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Leica Digital Camera - The Leica Compact Cameras
 
My own Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten von Overgaard.
   
 
   

Compact Leica Digital Cameras

By: Thorsten Overgaard. July 4, 2020. Updated June 16, 2023.

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The Leica camera that has the most fame is the Leica M, with its classic and very old-school way of photographing. From this model, which first saw the light of day in 1925, the world of Leica has evolved into other camera models.

No matter where you enter the Leica camera brand, your personal world of Leica tends to focus back on the Leica M. This is the ultimate camera that you tend to want. In an analogy there are many nice Porsche models, but the Porsche 911 is the core model. We could go on about the virtues of other models, and there is even the classic Porsche 912 model ... but at the end of the day, the 911 is the center of the Porsche universe. In the same fashion, the Leica M is the center of the Leica universe.

 

Classic Porsche 912 in red (1967-model), the Leica M9-P in black (2012-model).
Classic Porsche 912 in red (1967-model), the Leica M9-P in black (2012-model).

 

The original Leica vs joint-venture Leica compact models

The Leica M was itself born as a compact camera, because back then (1925), all cameras were large wooden boxes that required knowledge about chemistry, a tripod for the heavy camera, and a lot of patience.

 

Photography in the late 1800's
Photography in the late 1800's

 

The Leica ushered in a new concept of "small camera, large print", which was entirely new. Until then, whatever the size of the camera determined the print (which was made 1:1 of the negative from the camera).

Fast forwarding, Leica became the camera from that moment of conception in 1925, until the 1970's when Japanese producers came up with new ideas for cameras. The SLR camera (Single Lens Reflex that enabled the user to see what the lens saw, via mirrors) was the new thing, and Leica tried to hang in by making "Leica versions" of the cheaper Japanese cameras, such as the Leicaflex.

 

By the 1970's professional photographers used all sorts of camera systems, not mainly Leica cameras anymore. © Paul Schutzer/LIFE.
By the 1960's professional photographers used all sorts of camera systems, all of them much less compact than the Leica.

 

     
 

Why is it called a "camera"..?

The word Camera is today's short name for Camera Obscura (which originally means “a dark room”).

Origin of the word Obscura means "dark" or "covered", and the word Camera means Chambre and was used originally only as a Latin or alien word, actually only for Spanish soldiers' rooms, until popularized in connection with photography in 1727: “Camera Obscura”.

In 1793 the slang term “camera” was used by Sterne Tr. Shandy: “Will make drawings of you in the camera” and by Foster (1878), “The eye is a camera”.

Ibn-al-Haytham mentioned Camera Obscura in his "Book of Optics" in 1021.
Ibn-al-Haytham mentioned Camera Obscura in his "Book of Optics" in 1021.

The concept of Camera Obscura was described by Iraqi scientist Ibn-al-Haytham in his book, “Book of Optics” (1021) and by Leonardo da Vinci in 1500; popularized and made widely known in 1589 by Baptista Porta when he mentioned the principle in his book “Natural Magic”. Johannes Kepler mentions Camera Obscura in 1604.

Camera = chambre (room), Obscura = dark (or cover).

 
     

 

 

1) The Leica-Minolta joint venture for a compact film camera

Starting in 1971 and going onwards to 1982, Leica started a joint venture with Minolta and made a "small Leica M" film camera, the Leica CL. The idea was not the size, but that it would be a great intro camera to the Leica M system as it cost much less to buy.

 

The Leica CL 35mm film camera was made as Leica CL and Minolta CLE, with whom this was shared technology. Also two CL lenses were made together with it, a 40mm and 90mm as economical alternatives to the Leica M lenses (which they shared a bayonet with). CL stands for Compact Leica or Compact-Light-measuring as the internal light meter was also one of the new technologies added in this model.
The Leica CL 35mm film camera was made as Leica CL and Minolta CLE, with whom this was shared technology. Also two CL lenses were made together with it, a 40mm and 90mm as economical alternatives to the Leica M lenses (which they shared a bayonet with). CL stands for Compact Leica or Compact-Light-measuring as the internal light meter was also one of the new technologies added in this model.


 

Much could be said about the Leica CL film camera, but the conclusion is that Minolta learned a lot about optics and mechanical precision from Leica, but for Leica it didn't solve their essential problem: That the majority of photographers in the world turned away from Leica M to the more fancy SLR cameras which offered auto focus, motorized film advancement, long tele lenses and more new features. In one way, it was a healthy shake-up of photography, which brought us for example internal light metering (instead of external hand-held devices) and other new ways of doing things. But it also brought a lot of features that keep being invented and integrated into cameras, which have very little to do with photography.

It is very unusual for a German company with a legacy like the one of Leica to engage in joint ventures or alliances with other companies. They usually see themselves as so unique and perfect, everybody else should be learning from them and not the other way around. As you will see in this article, Leica has been able to rise above this and make alliances with other lens producers (for the Leica L mount), camera producers (Minolta, Panasonic, Fujifilm and Zenith), smartphone producers, as well as taking advice from companies like Apple, Hermes, Porsche and Audi on design and production management.

Even though the Minolta joint venture didn't go that well, Leica was at it again twenty or so years later when they engaged with another large Japanese camera producer:

 

2) The Leica-Panasonic compact digital cameras

The Leica joint-venture with Japanese Panasonic started in 2002 and has been a great success for both companies. Leica provide lens designs for Panasonic cameras, which they are paid royalties for, while at the same time, Leica gets Panasonic to produce editions with the Leica logo and minor adjustments to the design. There is no doubt that Leica camera benefits greatly financially from this joint venture, selling know-how they spent more than 100 years earning.

In essence, the Leica editions of the cameras are for people who appreciate the brand and just feel better having a Leica branded camera than a Panasonic branded camera. For those who want to save money on the other hand, there are many reasons or arguments why the Panasonic will do the job just as well. That choice is entirely a personal one. What can be said to throw a few nuances into the choice:

A) While the price of the Leica and Panasonic versions usually start almost at the same price point (with Panasonic at 85%-90% of the Leica retail price), the Panasonic price as second-hand drops fast and low while the Leica second-hand prices tend to stay much higher (which in essence means that buying a Leica and selling it later cost the same or less in the end than buying the cheaper Panasonic).

B) The Leica version is said to employ much stricter quality control to lens assembly than Panasonic, hence why Leica throws away 90% or so of the lenses while Panasonic uses them all. True or not, the question is if one would be able to notice the difference in a compact camera.

C) In some cases, the firmware in the Leica vs the Panasonic version differs, giving the Leica more natural and less saturated colors.

 

       
 

Leica D-Lux

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
  Resources:    
  Leica D-Lux 7 Compact Mirrorless Camera Review by Thorsten Overgaard (2020)    
       


The Leica D-Lux 7 was introduced in 2019 with 17MP sensor and a very light-strong zoom lens, the 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8. Here seen with the Always Wear a Camera calfskin strap in yellow.
The Leica D-Lux 7 was introduced in 2019 with 17MP sensor and a very light-strong zoom lens, the 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8. A black version of this camera was introduced in June 2020. Here my silver Leica D-Lux 7 seen with the Always Wear a Camera calfskin strap in yellow (on top of my 24hr Jetsetter Bag).

