Is this plastic Leica any good?

Taking the Leica Z2X for a ride.

Last year, I was walking around a local thrift store and stumbled upon this pretty beat-up Leica Z2X. Some may say it's seen better days, but I'd like to think it's worn from all the magical adventures it took in its previous life.

I didn't research this camera while in the store; I just took a chance, believing it had found its way to me for a reason. The employee had no clue if it worked, and neither of us had a battery, so I paid for it, hoping not to regret my purchase once I got home.

Luckily, it worked once I placed a battery in it, but as most film photographers know, that's only half the battle. The verdict was still unknown until I ran a roll of film through it.

I was so enamored by my Rolleiflex and Canon 80u all last year that I didn't test the Leica Z2X until last week. I finally had enough of staring at it on the shelf, collecting dust. So, when the sun came out on a blue sky day, I put a roll of Gold 200 in it and walked around my yard and a town nearby.

I didn't have high expectations; that's how I typically operate. However, I was pleasantly surprised once I got the pictures from the lab. I'm sad I didn't use it last year because I love how the pictures came out. For being a plastic point-and-shoot, I am impressed by the clarity of the images and how beautifully the lens captured the colors of each scene.

Will this be my go-to point-and-shoot film camera in 2025? I wouldn't be surprised if it were. I've only used it this one time, so I can't give an exhaustive list of things I love or dislike about it, except that I don't like how loud it is when you power it on and off. That's sort of a big deal for me, as I tend not to like loud cameras. But people change, so we shall see.

Looking at eBay prices, this camera ranges from $200-$700 depending on condition. Would I pay that based on my experience with it? No. But is it worth the $40 I paid for it? Yes, I think so! It's a welcomed addition to my film camera collection.

I have a trip to Puerto Rico in March and Hawaii in April, and I think I'll take it as my secondary camera to shoot all the candid moments.

I'm glad I took a chance on this camera! It has charmed me with its beautiful images.

Your film photography-obsessed friend,

Razlyn