Is LEICA ok?

Answer 1

If you are interested in fine photographic equipment and can afford it, Leica is wonderful!

Answer 2

Once upon a time Leica was the standard that other cameras were judged against. Their lenses were highly prized as were their camera bodies.

Unfortunately, their position of superiority led to technological stagnation. The first indication was during the Korean War when photojournalists stopping over in Japan discovered Nikon lenses that equaled the performance of Leica lenses - for considerably less money.

Leica also clung to their bottom-loading of film until the increasing popularity of Japanese rangefinder cameras with film loading from the back forced them to change.

As the SLR began dominating the market with professional and amateur photographers Leica found itself playing catch-up. When "auto exposure" (somewhat of a misnomer since it was either the shutter speed or the aperture that the camera chose) Leica turned to Minolta for their technology. Minolta developed the XE-7 camera body and Leica worked with Copal to design the shutter. Leica then sold the Minolta XE-7 as the Leica R-3. When Minolta developed the world's first "multi-mode" SLR, the XD-11*, it became the basis for the Leica R-4 & R-5.

Leica also bought lenses from Minolta: the 16mm f2.8 full-frame fisheye and the 35-70mm f3.5 and 70-210mm f4 constant aperture zooms.

If you can afford a Leica and that's what you want by all means buy it.

* The XD-11 had Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual Metering.

Answer 3

"It will suffice.........."

But seriously, it depends on whether you are talking about a film camera, their better digital camera, or their point and shoot camera. Considering their current line (D-LUX 3, C-LUX 1, and V-LUX 1), there are others that I'd buy first...

I think the M8 is a super camera, but that's only based on reviews I've read. Quality is high, but it's actually pretty basic as far as features go. You have to KNOW how to use a camera (like the good old days) before you try to use this thing.

If you can live with a rangefinder camera, the 35 mm camera is superb. A rangefinder is a different kind of breed and I'm not sure I'd choose the "advantages" over a typical SLR.

Answer 4

More than ok.

The bodies arent speedy but the lenses are like German cars vs Japanese cars.......BMW or Nissan

For crystal optics Leica are much more than ok.

a

Answer 5

their film cameras are mechanical perfection - head & shoulders above any other brand for finish and durability

Answer 6

Okay, for what? To show off to others that you have money? Or to take photos? It's not the camera-it's the photographer, that creates beautiful photos.

-------------

Yep, M8 doesn't even focus for you! :-)