Author: Richard

So a few hours after I made the post last week about the rumoured X100 update the internet exploded with reviews as the NDA expired.

Most reviews have pretty much stated is an X100 improved. I you like the X100 and want water resistance, improved iso dial, better focus, sensor, lens and a folding screen, then your going to love it.

The most interesting review I saw was from a Leica user. Not surprisingly he loved it, and compared it favourable with the Leica Q and Leia CL, cameras many times the price.

Last time I tested one I found the aperture ring hard to use for those of us with large hands and the optical viewfinder a disappointment but then I am spoilt.

Looking forward to trying one next month.

https://www.dpreview.com/videos/0009262499/dpreview-tv-fujifilm-x100v-hands-on-preview

Would I get one, well a small autofocus camera would be useful to me as a general carry, but the aperture and viewfinder will be the key. Also on my shortlist is a second hand Olympus Pen F and a Leica CL.

I have had a soft spot for Fuji cameras. I have issues with the menu system, and the none Bayer filter array, but the camera is a strong performer and the leaf shutter for daylight flash is excellent.

Some would call the X100 and its counter part the X-Pro; a poor mans Leica, but that really is a but cruel.

Adobe have greatly improved their processing of Fuji raw files and the none Bayer filter array is now less of an issue. The menu system; well any camera you actually own you soon get to know it so that is not really an issue.

I hope the new camera is out by the time I get to the NEC this year for the 2020 Photography show.

I will be mainly looking at bags and the Wacom tablets but I would love to see this.

Sometimes while on my dog walks through the village and surround area there seems little inspiration for photography, but every now and again you see a hint of light that you think will make a photograph.

While walking through a lane surrounded by trees the low light started to come through making these images.

I try to get out into Lincoln at least a couple of times a week, and walk around with a camera in my hand.

Scenes like these have been documented by photographers since the medium was invented. Its important to document your local town and the changes that time brings.

This is one of the more timeless areas of Lincoln, this bridge has been here since the year 1160, and like most medieval bridges, has always until recently had a church and a shop on it. The chapel was removed in 1762, but these recent buildings in this side were built in around 1550. I doubt you could have gotten a latte back then.

The picture is nice but far from perfect as a photograph. Its a little out of focus and has motion blur. A fact of life with a old fashioned manual camera like the range finder M10, technically the photo would have been better with my SLR or even my camera phone, but the experience of creating the shot for me would have been lost. Even with its technical issues the photograph is pleasing to me and is a valid document of the area.

So the rumours are true and we have a new Leica Monochrom. A Leica M10P body with an all new 40 MP sensor, which records only black and white.

For 99% of the UK’s photographers a rangefinder is a pointless relic from the past. For those 1% who enjoy, appreciate and actually use a range finder, I expect that over 90% maybe even 99%, think a black and white only digital camera an anachronism.

But for those few who shoot range finders and black and white; these monochrom cameras are a revelation. Nikon was actually first and produced a limited edition pro digital SLR and some medium format sensor manufacturer produces have followed with digital backs so there is a demand for such a niche product and Leica here seem to have hit it out of the ball park.

Many people who first saw the images out of the first Monochrom complained that they were too flat and too grey. The mono sensor does have extreme dynamic range and gives the photographer many options in post production.

As usual people like Jonathan Slack have reviews.

There is also a good selection of images on Leica’s website from Alan Schaller.

Do we need 40 MP black and white, well for most no, but given better tools artists are always going to excel.

Of course with this new sensor Leica rumours are now going overboard about a high resolution Leica M10. For me my 24MP M10 is enough for now, I am saving up for more lens not cameras at the moment.

The Leica rumour sites have been buzzing today with Leica announcing they will be having a press conference on the 17th January.

The rumours are that the latest Leica Monochrome is to be announced, while modern digital is very flexible there is something quite stunning about the output from Leica’s Monochrom.