Like I said before, even though I cant afford Leica at the moment... I know that one day I'll own one. You sir deserve that Leica and much more. Love your photos. You are an inspiration.
Unlike you I loved my Nikon DSLR 800E and for it was my dream digital camera. Like you I also got emotional about my dream camera but I needed to change to reduce “carry weight” and decided Leica cameras would be out of question $$$. Hence Fuji x100F and xt2 was chosen which I have upgraded to xt5. Note it took me two years to decide to sell my Nikon gear, I know it is silly about getting emotional about physical thing … but hey you know the feeling too. I just found your channel and since I love b/w it fits nicely in my photography information basket. Nice job☺️
Flippin eck, Paul, you could’ve been speaking directly to me in the first half of this excellent video. That Q2M is calling my name. Thanks for sharing your other gear with us, very interesting 😁
I agree that the Leica Q2M is magic. I think the best pictures I have ever taken are with this camera. As I focus on Landscape, I would like to see an SL3 Monochrome camera so I could use my other L-mount lenses. Keep up your passion for B&W photography!!
Good evening Paul, thanks again for sharing your candid views on the importance of joy in photography. You are a professional, so this is interesting to hear. I have gone by this joy for myself for ever however I do not have any client to satisfy but myself. This to say that for a while I have found joy / inspiration in using some gear that garners less attention: Micro 43 GH5 which I put out there, just to show things can be quite diverse. Analog, yes my joy for over 20 years has been the leica M7 because it corresponds to the way I operate (plus the size). Still if the M7 had had the so convenient exposure lock on my contax G2 would have been perfect. (contax was a creative inspirational joy, however after two Contax total freeze, a T3 and a TVS digital, I let goo of it). Thanks to exchanging with the community you built, I dipped my toes in the leica digital waters with a M10M. This has reinvigorated my photography. I had been getting shy on the M7 due to me declining eyesight. using the M10M screen to focus and also the visoflex (especially with the 75 1.4) brings such sweet results. I have had the GH5 for a number of years already and the M10M will hopefully be kept for a long long while, although I can't help fretting about all those electronic components. time will tell. sorry for the ramble. to sump, it does not have to be Leica. Leica though understands certain use cases extremely well (and yes, I fell for it a long time ago) and for that are incredible. Some other even quite modest equipment can bring you joy when paired with good glass. Good photos to all.
Absolutely right!! Sometimes it’s the gear that nobody would think was great that gives us more pleasure! There’s a bit of Kudos you get from shooting Leica. Right or wrong it’s a fact. I’m not sure many would have found me if a shot Sony!
The Q2 Monochrom was my first Leica, and the first digital camera I liked, due to the quality and simplicity. I sold it, thinking my other Leicas would suffice (digital CL, M11, SL2, and eventually an M11 Monochrom. If a Q3 Monochrom is released, I’ll pick one up.
@@paulreidphotography The M11 and M11 Monochrom are terrific cameras. They’re obviously much more convenient than my M6 TTL (the film shooting experience is still fun, but I use the digital Ms more often). I’ve mostly used the VisoFlex2 EVF on the M11s, but am now trying to improve my use of the rangefinder. To be frank, while Leica kit is high quality (and the company supports it), it’s expensive. However, I scrimped, saved, and invested all my life, so recently, I decided to treat myself with good photo equipment (I’m well into the back 9 of life).
Hi Paul, thank you for another great video. Just wondering if you ever did a video on zone focusing. I looked at some on TH-cam and they look complicated
Great vid, I love the single mindedness of shooting monochrome. I have a Q1 set to high contrast monochrome. I really like seeing the shot in mono through the evf - something the sweet M8 I once owned could never do, the only thing I miss however is the shutter clunk!✌️🇦🇺
The camera that proved to me that digital has come of age is the a7III. The low light performance of the a7III is still relevant now. It transformed my landscape photography by allowing me to get great low noise handheld shots right before sunrise and after sunset. My M10M is my dream camera, and it's my first choice for just about everything nowadays. I use it every day to document my life. Monochrome takes more thought, especially attention to light and shadow, but when I get it right, it's just magical and so gratifying.
