Leica is a German camera company founded in 1914 by Oskar Barnack. Leica are considered the “golden egg” of cameras due to the most part for their simple to use functions, practical aesthetically pleasing designs and overall image producing quality.
Leica make cameras that have become renown for street photography especially in the later 20th century. Big names such as Mark Cohen, Ralph Gibson and Bruce Gilden to name but a few have all shot exclusively on Leica cameras.
Leica have produced a wide range of cameras throughout their existence. Whilst they aren’t the cheapest, they do make some of the best cameras on the market still today. This list will give you a comprehensive guide to the range cameras they offer, what price range they fall into and what they will ultimately function like.
Before you purchase a Leica camera read this article to make sure you’re getting the right camera for your needs!
Leica M10 Digital Rangefinder Camera
The first camera on our list is the Leica M10 Digital Rangefinder. This camera is easy to use, small and compact as well as being built to the traditional high standards set by Leica.
It’s the perfect camera for any photographer looking to get a camera that will produce effortless crisp sharp images. As will all Leica cameras they are expensive, but the functionality is second to none.
Pros
- 24MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor.
- Leica Maestro II Image Processor produces great quality images every time.
- Optical 0.73x-Magnification Viewfinder.
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot LCD with Gorilla Glass.
- ISO 100-50000, Up to 5 fps Shooting.
- Ergonomically great for all types of photography.
- Simple and easy to use straight out of the box.
- Fantastic build quality.
- Retro aesthetic.
- Great for street photography.
- Small body it’s the perfect travel companion.
Cons
- Expensive for a basic camera.
- Without additional lenses shooting is limited.
- Slow in comparison with other cameras on the market at a similar price range.
- Battery life is short.
Leica MP 10302 35mm Rangefinder Camera
The Leica MP 10302 35mm Rangefinder camera pays homage to the original Leica MP (mechanical perfection) camera made in 1956-57.
Cosmetically, the camera is extremely similar giving it that beautiful vintage feel with all the mods and cons you’d expect from a 21st century offering.
Leica even restored the original rewind crank in place the knob that had featured on revised editions. This is a great camera for a photography enthusiast looking to take own a camera that is a part of photography history.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing retro feel camera.
- Features traditional styles from the Leica archives.
- Compact, clean design.
- Mechanical shutter creates vibration free exposures.
- Great snaps even in poor lighting.
- Made completely out of metal.
- Battery free.
- Built by hand.
- Built for extreme longevity.
- Leica Maestro image processing capabilities.
- Continuous shots at 3 frames per second.
- Superb street photography camera.
- Perfect for inconspicuous shots as well as unnoticeable close ups.
Cons
- Expensive camera.
- Basic, simple and lacking in creative features.
Leica 24 Sl Type 601, Mirrorless Camera
The Leica 24 SL type 601 is a mirrorless ASP-C camera. The sensor size is smaller than a typical 35mm, however the camera will still pack many of the same punches you’d expect to find a typical full frame camera such as a DSLR.
Mirrorless cameras are normally a cheaper offering than their full frame alternatives and this extends further as well to the lenses they supply for these cameras. The Leica 24 SL Type 601 is a high-end top of the range mirrorless camera that will offer all the same features a standard DSLR will offer, in a more compact, stylish portable body.
This camera is great for anyone looking to buy a great all-round camera for life, or an avid Leica fan looking to add another model to their collection. This camera will function will most Leica accessories such as Lenses and adaptors.
Expect superb build quality – the camera is a100% waterproof, as well as the touch screen. Connect with Wifi easily, and also enjoy the GPS inbuilt system. Perfect for your next adventure!
Pros
- Functions just like any regular full frame camera but in a smaller more compact body.
- Great for the traveling photographer. Smaller camera body and smaller lens options make this camera perfect for taking anywhere and everywhere.
- Built to the traditional high standards set by Leica.
- 4.4-megapixel viewfinder.
- 24-megapixel sensor.
- 145 lenses are mountable on this model.
- 11 frames per second offering amazing shooting capabilities.
- Built in GPS.
- Waterproof body and screen.
- Built in LCD touch screen.
- Built in Wifi connectivity.
- Superb battery life.
- Great image quality.
- Perfect for customization such as adding lenses and so. This camera is extremely adaptable with the Leica range.
Cons
- Expensive in comparison with other APS-C cameras on the market.
- Flash functionality is somewhat limited.
- The camera is slightly heavier than other APS-C models on the market.
- No lens stabilization so shooting in the dark can be difficult and compromising.
Leica CL Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18mm Lens
This is another APS-C offering by Leica. The Cl mirrorless digital camera with 18mm Pancake lens for extreme portability and discreetness whilst shooting is another great camera from the Leica line.
This camera is compatible with all TL and SL Leica range lenses making it both adaptable and good value for money if you already own Leica products. It’s also adaptable to use both M range and R range lenses if you have them.
The CL range is perfect for anyone whether you’re an experienced photographer looking for a dependable APS-C model, or a beginning looking at alternatives to more expensive, heavier full frame models.
This camera will satisfy anyone looking for a well built, easy to use ASP-C camera straight out of the box!
Pros
- Adaptable will lots of different Leica lines. Lenses from the TL and SL series will work with this camera. TL and SL series require an adapter but will also work seemingly well with this camera.
- Get similar specifications to a much more expensive Leica full frame camera in a more compact shape and at a better price.
- Great for street photography as the camera is small and will easily go unnoticed. The camera also comes with a pancake lens which is ultra-small and lightweight to avoid detection from your subjects.
- Great option for travel photographers since this camera is lightweight, compact and will shoot anything very well leaving you with crisp and clear snaps.
- 0.74x magnification.
- Built in electronic 2.34 mega pixel viewfinder.
- Leica 2 year warranty.
- All the necessary controls are conveniently located on the top of the camera making this an easy camera too shoot with.
- Superb image quality.
Cons
- Expensive for an ASP-C Camera.
Leica Sofort Instant Camera
The Leica Sofort is the first instant camera to enter our list. Instant cameras are great fun and now, modern instant point and shoot cameras come with a whole host of features making them the perfect addition to any photographer’s collection.
On the new Leica Sofort you can expect to find a 60mm lens, normal and macro photography options as well as a whole new host of presets ranging from selfie mode, to shooting fast moving objects.
As with any Leica product, the Leica Sofort Instant is extremely well built, compact, stylish and leightweight. This is the ultimate Instant camera!
Pros
- Leica 2 year warranty.
- Includes carry strap.
- Comes in a wide range of attractive colors.
- Simple and fun whilst allowing visual creativity.
- Compact body with easy to use navigation and dials.
- Simple and effective point and shoot.
- 0.37x optical viewfinder.
- 3 zone manual focus.
- f/12.7 lens.
- Works with instax mini film which is extremely well priced.
- The first instant camera by Leica!
- Mechanical 1/8 shutter speed.
- Self timer built in.
- Double exposure.
- Battery pack and charger included.
- LCD screen for easy use.
Cons
- Competitor models are much cheaper and provide a similar offering.
- Produces small prints.
- Flimsy build quality for a Leica product.
Conclusion
Leica camera have a world renown reputation for being the best quality cameras on the market. Whilst they are the cheapest you can bu assured of a great build quality, superb shooting capabilities and easy to use functionality.
We have covered a wide range of cameras from the Leica collection ranging from instant point and shoot cameras, to ASP-C models and even modern updates of the early M type series from the 1950’s.
Leica have consistently made great cameras that do not disappoint so if you are looking to buy a camera consider spending a little bit more and getting a Leica!
