Best Flash for the the Fujifilm X20 ( and probably X100s, too)

Posted on May 5, 2013 by czed

Well, there are a few whispers going round about the Fuji X100s and the Fuji X20 ability to trigger external flashes.

Some have found out that you can leash the new $230 EF-X20 Flash to a standard canon (or third party) cable and get full TTL and Manual control for the EF-X20.

Sunpack RD 2000

Others, realized that the cheaper and older EF-20 ($99) is actually also a Sunpak RD2000, which might save you a few dollars (around $30). But you prbbly won’t get manual control – TTL only – plus in camera flash compensation controls – (not tested by me).

Well, and if you are indeed considering the EF-X20 and already have a Nikon Speedlight, I’m here to say you can save yourself $230 and just use what you’ve got. The X20 can trigger a Nikon Sb-900 via a Nikon SC-28 for example. Only in Manual mode though, but that should not be too big an issue .-) And you’ve got all the flash power you’ll ever need for a handheld off camera flash.

The Fuji X20 + SC-28 + SB-900 = working combo

Fuji X20 – a Photographers Review (updated)

Posted on March 31, 2013 by czed

The new Fujifilm X100s and X20 have started to ship, and I received a X20 late March.

For all my professional work I’ve been shooting full frame Nikon DSRLs and so using a small point-and-shoot/viewfinder type camera is quite a change.

Why the X20?

I have been looking for a small camera that I can just pop into my pocket and carry around every day, when I don’t want to lug a big heavy DSLR and lenses. I’ve had my eyes on the X10 for a while and of course the X100, as well as Sony’s NEX series, especially since these have so much larger sensors. But then I felt the X100 might be a little limiting with a fixed prime, and at the same time the NEX or XE-1 meant you’d be buying into a system -including lenses and speedlights, and before you know it, I’d be carrying as much gear around as before, just in a smaller bag.

For me, to pick the X20 was to pick the best compromise, a great design, zoom lens for just a bit more flexibility, but with the small sensor, tiny viewfinder etc. I knew this would be quite different. Perhaps even challenging. Well, here’s to new challenges!

Fuji X20 at ISO 400, 22.8mm, f2.8, 1/25th, JPG out of camera, set to B&W mode

What trumps has Fuji dealt us with the X20? – Fuji X20, JPG straight out of camera, B&W setting, ISO 400, 22.8mm, f2.8, 1/25th

New Camera you say? It looks like my old Leica. Fuji X20, IS0 400, 15.4mm, f2.5, 1/25th, JPG straight out of camera, b&w setting

The X20, a winning hand of cards? – Fuji X20, JPG straight out of camera, B&W setting, ISO 400, 7.1mm, f2.0, 1/55th

Fuji X20 So Far

I’ve basically just used the X20 camera for a couple of days now. Mainly indoor stuff, but also a bit of outdoors. Let’s address a few questions:

Q) How fast or slow is the Autofocus? A) I find the X20 AF really responsive, yes its slower than a DSRL, its also slower than the unbelievable NEX speed, but it’s not really slowing me down. It works well, both at ISO 100 in daylight, as well a in ISO 4000 in near darkness. No problems.

Q) How quiet really is the Shutter? A) The X20 shutter is THE QUIETEST thing I’ve ever hardly heard. It is unbelievable. If you switch of the silly artificial shutter sounds, the shutter is almost inaudible. It’s amazing. In quiet mode, a whisper would sound like a scream in comparison. It is super quiet! I’d called it silent.

Q) what’s the Depth of Field like? A) Well, as with any small sensor camera, like the Fuji X20, your shallow depth of field suffers, so to speak. This ain’t a full-frame camera. It means that an F2.8 at 35mm (equiv) probably compares to the Shallow Depth of field ‘look’ of an F4 or higher. (Please note, my completely non scientific approach to this. You can do the maths if you care)

Q) How about image sharpness? A)The images are incredibly sharp, at any aperture, the AF locks on, and this lens/sensor combo produces some very crisp, razor sharp images! Top notch!