I totally agree with you. I feel the same about my Q2M. I have the Q2 as well. I would sell the Q2 towards a Leica M but then I open a can of worms for Leica lenses! Do you use color filters on your Q2M? I really enjoy them.
@@paulreidphotography Really? I'm surprised! I have a yellow and an orange for my Q2m and want to get a red. Seem super-useful to me since you can't play with the color channels like you can when converted color to b&w. Can't argue with your results, though. Very inspirational.
I agree with a lot of what you've said in this video. I hate it when people post their images in black and white and color all the time. Often, it's not about the viewer's opinion. It's fishing for comments to have more interaction on social media. As a Leica shooter with some Leica gear, I can also recommend buying used Leica gear. I bought 90% of my Leica gear used, and you can often find used gear in absolute mint condition. Used gear is not sold cheaply, but it can save much money compared to new gear. Even official Leica stores do sell used gear with a warranty.
Very much agreed. It seems like a lot of Leica gear is pretty gently used and it's not hard to find near-mint stuff. All of my Leica stuff (M10, Q2m, and Summicron 50 mm) I bought used and it's like new.
Gear don't matter, we have to find what work for us, everyone is different, and style doesn't matter as well, find the right dimensions where we are happy to photograph is the key for me.
I use Fuji, they work for me. The only other cameras that Interest me are Leica. However my wife knows they are not cheap, I have no chance of smuggling one of those into the house lol.
I use the Leica and Nikon film cameras, and still use my Nikon Df and D800 for digital shooting. Honestly, a good print is a good print. I don’t think many people go around and ask what camera a print was made with. As for older cameras, even a 10 or 15 year old camera can be all that one needs.
Hi, Paul, thanks for this survey. Among my cameras I have a Leica Q2. What do you think is the advantage of a dedicated monochrome camera (like your Q2) and simply converting from colour in LR or Photoshop? Just joined your website.
Thanks so much!!! So there is a different look to the images. Now that is the case with many different sensors anyway. My Fuji lacks some magic sauce compared to an old Leica SL I had. But even each monochrome sensor released so far has a unique look. The real power of a monochrome sensor is its low light capabilities. Shadow detail is insane. Sharpness without sharpening! How different from the Q2? Well I could shoot F8 1/500 all day in and out of the subway if I chose and not be disappointed. Cropping is where this becomes more apparent. Let’s say you shoot something and need to really crop in. Well you crop in on the noise too! What you see from the Q2M is a delicious noise structure that looks organic rather than digital.
I love your monochrome compositions Paul and I'd like to use it far more in my photo walk street photography. Wondering if your online course would benefit me as I don't enjoy taking portraiture images. What's your opinion?
Not so long ago, despite having promised to myself that I wouldn't buy another film camera having 4 Leica Ms and a IIIc, dozens of Nikons, Canon EF Canon EOS5 SLR, Hasselblads, Pentax 67 and many more, I bit the bullet and paid auite a bit of money foe an F5 which is almost like new. Shooting with thos camera brings a smile to my face and I say, yes, yes, yes. Its big, its heavy, its absolutely not for ' hair dressers ' as the Italians say. The cameta just fits my hands like a well fitting glove and its as modern as I wish it, and it is nearly 30 years old. Its simply beautiful, and I say again that I have owned ?eica M2, Leica M3, M6 TTL, Typ 240, IIIc and one more on the way, but the F5 is special, really special.
OMG, can't agree more about digital ruining the cameras. I'd love a digital version on the Nikon FM2n! Have settled on the Leica SL2-S and will add M lenses to it but it won't be used for 60% f it's features!
I am not a fan of when people send out BW and color and then ask. I post it as I see it. I will not let go of my M10M even though I am adding the M11M. I love the M10M and even with the M11M I will still use the older model all the time. I find it perfect lithesome older lenses that I do not like the way they render on the M11M. Of course just my opinion. Lovely work Paul!!
