, it would be intriguing to explore why some people of color are drawn to or steer clear of Leica. Historically, icons like Gordon Parks used Leica, but today there are more camera options available. It's a topic worth exploring further.
After wanting a Leica since I was 19 years old I finally bought a Leica m11-P last week at age 65 and couldn't be happier. For me it was a matter of price when I was younger so I grabbed what was within my budget back then. In my 30s and 40s I was running and gunning and wanted something that was fast (and I didn't mind the weight of heavy lenses), so Nikon and Sony suited my shooting style and lifestyle. When I hit my 50s and 60s my photography became more methodical, I slowed down and began to really enjoy the process of making 'each' photo so Leica suites these times. I guess being a native New Yorker, and a black man, I never viewed it as a race thing because my grandfather was a professional photographer and had a Leica, also a Rolli, Hasselblad, and Nikon.
So, I wonder if it's more of a state of mind (outside of price) and being at a certain point in one's life that motivates some to choose brands other than Leica. Then as we get a bit older, and the prices is not as much of a sticker shock, our lifestyle and shooting style begins to reflect the pace that suits a rangefinder camera. For me it's also an incredible and enjoyable camera to hold in my hands (and the smaller lens sizes are a huge plus), this is an intangible that many may not appreciate. I have an Apple Watch, but also have my dad's Rolex watch, and sometimes I just enjoy wearing that Rolex and it's not about what anyone else thinks, it just feels good to have something so solid and so well made on my wrist ~ that's one of the intangibles that Leica provides, for me at least.
Congratulations on your new Leica M11-P! It's great to hear how your photography style has evolved, from fast-paced shooting with Nikon and Sony to enjoying the thoughtful process of using a Leica. It sounds like your decision wasn’t about the camera’s brand or price, but about what fits your current lifestyle and the joy of creating each photo. Like wearing your dad’s Rolex, using the Leica is more about the personal pleasure and appreciation for well-crafted items. Your story beautifully shows that choosing a camera is deeply personal and linked to where you are in life. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Black photographer here and my dream camera is a Leica M11 Monochrome. As a working photographer I use canon, and I love the brand. As a street photographer, and student of photography I am in love with Leica. At the moment I don’t have around $12k for a fun / flex purchase.
Definitely… a flex purchase for sure… but only because of the price tag
@@TheSneakerPrincipal oh it’s like having a hasselblad. It’s the way photographers flex lol.
From what I have seen personally with the Leica brand they are extremely diverse.
That's great to hear! Could you share any examples or sources that show Leica's diversity? I’d like to see more about this.
@@TheSneakerPrincipalsimply look at such Leica ambassadors such as Jason Roman or even Leica previous VP of Marketing who created the Leica woman’s project empowering women artists. All one needs to do is attend an event at Leica and observe.
as an older Mexican man owning a Leica M6 film body as well as using my Leica M240 I understand the feeling and the issue! I work at a cool Printmaking studio in Los Angeles and the owner has been using Leica's for over 40 years! I bought one of his M6 film bodies and then bought more! I'm not sure how to change this stigma... can we contact each other and share ideas?
I watched your previous video. Very nice topic. It was something that had to be discussed and only after u spoke, i even realised how true it was.
Keep it up brother ❤
Igbo photographer here, I don't have a Leica because they are expensive. I get strange questions even with a fujifilm or a Nikon...
Ndewo! It’s great to meet another Igbo photographer. I get what you mean about Leica's high prices. It’s interesting that you get questions even with Fujifilm or Nikon. Keep enjoying photography and the unique moments it brings!
Fellow Nigerian and fellow leica shooter. Honestly I feel like a lot of people don’t see Leicas as tools they see it as a status symbol. There is a gate kept kind of exclusivity around leica And black people having access to status like that causes mental gymnastics in their head. Why does he have that how does he have that blah blah blah. It’s like buying a house in a certain neighborhood. It alters how people see themselves.
Uche, another photography enthusiast here and Q3 owner. Great observation.
