The LEICA M-D; the ultimate zen minimalist digital camera.
My friend Dav lent me his Leica M-D and I shot with it for a few days.
First of all, some brief thoughts:
- Not having an LCD screen makes the joy of shooting more calm, relaxed, and zen. There needs to be more digital cameras made with no LCD screen; it’s the ultimate barbell between modern digital and old school film technology.
- Unfortunately the Leica M-D is a bit too chunky for me, and hits my chest when shooting, because it doesn’t seem balanced. When mounted with a Leica 28mm Elmarit lens, it leans backwards! This problem can be solved with a heavier lens, or perhaps shooting with a wrist strap.
- Image quality is good
- I really like the ability to change ISO on the back dial
- If I had an option, I’d still prefer the Leica M10, because it has better image quality at high ISO, it’s lighter and more compact, and the startup time is much faster. The LEICA M-D has a tiny lag when turning on, which I hate.
Zen of no LCD screen
I think the best thing about shooting with film is NOT getting distracted by the LCD screen. To get into a “zen zone” in photography is very difficult, because there are so many things clamoring for our attention.
I know for myself, if I know if I have an option to review my photos, I will have to resist the urge to check my photos on the LCD. But if you’re shooting with the M-D or a film camera, that temptation doesn’t exist, because it’s not even an option!
In other words,
The best thing about a camera without an LCD screen is that you don’t get distracted by it. Which allows you to focus during the photo making process on the streets.
A nice thing about the Leica M-D is the ability to take lots of photos and not to feel bad for “wasting film”! This was super liberating, because it allows me to shoot more, take more risks, and enjoy the process of making photos. Because whenever you click the shutter, it’s not guaranteed you will get a good photo. But for me, even the act of clicking the shutter button is a huge joy!
So it’s interesting: with a film camera you are a little more “risk averse” with taking photos. You’re worried that you’re gonna waste film, and therefore you resist shooting unless something is super super good. But the problem is that it’s rare we ever see something which is super super interesting (unless we’re traveling). Therefore if you shoot film on a daily basis at home, you might get discouraged because you won’t shoot as much.
My practical takeaways are this:
- If you have a digital camera, try to avoid checking the LCD screen when you’re shooting on the streets. Only check it when you’re seated at a coffee shop or at home. This will allow you to get more “into the zone” when shooting.
- Take more photos on digital! It costs you nothing. Take more risks when shooting and enjoy the joy of clicking the shutter!
- If you can afford a digital Leica, get the LEICA CL or the Leica M10.
Photos on LEICA M-D
