Royal Class “M”

    In my opinion (in digital photography), nothing comes closer to the feel of old (analog) photography than the Leica M with its optical viewfinder. There's just something about the rangefinder. It's simply fun to photograph using the prism principle. You look through "glass" and orient yourself using the focal length lines.

    As I said, you have to be able to afford the M system. You have to ask yourself if you can afford a repair. Because yes, the "mechanical rangefinder" is unfortunately prone to failure. Something I painfully discovered with my M8. It's also possible that Wetzlar will announce that the old cameras are no longer supported. In 2026, I wouldn't buy a camera from 2006 again. It's also very difficult to get hold of the old cameras anymore. MPB and KEH sometimes still have them, but at hefty prices of €2,500 and up. Buying a replacement Leica "just like that" is something you have to be able to afford. And if you can't, then I look for a less fragile Leica, for example.

    Currently, in 2026, the Leica M has been released in the EV1 variant. The first M with an EVF and without a physical rangefinder or OVF. And it's simply too expensive at €7,950 (as of 2026). Not to mention that there's no monochrome version (as of April 2026).

    For "me," the Leica Q2 in monochrome makes the most sense. At €4,000, it's anything but cheap, but you can be sure that the Q won't have any physical defects due to the lack of a rangefinder.

    The Leica Q does have a slightly larger lens. But it has the body of an M. And with the right lens hood (slim round lens hood), it doesn't look so bulky anymore. Samuel (@SamuelStreetlife), thanks for the tip from your Leica Q review video.

    Like I said, if you have the money and can just buy a spare M, or if the repair costs aren't a financial burden, then you get the top-of-the-line digital camera.

    But it's never wrong to have goals in life. Someday, two Leica Ms (the classic version like the current M11 Monochrom in 2026) will be realistically affordable. Just not today. Or perhaps a less expensive (hopefully then) M EV Monochrom with a digital EVF.

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