Fuji x20 at 100 iso 7. 1mm f4.5

Colors in PROVIA standard, jpg straight out of camera, ISO 100, 9.6 mm, f6.4, 1/110th

Fuji X20 at f4 7.1mm iso 100

Shooting some X20

The above means of course that shooting is slightly different, as what you might expect from an full frame DSLR. If you are looking for ‘Bokehlicious’ shots, you will be disappointed. The better way of shooting the X20 is the old street photog style. F8 and be there. Focus on those image design elements. Composition, Light, Leading Lines, patterns, etc. All of the good stuff, that are challenging and so easy to neglect, when everything around the subject is thrown out of focus.

That’s why I set it on JPG and Fuji Black and White setting for most of my shots over these last few days. Love that look.

Q) How about color rendition? A) Some of the color film simulation settings seem a bit murky and dull to me – But I guess that’s to be expected ‘for that look’. The best setting for crisp and punchy renditions of colors is to me the PROVIA standard setting “Ideal for a wide range of subjects” .-) Ideal it is. Great colors.

Fuji X20 ISO 200 f2.5 11.3mm

Fuji X20 f5.6 9.4mm iso200

Is it your cup of tea? – Fuji X20, JPG straight out of camera, Pro-Neg-Standard-Film Simulation, ISO 100, 7.1mm, f2.0, 1/320th

What’s not so great about the X20?

- Viewfinder: Well, I had higher hopes for the X20 viewfinder to be a bit better, brighter, sharper, larger. It’s a tiny hole and quite a pain to use really, but if you’re like me and need to look through that hole, it can be tricky. Not sure how long it’ll take to get used to that or until I switch to shooting just via screen. (Which I am starting to do, it seems) It would be great to have some adapter that increase the ergonomic fit and function of the viewfinder.

- Battery: The X20 battery actually sucks – they run out of charge in no time! Exclamation mark. It doesn’t get you very far at all. 2-3hrs I’d say. Maybe less. I am surprised by this. Fuji has got some work to do here. (Free new batteries for early adopters perhaps?)

- Video: I played around with video, the X20 shoots full 1080p HD at 60 frames (at least you can downsample that to 24fps .-) – sounds good, but focusing is buggy and the X20 looses the subject quickly, especially in not so bright light, like ambient indoors. My Guess: It’s not a videographer’s choice.

Fuji X20 f4 9.6mm ISO 200

Fuji X20 f8 7.1mm ISO 200

Some bugs, I found so far

- ON/OFF Problem: Weirdly, the on/off turning switch doesn’t always work. In some circumstance, it might be set to ON, but remains switched OFF. And if you leave it on (when it’s running) and the auto switch off kicks in, it doesn’t always seem to respond to turning it OFF and ON again. Go figure. Doing it a few times seems to sort it out though. Still not what you would expect, and hopefully fixable with a firmware upgrade.

- Manual Focus Point Selection: The other bug I seem to have is when trying to select the focus point manually. When set to AFS-S and AREA is selected as AF Mode, I should be able to manually choose a focus point with the selector command dial. This doesn’t seem to work reliably for me (maybe its just me). But, a bit of disappointment, since that’s the way I shoot my DSLRs.

ISO 200 f4 5mm Fuji X20

Fuji X20 8.6mm f2.5 ISO 200

Well, here you have my first thoughts and impressions.
Can’t wait to hit the streets a bit more. Overall good work Fuji! Nice lil’ cam overall.
Would be interesting to compare against the X100s.

Now, what’s your experience with the X20? Or are you planning to get an X20 or X100s? Have you had some of these or other bugs? Let us know your thoughts below.

Fuji X100s and Fuji X20 real life review

Posted on February 24, 2013 by czed

I’ve been looking for some real life reviews of the X100s and the X20s. With the camera just now slowly coming off the production lines, there are not that many accounts about how these two camera actually! work. Most “reviews” are just boring repetitions of facts and specs. You might as well read the press release!

Fuji X20, image via Steve Huff Photo

So finally here is a working man’s thoughts on both the X100s and the X20 as well as the XE-1 and X-Pro series. Jim Marks, is a London based photographer who (according to himself) has worked with DSLRs, Phase Ones and Hasselblads in his Fashion work, but now apparently has shifted entirely! to the X-Series.