Thank you 🙏🏾
Thhnak you fir this and other videos..it's been a fascinating topic to be brought up.. im sorry that people reacted so defensive about a person of a community talking about or just thinking out loud in relation to art, accessibility, class and cost... All interwined and I haven't actually been able to explain as much as I could in this little Youtibe box. Its such a shame thay when someone raises a point to investigate that people don't realise that actually it can inform other communities aswell (uk working class here..Im soick of poverty porn from the artistic communities in relation ti to my background ..snd I hsvent even mentioned my heritage ). Theu can inform and empower each other yet having seen those comments...like many psrts of society theu haven't experienced it (even a thought of enquiry thays all) so they may not be ready to go thereapologies for the length of reply..
Briliant.. keep going!
Thank you for your comment. Discussing topics like art, accessibility, class, and cost is complex but important. It's great to hear perspectives from different backgrounds, like yours from the UK working class. These discussions can be challenging, but they're crucial for understanding and empowerment. I appreciate your support and hope to continue these meaningful conversations. Let's keep learning from each other.
I'm a Black British photographer and I shoot Sony for my portrait and nature work, Leica for street. I'm not rich at all and earn an average salary but I bought an M10 last year with some Zeiss lenses as I couldn't afford the Leica glass as well. Another aspect to consider in this conversation (probably applies to the UK more than the USA) is socio-economic class. The M system is very expensive so naturally will be out of reach to most photographers regardless of race. Of course it can't be forgotten that race and class often go hand in hand but not always.
While Leica enjoys the prestige of being a luxury brand I do think they should consider releasing a new but cheaper alternative to the M11. Something like an updated M10 or "M102" 24mp, no internal memory, new battery system, USB charging. It would still be expensive but the lower cost could bring new customers to the brand.
All good points, and I purchased a Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II lens for around $660 and it's a fantastic m-mount lens, I also have a Sony 50mm 1.4 GM that's fantastic as well but ran me $1,300. There are ways to get into the Leica system these days without having to sell a kidney.
You use Sony for portrait and nature photography and Leica for street photography, which shows how you manage different needs. Buying an M10 with Zeiss lenses highlights the issue of affordability with Leica's products. Your idea for Leica to release a more affordable model like an "M102" is insightful. It could help make Leica accessible to more photographers by lowering the cost barrier, potentially expanding their market. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
You've highlighted a great point about accessing the Leica system affordably. Your purchase of the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 lens as a budget-friendly option for your Leica shows that enjoying this system doesn't have to break the bank. Comparing this with your more expensive Sony lens also illustrates how photographers can manage costs while exploring different camera systems. Thanks for sharing these practical insights!
@@TheSneakerPrincipal An even more radical idea would be for Panasonic to release an M mount camera given the close relationship between them and Leica.
Also appear to have an expensive watch. So the jewelry argument doesn’t hold water.
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Honest question: how many people do you see shooting Leica in real life? IME, the more minor brands outnumber them at least 10 to 1. Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Fuji each outnumber them at least 50 to 1.
There just aren't that many Leica shooters out there.
You're right; Leica shooters are quite rare compared to those using brands like Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Fuji. Leica is a niche brand, known for its craftsmanship and unique user experience, but it's less common because of its high cost.
Blaxk guy here. I was lucky enough to get a ggx50r second hand some years ago. No one that i know in photography ( or out) uses a Leica. No one! We all know they are excellent cameras but few have them, black , white or any other skin colour.
It's great that you found a camera like the GFX 50R that works for you! Leica cameras are excellent but uncommon, and as you noted, they're rare among photographers of any background, often due to their high cost. Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@TheSneakerPrincipal i would love to get my hands on a Q3 but i cannot justify the purchase. All the best!
I personally have no desire for a Leica but I think the cost/value ratio of a Leica doesn't work for most regardless of race. I think Fuji and others have taken that space for the cost conscious.
You make a good point. Leica's high cost makes it less accessible, and brands like Fuji offer great alternatives at more affordable prices. It's important to choose a camera that fits both your budget and your photography needs.
