A Leica Won't Improve Your Photography

[jeffkohn]

Not only is this an article from "The Online Photographer", but it's about Leicas. I wonder why John hasn't posted a link yet?


http://theonlinephotographer.typepad...otography.html

My problem with Leica is that for the overwhelming number of photographers, they're not good value—not even good Veblen value. I worry that people who are serious about photography, in the earlier stages of their interest, can be led to believe that Leicas will improve their work, to their great cost and disappointment. There's a reason few professionals use Leicas, and that's that the Leicas are not as good at producing professional-level shots as a DSLR. Almost any DSLR.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist with all the Leica talk lately. All in good fun. That said, the article is actually more balanced than the title and above quote might lead you to believe.)

[KdLaneJr]

I think he's still trying to figure out if Leica makes bicycles...

[JohnT]

Very balanced. While I have thought that shooting with a Leica (or any RF) might be fun and different, I've never actually thought that my images would improve. Only the experience would be different from shooting with a DSLR—possibly different enough to keep me intrigued. Who knows? Maybe I'll pick up or rent a used film Leica one day just to try it.

Thanks for posting this, Jeff.

[groovyone]

Good post.

I do not expect that I'd get better photos with one, but I cant hlp but wonder if I'd enjoy photography more. It also fits my shooting style more.

[johnastovall]

John Camp is correct. He is also a great writer and painter.

I suggest everyone should give one of his Prey novels a read.

A Leica will not make you a great photographer but can give you great pleasure in the creation of images. Rather like a Jaguar won't make you another Sterling Moss but can sure make the drive to work more fun.

I rather surprised he drive a Benz. His alter ego, Lucas Davenport drives a Porsche.

As for the other, see my sig.

[jeffkohn]

I think the takeaway is that some tools are better suited to certain specialties than others, while other tools are more generalist. Ironically the Leica rangefinder was a very versatile all-around general camera at the time of its introduction, compared to other alternatives at the time. But today SLR's have filled that role, and the rangefinder is more of a specialist. For many shooting street and reportage photography, the rangefinder "shortcomings" relative to a DSLR are non-issues, and rangefinders have some compelling advantages of their own. You're probably going to have limited success shooting macro or sports with one, though.

Another aspect is that choice of camera doesn't have to be a completely logical, rational decision. There's something to be said for getting what you want/like and enjoying it. And in that sense, a new camera can make you a better photographer if it motivates you to get out and shoot more, or try new things.

[Flea77]

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

And in that sense, a new camera can make you a better photographer if it motivates you to get out and shoot more, or try new things.

That is exactly what I was about to say. I have a Contax RF and my love for that camera is worth more than several classes on photography as it makes me want to get out an play.

Allan

[LoungeLizard]

The key thing with RF vs DSLR is the size. You can take it to more places and are a lot more inconspicuous which may give you more opportunities.

No expeience at all with RF, though I do have a friend that uses them exclusively for all his work (wedding, portraits, etc., etc.)

[Dobick]

Took me a while to find it -- but with little more than the fact that it was discussing the luxury value of a leica, I did a search for leica and finally found this thread again.

Currently taking a college course that recently brought up the idea of advertisers and the way they sell their stuff. Could not think of the term "veblen value" to save my life.

Figured I would give this thread a bump for two reasons -- one the term veblen value and link posted is a good read

and two, it is a tailor made Stovall thread and I kinda miss him around here