Fixed Lens

[vladimir]

They are benefit to me personally because even though I use interchangeable lens cameras, I don't use that many focal lengths. The issue comes now when I prefer a 50mm over any other focal length... because in digital, there aren't any fixed lens 50mm cameras (without using an add on).

I use and am very happy with my Sigma DP 2 Merrill fixed lens camera that comes close to 50 mm at 45mm. I use it mainly for B&W. I would have like that to be 50 or even 55 or like in the older days 58 mm. My bran new Leica 2.8/28 remains unused in the draw as a least favoured focal length.

 

[Bingley]

I've been shooting an Olympus XA a lot recently and enjoying the simplicity that Bill Pierce mentions in his original post. So having Leica come out with a high quality, fixed lens digital camera intrigues me, particularly if the price is right (then again, what are the odds of that?). I've thought about what the digital equivalent of the XA might be. The Fuji X100 and variants seem to be lovely cameras, but they're not as pocketable as the XA.

 

[lynnb]

I'm in the same boat as Steve, enjoying the simplicity of XAs. I think Leica might be on a winner here, if the size is around the same as a Barnack (I find the Ms just a bit big for my small hands; and the Barnacks' smaller size makes them more discreet, and at least jacket pocketable).

 

[BillBingham2]

Bill,

Rather takes me back to my Konica IIIm days, simple, sharp, easy to focus on the picture.

I have to admit I've had a couple of digital GRDs and I'm having way too much fun with my iPhone 5.

I was surprised to see that Nikon had come out with one a couple of years back (Coolpix A). I think there is a market but the keys are the quality of the lens, image quality, and handling.

I like the idea, the new Leica, forget the EVF, let me use a Bright Line when the LCD (or EGG: Electronic Ground Glass) doesn't work as well (bright sunlight).

While I've been lusting after something in the Sony or Fuji line, I haven't been able to put together a kit in my mind. Perhaps I should look at the next gen GR or this Leica and then use interchangeable for telephoto and specialty.

B2 (;->

 

[Rob-F]

Best years of photo quality I've had were when I had only (1) Nikon F3 with 50mm lens, or (2) Konica Hexar AF. No decisions about gear were possible... just go out and shoot.

Yes, I had few complaints when all I had was my Leica M2 with 35mm Summaron. OK, I added q 90mm; but that was it for a long time. Now I go on vacation with 50 or 60 pounds of gear. But I'm really trying to get back to basics, I really am . . .

 

[michaelwj]

For me (who really doesn't have the money for such a camera) to get excited about it, I'd like it to have a mechanical RF and integrated bright line VF, as so many film cameras did (Canonet's for example). I just couldn't stomach spending that kind of cash on a camera with a fixed lens only to be stuck looking at the screen or through an EVF (which I could stomach on the X series). With a nice mechanical RF and bright line VF, it'd be something to dream about. Especially if they then offered a 50 mm option too.

Relying on sensor autofocus is so run of the mill and so unlike (my) Leica. Yawn fest.

I'm so far from their target audience though!

 

[Big Ursus]

I use my interchangeable lens, Fuji X-T1, most of the time, although my fixed lens, Sony RX1r, is a bit more compact. The lens I use more than any other is a Fuji 28mm equivalent. This set up is not much bigger than the Sony Rx1r, with its 35mm. I have a Fuji zoom lens, but it usually stays home.

Because most of my photographs these days are street shots, the most attractive feature of a 28mm, for me, is the angle of view. Mine is also a faster lens than my zoom. 35mm is a great length, and it was my favourite during my film years, but the 28mm is significantly wider, and so it's just right more of the time. Luckily, a Fuji sale price enabled me to get one.

However, I certainly think that Sony RX1r is the easiest to use of the advanced cameras I have owned. It's a lovely size and, in fact, I carry it often in my bicycle panniers.

I usually walk around with the 28mm, and change to my Fuji 50mm equivalent if I find myself shooting portraits.

I must also add that simple, film cameras are definitely seductive. My son, who is a photo journalist, left all of his normal camera gear at home when he packed for his most recent trip to Japan - he even left his Fuji X100s behind. Instead, he took an Olympus XA, and had a grand time.

 

[seakayaker1]

I could enjoy a full frame with a dedicated 28mm lenses. The price will most likely be prohibitive as I find the Sony ff 35mm is at the moment. Being in my 60's with eyesight not as good as it used to be a FF autofocus camera will most likely be in my future.

There will come a day where selling off all the prime lenses and cameras and settling down with a dedicated 28mm FF camera and a dedicated 50mm FF camera would be a way to approach photography while aging gracefully. I think I could live with that.

Hopefully it will all be available and affordable in the next few years!

 

[Michael Markey]

I often carry three fixed lens cameras ... a DP3M , DP2M and a GR V.
Matched lenses , sealed sensors and my three most used focal lengths.

 

[Pioneer]

My point and shoot is my Leica MA with a Perar 24/4.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

These cameras offer the possible advantage of ...sealing the sensor from dust.

Speaking from considerable experience/angst with the GR, they also seal dust inside the camera...

That said, I've found the one body-one lens concept challenging, liberating and thoroughly enjoyable. I've also really liked the 28mm equivalent, so i'll be watching the Leica with interest.

 

[jsrockit]

I use and am very happy with my Sigma DP 2 Merrill fixed lens camera that comes close to 50 mm at 45mm.

Right, but it's a 45mm f/2.8... not the same as a 50mm f/2. I've used the Merrill and the Quattro. It just doesn't give you that same look as a f/2 50mm lens (which is a very pedestrian speed for a 50mm at this point). Decent cameras still.

 

[willie_901]

I get along very well with fixed-lens cameras. The key usage feature for me is an OVF.

I enjoyed owning the X100 and I often keep a single lens (recently the 35/1.4 Fujinon on my X-Pro 1 for extended periods of time.

 

[majid]

I have a X100S and a RX1, if Leica came out with a 50mm full-frame body with a viewfinder I would buy it in a heartbeat, but 28mm is too wide for my taste, plus there are already good cameras in that segment, the Ricoh GR and the Nikon Coolpix A (which now sells for a paltry $400).

 

[Godfrey]

What I'm carrying today:

That's the complete kit, minus a spare battery in my pocket.
Wonderful camera.

G