There is nothing magic about the rangefinder focus system. This system was outdated by the SLR (single lens reflex). Leica camera (the red dot) symbolizes the "elevated" class of connoisseurs (renowned photographers in the 50s), the rich, the fortunate society that we all want to be in it (in our dream for most of us). If you want a fully manual system, just set the camera all operations to manual and you have it.
Leica has always seemed like a brand for older gentlemen to me. For the most part, all of the black photographers I've known are working photographers who have stuck with the system they started with. I use Lumix for video work, but now that I'm 51, I'm considering the Leica D-Lux 8 as a walking-around camera for photos. Leica was just never on my radar up to this point. Oh, and I have a safe full of jewellery inherited from my father that I have no interest in wearing. 😉
lol D Lux are Panasonic cameras
@@ZetaphotographyShhh! 🤫
It's interesting to hear your perspective, and I agree that Leica often seems to be a choice for older enthusiasts. Many working photographers, including the ones you've known, stick with the systems they're familiar with, like your use of Lumix for video. Now that you're considering a Leica D-Lux 8 for casual photography at 51, it really does highlight how our needs and interests can evolve with age. Leica's niche appeal and pricing often keep it off the radar for younger or working photographers, but it's great to see you exploring it as a potential option for your walk-around camera. Like the inherited jewelry you don't wear, our choices in cameras can also reflect our personal tastes and stages in life.
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As a POC, I deeply disagree with the click-baitey premise of this video. Leicas are expensive for everyone (hence rare!), and they don't owe any special favors to any subset of people.
Thanks for asking the question. Definitely one to ponder.
Thank you for watching my content and leaving a comment
What’s your instagram feed ?
I am not sure talking about Race has ANYTHING to do with photography. Who is behind the camera and the image shouldn't matter if they are male, female, black, white. The fact you 'notices you were the only black photographer with a leica' in itself is the only thing disappointing here. Could you not just see a human and the gear they have. Making note purely based on skin colour is the racial profiling. I personally didnt think we needed a video with a topic like this on the internet. It is not helpful nor is it healthy.
Let’s respect everyone’s value. It is the perception of this photographer that speaks; there is no need to be for or against it.
Thank you for your input. I understand your concern about discussing race in relation to photography, where the focus should ideally be on the art, not the artist's background. The mention of my experience with Leica was meant to open a dialogue on diversity and representation in photography, not to segregate or profile. It's crucial to explore these topics to foster inclusivity. However, I appreciate that not everyone sees the need for such discussions, and your perspective is a valuable part of this conversation.
Absolutely, it's important to respect and value everyone's perspective. Each person's view contributes to the broader conversation, and it's essential to listen and understand without taking sides. Thank you for highlighting the importance of inclusivity.
@@TheSneakerPrincipal Yes, my point is more about even noticing peoples skin colour is the problem. That should not be a determining factor. Why does it matter if they are black or white leica users. No one is stopping inclusivity here. We don't need to be so desperate to chase it. If it happens naturally then it is meant to be.
@@jamie.dop_ The camera of choice has nothing to do with skin color but rather personal choice. By asking the question (as stated in the video title), he makes it sounds like Leica discriminates Black photographers which I find it to be incredibility unbelievable. If Leica in fact discriminates Black photographers (or any race for that matter), we would here about it and it'll be a PR disaster for Leica. No company would do such thing, not in 2024.
Ive been a photographer for 30 years and 15 of those were professionally. Ive never owned a Leica. Not that i didnt want to but because i could never imagine parting with the amount of cash they cost for a 35mm camera. I spent big money on my blads, mamiyas and a corfield wa67. Im close to retirement but i dont think i will ever buy one. Im a dark skinned mixed Indian guy from London. It was interesting watching and listening to you and understanding the culture in the USA
I can relate (not the skin tone part of course). I never understood why people liked the Hasselblad 500 series. Then I got one and loved it immediately. It's the same with Leica and the same reason why people like automatic watches I believe. Objectively there are better tools out there yet it's just such a joy to use these things. For me whenever I shoot with my Leica M2 it's like this little dopamine machine that burns money yet releases happiness whenever I wind it and push the release button. This subtle but satisfying release sound.. I don't know man, they sure knew how to make it addicitve. So yeah, maybe you should get one? ;)
@@MaxKissler i used the Hasselblad 500cm and the super wide professionally for my architect work. They were great cameras but the film backs would break all the time, i would put 6 rolls of film through them daily 5 days a week. My Mamiya's on the other hand they never failed. The cameras i like are the ones that can live up to professional use.
