When I got into photography about 12 years ago I thought it was INSANE to buy a Leica. I got into film before the craze started and got an M2 and M6 for peanuts. So I collected some glass. Then I grabbed an xpro2 so I could at least use some M glass on it. Really liked the Fuji system as well. Found a good deal on an MP240 and then an M246. So here I am, with a Fuji kit, leica kit, and canon for sports. I prefer the leica images to my Fuji. The colors are closest to what I want. When I got an M246, WOW. Easily the most unique sensor I have ever used. Camera gear is a cheaper and safer hobby than drugs, cars, or golf…thank goodness.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

Ай бұрын

Ya I want the 246 bad. It would be the perfect setup for me. I should be doing my sports for the paper with a used 7d Mk 2 and 70-200 and 1.4. Been using my Fuji and so far it’s been ok.

Great images Kirk. Great video too

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Many thanks!

amazing review, thank you for all the incites

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

Ай бұрын

Even though this camera is pretty old now it’s still great!

Interesting video and lovely photos. Thanks

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Good morning, Kirk. Thank you for sharing your recent experiences with your MP-240. It’s clear that despite not using it for some time, the images you’ve captured are stunning. The photograph of the boat with the vivid red is particularly striking. As a seasoned photographer, I can appreciate the unique quality of the MP-240’s output. While I’ve used Fuji cameras in the past, I agree that there’s something special about creating images that are a true reflection of your vision-something the Fuji often automates. The colors and monochrome tones from the MP-240 are indeed impressive. These days, my go-to camera is the Nikon DF, paired with vintage Nikkor lenses. Their classic feel is irreplaceable. Keep up the fantastic work! ❤

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

I truly love the Leica gear I own. To be honest if I did not need to own a system to shoot sports and news with I would probably only own the Leica system. It would be an M11 and an M11 Monochrom. But for now I’ll be using both. My old outdated MP 240 and the Fuji gear. I enjoy both systems for what they are. One produces images for work and some enjoyment but the Leica has my soul.

I always enjoy seeing your videos and your perspective. Also please let me know where you find that hat!!!

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Gordo! Wish I could help with the hat. Gift from Fuji.

Great photos.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Mark!

Wow, those were some beautiful photos you shot with that Leica Kirk. I even recognize one B&W with the interesting clouds in the background (brick building in the foreground) that you posted on Instagram recently. I've never used a Leica before but any camera that inspires you to get out an shoot is a great camera in my book.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Steve - Thanks! The inspiration I get from the Leica is different from my Fuji’s. But they both serve a purpose and that’s inspiration.

Thanks a lot for this video. I think that especially Fuji users are curious about the Leica cameras. There is a special attraction for Leica, which has a lot to do with enthusiasm about photography. Many greetings from good old Germany 🙂

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Ralf! I try to use both systems but the Fuji is what I use most. I’m lucky to have both one Legacy one not.

I was a Fuji user for a while, loved their small form factor, especially the lenses. But made the mistake of buying an M8 and just fell in love with the simplicity, build quality and files. So sold out on Fuji and bought an M10-P, I know they’re expensive but there is something special about M cameras that’s inspiring. They do force you to think about what you’re doing and give you tools, like frame lines and zone focusing, to reward you once you get comfortable with them.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Gary - Spot on! As I said to another commenter if I did not have to shoot stuff for the local paper I would likely be all in Leica. Like you an M10P or M11 and also an M10 or M11 Monochrom. I like the Fuji’s for what they give me for my work and this channel but I really do love my Leicas.

nice video. never used a leica camera but it seems it for sure plays more for still subjects and not moving. cool review :D

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Kyle fun to do!

I had the M262, that came out around the same period of the X-Pro 2. X-Pro 2 was already much more advanced in terms of functionalities, even though the M produces incredible detailed images, especially when paired with a Summicron :). But now the M or M262 is around 2500€ or more, while the xpro 2 is around 700€ ... To be honest having had the M I prefer the x-pro2 that I use as my only camera in 2024.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

An X-Pro with ibis would be ideal for me

Great video Kirk. I watched your videos religiously when I shot Fuji. I left Fuji when they started pushing more PASM interfaces and dropped it totally in GFX. I then went Leica. I was lucky at the time financially I was able to do it. I have a M11, M11 Monochrom and some Leica glass. Always enjoyed your Leica videos and I can clearly see why you stick with your M240 even though it’s aging. I’d love see you do a head to head of a modern M11 vs a Fuji.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Gary! You’ll have to come to Rockport U.S.A. for me to do that ! Haha. Exactly the setup I want when I don’t have to shoot sports for the paper.

