The Big Switch: Why I Traded My Nikon Kit for Leica

For years, Nikon was my workhorse. It was reliable, versatile, and could handle almost any situation I threw at it. But recently, I realized that "versatility" was becoming a distraction. I was carrying bags of lenses "just in case," and focusing more on the settings than the soul of the image.

I decided to make a change. I traded in my Nikon kit for a more focused, intentional setup: the Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M and a Voigtländer 35mm.

Here is why I did it—and why it’s the best move I’ve made for my photography in years.

1. Intentionality Over Options

With a zoom lens, you stand still and change the focal length. With a prime lens—especially on a Leica—you have to move. You have to engage with the subject. By limiting myself to just a 28mm and a 50mm, I’m forced to make a decision before I ever lift the camera. It’s a slower process, but the results are far more deliberate.

The "Leica Look" is Real

People often ask if the "Leica Look" is a myth. After working with the 50mm APO, I can tell you it isn't. There is a micro-contrast, a way the lens handles light, and a transition from sharp to "bokeh" that feels organic rather than digital. It brings a certain "soul" to my Signature Series portraits that I found myself chasing in post-production with other systems.

Reducing the Friction

A heavy kit is a barrier. When I’m exploring abandoned buildings or urban architecture here in Ohio, I want to be nimble. This new setup is compact and lightweight. It removes the "friction" between me and the shot. I’m finding that I’m taking more photos because the gear isn't getting in the way.

Leica M10-R with Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH

My clients don't hire me because I have the most lenses; they hire me for my vision. By simplifying my gear, I’ve actually expanded my creativity. I’m no longer worried about which lens to use—I’m worried about capturing the light and the moment.