Richard & Caroline's Blog

When Leica release a new M a couple of years later they release the P version. In general its the same camera with stronger rear glass screen, no red dot and occasionally a bigger buffer.

Back when the original M8; the first digital M was released they released the M8.2 to address its short comings. Since the M9 the P has not needed to address any short comings just bring a few enhancements.

This year we see the release of the M10P and this time Leica have made some real improvements, a new shutter and now with a touch screen. Yes you heard right, a Leica M with a touch screen.

There are also some rumours of a new Leica M mount camera that will have a EVF. Many have asked Leica for EVF; it would not be an M but would be a useful addition to the family.

This year has seen be do little personal photography, so recently I have been getting into the habit of taking a camera with me on my local walks. Even if its just a local dog walk.

I have to admit that Ted as was Timmy, is very photogenic.

So the SL2 from Leica is now available. The erganomics have been tweaked to make it feel better in the hand and its now definitely got a Leica R series look. It seems to have the same killer sensor as in the Leica Q2. At 47 MP its a rival to many medium format cameras, and with the micro-lens to allow Leica M lens, this is a camera that will take with adapters just about any lens you can buy.

Leica kept the same battery and it works with all the original accessories.

If I wanted a studio / portrait camera, this and the Hasselblad X1D II would be at the top of my list.

I try at least twice a week to have a wander around Lincoln while carrying my camera. Lately its been a struggle to find a dry day with at least a touch of sun, but this last couple of weeks between the cold and heavy rain there has been a few opportunities.

The original Leica SL was derided on its release. Now we have a number of manufactures who have released full frame 35 mirrorless bodies with fast AF lens.

The issue people had with the SL was they thought it too large and the lens too large. Now its being seen in a new light and has become very popular. With the new alternatives also large, people have realised you cannot break the laws of physics with lens optics.

If you want something smaller Sony have DX cropped bodies and lens and now Nikon have released the Z50 also with the DX cropped factor.

If you really want small then MicroFourThirds is still the best compromise; or take my route and use a Leica M system, if you can put up with manual focus and a range finder.

The new SL2 has been leaked and is rumoured to have 47 MP. That puts it up against the new Sony and the Nikon D850.

With Nikon releasing the new Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct, I am seeing a lot of interest in fast glass again and reduced depth of field.

One of the biggest complaints people make of small format sensors formats is that there is too much depth of field, something I have discussed in the past.

When one thinks of fast glass the old classic Canon f/1 comes to mind but the one that is always top of the list is the Leica range of Noct lens.

The complaint with fast glass is the cost, though we cannot really complain, its a niche product and one that is difficult to produce. The new Nikon is over £8000, which puts it in a similar price range.

The big thing about these lens is the unique look they give to your shots, and many who have used the Leica Noctilux actually prefer the look over the older one.