Reflections on Leica M, the only camera and lens system that appeals to me. Over the past few years Leica has been adding more alphabets to the the soup - X,TL,Q,CL,SL. It makes commercial sense to have a broader range of products but brings little or nothing (in my opinion) to the photographic perspective. The Leica M rangefinder camera and lens (the lens even more than the camera) remains the pinnacle of their 100 year old legacy. The soon to be released M12 is rumoured to be breaking away from a 70 year tradition. The first Leica M which may have an electronic rather than an optical viewfinder. Personally I will remain with the M240 or M10 because the new direction Leica is said to be taking with the soon to be released M12 does not appeal to me. It is also a debatable point whether the digital era Leica M (aspherical) lenses beginning from 2004 are actually better than their film era (pre-aspherical) lenses. Best to experience camera's and lenses and draw conclusions on your own, rather than believing in marketing hype.
I don't really have anything too say about Leica... but had to post to appreciate that photo. Beautiful!
Peaceful, inviting picture. Makes me want to paddle about on that water. Thanks for sharing it.
I cannot guess what will happen with the new Leica M12 product. I hope they will maintain their tradition of excellence in optics, and their dedication to keeping things simple and straight-forward... unincumbering, unintrusive. As it was with the classic M2 and M3. It has been said that "Cameras come and cameras go, but the Leica [M] remains." I hope that Leica continues its tradition of simple, uncompromised elegance and performance with the M12.
Thanks Thad
Thanks Henry
"I hope that Leica continues its tradition of simple, uncompromised elegance and performance with the M12". Amen!