My Ultimate Affordable Used Leica Kit for 2025
📷 The Ultimate Used Leica Kit: How I’d Spend $12K on a Dream Setup
If you’ve ever fallen down the Leica rabbit hole, you know how quickly your “perfect kit” can turn into an expensive daydream. New bodies, new glass — next thing you know, you’re staring at a $20K shopping cart. But what if you could get a truly versatile, professional Leica kit for under $12,000 — and actually get your money’s worth?
I get asked all the time — on YouTube, Instagram, and in my workshops — “What’s the best Leica setup if I want to shoot street, editorial, and a bit of everything?” So I sat down, ran the numbers, looked at my real assignments, and figured out what I’d actually buy if I had to do it again today — but smarter and with a used kit.
Why I’m Sticking with the M System
I always say if you’re buying into Leica, buy into the M system first. It’s what makes Leica special. For me, a used Leica M10 is still the sweet spot: classic Leica feel, simple menu, and a digital sensor that holds up for both print and web. You can find a clean one for around $5K if you know where to look — Facebook groups, local dealers, or that one friend who always seems to be upgrading.
The M10 is what I reach for when I want to slow down, be intentional, and shoot the way Leica was meant to be shot. It’s not the newest, but that’s partly the point: with Leica, “new” doesn’t always mean “better for you.”
The Lens That Never Lets Me Down
If I could only have one lens, it’d be a 35mm Summicron f/2. I’ve shot entire editorial assignments — including a full year for The New York Times — with nothing but this lens. It’s sharp, compact, fast enough, and forces you to move your feet and think about your framing.
Could I spend more and get a Summilux? Sure. But in this budget scenario, the Summicron makes more sense. It’ll cost you about $2K used, and the quality-per-dollar ratio is unbeatable.
Covering Your Bases: The Longer Lens
Now, let’s be real. Sometimes you need a bit more reach — for portraits, commercial shoots, or tighter storytelling. I’d add a 75mm Voigtlander, which you can pick up for around $700 used. It’s a fantastic value, and while it’s not Leica glass, it does the job beautifully for the handful of times you really need that focal length.
This is one of those areas where I save money so I can splurge elsewhere — because that’s the whole point of building a used kit with intention.
Why the SL2-S Makes This Kit Complete
Here’s where a lot of people get stuck: the M is beautiful, but sometimes you just need autofocus, low light performance, or better video. Enter the Leica SL2-S. It’s my favorite “hybrid” tool in the Leica lineup — great EVF, strong in low light, solid for video, and it gives me peace of mind as a backup if my M10 fails (and let’s be honest, these old Ms can be temperamental).
I pair it with a Leica 24-70mm f/2.8 for flexibility. It’s not the flashiest lens, but it’s reliable, works for editorial, commercial, or travel gigs, and lets you adapt fast when you can’t get closer with your feet. Together, the SL2-S and the 24-70 come in around $4K used.
To connect everything, I use an M-to-L converter, which costs about $200.
The Final Tally
So here’s what you get for just under $12K:
Leica M10 ($5,000 used)
35mm Summicron f/2 ($2,000 used)
75mm Voigtlander ($700 used)
Leica SL2-S ($2,000 used)
Leica 24-70mm f/2.8 ($2,000 used)
M-to-L converter ($200)
If you’re used to Leica prices, this is pretty incredible value. A brand new M11-P alone can run you $9,000 — that’s nearly your whole budget for just the body!
Smart Upgrade Options
If you’ve got a bit more to spend, I’d recommend upgrading the M10 to a used M11 (around $7K) to get that extra resolution for big prints or commercial clients. Or, if you shoot more video and need better autofocus, consider stepping up to an SL3-S.
The Big Takeaway
Look, there’s no perfect Leica kit. What works for me might not work for you — and that’s the beauty of building your own system over time. But if you want something that can handle street, editorial, documentary, and some commercial work — without burning through your savings — this is the setup I’d stand by.
My best advice? Buy smart, buy used, and don’t get stuck in gear paralysis. Spend the time you save out shooting instead of refreshing camera listings all day.
If you’re curious about my real-world experiences shooting for clients like The New York Times, Smithsonian, and more, check out my full video breakdown. And if you’re ready to level up your photography — whether you’re an amateur or a working pro — I’ve got 1:1 mentoring, workshops, and portfolio reviews at askmot.com.
I’d love to hear what YOUR dream Leica kit looks like. Tell me in the comments — or shoot me an email. Let’s keep the conversation going.
Thanks for reading — and happy shooting
