Who Needs a Leica?

Tell me you haven’t thought—or at least heard—some of these:

• I need to upgrade to a DSLR.

• I’d be better off with a full-frame camera. APS-C just won’t cut it.

• DSLRs are dead. I should go mirrorless. (Okay, this one has some merit.)

• I need more megapixels.

• I need a camera with better autofocus.

The list goes on, and if you’re a photographer, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m no exception.

I’ve gone from point-and-shoots to a Pentax APS-C camera, then to a better APS-C, followed by the Pentax K-1 full-frame. After that, I switched to a Panasonic S5 mirrorless—not because I thought DSLRs were dead, but because I wanted something smaller and lighter. The K-1 is a gorgeous camera, but it’s a tank!

Always Dreaming of the Next Camera

Many of us photographers are always dreaming about the next camera—anything but the one we already have. Sure, we fall in love at first, but once the honeymoon phase ends, the spark fades and we start browsing again. Maybe a new lens could rekindle the romance? Sometimes it works, but more often than not, it just leads to more gear we may or may not truly need.

Now? I’m shooting with an OM Systems OM-1 and a Panasonic GX85. Yep, I moved away from full-frame after I stopped doing weddings and portraits. I wanted portability and flexibility. The OM-1 is an incredible camera that checks all the boxes—but the real surprise? I absolutely love my little GX85.

Yes, it’s a 10-year-old model, and yes, I bought it used, but it’s an absolute gem. Paired with the Panasonic Leica 15mm lens, it delivers stunning images. It's a compact, rangefinder-style camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor—but I don’t care, because the images are fantastic. The black and whites from the L. Monochrome setting are especially pleasing to me.

I’ve even picked up some old manual-focus film lenses from the 80s. They bring me back to when I first started photography in the mid-80s with my Pentax Super Program. Manual focus, no frills—just photography. That GX85? It’s my mini Leica at 1/20th the cost, and it does everything I ask of it.

Which brings me back to my title: Who needs a Leica?
Do I need one? Not at all.
Do I dream about owning one someday? Absolutely.

There’s something about Leica photos—the rendering, the precision, the simplicity—that really speaks to me. The appeal of going back to a pure, manual-focus experience is strong. I may never justify the price of an M10 or M11, but maybe—maybe—I’ll settle for a Q2 or Q3. And honestly, that wouldn’t be settling at all. They offer fast autofocus, and from what I hear, manual focus feels fantastic too.

So for now, my little GX85 will remain my faithful companion. I doubt I’ll ever sell it—it just brings me too much joy. But hey, I’m allowed to dream, right? Maybe one day I’ll hold that red dot camera in my hands and call it my new love.

And if any of you are tired of your Leica and looking to part ways… well, I’d be happy to give it a loving new home. It might even stop me from dreaming about a next camera!

If you really enjoyed my story and pictures please consider buying me a cup of coffee. It’s the fuel that motivates me! :-)

Thanks for reading—I hope you enjoyed my story about my dream camera. If you did, please consider sharing and subscribing to my website for more rants, ramblings, and of course—photos.

More shots with my $500 Leica alternative camera, until I can finally afford a real one!

Panasonic GX85 with Panasonic Leica f1.7 lens

Panasonic GX85 with Panasonic Leica f1.7 lens

Panasonic GX85 with Panasonic Leica f1.7 lens

Panasonic GX85 with Panasonic Leica f1.7 lens