Added: 8 months ago
From: DigitalRevCom
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  • Nice piece.

  • since i got my m6, my 5DmII hasn't left the house... it's a different way of shooting.. you start to think more about the scenery, the light, you learn to set your camera up even without looking at it just by guessing and you learn to nail it... photography isn't always about the final image! of course that's the biggest part. but i don't want to go out and feel it as a burden to take pictures, i want to do it because i have fun at it. that s why i love leica.. you re having fun...

  • Its like Honda Toyota vs Bmw Merz ! They are just good cars Am i right ? Of course, but let me ask you this honest question, what if you have deep pockets, would you get a Honda v6 Accord or you can get a 335i Twin Turbo or C350 AMG ? Plssssssssss ! Like some other ppl said, German technologies will never let you down.

  • Gotta love Kai´s Frogstance when taking photos.. :p

  • When you want to take photos, you use a Nikon or Canon. When you want to make art, you use a Leica.

  • @3FLYTE Well said, good sir.Too bad the poor won't be able to make any.

  • leica M9 is 7000USD only

  • @garrickTT and don't forget the 3k for the 50 1.4.

  • @garrickTT yeah a 1dx or the d3x plus a lens or two for the same price.

  • how much does this camara cost????

  • For me, the ultimate measure of a camera (and of a photographer) is the pictures it produces. I'd find more worth in such a camera if it made a marked difference in my picture capture, but I don't think it would... yet, anyway.

    On a lighter note, WHERE'S THE BOKEH?

    And you missed a couple of great shots; at 4:56 (the toy figurines) and 5:05 (the kung fu shoe shop).

  • It's great to see a story by a knowledgable person regarding a camera about which he is fond.

    Personally, I value some attributes more than those mentioned (size, weight, looks, colour / unobtrusiveness). I've never had a chance to use or own one (and that's a problem with such an 'exclusive' camera; I can dream about owning one, but I will never know until I have a chance to use one whether it does indeed suit me, and the price makes that an extreme unlikilhood.)

  • Leica is the Angelina Jolie of rangefinders. Waaaaay out of my league, and f*cking beautiful.

  • but does it have smile detection?

  • I shoot on my father's Zenit-E and have same feelings. And I dont have to trade my car for it

  • Wether you like it or not this is a very emotional video. As a new photographer I find this video very inspirational.

    One of the few times you'll see Kai's passion and love for photography right out there on his sleeve. It's very inspiring for any photographer with any camera. Kai's argument on automation could be just as easily applied to music.

    Well done that man.

  • at 3:45 what is he operating with his finger? what is that switch for?

  • I think one should realise that the reason the Leica got its "soul" is because of immense marketing and the high price (and therefore its exclusivity) I don't buy the "back to basics"-argument at all, if you want to be limited technologically just switch your bloody AF off. Its a good product, but you cant escape the fact that youre paying for an certain image (no pun intended). Congrats to Leica for building such a strong brand, but I will probably always regard Leica owners as a bit suckered

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  • Love your videos and photos but your accent is giving me goose bumps.

  • I like the way he softly places the camera at the table. As if he lays his own eyes at rest. And why not, good eyes should be handled as beeing irreplaceable. Anyone should tell this to the knocking primates with Leica's in their hands here on youtube .

  • I'm jealous

  • u like it because it fits your style

  • wow, every sample photo except of one or two is bad, i dont see any technique in takinblurry, moved frames. camera is cool. and please all ppl who are bitching the price: that is not leica problem. it is yours.

  • Check out DigitalRev's Leica Noctilux review . That's where you will see the amazing images

  • @SapienHunter i know where too look for good samples. but it sucks this guy can't do more than talkin talkin.

  • Should change the title to "Why the Leica M is so expensive"

  • 5:27!!! The best picture taken by Kai! he really nailed it!

  • i stay with my nikon D300s^^

  • Personally I don't care what my camera looks like. Its about the pictures you take with it, and if you're so sentimental over using older technology, shoot on film.

  • sorry, but you are just holding an slr wrong.

  • @count300

    He knows how to hold an SLR. Its just he wants to hold it that way in this video, for some reason...

  • if i got leica i would get a film version

    prob M3

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  • @AssiVomDienst1 Your argument is laughable, and to address it would probably be a waste of my time in the long run. Suffice it to say, I don't think you understand what you're implying, or you're failing to imply what you intended to. There is no reasonable explanation for why the Leica M digital cameras cost as much as they do, this when considering only the bodies, not the lenses. The lenses do have the unique feature of staying very small for their effective focal lengths.

