Leica Photography
In the past fifty years I have used several types of camera produced by different manufacturers. My first was a secondhand Agfa VP Speedex folding roll-film camera with a Solinar lens. A few years later I bought my first serious camera - a new twin-lens reflex MPP Microcord II; this was followed by a Hasselblad system and 35mm Pentax. However it is the Leica brand which has held a special place in this lineage ever since I bought my M3 new in 1966.
I still use that Leica M3 and one of its original contemporary lenses. I wonder how many consumer items from the 1960s can claim that distinction today, particularly in the digital era? An M6TTL, a compact CM and a Digilux 2 were added and later the remarkable digital M8 and M9. I say remarkable because few cameras today can work with lenses up to seventy five years old? Rangefinder Leicas have always been backwards compatible which adds to their enduring value, utility and appeal. Unsurprisingly, modern Leica lenses clearly out-perform their elderly ancestors and increase user satisfaction! However old lenses have a rendering charm which still entrances some current photographers. Being rather softer in definition, they are popular and quite flattering for female portraiture.
My film Leicas are not museum pieces. I still enjoy using them, mainly for colour work. Yes, I still get a thrill from those veterans!
The Digilux 2 continues in use, even today, despite the arrival of the new digital rivals. In fact the D2, as aficionados like to call it, has achieved cult status by virtue of its fine ergonomics and outstanding Vario-Summicron lens. (See my Evita" portfolio for extreme examples from this camera. I intend devoting a future portfolio to this venerable camera.
In February 2011 I can reflect on twelve months of ownership of the precision compact digital Leica X1 camera. I have been greatly impressed with its design, manufacture and image quality. The optical viewfinder and hand-grip make a significant difference to my handling of this small camera.
My Leica portfolio shows pictures representative of the thousands from my collection, both old and current. I will change and add to them from time to time.
Please note that all pictures shown are my Copyright and cannot be used without my prior agreement. On the site, thumbnails are shown in convenient square format. However, when you click on them, they expand into the correct shapes for viewing. Try it!
I still use that Leica M3 and one of its original contemporary lenses. I wonder how many consumer items from the 1960s can claim that distinction today, particularly in the digital era? An M6TTL, a compact CM and a Digilux 2 were added and later the remarkable digital M8 and M9. I say remarkable because few cameras today can work with lenses up to seventy five years old? Rangefinder Leicas have always been backwards compatible which adds to their enduring value, utility and appeal. Unsurprisingly, modern Leica lenses clearly out-perform their elderly ancestors and increase user satisfaction! However old lenses have a rendering charm which still entrances some current photographers. Being rather softer in definition, they are popular and quite flattering for female portraiture.
My film Leicas are not museum pieces. I still enjoy using them, mainly for colour work. Yes, I still get a thrill from those veterans!
The Digilux 2 continues in use, even today, despite the arrival of the new digital rivals. In fact the D2, as aficionados like to call it, has achieved cult status by virtue of its fine ergonomics and outstanding Vario-Summicron lens. (See my Evita" portfolio for extreme examples from this camera. I intend devoting a future portfolio to this venerable camera.
In February 2011 I can reflect on twelve months of ownership of the precision compact digital Leica X1 camera. I have been greatly impressed with its design, manufacture and image quality. The optical viewfinder and hand-grip make a significant difference to my handling of this small camera.
My Leica portfolio shows pictures representative of the thousands from my collection, both old and current. I will change and add to them from time to time.
Please note that all pictures shown are my Copyright and cannot be used without my prior agreement. On the site, thumbnails are shown in convenient square format. However, when you click on them, they expand into the correct shapes for viewing. Try it!
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