If I were to buy a new Leica today, this is advice I would give myself:

Leica Lens: Leica 35mm f/2.4 Summarit ASPH (Silver)

I think the best bang for the buck Leica lens is the Leica 35mm f/2.4 Summarit ASPH / Silver (2050 USD). I think the silver version looks cooler than the black version — because I like the red lettering.

You don’t need f/2 Summicron (3200 USD) or f/1.4 Summilux (5000 USD). I think Bokeh is overrated. It is better to shoot at f/8, photograph deep depth, layers, and stronger compositions with an interesting foreground, middle-ground and background.

The best budget option is the Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5 (410 USD) — compact, sharp, and has a focusing-tab.

Digital Leica Camera Body:

I don’t recommend buying any digital Leica camera that isn’t a Leica M.

For example, I don’t recommend buying the Leica Q, T, Dlux, or any other digital Leica. Because the point of shooting with a Leica camera isn’t to shoot with a Leica — it is to use a rangefinder, fully-manual focus, and the ‘experience’ of shooting with a rangefinder.

Leica has partnered up with Panasonic to make a lot of their digital cameras, and also make their own digital cameras. But I feel their non-digital Leica M’s aren’t going to be as timeless.

Instead of the Leica Q, I would recommend the Fujifilm X100F. Instead of the Leica D-Lux, get a Ricoh GR II.

For digital Leica– the best one to get is the Leica M10. It has the thickness of the old-school film Leica, great design, and is super-fast for street photography.

For a budget option, get a used Leica M9 (make sure the sensor is replaced) or even a used Leica M8/8.2 for black and white.

Film Leica Body

For a film Leica, I’d recommend (if you are rich) to buy the Leica M-A (4200 USD); pure aesthetic bliss. No superfluous elements– only aperture, shutter-speed, focus. It has no ISO dial, or meter. You will never need batteries in this.

For a budget option, I recommend a used Leica M6 — the best bang for the buck film Leica/rangefinder out there. Hit up my buddy JapanCameraHunter.com // contact him here. You can also contact Bellamy by phone at: +81 (0)80 5534 1977 // he can help you find a reliable Leica M6 for around 1600-1700 USD.

For a budget rangefinder, buy the Voigtlander Bessa R4M (800 USD).

How to shoot with a Leica or Rangefinder

To learn how to shoot with a Leica or rangefinder, read: LEICA MANUAL

To learn how to shoot film, read: Film Street Photography Manual

If your photos aren’t good enough, your camera isn’t expensive enough

So friend, know that if your photography is not improving it is because your camera isn’t expensive enough.

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EQUIPMENT >

There is no “perfect” camera. Don’t fall into GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and falsely believe that buying a new camera will make you a better photographer.

If you’re not feeling inspired in your photography, I recommend you to buy books, not gear. Also check out these 75+ Inspirational Photo Books You Gotta Buy. You can also download my free books.

Equipment Articles >

• 6 Lessons I’ve Learned After Shooting All the Expensive Cameras
• How to Make Good Photos on a Shitty Camera
• Why I Shoot With One Camera and One Lens
• My Travel Equipment, Winter 2017
• What is the Perfect Camera For You?
• What to Consider When Buying a Camera

Smartphone Photography >

• The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Smartphone Photography
• Benefits of Shooting Street Photography With a Smartphone
• In Street Photography, The Smaller the Camera, the Better

Film Photography 101 >

• Film Street Photography Manual
• What I Learned Shooting 100 Rolls of Black and White Film
• What I Learned Processing 164 Rolls of Film