I really enjoy your channel Paul. I love your passion and your ability to convey it your viewers. If I ever get to your area, I will do my best to sign up for one of your street photography sessions. Oh, and your images are sublime.
Excellent question! The Q came first. The M after. I’d love an M digital monochrome camera. But the Q has been through so much with me I’d find it hard to part with it. But yeah! An M10 monochrom straight swap for my Q2M and I’d probably say yes!
One thing that makes me hesitate to get a Leica is the attention it draws. I was at an outdoor car show this weekend and I just can't imagine what it would have beenlike to have a Leica and have people noticing me and staring and pointing. Maybe I'm wrong, but even when I take a classic Nikon film camera it draws a lot of unwanted attention. I've had bicycle riders stop and turn around to chat. that can be a good thing, but it gets old really fast. And the stares from the shady characters made me a bit insecure.
I own a Leica M240, the funny thing is that most proud Leica owners think everybody is staring at their expensive camera. If you could hear people think, here is what you would hear: "Have you seen that old peacock walking around with an old film camera from the 1950's when everybody else is using a cell phone!"
Very very rarely does anyone say something and then it’s just a quick “nice camera.” Only photographers know what Leica is. No one really cares what camera I carry. Well bartenders usually say something just to strike up a conversation (working up the tip). But then I always get a portrait. 😂
Some people might find a rangefinder a novelty in this day and age, but in my experience the overwhelming majority of people have no clue what a Leica is and don’t care anyway. The only place where people are obsessed with cameras other people are using is youtube comments.
In my opinion, it is important what you photograph, not the camera used. I have a Fujifilm x100T that is limping along (literally), and I got this amazing portrait image (with her permission) of a woman sitting on the ground in a parking lot. Also, I liked your input on the lenses used - for me a camera body is a body, but a proper lens takes the show.
Like I said before, even though I cant afford Leica at the moment... I know that one day I'll own one. You sir deserve that Leica and much more. Love your photos. You are an inspiration.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate this
Great video. I will never give up my Q2. Like you with the monochrome it makes me love to use it.
Without a doubt, my Q2 Monochrom is one of my best purchases, ever.
Wow! In 1967, I received my Leica M3, 50mm lens! Yes for many assignments used SLR. Mamiya for studio and occassional major work.
Newer cameras won’t automatically be better, your pictures rock, no need for a new one.
Thanks very much! I think cameras reached a point a while back that were already good enough.
Unlike you I loved my Nikon DSLR 800E and for it was my dream digital camera. Like you I also got emotional about my dream camera but I needed to change to reduce “carry weight” and decided Leica cameras would be out of question $$$. Hence Fuji x100F and xt2 was chosen which I have upgraded to xt5. Note it took me two years to decide to sell my Nikon gear, I know it is silly about getting emotional about physical thing … but hey you know the feeling too. I just found your channel and since I love b/w it fits nicely in my photography information basket. Nice job☺️
Flippin eck, Paul, you could’ve been speaking directly to me in the first half of this excellent video. That Q2M is calling my name. Thanks for sharing your other gear with us, very interesting 😁
Thanks so much for watching! I really appreciate it
Finally, someone says it! I also prefer SLRs a million times more than mirrorless.
@@thomashilmersen711 it’s totally refreshing!!!!
I agree that the Leica Q2M is magic. I think the best pictures I have ever taken are with this camera. As I focus on Landscape, I would like to see an SL3 Monochrome camera so I could use my other L-mount lenses. Keep up your passion for B&W photography!!
That would be a very cool camera! Thais for watching the videos
Good evening Paul, thanks again for sharing your candid views on the importance of joy in photography. You are a professional, so this is interesting to hear. I have gone by this joy for myself for ever however I do not have any client to satisfy but myself.
This to say that for a while I have found joy / inspiration in using some gear that garners less attention: Micro 43 GH5 which I put out there, just to show things can be quite diverse.