@forgottenamericana

3 ай бұрын

@@KirkWilliamsonphotographyHey Kirk. I’ll be in Southern Maine in a few weeks for the summer. Maybe we can make that happen. Cape Ann won’t be too far away!

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

2 ай бұрын

@@forgottenamericana I went to school in Sanford and have done some photo tours up the Maine coast I love it up there. Send me an email and maybe we can get together for a Leica get together.

@forgottenamericana

2 ай бұрын

@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Ok sending you an email now.....

I'm using a M 240 daily even if i currently own also a x100vi and xt5, such an amazing camera

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

2 ай бұрын

I love mine wish I could use it more.

"...What it can do, not what it can't do..." This is the key. Play to the strengths and you can be satisfied with most gear.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Yes exactly! When you stop worrying or wishing a camera or lens could do something instead of working within the confines of what you have it is a recipe for disaster.

I'd love to try a Leica sometime.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

It’s a very cool experience!

Good video, and timely for me. I’m primarily a Fuji user these days, but I’ve always been curious about Leica. However, the prices of new Leica cameras are so high that I can’t really justify it. Lately, I’ve been checking out older, used Leica camera models, including the 240. So it was great to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Jay! I hope you find something. Plus start out with a lens that’s good quality like a Zeiss or Voigtlander instead of Leica and you can save money. Or look for older Leica lenses without any mold inside the elements and you may find a good deal.

@BruunMedia

Күн бұрын

I recently bought a Leica M8. Love it, paid €1795. Bought a TTArtisans 28mm to go with it. Great set up for my street photography.

Leica for full frame and fujifilm for medium format . That what I do . Fujifilm only apsc that not for me but fujifilm GFX so beautiful.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

2 ай бұрын

I agree. If I could afford GFX I’d be in there with you.

I have an M11 and X-T5 and prefer using the latter. Beautiful pictures btw. You should sell your presets if you have any :)

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

I use my X-T5 way more than my Leica. But I love using the Leica just the same.

Beautiful images. The Leica is still very capable and fantastic for stills only. You seem to have some nice Leica glass. Would a Voigtlandetr or Zeiss lens be just as nice? As I’m getting closer to retirement I’m thinking about treating myself to a used Leica like the 240 or similar. I’ve always wanted a Leica but the price is hard to swallow.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Yes most certainly. Older Leica glass has a certain look though. Older Zeiss glad the same is true.

I have a M10, after having the M9 and the M240 (worst of all the digital Leica IMHO). I am actually considering if it is worth changing it with something with a viewfinder instead of the rangefinder. My favorite lens to shoot at is a 50mm, usually pretty open. So it gets tricky with the rangefinder. I have an Hasselblad X2D for when I need more resolution, but for as small as it is, it is not as portable as the Leica or a Fuji. I absolutely love the Leica sensor, as for rendition of colors (skin tones specially) and the feel for it. Fuji (and Hasselblad) is the only other manufacturer that has a feel to its sensor that I can compare to it. I am just not sure whether going to a crop sensor makes sense.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

19 күн бұрын

If I were you I would stick with the Leica and the Hassie. No sense in moving over to Fuji. If you want your wide open images with the Leica and the 50 to be spot on get the evf. Use peaking and your images will be fine.

@alberto0

19 күн бұрын

@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I am now leaning towards the Nikon Zf with the Leica 50mm lens. I didn't like the old EVF on the Leica. But I'll try the visioflex2 and see if I love it. It is a good idea if that works well for me..

In the past I had a M9 then M9P that produced nice images, but hardware and software was plain awful. Followed by M (240) much better but I said adieu to rangefinder and purchase a SL (601) much better and love using M lenses on it via L/M adapter. Currently using SL2-S and Panasonic S5II, no plans to upgrade any time soon.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

For me the SL is to heavy but then again I have not even picked one up so what do I know.