 

 

The Leica D-Lux series was introduced first in 2003 and as such it has been the most consistent series of digital compact cameras from Leica. They were also some of the first digital Leica cameras ever, introduced in 2003 where Leica was still making film cameras and sort of believed film would always be there in the future. By going into cooperation with Panasonic, Leica was able to offer the D-Lux cameras, leaning heavily on Panasonic who had already gained the know-how, experience and manufacturing skills to mass-produce electronic cameras.

As is the case with all the Leica cameras made with Panasonic, they don't have the same simplicity as the cameras Leica makes themselves. The cameras generally have too many buttons and too many choices to be made in the camera menu. It's a great irony of photography that the smaller the camera gets, the more complicated they are. It simply comes with the consumer territory that you produce and sell cameras promising new features which "do it automatically for you".

The Japanese culture admires aesthetics and simplicity, as in "The perfect samurai never draws his sword", but when it comes to electronics (and water closets), they get very complicated.

The Leica D-Lux is a great camera if you can tame the overflow of features. By that I mean that you should study the manual while you have the camera next to you. Learn each feature and then decide which you should omit using. With professional cameras like the Leica M it is very easy, because on those the buttons and features are limited to what you need. As photography means "writing with light", there are only the three essential controls to manage light. The rest - on any camera - is just marketing.

On the Leica D-Lux 7 (the sister camera is the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II) one will notice that Leica Camera AG and their philosophy about quality images and simplicity of operation starts to play in. Contrary to earlier models of the D-Lux , the D-Lux 7 features the dial on top of the camera which has been made into a classic and simple shutter speed dial, which in essence gives the user the possibility to quickly adjust the exposure of the photograph (in previous models the dial was a selection of "presets" that never made any sense but nonetheless are on most digital cameras these days "to make it easier").

 

The neighbourhood. Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten Overgaard.
Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

Also, the aperture dial is on the front of the lens like in classic cameras; which is another choice the user can control the light with. As such, the Leica D-Lux 7 is in many ways operated like a Leica M, except that it has a lot of options added in the menu and on the camera (which you have to learn to un-see if you want to make your photography simple and effective).

Finally, the Leica D-Lux 7 zoom lens can now be operated with a zoom ring on the lens (or when in Manual Focusing mode, this ring is the focusing ring). It also has the traditional zoom button that compact cameras generally feature. But a zoom ring on the lens is the traditional and logical way to operate a zoom lens; and now it is back!

So far the features and buttons. Fundamentally the Leica D-Lux 7 features a high quality Leica lens as well as a sensor that produces high-quality images with 12.5 stop dynamic range (the Leica M has a 13.5 stop dynamic range). The dynamic range is how well the camera's sensor can capture highlight and shadows at the same time; but more importantly an expression for how well the camera can capture tonality and colors across the spectrum, and with details.

Here is an overview of Leica D-Lux models, including which battery for Leica D-Lux. The Leica D-Lux 7 would be my choice, but in second-hand and less expensive Leica D-Lux models, the Leica D-Lux 6 ($400-$500 second-hand) stands out with an excellent lens:

 

Leica D-Lux models over the years:

Model Year MP Zoom F-stop Memory ISO Video Weight Battery
D-Lux 7 2019 17MP 24-75mm f/1.7–2.8   200-25600 4K 30fps 403g BP-DC 15
D-Lux 109 2014 13MP 24-75mm f/1.7–2.8   200-25600 4K 30fps 405g BP-DC 15
D-Lux 6 2012 10MP 24-90mm f/1.4–2.3 70MB 80-6400 1920 60fps 298g BP-DC 10
D-Lux 5 2010 10MP 24-90mm f/2.0-3.3   80-3200 1280 60fps 271g BP-DC 10
D-Lux 4 2008 10MP 24-60mm f/2.0-2.8 50MB 80-3200 1280 24fps 248g BP-DC4
D-Lux 3 2006 10MP 28-112mm f/2.8-4.9   100-1600 848 30fps 220g BP-DC4
D-Lux 2 2005 8MP 28-112mm f/2.8-4.9   80-400 848 30 fps 220g BP-DC4
D-Lux 1 2003 3.2MP 35-105mm f/2.8-4.9   50-400 640 30 fps 180g 680 mAh
© Overgaard

 

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Leica C-Lux

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
       

 

The Leica C-Lux was re-launched in June 2018 as simply the C-Lux (sister camera to Panasonic Lumix ZS/TZ200). This time as a very fashionable and very compact camera, yet featuring a 20MP sensor and a 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 zoom lens. A sort of do-it-all camera for the fashionista, and the price of $1,100 reflects that it is positioned as a fashion accessory (which happens to conceal a real quality camera with a huge zoom lens and 20MP sensor and 4K video). Basically, if you can tame this camera, you won't ever need any other cameras. All you have to do is to decide if you want a Gold or Midnight Blue color.

The Leica C-Lux 1 was originally introduced in 2006, then C-Lux 2 (2007), C-Lux 3 (2008) - then it changed name temporality to Leica V-Lux 20 in 2010, Leica V-Lux 30 in 2011 and a Leica V-Lux 40 in 2012, then to return to the name Leica C-Lux Typ 112 (in Sept 2013 as twin sister to Panasonic DMC-LF1) and then not much happened until the "fashion editions" arrived in 2018.

 

The Leica C-Lux in Gold, fundamentally a camera that is extremely compact, yet does all that much larger cameras do, while looking great at the same time.
The Leica C-Lux in Gold, fundamentally a camera that is extremely compact, yet does all that much larger cameras do, while looking great at the same time.

 

 

         
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Leica V-Lux

 
  By Thorsten von Overgard  
       

 

Leica also made the Leica V-Lux camera series, which is not a compact camera, but rather a compact SLR camera. It has a built-in lens that can't be changed (and doesn't have to as it covers the whole range), which is the explanation for how it can be so small, compared to a traditional SLR camera. For me, it is too big to "Always Carry a Camera", yet it does have impressive functionalities and quality for the money. 20MP sensor, 4K video and a 25mm to 400mm f/2.8-4.0 zoom lens. Yes, why not?

The models are Leica V-Lux 1 (2006), V-Lux 2 (2010), V-Lux 3 (2011), V-Lux 4 (2012), V-Lux Typ 114 (2014), V-Lux 5 (2018).

(For a while, the Leica C-Lux was renamed to Leica V-Lux 20 in 2010, V-Lux 30 in 2011 and a Leica V-Lux 40 in 2012, before that model returned to the name Leica C-Lux Typ 112 in 2013).

 

The Leica V-Lux 5 was introduced in 2019 with 25-400mm zoom and 20MP.
The Leica V-Lux 5 was introduced in 2019 with 25-400mm zoom and 20MP.

