I’m old and have been shooting professionally since 1982. We obviously started on manual focus and had to shoot everything from sports to portraits without any features. Going back to Leica and all manual focus has been a joy for me. I shoot an occasional wedding and concerts for the action side and have a high hit rate. It does take a lot of practice but you will get it! And it is worth the effort.
@@ericrjennings well, different tools for different jobs is the obvious choice. When I shot pro hockey and baseball, I would never have shot with a Leica after autofocus was available… but the skill to shoot any action with manual focus is just so damn rewarding. And now when I have to pick up an autofocus camera… they all seem like the most amazing cameras in the world. 😂😂 (voodoo magic) But for the pure joy of this… just keep honing your own techniques for manual focus.
My M10 is dedicated to street and travel. My SL2s is for daily work and video. I have found these two bodies are perfect balance, giving me joy. Now I also have a Xpro3 body that I picked up for a great deal and that camera fills in gaps in between the two Leica's with autofocus and range finder style shooting with the OVF. The take away like you said, different tools for the job. The M10 slows me down and I want to slow down when I'm out with it.
Hi have the m10, and the fujifilm xt2. I use the xt2 when I need to use the autofocus, like the examples in your video for cheerleading or the hockey. For almost everything else, the m10 is do much fun, and rewarding. Cool video. I too want too want to get really good with the rangefinder. Thanks
I just got an M10 and the biggest thing for me is I can't help fingerprinting up the rangefinder windows. It's hard not to touch them! I think it's good to have a new Sony along with the Leica for animals and small children. I don't use focus peaking at all because it's not trustworthy and it's just distracting on the Visoflex. I think I got lucky that the rangefinder came to me perfectly calibrated. I got the EVF along with the camera because I was worried that my used M10 would be out of alignment. I love using the rangefinder and I trust it wide open with my 50 1.2 Nokton.
It had been very interesting to follow you these two month and here your thoughts about the M10. Tomorrow it’s been 1 year since I changed my Fuji X-Pro 3 setup for my Leica M10. I’ve had a 365-project going that ends tomorrow. The reason for that project was to be confident with the Rangefinder. I see your point and it’s obviously not good for everything (especially recording 😂). I got the opportunity to try a Leica SL2 for a week as there was a guy that wanted to change his SL2 with my M10. It was in great condition, on paper it beats my m10 on every single point, I had a really hard time deciding what I wanted. The day before I got the SL2 my 6 year old and his friend went to the playground and I joined them with my M10 and nailed most of the photos at around f2 (35mm). The I got the SL2 and mounted the same lens with the adapter and I couldn’t feel safe shooting my kid eating breakfast at the table. I haven’t used a EVF for a year, and those days testing the SL2, I realized the EVF catches to much attention, all the settings, the light pointing directly in to my eye, the focus peaking is all over the place and even when I half press the shutter the focus peaking is on the subject so I cant really see what I’m shooting. And the SL2 is supposed to have the best EVF out there. 2 days with the SL2 I asked myself, which camera do I want to bring the most the next day going out with my family in the woods, I had to choose the M10, I couldn’t rely on the focus peaking. I didn’t like the way the EVF took all the attention with everything. So instead of having it a week, I sent it back the third day. (PS. and the guy saying ‘use the easiest gear you have, and not have a relationship with your gear … I call bullshit! Use the gear you want, that makes you inspired, that makes you feel safe, that gives you joy shooting. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, we just living in a world where everyone think so, and with gear that forces everyone to think that pinsharp focus is the most important thing in a photography. Absolutely, there is work that demands sharpness and colors, but for a portrait session, feel and mood is more important than sharpness, if you ask me. The M-series isn’t for everyone, but I think you should keep it, use it as much as possible and force yourself to actually push the limits. If you like the 50mm, buy a 1.4x magnification ring so you get a bit closer to the rangefinder patch :)
Interesting discussion. I started with a digital Leica but then moved to a film Leica body and definitely prefer it. But it has the same limitations that a digital rangefinder will, so I think it is horses for courses...if you are carrying a rangefinder it's benefits are for zone focussing, street etc I think that is where it can excel. To capture moving subject is not impossible but is hard at open apertures...kudos to those that can consistently nail focus at f2 or so. Like anything learning the limitations and working with them is the key. I think that is actually why a Leica (digital or film) becomes such an enjoyable experience because it truly does limit you and you can then just focus on getting the images within those limitations. Keep up the good work!
I’ve had the M10 around 8 months now. Love the image quality/build. However it’s not a perfect and I do get frustrated with it sometimes. You summed up what I’ve been thinking. It’s so easy to blow out the images and I’m not going anywhere near wide open most of the time. I end up using LV for portraits. I’m considering selling and getting a Q2 but I don’t want an EVF. I love the optical viewfinder on the M10.
After watching you for a while, I have come to the conclusion that you love cameras in general. I think you like to change it up on a regular basis to keep it interesting and challenging. I have similar feelings and today it’s hard to find a bad camera. Just different attributes for different shooting scenarios. I am enjoying watching your journey.
Totally agree. Leicas are a joy to shoot with and the image quality out of their sensor/lens combos are just stunning. I've never shot anything like them in that regard. But they are slow to use. It's a camera meant to be driven like a manual and meant to only be brought up when you have a specific intention already in mind. My Sony a7iii outpaces the Leicas I've used in focus speed, AWB, protecting highlights and shadows. But I love shooting on the Leica and the images that come out of it. It's a mixed bag for me too
Great Video. dilemma, dilemma, this video hits directly what is currently my exact dilemma. I love picking up the M10. I have an M8, I just sold my Q2. I was heading down the road of selling all my Leica because I kept coming to the conclusion that the cash tied up in Leica, I can't justify that, I can't justify that investment just because it feels soooooooo good in the hand. I put it away, for weeks, I get absorbed in my Sony A7Riv and A7C and A6400, I really enjoy using those units. Then I say, with confidence, it's time to let the Leica's go. BUT. Mistake 1, I do a search on youtube for M10. Mistake 2, I watch this and a couple of other similar videos. Mistake 3. and way the biggest of all these mistakes, I get the M10 out, put the 50mm 2 sumie on it, and i go out and take some shots. F**k, why did I do that? Now Im right back at base one. Man, they're so nice, but .......
just got back from a weekend getaway with my wife for our 20th anniversary. And brought the m10 . I’m certain that it’s user error but reviewing the images on a bigger screen, man 80% was out of focus. I usually nail focus on a 35, but on a 50 1.4 , it’s tough. Considering selling the m10 and just go canon all the way since I use the r6 for work anyways.