  • I think this is one of your only serious videos haha

  • why is it "refreshing" to use a camera which has less funktions and is more difficult to use with a price that is 10 times as high than good DLSRs??

    if this wouldn't be a camera by Leica, the review would have been very different I think..

  • @xilefx ever used one?

  • @bicycleghost41 no. but is it really worth that amount money? I just thought I even would not need to test the camera to come to that point.

  • @xilefx just go out and try one, you'll understand then!

  • @xilefx There's a different feel to things if you know you did it. It's like taking a photo in Auto and taking it in Manual mode. There is a different in what you feel about the shots.

    Compare this to being given money for free and really earning it, you will always value the things you earned.

  • @SapienHunter yea.. I understand you nostalgic guys but the point is: you can do manual and automatic photography with a DLSR and the leica is just manual..

  • @xilefx that's exactly what leica is all about.. it s not a entry level dslr some idiot picks up and thinks he's pro now... you need to know the stuff to take pictures... and yes, you can do everything manually on a dslr, but since i got my M6, my 5DmII hasn't left my home!

    it's small, it's beautiful, and it works reliably... you start to think differently.. you learn to set your aperture and shutter speed by guessing the light around you and you aren't far off most of the time!

    it just works..

  • why is that review with classical music inthe background an without any fun, and the sony reviews are just fun and with any objectivity?

    I like your vids and reviews, but please see the things as they are..

  • love the moonlight sonata part :)

  • Look at it this way: The cheapest digital rangefinder ...in the world!

  • why is the M9 about 2 times more expensive than the 5D Mark II

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  • still too overpriced

  • @WeThePeopleee Overpriced compared to what?

  • @vulli331 compared to other cameras. cmon, 6k for that?

  • @WeThePeopleee There is other no full frame camera with this compact size. Leica lenses also have a very good quality that almost no other manufacturer can provide. So if you want to have a camera with this image quality in a compact size, you currently have no alternative and a comparison is not possible. It's a matter of the weighting of selection criteria. Mine are "1. perfect image quality, 2. compact size". If you select your cameras by other criteria, perfect! Then you have other options.

  • Just got me the 35 lux fle after 6 months on a list.. did some studio shots and im very happy with the lens! Only using my Nikon for sports now =\

  • "So unique" is not proper English. TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

  • it's a shame it's so expensive

  • Sure sure... but with no film, there's no classic.

  • But, why is so expensive?!

  • This is going to sound so stupid but.... whats the song in the video? :s

  • @TheSambond007 moonlight sonata

  • @TheSambond007 Moonlit Sonata by Beethoven!

  • Best DigitalRev Video ever

  • urrmmm kai in this video u dint look clumsy compared to other video u've made. try treating the M9 like u treat the pinkon D7000 heheheh

  • leica cams are like ferrari in the car world.. exotic

  • I wish I could afford a Leica, I'm in love with the M model.... but it's so expensive!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Correction: SLR was not the new way. It was the way of the makes who lacked the finesse implied by other techs.

  • I'll do with a little less soul then for about $5000 less.

  • @slaQ83 Agreed! I picked up an old Olympus OM-3 for $170 and I know exactly what he's talking about...

  • this is the best digitalrev video

  • Real good video !!!

    Ty żółtasie zajebany z tą brytolską flegmą! Chyba coś ci się z sadzeniem ryżu pojebało !!! ;)

  • Is it true that its easer to render with a dslr than with a leica range finder and why?

  • porsche of cameras

  • My grandmother passed down a leica M3 which belonged to my great grandfather. About 3 months ago i purchased a 600D, I love my 600D, but there is something about the M3 that is much more special.

  • This camera is amazing, but you have to remember that every photographer has a camera that they like, you have to find the one right for you.

  • Why is it always raining in these videos?

    

  • Does it use film also? Serious question.

  • @TheMontegonian does not use film

  • I seriously don't see why other companies do what Leica does. Not only does the rangefinder style look great, but the rangefinder system in general is something that attracts a large niche of photographers.

  • Think I'll stick with my own soul, thank you. You can't buy soul.

  • i like the m9. but the frameline of rangefinders is a deal breakers for me.

  • You just indirectly helped me with using my Russian FED5 Range Finder! Thanks!!! =D

  • When they can't buy it they say "it's not worth it" .. when they have the money they say "it's defiantly worth it" LOL.

  • 15000 usd soul? (at lest what you had). Waiting for the fuji x pro 1

  • Is it a rich man's X100?

  • Probably the best camera ...in the world!