2.8) The Leica-made Panasonic camera

       
 

Leica Digilux 1

Leica Digilux 1 (2002)  
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
  More resources:    
  Leica Digilux 1 Review article by Overgaard    
       

  The first Leica Digilux (1998)
  The first Leica Digilux (1998). The Leica Digilux Zoom and Leica Digilux 4.3 looks almost exactly the same.
   
  Leica Digilux 1 (2002)
  Leica Digilux 1 (2002) by a Leica design team headed by Achim Heine
   

Previous to the Panasonic joint venture that started in 2002, Leica flirted with Fujifilm in 1998 to make the first Leica Digilux, a 1.5MP digital camera that was Leica's first digital camera and had some innovative design features for that time. The design features followed onto the next two models which looked very similar, the Leica Digilux Zoom (2000) and Leica Digilux 4.3 (2000), both made with Fujifilm, and even featured Fujinon designed lenses.

I must admit I spent quite a few moments in front of the local camera store windows, lusting for this very futuristic, yet classical looking, digital camera. I never bought one, but when the next model came, that was the one I finally jumped onto:

In 2002, Leica made a cute retro-designed camera, the Leica Digilux 1 (4MP) that featured their own 33-100mm f/2.0-2.5 zoom lens and cost $1,495.00. This was the fist joint-venture with Panasonic, and the sister camera is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L5.

It is still a lovable camera as second-hand. Very unique in its design by Achim Heine. By today's standards, very slow zoom and auto focus, but still producing rather nice photos which some might find very classicly film-like. Expect second-hand price to be in the range of $200 - $500.

 

 

 

       
 

Leica Digilux 2

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
  More resources:    
  Leica Digilux 2 for professional photojournalistic use article by Overgaard    
       

 

After these initial attempts to find the Leica soul and a design strategy in the digital age, the Leica Digilux 2 (2004) found its design, which is remarkably close to looking like ... well, the Leica M of course! In retrospect, where else should it go?

 

Leica Digilux 2 from 2004. A 5MP digital camera that produces excellent JPG files and which sells for $300 - $2000 second-hand 16 years later (new price was $1,700).
Leica Digilux 2 from 2004. A 5MP digital camera that produces excellent JPG files and which sells for $300 - $2000 second-hand as a sought-after vintage digital Leica 16 years later (new price was $1,700). © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

The Leica Digilux 2 was the first compact camera made with Panasonic where Leica took the driver’s seat and decided how a camera should be made. This unique design also flows over to the Panasonic sister camera, the DMC LC1, which is more of a Leica camera with a Panasonic logo than the previous way around for joint ventures, where it used to be a Panasonic with a Leica logo.

As a spoiler alert, let me just tell that the Leica Digilux 2 with its mere 5MP and an excellent Leica lens turned into such a lovable camera that many bought two and still have a hard time getting the smile off their face. I myself have three of them and have used the Leica Digilux 2 extensively from 2004 to 2009 when the Leica M9 replaced the Leica Digilux 2 for me. I've written a longer, 5-page user-report over several ears of use, with hints and tips on how to use this camera: "Leica Digilux 2 for professional photojournalistic use".

 

Singer Lene Nystrøm of Aqua. Leica Digilux 2 with flash (using warm gel filter on the flash as described in the article "Leica Digilux 2 for professional photojournalistic use". © Thorsten Overgaard.
Singer Lene Nystrøm of Aqua. Leica Digilux 2 with flash (using warm gel filter on the flash as described in the article "Leica Digilux 2 for professional photojournalistic use". © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

The Leica Digilux 2 became the first "vintage digital camera" in the sense that it's probably the first ever digital camera that didn't end up in the electronics graveyard but stayed in action and in high esteem many years after its release. When introduced it was a $1,700 camera, and today one will find second-hand offerings from $300 - $2,000.

The compactness of the camera is not for pockets, but more for wearing on a shoulder strap across the chest. Just like a Leica M would be used, and then in a messenger bag or camera bag when not worn like that. But a lady’s purse? - no it is not that compact.

A total of 30,000 Leica Digilux 2 were made (serial number 2984401 - 3026100).

Graphic designer Charles Grant with his Leica Digilux 2 in 2009. © Thorsten Overgaard.
Graphic designer Charles Grant with his Leica Digilux 2 in 2009. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

     
 

Leica Digilux 3

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
       

 

  Leica Digilux 3 with interchangeable lenses was a blown-up Leica Digilux 2: Larger body, extruded viewfinder, and mirror inside.
  Leica Digilux 3 with interchangeable lenses was a blown-up Leica Digilux 2: Larger body, extruded viewfinder, and mirror inside.
   

As a side paragraph, the Leica Digilux 3 - which is a digital camera but not a compact one - was introduced in 2006 (Panasonic DMC-L1 is the sister camera). Looking like an expanded Leica Digilux 2 version with interchangeable D-mount lenses and a mirror inside (like a traditional SLR camera).

This concept was quickly killed by Leica who didn't make any more models with that "Four Thirds" and D-mount concept, while Panasonic and other brands continued for a while.

 

2.9) The Leica-made compact cameras

       
 

Leica X

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
  More resources:    
  Leica X1 Digital Rangefinder Camera by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica X2 Digital Rangefinder Camera by Thorsten Overgaard    
  The Leica X2 by Jono Slack    
       

 

The Leica X1 was released in September 2009, the Leica X2 in 2012, and Leica X Typ 113 was released in September 2014, all with a fixed 23mm f/1.7 lens.

The X series expanded with the Leica X Vario Typ 107 with a zoom lens (28–70 mm f/3.5–6.4) and a Leica X-E Typ 102 was released in with a 24mm f/2.8 lens. The Leica X2 also came in a limited Paul Smith edition.

The Leica X series never did it for me, but I met quite a few Leica X Vario users who really loved their Leica X and Leica X Vario.

Designed in Germany, produced to a large degree in Vietnam and then final assembling and all in Germany, this is a camera that is very traditionally Leica in its design and simplicity of operation. By today's standards and more recent Leica compact digital cameras, it's not equipped with fast autofocus or fast anything.

 


Leica X2 limited edition Paul Smith.

 

       
 

Leica X-U

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
       

The Leica X-U came out in 2016 as an underwater Leica camera, Leica X-U (Typ 113) (2016) with a 16MP sensor and built-in flash. The idea is a camera you can take anywhere in the rain, on the beach, or even underwater. So many people seem concerned for water in regards to their cameras, so just like the iPhone can go underwater, so can a Leica now.

 

         
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3) The original Leica compact cameras

In recent years - let's say from 2010 and onward – Leica Camera AG seem to have grasped the electronic parts so well that they have become able to invent and design the electronics "the Leica way", which means simplicity with focus on image quality instead of features.

 
  Mechanical assembly at Leica in 1946
   

Understand this: Leica Camera AG is a company founded as an optical company in 1849. They were located in the Wetzlar area about an hour drive from Frankfurt, an area known for its metal industry.

The core competence of Leica has been engineering and the ability to shape metals and optics into precision instruments. So, when electronic cameras entered the scene, this was an alien concept that Leica in the beginning simply outsourced, or bought from others.

