Andrew Kim reviews the Leica T (Minimally Minimal) (minimallyminimal.com)
almost 9 years ago from Matt Achariam, Intent Renderer
almost 9 years ago from Matt Achariam, Intent Renderer
Despite this being an easy to read review, I found it frustrating.
Absolute statements like "Unless if you’re shooting professionally, nobody really needs full frame" should really read "I don't need full frame". Additionally, if it truly "refuses to battle in the megapixel wars or include gimmicky features" then it wouldn't be controlled by a poorly designed, unresponsive touchscreen.
It is undoubtedly a stunning object, and the actual image processing looks fantastic. One thing Andrew gets right is that the handling of the camera is paramount, and this is where the Leica T is permanently compromised.
For those where the fetishisation of the object outweighs the utility of it, and whose image capture needs are light, and who have a substantial disposable income, then this is probably the right camera. To be fair, that is the majority of Leica's userbase, so they do know what they're doing.
I would just strongly caution anyone reading this review to try, try, try before you buy.
The last sentence in your comment is easily the most important.
This is a camera you MUST try before you buy.
It is very different from other cameras out there in the way it feels and is used.
Most of the reviews I come across for this camera slate the touchscreen. You would think Leica would be able to put a screen as responsive as a smartphone in such a premium priced camera.
Perhaps I was a bit harsh. It's clearly a casual hobbyist item for Andrew Kim, and it's probably quite good for that. Sort of a high-spec replacement for the iPhone camera. But it's not going to be appropriate for the kind of serious amateur who would, for example, be shooting a music gig or a friend's wedding.
I would just strongly caution anyone reading this review to try, try, try before you buy.
this isn't a review, it's a love story.
Agreed. But that emotional reaction is rather personal, and in this case, enormously expensive.
Someone tell me where I can buy a watch like that please.
I was kind of taken aback reading this review yesterday: Andrew is usually very balanced, but I can't help feeling his emotions have gotten the best of him this time.
His previous camera is the RX1, which I've been shooting with for the past 6 months or so. Andrew is right that the camera itself doesn't inspire the love of object as much as other cameras, but every time I load up a photo I nearly fall off my chair.
I fell in love with the quality it produces which is lightyears ahead of anything but top-level dSLRs, not to mention the solid block of metal it's built out of.
I'm surprised Andrew focused so much on the object. It's OK, and his prerogative - I probably just disagree with him. Leica glassware is the tops, but having such mediocre image quality at the prices they demand is practically immoral.
That little red dot does crazy things to people.
But.. will it blend?
While I don't generally agree with his statement about the cameras quality or other such things there is one thing in his review that rely resonates with me:
"It’s one of the few cameras that actually looks like something that belongs in 2014. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I’m sick and tired of nostalgic products that take us backwards rather than looking ahead. We need to create an optimistic view of the future and we as a society are failing to do that."
And this is very true in the field of industrial design and current trends. Sony is doing well in this regard. I really don't like the retro-stylings of most mirrorless system cameras out there nowadays.
Although I'm a sucker for it, having grown up on Canon AE1's and Pentax Spotmatics, I do agree with this in principle. And you're right that Sony is doing well here.
But, I think people too quickly dismiss the retro stylings as only nostalgic. With their recent Df Nikon committed the cardinal sin of placing form entirely over function - and they forgot the pragmatic reasons, beyond nostalgia, why retro is in.
Retro (and Fuji is the only real player we're talking about here) means excellent ergonomics (analog dials, textured grips), discretion on the street (black and near silent cameras), and sensible build quality and materials.
I think that we just haven't seen a modern solution yet. Rather than being a "look back" it might just be a testament to how much engineers got right back then.
Been in the market for a new camera, this seemed like a excellent pick. I haven't forked the cash out ($1800) due to this review. Always check DPReviews before you buy.
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