Quick review: Rediscovering the Art of Manual Photography with the Leica M10 and Its Legendary Lenses

Picking up a camera that demands full manual control can feel like stepping back in time. Yet, for me, the Leica M10 has been a gateway to rediscovering the joy and discipline of manual photography. This camera, paired with its iconic lenses—the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron ASPH for street photography and the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron for portraits—offers an experience that digital automation often misses. Here’s how this combination has reshaped the way I see and capture the world.

Leica M 10 basic layout

The Challenge and Reward of Manual Focus

When I first switched to the Leica M 10, the biggest adjustment was the manual focusing. Unlike autofocus cameras, this one requires you to engage deeply with your subject. The bright viewfinder makes this easier, offering a clear, sharp image that helps in precise focusing. The rangefinder mechanism, combined with the classic focusing patch, demands patience but rewards with a tactile connection to the process.

Using the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron ASPH lens, which is renowned for its sharpness and compact size, I found myself slowing down. Instead of rushing shots, I took time to frame and focus carefully. This lens is perfect for street photography because it captures scenes with a natural perspective and beautiful bokeh, isolating subjects in busy environments.

Live View and Focus Peaking: Modern Tools in a Classic Body

One of the surprises with the Leica M 10 is its live view mode and focus peaking feature. These modern tools help bridge the gap between traditional manual focus and today’s digital conveniences. When shooting in tricky light or at wide apertures, focus peaking highlights the sharpest areas, making it easier to nail focus without guesswork.

The Visoflex electronic viewfinder adds another layer of precision. It’s especially useful when shooting at odd angles or in bright sunlight where the optical viewfinder might struggle. This accessory turns the M 10 into a versatile tool that respects tradition but embraces helpful technology.

Leica M 10

Portraits with the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron

Switching to the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron lens transformed my approach to portraits. This lens has a classic focal length that feels intimate without being intrusive. Its sharpness and smooth bokeh create images that stand out for their clarity and depth.

Manual focusing here is a deliberate act. I learned to read subtle changes in distance and light, adjusting the focus ring with care. The bright viewfinder and focus peaking again proved invaluable, especially when working with shallow depth of field. The results are portraits with a timeless quality, where every detail is intentional.

Why Manual Photography Still Matters

In a world where cameras often do the thinking for us, the Leica M 10 reminds me that photography is an art that benefits from deliberate choices. Manual focus and exposure force me to slow down, observe, and engage with my environment. This process sharpens my skills and deepens my appreciation for each shot.

The combination of the Leica M 10 with the 35mm and 50mm Summicron lenses is more than just gear. It’s a toolkit for storytelling, whether capturing the energy of a city street or the quiet expression of a portrait subject. The camera’s build quality and the lenses’ optical excellence make every photo session feel special.

Leica M 10 with Leica 50 f2 Summicron

Embracing the Process and Results

Using the Leica M 10 and its legendary lenses has taught me that photography is as much about the process as the final image. The camera’s manual controls encourage mindfulness and skill development. The bright viewfinder and focus peaking ease the challenge without taking away the satisfaction of mastering focus.

If you want to reconnect with photography’s roots or simply improve your craft, this setup offers a rewarding path. It’s not about speed or automation but about creating images with intention and care. The Leica M 10 and its lenses invite you to slow down, look closely, and capture moments that matter.