  • One thing I have not head mentioned is the longevity, and therefore the cost of ownership of a Leica. I have friends who are still using their father's Leica M3's that were bought during the 1950's. During the 70's, one "clocked" a mugger in Central Park with the M3 and then was still able to take his photo while waiting for the police!

  • The history and blah blah are nice and all, but i still don't want one and never will. Can i still be a photographer and think these are a massive waste of money?

  • @callowaymotorcompany id say if you don't like them thats fine but respect to the design should still be given

  • @callowaymotorcompany leica isnt for everyone. i will never buy one either. a photographer isnt determined by the gear he/she uses. daido moriyama uses a film p&s to make his money. its all about what you capture.

    with that being said, calling them "wastes of money" is outright disrespectful to those who love shooting leica and make their income with one. optically, i would prefer leica glass over my canon L glass to be honest.

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  • There's something other cameras have that the leica doesn't, the option to own one without losing your kidneys.

  • waiting for my sony nex 5n battery to charge grrrrrrrrr

  • why he frown all the time

  • Is buying a $6000 dollar camera really how one is supposed to connect to the world with photography?

  • @Geoffboyardee Im pretty sure taking a photo with anything would do it. Unless you have to have a Leica and to be fair Im sure there are plenty of older M Lecias out there and if you just want to use the glass you could get a Zeiss or Voigtlander.

  • @MrJava200

    Sooooo, that's a no?

  • @Geoffboyardee Yes. Unless you want to shoot Leica or Leica lenses. I figured you were having a dig at the price of the M9, but its good to know there is alternatives out there.

  • @Geoffboyardee get an m4 and never look back...

  • @Geoffboyardee There probably is no realy way one is _supposed_ to connect to it... Whatever way one choses, it will give a different experiences, but luckily none exclude each other, nowadays...

  • @Geoffboyardee M3 is about $1000 dollar, what are you talking about?

  • @andreshidalgo THAT was the M9

  • @Geoffboyardee At certain point, there is a psychological connection :-D, anyway, I thought the important part of photography is behind camera body :p

  • @Geoffboyardee When you ask a camera snob, you will invariably come to that conclusion.

  • @Geoffboyardee You can get an M3, M2, or M5 for like $700.

  • @Geoffboyardee yes...

    but there are also other ways

  • This is excellent.

    With an SLR you see the picture exactly the way the camera sees it. With Leica you see the world the way it is.

  • wish i'd liked the pictures more.

  • people saying award winning photographers don't use leicas... have you guys ever heard of elliott erwitt? henri cartier bresson?

  • you got a bogey @0.33 with 1080p high defination :D thumb up if u c it!

  • You're the Jeremy Clarkson of camera testing :p

  • @StudioGoldsmith ... ... ... in the world!

  • whats the piano song at like 2:40 or something?

  • @megamegamario13 Moonlight Sonata - Ludwig van Beethoven

  • @HELLOCCCRRRAAAIIIGGG thanks man :)

  • The Leica M is a tool used by top professional documentry style photographers, photographing; as the guy is saying-Unobtrusively. To the general public it looks like a novice camera, but it is of the highest professional standard there is. I used to process and print for a photojournalist, and his success was undercover/covert photography. He'd be talking to the target and snapping him with a 21mm hanging on his chest.

  • @photom2 most pro shooters/journalists are using a canon or nikon. those pulitzer prize winning photos are not usually shot with a leica. of course, not to take anything away from the leica. ultimately, it's about the photographer, not the camera as much. those pics kai took were nothing special. i once read something where a nytimes award winning photographer said he once won a photo competition with a pic taken on a holga.

  • @iwasborntobefly I'm glad you finnished with the Holga story, because technically you'd hardly tell the difference between any top flight camera in quality. The fact that the pulitzer prize winners won with Nikons or Cannons was because that was what they used. The photojournalist I mentioned, wouldn't have got his shots with a singing and dancing professional camera, he just had to get the job done. It's images that win prizes, not cameras; as with the holga. (Whatever that is) A women :-)

  • He has a bugger in his nose! #Annoying

  • I just recently learned this song on piano :) haha when I heard It start to play it brought a huge smile to my face :)

  • Hi I need to know this song piano

  • @Nicool333 It's the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata

  • See the lever/button thingy kai is pulling at 3:42?

    What does it do?

  • @RamaP94 Switches between the different framelines.

  • And also you look like you came from Mars.

  • You have an M9, yes great but your shots are not m9 level. You should get your self a piece of paper and make your self those origami pinhole cameras and then sell your m9. Donate the money to fund projects of freelance photographers out there who can shoot far more better than you are. Money really can't buy talent.

