Leica Reviews

While it isn't exactly the cheapest point and shoot out there, the slightly higher additional price is most definitely justified by the fine optics. And it's much cheaper than a faster, fixed focal-length Leica, Rollei, or Contax. Bought mine in Germany about three years ago for a ridiculously low price, and it goes with me everywhere, especially on the job and following the kids around for candid portraits outdoors. It certainly comes close to my professional SLR equipment in terms of picture sharpness and color rendition. As with most modern cameras, stay off the auto program mode and you'll quickly learn the utility of the exposure override, fill flash, manual, and flash-off modes. Almost any other point and shoot with the same or greater zoom range is junk compared to the Leica's Vario-Elmar lens. My only gripes are the somewhat cheap-feeling plastic body (like almost every other P&S) and the slow F7.6 at the 70mm focal length (still fast compared to others, however). If simplicity is one of your priorities, this is a wonderful camera.

I was a skeptic...could this camera be worth twice the MSRP of its point-and-shoot competitors? Well, my Grandma was correct: buy the best and you'll always be happy with it. I have been using my Z2x for about two months, and I am very pleased. The picture quality is superb: realistic color and extra-sharp images. The camera is very light and compact, fitting nicely into an inside jacket pocket. Typical Germanic hieroglyphs abound in the "mode" LCD screen, but once you learn the symbols' meaning they make sense. (Drivers of German-made automobiles understand the bit about the hieroglyphs already.)
I do have a few complaints, however. The lag-time between the red-eye reduction flash and photo flash is quite long. The camera is very noisy when zooming and shuttering, and the "mode" button is awkward to master. Except for the smart circle of chrome around the lens, the outer case of the camera looks cheap for the price. The Z2x does not have the "rock solid" feel of more expensive Leicas. But, alas, one buys a camera for picture quality, and the Leica Z2x delivers beautifully.

I have had mine for 3 years now. I bought the one that is black outside and looks like a...(cheap) point and shoot. It'll fool ya. The optics are exceptional. I have found myself leaving the camera with diaper bag at the office and just toting this little camera along. I have published many photographs from this camera. It is very capable.

Bought this camera in April 1999 having read several good reviews. Have to say I'm disappointed; the lens is undoubtedly sharp (though on normal size prints, the advantage is negligible) but the exposure/focus/flash system rarely gets it right. Exterior daylight shots, about one in four is OK. Inside or night, far less. Have tried different ISO rolls, different processors, variations on the manual settings as well as leaving it on fully auto, but no improvement. What is annoying is comparing with the shots taken under same conditions by friends with P+S Pentax etc. (Olympus seems expecially good). They paid half the price and get twice the result! Will not be buying another Leica compact again - have the impression I paid for the name and possibly the lens, but lost out on the rest.

I own a Leica R7 SLR, but at times am reluctant to take it abroad because it would very expensive to replace if it were stolen. I bought this Leica P&S so that I could carry it in my jacket pocket or on my belt when travelling and get adequate results. It has been a good choice. It is far superior to most point and shoot compacts in that the lens is sharper. It is not an SLR however and enlargements or slides clearly show some limitations. But for most general applications, it is a fine camera.

I love this camera. The lens is top notch ! Crisp and clear pictures are almost garenteed with this camera.

I carry mine in my pcoketbook for all those times I used to wish I had a cmera with me.