Leica camera is the pinnacle of photography. From its modest origins in the early 1900s to the present, the German camera brand has established itself as the undisputed king of image quality.
Around photography nerds, mentioning Leica cameras will almost always elicit a few different responses. Some individuals won’t hesitate to claim they are among the best photographic devices ever made.
Some say Leica camera boast some of the most incredible lenses ever created. And a huge number of individuals will confirm that Leica cameras are expensive. All of that appears to be true. Even though Leica cameras are expensive, they also provide a special combination of photographic expertise and design that few other manufacturers can match.
Leica cameras are renowned for their handmade quality and century-long heritage. Leica cameras, produced in Germany since 1913, have an enduring design and premium build. You can be sure you’re receiving quality for your money when you purchase an American Fender guitar or a brand-new BMW.
After the initial creator of the firm, Ernst Leitz, the title is a collaboration of the words – Camera & Leitz. Many of Leica’s modern models share the same fundamental design as its cameras from the 1920s, while others look more akin to the 1950s and 1960s.
A wide range of high-end cameras, including SLR, 35 mm, monochrome, 4K digital, and all the modern capabilities you’d want to add to this otherwise timeless equipment, are produced by Leica under six primary product lines.
If you’ve been having trouble concluding which Leica camera is the greatest, your search ends here! We’ve listed below the top 5 Leica cameras available right now. From compact to medium format and across various pricing points, we have selected the best Leica cameras.
Best Leica Camera 2023
You’d be understood if you struggled to choose which Leica camera is best for you, considering the brand’s vast, well-established history and wide range of models. However, there are obvious options for each use case, and a Leica camera is available for everyone regardless of what you plan to photograph.
Some of history’s greatest photographers have used Leica cameras. So you’d better get acquainted with the various varieties on offer if you wish to be a part of this story. Find our top pick below if you are looking for a lightweight, affordable Leica purist or a cheap, waterproof point-and-shoot.
1. Leica M-A “Titan” Set
The M-A “Titan” set is the brand’s 6th limited-edition camera with a body made of titanium.
The premium, limited M-A “Titan” camera & lens are made of solid titanium, a long-lasting material. It set a distinctive, eye-catching appearance thanks to the titanium.
This set, which stands out for having an attractive and exclusive appearance, combines the iconic appeal of the APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH lens with the timelessness of the analog Leica M-A camera.
The APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH is the apex of full-frame lens design and promises unsurpassed optical performance. The APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH, widely regarded as the most technologically sophisticated lens of its kind, genuinely pushes the limits by redefining image sharpness for clarity that transcends every angle.
The Leica M-A “Titan” set is a completely mechanical camera that doesn’t rely on any connections for power or data and doesn’t even include a light meter. However, the set costs $19,995 and is only available in 250 units globally.
Reasons to buy:
- Beautifully engineered look
- Durable Titanium body
- Unparalleled optical performance
- Enhanced articulation
- Battery-less, all mechanical
- Lightweight body
- Striking image clarity, sharpness, and quality
Reasons to avoid:
- No light meter
- Highly pricey
- Limited edition
2. Leica M11
With the M11, Leica has designed a camera intended for photographers. It’s a stunning piece of equipment, and the images it produces are equally stunning.
There is no auto-focus on it. It does not capture video. It’s as pristine as they come. But don’t get fooled into imagining that it lacks cutting-edge technology.
There are three different resolution options available on the new 60-megapixel sensor inside.
A maximum of 60 megapixels can be captured for the most data, the largest dynamic range can be achieved with 36 megapixels, and the best low-light performance can be achieved with just 18 megapixels. This camera has a tonne of flexibility thanks to clever technology.
In addition, the M11 boasts many enhancements over the M-series cameras that came before it. The battery provides more than 50% greater power on a single charge. If you need to shoot quickly and quietly, it offers built-in storage for shooting without a card and an electronic shutter that can go as fast as 1/16,000.
Reasons to buy:
- Exceptional feel and build quality
- New electronic shutter option
- Compatible with some of the finest lenses
- 64GB internal memory
- High-res sensor; also captures lower-res images
Reasons to avoid:
- No video features
- Quite expensive
3. Leica SL2-S Reporter
The Leica SL2-S is a high-end, German-engineered hybrid stills & video camera that offers unmatched imaging capabilities supported by a wide variety of high-performing Leica SL-Lenses.
It comes in a special “Reporter” version that gives the camera a tough exterior with an aramid fiber covering and scratch-resistant green paint.
It has a 24.6MP full-frame sensor with a maximum continuous shooting speed of 25 frames per second, ISO100,000 still images, and 4K/60p video (although cropped), 10-bit, 4:2:2 color, with no clip length restriction. Leica’s own lens as well as lenses from Panasonic and Sigma are all compatible with the L-mount system.
An IP54 grade for weatherproofing extends to the Leica SL2s. This indicates that it can withstand light dust and take splashes from any angle. The Leica SL2s is undoubtedly one of the most durable and resistant cameras on the market.
Reasons to buy:
- Solid build quality
- Beautiful image quality
- Improved autofocus
Reasons to avoid:
4. Leica M6 2022
Although fresher and more robust components are used this time around, the new M6 nonetheless bears many similarities to its predecessor.
Instead of die-cast zinc for the top cover, it has brass and an abrasion-resistant lacquer.
It is made of solid brass and has a center dot, an LED light meter, and a battery warning light.
Additionally, it features a new coating for optical surfaces to block stray light. The new M6 is meticulously handmade from 1,000 separate pieces, which makes it even more stunning when used in the field.