It’s a common issue I think that the camera which we love to hold aesthetically is not the easiest to use. I wanted to love the zfc and bought one because I loved the styling., size etc but the reality is the controls made it the least effective and easy camera to use and get the results. Balancing what works well, and what we wish worked well is never easy :)
Artsy, street, contemplative, fun, with an emotional connection to gear at a reasonable price point for me - Fuji and old Ricoh GRs. Action, low light, fast, portraits, products and plays nice with Lightroom - Nikon/Sony/Canon pro body and good lenses. Video and wildlife/reach - MFT. Different tools for different jobs. The MG, GMC 2500HD, and Honda hybrid all have their place.
I use a 50mm summilux and a 28 summicron on a fuji: better focus peaking, faster processor, way better hilight retention with the dr400mode, plus tone curve, plus film sims. I agree: only use Leica’s for film: no digital rot, I.e. the camera will last forever and no upgrades.
I have an M10-D (the one without the LCD) and an X-Pro 3. I love the X-Pro but I'm your opposite, every time I go to family gathering, I always ended up picking the M10, not the Fuji. Not saying you aren't capable of using the M10 or anything but I may have a tip for you, Put the focusing tab below on the mid part which gives the distance around 1,2 meters. Master that distance, then afterwards just try this: if the subject moves back a bit, turn the tab slightly to the right, and vice versa to the left (FYI I use the 50mm Summilux). I think my hit rate is around 90%, and most of my misses is when something happened suddenly and I wasn't paying attention (which is obviously is better suited for a Fuji or Sony etc). Hope this helps. Cheers!
I bought the M10R just as a personal camera but use it more and more on my job (press and portrait work). The 50 is difficult to focus I think wide open but with the 35 summilux I have 95% keeper rate, even though I shot mostly wide open an only via rangefinder. Still often take the Nikon Z6 alongside to get some back-up pictures but mostly end up only using the ones from the leica.
Yep you`ve identified the issues. When things are moving its difficult with RF to nail focus. I like peak and use it with my CL and SL2s but I also used Sony cams with the 40 /85 /135 Batis lenses and the peaking was much more accurate (if you needed it ).My issue with Sony was that the bodies esp the grips were too small and the menu system a nightmare.
After trying just about everything, I've basically ended up in the same spot...a7iv for some stuff XS-10 for other stuff. I've shot my daughters Pom squad nearly all year with a7iv and its really amazing how many pics actually come back in focus. Plus like you say gotta keep that SS up and usually crappy lighting. I also just shot a photoshoot for mother and 18month year old, can't imagine using any other camera. Try telling a 18 month old not to move..LOL. I use fuji when I have time to slow down. Also been testing out the XH2S for about a week, its great but sadly more Sony then Fuji, probably gonna send it back.
Ever tried the Leica CL? It’s aps-c but a great compliment to the m10. Small, compact, autofocus adapt the m glass fantastic and have the Leica colors and similar build quality. If you go to LFI Gallery you will be surprised how many of the best shots that are made with the CL.
I`ve stuck with my film M`s for the M experience and use my M lenses on my CL for digital. When I do sports I either use that with its native CL lenses or the SL2s . I shot sports for 15 years with an M3. It can be done but I don`t see the point these days frankly .
Interesting thoughts Eric. You can’t go wrong with a Leica film camera with that lens. I think for me my sports photography days are less frequent of late so the M fits in perfectly. I’m most likely take the jump to an m10 sometime soon!
This is why I’m excited for the X-T5. If it combines all the things we like about Fuji with eye AF that can be relied on more like Sony/Canon then it sounds like the best of both worlds to me.
For me, it’s also the Fuji’s dr400 mode plus its tone curves. It retains about 3 stops of hilight detail while the tone curve allows an almost filmic logarithmic fall of instead of a digital hard clip. Warm up your WB when you shoot outside at about .5 stops overexposed and you”d swear you are shooting film. Plus no “shoot for the fight” nonsense where you underexpose your images to preserve hilights. 🤮 you expose normally and the camera AUTOMATICALY underexposes your image WHILE boosting your mods and blacks….. as you usually do in LR to preserve hilights!
For street photography, you really need to guesstimate the distance and use zone focus. But the SL is definitely better when there are moving people in the photos. Personally, I like the Ms for walking around in nature. The camera and lenses are tiny, so I can fit a whole two lens kit in my jacket pockets. Even a 3 lens it, if I bring a tiny 90mm.
I have a collection of Leica M cameras, M6, M10 and a bunch of M lens. Yes I understand your frustration and I only use my Leica for fun photography. As a working photojournalist of course I use the tools that get the job done Nikon Z9 etc where I know I don't have to worry about getting the image. So just enjoy what you got and learn from it. As far as the Visoteck its basically junk so don't bother.
The weird thing is that when I shoot on my Fujifilm XE1 with a 7artisans 35mm1.2 mark2 in black and white I have the most fun. Even though I got new Fujifilm cameras with their great optics that I use for work.
yeap its all doable just a matter of time my hit focus rate is much higher with my leica than my fuji xpro3, u might wanna work more on it ! watch out for my upcoming leica rev. cheers mate nice to hear some other opinions
Your portraits are lovely! The clients must have been happy. Yah, maybe use the gear that helps you get the shot easiest. You will probably fall in love with that gear eventually :-)
I have such a hard time with the idea of buying a camera just for me. First and foremost it has a job to document my life and family. I agree with you that sony doesn't inspire me, though it gets the job done. I'd really like to be in the XPro3/X-E4 realm, and I rented the X-E4 which I think it worked out pretty well. It made me realize the X-t30 would be more attune to what i need with it's easy auto switch and quick way of going from photo to video. I'm likely going to stick to my X-T1 for now, and see where this next round of the fuji release schedule lands by next holiday. At the very least, it'll make the current gen of cameras more affordable. If Sony had more recent rangefinder options outside of the A7C, i'd likely be over there. The A6#00 series is in desperate need of an update.