Only in recent years has Leica built in-house competencies, excellent in "thinking simplicity and high image quality", into their electronics. See my "Leica History" page for more on the fascinating history of Leica.

 

 

       
 

Leica T / Leica TL2

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
  More resources:    
  Leica TL2 Mirrorless Digital Camera article by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica TL2 The Image Gallery article by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica TL2 Hands-On Field Test video by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica TL Quick Start Video Course by Thorsten Overgaard    
     

The first 100% Leica-made compact camera that was entirely designed and produced by Leica Camera AG, was the Leica TL (2014). A complete re-think of the camera concept; how should a camera be made from scratch in our day and age?

 

The Leica TL2 (2017) compared with the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. Some years ago, every time you showed a Leica to someone at the Apple campus, the first thing they would do was to say "Hmm" and put an iPhone on the back of it to see how you could combine the two. Here the Leica TL2 with the 35mm Summilux-L f/1.4 lens. © Thorsten Overgaard.
The Leica TL2 (2017) compared with the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. Some years ago, every time you showed a Leica to someone at the Apple campus, the first thing they would do was to say "Hmm" and put an iPhone on the back of it to see how you could combine the two. Here the Leica TL2 with the 35mm Summilux-L f/1.4 lens. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

The result was the Leica TL (the first models were simply called Leica T) which has a touch screen and a couple of buttons on the camera. Also, the entire camera was drilled from one piece of aluminum (as the much hyped new Apple MacBook at that time).

A camera concept utilizing peoples' use of smartphones to take photos (using the screen rather than a viewfinder), the touch interface, and launched in a slick design with new fancy rubber camera straps and more modern ideas. That is the Leica TL concept.

While any "old-timer" who grew up with traditional cameras of course uses the viewfinder to frame and take a photograph, people nowadays use a screen to frame and take a photo or a video. Hence the Leica TL concept makes complete sense on how to have a smartphone user upgrade to a 24MP camera where you can change between a range of high-quality lenses.

 

A woman in London photographing with her iPad. © Thorsten Overgaard.
A woman in London photographing with her iPad. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

Under the hood of the Leica TL was a new series of L-mount lenses that - we learned later - were designed to be future proof in more than one way:

A) The lenses all implemented twice as high resolution, meaning that they were designed optically so they are prepared for 100MP or 200MP sensors. As we have taken 15 years to get to 50MP sensors in the most well-equipped consumer cameras (and 20MP in most), it will take another 15-30 years to get to 200MP.

B) The way the lenses were designed took into consideration how the production could be effectively done in the Leica factory in Portugal. Many elements of the lenses are universal for all lens models, making production of spare parts and the assembling itself very effective. This was a move that Leica had help from Porsche to set up.

C) The Leica TL lenses were forward-compatible with the yet unannounced Leica SL, which is the full-frame version of the classic SLR camera. But in this sense it was a rethink of how a professional camera should be (drilled from one piece of aluminum, no mirrors as the viewfinder shows what the electronic sensor sees, very simple controls, and deploying a new series of L lenses that fits the Leica TL and vice versa).

Another detail is that one can fit any Leica lens, as well as any Nikon, Canon or other brand lens onto the Leica TL via adapter.

While the first Leica T models were not that amazing (as to speed of auto focus), but yet a success in sales figures, the Leica TL2 that came out in 2017 (with 24MP sensor and super-fast auto-focus) was the first really competent Leica compact camera of this model. I have used the Leica TL2 quite a bit and always keep it handy.

 

Out and about with the Leica TL2. © Thorsten Overgaard.
Out and about with the Leica TL2. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

       
 

Leica Q, Leica Q2 Monochrom

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
  More resources:    
  To be, or not to be, that is the Q. article by Thorsten Overgaard    
  What is the Leica Q? Review and tips video by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Q Know-All eBook by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Q Quick Start Video Course by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Q Ventilated Shade by Thorsten Overgaard    
       
  Leica Q2: Not a smartphone camera article by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Q2 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Review video by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Q2 Know-All eBook by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Q2 Video Masterclass Video Course by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Q2 Ventilated Shade by Thorsten Overgaard    
       

 

The biggest success - and the most soulful Leica compact camera - is the Leica Q which was introduced in 2015 with a full-frame 24MP sensor and a built-in high quality electronic viewfinder at $4,995.00 and refined further with the Leica Q2 (2019) featuring a 52MP sensor and refined controls to make the camera even simpler and more intuitive, and once again witht he Leica Q3 in May 2023 with a 60MP sensor.

The overwhelming success of the Leica Q cameras is because they are founded on the Leica tradition for mechanical and optical perfection, with competent electronics applied: Super-fast auto focus, high image quality and no nonsense controls of the camera menu. Add to that a to-die-for design that has it all without having anything, there you are.

In 2021, also the Leica Q2 Monochrom was released, a black-and-white only camera for the minimalist. For the person wondering which camera to get, APS or full-frame sensor, which lenses to get, and all that jazz, it doesn't get much simpler than this: Full frame, one lens by the worlds best lens designers, and no worries about colors, super resolution, and easy to always carry in a strap across the chest.

Read my long review and user report of the Leica Q here, "To be, or not to be, that is the Q", as well as my Leica Q2 user report and my Leica Q3 user report.

 

The Leica Q (2015) with Leica handgrip and "Always Wear a Camera" leather strap and "Always Wear a Camera" ventilated shade. © Thorsten Overgaard.
The Leica Q (2015) with Leica handgrip and "Always Wear a Camera" leather strap and "Always Wear a Camera" ventilated shade. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

The best-seller Leica Q (2015) or Leica Q2 (2019) is the perfect gateway-drug to get the kids, spouse and friends into photography ... and soon after they want a Leica M camera.
The best-seller Leica Q (2015) or Leica Q2 (2019) is the perfect gateway-drug to get the kids, spouse and friends into photography ... and soon after they want a Leica M camera.

 

         
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Leica CL

 
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
  More resources:    
  Leica CL: The plot thickens article by Thorsten Overgaard (2018)    
  Leica CL: A Room with a View article by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica CL Mirrorless Camera Review video by Thorsten Overgaard (2018)    
       

 

The Leica CL came out in early 2018 as another compact camera that takes the same Leica L lenses as the Leica TL2 and Leica SL cameras.

It's been a request from customers every time Leica made a compact camera that one could change the lenses. However, compact usually means that the lens is a fixed lens - for reasons of price and compactness. But with the L lens concept it became possible to make the Leica CL, a fairly economical and very compact camera - and at the same time makes it possible to change lenses.

 

My digital Leica CL (2018) with 18mm Elmarit-TL f/2.8 with my "Always Wear a Camera" Ventilated Shade. © Thorsten von Overgaard.
My digital Leica CL (2018) with 18mm Elmarit-TL f/2.8 with my "Always Wear a Camera" Ventilated Shade. © Thorsten von Overgaard.

