Leica cameras are and have been the object of desire since its inception. When we talk about this brand, we are talking about a really extreme level of quality, not always easy to achieve financially for the ordinary photographer.
Leica is synonymous with exclusivity and personality, a brand oblivious to fashion and absolutely true to itself, which has been able to exploit an excellent product for more than 100 years.
In this guide, we'll take a tour of Leica cameras and lenses and talk about other important things for users.
WHAT IS THE LEICA BRAND?
Leica is a German company founded in 1913, always linked to optics and precision optical instruments. The company is divided into three subsections, one dedicated to photography, another to surveying equipment, and the last one to medical equipment.
Leica Camera AG is the one that is dedicated to the research and production of cameras and their accessories.
Leica offers products of the highest quality in all its aspects, it is its main value as a brand, what differentiates it from all the others, and what justifies its high prices.
This brand is only committed to excellence, precision, design and the timelessness of its products, where nothing is banal or superfluous.
LEICA CAMERAS
We are going to review the different Leica models that you can find today, in this section you will find the following types of cameras:
- SLR professionals (S system)
- Full frame mirrorless (SL system)
- Mirrorless APS-C (CL/TL2)
- Digital telemetry (M system)
- Analog rangefinders (M system)
- Professional compact (Q series)
- compact
- Bridge
- Of action
- Snapshot
PROFESSIONAL LEICA SLR CAMERAS (S SYSTEM)
The S series has the S3 model available, an impressive professional medium format SLR camera .
LEICA PROFESSIONAL SLR CAMERA: S3
The Leica S3It is a professional medium format camera, with a 64MP Leica ProFormat 30 x 45mm sensor, ISO values up to 50,000, up to 60fps, very robust and lightweight, sealed, spectacular performance in all areas. It only has one but: the price is 18,750€, not suitable for most mortals.
PROS:
- Very good image stabilization
- 4K recording
- 18 compatible S-series lenses
CONS:
- Price
Take a look at this marvel in the official presentation video:
LEICA S3 SAMPLE GALLERY
Here you can see some sample images taken with the Leica S3.
LEICA FULL FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERAS (SL SYSTEM)
The SL system is Leica's full-frame mirrorless system. Within this range, you have the following cameras.
- Leica SL2
- Leica SL2-S
LEICA SL2 MIRRORLESS CAMERA
The Leica SL2 is a 47MP, 20fps, full-frame mirrorless professional camera, sealed, with 4K recording at 60fps, touch monitor and an ISO range of 50-50,000, autofocus of 225 metering fields, compatible with the application Leica PHOTOS for iOS and Android, among many other features. You can find it for €6,440on your own website.
PROS:
- Leica EyeRes © viewfinder with 5.7MP resolution
- 5K recording in a 4:3 ratio
- It can be used in extreme weather conditions from -10 to +40 degrees Celsius.
CONS:
- Price
- non-folding screen
LEICA SL2-S MIRRORLESS CAMERA
The Leica SL2-S is a very robust (metal body), touchscreen, sealed, 24MP full frame mirrorless camera with a minimalist design, ISO value up to 100,000, with a 5-axis stabilizer, 4K video recording , burst shooting with electronic shutter up to 25 fps and with mechanical shutter up to 9 fps. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® connectivity. You can get it on its own website for about €4,630.
PROS:
- L mount compatible with M,R and S via adapter
- 5.76 MP EyeRes electronic viewfinder
- High precision focus system
CONS:
- Fixed LCD display
- Somewhat heavy (931 g)
Here you can see it in detail:
LEICA APS-C MIRRORLESS CAMERAS (CL/TL2)
The APS-C format mirrorless Leica are the most affordable in the Leica world if we don't go into the compact ones. You have two models to choose from today, the Leica Cl and the TL2.
