Kai's focusing secret is great for any manual lens not just range finder cameras. Learning fast focusing is a must for anyone who shoots with classic glass.
I'd prefer photos segmented by 36. After 36 exposures you set an iso and have to deal with it and whatever color settings you've picked for an additional 36 exposures. Then when you upload images they come in groups of 36.
Never underestimate the number of special snowflakes out there! Someone writes two words on a postcard and they all come with pitchforks and torches and downvotes!
The camera lacks all the new "useful trustful blah blah specs" like eyefocus, nipplefocus or whatever but your photos in this review are some of the best you've shot in your channel. Just a coincidence?
These are the best photos I’ve ever seen coming from you. This Leica seems to really vibe with you! I can’t help but thinking they should make a DSLR as well, where you can actually see through the lens.
You need a screen because it is digital camera! Why don't remove the battery next and be done with it! Them you can have and very expensive paper weight.
What makes you so great Kai is you go out and show us the joys of using cameras unlike a lot of these millennials camera and photo channels who just sit and run their mouth showing off their tattoos and stupid haircuts while we watch their face talk. Its hard work what you do Kai and it means a lot!! Keep up the great work!!
I've been using Leica's for over 40 years but you just showed me a new trick, start at infinity, nice one! Never a focussing problem (not any more), never the less__
You should do a sit down teaching session with pretty much every other camera reviewer on youtube because you seem to be the only one who can focus a rangefinder camera. Watching everyone else suffer with this camera was hilarious.
Kai, you’re the man! I love watching all of your videos. Every day I am trying to push myself to become a better content creator and your videos have really helped me out. I’ve started my own RUclips channel now and I hope one day I can inspire others like you inspire me. Chris
There is one single damn good thing about this no screen version: when you are doing a job to shoot someone and she always comes to you to check the photos which is very annoying for photographers, now it is literally impossible with this camera. hahaha
Nope, not absurd. It serves the same purpose as the best-selling Thumbs-Up everyone adds to their digital Ms to create a stability point. I've been screaming for this since the M8, but had given up!
Far from non-functional, it's a thumb grip. I have an ugly aftermarket thing sticking out from my flash shoe for my Fujifilm, I'd love if something like this was built in instead. Could even work as an on/off switch like the Nikon F1.
I tried it in a Leica store. For me... it’s far better than the Thumbs Up. It is practical and functional in that sense. Aesthetically, looking like the advance lever helps it ‘fit in’ to the style of the camera. For me, it doesn’t matter if it has no function at this point. My M9-P has served me well. Now to either M10-P or M10-D.. that is the question.
i know it sounds silly, but i´ve dreamt with this camera to be invented, its not for everyone thats for sure, but you know the feels bro. freaking love it!
Yep! I dont know who in their right mind would spend $7995 for a fake analog camera when at that price you could get an actual analog camera (see: exquisite Leica Ms, Nikon Fs, Zeiss Ikons and Contaxes among many others) with a SHIT-TON of film (see: glorious, glorious Tri-X, HP5). Hell, for that money you could even get a Hasselblad Xpan!
@@5oulPower buddy thats whats consumerism is. Leica is leica. Its like apple. There are other manufacturer thats offers a product with less features but really epensive, bit since theyre a brand of luxury item, theyll be able to price everything for their own profit.
Also the screenless feature is absolutely something I would go with. As it is, i keep the display on my 200D closed because i want to get back into the habit of actually figuring out the best exposure myself.
Been watching your reviews, since I bought my Olympus epm1 based on your reviews. Learned manual on it and now using an xpro2. Thanks for the great reviews.
This camera is honestly my holy grail in terms of digital rangefinders. It evokes an analogue experience with almost no downsides. The main downside, as said by Kai, is that the shutter isn’t cocked by the advance lever. If Leica had managed to do that, this camera would have been even better.