He’s shooting two X-pro bodies and an XE-1 as his main work bodies. It’s the weight considerations that won him over as well as the discreet design and size of the cameras. He says that the image quality is outstanding and does the job really well.

Well, he didn’t just drop his DSLRs and move over to Fuji, but worked with them side for side for a while till he trusted they were up to the task. (This is all X-Pro talk btw)

The second video talks more about X20 and how he uses it for personal use as well as the X100s and comparing he X series to Leica’s M9.

As a side note, Jim shortly talks about the Leica M9 in comparison. It’s the first time I’ve heard anyone say what I’ve always suspected about the Leica system (not to be a Leica Troll but one can’t deny the fact that is a quite an overpriced system that still is manual focus only):

“I’ve joked (about the X-Pro1) about it being a Leica that works. I had a Leica M9, I loved the built quality, its a fabulous thing to hold, but as a professional photographer you can’t photograph people quickly/constantly. It just doesn’t do it. Its for shot . then wait . then shot … and that’s fine. But in a professional environment where you’ve got to take picture, it locked up on me so much that actually I sold it. The X-Pro fills that void.”

Michael Coyne, shooting sports in Bangkok with the Fuji XE-1

Posted on January 19, 2013 by czed

It’s always great to meet up with good friends and catch up on things!

So yesterday I met up with Michael Coyne in Melbourne over a coffee again. It’s a always fun, inspiring and thought provoking to think and talk about all things photography, our current and past projects, and the art, ethics and philosophy of image making and storytelling.

Michael is incredibly busy and doing a lot of projects, and as people following Fujifilm X-Series cameras know, has been a “‘Fuji Ambassador’ for a while now.

He’s recently taken the XE-1 on a test-ride shooting a series on sports in Bangkok check out the images and video below.

Fuji X-E1 on a walkabout with Michael Coyne in Bangkok, by Gerhard Jörén from Gerhard Joren on Vimeo.

And (I hope I am allowed to say this) there is also a video and stills of an Fuji X20 project from PNG coming sometime very soon.

Fujifilm X100s coming in January 2013 [UPDATED]

Posted on January 5, 2013 by czed

The news have come in and Fuji made the announcement.
The x100s is here and will be revealed at the CES this week.

As per the rumors (and my humble wish-list) the specs look very promising.

From my wishlist:
16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor!! (good move, same as XE-1)
Full HD video 1920 x 1080 at 60/30 fps! (24fps would have been even greater)
100% viewfinder!!

As predicted:
Fast(est) AutoFocus at a speed of just 0.08 seconds
Focus Peaking
Split Image focusing

New:
Exciting Film Simulation Modes: FUJIFILM color reversal films Velvia / PROVIA / ASTIA, professional color negative films PRO Neg. Std / PRO Neg. Hi, monochrome filters MONOCHROME, Ye filter, R filter and G filter and SEPIA.
Multiple Exposure
Very fast 6 frames per second burst rate!
Faster start-up time

—————————— UPDATE END ——————————

The new year just started with some great news about the impending release of the upgraded Fujifilm X100 and X10. To re-cap the X100 has created quite a stir when it was first released in 2011.

Its beautiful retro look, building on former more glorious days of 1970′s classic cameras, paired with outstanding performance, sensor size, ISO performance and ergonomics made it the favorite pocket camera for lots of photographers and journalists. Its small size and weight and beautiful 35mm equivalent lens, also made the X100 the perfect street camera, the main point of critique being the slow Autofocus.

Now in 2013, two years later – the time has come for an update to the small x-series camera.
And this is what it appears to be look like from a technical spec point of view:

The original X100 Specs:
12 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor
Fixed 23mm F2 lens (field of view equivalent to a 35mm lens on full frame)
2.8″ LCD screen, 4:3 aspect ratio, 460,000 dots
Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder
OVF with 0.5x magnification, projected framelines indicate approx 90% of field of view
EVF with ca 0.5x magnification, 1,440,000 dots
Traditional-style control dials for shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation
ISO 100 (L), 200-6400, 12800 (H)
Flash hot shoe and built-in flash
Built-in neutral density filter (3 stops)
1280×720 HD movie recording with stereo sound