Bought my DREAM camera a couple months ago, the M11 and am having the exact same thoughts. It would be an amazing camera to take on a trip but for everyday use with a 4 year old? I’m not catching everything I could. It slows me down in a good way, yes but is it for everything? No. At the same time I also bought the Q2 and I’ll be keeping that one but again, like you said, having to underexpose for shots even on that is quite annoying where I could pick up my Fuji and go.
@@ericrjennings I just sent my M11 back today. Keeping the Leica Q2 and my entire Fuji and canon gear. I’d rather have autofocus than miss important shots. The Q2 is amazing but also underexposes just as bad. Q2 and Fuji for family / fun. Canon and Sony for anything serious that requires a different focal length or if I was paid for my work, that.
@@ericrjennings Having the same exact issues as you did, you'll love it. Autofocus isn't as good as the Sony of course but it's good enough. No eye auto focus but it's not a deal killer. I'm sure the Q3 whenever that comes out will solve some of these issues.
You’ve got the best three horses for the different courses so you’re pretty much set. The only caveat is the opportunity cost of having the Leica. It’s a lot of money for such a narrow narrow niche. If you don’t do a lot of street photography it is even narrower. Even the cost of the Leica wouldn’t be an issue if it lasted forever. But because it’s digital there’s always that cloud hanging over your head. I’m in the same boat as you. Love my M10. For now, I’m just living in the moment and enjoying it.
The M is probably the worst camera for sports/action photo. It’s the most enjoyable (for me) for everyday/travel documentary photography. - also I always shoot -3 or -7 under exposure depending on scene and that’s always worked with the M10.
Driving a classic car is awesome fun and produces experiences and memories that a modern car can't, but then using that same car to deliver pizza all night - you're going to end up taking a vauxhall nova over it next time.
I had nikon d3s and it was amazing, but biiiiiig, so I switched to fujifilm xh1, and I kinda loved it, but then I tried fujifilm xpo3 and I wasn't able to keep me into xh1 anymore, so after that I read a lot that fujifilm xpro2 is a masterpiece because of its more filmic sensor and I sold xpro3 and purchased xpro2, BUT I didn't understand how and why I should live with this display always available to cheat, so I sold xpro2 and purchased xpro3 back, simply because it has that flip screen, so 6 months after that I couldn't resist and bought leica m262, and feelings are amazing, it's super sturdy and very beautiful camera, I'm okay with manual focusing, so it wasn't bothering me at all, although what bothered me - leica's "color science", I couldn't get use to those UGLIEST jpegs out of camera, once you tried fujifilm's film simulations it's hard to come back to shoot raw, so I sent leica back and tried xe4 simply because I wanted compact camera for daily use, and again I fell of to the holy grail - fujifilm xpro3 was the winner and after that I struggled to look through the xe4 EVF which is super small, and did you hear the xpro3's shutter sound vs xe4 shutter sound? so, xe4 went back to the store, I was soooo disappointed, anyways, I realized that for me personally the fujifilm xpro3 - is the camera I love and I don't want to change it anymore.
I'm debating on whether or not to get rid of my Leica M10 for the same reason. Its an 'Artsy' camera and I love it. But not so practical especially with my aging eyes. I've invested heavily in the Leica Eco system, having the 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, and 35mm f2. I've had the m8, m9, m240 and now the 10 so I clearly love the form factor. So I'm unsure of my next move here. I've always sold my Sony's and Fujis after a while, unsatisfied with them. Not to mention since the pandemic I haven't used it much :( any thoughts on what to do?
You sound like me… I’m deciding to keep my XE4 with a 27mm pancake for the film sims and a mock X100V camera. Keep the A74 for video and portraits / sports, keep the M10 with the 50mm cron for my personal work.
@@ericrjennings Poor AF is relative. For sports, not so great (although probably better than what we had 10 years ago), but for the rest, it’s fine. The video specs are great (but I am no video shooter), but I can imagine flip screen to be useful. Worth a rent?
@@ericrjennings Sounds good! By the way, the M10 is good for landscape too. I have heard the M10R and even more so the M11 are much better w.r.t. highlights (but I don’t want 61MB so it’s not for me, even if I had the money, which I don’t, so I will keep to the M10 and M6 for the foreseeable future).
I own the MP and I own the M10. I also own the Fuji GFX50R, Sigma FP and a load of other film cameras. There is no 1 do it all camera. Horses for courses.
Completely agree that different cameras are best for different scenarios. Just gets expensive quick! Are you thinking you’re going to hold onto all three cameras or try to pick 2 to keep?
Similar story in my end. Looking for a perfect do it all system vs having multiples, but I’m afraid it’s not possible. Btw, what new camera was delivered in that box behind you? 😅
I recently took photos for a model for the first time on my Leica M10 and I missed focus quite a few times. It was also not as easy to frame my photos for me because I had to focus with the rangefinder first then compose. I also hope that I will get better at it and it will be more accurate the next time. I did love the results more than other cameras I had before and those images that were in focus were great. So I’m happy with my m10. However, I also kept my Fuji as my autofocus backup camera when needed. I agree that focus peaking on the m10 is not great. My Fuji has better focus peaking I’d say.
As great as Leicas are, it's a very niche market for a certain type of photographer. Personally I have no interest in getting a Leica for many reasons with cost being the primary reason. In today's market there aren't any bad cameras, just different ones.
Its up to the photographer, is it just a tool, or has it a deeper meaning? I’ve had a nikon and a canon that took great pictures and did everything i asked, but damn, they were not as fun to shoot as my Fuji. I no longer have a nikon or canon. I am just an amateur, and to me the camera is more than a tool. I’m sure a professional would probably disagree.