 

As with the Leica TL2 and Leica SL, the Leica CL obviously also can take Nikon, Canon and many other branded lenses via adapters (the Leica M lenses, let’s not forget). As the camera has a built-in EVF (Electronic ViewFinder), there is no focusing system that has to match the camera mechanically: When it is in focus on the screen, it's in focus.

The EVF is one of the main points of the Leica CL. For a long time, it was not possible to get a high-quality EVF in a compact size so it could be integrated into a compact camera. But there you go, in the Leica CL it works!

With the Leica CL, the ends meet: Compact EVF, compact lens bayonet system that allows one to couple up to all the Leica L lenses, and an overall compact size with high ISO and high sensor resolution.

A Paul Smith limited edition of the Leica CL came out in November 2019 as well.

 

 

Leica CL photo using an adapter so as to fit the Leica 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95 onto the camera. My balcony in Los Angeles. © Thorsten von Overgaard.
Leica CL photo using an adapter so as to fit the Leica 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95 onto the camera. My balcony in Los Angeles. © Thorsten von Overgaard.

 

 

Which compact Leica to get?

As you can imagine, that is not an easy question. One advice I always give and which never fails, is to treat the choice of cameras the same way as you choose a cat: You go to the camera store (or imagine virtually) and line up the cameras you think you should decide between: The one that appeals the most to you, that's the one.

If you ever visited a mother of eight newborn cats, there's always one of the small babies that appeals to you and it’s "the one". The same with dogs. And now with cameras and lenses.

You have to choose with the heart. You can choose a camera by the number of megapixels or features, value for money spent, resale value and all that, and that might be a sensible way to do it. But will that make you happy?

For myself, I can get a feeling that the Leica C-Lux is a great camera that would be really fun to use, and that would be my only reason to get one. It doesn't make much sense technically because there are so many reasons to get a real big camera that does the same (long zoom), but there's something about the C-Lux.

That "something about this camera" is what will make you take the camera out and use it. Great specifications and five-star reviews will not.

So that is how you choose a camera easily: With the heart.

 

 

         
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Extra cameras

For some, a compact Leica is not a choice of the only camera, but rather an extra camera for backup or for some other reasons we give ourselves.

For me, I find that on one hand I try to simplify my equipment by only having the things I really use. When used a lot, I always keep them because we have a sort of relationship that stretches back. Other cameras or lenses I get and they never become a great friend. Often I learn something by taking on a new camera or new lens, even if I don't keep it. Sometimes the lesson I learn is why the one I use a lot is so great. For example, the Leica M that I use a lot is sturdy and very simple, and you can kind of forget that other cameras are not simple. So when I occasionally get another brand camera, I am reminded how lucky I am to have a simple camera.

I do have Leica Q, Leica TL2, Leica D-Lux 7, Leica C-Lux and Leica Digilux 2 and Leica Digilux 1 cameras, and I'll use them occasionally. My main camera is the Leica M10P which for my travel and professional photography is to be considered a "very compact professional camera". Frankly, if you spend too much time with me and my website, you will get one too.

 

 

Family cameras

Feeding the interest from a spouse, a child or teenager, or even a friend, by supplying them with a camera to use is also a thing I like. In that case it is your obligation to figure out which one they will love the most. Which camera would really get them enthusiastic and taking photographs - and get them yo succeed in making good photographs?

I've met many families where the dad and daughter love photography and can share that interest at home and on travels, or a dad and his three sons, and of course the married couple. To have photography as a shared interest within the family is worth working on. It can change the way you see the world and how you travel.

In a perfect world we should all have a closet full of equipment to make any type of photograph, but in reality most people will get overwhelmed by this new concept of "a camera" and all the learning that comes with it.

 


Family that photographs together. Mr and Ms Thacker out on a walkabout with me Saturday morning. © Thorsten Overgaard.
Family that photographs together. Mr and Ms Thacker out on a walkabout with me Saturday morning. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

The aim is always to have a camera that becomes a natural extension of your vision and your ideas, so that within a few days or weeks, you can be able to use the camera without really thinking about it. You see a picture, and you take it. Much like you write with a pencil on a piece of paper. It's the idea in your mind you see on the paper, not the pencil you use to write and draw it.

A perfect camera for anybody is one that they can grasp themselves, by using it. The Leica Q has turned out to be the perfect entry camera that - except for the price - makes people love to take photographs.

 

 

Here I am in 2015 with the 6x6 tilt-shift camera I built 34 years earlier as a kid trying to understand photography. I started out with three compact point-and-shoot film cameras, then went onto the compact SLR camera of the times, the Nikon EM. After a lot of Nikon cameras, I stumbled over the Leica Minilux compact film camera, and from there on it was Leica.
Here I am in 2015 with the 6x6 tilt-shift camera I built 34 years earlier as a kid trying to understand photography. I started out with three compact point-and-shoot film cameras, then went onto the compact SLR camera of the times, the Nikon EM. After a lot of Nikon cameras, I stumbled over the Leica Minilux compact film camera, and from there on it was Leica.

 

It doesn't make any sense, but ...

The smaller a camera becomes, the more complicated it gets. Small cameras tend to have buttons to do everything, and a camera menu with an overwhelming choice of possibilities.

This doesn't make much sense if you envision a 76-year old woman buying a new camera. When would she ever get the time and the interest to figure all this out? Nevertheless, this is how "consumer cameras" or "compact cameras" are thought out, it seems. No camera producer wants to be left behind when it comes to offering the consumer more bang for the buck.

In that race, the art of seeing and photographing what one sees, gets easily lost.

 

 

Leica M10. © Thorsten Overgaaard.
Leica M10. © Thorsten Overgaaard.

 

We also live in a consumer and marketing society. New models must come out so the consumers will buy the new and get rid of the old. Often it doesn't make sense, but what are you going to do? The Leica D-Lux 6 (2012) is an excellent camera with a very light-strong lens, and one could possibly easily skip the two later models (2016 and 2019) and live happily. But then again, we both know the cravings to get the newer one, the latest model.

Even though the Leica cameras are known for simplicity and for focusing on the essential, their compact cameras often suffer from the same complication of a relatively simple task: Taking a photograph in focus that is correctly exposed.

The Leica TL is a successful attempt to make a professional performing camera that is as simple as (or simpler, actually than) a smartphone camera. And again, the Leica Q is a very simple and intuitive camera as well.

The Leica cameras made with Panasonic (D-Lux and C-Lux) suffer from too many buttons and to extensive camera menus with too many words nobody knows the meaning of. It doesn't render them useless, it just means that you as the user (or your spouse, friend or child), must learn which features are essential and then realize that all the other features are useless and can be left untouched. A complicated camera - any complicated camera - can be made simple that way.

 

 

Leica Digilux 2. © Thorsten Overgaard.
Leica Digilux 2. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

Marketing is everything

In an analogy, I have a house in Florida, and as is very common, there were termites in the wood floors. I called a company to inspect it and get a suggestion on the best possible route. They present a piece of paper with three choices which the sales person/inspector goes over. Option 1 is $1,700, option 2 is $2,200 and option 3 is $2,500, and they all come with a subscription thereafter in the range of $400 a year to $300 every quarter that guarantees different levels of security so the termites don't come back. It's a package and insurance policy, and there are three possibilities to choose from.

