Starting with Leica? - literally

Daedalus2000 wrote:

Hi.

I can see from your answers to the very interesting points that people posted that you really really want to have the experience of using a Leica, and I think deep down you believe that even if this experience does not lead to where you hope it will (to be a better photographer?) , you will still enjoy it and it will become part of your life's experiences.

Now let me put your mind at rest. If you buy a used Leica and you use it for a year or so you will not lose a lot of money. So you do not really have a major financial risk. As I said in previous posts, I managed to sell my M8 and M9 at the same or better price, so I had the experience and it cost me nothing. But, if you buy a new Leica you will lose. Probably 25 to 30% of the new price.

So my advise, DO NOT buy a new Leica, but go to a reputable dealer and get a used M8 or M9 in a good condition together with a lens of your choice (maybe 35mm or 50mm) and then commit to using it for a year. You really need to commit because in a day or two you will not "get" it... Imagine if someone gave you a car for a day or two and you did not know how to drive... How much would you enjoy it? Leicas are so simple that they are difficult... You really need to commit to learning and you need to persist. And if after a year you decide that they are not for you then sell everything, take a small loss and then buy a sony/canon/nikon/olympus whatever...

Also, do not try to start with photos where you use small depth of field. This was my mistake and I hated the fact that I could not get focus! So start your learning with "easy" subjects with good light and apertures at f4 to f8. So initially a summarit lens will do... And preferably static subjects... No chasing children with an M9 or trying to take a great portrait of your wife at f1.4 or trying to see how good the M9 is for low light photography... Have a specific learning plan that starts with easy photos and moves to the difficult ones slowly. Then I promise you you will enjoy the experience...

Now to help us help you more, you need to give us more information about your skill level, preferred lenses and to see some of your work. Can you do that?

Best Regadrs, D