Ok so my take on this is that while Ben Hajsch images are nice I would be very careful with believing that shots of couples walking towards at f1.4, which is what he says are indeed in focus as that plane of focus is tiny . Yes he walks back at the same speed as they do , but even so I would say 1 in 10 were in focus. Of course I may be wrong, but thats my take. Ive owned Sony, Canon, Nikon and now I am all in Leica. You have to embrace it and then love the wrong shots as well as the right ones. Some of my favourite shots are the ones that are slightly OOF. The Sony;s are computers with lenses on, IMVHO its not photography. Its pressing one button whilst it tracks and shoot, thats a video game not photography. IMVHO
Wait what, hold on... 3:10 Hockey action shots and then transitioning to wedding photos from Ben Haisch, even a 4 year old playing hockey is faster than people walking down an church aisle at a wedding just saying. Problem = solution, sports with an M is difficult but not impossible, you don't track - you have to be a spider and I mean - set you trap, but this I mean - you know what will happen, set your focus where the action will be, your exposure and iso - look up - hold you camera and press the shutter when you daughter or your son is where they'll be in focus in your frame. Don't track it, set it up. Just press the shutter. This said I also shoot at iso 6400, and set my M iso to 10,000 with both the M10 and the M10R quite often since the camera is that good at hight iso. They are not a sport camera - you can still shoot sports events with it for family stuff, that's not an issue. It just requires practice and a different approach. It is range finder, range focus and - press the shutter when your subject enters that range. You are going camping bring the M10, practice, practice, practice, drop the Visoflex use the view finder and use Live View for critical focusing - a bigger viewfinder will help.
@@ericrjennings just stop tracking moving subjects with a range finder. Start trapping subjects in the focus range you pre-set. I am a Canadian - I'll use a Hockey analogy, Gretzky was a great hockey player for many reasons, one of them was not chasing the puck - it was placing himself where the puck was going to be. Treat manual focus on a moving subject the same way. Focus where you subject is going to be, don't chase your subject - just press the shutter when your subject is "There" and that is how you shoot sport with a rangefinder.
The Leica M is not for you. Period. Sell it or work on it. This is not an easy camera to use. This is a Formula One Racing Camera. Not everyone can master a Formula One. But if you work and understand what an M camera is and the unique lenses Leica have you will develop your own personal photographic style. If you are not willing to work hard you better use automatic brand camera to deliver your job like anybody else can do without style and have the same crisp boring photo look. Hope this is not offending for you. I am 71 yo and shoot Leica M since I was 16 for my photography career 3:36 . Good luck.
What surprises me is that you have owned m bodies before so what made you think that the m10 range finder would make taking sports any better than your previous M bodies? secondly all Leica lens have a scale on the lens telling you what will be in focus based on your f stop. There isn’t any camera that will give sharp focus for those subjects outside the plain of focus. Your depth of field will give you simulations of subjects in focus, but only those on that plain will be sharply focus. With that said, the Leica makes a great landscape camera, street photography and family Events as long as you maintain a decent depth of field based on the lens you are using. Would I use a Leica for auto racing, bird photography, swim meets, field games, no. That’s why I have a Canon R6 for it’s faster shutter count and it’s auto focusing capability. I’ve taken my m10 on all our hikes and camping trips and have not been disappointed with the images it produces. I also take the R6 in the camper for any birding photos IWant.
I have an M10 but its old school and has its limitations, I use it for travel but for everything else I use Sony a7r IVA its almost nails focus 100%. I like Leica but a rangefinder is a nice tool for casual photography but I personally wouldn't use them for critical paid shots, the focus peaking is also not to be relied upon. The SL2 is much better, BUT it's not as engaging as the Rangefinders.
Use a Sony. Focus peaking is always off on my M11. In film M camera we never had any focus electronic assistances features. At war, at the Olympics, name it. All the best photograph in history have used Leica M. wake up Sir. You have the best tools in your hands. But this is not for guys who wish to success by framing and push a button and let the camera do the job. Be on the driver seat.
Sports and action with a Leica…said no one ever. Not even Leica. 😅 Sell this thing. It’s just not for you. And that’s okay. Put the box in the eye. Track. Press a button. You can do that with anything now.
@@ericrjennings It takes about a year to get good at shooting with a rangefinder. But tracking action at f2 isn’t going to happen. It’s just not what it was built for. The highlight issue is just the M10. It’s notorious for it. Just expose for the highlights.
@@ericrjennings I feel you. A month into it I sounded just like you. 😆 … Going from mirrorless to a Leica M. You think you know, but then I couldn’t even keep the horizon straight. Everything was blown out or under exposed. Then I found out I didn’t know shit about exposure. And it takes about a year to get comfortable with the rangefinder camera. The short answer is, for me; I would have to go into all manual and lock in my exposure on the brightest part of wherever I’m shooting. Then my subjects should be in the light when I take their picture. I also go in the shadow and see what it is there. For example yesterday the sun was blasting bright. My exposure at ISO400 was 1/2000 at f8. In the shadow it was 1/250 at f8. If I wanted f4 then I had to go to about 1/1000. And your settings have to be locked so the exposure is even. Anyway. A lot of things to say. Better hit me up on Instagram. I’m not an expert but I at least went through the first stage of the Fuji to Leica change. You can also send me the bad shots and see if I can help.
I’m old and have been shooting professionally since 1982. We obviously started on manual focus and had to shoot everything from sports to portraits without any features. Going back to Leica and all manual focus has been a joy for me. I shoot an occasional wedding and concerts for the action side and have a high hit rate. It does take a lot of practice but you will get it! And it is worth the effort.
I should keep practicing huh?
@@ericrjennings well, different tools for different jobs is the obvious choice. When I shot pro hockey and baseball, I would never have shot with a Leica after autofocus was available… but the skill to shoot any action with manual focus is just so damn rewarding. And now when I have to pick up an autofocus camera… they all seem like the most amazing cameras in the world. 😂😂 (voodoo magic) But for the pure joy of this… just keep honing your own techniques for manual focus.
I agree thanks
My M10 is dedicated to street and travel. My SL2s is for daily work and video. I have found these two bodies are perfect balance, giving me joy. Now I also have a Xpro3 body that I picked up for a great deal and that camera fills in gaps in between the two Leica's with autofocus and range finder style shooting with the OVF. The take away like you said, different tools for the job. The M10 slows me down and I want to slow down when I'm out with it.
Hi have the m10, and the fujifilm xt2. I use the xt2 when I need to use the autofocus, like the examples in your video for cheerleading or the hockey. For almost everything else, the m10 is do much fun, and rewarding. Cool video. I too want too want to get really good with the rangefinder. Thanks
I just got an M10 and the biggest thing for me is I can't help fingerprinting up the rangefinder windows. It's hard not to touch them! I think it's good to have a new Sony along with the Leica for animals and small children. I don't use focus peaking at all because it's not trustworthy and it's just distracting on the Visoflex. I think I got lucky that the rangefinder came to me perfectly calibrated. I got the EVF along with the camera because I was worried that my used M10 would be out of alignment. I love using the rangefinder and I trust it wide open with my 50 1.2 Nokton.