As I look at this, I wonder, "What about the termites?"

Visiting an American bank is the same experience. There is a chart of different account types and credit card types one can choose from, and they all have more advantages and security the more you pay. You choose this account and you can get two of the others for free, and it comes with a card that gives advantages in the airport as well as insurance (they all automatically have insurance, by the way).

You look at this, and you wonder, "What about my money?"

And of course, often when you look at cameras, you are faced with similar options: Features, prices, number of megapixels, resale value and built quality.

In the analogy of the termites, what is omitted is the obvious question and the reason for talking to an expert to begin with: What about the termites? How do I get rid of them and make sure I don't get them again? Why do I choose from three solution to a problem that there should be just one correct solution to? The answer is that it is not problem-solving, it is marketing.

 

 

The Columbia Restaurant Sand Key in Clearwater, Florida. Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten Overgaard.
The Columbia Restaurant Sand Key in Clearwater, Florida. Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

And of course, in choosing any camera, the initial interest is to make photographs. And that is what you must stay focused on: Which camera will make it fun and easy for me to make photographs?

 

Your most important talent

Your most important talent in photography is that initial sparkle you feel that you want to take photographs, likely to preserve and make things beautiful. That is the sparkle and engine that fuels it all. The camera is a tool.

So, which camera? That is a question you, and only you can answer, and as unbelievable and unsophisticated and scientifically unfounded as it may sound, it simply sits in your heart. You look at them, and you know.

Sometimes it's just the color or the design, but then so be it. That's your camera.

Somebody else who is wiser and has read more reviews and knows more about photography may say otherwise, but then they can go buy that (damn) camera they think is so amazing. You are getting the red one, or the one with the silver button, because that's who you are.

 

 

Leica M240. © Thosten Overgaard.
Leica M240. © Thosten Overgaard.

 

The most important feature of any camera

The most important feature in any camera, is portability. This speaks for compact cameras and smartphones, because those you can have with you. You choose an advanced camera that can do really fantastic photographs of the moon, the insects and all, you likely need a backpack to carry it. Chances are that those marvelous photos of the moon and insects will never happen. You see them all the time, but the camera is not with you.

It's a fundamental question in choosing any camera, "How and when will I use it?", which will rule out a lot of large heavy cameras, and particularly a lot of large zoom lenses.

My mantra is "Always Wear a Camera" which means that you should ideally always have a camera across the chest, ready to use, while the camera is a not distraction or a burden. You see a photo, you take it. There are a lot of things that need to be removed for you to do that elegantly: Complicated settings, weight and size. If the camera looks great and you love it, that helps. If the camera feels like a good friend and easy to use, that works.

 

The Leica M9 on the table. Taken with Leica D-Lux 7. Edited in Capture One Pro with Hollywood Presets. © Thorsten Overgaard.
The Leica M9 on the table. Taken with Leica D-Lux 7. Edited in Capture One Pro with Hollywood Presets. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

What do you like to take photographs of?

Do you want to walk around New York and take photos of graffitti art, do you like to walk about Istanbul and take photos of doors, do you want to take photos of your kids' riding horses, do you want to take quick photos of people in the streets and in cafes..? If you look at realistically, at when and where you would use the camera, you can find the one that suits you - as opposed to getting taken by the promotions for a large digital camea with gigantic zooms you can photograph wildlife with. If you never do wildlife, why would you get a camera that is perfect for that then?

Maybe you need a camera that hangs across your ches and is "Always Wear a Camera" so it inspires you to observe, decide and take photos. Maybe you need a compact camera in the bag that you can take out to do group photos, or whenever there is a specific subject you want to record. Or you do want to hike for two days to get to an amazign view to record in highest possible resolution and quality.

Sometimes the answer is more than one camera for different things. Not one camera that can do it all.

 

The Leica M9 in the hands of Layla. Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten Overgaard
The Leica M9 in the hands of Layla. Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

 
 

 

 

 

The difference between
Leica and Panasonic Lumix compact cameras

Panasonic Corporation (From 1935 to 2008 the company name was Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd) was one of the last Japanese companies to start making cameras as they specialized in radio and TV products before this. They decided to start making 35mm cameras in 1991 but had no experience, which is why they teamed up with Minolta who were struggling financially. The two companies agreed to help each other, Matsushita with a loan to Minolta, who in return would supply technology knowledge.

Matsushita (Panasonic) was only feeling the water, so they decided not to buy glass and machinery to make the cameras but instead use Minolta’s mechanisms, electronics and lenses in the Matsushita 35mm cameras. Later that year came a 3-way venture with Matsushita/Minolta/Leica: Leica-branded cameras made in Japan using the German glass, plastic moldings by Matsushita and Minolta mechanisms and electronics.

The later 3rd and 4th generation Leica-branded Japanese-made compact cameras were made by Kyocera Corporation but designed by Minolta, Matsushita and Leica, all with German designed/made Leica glass.

From 1995 Matsushita started making their own cameras with Leica lenses (made in Germany but assembled in Japan).

From 2006 Leica lenses were made in Japan to Leica specifications by Panasonic with 2 main differences, lenses made for the Leica branded cameras are German made, imported machines, using Leica lens coatings, whereas Leica lenses made for Panasonic Lumix branded cameras are made using Panasonic’s mass production machines to Leica specifications, and use Panasonic's own Nano lens coatings.

 

Saint Hill Manor. Panasonic DMC-LC1 (sister camera of Leica Digilux 2). © Thorsten Overgaard.
Saint Hill Manor. Panasonic DMC-LC1 (sister camera of Leica Digilux 2). © Thorsten Overgaard.

 

Panasonic produces a wide range of Lumix cameras (30-40 models), about half or more use Leica lenses, while the rest uses Lumix lenses (for example Panasonic Lumix DC-G100). One of the reasons are that it takes about 40 minutes to grind and test each element of a lens to Leica specifications. The Lumix lenses are made on faster machines, with much less quality control.

While all produced in Japan, the Leica compact cameras have a distinctly Leica design overall. These are often made of more exotic metals (like titanium or aluminum) than their Panasonic sister models, and are sent to Germany to be inspected by hand and then wired to a computer to have the firmware added so each image gives somewhat the "Leica look" (European skin tones and other color adjustments; and less sharpening). The Leica red dot is added when the quality control has finished, and then the cameras are boxed in Germany with warranty, and free Adobe software.

 

To be continued ...

I hope you enjoyed today's overview of Leica compact cameras and their history. Look for more specific articles on each camera model, as well as my history of other Leica camera models.

As always, fee free to email me for questions, suggestions, comments and ideas. Until next time, "Always Wear a Camera" and go outside!


