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Leica cameras are quite popular and produce some truly exceptional images. They are built robustly, innovatively, and compactly. The Leica cameras are also expensive, but we have decided to look at older models, which could cost a bit less. Here are some exceptional devices launched before 2015, and they still continue to shine bright. If you want to purchase a Leica, then these devices are your go-to options.
Leica M9
The very first mirrorless Leica, the M9, features an 18MP CCD sensor, an ISO up ot 2500, and a 230,000-pixel LCD. It weighs 585g, has a burst rate of 2fps, and comes with a viewfinder with 0.68× magnification. Since it is an old camera, the focus has to be achieved manually, but it has a strong build, the ergonomics are great, and the photos you shoot are wonderful. Overall, it is a camera that will give you dreamy images, something that street, wedding, event, and portrait photographers will appreciate. To purchase, head to eBay.
Leica X2
The Leica X2 is a fully electronic camera with a 16MP APS-C sensor, a 24mm f2.8 lens, and an ISO of up to 12,500. It has a burst rate of up to 5 fps, a 230,000-dot LCD, and it weighs 316g. What makes this a great offering includes the beautiful image quality, relatively simple ergonomics, great dynamic range, and RAW file versatility. As we said in our review, “It uses a 16MP sensor that is absolutely gorgeous and when combined with Leica optics is a total winner. Out of the camera, all images tend to be a bit muted, but skin tones are almost on par with the Canon 5D Mk II’s.”
Leica M Monochrom
The Leica M Monochrom only shoots black-and-white images, which is great for anyone who is drawn to this genre. It features an 18MP CCD sensor, a 2.5-inch LCD with 230000-dot resolution, and an ISO range of 320 to 10,000. The camera is built like the Leica M, and it produces some excellent images. You also get good high ISO quality, and the file output is amazing, too. As we said in our review, “It’s just as much of an M as any of the others, and while clearly a very specialized camera, it is capable of producing the most beautiful images coming from an M yet. It may only shoot in black and white, but I found it to actually be slightly more versatile than a standard M9 because of its much extended ISO range and less concerns about high ISO detail smudging.” To buy, head to eBay.
Leica D-Lux 6
Competitor to the Panasonic DMC-LX7, the D-Lux 6 is a compact camera with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. It has a resolution of 10MP, a 24-90 mm f1.4 equivalent lens, and ISO up to 12,800. You also get 12fps of burst rate, a 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD, and a 1250mAh battery. The camera is quite sleek, making it easy to carry around. In addition, you get brilliant images and a fast autofocus, which is something many aim for. As we said in our review, “the D-Lux 6 will benefit the artistic type who puts great effort into composing images, and can wait until the images are loaded onto a computer. Conversely, it could also benefit the traveler who wants to take pictures of beautiful vistas. Even wide open, the lens can do gorgeous things.”
One to Skip: Leica XE
The Leica XE is another APS-C offering from the company, featuring a 16MP sensor, a 24mm f2.8 lens, 230K-dot LCD, and 11 AF points. You also get ISO up to 12,500, a 5 fps burst rate, and a pop-up flash. While the camera offers extremely versatile RAW files, it is quite costly. However, the major concerns lie in the lack of a viewfinder, the LCD, which does not tilt, and the lack of WiFi connectivity. As we stated, “There is a lot to like about it, but at the price point, we’re majorly turned off since there are interchangeable lens camera offerings that are more affordable and offer many more features.”