LEICA CL MIRRORLESS CAMERA
The Leica CL is a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor mirrorless camera ideal for street or travel photography due to its size, weight (403g) and discretion. A camera with a classic design, but with features such as a 3″ touch screen, electronic viewfinder or a good autofocus (49 focus points by contrast) and up to 10 fps. You can buy it for €2,510, is one of the most affordable Leica. Available in silver or black finish
PROS:
- excellent dynamic range
- High resolution electronic viewfinder
- 4K recording
- Wi-Fi connectivity
CONS:
- ISO hardly usable beyond 12,500
LEICA TL2 MIRRORLESS CAMERA
The Leica TL2 is a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor mirrorless camera, capable of recording in 4K, ISO 100-50,000, bursts up to 20 fps, Focus Peaking, with a lightweight one-piece body made of solid aluminum alloy . It is Leica's cheapest mirrorless camera to date.
PROS:
- 49 focus points
- 3.7″ high resolution touch screen
- 32GB internal memory
- Wi-Fi connectivity
CONS:
- Eliminates the built-in flash of the previous model
LEICA DIGITAL RANGEFINDER CAMERAS (M SYSTEM)
If you have an idea of what a classic Leica camera is, you're probably thinking of the Leica M-series. The cameras in this system owe their name to Messucher technology , a cross between a viewfinder and a rangefinder .. They are fast, discreet and compact cameras, with a spectacular design and construction and image quality.
The Leica M series is aimed at a photographer who works in manual mode, a lover of classic Leica cameras, since they retain their same essence. The user of the M series must prioritize quality over technological features. The way of working is very similar to film cameras, the essence remains intact, so if you are looking for the latest in automatic features, they are not your ideal camera.
Let's see their models in this series:
- Leica M11
- Leica M10-R
- Leica M10 Monochrome
- Leica M10-P
- Leica MA
- Leica MP
LEICA M11 CAMERA
The Leica M11 is a completely manual camera, including the focus. Its design is faithful to the old Leica cameras.
This digital rangefinder camera has a triple resolution Full Frame BSI CMOS sensor (you can choose between a resolution of 60, 36 or 18 MP for DNG and JPG), an ISO range of up to 50,000, an electronic shutter of up to 1/16,000, touch screen and a weight of 530 g.
As you can see, the M series is aimed at a very specific type of photographer, who absolutely masters manual mode, values quality and has a good budget, because this camera costs no less than €8,420.. It is available in a silver or black finish.
PROS:
- Manual focus by rangefinder
- rangefinder
- WI-FI connectivity
- Long exposure up to 60′
CONS:
- Price
- Slow at work
LEICA M10-R CAMERA
The Leica M10R is a fully manual rangefinder camera, with a 40MP Full Frame sensor, robust but discreet, with a magnesium and leather body (weight 660g), touch screen, ISO 100-50,000 and impressive image quality, but at a price of €8,215, affordable for only a few.
PROS:
- Maximum long exposure time up to 16′
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- ultra quiet shot
- Magnesium and leather body
CONS:
- Price
- No automatic benefits
LEICA M-10 MONOCHROME CAMERA
The Leica M-10 Monochrom is a rangefinder camera with a 40MP black and white sensor, ISO 160-100,000 range, 16' maximum exposure time, with a minimalist and elegant design. It works manually and has a touch screen. You can buy it for €8,415.
PROS:
- ultra quiet shot
- Maximum shutter speed 1/16,000
CONS:
- Black and white photography only
- Price
You can see a small sample gallery made with the Leica M-10 Monochrom:
LEICA M-10P CAMERA
The Leica M-10 P boasts of being the quietest camera on the market, with a 24MP full frame CMOS sensor, shooting speed up to 5fps and up to ISO 50,000. This rangefinder camera is made to go unnoticed, making it ideal for reporters, street photographers, etc. You can get it for €7,715, in silver or black chrome finish
PROS:
- ultra quiet shutter
- WiFi connection
- Touch screen
CONS:
- Price
ANALOG RANGEFINDER LEICA CAMERAS (M SYSTEM)
Leica M-system cameras are rangefinder mirrorless cameras. These types of cameras combine a direct optical viewfinder with a rangefinder independent of the lens, which allows you to focus on the subject by superimposing two images. When both match, the object is in focus * .
