For many years I’ve dreamed about owning a Leica camera. Leicas are considered to be the best-made cameras in the world, and as of this, they are bloody expensive and for the longest time have been out of my reach, until this week when I finally bought into the red dot family.
Over the last 10 years I’ve been using Fujifilm or Sony cameras, and I’ve always enjoyed the cameras. But at the end of last year, I decided to buy another Sony A7iii as the camera was on offer for £999. I mean, how could I resist? After having it replaced 3 times, I got my money back and started thinking and yes, overthinking: where do I go now? My local camera store had a mint-like new Leica SL in for a great price, so I spoke to my wife, and we both decided that maybe it was time to try Leica.
My wife (legend that she is) told me just to save for the next 6 months and just go and buy the new SL-3S, but the thought of paying over £4000 for a camera wasn’t something that I was comfortable without at least trying the SL beforehand. I spent the next few days overthinking, was it a good idea to switch to the Leica brand knowing how much the lenses, batteries etc cost. After another sleepless night reading reviews I bit the bullet and bought the camera.
I know I’ve stepped into a world that I don’t fully understand. Leica is unlike any other brand. I have no idea what lens I should buy for this camera. I keep going back and forth, and I’m losing my mind. As I’m writing this, I still haven’t bought a lens. My good friend Jay has lent me an 85mm Zeiss that is a manual-focusing lens. This lens is so easy to use, but as I use a walking stick most of the time, I need a lens that has auto-focus. I just can’t commit to one. The voices in my head are screaming right now. I’m so indecisive, and I can feel myself coming apart over this. Because of this, I find myself in a bad position, unable to enjoy the fact that I finally own a Leica.
Good news, everybody…
I started writing this blog a week ago. A few things have happened. I made a decision, and so far, it seems to be a good decision. I bought the Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens for the Leica SL, and I’m very happy to report that it works really well with the camera. Yes, the autofocus isn’t as fast as the Sony, and yes, it hunts even in optimal lighting conditions. However, it’s perfect for me so far. I have been enjoying my first few days with the lens, and thanks to the lens, I’ve started to enjoy the camera. I know I still need to sort the settings and get everything right for the way I use it, and yes, I know that begin comfortable with the camera will come with time.
Let me share a few photos taken with the camera.