  • Great job on the video!i wish i could afford one but its $6000 bloody dollars

  • i love Leica not only cause i am a german

  • Dude you got history and more than $10,000 in that table right there

  • I can't afford a Leica.

    I can play moonlight sonata mvt 1 though!

  • @blakemcguire get a panasonic lx5. it uses a leica lense and is made by the same company. some people think it's basically a leica d-lux. it's also half the price at around $360 US. u don't need a leica to take great pictures.

  • @iwasborntobefly Of course, I'm using an Olympus E-520 right now because I got it for cheap. Panasonics are great though, all their cameras are basically a joint venture between them and Leica.

  • Is sad that is pink now

  • Since the Leica M9, the 5D Mk II or the D700 all have full frame sensors. How are the Leica lenses smaller? For example the 50mm f/1.4 lenses for Leica are smaller than for example the 50mm f/1.4 from canon. Is it because that the canon has an autofocus motor, or?

  • @comandercody448 yes, one reason is because of AF. But what makes the size really small is the difference in the lens design because rangefinder has a much smaller flange focal distance.

  • @comandercody448 I'd say its the AF motors inside the lens. If you look at the Voigtlander 40mm/20mm, Nikon 50mm 1.8 E Series or the Industar 50mm 3.5 you can see how small SLR lenses can be.

  • good man u can know how to take the best shoot in hong kong, is only in the hk island near central to the Hollywood Rd.

    Nice video

  • even though I like nearly all of the DRev videos, this is one of the best.

  • c-sgs.blogspot.com/

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  • 0:15

    Rollei 35 (Made in Germany): I have it - superb camera

    Olympus OM-1: I have it - wonderful camera

    Leica M3: I have it - unparalleled camera.

    WOO-HOO

  • Does not really show, how different the quality is from the slur in the video. Just the feel of the cam. Thatnikonguy channel compared it and showed that the Nikon had better quality images... Maybe with less soul.

  • you cant call yourself a leica fan if all you use is a digital leica...

  • Enjoyed the video immensely, but thought the B&W conversions were lacking in contrast and pizzazz. They just looked flat - nothing like the film they were attempting to emulate.

  • WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE SONG?

  • @p3p3jose moonlight sonata by beethoven

  • At 6:58 Canon camera with Nikon strap :-D

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  • The Leicas got a gorgeous look, a soul and everybody,even non-photographers seem to enjoy them.

    But they are also a pain in the hand because they are anti-ergonomic(hand grip???) and they feel strangely cold in your hand. It's more like a jewelery which can be used to take pictures with.

    DSLRs seem to be more of a tool. They don't even want to be beatiful because it would make you sad when they would have scratches,etc. on them. If the camera is already ugly ,no way it could get worse.

  • People always comment on Kai's accent, He sounds English cos he was probably bloody well born in England, Did that ever cross your simple minds???

  • Great video - thumbs up! :)

  • what a perfect english accent :d fuck me

  • Great video. Loved it so much, watched it twice. Keep posting quality work. People are interested.

  • Their price is quite unique.

  • What aboud some one whit big hands?My Hasselblad had also a soul until digital came in 2002, Then the Hasselblad factory died a few years later,just like Minolta,Contax,Bronica and many others.

  • AHhhh! I'm extremely jealous. I still have my Leica M4. My older M3 been stolen :(

    I can't not afford that beauty anymore. But you video on Leica make me appreciate my M4. But now it is very hard to find 35Mm pelicule.

  • is it london?

  • @bolgrom It is Hongkong.

  • Tks Kai, this is really your best video !

  • I feel like I just watched a segment from Top Gear, only it was about a camera and not a car. Great video!

  • why did I see this video?? now I am in love with this cam!! i feel that if I don;t buy this cam then i have wasted my life. I will save for 5 years,10 years or even more and buy this cam. I will atleast take one picture with it before i die.

  • "And shatte speed"

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  • Interesting watching this video and then the iPhone 4s video. 2 very different perspectives. This one on how we don't need so much "automation" and the iPhone video on how we are all "connected" so quickly through technology

  • i'll never get tired of this...it's the 20th time i watch this video...it's clearly a masterpiece!

  • I would like to try Leica M series camera but $MONEY$ is the problem . I saw the price for it and said "That price is a killer !! :D" . Still can't deny the fact every camera is unique in its own way .

  • IS THAT ALAMBY PLAYING THE PIANO?!?

  • Nicely done and if I could afford one I'd have one. Bought an iPod though :)