Would you pay $26,165 for a camera?

[jgomez65]

Leica just anounce that their new S2 DSLR camera will be selling for $26,165 without lens.

I don't know about you guys, but as much as I love photography I can think of two million other things I'd rather do with $26K than to buy a camera.

And to be honest with you, because I am an amateur photographer and I don't know much about pro camera models, I have never heard of Leica, but if you could judge a camera by its price, then this must be the best pro camera in the world.

And by the way, if you really want to spend your money, then go with their S2-P model, which comes with a sapphire glass monitor screen and "Platinum Service" support package, for a mere $31,229. According to the report I read, their lenses range from $5,000 to $8,500

[KodiakStar]

Larger than full frame comes at a very steep price.

If I had the money, of course!

[Jim Poor]

If I had the spare funds, you bet. Since I don't though . . .

[naeno]

Over my dead body, is what comes to my mind. However, I pretty much just do this for a hobby.

[stitchbug]

Originally Posted by KodiakStar

Larger than full frame comes at a very steep price.

If I had the money, of course!

Ditto!
I certainly wouldn't wipe out my savings for it, but if that were like a couple bucks to me (which it will be one day ) Sure!!!

[RexK_Cozumel]

Leica is pretty famous. Their lenses are amazing. Some of them can be had for less than $5000 but yeah they are expensive. Anyways if you think that is expensive. Check out the prices on some medium format cameras. $26K is a steal compared to some of the MF cameras. A hasselblad H3D-50 for example costs $40k. Anyways it all depends on what you are using the camera for right? I mean if you are shooting commercial or for print the editiors will require certain specs which means that if you are using a "regular" camera you will not get the job.

No biggie if you dont need the camera get something else.

[Elmo]

Leica Folks are like Nikon Folks brand loyal, but Leica folks have the right to be. Us Canon Folks seem to be more of what works best. That being said, If you have ever used a Leica you will never forget it. As a PJ I shot Leica’s after moving from cut film and loved the results. The usable lens selection for the range finder Leica was, however, limited in focal length range. We eventually added Nikons to the mix to get more focal lengths but the Leica’s remained camera of choice to everyone I knew.

Photos taken with a Leica lens always had THAT look about them. When the Leica digital M8 came out the images still had that Leica look. Would I buy one? You bet. I am just a little short of cash right now. If you have never used a Leica you have missed one of the ultimate pleasures of photography.

[candleman]

hmmm... only if i was holding a winning lottery ticket.

[Free]

Nope, I'd pay the extra and get the Hassel

[navcom]

If I was a big-time photographer, absolutely. Leica makes exceptional cameras. In my current budget, could I get a good return on investment? Nope.

Oh...and BTW Elmo...several years ago I accidentally dropped my Pentax body on my Canon body. The result was a completely destroyed Canon body and a Pentax body with a small scratch that still functioned perfectly...even after the two bounces.

I"ve shot Pentax (the useable camera) ever since.

...sorry...couldn't resist.