Lecia is a very good investment. Leica cameras have been manufactured with an uncompromising dedication to the quality of the product. In the long run, Leica cameras can be a piece of very effective equipment in your photography kit.
Leica cameras and lenses are the most expensive in the world, but photographers love to take photos with them. They are great for shooting outdoor, interior, landscape, travel, and nature photography.
In this article, I have explained the cost of these cameras and if it is worth the price. I have also answered the most common questions regarding these cameras, such as, what makes the Leica cameras so special?
Do Leica cameras take better photos and lastly whether you should or should not invest in a Leica camera.
How much do Leica cameras cost?
Leica cameras hold the record of being the most expensive camera. For some, the pricing of these cameras can be considered unjustifiable, but those who are looking at the big picture, consider it to be a wise purchase. In the long run, the Leica cameras do turn out to be a good investment.
The cost range of Leica cameras starts from 1300$ – 9000$. I have listed some of the variable ranges of Leica cameras below for you to check out.
Leica D-Lux 7 Compact Camera – this is a travel-friendly camera that delivers excellent image quality. It also offers image stabilization and the style of this camera allows you to blend into the scene.
Leica Q2 Digital Camera – this camera comes with a wide-angle lens. The sensor is high-end resulting in pictures with a very special and detailed look to them. It offers up to 10 fps of continuous shooting speed.
Leica M11 Digital Rangefinder Camera – this lightweight camera has a high performing processor with a special feature of IR+UV cut filters. It can capture RAW images at 60, 36 or 18 megapixels.
Leica SL2-S Mirrorless Digital Camera – this mirrorless full-frame system camera has many distinguishing features, such as two shutters – electronic and mechanical. Also, the ISO in this camera can go up to 100,000.
Leica V-Lux 5 Superzoom Digital Camera – the special feature of this camera is image stabilization. It does not cost as much as the other Leica cameras, but it can be considered pricey for some.
What makes Leica special?
A good camera takes great photos without much hassle to set the settings. With Leica cameras, you can just take the camera out of the bag and take a photo immediately. Unlike other cameras, Leica cameras don’t come with the usual features such as auto-focus, they believe that manual photography is real photography.
Many photographers believe that the Leica cameras have a superior build, and incredible quality, yet are very simple in design and functionality. Leica cameras are extremely accurate and rugged in all the conditions. Here are 2 reasons why the Leica cameras are special:
Leica cameras are handmade
- Many Leica cameras are handmade in Germany, where labour costs are higher than any other place where other digital cameras are manufactured.
- Not all Leica cameras are manufactured in Germany, but their standards remain the same.
- The materials used to manufacture these cameras are of high quality, which means that moisture and dust don’t get into the camera.
- Leica cameras are made in a clean and sterile environment by skilled craftsmen and women using the historical company’s technique.
Leica cameras are minimalist
- The “M” series has the unique ability to quietly capture any moment without anyone noticing.
- The key attributes of these cameras are slim, tactful, silent and discreet.
- They are compact in design, which will fit into your hand like a glove and offer enhanced functionality.
- One Leica camera and a few nice prime lenses will not take up much space in the pockets of your camera bag and it won’t be excessively heavy either.
- With its sleek and minimal exterior, Leica cameras certainly make a fashion statement.
- Leica offers their cameras in two colors – black and satin silver. These two colors add an aesthetic look to the camera body.
Do Leica cameras take better photos?
When you take a photo with a Leica camera, you get a “buttery glow” in the photo that is distinguished. These cameras offer a much better picture quality than the other digital cameras and many photography enthusiasts dream of having their own Leica camera.
These cameras have been approved by many professional photographers for their effectiveness when it comes to capturing close scenes since they are compact and powerful.
The lens glass of this camera is polished to create an aspherical lens, providing an ideal surface for optics. The lens is so sharp itself, that there is very little need for post-production sharpening. These lenses create unique photographs by enhancing the beautiful textures of the unfocused region in the photos. They also admit light without any spillage, resulting in high-quality contrast shots even with strong shadows and highlights in the scene.
The Leica lenses feature “Bokeh” pleasingly. Leica lenses have nine aperture blades, which makes the iris circular and allows the lenses to capture the out-of-focus area behind the point of sharp focus turning specular highlights into round shapes that are brighter in the middle and darker to the outside of the image.
Leica has an amazing zone-focusing setting. This setting in other cameras is not simple to follow, but the Leica cameras can allow the viewer to see what’s out of the frame.
Do Leica cameras appreciate in price?
Lecia cameras are premium products whose retail value is high, which means that if you want to resell your camera after a few years, you will get much of your money back.
Now, keeping aside the retail value of these cameras, Leica cameras can last a lifetime as they are made with skill and precision and their lenses are fixed with screws so that they can last longer.
However, Leica cameras can burn a hole through your pocket, but the features and the lenses that the Leica range offers cannot be compared to other digital cameras. Also, since the cameras are hand-crafted, it is impossible to replicate the same design again and again.
More:
How long do Leica repairs take?
Conclusion: Should I get a Leica?
It is important to consider your needs before investing in a camera. The Leica models work best for skilled photographers who want total control over their exposure and focus settings.
Purchasing an expensive camera such as this one is not ideal for a beginner, who is still learning a technical skill. It is important to note that as a photographer your skill matters as much as the features of the best camera.
If you’re still learning the ropes of photography, Leica cameras will not magically make you a better photographer. It’s wiser to develop your craft first, figure out whether you need a rangefinder camera, and then drop money on a Leica.
This camera is not best suited if you are a wildlife or action photographer who tends to mostly rely on fast focusing and huge zooms.
However, the Leica camera would be a good purchase for a street photographer as the renowned rangefinder has the ability to take photos discreetly.
The “M” series of the Leica cameras are the best option for you if you are interested in taking photos of fine art. The Leica lens captures the exact texture and detail of the art. The camera and the lenses are durable, thus giving value for your money.
