Is a Leica M10 Worth the Money?
- Why Leica Rangefinder Cameras are So Desirable
- Leica M10 Specs
- Who Would Use a Leica M10?
- Where to Buy a Used Leica M10
- Leica M10 Lenses and Accessories
- Final Thoughts on Leica M10
- 24MP Full Frame sensor
- ISO 100-50,000
- 1/4000th to 8 seconds shutter speeds
- M style bayonet mount lenses
- Coupled Rangefinder focusing
- Optical combined rangefinder/viewfinder
- 100% viewfinder coverage
- 3” fixed LCD rear view screen with Liveview
- Auto and manual exposure modes
- Spot, center-weighted, and multi-pattern exposure metering
- Dedicated flash automation with OTF metering
- 2GB image processor buffer
- 5 fps sequencing
- Environmental sealing
- Wi-Fi capability
- Fully professional build and ruggedness
- Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M
- Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 VM
- Voigtlander Heliar Classic 75mm f/1.8 VM
- Leica 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH
- Are Used Leica Cameras Worth It?
- Save Money with These Used Leica Lenses
- How to Save Money When Buying Photography Gear
Leica rangefinder cameras have been sought after for decades by discerning photographers, whether professional or amateur.
The Leica M10 is one of the latest incarnations of the M-series Leica rangefinder camera line and is a wonderful example of Leica’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.
What makes the Leica M10 so special? Why are Leica cameras and lenses so expensive? Is the Leica M10 worth the money you’ll have to shell out to own and use one? These are common questions you might be considering as you think about purchasing a Leica.
I’ll answer these questions and also discuss how much money you could save by purchasing your Leica M10 used, including where to buy a used Leica to use for photography (hint…it’s MPB!).
Table of Contents:
Why Leica Rangefinder Cameras are So Desirable
Before we get into the specifics of the Leica M10, you might enjoy a brief history of Leica cameras, and how they got to the revered status they have today.
Leica cameras have been around for some 100 years, and Leitz optics already had a reputation for superb performance and high quality prior to the first Leica camera being built. The original Leica 35mm cameras were one of the main driving forces behind the 35mm format becoming such a popular film format for professionals and photography enthusiasts.
Part of what set Leica apart from other brands in earlier times was old-world German craftsmanship. For many decades, photographers that wanted extremely well-made cameras and the sharpest lenses preferred German companies. Leica was one of the top companies, along with Zeiss, making cameras and lenses that were so precision made, so sharp, that they became an unofficial standard.
"Leica M5" by *Photography by Mike* is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
When Leica introduced the M3 rangefinder camera with the new M bayonet mount that incorporated precision cams for rangefinder focusing, they pretty much jumped to the absolute top of the pile for 35mm interchangeable lens cameras. It really was that special of a camera, almost 70 years ago now.
This M Series of Leica rangefinder cameras continued to be made, developed, and improved upon all through the modern history of 35mm photography. Other Leica cameras, such as those in their SLR lineup, introduced partnerships with high-end makers of electronics and photography gear from Japan with excellent results.
Leica engineers were at the forefront of other advances such as autofocus and better exposure systems. When digital photography made the world sit up and take notice, Leica was involved there, too.
There is so much more that could be said, but I’ll end this brief tour by saying that Leica rangefinder cameras are still seen by many as the pinnacle of 35mm format excellence. The Leica M10 is a continuation of that legacy.
Leica M10 Specs
If you took away all the legacy of excellence that contributes to the Leica M10’s desirability, you would still have an awesome camera, simply based on the specs and quality of build. Here are the basic comparison points for the Leica M10 camera:
All of this is put into a rugged and durable body that feels much like a film-era M4 or M6 Leica rangefinder camera. It’s a combination of old-world charm, back-to-basics handling, and state-of-the-art digital imaging performance.
Learn More:
Who Would Use a Leica M10?
Photographers that need ultra-high-quality imaging tools that are rough and rugged, as well as being amongst the most elegant cameras made, will love this camera. If you have a large discretionary budget for your photography equipment, whether as a pro or a discerning enthusiast, you’ll love this camera.
Interestingly, though quite expensive, Leica M10 and accompanying lenses are competitively priced for cameras and optics with similar characteristics, image excellence, and build quality. Just think of the Leica M10 as a top-of-the-line professional-caliber camera system. It’s priced accordingly.
Where to Buy a Used Leica M10
One of my favorite things to do is get the best value for my budget when purchasing cameras and lenses. So, I often look for used gear when considering a camera or lens.
I want some reassurance, though, and so should you when shopping for top-end camera gear. The online platform MPB is a great place to get pre-owned cameras and lenses for several reasons.
They carefully inspect all items before they offer them for sale. The descriptions of conditions are extremely accurate, too. They also offer a 7-day return window and a 6-month warranty of most items. And the place is run by avid photographers, so you know what you're getting, and you have buyer protections.
Pricing of used photography equipment is extremely favorable as well. Outside of collectables or limited production items, used gear is always less costly than new. Here is what MPB has for Leica M10 cameras available for sale.
Leica M10 Lenses and Accessories
MPB is also the place to go for Leica rangefinder camera lenses, for all of the same reasons as for buying the Leica M10 camera body itself. Some lenses you might consider include:
Final Thoughts on Leica M10
There seems to be an aura surrounding the name Leica for some people, which is part of the mystique. But what is really special about Leica and Leitz isn’t any mystique, but the high quality of the gear and the excellence of the images produced.
The Leica M10 comes with a very well-deserved legacy and reputation. As for the question of is the Leica M10 worth the money? For photographers desiring one of the best Full Frame format cameras and with the budget availability, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
