Leica M10
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH 6-Bit
50mm, 1/750 Sec at f/5.6, ISO100
Post Processed in Adobe Lightroom Classic
Leica Super Vario Elmar SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH coming in April/May
Leica are slowly filling out there lens range and the latest new is that the new Leica Super Vario Elmar SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH will start shipping in April for availability in May.
Fuji are also filling out there lens range fast for their medium format camera, it seems Hasselblad will have some catching up to do.
Film Friday – Lincoln Market, Leica M4 and Kodak Tri-X
In Lincoln once a month in the castle square between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral we have monthly farmers markets and also a monthly artists market.
I often have a wonder around with my Leica taking snapshots.
Noctilux 75mm in M Mount
We have seen a number of number of interesting new lens and another classic re-release recently from Leica for the SL range and the M range. We now have a few reviews starting to appear. Apart from the classic lens, the one new lens that does interest me is the 75mm Noctilux-M. To be honest I cannot justify the price of the 75mm but it is an interesting lens. If you want to know more check out Jonathan Slack’s website.
Photo of the Month – January
Leica M10
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH 6-Bit
50mm, 1/1000 Sec at f/11, ISO1000
Post Processed in Adobe Lightroom Classic CC
What mirrorless would I buy today
So I said in my last post that mirrorless is definitely coming, but if I was to buy a mirrorless camera today what would it be.
Well I have actually been shooting mirrorless for a while with the Nikon V1 a very under appreciated camera and my Leica M8 and M10. On a photography trip to the Scottish islands I shot wildlife with my DSLR’s, landscape with Hasselblad and Ebony medium and large format, but for everyday, I wanted something small light and something I really enjoyed using, so the Leica M8 was always in my hand, taking quick little grab shots like that of the harbour above from on board ship.
The big advantage of mirrorless is size but if your talking full frame then physics gets in the way, you still need big lens, so for a small camera I would buy a Olympus Pen-F, and likely add an Olympus OM-D E-M1 at some point to partner it.
I would also be tempted to replace my current Hasselblad and PhaseOne back with the Hasselblad mirrorless camera.
Mirrorless is the Future?
For a number of years now people have been predicting that mirrorless will take over. I think this year of 2018 will be the big test.
Digital SLR sales continue to drop. Mirrorless continues to grow. With the growing restrictions on carry on luggage on airplanes a smaller lighter camera makes a lot of sense.
A little Canon EOS M5 now makes a better camera in all regards to the most basic model DSLR, and is smaller and lighter. Olympus have proven with their OM-D E-M1 that mirrorless can be professional, and if you want to have the full frame verses small frame argument, then try a Leica SL mirrorless full frame camera with a viewfinder thats the best in the world for EVF. If your wanting big you can now even go medium format with a small light mirrorless body.
If Nikon and Canon do release real mirrorless contenders this year then within two years its game over for the DSLR, and it will be come a niche player like the rangefinder and TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) before it.
Post leaking new Leica SL 50mm f/2 Appears
After the huge 50mm f/1.4 for the SL was released, many commented that they would like smaller lens so Leica have switched to prioritising some f/2 primes due this year.
Yesterday the following advert leaked and it does look legitimate.
New Years resolutions and projects
I did not make any real new year resolutions but there are a few things I am intending to do.
I want to get more studio photography done and I want to try and make sure that I get out to Hartsholme Park and Whisby Nature reserve a bit more often for some wildlife photograph.
This year will be spent trying to figure out what are the main types of photography I want to do and which focal length lens I prefer to do those types of photographs. Then next year i’ll be undertaking a bit of a photographic prune of equipment and setting my self up with just what I really want.
When and and about with the Leica I have proven to myself how few focal lengths you actually need.
On a more personal note I want to continue with my diet and weight loss, I am just about there now despite Christmas but want to ensure I do not slip back into old ways.
Lastly I want to get my music a lot better this year. I found last year with everything that happened it was far too easy to let a couple of months slip past and I had not picked up a banjo or sat and played at our piano. So January will be a month where I start gently but ensure I get down at least a couple of practice sessions each week.
Leica fill out the SL Lens Range 75 and 90mm
Long awaited mid length telephotographs and many portrait photographers favourite, the 75mm and the 90mm were finally officially announced by Leica yesterday. With the 75mm just under £4000 and the 90mm just over £4000, its going to be professionals only or rich semi-pros and amateur till a few start to appear on the second hand market in a few years.
We only now need Leica to release a prime wide angle and we have most areas covered.