Additionally, it features the MP’s anti-glare 0.72x MP-style viewfinder. Although it retains the M6’s appearance, this redesigned M6 incorporates some of Leica’s MP film camera technology.
Leica does not clearly state what technological advancements have been made since the first M6 models, however it features the same back ISO dial and features “modern electronics.”
Reasons to buy:
- Simple and attractive
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid:
- No weather protection
- No optional and superior 0.85× viewfinder
5. Leica Q2 “Ghost” by Hodinkee
The Leica Q2 “Ghost” edition comprises grey leather, a top cover coated in grey, and a lens that pays homage to a famous diving watch known as the “Ghost Bezel.”
The “Ghost” tweaks are just cosmetic, as such the camera’s performance is similar to the original Q2.
It is the perfect combination of form and function for the contemporary everyday camera, with intuitive controls, best-in-class performance, and Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading photographs to your devices.
Additionally, the grey cowhide leather covering has a natural texture and protective protection. The painted top cover and lens are then pale grey in tone, and the red Leica emblem is absent.
A carrying strap made of woven grey yarn and bound with a key ring completes the design. There are only 150 sets available globally of the second version Q2 “Ghost” Set by Hodinkee.
Reasons to buy:
- Great Raw image quality
- Excellent design
- Portable and weather sealed
Reasons to avoid:
- Fixed LCD
- Pricey
6. Leica MP 0.72
Leica MP 0.72 was made by hand specifically for photographers that offer various photographic fundamentals.
It captures images only a true photographer can spot, frame, and take. It features technology with a fixed emphasis on photography without the diversion of automation.
The svelte and dependable Leica MP can be used without batteries for all exposure times and in any weather.
Your Leica is equipped to handle everything Mother Nature decides to hurl at you. It provides more comfort and speed with its electronic shutter and aperture-priority metering system, with a vintage, mechanical look.
Leica’s dedication to using only the best materials and the most precise manufacturing processes ensures durability and long-term value. Available in two distinct body finishes, it allows the photographer to control even the most challenging lighting settings.
The camera gives you all creative control; the selective TTL metering technology only provides further information to assist you in selecting the best exposure settings.
Reasons to buy:
- Mechanical perfection
- Compact, analog rangefinder camera
- Packs selective light meter
- Has image field selector
- Excellent fit and finish
- Reliable performance
Reasons to avoid:
- Hefty
- Quite expensive
7. Leica Q2
It is a high-end point-and-shoot camera with a stunning, minimalist design. The Q2 functions like a scaled-down version of the genuine Leica M.
It got a tactile shutter speed dial & an aperture lens ring. A Full-frame fixed-lens camera, the Leica Q2 has a great manual focus mechanism but a mediocre auto-focus system.
The Q2 has the same full-frame sensor as the cutting-edge SL2, which results in extraordinarily good image quality.
Even the raw numbers for the Q2 are amazing. Notably, the flash sync speed of 1/500th second is twice as quick as full-sized interchangeable-lens cameras.
This camera is a big competitor because it boasts a quick processor and a great electronic viewfinder. Because of its superb weather sealing, it can be used in most weather conditions.
The high resolution of the image sensor makes it possible to crop in on broader photos while keeping image clarity, making it a good choice for street photographers. There is a monochrome version if you only want to photograph in black and white.
Reasons to buy:
- Full-frame image sensor
- Superb picture quality
- Great weather sealing
- Sturdily made
- Incredible lens performance
Reasons to avoid:
- Pricey
- Non-adjustable screen
- No built-in flash
8. Leica M10-R
The Leica M10-R is the best mirrorless camera, combining a traditional rangefinder style with an upgraded digital interior.
This 40-megapixel rangefinder from Leica is a more recent, high-end version of the company’s iconic M-Series.
Given the cost, it is probably out of most people’s pricing ranges. However, given the number of high-performance features it offers and its complete compatibility with M10 accessories, it merits consideration.
The camera is ideal for shooting outside because of its simple design and silent mechanical shutter. Like most other Leica cameras, it is made to be strong and small, making it ideal for any situation calling for a lightweight camera. With the minimal lines and simple design, your subject will be the center of your focus rather than the camera itself.
However, this is not the camera for individuals who want to experiment with video or save a little money. It is fairly pricey, lacks video capture, and may require some getting accustomed to. But for those that endure, it offers a fantastic, unique, handcrafted experience.
Reasons to buy:
- Super 40MP resolution
- Quiet shutter action
- Great optical viewfinder
- Beautiful design
- Excellent image quality
Reasons to avoid:
- Lacks auto-focus and 4K video
- No video capture
Verdict
In the photography world, Leica M cameras are legendary. The series has been produced for over 60 years, and Leica’s legacy dates back even further to the creation of the first camera to use 35mm film more than a century back.
You can imagine yourself as a contemporary Henri Cartier-Bresson, Fred Herzog, or one of the other renowned street photographers. They carried a Leica M camera as you raise your eye to the camera’s traditional viewfinder window. And if it makes you want to own one in this modern century, Leica M11 is the one to go with!
The M11, the most recent digital model in the rangefinder line from the German maestro, is a hybrid of the conventional and cutting-edge. And the M11 is a great choice if you get a digital Leica immediately. It’s the ideal fusion of modern technology and traditional design.
Overall, the M11 is fun to shoot with! It produces excellent pictures after you figure out how to work around its peculiarities – some are well-known, some are built into the design & others are brand-new. It is the M family’s most adaptable and capable member to date and the perfect choice for you!
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