It had been very interesting to follow you these two month and here your thoughts about the M10. Tomorrow it’s been 1 year since I changed my Fuji X-Pro 3 setup for my Leica M10. I’ve had a 365-project going that ends tomorrow. The reason for that project was to be confident with the Rangefinder. I see your point and it’s obviously not good for everything (especially recording 😂).
I got the opportunity to try a Leica SL2 for a week as there was a guy that wanted to change his SL2 with my M10. It was in great condition, on paper it beats my m10 on every single point, I had a really hard time deciding what I wanted. The day before I got the SL2 my 6 year old and his friend went to the playground and I joined them with my M10 and nailed most of the photos at around f2 (35mm). The I got the SL2 and mounted the same lens with the adapter and I couldn’t feel safe shooting my kid eating breakfast at the table. I haven’t used a EVF for a year, and those days testing the SL2, I realized the EVF catches to much attention, all the settings, the light pointing directly in to my eye, the focus peaking is all over the place and even when I half press the shutter the focus peaking is on the subject so I cant really see what I’m shooting. And the SL2 is supposed to have the best EVF out there.
2 days with the SL2 I asked myself, which camera do I want to bring the most the next day going out with my family in the woods, I had to choose the M10, I couldn’t rely on the focus peaking. I didn’t like the way the EVF took all the attention with everything. So instead of having it a week, I sent it back the third day.
(PS. and the guy saying ‘use the easiest gear you have, and not have a relationship with your gear … I call bullshit! Use the gear you want, that makes you inspired, that makes you feel safe, that gives you joy shooting. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, we just living in a world where everyone think so, and with gear that forces everyone to think that pinsharp focus is the most important thing in a photography. Absolutely, there is work that demands sharpness and colors, but for a portrait session, feel and mood is more important than sharpness, if you ask me. The M-series isn’t for everyone, but I think you should keep it, use it as much as possible and force yourself to actually push the limits. If you like the 50mm, buy a 1.4x magnification ring so you get a bit closer to the rangefinder patch :)
Interesting discussion. I started with a digital Leica but then moved to a film Leica body and definitely prefer it. But it has the same limitations that a digital rangefinder will, so I think it is horses for courses...if you are carrying a rangefinder it's benefits are for zone focussing, street etc I think that is where it can excel. To capture moving subject is not impossible but is hard at open apertures...kudos to those that can consistently nail focus at f2 or so. Like anything learning the limitations and working with them is the key. I think that is actually why a Leica (digital or film) becomes such an enjoyable experience because it truly does limit you and you can then just focus on getting the images within those limitations. Keep up the good work!
I’ve had the M10 around 8 months now. Love the image quality/build. However it’s not a perfect and I do get frustrated with it sometimes. You summed up what I’ve been thinking. It’s so easy to blow out the images and I’m not going anywhere near wide open most of the time. I end up using LV for portraits. I’m considering selling and getting a Q2 but I don’t want an EVF. I love the optical viewfinder on the M10.
I’m considering the exact same thing … the Q2
After watching you for a while, I have come to the conclusion that you love cameras in general. I think you like to change it up on a regular basis to keep it interesting and challenging. I have similar feelings and today it’s hard to find a bad camera. Just different attributes for different shooting scenarios. I am enjoying watching your journey.
You’re not wrong. I secretly looking for a do it all premium small camera, but there are anyways trade offs. You’re right, no bad cameras today
Totally agree. Leicas are a joy to shoot with and the image quality out of their sensor/lens combos are just stunning. I've never shot anything like them in that regard.
But they are slow to use. It's a camera meant to be driven like a manual and meant to only be brought up when you have a specific intention already in mind.
My Sony a7iii outpaces the Leicas I've used in focus speed, AWB, protecting highlights and shadows.
But I love shooting on the Leica and the images that come out of it. It's a mixed bag for me too
Great Video. dilemma, dilemma, this video hits directly what is currently my exact dilemma. I love picking up the M10. I have an M8, I just sold my Q2. I was heading down the road of selling all my Leica because I kept coming to the conclusion that the cash tied up in Leica, I can't justify that, I can't justify that investment just because it feels soooooooo good in the hand. I put it away, for weeks, I get absorbed in my Sony A7Riv and A7C and A6400, I really enjoy using those units. Then I say, with confidence, it's time to let the Leica's go. BUT. Mistake 1, I do a search on youtube for M10. Mistake 2, I watch this and a couple of other similar videos. Mistake 3. and way the biggest of all these mistakes, I get the M10 out, put the 50mm 2 sumie on it, and i go out and take some shots. F**k, why did I do that? Now Im right back at base one. Man, they're so nice, but .......
Haha. Exactly
just got back from a weekend getaway with my wife for our 20th anniversary. And brought the m10 . I’m certain that it’s user error but reviewing the images on a bigger screen, man 80% was out of focus. I usually nail focus on a 35, but on a 50 1.4 , it’s tough. Considering selling the m10 and just go canon all the way since I use the r6 for work anyways.
Yeah man it can be irritating. I’ve gotten better but it takes serious focus
It’s a common issue I think that the camera which we love to hold aesthetically is not the easiest to use. I wanted to love the zfc and bought one because I loved the styling., size etc but the reality is the controls made it the least effective and easy camera to use and get the results. Balancing what works well, and what we wish worked well is never easy :)
Artsy, street, contemplative, fun, with an emotional connection to gear at a reasonable price point for me - Fuji and old Ricoh GRs.
Action, low light, fast, portraits, products and plays nice with Lightroom - Nikon/Sony/Canon pro body and good lenses.
Video and wildlife/reach - MFT.
Different tools for different jobs. The MG, GMC 2500HD, and Honda hybrid all have their place.
I use a 50mm summilux and a 28 summicron on a fuji: better focus peaking, faster processor, way better hilight retention with the dr400mode, plus tone curve, plus film sims.
I agree: only use Leica’s for film: no digital rot, I.e. the camera will last forever and no upgrades.
