Spending $6,400 on a camera that only shoots black & white. Does it even make sense?

Leica M10 Monochrom was launched in 2020 with the price tag of $8,300 at the time. Adam Gough aka Goughie recently spent around $6,400 on one (£5,000). It may sound ridiculous, but does it actually make sense? In his video, Adam goes through his experience with this camera and why you actually may want one as a part of your kit.

One of Adam’s most surprising discoveries was the new appreciation for light and composition that came with shooting in black and white only. By removing the distraction of color, he could focus on the interplay of light and shadow, leading to more intentional and visually striking images.

Another unexpected advantage of shooting in black and white was the simplified editing process. With fewer variables to consider, Adam found himself spending less time editing his images and more time capturing them. This streamlined workflow allowed him to focus on the creative aspects of photography.

Then, despite its monochromatic limitations, the Leica M10 Monochrom offers impressive image quality. Adam argues that it surpasses even some color cameras in terms of sharpness, resolution, and high ISO performance.

This camera made Adam step out of his comfort zone and embrace a new medium. This is one of the best ways to push your creative boundaries, and limiting himself to black and white only certainly did the trick for Adam. The limitations of black and white photography forced him to think differently about composition, exposure, and storytelling. This challenge ultimately led to a deeper understanding of photography and a more refined artistic vision.

The final verdict

The Leica M10 Monochrom may not be the ideal choice for every photographer and every situation. Adam gives an example of his trip to Bled, Slovenia. He’d never been to this place before, and he wanted to capture it in color and not limit himself to black and white only. Honestly, it would be a shame not to capture colors in this wonderful location.

Also, it’s quite a pricy way to limit yourself for the sake of improving creativity. If you’re on a tighter budget, there may be other ways. Alternatively, you can find the black and white shooting mode on your regular, color sensor camera.

Still, the Leica M10 Monochrom has proven to be a valuable tool and a worthwhile investment for Adam. If you have the budget, I think it’s definitely worth considering. What do you think?

[Understanding The Leica Monochrom | Goughie]