I Still Don’t Get Leica
Back in November 2024 I finally managed to save enough money for a Leica. I’ve never been a Leica fan, nor has the brand ever been aspirational for me. However, given such an incredible following, the price tag, and the promise of the ultimate camera, my curiosity got the better of me. I still remember pressing the “Place Order” button and having a bit of a sinking feeling in my stomach.
Fast forward a few days and my brand new shiny Leica Q3 43 arrived in what can be described as the most premium packaging I’ve seen. I went for the Q3 43 because I have no interest in manual focus lenses, so the M11 was out of the question. I also don’t see the point in the SL3 because I already have the Sony A7RV. After unboxing the camera and holding it in my hands for the first time, I remember thinking, “Is this really worth nearly £5000?” Either way, I was committed now and headed into London to use it for the first time.
The first week of photography included a mixture of feelings and opinions. There was a part of me that didn’t want to like it, and another part that wanted me to fall in love and sell all my other gear. My initial impressions were very mixed. The world-class build quality was apparent right away. This was also a camera that was designed to be held, used, and enjoyed. However, the sub-par autofocus and a slow start-up time put a downer on the experience.
As time went on, I warmed up to the camera a lot. The image quality is outstanding, and I found ways to get around the slow AF and start-up time. The biggest thing I’ve noticed is how nice the camera is to use and interact with. It also felt like something that will travel with you everywhere and then be passed on, a bit like a Rolex watch. I wanted to take this camera everywhere with me, and I did.
By the 4th month, I started to notice a few things I didn’t like as much. People would often say “oh nice camera”, and many more would stare at it. If you love attention and need your ego massaging from time to time, the Leica is perfect for that. I personally found the opposite to be true, as I really don’t want attention and would rather blend in. I also found the AF and slow start-up time to become bigger issues, because as time went on, I ended up missing more and more shots because of it. Despite these negatives, I loved carrying the camera around with me and using it. I also found the camera to be suitable in any setting. A few times I would go for a fancy dinner, and the Leica didn’t look out of place with a smart outfit. On the other hand, the A7R looked silly. I know this is a pathetic observation, but it’s something I noticed nonetheless.
Fast forward another few months and I am not really sure what this camera is, whether I should keep it, and why I even need it. On one hand, this is a fun camera to use, interact with, and let’s be honest, it’s a great fashion accessory. I also adore the image quality coming out of it, from the colours to the character of that lens. On the other hand, it has many issues and shortcomings that simply wouldn’t fly with any other brand, but because it’s a Leica, people let them get away with it. If my priority is photography, then the Sony A7RV is the clear winner. If I want a camera round my neck just in case, or perhaps I’m out with family or friends, the Leica is more suitable.
As for the Leica brand, I personally think they’ve done an amazing marketing job convincing thousands of people to spend upwards of £5000 on a camera with average performance that shares key components (sensor) with other brands. Not only have they convinced people, they’ve also created a cult-like following that swear by Leica and will happily promote and defend the brand for free.
As I write this, I still don’t get Leica. It’s certainly not at the cutting edge of technology, and it can’t compete with the likes of Sony or Canon. It’s too expensive for 99% of people, and most will only ever be able to afford old second-hand versions. The more I think about it, the more I realise that Leica is akin to Rolex or Rolls-Royce. A very niche, luxury product with a price tag to match. It’s a statement piece, and even though you know there is zero point in owning one, you still lust after it.
I find myself in a constant loop of - I love this camera > I hate this camera > I will sell it > I will keep it > what’s the point of it > I get it now. This just runs on repeat. Sometimes people ask me if I can recommend the Q3 43, and even though I am nearly a year into ownership, I don’t know what to answer. So, will I keep it? I don’t know. Do I like it? I don’t know.