Analog, yes my joy for over 20 years has been the leica M7 because it corresponds to the way I operate (plus the size). Still if the M7 had had the so convenient exposure lock on my contax G2 would have been perfect. (contax was a creative inspirational joy, however after two Contax total freeze, a T3 and a TVS digital, I let goo of it).
Thanks to exchanging with the community you built, I dipped my toes in the leica digital waters with a M10M. This has reinvigorated my photography. I had been getting shy on the M7 due to me declining eyesight. using the M10M screen to focus and also the visoflex (especially with the 75 1.4) brings such sweet results.
I have had the GH5 for a number of years already and the M10M will hopefully be kept for a long long while, although I can't help fretting about all those electronic components. time will tell.
sorry for the ramble. to sump, it does not have to be Leica. Leica though understands certain use cases extremely well (and yes, I fell for it a long time ago) and for that are incredible. Some other even quite modest equipment can bring you joy when paired with good glass.
Good photos to all.
Absolutely right!! Sometimes it’s the gear that nobody would think was great that gives us more pleasure! There’s a bit of Kudos you get from shooting Leica. Right or wrong it’s a fact. I’m not sure many would have found me if a shot Sony!
The Q2 Monochrom was my first Leica, and the first digital camera I liked, due to the quality and simplicity. I sold it, thinking my other Leicas would suffice (digital CL, M11, SL2, and eventually an M11 Monochrom. If a Q3 Monochrom is released, I’ll pick one up.
I’d love some kind of M digital
@@paulreidphotography The M11 and M11 Monochrom are terrific cameras. They’re obviously much more convenient than my M6 TTL (the film shooting experience is still fun, but I use the digital Ms more often). I’ve mostly used the VisoFlex2 EVF on the M11s, but am now trying to improve my use of the rangefinder.
To be frank, while Leica kit is high quality (and the company supports it), it’s expensive. However, I scrimped, saved, and invested all my life, so recently, I decided to treat myself with good photo equipment (I’m well into the back 9 of life).
@@paulreidphotography I recently bought an M10 and it's great. The M11D looks really fun but this was about half the price.
Hi Paul, thank you for another great video. Just wondering if you ever did a video on zone focusing. I looked at some on TH-cam and they look complicated
@@martinsmyth5580 hi mate, thanks so much. There will be a section on it in my online course for sure. I’ve kept it simple
@@paulreidphotography Thank you, Paul. I am looking forward to doing your course it looks great!
Great vid, I love the single mindedness of shooting monochrome. I have a Q1 set to high contrast monochrome. I really like seeing the shot in mono through the evf - something the sweet M8 I once owned could never do, the only thing I miss however is the shutter clunk!✌️🇦🇺
Love the Q1! I took one of my all time favourite images on that camera
The camera that proved to me that digital has come of age is the a7III. The low light performance of the a7III is still relevant now. It transformed my landscape photography by allowing me to get great low noise handheld shots right before sunrise and after sunset. My M10M is my dream camera, and it's my first choice for just about everything nowadays. I use it every day to document my life. Monochrome takes more thought, especially attention to light and shadow, but when I get it right, it's just magical and so gratifying.
I think I’d take the M10 Monochrom over the M11 Monochrom for some reason!
I totally agree with you. I feel the same about my Q2M. I have the Q2 as well. I would sell the Q2 towards a Leica M but then I open a can of worms for Leica lenses! Do you use color filters on your Q2M? I really enjoy them.
I played with the filters for a few weeks and got bored of them!!!
@@paulreidphotography wow other than the high ISO ability using color filters is the other big reason a monochrome sensor makes sense
@@paulreidphotography Really? I'm surprised! I have a yellow and an orange for my Q2m and want to get a red. Seem super-useful to me since you can't play with the color channels like you can when converted color to b&w. Can't argue with your results, though. Very inspirational.
