John Brawley wrote:Leica make a digital camera that doesn’t even have a screen!
True. Indeed, Leica has made several digital M cameras that don't have an LCD. They are for people who like rangefinders and want a camera that acts completely like a film camera. Neither of Leica's first two digital cameras - the M8 and the M9 - had an LCD.
The M (Typ 240), which I have, was the first with a display. When it was released, there was no shortage of photographers who objected to both the LCD and the M240's ability to shoot video. I mostly use the LCD for menu settings. I usually use the M240's rangefinder, rather than the LCD, to focus, and I very rarely use the LCD to play back photos. That said, I sometimes use my M240 with a bellows for macro photography, and I couldn't do that without the LCD. I also use the LCD whenever I have the camera on a tripod.
Leica has since made a couple of M cameras without an LCD. Personally, I find an LCD useful enough that I wouldn't purchase one of these cameras, but I see the attraction. Absent an LCD, one is left with rangefinder focusing, basic manual controls and manual lenses. In other words, a camera that works like my 64 year old M3, which is my favourite camera. The M3 is just a pleasure to shoot with, because of both its ergonomics and its simplicity. Leica also makes digital M cameras that only shoot black and white, and there appears to be a fairly strong market for them.