After a long time I am back on the blog. Between then and now, I have bought new equipment.
I am still shooting with Sony, but bought two Leicas and can not put them down. These days I have confined my shooting to landscape and long exposure photography. As time goes by, I find myself shooting and studying photography more and more. An interest in film has reawaken, and after many years I find myself shooting 120 film like in the old days. This time I am shooting with a 1961 Rolleiflex.
Along the way, I shot with many incredible cameras. I shot 35mm than graduated to medium format. Years later came digital, and have been shooting digital until now. Two years ago I started reading about Leica cameras. Their history, and lots of famous photographers who shot iconic photographs with them. I purchase an M9 digital (CCD) sensor, and immediately I was hooked. For many years I shot Canon, and had several bodies and numerous lenses. After shooting with the Leica, I set the Canon aside and honestly do not use them much. Along came a good deal on the Leica M240 and I bought it. Matched it with a 35mm Summicron the produces unbelievable images. I find myself shooting Leica about 70% of the time.
About 3 months ago I went on a cruise with my wife Maria. On-board they were selling the new Leica Q. They had it for an incredible price. After a good dinner, and while sipping on good wine, we walked to the photo section, and bought it. I had read a lot about the camera, but never imagined I would buy it on a cruise. I was happier with the purchase than the day I bought my new car.
The Leica Q does not disappoint. The Camera has a full 24MP sensor , and a fixed 28mm 1.7 Summilux lens that is razor sharp, even wide open.
Leica Q
Below are a few samples of this gem.
Image was shot handheld at F1.7 1\40th of a second, ISO 800 hand held.
This is the Fort at Puerto Rico's harbor as seen from the 12th deck of the ship.
I have had a couple friend photographers ask me if Leica is really worth the money. It depends, the type of photography you do, and of course if you are willing to pay the asking price. Do you need a Leica to do great photography, of course not. I will say that there is something nostalgic about shooting a Leica. Using a rangefinder camera is an experience all in it self. The Leica is quiet, light, inconspicuous, and a pleasure to shoot. Takes you back to your photography roots. All lenses are fixed. NO ZOOM, need to zoom with your feet. I can say for sure, Leica lenses are worth every penny, and "there is no sharper lens".
Next post I will write about the Leica Q in detail, for my friends that are interested in the it.
Happy shooting.