$8,000 for a camera with no back panel screen and viewfinder that doesn't show you exactly what you are shooting at? I have an idea go on Ebay buy a vintage film camera for much less than $100 and use the rest of the $7,900 for tons of film rolls and developing. You can probably also get yourself a nice mirrorless full frame used near mint to boot and still have a good amount left over. Just saying... This camera is for private jet owners who have no idea what to spend their money on...
You'd need to be fucking stupid to spend $8,000 for such a camera, least of all a Leica. For less money than that, and for far better and more abundant features, I'd much rather get my hands on that new Fuji 50 megapixel medium format mirrorless camera.
theres so many ignorant comments like this on Leica reviews. some people just don't get it and we respect that but y'all clearly don't. its all about the alternative with more features for less price with you guys.
@@alexr6527 so basically what you're saying is that we don't understand why you're paying money to have a brand name on something? Is this the Camera world version of the whole SUPREME junk?
Fantastic video Kai, great pictures, and it was great seeing coverage of this subject on your channel. You’re brilliant shooting with a Leica, your passion shines through.
I realllllly want one of these. Still hanging on to my X-Pro1 just because it feels beautiful to shoot with and actually makes me what to pick up the camera! Great review!
I like the idea of not having a screen behind the camera. I guess it would sort of make one think more of the shot before pressing the shutter. But the fake film advance lever is a bit disappointing. They could have actually make it cock the shutter, thereby completing the "analog feel", and slowing one down even more before taking the next shot. As usual, another nicely done video.
I like the idea and concept of the '-d' models. It is about the user experience and not features. Actually i would love to have the film advance lever for recocking the shutter and storing the image. I don't know if it would generate enough energy to do so but it would liberate the mind even more. The most annoying thing in the digital age for me is to charge batteries for every single device (smartphone, digital cameras, smart watch,...).
I am hoping the M11-D have the actual advance lever just like the function of the Epson RD-1 and will save the battery for a much longer time and a more slimmer body close to the LEica M6 classic.
I have had this camera for over a year now. Thought about selling it and going for an m10r. I searched online to see what an m10d goes for and I cannot find a single one for sale. Not sure if I want to sell it anymore. It’s a one of a kind that you can no longer get
Great video, as usual, Kai but you must miss Loc. I do. He’s been replaced by a rig.... Oh, and I love that camera and would have grabbed one if that winder cocked the shutter like the Epsom did. What a shame...
Great job, Kai. One of the best videos you've made in many senses! As a photography noob I still need to figure out what all the abbreviations stand for.💧But I like your stills in the video as well as the review! 😃
I think I could enjoy a city break and take some shots and be very very happy knowing I bagged quality images! My break would be awesome! Only when I get home would I realise my compositions and metering were a disappointment! :). When you think about it...you actually enjoy the shooting process without worrying about the results!
peasant vasea with that logic, any slightly oblong-ish metal or plastic part that sticks out can be a hand grip. Sorry but Leica sales people ain’t pulling that one over me.
@@5oulPower is not my logic, don't put this on me, is just their intent and yes, it behaves like that. But Kai is not using it as such. ruclips.net/video/pWVonIhTYsQ/видео.html
@@5oulPower Yes, a film advance lever is definitely sub-optimal as grip. Any film fan will admit as much. The weight of a camera levered against the winder pinion is a bad idea, even if there's no film inside.
@@5oulPower So how about the aftermarket thumb grips you can buy for other cameras, using the hotshoe to mount an oblong metal object in the EXACT same location? It's a grip.
Leica will deliver an external EVF. It is connected to the connection (below the base plate) with a cable. There will be a modified bottom plate for this purpose. At this connection you can also connect an external monitor (Casio). We will be able to buy this in the first quarter of 2019.
Important take away from this video: Kai's secret of focusing a Leica M! Seriously his focusing speed with a Leica M is unreal, to me at least!
I shall be trying it out on my M2 for sure! Cheers Kai!
Lok, you're right. One of the many mysteries of Kai have been revealed to us!
