Used Leica C Compact Digital Camera, 12.1MP, with Wi-Fi & NFC, Dark Red

2018-09-05T16:36:21

I wanted a small camera that I could carry in my bag all the time. Actually, I had a choice: a lot of money for an iPhone (I'm not a big mobile phone fan) or get a small, fast camera. The camera cost a lot less and it was on a final discount, too. With a f2.0 lens and not much bigger than a mobile phone, it seemed a decent choice. Besides, it's a Leica. Years ago, I had a "real" rangefinder Leica with three lenses and to this day, I regret selling it. But it was completely manual without so much as an electronic light meter. In the end, it was an easy call. With a 7X zoom, I was really looking forward to having a great little camera in my bag. Not exactly. It takes good pictures which are always a little bit soft. Which is fine for some pictures, not so fine for others. I love the menu, which compared to ALL my other cameras (yes, I have more than a few) is very easy to understand and especially easy to navigate. The 7X zoom is almost long enough for most purposes, but not quite long enough for birds and other wild creatures. It's excellent for casual portraits, flowers - when the light is right. Which it isn't always. Mind you, it always takes pictures and with appropriate post-processing, the photographs are always good, but never achieve greatness. I use the camera a lot, especially in the house where its shortness of reach is compensated with the speed of the lens. I think perhaps It's not the right camera for me. I expect more sharpness from a lens this fast. The irony is that I get better sharpness in the same lighting conditions with other, slower lenses. I don't know if the softness of the lens is intentional or accidental. Was this intended to soften up pictures to make them look "prettier"? It's a good little camera for someone who would like something more maneuverable than a phone. It's small, lightweight, fits neatly in a pocket. And it takes perfectly fine pictures. Not great ones, but good ones. But to be fair, for what it is supposed to be, it does the job.

MARILYN A.

2016-08-22T14:38:42

I've always wanted a Leica, but as a hobbyist the price was usually above my pay grade. I wanted a compact camera that was a cut above, but, well, compact, too. This one really does fit in my pocket and not look like I'm carrying a torpedo in my suit. Classy looks, fine detail, excellent picture-taking options. And, most important, fast, quality glass. This camera will be my companion when I'm just wandering about and letting photo opportunities happen. I like it. A lot.

John B.

2014-03-10T21:00:00

This is a great little unit. Super fast lens and wonderful pics. Just got it a week ago, so still learning all it can do. The wifi instructions are complicated, and I still cannot figure out how to get my camera pics to my smart phone camera roll. Frustrating. The jury is still out on the battery life. Seemed to drain pretty quickly, but I was spending a lot of time on wifi set-up. Perhaps this function uses more juice. . . Otherwise, I am very pleased with this camera. Love the small size and weight compared to my DSLR and lenses. Thanks Adorama.

Mike_ND

2014-03-05T19:00:00

Although I have had this for only a few days, it is amazing. Super fast lens and incredible pics. The instruction manual isn't as bad as some say, except the wifi instructions are more complicated than needed. I'll be using NFC more anyway. The viewfinder is as many have said. It's small and serves the purpose, but it's not outstanding. I am looking forward to learning all that this camera can do. The lens is what this Leica is all about. Love this lightweight camera compared to my D5100. Thanks Adorama. Great price and service, as always.

mike b.

2014-02-17T19:00:00

This little camera is great. It is however very pricey but you get what you pay for.

Ed

2013-12-31T19:00:00

First; I LOVE not carrying 30 pounds of glass on my back. The picture quality is excellent and it is quite easy to use. My only complaint is that the instructions are a little dificult to interpret and I have not been able to figure out how to wirelessly transfer pictures to my tablet as advertised.

JOE S.

2013-11-05T19:00:00

I use the product mainly to expand my creativity through photography. The handy functions to handle any kind of situation is phenomenal.

cliff p.

2013-10-15T21:00:00

This camera is very similar to Canon S110 - size, ergonomics. Its is made in Japan, my guess is that Canon was involved. Plus It has EVF - very big plus for me Longer zoom Fast It slightly thinner than Canon S110 Control rings have much better feel that Canon has. My Canon has slightly lose central control ring around the lens. Cons Canon has better interface Adobe Lightroom came as the download from Leica website. I had some issues with this download/or website I didn't check video abilities and wi-fi. So far I like it. Forgot to mention that the supplied software doesn't work on XP and Vista. You need windows 7 & higher, Mac. And there is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 12 MP Digital Camera, which is a copy of Leica C or vise versa. I don't have Lumix so can't provide any opinions. However the look between Canon S110 and the rest of the field is obvious. Took several night photos yesterday 10/15/13. ISO 1600, F 4.5. AF very fast, Canon results are slightly better. I guess nobody is going to do proff. job with this camera. So if you want to have Leica camera with red label in your pocket while traveling or whatever for the extra $250 you'll have Japan made Leica with German lens at your disposal.

JULIUS G.