Leica makes you happy – part 1

There is a tension between the statement that the Camera just a tool and statements from, for example, the highly respected Zack Arias "Fuji kicks Leica's ass". Is the camera important after all? Maybe. But what I know for sure - and I'm sure every reader can confirm - is the importance of the lenses used when taking photographs. Perspective, field of view, isolation, sharpness - everything that makes up a picture depends primarily on the lens that was used.

My path to the Leica came through the lens.

When I recently offered my Fuji stuff for sale here on the blog, some people thought they knew that I was now getting a Leica. At the time, I seriously hadn't thought about it for a second. Since the Fuji sale, I have simply used my D800e as my always-on camera. I've only ever looked at Leica cameras from a distance: expensive toys for a few rich people with a whim. Big names in photography only take photos with the overpriced tin box because they are sponsored by Leica – I thought. However, I am happy to admit that I have always been fascinated by the colors of the Leica. However, it was unclear to me whether these were camera dependent or influenced by post-production.

At some point I pressed the wonderful Josh his M in his hand. Of course, I didn't manage to produce even a sharp image and, bored, I handed it back to him. At the opening of Paul Ripke's "Two Minutes of Coincidence" I had the opportunity Paul to ask why he takes photos with a Leica. He answered me that his 24 in the stage pit can best handle the strong spotlight from behind and produces the most amazing lens flares. By the way, he also mentioned that he was not sponsored by Leica.

My curiosity was piqued. I started researching online. At some point I kept stumbling across pictures with a very special look. It turned out that the pictures were taken with a Noctilux.

In a blog post by Steve Huff he shows why he Sony A7r better than his old Leica finds. This blog post, where I liked all the images from the Leica better, and my own experience with them acoustic hazardous waste from the Sony A7 then convinced me: I wanted a Leica. With a Noctilux.

I briefly thought about whether I would rather save a little more to make my dream of a Phase One come true? Apart from the fact that I would have had to pay at least twice as much for it, I realized that I work on the road rather than in the studio. I preferred the small package of camera and lens to the megapixel bolide.

After reading a lot, I spent a few more sleepless nights wondering whether the Leica path was actually the path that would take me further in photography. Because one thing is clear: I have a wonderful armada of great Nikon and Zeiss lenses from 10,5mm to 400mm for my D3, D4 and D800e. I am equipped with flash units, monopods, remote releases and nodal point adapters and can solve many photographic problems with ease. Starting something new now only makes sense if it brings me something. If it helps me to make a way out for the photographic ideas in my head - until the click.

At some point I presented my ideas and thoughts to my loved one, who always has a wonderful, empathetic and clear view when making such a decision. She nodded.

I'm used to buying photographic equipment for a lot of money. Between a D4 that was recently released on the market and a Leica M, the price of a small XQD memory card is just about the same. But when I stood in the shop and began my Leica journey, my hands were still sweaty.

I only removed the protective film from the display days later.

A new journey had begun...

Part 2 on Monday : )