@@benjibat4655 he's mentioned it in og digital rev episodes of Leica M8 or M9
Kai's focusing secret is great for any manual lens not just range finder cameras. Learning fast focusing is a must for anyone who shoots with classic glass.
LIttle Leicas like that one are just pricey toys for rich people who aren't photographers.
Just snob appeal, nothing more.
Leica should have put a card in for just 36 shots.
they honestly should have LOL
Single use SD cards in the shape of a film roll.
and they'd cost $10 for 3
I'd prefer photos segmented by 36. After 36 exposures you set an iso and have to deal with it and whatever color settings you've picked for an additional 36 exposures. Then when you upload images they come in groups of 36.
@@brocktonbensch1356 Also the photos should save as negatives, and you'll have to invert it back in the darkroom
I like how Kai took advantage of a public event to take some fun street photos, and somehow a bunch of the commenters took that as a personal offense.
@jackson pine nothing like repeating a group mandated catchphrase to show your individually.
because mentally challenged people are no subject for a funny camera review!
Never underestimate the number of special snowflakes out there! Someone writes two words on a postcard and they all come with pitchforks and torches and downvotes!
The camera lacks all the new "useful trustful blah blah specs" like eyefocus, nipplefocus or whatever but your photos in this review are some of the best you've shot in your channel. Just a coincidence?
These are the best photos I’ve ever seen coming from you. This Leica seems to really vibe with you! I can’t help but thinking they should make a DSLR as well, where you can actually see through the lens.
They do
Lok Cheung compact, without a screen?
lol cuckoo you're the last person I expected to see here. Cheers :)
He took some great photos in the GR1/Venice video aswell!
1:13 this shot here just made me WOW out loud. Great job sir! Print it, frame it and ideally send it to me 🙈
$8000 for a camera with no screen and a purely decorative film advance lever: SOUNDS LIKE A LEICA!
A JamCam with improved optics
Nope, this time is worse!
Historically Leica M series was never frivolous. OTOH this does seem like expensive crippleware.
Don't forget the modern rangefinder technology? owe wait Kai did say this isn't a tech type camera.
David Blakeman sounds like a sophisticated scam to me
“Why do you actually need a screen?”
Because I need to know if one of my dumbarse friends blinked or not
Take 10 toss 9
A skweeen
this camera is a joke
Brendan Orr guess people expect to get the shot on the first try.
You need a screen because it is digital camera! Why don't remove the battery next and be done with it! Them you can have and very expensive paper weight.
Not sure what I'm more shocked by - the advance lever or the fact that you're using A STRAP.
For something that small costing 8k I'd be using a strap too.
Not using a strap is as dumb as cyclists not wearing helmets because "it's cooler" to not wear one.
He's referring to the number of times Kai has used a Leica or Leica with an uber expensive lens like the Noctilux with no strap in sight.
@TURST67 / Zäa you're saying that I'm dumb and you don't even know me!
Your photography has gotten considerably better. I remember watching your stuff from DRTV years ago and this video is far above that.
What makes you so great Kai is you go out and show us the joys of using cameras unlike a lot of these millennials camera and photo channels who just sit and run their mouth showing off their tattoos and stupid haircuts while we watch their face talk. Its hard work what you do Kai and it means a lot!! Keep up the great work!!
Outstanding video, Kai. One of the most enjoyable in a while. Not that any are particularly poor, but this one was particularly great.
did anyone else read this in Kai's voice? LMAO
I've been using Leica's for over 40 years but you just showed me a new trick, start at infinity, nice one! Never a focussing problem (not any more), never the less__
I love your shots, Kai!
Your selfie stick setup with the little Sony action camera is quite genius.
You could tell how excited you were about this camera throughout, great to see the passion.
Brilliant advice on the focusing techniques
You should do a sit down teaching session with pretty much every other camera reviewer on youtube because you seem to be the only one who can focus a rangefinder camera. Watching everyone else suffer with this camera was hilarious.