I’m leaving this way
Thanks for sharing great video. Nice watch mate what is that?
Listen to your heart! Leica!!
I have an M10-D (the one without the LCD) and an X-Pro 3. I love the X-Pro but I'm your opposite, every time I go to family gathering, I always ended up picking the M10, not the Fuji. Not saying you aren't capable of using the M10 or anything but I may have a tip for you, Put the focusing tab below on the mid part which gives the distance around 1,2 meters. Master that distance, then afterwards just try this: if the subject moves back a bit, turn the tab slightly to the right, and vice versa to the left (FYI I use the 50mm Summilux). I think my hit rate is around 90%, and most of my misses is when something happened suddenly and I wasn't paying attention (which is obviously is better suited for a Fuji or Sony etc). Hope this helps. Cheers!
Actually I use the m10 the most too
@@ericrjennings ow ok cool
I bought the M10R just as a personal camera but use it more and more on my job (press and portrait work). The 50 is difficult to focus I think wide open but with the 35 summilux I have 95% keeper rate, even though I shot mostly wide open an only via rangefinder. Still often take the Nikon Z6 alongside to get some back-up pictures but mostly end up only using the ones from the leica.
Yep you`ve identified the issues. When things are moving its difficult with RF to nail focus. I like peak and use it with my CL and SL2s but I also used Sony cams with the 40 /85 /135 Batis lenses and the peaking was much more accurate (if you needed it ).My issue with Sony was that the bodies esp the grips were too small and the menu system a nightmare.
M11 50mm f1.4 and Q2. Covers pretty much everything for me.
After trying just about everything, I've basically ended up in the same spot...a7iv for some stuff XS-10 for other stuff. I've shot my daughters Pom squad nearly all year with a7iv and its really amazing how many pics actually come back in focus. Plus like you say gotta keep that SS up and usually crappy lighting. I also just shot a photoshoot for mother and 18month year old, can't imagine using any other camera. Try telling a 18 month old not to move..LOL. I use fuji when I have time to slow down. Also been testing out the XH2S for about a week, its great but sadly more Sony then Fuji, probably gonna send it back.
Ever tried the Leica CL? It’s aps-c but a great compliment to the m10. Small, compact, autofocus adapt the m glass fantastic and have the Leica colors and similar build quality. If you go to LFI Gallery you will be surprised how many of the best shots that are made with the CL.
I was interested in it but ultimately wanted Leica M
I`ve stuck with my film M`s for the M experience and use my M lenses on my CL for digital. When I do sports I either use that with its native CL lenses or the SL2s . I shot sports for 15 years with an M3. It can be done but I don`t see the point these days frankly .
Really enjoy your photography/gear content. Real world experience.
Thank you
Interesting thoughts Eric. You can’t go wrong with a Leica film camera with that lens. I think for me my sports photography days are less frequent of late so the M fits in perfectly. I’m most likely take the jump to an m10 sometime soon!
This is why I’m excited for the X-T5. If it combines all the things we like about Fuji with eye AF that can be relied on more like Sony/Canon then it sounds like the best of both worlds to me.
For me, it’s also the Fuji’s dr400 mode plus its tone curves. It retains about 3 stops of hilight detail while the tone curve allows an almost filmic logarithmic fall of instead of a digital hard clip. Warm up your WB when you shoot outside at about .5 stops overexposed and you”d swear you are shooting film.
Plus no “shoot for the fight” nonsense where you underexpose your images to preserve hilights. 🤮 you expose normally and the camera AUTOMATICALY underexposes your image WHILE boosting your mods and blacks….. as you usually do in LR to preserve hilights!
For street photography, you really need to guesstimate the distance and use zone focus. But the SL is definitely better when there are moving people in the photos. Personally, I like the Ms for walking around in nature. The camera and lenses are tiny, so I can fit a whole two lens kit in my jacket pockets. Even a 3 lens it, if I bring a tiny 90mm.
I agree
Really excellent presentation and informative as well.
I have a collection of Leica M cameras, M6, M10 and a bunch of M lens. Yes I understand your frustration and I only use my Leica for fun photography. As a working photojournalist of course I use the tools that get the job done Nikon Z9 etc where I know I don't have to worry about getting the image. So just enjoy what you got and learn from it. As far as the Visoteck its basically junk so don't bother.
Same my guy. I sold my m10m for both q2 and q2m and didn’t look back.
I’m highly considering this move
@@ericrjennings yeah, we had a simliar path. 5dmark ii < Olympus micro 4/3 < Fuji GFX50R
The weird thing is that when I shoot on my Fujifilm XE1 with a 7artisans 35mm1.2 mark2 in black and white I have the most fun. Even though I got new Fujifilm cameras with their great optics that I use for work.
yeap its all doable just a matter of time my hit focus rate is much higher with my leica than my fuji xpro3, u might wanna work more on it !
watch out for my upcoming leica rev. cheers mate nice to hear some other opinions
Thanks for watching.
It’s a street and documentary camera. That’s what the M is and has always been. Period.
Your portraits are lovely! The clients must have been happy. Yah, maybe use the gear that helps you get the shot easiest. You will probably fall in love with that gear eventually :-)
I have such a hard time with the idea of buying a camera just for me. First and foremost it has a job to document my life and family. I agree with you that sony doesn't inspire me, though it gets the job done. I'd really like to be in the XPro3/X-E4 realm, and I rented the X-E4 which I think it worked out pretty well. It made me realize the X-t30 would be more attune to what i need with it's easy auto switch and quick way of going from photo to video. I'm likely going to stick to my X-T1 for now, and see where this next round of the fuji release schedule lands by next holiday. At the very least, it'll make the current gen of cameras more affordable. If Sony had more recent rangefinder options outside of the A7C, i'd likely be over there. The A6#00 series is in desperate need of an update.
Bought my DREAM camera a couple months ago, the M11 and am having the exact same thoughts.
It would be an amazing camera to take on a trip but for everyday use with a 4 year old? I’m not catching everything I could. It slows me down in a good way, yes but is it for everything? No.
At the same time I also bought the Q2 and I’ll be keeping that one but again, like you said, having to underexpose for shots even on that is quite annoying where I could pick up my Fuji and go.
So you feel me… what you gonna do?
@@ericrjennings I just sent my M11 back today. Keeping the Leica Q2 and my entire Fuji and canon gear.