According to first reports the X100s will feature:
0.5 in, 2,360,000 dots OLED viewfinder (borrowed from XE-1)
A new faster hybrid AF
Focus peaking

In addition I am also hoping for:
An upgrade to the 16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor (XE-1)
Full HD movie recording with built-in stereo microphone
2.5mm stereo microphone socket
100% OVF – would be great!
A Black and Silver version – (Like Fujifilm’s limited edition black X100 for $1500)

In terms of timelines it is said, that we could see the announcement as early as the CES 2013 (Jan8-11), and perhaps a market release in March, which would be exactly 2 years since the original x100.

With hopes of autofocus performance closer to that of the Fuji XE-1 or Sony NEX-6, I am really excited about the X100s – perhaps this will finally be the perfect street camera?

What do you think? Have you waited for this upgrade? Are you planning on buying one?

Speedlight Wars: How does the Meike MK-900 compare to the Nikon SB-900

Posted on September 8, 2012 by czed

Some time ago I came across the Meike 900 speedlight. from the outset it looked like a complete Nikon SB-900 rip-off. The SB-900 is an amazing flash, and has been Nikon’s top-line professional speedlight, until it was superseded by the slightly updated SB-910. (Note: I never went for the update, because to me it just wasn’t a big enough update. The SB-900 and the SB-910 are almost identical, and I had never experienced the much hyped “overheating issues”)

The Meike MK-900 promised to deliver an SB-900 flash, TTL support and all, for less that 1/3 of the price at around $150-$170 dollars – even less then the more known Yongnuo flash. I was interested to see if it could really compete with the original Nikon. So I purchased one on Ebay.

First look: Packaging and Content

NIkon SB-900 and Meike Mk-900 packaging.

When I first saw the packaging, I actually laughed out loud. The box was pretty messed up in transit. Meike did save a few cents here, the box is thin and cheap, as is the printing. But importantly the flash arrived undamaged and wrapped in bubble wrap inside the box.

Box content comparison

Comparing the two products, the Meike comes with a lot less stuff. It’s basically the flash unit, the manual, a foot/stand, a little waranty cards (what for is the question) and the case, which is not unsimilar to Nikon’s but the material is thinner, and the case is smaller missing the compartment for the dome diffuser and gel holders – which are both missing from Meike.

Side by Side Comparison

When I pulled the Meike out of the package, I am honest, I was ABSOLUTELY surprised! In a very positive way. The unit looks and feels like a twin brother to the SB-900. If it wasn’t for the name printed on it, it would be very difficult to tell them apart. They are truly almost the same. The MK-900 is AS solid as the SB-900, it’s really not a cheap built! It feels right, the head swivels and turns, the buttons have a very similar feel when pushed. This MK-900 is incredibly close to the original Nikon.

The Meike MK-900 looks and feels almost exactly like the SB-900.

Both flash heads seem identical and come with in-built diffuser and bounce-card

Power it up, Baby

However, when switching it on, the differences become more apparent. Surprisingly the Meike’s screen is actually slightly larger than the SB-900. It is bluish not green, and it appears to be of higher resolution, too. But it’s illumination is inconsistent with funny light streaks. The Meike also featured back-lit buttons! I was really surprised to see that. It’s a nice feature Nikon could introduce, too.

When it comes to the menu however, the similarities truly end. Nikon’s SB-900′s menu and controls are just much better designed and thought through. It takes a bit of getting used to to change settings on the MK-900, but then once you’ve done it twice, it is not that difficult – just different. There are less menu options, only M, TTL and RPT (I haven’t really delved into the depths of what else might be there). The Meike Mk-900 symbols and icons, are not as well designed and aligned and you can tell why this flash is so much cheaper.

The menu, display, icon and design vary significantly

both flashes mounted on camera in TTL mode

Mounting the units on the camera, the MK-900 behaved as expected. The aperture, ISO, and focal length were communicated as should, and the flash triggered in TTL and M mode. (I didn’t test RPT)

Shooting some frames

So far so good! Of course the big question was does the Meike keep it’s promise in regards to TTL shooting, being triggered as a TTL slave – and could it even be a TTL master for other SB-900s?