Another great review but it begs the question - why not just get an old M2 or M3 if you are trying to "relive" the experience of shooting film?
Kai, you’re the man! I love watching all of your videos. Every day I am trying to push myself to become a better content creator and your videos have really helped me out. I’ve started my own RUclips channel now and I hope one day I can inspire others like you inspire me.
Chris
There is one single damn good thing about this no screen version: when you are doing a job to shoot someone and she always comes to you to check the photos which is very annoying for photographers, now it is literally impossible with this camera. hahaha
Kai should review yashica y35 digifilm 😂😂
Oh dear, your wish came true 😂
The photos in the Video are amazing I really like them, and the fact that you took them with a Screenless camera makes me appreciate it even more.
That non functional film advance lever is absurd and I’m definitely knocking it before I try it.
Paul Hofreiter agreed. Like fake vents on a shitty sports car. Just a fashion statement at this point
Nope, not absurd. It serves the same purpose as the best-selling Thumbs-Up everyone adds to their digital Ms to create a stability point. I've been screaming for this since the M8, but had given up!
Far from non-functional, it's a thumb grip. I have an ugly aftermarket thing sticking out from my flash shoe for my Fujifilm, I'd love if something like this was built in instead. Could even work as an on/off switch like the Nikon F1.
I tried it in a Leica store. For me... it’s far better than the Thumbs Up. It is practical and functional in that sense. Aesthetically, looking like the advance lever helps it ‘fit in’ to the style of the camera. For me, it doesn’t matter if it has no function at this point. My M9-P has served me well. Now to either M10-P or M10-D.. that is the question.
Your enthusiasm about the camera shows in the quality of the photos!
If I turn off the LCD screen on my X-Pro2 it’s almost like shooting with this camera.
Well except for the auto focus
disable it!
the lack of fullframe is the only hindrance on this x-pro2 :(
Well you can't really properly zone focus the X-Pro
X100t in silent mode with screen off is close enough
Kaiman wong, the man that inspired me to become a photographer. Started to watch since 2016 until today :)
Afnan Studio thats fair
I was there as well! Bad luck I didn't meet you! You are my hero!
A sunny day in England? Now I know this is fake.
Your manual focus strategy is genius. I just got a Kamlan 28/1.4 so I'll be doing a lot of manual focusing.
i know it sounds silly, but i´ve dreamt with this camera to be invented, its not for everyone thats for sure, but you know the feels bro. freaking love it!
I think that this is one of your best, and I try to watch them all. Keep them coming Kai.
Hahaha, Leica is just trolling us now.
no
Nop
NOpe
Yep! I dont know who in their right mind would spend $7995 for a fake analog camera when at that price you could get an actual analog camera (see: exquisite Leica Ms, Nikon Fs, Zeiss Ikons and Contaxes among many others) with a SHIT-TON of film (see: glorious, glorious Tri-X, HP5). Hell, for that money you could even get a Hasselblad Xpan!
@@5oulPower buddy thats whats consumerism is. Leica is leica. Its like apple. There are other manufacturer thats offers a product with less features but really epensive, bit since theyre a brand of luxury item, theyll be able to price everything for their own profit.
Love the denim jacket, Kai!!!
Thanks! Had this since the old DR days
That lever is dumbtastic
its great,works perfectly as thumb grip, the other ones always hurt if you carry the camera with a long strap
Or you can just buy a Thumbs Up grip which is intended to be used for what it's designed for, unlike the advance lever...
Yup, its an insult to the MD design. Dumbtastic is a perfect word for it.
So the film advance lever does not work in the same way it does in that old Epson camera with the Seiko dials?
I do own the Leica MD 262 and for me being a film photographer for many years has made this purchase so wonderful...!
“Because they know what their yachts look like”...lmfao.
Also the screenless feature is absolutely something I would go with. As it is, i keep the display on my 200D closed because i want to get back into the habit of actually figuring out the best exposure myself.