 

 

       
 

Leica Definitions

   
  By Thorsten von Overgaard  
       
  More resources:    
  Leica and Photography Definitions    
  Leica Camera Compendium article by Thorsten Overgaard    
  Leica Lens Compendium article by Thorsten Overgaard    
       

 

 

   

 

Thorsten von Overgaard   I like simple things

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Ventilated Shades for most Leica lenses. Classic look to the lenses, sturdy protection against bumps and scratches ... and yes, they shade for the light as well.  
Ventilated Shades for most Leica lenses
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– Thorsten Overgaard
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Thorsten von Overgaard
Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Article Index
Leica M digital camera reviews:   Leica L digital cameras:
Leica M11   Leica SL
Leica M11-P   Leica SL2
Leica M11 Monochrom   Leica SL2-S
Leica M10   Panasonic Lumix S5 II X
Leica M10-P   Panasonic Lumix S1R
Leica M10-R   Leica SL3
Leica M10-D   Leica TL2
Leica M10 Monochrom   Leica CL
Leica M9 and Leica M-E   Leica L-Mount lenses
Leica M9-P    
Leica M9 Monochrom   Leica R digital cameras:
Leica M240   Leica R8/R9/DMR
Leica M246 Monochrom    
Leica MD-262 and Leica M60   Small Leica mirrorless digital cameras:
    Leica Q3
    Leica Q2 / Leica Q2 Monochrom
Leica M film cameras:   Leica Q
Leica M6   Leica V-Lux
Leica M4   Leica C-Lux
Leica CL /Minota CLE (1973)   Leica D-Lux
    Leica Digilux 3
Leica M lenses:   Leica Digilux 2
Leica 21mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4   Leica Digilux 1
Leica 21mm Leica Super-Elmar-M ASPH f/3.4   Leica Digilux
Leica 21mm Super-Angulon-M f/3.4    
Leica 28mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4   Leica R film cameras:
Leica 35mm Summilux-M ASPH FLE f/1.4 and f/1.4 AA   Leica R8 / R9
Leica 35mm Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0   Leica R4
Leica 35mm APO-Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0   Leica R3 electronic
Leica 50mm ELCAN f/2.0   Leicaflex SL / SLmot
Leica 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95 FLE   Leica compact film cameras:
Leica 50mm Noctilux-M f/1.0   Leica Minilux 35mm film camera
Leica 50mm Noctilux-M f/1.2   Leica CM 35mm film camera
7artisans 50mm f/1.1   Leica R lenses:
Leica 50mm Summilux-M ASPH f//1.4   Leica 19mm Elmarit-R f/2.8
Leica 50mm Summicron-M f/2.0 "rigid" Series II   Leica 35mm Elmarit-R f/2.8
Leica 50mm APO-Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0   Leica 50mm Summicron-R f/2.0
Leica 50mm Elmar-M f/2.8 collapsible   Leica 60mm Macro-Elmarit f/2.8
Leica 75mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/1.25   Leica 80mm Summilux-R f/1.4
7artisans 75mm f/1.25   Leica 90mm Summicron-R f/2.0
Leica 75mm Summilux-M f/1.4   Leica 180mm R lenses
Leica 90mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.5   Leica 250mm Telyt-R f/4.0
Leica 90mm APO-Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0   Leica 400mm Telyt-R f/6.8
Leica 90mm Summarit-M f/2.5   Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R f/2.8
Leica 90mm Elmarit f/2.8   Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R f/4.0
Leitz 90mm Thambar f/2.2    
    Leica S digital medium format:
Leitz Cine lenses:   Leica S1 digital scan camera
Leica Cine lenses from Leitz Cine Wetzlar   Leica S2
    Leica S
     
History and overview:   Sony mirrorless digital cameras:
Leica History and Heritage   Sony A7
Famous Leica Usears   Fujifilm mirorrless digital cameras:
Leica Definitions   Fujifilm X-Pro 2
Leica Lens Compendium    
Leica Camera Compendium   "Magic of Light" 4K Television Channel
The Solms factory and Leica Wetzlar Campus   Thorsten von Overgaard YouTube Channel
     
Photography Knowledge   Thorsten Overgaard books and education:
Calibrating computer screen for photographers   Thorsten Overgaard Masterclasses & Workshops
Which Computer for Photographers?   Lightroom Survival Kit
What is Copyright? Advice for Photogarphers   Lightroom Presets by Overgaard
Synchronizing Large Photo Archive with iPhone   Lightroom Brushes by Overgaard
Quality of Light   Capture One Survival Kit
Lightmeters   "Finding the Magic of Light" eBook (English)
Color meters for accurate colors (White Balance)   "Die Magie des Lichts Finden" eBook (German)
White Balance & WhiBal   "The Moment of Emotional Impact in Photography"
Film in Digital Age   "Freedom of Photographic Expression" eBook
Dodge and Burn   "Composition in Photography" eBook
All You Need is Love   "The Portrait Book" eBook
How to shoot Rock'n'Roll   "A Little Book on Photography" eBook
X-Rite   "After the Tsunami" Free eBook
The Origin of Photography   "Why do I Photograph?"
Hasselblad/Imacon Flextight 35mm and 6x6 scanner   "The Artist's Guide to the Galaxy" eBook
    "The Leica M11 Know-All eBook"
    "The Leica Q Know-All eBook"
    "The Leica Q2 Know-All eBook"
    "The Leica Q3 Know-All eBook"
    "The Leica M240 Know-All eBook"
    "The Leica SL3 Know-All eBook"
    The Digital Photographers Extension Course
    The Overgaard New Inspiration Extension Course I
   
Leica Photographers:    
Henri Cartier-Bresson   Riccis Valladares
Rodney Smith   Christoåpher Tribble
Birgit Krippner   Martin Munkácsi
John Botte   Jose Galhoz
 
Douglas Herr   Milan Swolf
Vivian Maier   Jan Grarup
Morten Albek    
Byron Prukston   Richard Avedon
     
The Story Behind That Picture:   Learn with Thorsten Overgaard:
More than 250 articles by Thorsten Overgaard   Leica M9 Masterclass (video course)
Thorsten Overgaard Workshop Schedule   Leica M10 Masterclass (video course)
    Leica M240 Masterclass (video course)
Leica Forums and Blogs:   Leica M11 Masterclass (video course)
Leica M11 / M240 / M10 User Forum on Facebook   Leica Q Masterclass (video course)
Jono Slack   Leica Q2 Masterclass (video course)
Sean Reid Review (reviews)   Leica Q3 Masterclass (video course)
Heinz Richter's Leica Barnack Berek Blog   Leica SL2 Masterclass (video course)
    Leica SL3 Masterclass (video course)
Connect with Thorsten Overgaard:   Leica TL2 Quick Start (video course)
Thorsten Overgaard on Instagram   Camera Excellence (video course)
Thorsten Overgaard on Threads   A Fly on the Wall (video course)
Thorsten Overgaard on YouTube   Mastering the Noctilux (video course)
Join the Thorsten Overgaard Mailing List   The Leica 50mm Lens Class (video course)
Thorsten Overgaard on Facebook   Street Photography Masterclass (video course)
    Adobe Photoshop Editing Masterclass
    The Photoraphers Workflow Masterclass
    Adobe Lightroom Survival Kit
    Capture One Survival Kit
    Overgaard Workshops & Masterclasses
    Overgaard One-on-One Training
    Thorsten Overgaard Archive Licencing
    Commision Thorsten Overgaard
 