I agree with a lot of what you've said in this video. I hate it when people post their images in black and white and color all the time. Often, it's not about the viewer's opinion. It's fishing for comments to have more interaction on social media. As a Leica shooter with some Leica gear, I can also recommend buying used Leica gear. I bought 90% of my Leica gear used, and you can often find used gear in absolute mint condition. Used gear is not sold cheaply, but it can save much money compared to new gear. Even official Leica stores do sell used gear with a warranty.
I’ve still got my eye on an M10 Monochrom used at some point
Very much agreed. It seems like a lot of Leica gear is pretty gently used and it's not hard to find near-mint stuff. All of my Leica stuff (M10, Q2m, and Summicron 50 mm) I bought used and it's like new.
Gear don't matter, we have to find what work for us, everyone is different, and style doesn't matter as well, find the right dimensions where we are happy to photograph is the key for me.
I guess it’s just whatever we are happy with really. What gets us out there taking photos
I use Fuji, they work for me. The only other cameras that Interest me are Leica. However my wife knows they are not cheap, I have no chance of smuggling one of those into the house lol.
Ha haaa! Yeah it’s best to keep the marriage
Stick a tape on the logo 😊
@@LeePierre Could be a plan lol.
Say it´s over 10 years old and you got it cheap on a fleemarket = fleebay ;-)
@@alebo62 Now there is a thought LOL.
I use the Leica and Nikon film cameras, and still use my Nikon Df and D800 for digital shooting. Honestly, a good print is a good print. I don’t think many people go around and ask what camera a print was made with. As for older cameras, even a 10 or 15 year old camera can be all that one needs.
Totally true! I still use a canon 5D Mkii on occasions
Hi, Paul, thanks for this survey. Among my cameras I have a Leica Q2. What do you think is the advantage of a dedicated monochrome camera (like your Q2) and simply converting from colour in LR or Photoshop? Just joined your website.
Thanks so much!!! So there is a different look to the images. Now that is the case with many different sensors anyway. My Fuji lacks some magic sauce compared to an old Leica SL I had. But even each monochrome sensor released so far has a unique look. The real power of a monochrome sensor is its low light capabilities. Shadow detail is insane. Sharpness without sharpening! How different from the Q2? Well I could shoot F8 1/500 all day in and out of the subway if I chose and not be disappointed. Cropping is where this becomes more apparent. Let’s say you shoot something and need to really crop in. Well you crop in on the noise too! What you see from the Q2M is a delicious noise structure that looks organic rather than digital.
@@paulreidphotography Thanks Paul, much to think about here. Stay well
I love your monochrome compositions Paul and I'd like to use it far more in my photo walk street photography. Wondering if your online course would benefit me as I don't enjoy taking portraiture images. What's your opinion?
There’s sections on each of the types of photography I do so it’s not all portrait lessons
Bonjour et merci Paul pour vos formidables vidéos, est-ce que votre formation est accessible en Français ?
A lot of it is video. I will check if there’s some way to translate the documentation
Not so long ago, despite having promised to myself that I wouldn't buy another film camera having 4 Leica Ms and a IIIc, dozens of Nikons, Canon EF Canon EOS5 SLR, Hasselblads, Pentax 67 and many more, I bit the bullet and paid auite a bit of money foe an F5 which is almost like new. Shooting with thos camera brings a smile to my face and I say, yes, yes, yes. Its big, its heavy, its absolutely not for ' hair dressers ' as the Italians say. The cameta just fits my hands like a well fitting glove and its as modern as I wish it, and it is nearly 30 years old. Its simply beautiful, and I say again that I have owned ?eica M2, Leica M3, M6 TTL, Typ 240, IIIc and one more on the way, but the F5 is special, really special.
That’s a great camera!!! I’ve got some great Nikon lenses!
@@paulreidphotography Yes, particularly, the 28mm f2.8 AIS, and the 105 F2.5 AIS.
Great video Paul
Thanks so much!!!
Do you manual focus the gorgeous portraits you shoot on your Q2M? Do you mostly focus manually? thx
I usually just use the AF with the Q2M. It does feel lazy sometimes but it works!!
What's your thoughts on UV filters (for lens protection) on monchrome cameras?
