Leica Cameras

Leica is one of the most respected brands in photography. Offering perhaps the ultimate in quality, Leica cameras and lenses are made with the utmost care and precision in their engineering. Whether you’re looking for a digital camera from Leica, or one of the firm’s classic film cameras, you can be sure you’ll be getting a sublime imaging machine. That iconic Leica red dot is an instant stamp of quality.

Since 1913, Leica has been making class-leading cameras, and optics since before even that. Famous photographers throughout history have relied on Leica equipment to get the job done. And with new limited edition Leica digital cameras still being released to this day, the legacy continues.

Leica Cameras

There are a few main categories of Leica photographic products. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer. 

Leica Compact System & Mirrorless Cameras

Leica mirrorless cameras blend classic design with cutting-edge imaging tech. Many are built around the same Leica rangefinder design that 35mm film photographers were using in the 1950s. A rangefinder is a focusing system that allows the user to measure distance between camera and subject to produce pin-sharp images – it takes some getting used to, but once you’re accustomed to it, you may never go back!

Here are some of Leica’s most popular mirrorless cameras.

Leica M10-R:
Taking design cues from the classic film cameras, the Leica M-10R is outfitted with all the latest digital features. These include a spectacular 40MP full-frame sensor, an ISO range of 100-50,000 for low-light shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi that allows for use of the Leica Fotos app, which has integrated Adobe Lightroom. It’s an M-mount camera – see below for a breakdown of Leica lens types.

Leica M11
Elements of the past and future combine. The Leica M11 digital camera body is a camera with a classic look but equipped with the latest in photographic technology. The camera upholds Leica’s legacy with exceptional build quality and impressive image-taking performance. Take a look at what the M11 is capable of and pre-order now!

Leica SL2-S:
Building on the popular Leica SL2, the Leica SL2-S is a powerful full-frame mirrorless camera. With the inclusion of 5-axis sensor-shift stabilisation, and an ISO range of 50-100,000, it’s a seriously capable camera in low light. Its full-frame sensor has larger pixels, reducing image noise for a cleaner and sharper picture. This is an L-mount camera. 

Leica Compact Cameras

Leica’s compact cameras offer a pure and high-quality shooting experience. Their refined designs combine elegance and simplicity with technological innovation. Leica produces compacts with prime lenses and zoom lenses, so there are a breadth of options to choose from. 

Here are some of Leica’s popular compact cameras:

Leica Q2:
An incredible 47.3 megapixel full-frame imaging sensor meets a powerful Maestro II image processor and a 28mm Summilux f/1.7 ASPH lens. This combination makes for one of the fastest, smoothest, most high-quality shooting experiences available right now. Great for street photography and documentary, the Leica Q2 is a camera born to be taken everywhere. For an even purer experience, it also comes in a black-and-white version – the Leica Q2 Monochrom. 

Leica V-LUX 5:
A tremendous jack of all trades, the Leica V-LUX 5 pairs a 20.1MP 1-inch CMOS sensor with a DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens that covers an equivalent zoom range of 25-400mm. Fantastic for travel, this is a compact camera for all situations. 

Leica D-LUX 7:
The pocketable D-LUX 7 uses a 17MP Four Thirds sensor and boasts a 24-75mm equivalent lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.7-2.8. There’s also a bright, 2.76m-dot electronic viewfinder 

Leica Film Cameras

The fantastic analogue legacy of Leica continues, with Leica film cameras still being some of the finest analogue cameras you can buy today. 

Leica MP 0.72: Available in black or silver, this stylish 35mm film camera is equipped with a classic rangefinder that can focus under all kinds of shooting conditions. It’s a highly tactile controlling experience, one that calls back to classic cameras of yesteryear like the Leica M6. 

Leica Lenses

Contemporary Leica lenses come in two mounts – Leica M-mount and the L-mount.

There are also a number of Leica accessories for lenses, including mount adapters that will convert between M-mount and L-mount.

Frequently asked questions

Where is best to buy Leica digital cameras?

While it’s great to buy new equipment where possible, sometimes it’s worth looking for Used equipment, as older Leica cameras may show up for bargain prices!

Why are Leica cameras so expensive?

This has been a question in the photographic world for an extremely long time. In short, it’s because Leicas are all limited edition – the firm’s cameras and lenses are hand-made in very limited numbers. The devices are all painstakingly crafted – even that famous red dot is placed on by hand. When you buy a Leica, you are buying something that has been made, not manufactured.

Where are Leica cameras made?

Leica cameras are designed and made in the firm’s factory in Wetzlar, Germany.

How long do Leica cameras last?

This varies from camera to camera of course, but some Leica models, particularly old analogue ones, are rated to last effectively forever. A Leica M6 is built with all-metal parts that simply don’t wear and tear, and you can expect one to still be around and in working order for years, perhaps centuries.

Are Leica cameras worth buying?

Fundamentally, photographers can only answer that question for themselves! But Leica cameras do offer an experience that is unique, so while they are expensive, for many, it’s quite simply worth it.