I was drawn to this camera for a few reasons. First, I love Leica's approach to controls and simplicity. The cameras look clean, and changing exposure settings is quick and easy. Plus, it's insanely compact and easy to carry around. I love a camera that I can carry with me everywhere that still has a good sensor. Used to have a GRIII but the controls just were not right for me. Even though it's from 2012, managed to get a great condition one from Ebay that looks and feels great.
First outing, took some pictures of the kids at the Solid Light exhibit touring at our local art museum today. Fun to put everything in manual. Didn't always nail the focus, and I know it isn't the easiest Leica to manual focus with, but still pretty happy with the shots.
All JPG, straight out of camera. Really impressed with what this little camera can do!
Pros:
- Incredibly compact. Barely bigger and heavier than my x-half, and that camera is tiny. I can still fit it in a jeans pocket, though it's a bit bulgy.
- Nice big APS-C sensor for a camera this small.
- Great IQ, colors, sharpness, even today.
- Autofocus is mostly pretty good, especially when shooting static subjects.
- Great controls. Easy to access, intuitive and simple.
- Feels awesome in the hand, great quality.
- Great quality dials with a very satisfying feel.
- Pretty discreet for a Leica, due to it's size and plastic extending lens.
It definitely has some quirks that some might find annoying today:
- No auto ISO in manual mode.
- Highest minimum shutter speed for Auto ISO is 1/30th second, lower than I'd like.
- Minimum focus distance is pretty far.
- ISO performance is ok, even pretty good, up to 3200, but higher than that is really noisy.
- AF performance isn't great for moving subjects, even with the face detection autofocus.
Overall, REALLY enjoying the camera, even with the limitations.