Ah man. Great to see you shooting street again! I'd love some more videos like this! You got some great shots.
Been watching your reviews, since I bought my Olympus epm1 based on your reviews. Learned manual on it and now using an xpro2. Thanks for the great reviews.
This camera is honestly my holy grail in terms of digital rangefinders.
It evokes an analogue experience with almost no downsides. The main downside, as said by Kai, is that the shutter isn’t cocked by the advance lever. If Leica had managed to do that, this camera would have been even better.
Still my favorite reviewer!
Hope to see you tomorrow at bishopsgate on the cameraworld live event!
Im loving Kai's consistent uploads!
a discreet little camera *with a huge white dongle on the bottom end*
overall, nice colors out of it
Amazeballs video Kai! Great shots too. Looks like my perfect camera, were it not for the 8k price tag!
$8,000 for a camera with no back panel screen and viewfinder that doesn't show you exactly what you are shooting at? I have an idea go on Ebay buy a vintage film camera for much less than $100 and use the rest of the $7,900 for tons of film rolls and developing. You can probably also get yourself a nice mirrorless full frame used near mint to boot and still have a good amount left over. Just saying... This camera is for private jet owners who have no idea what to spend their money on...
You just missed the entire point of the camera, although also to be fair, most people that do get it, could never get it, get it?
For 8000 bucks, you could buy an M6, 50 and 35mm lenses.. A shitload of Tri-X... And fuck it, an M3 body too because why not?!
You'd need to be fucking stupid to spend $8,000 for such a camera, least of all a Leica.
For less money than that, and for far better and more abundant features, I'd much rather get my hands on that new Fuji 50 megapixel medium format mirrorless camera.
theres so many ignorant comments like this on Leica reviews. some people just don't get it and we respect that but y'all clearly don't. its all about the alternative with more features for less price with you guys.
@@alexr6527 so basically what you're saying is that we don't understand why you're paying money to have a brand name on something?
Is this the Camera world version of the whole SUPREME junk?
Never thought it learn how to focus better with my vintage lenses from this video. Amazing!
I like how you mount the sony action cam on the leica!
Fantastic video Kai, great pictures, and it was great seeing coverage of this subject on your channel. You’re brilliant shooting with a Leica, your passion shines through.
Thank you for the regular uploads! I really like your videos!
Best hair style and length I’ve seen on you, suits you sir.
I think I'll just keep wearing hats.
Kai you've been cranking out so much great content lately. Appreciate all the hard work!
Thanks for the tip about grabbing focus w/ a rangefinder. it's little things like that that make me happy I follow ya! Cheers!
incredible vid. transcending review into mini-doc territory. much larger impact than you can know.
Solid review and camera. So what did you process the files with? LR? C1? Presets? Thanks!
This is the best video I've seen justifying buying a Sony A7riii!
I realllllly want one of these. Still hanging on to my X-Pro1 just because it feels beautiful to shoot with and actually makes me what to pick up the camera! Great review!
Holding that ridiculous thing in your hand, you praised like it was real... Kai, you should be nominated by the Oscar
A big thanks for tips on rangefinder focusing, inspiring to practice.
very nice photos! reminds me of you HK days of street photography.
Finally a watchable review from you. Keep it up.
Great review Kai! Got a chance to do a video review in Hong Kong! It’s takes awesome photos but it’s a hefty price tag. Only for expert photographers.
Colors are so good on it. Much improved since the m262.
thanks for the video, would have loved to hear about how this compares to the m-d tip 262.
I like the colors of the pictures, are those raw files? And do you use a filter ?
Hope your health is improving. Great to see new content.
I really appreciated the tips on focusing. I want to hear more Kai camera knowledge!
hey kai, did you do a lot of post processing. love the look of your pictures.
Your best review so far !
Reminds me of when I first discovered Kai back on DigitalRev the Leica videos warm my heart.