I’d rather have autofocus than miss important shots. The Q2 is amazing but also underexposes just as bad.
Q2 and Fuji for family / fun.
Canon and Sony for anything serious that requires a different focal length or if I was paid for my work, that.
@@danielsalas617 interesting. I’ve considered the Q2 as well
@@ericrjennings Having the same exact issues as you did, you'll love it. Autofocus isn't as good as the Sony of course but it's good enough. No eye auto focus but it's not a deal killer. I'm sure the Q3 whenever that comes out will solve some of these issues.
You’ve got the best three horses for the different courses so you’re pretty much set. The only caveat is the opportunity cost of having the Leica. It’s a lot of money for such a narrow narrow niche. If you don’t do a lot of street photography it is even narrower. Even the cost of the Leica wouldn’t be an issue if it lasted forever. But because it’s digital there’s always that cloud hanging over your head. I’m in the same boat as you. Love my M10. For now, I’m just living in the moment and enjoying it.
The narrow niche … and I don’t do much street .. I’m glad I’m not alone
The M is probably the worst camera for sports/action photo. It’s the most enjoyable (for me) for everyday/travel documentary photography. - also I always shoot -3 or -7 under exposure depending on scene and that’s always worked with the M10.
My two cents, check if the rangefinder is properly adjusted. Also, if you force yourself to use the M all the time, the better you get at handling it.
That was my first stop. Focused with rangefinder and evf. It seems aligned to me
Driving a classic car is awesome fun and produces experiences and memories that a modern car can't, but then using that same car to deliver pizza all night - you're going to end up taking a vauxhall nova over it next time.
You may get a GFX 50R outstanding picture quality, slow camera, you can play with a lot of adaptive lens
Before the Leica, I thought about a 50r. It’s still a possibility
I had nikon d3s and it was amazing, but biiiiiig, so I switched to fujifilm xh1, and I kinda loved it, but then I tried fujifilm xpo3 and I wasn't able to keep me into xh1 anymore, so after that I read a lot that fujifilm xpro2 is a masterpiece because of its more filmic sensor and I sold xpro3 and purchased xpro2, BUT I didn't understand how and why I should live with this display always available to cheat, so I sold xpro2 and purchased xpro3 back, simply because it has that flip screen, so 6 months after that I couldn't resist and bought leica m262, and feelings are amazing, it's super sturdy and very beautiful camera, I'm okay with manual focusing, so it wasn't bothering me at all, although what bothered me - leica's "color science", I couldn't get use to those UGLIEST jpegs out of camera, once you tried fujifilm's film simulations it's hard to come back to shoot raw, so I sent leica back and tried xe4 simply because I wanted compact camera for daily use, and again I fell of to the holy grail - fujifilm xpro3 was the winner and after that I struggled to look through the xe4 EVF which is super small, and did you hear the xpro3's shutter sound vs xe4 shutter sound? so, xe4 went back to the store, I was soooo disappointed, anyways, I realized that for me personally the fujifilm xpro3 - is the camera I love and I don't want to change it anymore.
I loved my Xpro3 too but mine had focusing issues where it would front focus.
I'm debating on whether or not to get rid of my Leica M10 for the same reason. Its an 'Artsy' camera and I love it. But not so practical especially with my aging eyes. I've invested heavily in the Leica Eco system, having the 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, and 35mm f2. I've had the m8, m9, m240 and now the 10 so I clearly love the form factor. So I'm unsure of my next move here. I've always sold my Sony's and Fujis after a while, unsatisfied with them. Not to mention since the pandemic I haven't used it much :( any thoughts on what to do?
You sound like me… I’m deciding to keep my XE4 with a 27mm pancake for the film sims and a mock X100V camera. Keep the A74 for video and portraits / sports, keep the M10 with the 50mm cron for my personal work.
@@ericrjennings sounds like a better plan than mine 😃. I can't find a x100v anywhere, the mock is not available either.
There is the Leica SL2 or S3 too. Leica is not just M. Just for information.
I would rock a Leica SL2-S but with poor AF and no slip screen, it’s not a great video solution.
@@ericrjennings Poor AF is relative. For sports, not so great (although probably better than what we had 10 years ago), but for the rest, it’s fine. The video specs are great (but I am no video shooter), but I can imagine flip screen to be useful. Worth a rent?
@@jean-pierrek1529 I’ll stick stick with the m10 and A74 I think
@@ericrjennings Sounds good! By the way, the M10 is good for landscape too. I have heard the M10R and even more so the M11 are much better w.r.t. highlights (but I don’t want 61MB so it’s not for me, even if I had the money, which I don’t, so I will keep to the M10 and M6 for the foreseeable future).
@@jean-pierrek1529 which lenses are you shooting on the M10?
I own the MP and I own the M10. I also own the Fuji GFX50R, Sigma FP and a load of other film cameras. There is no 1 do it all camera. Horses for courses.
You just need the sl2/sl2-s. They pair perfect with an m system.
I was going that route but no flip screen for my video needs
@@ericrjennings but, I use an external monitor! Not built in, but satisfactory solution… the sl system plays so nice with m glass.
Completely agree that different cameras are best for different scenarios. Just gets expensive quick! Are you thinking you’re going to hold onto all three cameras or try to pick 2 to keep?
I want 2… but I can’t part ways with either the Fuji or Leica right now.
Understandable!
Did you ever try the lens on your Fuji of Sony? maybe the best of both worlds
I haven’t but I should
@@ericrjennings I've done it and it's as I said the best of both worlds.
Similar story in my end. Looking for a perfect do it all system vs having multiples, but I’m afraid it’s not possible.
Btw, what new camera was delivered in that box behind you? 😅
Bahaha that was a lens box.
For sports you use zone focussing. Same for family partys and so on. You dont know what zone focussing is ?
I recently took photos for a model for the first time on my Leica M10 and I missed focus quite a few times. It was also not as easy to frame my photos for me because I had to focus with the rangefinder first then compose. I also hope that I will get better at it and it will be more accurate the next time. I did love the results more than other cameras I had before and those images that were in focus were great. So I’m happy with my m10. However, I also kept my Fuji as my autofocus backup camera when needed. I agree that focus peaking on the m10 is not great. My Fuji has better focus peaking I’d say.
