Be fair - they often use only 2 from "stupid bragging rich fools"
I suppose there are some out there that use Leica as a status symbol.
I doubt that is the majority. To people that have enough disposable cash, they don't really need status symbols like a camera....to those type folks this is pocket change.
I'm not rich, but, but right now with no kids (that I know of)...and not having to deal with WAF on anything, I have disposable income.
I bought the M10M...because I was very facilitated with shooting digital without the color array and the images it produces with increased low light performance and the better graduations of luminance that you really can't seem to get out of a regular color digital camera.
It has been a life changer for my photography, I'm learning now, how to try to "see" scenes in shades of luminance, without color and its really fascinating. I'm often finding that images that would be boring in color, can be fascinating in B&W. And I dunno what the deal is, but many times, my M10M images seem to have almost a medium format look to them.
I have a medium format digital and it's strange how a full frame camera seems to have that look some times.
I don't need status symbols. In fact, one of the reasons I bought the M10M, is because it has no red dot...no perceptible branding at all. Likely as not, most people that see me out, thing I'm carrying some old fashioned point and shoot.
I did actually get a deal on a Leica film camera the MA....I also was only swayed to buy it because I could get the black version with no branding that shows up on it.
I like the rangefinder experience, it is unusual. I enjoy being able to learn to zone focus.....when out and about, I use the sunny 16 rule, and pre-focus my lens for a range and when I see something, I can just pull it up quickly, compose and activate the shutter. I'd dare say this is faster than an AF camera.
The size is fun...I find myself more and more carrying this on casual outings because it is so handy.
And this was my first mirrorless....so, with the M10M, I discovered adapting lenses....this has REALLY proved fun. Old vintage ones are fun...I have a few Russian lenses with their swirly bokeh, and I have been experimenting with the Trioplan 100mm lens and its distinctive bubble bokeh.....I'm even playing with adapting old Nikon and Canon glass that is really great, but pre-AF and adaptable.
So, for me at least, these are some of the experience parts I enjoy. In many ways, part of it is stepping back and seeing how folks shot cameras for decades back before digital....some of the photographic skills of the past are lost on those that only shoot digital...and I'm discovering some of those.
Is this for everyone? Of course not.
Every tool for the job, or toy for those interested.
It's looking like I'll be shooting the large Jazzfest Festival this spring in New Orleans...will I take a rangefinder with me? No...not the right tool for the job.
I'm taking my trusty 5D3....and this time I think I'll just hang the 70-200 f/2,8 off is and using a holdfast harness, this year I think I'll hang my GFX100 on the other side, for wider shots...and be able to use its large image to be able to crop in as I wish.
Tool for the job.
And lastly, I guess I've just never understood people that seem to have to go off on someone else's choice/ability to buy $$$ things. Is it jealousy? Maybe, I don't understand it.
What someone else owns has no effect on me. I'm happy for anyone that is successful, but I"m too busy trying to get success myself to bother much noticing their toys or being angry they have them, whether they think of them as status symbols or not.
For some reasons there are people that just always talk about penis size issues or something or other when they hear Leica....I guess these are the same people that get their panties in a wad when someone drives by in a Corvette, a Viper or a Porsche.
Of course no one "needs" these things...but life isn't about just needs. Life is short...enjoy the things you have and don't be too bothered about what other nice things other people have.
C