The Von Overgaard Gallery Store:   Von Overgaard Ventilated lens shades:
Ventilated Shades "Always Wear A Camera"   Ventilated Shade for Current 35mm Summilux FLE
Camera Straps "Always Wear A Camera"   Ventilated Shade E46 for old Leica 35mm/1.4 lens
The Von Camera Bag   Ventilated Shade for Leica 50mm Summilux-M ASPH
The Von Mini Messenger Walkabout Camera Bag   Ventilated Shade E43 for older 50mm Summilux
Desk Blotters 'Always Wear A Camera"   Ventilated Shade for 35mm Summicron-M ASPH
Sterling Silver Leica Necklace   Ventilated Shade for older 35mm/f2 lenses
Software for Photography   Ventilated Shade E39 for 50mm Summicron lenses
Signed Thorsten Overgaard Gallery Prints   Ventilated Shade for Leica 28mm Summilux
Video Masterclasses   Ventilated Shade for current 28mm Elmarit-M
Photography Books by Thorsten Overgaard   Ventilated Shade for older 28mm Elmarti-M
Home School Photography Extension Courses   Ventilated Shade E49 for 75mm Summicron
    ventilated Shade E55 for 90mm Summicron
    Ventilated Shade for 28mm Summaron
    Ventilated Shade for 24mm Elmarit
    Ventilated Shade E60 for 50mm Noctilux and 75/1.4
Gallery Store Specials   Ventilated Shade for Leica Q, Leica Q2 and Leica Q3
 

 


 

Above: My own Leica D-Lux 7. © Thorsten von Overgaard.

 

 

 Leica reviews by Thorsten Overgaard. LEICA = LEItz CAmera. Founded 1849 in Wetzlar, Germany. Leica logo in photo by Thorsten Overgaard

LEItz CAmera = LEICA
Founded 1849 in Wetzlar, Germany.

 

 

Photo: Thorsten Overgaard by Ray Kachatorian
Photo: Ray Kachatorian

Thorsten von Overgaard is a Danish-American multiple award-winning photographer, known for his writings about photography and Leica cameras. He travels to more than 25 countries a year, photographing and teaching workshops to photographers. Some photos are available as signed editions via galleries or online. For specific photography needs, contact Thorsten Overgaard via email.

You can follow Thorsten Overgaard at his television channel magicoflight.tv.

Feel free to email to thorsten@overgaard.dk for questions, advice and ideas.

 

   
  Quick Links:
   
  Leica-Panasonic jont venture:
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Leica V-Lux
Leica-made Fuji cameas:
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Leica-made compact cameras:
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Original Leica made cameras:
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Leica Definitions
   




Also visit:

Overgaard Photography Workshops
Books by Thorsten Overgaard
Street Photography Masterclass Video
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Adobe Lightroom Survival Kit
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Leica 35mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4
Leica 35mm Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0
Leica 35mm APO-Summicron-M f/2.0

Leica 40mm Summicron-C f/2.0
Leica 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95
Leica 50mm Summicron-SL f/2.0
Leica 50mm APO-Summicron-M f/2.0
Leica 50mm Summicron-M f/2.0
ELCAN 50mm f/2.0
Leica 50mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4
7artisans 50mm f/1.1
Leica 75mm Summilux-M f/1.4
Leica 75mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/1.25
7artisans 75mm f/1.25
Leica 80mm Summilux-R f/1.4
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Light metering
White Balance for More Beauty
Color Meters

Screen Calibration
Which computer to get
Sync'ing photo archive to iPhone
The Story Behind That Picture
"On The Road With von Overgaard"

Von Overgaard Masterclasses:
M11 / M10 / M9 / M240 / Q / Q2 / Q3 / SL2 / SL3 /TL2 /

 

 

 


 

 

 




 

Thorsten Overgaard photo workshops and masterclasses for Leica photographers and digital photographers

     
     

Join a Thorsten Overgaard
Photography Workshop

I am in constant orbit teaching
Leica and photography workshops.

Most people prefer to explore a
new place when doing my workshop.
30% of my students are women.
35% of my students dotwo or more workshops.
95% are Leica users.
Age range is from 15 to 87 years
with the majority in the 30-55 range.
Skill level ranges from two weeks
to a lifetime of experience.
97% use a digital camera.
100% of my workshop graduates photograph more after a workshop.

I would love to see you in one!
Click to see the calendar.

     
St. Louis   Chicago

Hong Kong

 

New York

Shanghai

 

Boston

Beijing

 

Washington DC

Tokyo

 

Toronto

Kyoto

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Taipei

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Bali

 

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Austin

Sydney

 

Clearwater

Perth

 

Miami

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Cuba

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São Paulo

Napier

 

Rio de Janeiro

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Cape Town

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Tel Aviv

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Jaffa

Malmö

 

Istanbul

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Rome

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Berlin

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Barcelona

Salzburg

 

Amsterdam

Vienna

 

Paris

Cannes  

London

Reykjavik   Portugal
Roadtrip USA   Milano
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     






 

 

     
Buy eBooks by
Thorsten Overgaard
     
"Finding the Magic of Light"   "A Little Book on Photography"
Add to Cart  

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"The Leica Q Know-All eBook"   "The Moment of Emptional Impact"
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"The Freedom of Photographic Expression"   "Composition in Photography - The Photographer as Storyteller"
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Preorder:
Leica Q2
Know-All eBook
    Add to Cart
     

The Portrait Book
How to Make People Beautifu
Aoril 5, 2020:   Add to Cart
     
Extension Courses
     
The New Photography Extension Course"   "New Inspiration Extension Course"
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"Lightroom Survival Kit 7"
Lightroom
Survival Kit
  "Capture One Pro Survival Kit"
Capture One Survival Kit
Add to Cart   Add to Cart
     
Video classes
     


Leica Q2
Masterclass

  Street Photo
Masterclass

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  Add to Cart
     
"Leica TL2 Quick-Start Video Course"   "Leica Q Video Masterclass"
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"Leica M10 Video Masterclass"   "Leica M 240 Video Masterclass"
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Lightroom Presets
     
Lightroom Presets Leica M10   Lightroom Presets Leica M9
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Lightroom Presets Leica TL2   Lightroom Presets Leica Q
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Lightroom Dutch Painters Presets by Thorsten Overgaard   Leica Presets for Lightroom by Thorsten Overgaard
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"Hollywood Film Presets"
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Hemingway Presets for Lightroom by Thorsten Overgaard
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201 Lightroom Presets
+ 4 Export Presets
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Capture One Styles:
     
    Leica Styles for Capture One by Thorsten Overgaard
    Add to Cart
     

17 Capture One Styles
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  · © Copyright 1996-2024 · Thorsten von Overgaard


 

© 1996 - 2024 Thorsten Overgaard. All rights reserved.

 

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