To test this I set-up an SB-900 and the MK-900 side by side and set them to remote.

The remote setup to compare TTL support for the MK-900

I started with an SU-800 unit, and controlling the shots in TTL mode worked fine. The MK-900 fired away and I could dial it down and up, with visible differences. (It’s hard to compare quality and consistency of output, against the SBs, but from this non-lab setup it seemed to be doing just fine). I then used another SB-900 to trigger the MK-900 which worked fine, and again I was able to dial it up an down (flash compensation) in TTL mode.

not the prettiest image: testing the MK900′s remote master and slave capabilities

The first big surprise came though, when I set the MK-900 to Manual mode. In M mode the MK-900 didn’t fire. I tried triggering it with both the SU-800 and the SB-900, but no luck. It seems the remote TTL support is all there is, which is a kind of a big issues, especially if you’re looking for a studio flash to remote trigger in manual mode. I didn’t try radio triggers, but Nikon infrared/pre-flash in manual mode doesn’t do it for the MK-900. Big disappointment.

(I am still puzzled by this as the flash fires without problems in TTL and M mode when mounted on camera. Is it just this unit? It’s a weird issue to have. Checking the manual, it doesn’t mentioned manual mode for wireless shooting specifically, and seems to assume CLS is used throughout.)

MK-900 as Remote Master

Well, moving on … for the next test, I put the MK900 on the camera and set it to master, which meant it would control the SB-900 set on Remote Slave. All this worked as expected, and I was able to remotely control flash output on the SB-900 in both TTL and Manual mode. That’s great the MK-900 could just master trigger for wireless setups.

Summary

The MK-900 is an very well built clone of the SB-900. Is feels and looks almost identical. There are some differences though:
1) The missing swivel unlock button on the flash head (neutral)
2) The MK-900 screen is larger and seems to be of higher resolution (positive)
3) .. but lit inconsistently, with weird light streak patterns (negative)
4) The MK-900 has backlit buttons (positive)
5) The MK-900′s menu is not as well designed and slightly confusing (negative)
6) The MK-900 can be triggered by a remote Su-800 and SB-900 in TTL mode, but NOT in Manual M mode (BIG Negative)
7) The MK-900 can trigger other SB-900s on both TTL and M mode. (positive)
8) Packaging and accessory is pretty cheap (negative)
9) … but then it’s also only 1/3rd of the SB-900 price (BIG Positive)
10) Light output seems to be a bit inconsistent (when stopping down, it doesn’t seem to be a linear difference in intensity, but there’s really no way to test it properly without a light-meter or reading device. (PS: if you check the comments here .. there are a few more technical lighting test for the MK900)

Overall, that leaves us pretty even, which depending on the use is actually a surprisingly good result. The MK-900 has a lot to offer for it’s price and if you can work around the missing Manual mode trigger issue, is one of the best third-party flashes I’ve seen. No question the Nikon SB-900 is a class above, and you get the quality you pay for. But the MK-900 is certainly a great option for rim lights, ambient lighting additions and situations where a few more lights are needed to build the image – and it can be controlled via the Nikon Creative Lighting System, which is great.

Now, I am interested .. do you have an MK-900? Can you trigger it remotely in manual mode? Anyone tried pocket wizards or other radio triggers?

Nikon D600, Leica M10 and Fuji X-Pro2 to be announced at the Photokina?

Posted on August 28, 2012 by czed

The Photokina is the world’s biggest imaging exhibition. Every two years Köln brings together the photography industry, professionals and consumers.

And of course each year everyone’s eyes are on the latest development and camera news from leading manufacturers like Leica, Nikon, Canon and this year especially Fuji.

So what is there to expect in 2012?

Fuji X-PRO 2 on the horizon
Fuji’s X100 and X-PRO 1 have made a bit of a splash in the photography community with their beautiful retro design, groundbreaking sensors and tack-sharp lenses. The X-Family has really started to carve out its own market nichè for pro-sumers and professionals mirrorless cameras.

European Professional Compact System Camera 2012-2013 – Fujifilm X-Pro1 from EISA on Vimeo.

