Parting Way with my Two Leica M10-Ps

Desire of gear that we do not have is the cause of suffering. And when at last we fill that empty hole with what we desire, we quickly realize how very briefly accumulations remedy our suffering. The promise of happiness from satisfying our desires is an illusion. Because of that, we continue to suffer in wanting more of what we do not have by subjecting ourselves to an endless cycle of buying and selling. Only through the emancipation of our desires can we finally break free from this predicament and find inner peace.

But unfortunately, summoning the will to deliver ourselves from coveting what we do not have is complicated by a world full of earthly temptations manifested in a continuous product upgrade cycle. However, those who seek salvation will eventually see the light. They shall know the truth - that less is more - and the truth shall set them free from the lure of online publicity and social media exhibitionism. Hence, it comes as no surprise that I no longer desire more. Rather, I have found inner peace and salvation with less.

For readers, it may appear hypocritical for someone like me (who owns seven different Leica 50mm M-mount lenses) to sing the lofty praises of less is more. However, it is precisely because of my former excesses in gear accumulation that entitles me to be in that position. I mean, how could anyone take my sermon of less is more seriously, had I not realized the fallacy of my excesses. Only in experiencing this process of accumulation can I say with complete authority the desire for more gear is needless and distracting.

On top of that, accumulating excess gear is also wasteful. Over the last couple of months, I have been coming to terms with my surplus of unused gear by whittling down what I have - one by one. It torments me to witness the breadth and depth of my surrender to that endless cycle of temptation. But since I have seen the light and freed myself from desire, I now follow the path of harmony. However, there is still imbalance in my inventory of gear. What is in need of rationalization are the two Leica M10-Ps I never use anymore.

Coming to terms with what to do with my two Leica M10-Ps has required its fair share of soul searching. As far back as a year ago, they were my favorite. I mean, what is there not to like about the Leica M10-P. It represents the pinnacle of digital rangefinder photography. But then, something happened to me. I rediscovered my love for shooting film. That turned my life upside-down, since it relegated my Leica M10-Ps out of favor. As a result, this drop in status made me question their place in my life - locked up in my dry box.

It makes no sense leaving two fine examples representing the pinnacle of rangefinder photography locked up in a dry box. Justifying why I had them became increasingly questionable. So month after month, I considered parting ways with both of them. But month after month, I always found some reason to excuse myself. Usually, I delay the inevitable by saying I might still need them. However, that is never the case. For that reason, I finally mustered up the courage late last month and gave my two Leica M10-Ps one last look.

Yes, I have decided to part ways with them. I have no reason to keep them. The honeymoon has been over for quite some time, now that its newness has faded away. And since I have transitioned over to film photography for good, the convenience of an ISO dial, the benefit of improved low light sensor sensitivity, and the flexibility of increased dynamic range is no longer relevant to me. Frankly, what use is any of that for someone like me? I mean, I already shoot properly at much slower film speeds between ISO 100 to 800.

And I suppose that is the point. I do not need any of the benefits offered by Leica’s flagship rangefinder, since none of it matters to me. The fact I shoot properly means I do not need to depend on the crutch of high ISO to take a shot in the dark. Moreover, it also means I need not depend on the margin of error offered by increased dynamic range. Because I take each shot properly, regardless of the shooting situation, what reason do I have to rely on improved technology to salvage poorly taken photos? None, I should think.

Perhaps, that is my problem with the Leica M10 and its variants. Because they are very good, they make taking bad photos so much more acceptable. I mean, there is always some technological crutch to lean on if a photo opportunity is difficult or if a captured image requires some reconstructive surgery after the fact. But to be fair, that is the case for all contemporary digital cameras. That said, Leica M-mount rangefinders are not supposed to be like other cameras. And therein is my problem with the Leica M10 and its variants.

Leica M-mount rangefinders were never intended for casual photographers. They are quirky imaging devices that require greater involvement from the user. They are largely manual in operation. As such, the outcome of each photo greatly depends on the talents of the photographer. For that reason, Leica M-mount rangefinders are considered more challenging to use than conventional through-the-lens imaging devices, which gives its photographers a mark of greater distinction, setting them apart from the mainstream.

Vanity of vanities indeed. But now that digital technology has evolved the Leica M-mount rangefinders into its present iteration, the former mark of distinction once held by Leica M-mount photographers has all but blown into the wind. Since any Tom, Dick, and Harriet can reasonably produce satisfactory photos with the Leica M10 or its variants, I no longer feel that certain je ne sais quoi shooting a digital M-mount rangefinders. Frankly, it is just like shooting any contemporary digital camera, except it does not have autofocus.

As a digital camera, the Leica M10 and its variants are not particularly exceptional. Compared to my preferred Canon EOS R, the Leica M10 falls short in terms of what a modern digital camera should do. It cannot record a video. It does not have an articulating LED screen. And it does not support image stabilization. It just does not do what a modern digital camera can do. Pretty much all it seems to do is offer the necessary digital crutches that make shooting a rangefinder possible for those clueless around a traditional one.

Obviously, I am being intentionally facetious in painting an unflattering stereotype of the Leica M10 enthusiast. However, my motivation to part with my two Leica M10-Ps is largely influenced by my feelings toward what the digital Leica M-mount rangefinder experience has become. Apart from the deep initial sticker shock in joining the club, the M10’s forgiveness in use makes M-mount rangefinders seem so much less exclusive. To me, that significantly dilutes the appeal of shooting with a digital Leica M-mount rangefinder.

To be frank, Leica making a more user friendly M-mount rangefinder is a positive development. And seriously, I have no reason to criticize the Leica M10 and its variant for being the best rangefinder presently in existence. In a manner of speaking, I guess you could say that I am complaining for no good reason, since I am unhappy that Leica has made its flagship digital M-mount rangefinder so much more egalitarian to use. Still, it makes it so much less satisfying to shoot. That is why I decided to let go of my Leica M10-Ps.

Clearly, that empty hole where desire used to be is unreasonably filled up with excess hubris. That said, hubris will not subject me to that endless cycle of temptation. In any event, I have seen the light, and it has instructed me to part with my two Leica M10-Ps. It has shown me the truth, which is the knowledge that I can take photos with sufficient proficiency despite an absence of digital crutches. Because of that, I am much more contented as a photographer, shooting with the belief that I can do no wrong with my expertise.

Ektachrome E100 @ 28mm Focal Length - Extreme crop!

If the photos on this blog entry are any indication, I am not suffering without my formerly beloved Leica M10-P. Less is certainly more, seeing that I only shot two rolls of film for this blog entry. In contrast, I would have likely shot twice as many photos for the same results on the Leica M10, given the impermanence of digital imaging.

With odds like that, how could I go back to the Leica M10 or its variants? Ultimately, the best remedy for desire is increased productivity.

All images were tweaked on Adobe Lightroom and digitized on a Nikon Z6 + Nikon AF-S Micro 60mm f/2.8G + Bolt VM-210 + Nikon ES-2. Some images were leveled and cropped for the sake of presentation.

Disclaimer

Nov 17 Parting Way with my Two Leica M10-Ps

Disclaimer

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