How my Leica M6 makes me feel

This is about the unique experience my Leica M6 has given me – a camera that seamlessly blends into my creative process, becoming an extension of myself. Shooting with this camera is so effortless that it feels like an organic part of my vision, allowing me to capture moments with unparalleled precision.

Don't forget to hit that like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and ring the notification bell to stay updated with my photography adventures. Share your thoughts and experiences with the Leica M6 in the comments below! #LeicaM6

[mrgregpappas]

I've been shooting since 2002 and have owned Leicas since 2006. Over the years I've heard again and again how the camera doesn't matter, to shoot whatever you have, you don't need a great camera to make great pictures, etc. And while I agree with that, I have no ambitions to quit my job and become a professional photographer. It's always been a hobby that includes the love of the feel of a M camera. That gorgeous tacticle feel as you focus, fire the shutter and advance the film. 

Recently I was reading a thread where the thread starter asked about comparing one lens vs another and several people began the same song about how M cameras are overpriced, Leica glass is overpriced and so on. Then I saw a post for the first time explaining the enjoyment of shooting. I love time in my darkroom. I love printing. And I love making images I'm proud of. But I love shooting with a Leica.

"The photo for me is important but is the least important aspect. The experience of handling the camera, shooting the camera, the feeling of flow and presence while focusing on the subiect and composing the shot, often in nature, I find more important. I find that a Leica adds to that whole experience and there lies the value to me. I often see posted that the camera is just a tool to produce a photo:
this also completely misses the point and is only relevant if you merely value the the outcome of the activity and place little value in the activity itself

[bolderiks]

I own a lot of camera's. I once read an article of what is the best camera for you (and me) when you own a lot of them. The answer was: the camera you use most is the best camera for you. And so this particular camera becomes your best friend. It's a mixture of spending time together and the emotions that pop up when one is blown away by the secrets of life that only a photo can reveal. The reason a particular camera becomes your best friend is something that is hard to explain. I think a camera chooses us instead of the other way around. It's like a stray dog that comes at your house and never goes away. And before you know it he's your best friend.

[writershootsfilm]

From July of 2017 to February of 2020, I always had my Leica M-A around my neck. I love, love, love my film photos from that time. There's nothing like it.

[klarkolofsson]

I first bought a digital M camera but ultimately changed it to a film camera. It’s simple and a great little light box!

[simonpalmer]

I bought a Leica M2 in May this year and I've been using it/wanting to use it everyday since. I photograph weddings and have always been a SLR user. However, since having my M2 it's been so influential on how my work looks and feels now, suddenly I can achieve an aesthetic and composition that I feel is how I view the world and the events I witness. The lack of a light meter has also been absolutely freeing and very rarely do I underexpose. I worried that the hype of a Leica was just hype but, mannnn, I'm going to own the camera for life now. Maybe I'll add a M6 or an MP or something later to the collection.

[qnetx]

I have a Leica M4-P (basically an M6 without a meter) and I feel the same way about it that you do with yours.

[MounirShowreel]

Back in 2002, on a trip to Japan, I bought my 1st digital camera. A Canon PowerShot G2 4.0MP.
It used to give me this same feeling. Very intuitive, easy menu, true color flip-out and twist LCD display monitor (a great new feature back in the day), the strong built quality, and finally the fantastic image quality compared to the other available cameras under the same bridge category.
Likewise, soon after I started using it, I didn't use to think about it as a camera. It became an extension of my eye. I didn't get the same feeling with any other camera after that. It really opened my appetite to digital photography after so many years of using film cameras.
Unfortunately, I gave it away after I upgraded.

[alexradsby]

I believe in strong connection with your tools. Leicas are like that. To me as an artist it's important as hell to work with the tools that makes you feel like you feel.

People who just say it's a box will never understand. It's like saying to an painter not to use their favorite brushes. The tool matters and the connection you have to it. It becomes an extension of yourself.

Love the video. Beautiful imagery man. Thank you 🙏 subscribed!

[danielb]

Same vibe here. Switched to MP after a few years with an M4-P. I will say tho, I sometimes miss not having a light meter.

[landoncaldwell]

I’ve shot an M6 everyday for the last 4 years, I feel the same way that you do. I will have that camera on me for the rest of my days, that is for certain.

[jonathanchou-me]

Bro! It was awesome!! keep going!! Maybe have some choice lens video in the future~~~ I will literally watch it.
Btw I have M6 too !

[tonym]

Your images are great - so sharp and with beautiful color rendition. I don't have a Leica M6 yet (but I'm on the hunt!), but I do have a Leica M8 and it's my absolute favorite camera. I love the images it produces, and I can tell that you have a similar bond with your M6, it's a classic camera for a reason, and your images are a testament to that. Thanks for sharing.

[elpollito]

The fuji x-pro3 gives me that experience. I’ve never used a leica tho

[joaorat]

Really enjoy your work, maybe you can do a video about your process of developing and what film you use :)

[sansomountain]

Beautiful images! And 1000% agree with the feeling. I get that feeling with my mamiya 7. That being said I am about to add a M6 as a sidekick to my mamiya 7. Wondering which is your favourite/go to film stock for your M6 (or, what you used to make these images?)

[FesRJoseph]

I feel this way about my Minolta XD-S.

[filterfreephotography]

Always interested in hearing about peoples thoughts on film stocks. I seem to use Kodak Color Plus 200 or Ilford HP5+ as my go to films. Loving your channel and looking forward to your next videos.

[Fjalll]

The hype around these cameras has become a bit silly, admittedly. Back in 2005, the Leica M3 was as expensive or even more so than the M6, which made sense. Arguably, it’s a better-built camera and who needs a built-in light meter anyway? The rangefinder system and the Leica M with it became largely obsolete for the majority of the professional market when Nikon introduced the Nikon F in 1959 for half the price. It held on somewhat for journalists and a few well-known documentary and street photographers who apparently didn’t get the memo. The same goes for those old farts who still drive their uncomfortable air-cooled sports cars instead of going electric or those who still use messy physical paint to smear on a canvas rather than much more convenient touch screen options.

It’s important to remember that you can only speak for yourself and do what you enjoy. There’s no fault in enjoying something that doesn’t necessarily make sense to others. The only thing that might be difficult to grasp in these discussions are the haters. You’ve clearly proven your point with those lovely pictures.

I buy and sell cameras and have been doing it before Instagram was even a thing, but I will never part with my Leica. It’s not until you fiddle with other cameras again that you appreciate Leica fully.

[grainybrews]

I recently did a video on the Leica M5 (shameless plug), and yes there is a sense that the Leica imbues the user with a special feeling that few other cameras can match. However, I also think that the more we value a camera, the more we value the work that comes out of it. It could monetary value, in your case it's the sentimentality. It's a tricky subject, because there is a romantic notion to the film Leica experience, but at the end of the day we have to remind ourselves that it's just a box with a lens. And I'm absolutely not saying you shouldn't be enjoying the experience; you wouldn't take photos and use a Leica if it wasn't pleasurable. Just some thoughts, coming from someone who also enjoys shooting with the system. Cool video :)

[Ammah]

Dude I want one I just cant afford one! but resonate with your romanticising language about it