Yeah if you have a fixed lens then that lens needs protected as you can’t replace that cheaply.
OMG, can't agree more about digital ruining the cameras. I'd love a digital version on the Nikon FM2n! Have settled on the Leica SL2-S and will add M lenses to it but it won't be used for 60% f it's features!
I love that big hunk of metal!!! I had an SL and it felt so good in the hand
I am not a fan of when people send out BW and color and then ask. I post it as I see it. I will not let go of my M10M even though I am adding the M11M. I love the M10M and even with the M11M I will still use the older model all the time. I find it perfect lithesome older lenses that I do not like the way they render on the M11M. Of course just my opinion. Lovely work Paul!!
Thanks so much!!! I’d love an M10M! I wanted one when I bought the Q2M
LOL they do last a lifetime. My M6 and V4 cron have been with me for 35 years. a few CLAs and rangefinder re-cal but price per year was cheap.
From wich brand is the 90mm lens?
It’s a Leica lens. But it costs around 300 for a one in great condition
I really enjoy your channel Paul. I love your passion and your ability to convey it your viewers. If I ever get to your area, I will do my best to sign up for one of your street photography sessions. Oh, and your images are sublime.
Oh, bollocks, might have to swap my order now!
Curious that you use an M camera for film, but the Q for digital. Any particular reason you don't just use a digital M and share lenses?
Excellent question! The Q came first. The M after. I’d love an M digital monochrome camera. But the Q has been through so much with me I’d find it hard to part with it. But yeah! An M10 monochrom straight swap for my Q2M and I’d probably say yes!
Two great Leica cameras. Makes me a bit jealous.
I get jealous of people with three
@@paulreidphotography Jokes apart, I always wanted to buy the M6. But it's just too expensive.
Leica said before: a Sony A7CR with Voigltänder lenses makes a much more affordable M11-P and then some.
@@RikMaxSpeed indeed!! And if you enjoy those combos then that’s the one for you!!! An M11 anything is way out of my price range these days
7:57 That's my understanding of "street portraiture." Not "street photography."
You’re right! I meant to say street portrait workshops
Ooh, there's no sound to this video?
@@conscientiousobjector9555 maybe reload it. Or check your settings. There’s sound
One thing that makes me hesitate to get a Leica is the attention it draws. I was at an outdoor car show this weekend and I just can't imagine what it would have beenlike to have a Leica and have people noticing me and staring and pointing. Maybe I'm wrong, but even when I take a classic Nikon film camera it draws a lot of unwanted attention. I've had bicycle riders stop and turn around to chat. that can be a good thing, but it gets old really fast. And the stares from the shady characters made me a bit insecure.
I own a Leica M240, the funny thing is that most proud Leica owners think everybody is staring at their expensive camera. If you could hear people think, here is what you would hear: "Have you seen that old peacock walking around with an old film camera from the 1950's when everybody else is using a cell phone!"
I’ve never experienced that.
I only really get attention from other Leica users. Nobody else cares!
Very very rarely does anyone say something and then it’s just a quick “nice camera.” Only photographers know what Leica is. No one really cares what camera I carry. Well bartenders usually say something just to strike up a conversation (working up the tip). But then I always get a portrait. 😂
Some people might find a rangefinder a novelty in this day and age, but in my experience the overwhelming majority of people have no clue what a Leica is and don’t care anyway. The only place where people are obsessed with cameras other people are using is youtube comments.
In my opinion, it is important what you photograph, not the camera used. I have a Fujifilm x100T that is limping along (literally), and I got this amazing portrait image (with her permission) of a woman sitting on the ground in a parking lot. Also, I liked your input on the lenses used - for me a camera body is a body, but a proper lens takes the show.
The lenses are so important!!! A bad lens will really let you down
Stop going advices .We don't come here for advices
Not for you to decide, start your own channel.
As soon as I put the word Leica on a video you all come out of the woodwork!
I come here for advice.
Pauls' perspective is genuine and heartfelt. A breath of fresh air in the YT cesspool.