They are the cameras for which the brand became known and which continue to be reissued, improved and adapted to the digital world without losing its essence.
*Source: Wikipedia
Next we will see the Leica models with this system:
LEICA MA CAMERA (100% ANALOG LEICA)
The Leica MA is a rangefinder camera, 100% analog (uses film) and totally manual. Shutter speed 1 to 1/1,000 s. With an M mount, it is a camera for lovers of classic Leicas who enjoy analog photography at the hands of one of the best cameras in history. Its price is €4,540. Finished in black and silver. Weight 578g.
PROS:
- analog viewfinder
- 100% manual (shutter and aperture)
- Does not use battery
CONS:
- Cost of reels and development
LEICA MP CAMERA (100% ANALOG LEICA)
The Leica MP is a completely analog camera, both in the exposure controls and in its handling. It works with 36mm film and you have it in a black chrome and silver finish. You can get it for €4,640.
PROS:
- selective light meter
- manual controls
- Black chrome and silver finish
CONS:
- Cost of reels and development
PROFESSIONAL COMPACT LEICA CAMERAS (Q SERIES)
The Leica Q series focuses on a professional compact camera format, both for its features and its price.
LEICA Q2 COMPACT CAMERA
The Leica Q2 is an intuitive 47MP full-frame compact camera with excellent quality Summilux 28mm f/1.7 prime lens, autofocus, ISO 50-50,000, 3″ touchscreen, burst shooting up to 10fps, Bluetooth and impressive image quality. You can get it for about €5,340.
PROS:
- 4K video recording
- sealed body
- High-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder
CONS:
- Price
- fixed optic
- Weight: 734g
LEICA Q2 MONOCHROM COMPACT CAMERA
The Leica Q2 Monochrom is a compact full-frame camera with a 47MP monochrome sensor, a Summicron 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens with macro mode, digital zoom, 3″ touch screen, burst shooting up to 10fps, ISO 50-100,000 , high resolution 3.68MP OLED electronic viewfinder, splash resistant, Bluetooth. This camera is to work exclusively in black and white mode. You can get it for about €5,750.
PROS:
- 4K video recording
- high quality optics
- Fast and precise autofocus
CONS:
- Price
- fixed optic
- Weight: 734g
COMPACT LEICA CAMERAS
Contrary to what it might seem, Leica always has at its disposal at least a couple of high-quality compact cameras. They are usually ideal for travel or as daily camera accessories for professionals. As in the rest of its cameras, attention to detail and quality are guaranteed.
LEICA C-LUX COMPACT CAMERA
The Leica C-Lux is a 20MP compact camera, ISO up to 25,600, with a 15x optical zoom, an 8.8-132mm f/3.3-6.4 lens (24-360mm equivalent), screen 3″ touchscreen, up to 10fps, 5-axis stabilization and 4K recording. You can buy it for about €995. Finished in midnight blue or light gold and weighs 340g
PROS:
- 15x optical zoom
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- 5-axis stabilization
CONS:
- Price
LEICA D-LUX 7 COMPACT CAMERA
The Leica D-Lux 7 is a compact Leica camera, with a 17MP 4/3 sensor, comes with an integrated lens, 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 aperture, ISO up to 25,600, 11fps. Leica talks about a camera for beginners, for everyday use or as a complement for professional photographers. The price, however, can be somewhat high for a compact: €1,230. Finished in silver and black.
PROS:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 4K recording
- High resolution touch screen
CONS:
- Price
LEICA BRIDGE CAMERA
Bridge cameras are so called because they are a type of "bridge" camera between compacts and SLRs. Its optics are not interchangeable and it is usually a powerful zoom, ideal for travel photography, for example. Leica has a model, the Leica V-Lux5.
LEICA V-LUX5 BRIDGE CAMERA
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