@@martingomez7502 So the Hasselblad is not a professional camera bc you used it so often professionally that the backs broke thus not living up to your definition of a professional camera? Okay, sounds a bit like anecdotal evidence to me... I never had a back break on any camera but I also repair my own stuff so it wouldn't be an issue.
Anyway, I have owned an RB67 Pro S and RZ67 and would pick my 503CW any day of the week. For professional use.
@@MaxKissler yea when you work professionally you need equipment that works and doesnt let you down. When a film back lets you down you wont always know till the lab devs the film. We always carried extra but the camera backs were just not good enough.
@@martingomez7502 Since I'm a professional architecture photographer myself I'm interested in seeing your work. Do you have a website?
I thought this was going to be about the color science and how it favors black skin…. Not how the camera looks
lol… no… just a lil social commentary
I know I don’t own one because they cost too dang much 😂 But also I never heard of Leica until I really got into not just photography but the photography community. Canon, Nikon and Sony are made for the mass consumer and even people outside of photography have heard of them not so much Leica. So I think it lies with marketing. By the time we hear about them, we have a camera that does things better than Leica does and don’t really feel the need to switch at such a high price point. I think if a Leica was marketed to the mass consumer we probably see more people and by extension more black people picking them up. At least that is what I think but I could be wrong
You're right about Leica cameras being expensive and less known outside serious photography circles, unlike mainstream brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony. Leica's niche market and high prices likely deter people from switching brands, especially when their current cameras meet their needs at a lower cost. More widespread marketing could potentially attract a broader audience, including more Black photographers. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
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Same question with a Rolex watch?
You would see some dope storytelling. But most leica are out of AA price range for just starting out. But if you got it , you got it like that.$$$
Feels like there’s even less south Asian folks😂. In terms of people of color that I follow who also shoot Leica check out Stockezy(black), and Gajan Balan(Tamil). Both of them are dope
I am also a non-white Leica user. ruclips.net/video/zB-2wyfwUPI/видео.html
Good perspective on this topic. The sterioptyical Leica owner seems to me a white/ German/ Scandinavian. But I am brown and I still enjoy the Leica products. May just come down to economics. Less opportunity for colored people to shoot Leica and display their results.
ruclips.net/video/zB-2wyfwUPI/видео.html
Isn't leica rare in every skin color? Expensive af...
You’re ignorant
Can't afford it, thats all. Someday soon though! Cheers!
That’s a dumb comment. Everyone that owns a camera can own a Leica.
@@Zetaphotography Sorry you feel that way fam. There are just many other cameras and I would like to expereince first before spending the money on a leica. None the less, we can all afford anything, but at what costs? Surely you are not pretended to make a purchasing decision for me and my journey? Any who, be well!
Seems to be less about race and more about finances. Leica is expensive. Bottom line.
they cost to much and all the pictures from all the cameras are the same now
I agree that most baseline modern cameras are yielding similar output and quite excellent… it cameras like Leica, Hasselblad and FujiFilm that are doing interesting things, allowing for more creative flexibility
Gear matters too much to other people.
It does to all of us to a certain extent… the key is to not allow it to take control of our decision making process
About 12% of Americans are black, Leica's market share is about 1% worldwide. I'm not a mathematician, but I think 1% of 12% results in a small number :)
Yeah you definitely aren't a mathematician because you already started with faulty logic comparing the US population to global numbers like there are only black people in America.
Why would they want to?
They can just get an iPhone instead. It's the same thing really.
😂😂😂
Ridiculous.
Clown
🤷🏾♂️