Why are Leica cameras so expensive?

Why do hot famous people own this camera? Today we're diving into the history of Leica cameras, to explain why they're so popular among certain crowds and why they're so expensive. It's a weird video lol, but lmk what you think.

Big thank you to our friends featured in the video; check them out:
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[zacharydefeciani]

I was already your target audience james, you didnt have to make a video specifically for me, but you did anyway

[ajpetix]

Whoever you have creating these graphics describing the path of light into these cameras and their viewfinders deserves some huge praise. This video is fantastic from start to finish. I appreciate you, James!

[TheJamesLykins]

1:42 props to James for taking the time to colorize and upscale this historical footage.

[Koopakid]

My family has ran a small camera/printing supplies selling business for 3 generations since they came to America. I grew up with Leica posters in my room, and worn their merch my whole life. I've always loved and appreciated Leica cameras. That's why I own a Fujifilm camera

[LtNduati]

I’m sorry but the graphic for the viewfinder tech is AMAZING - I have high standards for Pumphrey, but this exceeded even those standards by a factor of 10 - I love seeing how this channel develops!

[leidrez]

As a German, I'm amazed at how well you can imitate the German accent, I speak the same way

[thomasgartman]

Sure wish I could give you more than one LIKE. I've been a photographer for almost thirty-five years. This is the best telling of the Leica story that I have ever heard, and kudos for pointing out the circuitous path from rangefinder through SLR and, essentially, back. I'm a history buff and I've been studying World War II since I was in the fifth grade. The technological innovations that war required made photography grow as both a science and an art. When I taught my photography classes, I offered a run-down of photography history to those who were interested; and was gratified at how many folks were. There is no way to downplay the fact that Oskar Barnack really is the father of modern photography. The 36x24mm format that Oskar gave us is still alive today in many modern digital cameras. When someone says they have a "full-frame" camera, that's what they're talking about.

It's pretty funny that Pentax recently released the first new, serious 35mm film camera in many years and it's what we now call a half-frame camera because it uses the vertical format that Oskar abandoned because it was too small. By the way, many folks at the time referred to the early Leicas as "double-frame" cameras.

Keep up the great work, and many thanks.

[TyChee]

I'm a professional photographer who has a great appreciation for well engineered machinery. I like something that has weight and has great tactile feel. When I saw the Leica Q2 Reporter, I know I had to have one. I loved that it was olive green and without the red dot. It didn't scream look at my expensive camera. I really enjoy the experience of taking photos with this camera. With just one focal length, it makes you slow down and really think about your composition. It just makes you feel good to use it. My work horse cameras are Sony mirrorless, but when I'm doing photography for me, the Leica is my choice. This video was not what I was expecting from this channel, but it made me really happy to watch it. Thank you for making this.

[stevenrice]

Hey James as someone who has watched you since "shaving in my drift car" I just wanted to thank you. You are truly someone who has inspired me to be who i am and encouraged me to be me. Im 17 and I can tell you first hand that what you do doesnt only give people like me videos to watch before we go to bed but they help us threw hard times and gives us something to look forward to. Your personality, humor and outlook on life add a spark to any video your in that no one else can do. I can remember times where I wasent happy with myself and my life but your videos where always there to not only provide a distraction but inspired me to be the person i wanted to be and i think thats the best thing an infuencer can do. I cant express how much i appreciate you and how much i look up to you. your a great guy who not only it entertaining but brings joy to my life and im sure 1.27 million other people agree with me. So thank you for all that you do it means a lot to all of us especialy me personaly, We love you James

[shaunct]

I am a photographer and I still use an old Olympus rangefinder and an even older Rolleiflex Twin Lens Reflex medium format camera when I want photos that look different than the digital norm. I also begrudgingly shifted from my SLR to the new mirrorless options due to weight, speed, and focus performance. Transitions are hard, and often you lose a lot in the process (some of my old f-mount lenses don't work with my new z-mount camera). I've never owned a Leica due to the price, but I have borrowed a few and the special leaf shutter was pretty unique and innovative, and the glass was impeccable. Like many others though, I could never justify the cost, especially as reasonably priced digital SLRs hit the market. Thanks for delving into my hobby with your usual, hilarious style. I love your car videos, but the foray into other subjects seems like a great idea to me. Best wishes with your new channel. I'm still a big fan!

[FenixAyzee]

Watching this channel and Big Time, I’ve realized that almost everything I liked about Donut was mainly due to three guys..

[shinya]

Also 18:01 Leica didn't even make the R series cameras themselves, they had to reach out to Minolta to "collaborate" and then they produced the R3 (of course, after Minolta had produced their version the Minolta XE). Leica fanatics hate having to admit that Leica wasn't as pure as they say it to be. When Leica made the Leitz CL (in collaboration with Minolta) the CL standing for compact leica, this model had in fact started to out sell their flagship M cameras, as a result they immediately disconnected the collaboration. Minolta of course, having learned Leica's techniques didn't let it go to waste and made the Minolta CLE (Compact Leica Electronic) the smallest, M mount camera ever made, and in my opinion far better than most of Leica's lineup.

Not saying James didn't include this on purpose, I think its important to include information like this especially since multiple "photographers" in the comments are saying this is a great history recap (which it is) but also include how self entitled they were. They asked for help to compete with the Japanese camera SLR market with one of the best Japanese camera brands (later bought by Sony and evolved into current day Sony cameras). As soon as they start losing to their own collaborator on their turf they turned tails.

[MrPomo]

When I was in a photo-journalism class at the university in the mid 80's, the guy teaching it was the head photographer at our local big city paper. He didn't like SLRs. He said there is a moment when the mirror lifts (so the shutter can open), where you can't see the scene you had framed. Also the Leica M cameras were smaller and less obtrusive. For these reasons he loved the Leica M cameras.
He also said, eventually these new digital cameras which were being developed would make film obsolete. Pictures would be transmitted electronically somehow. 40 years later, he was right.

[Squid.Tailes]

It’s funny how dumbing the title down totally worked 😂 now I shall watch

[TithonNA]

James is living out the James May “exploring interests outside of cars” arc, but early in life. WE’RE HERE FOR IT

[ZeroCrystal]

"Answers at the end of the video." Damn you, Pumphrey!! Now I have to watch the rest of the video, which is gonna be SWEEET!!!

[rickybuttons]

Very cheeky using a Donut mic mmm sweet work James and your crew

[thatguy-mp]

love the new skits u added in bro, really ups the immersiveness. keep up the good work.

[SweetLou]

This has everything I love about James in one video: interesting topics that teach you something, perfect delivery, commitment to the bit, weird accents, willingness to wear wigs. What else could you need?

[bryanrogers]

I interviewed for a job at the Leica Store in LA. It was made very clear that potential employment at the store had nothing to do with my photography skills and hands-on camera experience. Qualifying for the job had everything to do with the name brand, quality, and appearance of my suits, ties, and shoes. It's a "luxury brand" and the interviewing manager had come over from a previous job managing a Rolex store.