I see you're getting a few of the quintessential comments from people who've never used a Leica ha. I love the note about focusing on what it can do rather than what it can't. This is the beauty of the system boiled down to a single line. Why? Because what it can't do is take photos for you. It can't handle focus. It can't hold your hand. Because of that, people discard it. Well, along with the price of course 😅 For those chasing the experience? Untouchable system. I'm on the M240 myself, and pretty new to it. Carry it around NYC every day and love it to death.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Haha - Glad you agree. Wish I could shoot with it more. It’s such a great camera and I enjoy using it so much.

because you talk about lots of technical specs ill write down some cosmetic perspective. M-P is the last black painted brass 'P' camera from Leica. Well someone saying M10-R black paint is the last one but officially its not 'P' so if you are fan of black paint wear with beautiful brass body, I highly recomend M-P black paint and most importantly these days its quite affordable for Digital Leica M system body.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for adding that. My M-P is getting some nice brassing around the top and bottom plate.

There's no escaping it in the artistic sense. Once you switched to Leica Monochrom - Next level ol' Kirky - Obvious...

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Yes I’ve always wanted one!

I lika your Leica post 🤣

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Patrick!

some crack photos you got there

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Many thanks!

m240 is weathersealed

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

To some extent it is weather resistant but not around the lens flange! This is a major difference between it and the Fuji X-T5

@xtolr

3 ай бұрын

@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I meant the camera. Yea lens is not

Severely kitten deficient !

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

I do have a dog!

Anyway if somebody really really care bout clinical focus accuracy (most RF users i ever knew in my life dont give a damn about such things) i cant recommend this one i mean any ragne finder systems cause its basically manual focus camera so if you composite main subject away from center, you almost impossible to get the precise focus with rangefinder inside viewfinder.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

I disagree

@SourPlanet

3 ай бұрын

Uh. Wrong. Dead wrong. You're describing a skill issue. You need practice.

None of them. Too expensive.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

Expensive yes!

There are a lot of fine camera which are simply far too expensive for the average person. But there's surely NO shortage of great cameras which in many ways measure up very well to the expensive cameras, and in many ways, actually surpass them. Some people just want to be seen with an $8,000 camera in their hands, but they can't even find the shutter release. Leica? Like a Rolls Royce. But seriously, who gives a crap? Only the most shallow people in the world - quite seriously.

@KirkWilliamsonphotography

3 ай бұрын

I started with a used Leica M3 which all the great photojournalists used back in the day. I used a used 50 mm lens and I was quite happy. This was 1970. As my career as a photojournalist took off I needed an SLR for longer lenses. No one makes a rangefinder digital camera like the Leica M. Not even Fuji! I bought the M9 used and had the glass left over from my film days. I upgraded to the M-P 240 after I sent the M9 in to have the sensor replaced. I don’t carry an $8000 camera actually far less. Your comment gets a thumbs down !

@SourPlanet

3 ай бұрын

I've literally never met a Leica user that just wants it as jewelry. They all honestly love photography and take their Leica everywhere. I see them on the street and we always chat about the day, the shooting, etc. The idea of the "status user" is a myth. I've bumped into this accusation in person and they have never actually known a Leica user. They say it as judgement not as observation.

@scotthullinger4684

3 ай бұрын

@@SourPlanet - The status user with regard to cameras is very much NOT a myth. Some people flaunt their goods for all the world to see, as if it matters. People do the same with everything, especially cars. Status is everything in the minds of some (very shallow) people,

@SourPlanet

3 ай бұрын

@@scotthullinger4684 How many Leica status users have you met? I literally attend Leica events at two stores in NYC and I haven't met one. Even if you did meet one, who cares? Explain to me how that matters at all, ever.

@scotthullinger4684

2 ай бұрын

@@SourPlanet - No doubt they're very few and far between, and very loud mouthed. They also seem to be the sort of people who own every single Leica camera and lens ever made. Semi normal people own less than a dozen cameras, and totally normal people own one camera, or just an iPhone with a camera.