As great as Leicas are, it's a very niche market for a certain type of photographer. Personally I have no interest in getting a Leica for many reasons with cost being the primary reason. In today's market there aren't any bad cameras, just different ones.
Its up to the photographer, is it just a tool, or has it a deeper meaning? I’ve had a nikon and a canon that took great pictures and did everything i asked, but damn, they were not as fun to shoot as my Fuji. I no longer have a nikon or canon. I am just an amateur, and to me the camera is more than a tool. I’m sure a professional would probably disagree.
Ok so my take on this is that while Ben Hajsch images are nice I would be very careful with believing that shots of couples walking towards at f1.4, which is what he says are indeed in focus as that plane of focus is tiny . Yes he walks back at the same speed as they do , but even so I would say 1 in 10 were in focus. Of course I may be wrong, but thats my take. Ive owned Sony, Canon, Nikon and now I am all in Leica. You have to embrace it and then love the wrong shots as well as the right ones. Some of my favourite shots are the ones that are slightly OOF. The Sony;s are computers with lenses on, IMVHO its not photography. Its pressing one button whilst it tracks and shoot, thats a video game not photography. IMVHO
Wait what, hold on... 3:10 Hockey action shots and then transitioning to wedding photos from Ben Haisch, even a 4 year old playing hockey is faster than people walking down an church aisle at a wedding just saying. Problem = solution, sports with an M is difficult but not impossible, you don't track - you have to be a spider and I mean - set you trap, but this I mean - you know what will happen, set your focus where the action will be, your exposure and iso - look up - hold you camera and press the shutter when you daughter or your son is where they'll be in focus in your frame. Don't track it, set it up. Just press the shutter. This said I also shoot at iso 6400, and set my M iso to 10,000 with both the M10 and the M10R quite often since the camera is that good at hight iso.
They are not a sport camera - you can still shoot sports events with it for family stuff, that's not an issue. It just requires practice and a different approach. It is range finder, range focus and - press the shutter when your subject enters that range.
You are going camping bring the M10, practice, practice, practice, drop the Visoflex use the view finder and use Live View for critical focusing - a bigger viewfinder will help.
I threw everything at it. To your point. I have to be okay not getting critical tracking shots
@@ericrjennings just stop tracking moving subjects with a range finder. Start trapping subjects in the focus range you pre-set. I am a Canadian - I'll use a Hockey analogy, Gretzky was a great hockey player for many reasons, one of them was not chasing the puck - it was placing himself where the puck was going to be. Treat manual focus on a moving subject the same way. Focus where you subject is going to be, don't chase your subject - just press the shutter when your subject is "There" and that is how you shoot sport with a rangefinder.
Lol love the reference but I need a point of contrast out in the middle of the ice to “trap” the subject.
The Leica M is not for you. Period. Sell it or work on it. This is not an easy camera to use. This is a Formula One Racing Camera. Not everyone can master a Formula One. But if you work and understand what an M camera is and the unique lenses Leica have you will develop your own personal photographic style. If you are not willing to work hard you better use automatic brand camera to deliver your job like anybody else can do without style and have the same crisp boring photo look. Hope this is not offending for you. I am 71 yo and shoot Leica M since I was 16 for my photography career 3:36 . Good luck.
What surprises me is that you have owned m bodies before so what made you think that the m10 range finder would make taking sports any better than your previous M bodies? secondly all Leica lens have a scale on the lens telling you what will be in focus based on your f stop. There isn’t any camera that will give sharp focus for those subjects outside the plain of focus. Your depth of field will give you simulations of subjects in focus, but only those on that plain will be sharply focus. With that said, the Leica makes a great landscape camera, street photography and family Events as long as you maintain a decent depth of field based on the lens you are using. Would I use a Leica for auto racing, bird photography, swim meets, field games, no. That’s why I have a Canon R6 for it’s faster shutter count and it’s auto focusing capability. I’ve taken my m10 on all our hikes and camping trips and have not been disappointed with the images it produces. I also take the R6 in the camper for any birding photos IWant.
Yeah let’s be honest. The R6 is more than enough
I have an M10 but its old school and has its limitations, I use it for travel but for everything else I use Sony a7r IVA its almost nails focus 100%. I like Leica but a rangefinder is a nice tool for casual photography but I personally wouldn't use them for critical paid shots, the focus peaking is also not to be relied upon. The SL2 is much better, BUT it's not as engaging as the Rangefinders.
Very true
You need a micro 4/3 rds camera. haha
Lol 😂
Use a Sony. Focus peaking is always off on my M11. In film M camera we never had any focus electronic assistances features. At war, at the Olympics, name it. All the best photograph in history have used Leica M. wake up Sir. You have the best tools in your hands. But this is not for guys who wish to success by framing and push a button and let the camera do the job. Be on the driver seat.
Sports and action with a Leica…said no one ever. Not even Leica. 😅 Sell this thing. It’s just not for you. And that’s okay. Put the box in the eye. Track. Press a button. You can do that with anything now.
Lol well that’s not as fun now is it
@@ericrjennings It takes about a year to get good at shooting with a rangefinder. But tracking action at f2 isn’t going to happen. It’s just not what it was built for. The highlight issue is just the M10. It’s notorious for it. Just expose for the highlights.
Thanks Carlos. Any idea hope to expose for highlights in the RF not using the EVF? Just need to chimp?
@@ericrjennings I feel you. A month into it I sounded just like you. 😆 … Going from mirrorless to a Leica M. You think you know, but then I couldn’t even keep the horizon straight. Everything was blown out or under exposed. Then I found out I didn’t know shit about exposure. And it takes about a year to get comfortable with the rangefinder camera.
The short answer is, for me; I would have to go into all manual and lock in my exposure on the brightest part of wherever I’m shooting. Then my subjects should be in the light when I take their picture.
I also go in the shadow and see what it is there. For example yesterday the sun was blasting bright. My exposure at ISO400 was 1/2000 at f8. In the shadow it was 1/250 at f8. If I wanted f4 then I had to go to about 1/1000.
And your settings have to be locked so the exposure is even.
Anyway. A lot of things to say. Better hit me up on Instagram. I’m not an expert but I at least went through the first stage of the Fuji to Leica change. You can also send me the bad shots and see if I can help.