If anyone doubted whether Leica has fully embraced the digital world, think again. At first look, it would be mistaken for a 1950’s relic trying to be useful. To a few, it is an icon of quality only German ingenuity can deliver. The high-end camera maker has been in the business since 1913. The company, formerly Ernst Leitz Gmbh, is now known as Leica Camera AG. The idea was to make a compact camera for landscape photography, particularly during mountain trips, thus producing the first practical 35mm compact camera. 

Leica M8.2

The current M series represents over six decades of expertise. The new Leica M8.2  is the latest development of Leica Camera AG’s German-made digital rangefinder camera for professionals. The new model retains the key characteristics of the Leica reportage camera such as the compact shape, the exceptional image quality in connection with Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition with the Leica rangefinder that show it to be a genuine M camera. Amazingly enough, it was designed to accept Leica lenses produced over fifty years ago. Responding to the request of many professional photographers, the new model has been given an even more inconspicuous design.

The Leica quality

Leica’s high-performance lenses are all made, by hand, at Leica’s main factory in Solms, Germany. They represent the result of many decades of experience in optics and precision mechanics and are produced using unique technologies, high-quality materials and the commitment and craftsmanship of expert staff. Meticulous manufacture and careful assembly guarantee decades of reliable functioning.

Quality at a Price

In simple terms, the Leica was built to last over a lifetime. The Leica m8.2 for example will set you back at least $5000 for the body alone. A decent kit will go for at least $10K. Making cameras for the “many” has never been a part of Leica’s business plan. They are like Porsche, Questar and any other makers of iconic high end gear… built for those who love the form factor and willing to pay the extra for the performance. This simple rationale from Leica’s website says it all:

“It can be a profound action, taking a photograph. It’s a piece of realisation. The preservation of a fleeting expression. A recording, even, of the precise moment the world changed.?But what if your camera’s action is less than precise, less than perfectly responsive? The consequence could be profound, too.?The moment could escape.”

Compared to most DSLR’s in the market, the Leica has an incredibly solid build, the apex of German precision in engineering. The M was built to be hard-wearing, reliable and robust enough to simply last more than a lifetime.   Unlike most other cameras it appreciates in value. It is more than a camera, it’s practically art.