Do you like the Leica Red Dot?

[Ororaro]

I love the red dot.

Let's face it: People on the streets don't notice that red dot. It's almost foolish to think they do.

As a photographer (someone who supposedly sees everything, according to popular belief), I don't notice if passing-by people have brown or green eyes. I don't even notice if girls have a zit on their face (but they think the whole world notices it). Heck, I wouldn't even tell if someone is missing a whole arm and yet some of you think that Red Dot ruins a photo opportunity?


I like the Red Dot. It says Leica and that's what it is.

 

[philhirn]

I hate it one major reason to stay with the M2, M3 & M4 is the lack of branding.

 

[ferider]

I don't think it's about scaring people.

 

[Ororaro]

I don't think it's about scaring people.

I meant scared as in "turned off" or unstealthy.

 

[ferider]

Trust me - next to the Noctilux the red dot does fade

Cheers.

PS: like your photos, too - always did.

 

[rich815]

About a third option on the poll?

 

[Ororaro]

Ferider,

Thanks!

Rich,
The third option is not to vote

 

[EmilGil]

I don't mind the dot on my M6 but I wouldn't lay sleepless if it wasn't there. Didn't have one on my first Leica, didn't miss it then.

One of the great things about this forum is the links that people put in their signatures. I check some now and then when I have the time and Ned, your pictures are stunning! I really like your shots from the Balkans; the Serbia and Tzigans albums are amazing. Well done!

 

[shadowfox]

Love it, especially on the M4-P, the red-dot dissapears when you use the camera

 

[swoop]

The red dot is stupid. I keep mine covered up with black tape.

I hope to someday acquire a titanium M7. They're damn stylish.

 

[.JL.]

I dislike the red dot logo; its only purpose is to serve as a reason to use black tape.

I much the classic engravings on the top plate though.

 

[ferider]

I think we should ask Luigi to make a special M4P case with a cut out
to show the red dot.

 

[Solinar]

The red dot is gauche when compared to the dark ones from DAG.

 

[rodneyAB]

...dad...i got that red dot in the viewfinder...do i like it?...sometimes i'm seeing red dots after removing the camera from my face

 

[principe azul]

Gauche, de trop, even downright vulgar... but a small consolation to those without the beautiful script and ERNST LEITZ WETZLAR engraved on a brass plate...



Seriously, though, I just don't like red.

 

[oscroft]

I like it. Where I shoot with my M6 (NW of England, Thailand and other places in SE Asia), nobody knows what a Leica is.

 

[peter_n]

I think we should ask Luigi to make a special M4P case with a cut out
to show the red dot.

LOL! Red is my favorite color (my football team wears red jerseys) but I don't really care for the red dot. It's a bit bigger than a dot though isn't it? I would like one with a black chrome background for the black cameras and one with a silver chrome background for the chrome bodies.

 

[Bike Tourist]

Yes, I do.

 

[RichC]

I dislike logos of any sort (clothes irritate me especially: I always cut off obvious brand logos!) - I'm not an advertising hoarding!

I prefer my tools to be anonymous, including my cameras. As the OP says, it's doubtful if subjects would notice that red dot (and I doubt thieves are discerning - they'll nick what they can grab!) - but I notice, and that's what counts.

When I got my M8, a few people come up to me and said things like "Ohhhh ... is that a leica/M8/etc. In 1952, I used to...", which hasn't happened since I got rid of the red dot!

My M8, after 15 minutes with paint thinners,* satin black aerosol paint* and wet-and-dry paper*:

[*For the white "M8". ** For the logo: spray, then sand lightly with very fine-grade paper!]

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I don't wear logos, but I like the red dot. I'd never wear anything with it, but then, I'm not a camera.

To me, this red dot obsession isn't useful. Nobody cares about the red dot.