I like the idea of not having a screen behind the camera. I guess it would sort of make one think more of the shot before pressing the shutter. But the fake film advance lever is a bit disappointing. They could have actually make it cock the shutter, thereby completing the "analog feel", and slowing one down even more before taking the next shot. As usual, another nicely done video.
How Lucky you! Perfect equipment at perfect place right at perfect moment! I wish I was there!
that starting from infinity tip is pretty good.
how did you do the sony rig on the leica I loved it and would fit perfectly for my photoshoot
vlogs
Were all the photos straight out of camera? If so leica processing engine is pretty sweet.
I like the idea and concept of the '-d' models. It is about the user experience and not features. Actually i would love to have the film advance lever for recocking the shutter and storing the image. I don't know if it would generate enough energy to do so but it would liberate the mind even more. The most annoying thing in the digital age for me is to charge batteries for every single device (smartphone, digital cameras, smart watch,...).
Good point on focusing on moving subjects.
This is the type of quirky camera that I crave
I wonder why they didn't announce this camera at Photokina?
Fantastic review and tutorial Kai! Thanks!
I am hoping the M11-D have the actual advance lever just like the function of the Epson RD-1 and will save the battery for a much longer time and a more slimmer body close to the LEica M6 classic.
Would it kill them to give us a real winding shutter?
lol How about it takes film and does digital...WOE!
Thats a Fuji Instax lol. A winding shutter could free some battery power, which i would like very much.
this and that one drtv fuji x100 review you did amidst the hong kong protests are my two favorite camera reviews
I have had this camera for over a year now. Thought about selling it and going for an m10r. I searched online to see what an m10d goes for and I cannot find a single one for sale. Not sure if I want to sell it anymore. It’s a one of a kind that you can no longer get
Great video, as usual, Kai but you must miss Loc. I do. He’s been replaced by a rig.... Oh, and I love that camera and would have grabbed one if that winder cocked the shutter like the Epsom did. What a shame...
I can't stop watching this
Great job, Kai. One of the best videos you've made in many senses! As a photography noob I still need to figure out what all the abbreviations stand for.💧But I like your stills in the video as well as the review! 😃
Pretty sure the march was in October not March as per your description.
Also the camera is garbage and solely for people with less sense than Brexiteers.
I think I could enjoy a city break and take some shots and be very very happy knowing I bagged quality images! My break would be awesome! Only when I get home would I realise my compositions and metering were a disappointment! :). When you think about it...you actually enjoy the shooting process without worrying about the results!
Looks like a camera to use for next 15 years. I also hoped for the leaver cocking the shutter like in Epson RD-1. Now, where could I get $12k?
are they releasing a twin-lense reflex box yet? If there's no bellows on it not interested.
Great tip about focusing moving targets manually!
I can't wait until you need an actual dark room and enlarger to see the results!
@Kai, the PIXII rangefinder has piqued my interest - will you be getting hold of one?
I wanted a film advance lever, but not one that doesn't do anything.
It has a grip function. But yes, with that, it really looks like a fake.
peasant vasea with that logic, any slightly oblong-ish metal or plastic part that sticks out can be a hand grip. Sorry but Leica sales people ain’t pulling that one over me.
@@5oulPower is not my logic, don't put this on me, is just their intent and yes, it behaves like that. But Kai is not using it as such. ruclips.net/video/pWVonIhTYsQ/видео.html
@@5oulPower Yes, a film advance lever is definitely sub-optimal as grip. Any film fan will admit as much. The weight of a camera levered against the winder pinion is a bad idea, even if there's no film inside.
@@5oulPower So how about the aftermarket thumb grips you can buy for other cameras, using the hotshoe to mount an oblong metal object in the EXACT same location? It's a grip.
Leica will deliver an external EVF. It is connected to the connection (below the base plate) with a cable. There will be a modified bottom plate for this purpose. At this connection you can also connect an external monitor (Casio). We will be able to buy this in the first quarter of 2019.
I heard Rollei is coming out with a single lens TLR !
Never heard the term "focus patch" before. I like it.