So what’s to expect? The X-PRO 1 is an amazing and award-winning camera, but it’s autofocus speed has left much to wish for, (as has it’s manual focus) which seems is due to hardware design features that couldn’t just be addressed with a firmware update like in the X100.

While many are hoping for a full frame X-PRO 2 – The Leica Killer – my guess is that we won’t be seeing this at all. Clearly Fuji has invested in a new system, with lenses, adapters and all making use of the many advantages of the APS-C size sensor.

So what can reasonably be expected (imho) is an new Fuji X-PRO 2. It is likely to be quite similar to the X-Pro1, but I would place a bet on a better focusing system, hopefully addressing both the auto-focus and manual focus issues. It should compete with the OM-D camera fastest auto-focus. The OMD has grabbed a reasonable piece of the market, which would have been dominated by Fuji, had it not been for the auto-focus issue and the price position. Hopefully (but I wouldn’t bet on it) Fuji will also adjust their price for the X-Pro2 to gain back some of the OMD market – because, let’s be honest – the X-PRO 1 was just a tad overpriced. I’d hope for a 20% drop.

Fuji X-E1 could be launched at Photokina

Fuji XE-1

But perhaps, this recently leaked Fuji X-E1 will hold that mid-market spot. It looks like a great camera, following the same beautiful aesthetics of the X series and appears to be hitting exactly that sweet spot between the X100 and the X-PRO 1. It’s rumored to feature an EVF, has the same X-mount that Fuji introduced with the X-PRO 1 which will give photographers access to Fuji’s amazing lens line-up.

Because images (or renderings) already exist, I would expect the X-E1 to be available at the photokina, while the X-PRO 2 might just be announced – there isn’t much to suggest it’s quite ready yet. Perhaps end of 2012, early 2013?

Nikon D600 imminent

Nikon D600

From Nikon, I expect the release of the much anticipated Nikon D600 Full frame DSRL. I wrote about this earlier, and still think it will be a great camera for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Read my earlier post for specs and tech. I reckon this camera will be a bit of a game changer, something that the Canon 5D managed to do back in the days. I think the D600 is Nikon’s attempt to buy back a piece of the 5D market, with the last 5DMk3 not really being such a great update, the D600 now has a good chance to be used by a lot of new photographers and videographers – especially at the rumored price of around $1500.

Leica M10

Leica M10

The first full frame Leica, the M9, and the M9P are currently being sold with a rebate of up to $1000. Which imho is a bit of a sign that rumors of a photokina appearance of the M10 could be taken serious.

It’ll be a Leica. So I am not entirely sure what to expect other than a few bug-fixes, perhaps some slight design changes, and quite likely an updated sensor – something around the 22-26MP mark would be my guess.

Which just makes a lot of sense in keeping with the market. Some people are hoping for auto focus and even an EVF, but given Leica’s track record of focusing on “das Wesentliche” (the essential), I will believe in such digital gadgetry by Leica, only it when I see it.

Perhaps though .. and that would be a nice surprise … Leica will introduce a whole new camera, APS-C sensor, EVF, auto focus, with a new set of lenses, to get a shot at the X-PRO and OMD market segment.

So, with all that there’s much to look out for at the Photokina from September 18 to 23, 2012 in Cologne.
What do you think we’ll see?

German Special Forces using GoPro Helmet Cam ?

Posted on August 6, 2012 by czed

I just read an article on Spiegel Online about the training of German “shadow-warriors” special forces. Interesting article especially when reading that these guys swim 30km in the open sea with full fighting gear. Wow.

Pretty cool to see too that the Germans are using what appear to be GoPro helmet cameras in their training as seen in these images by photojournalist Marco Urban

All images Marco Urban

Are these really GoPro’s? Any other suggestions out there? Let me know in the comments.

5 Reasons why the Nikon D600 will be a great camera

Posted on May 28, 2012 by czed

The new Nikon D600

The Nikon D600 is on the horizon and more specs are coming out, which is some really exciting news. Here are 5 great reasons why this is so.

But, before I get into, let’s look at why this camera is such big news.

Continue reading →

A different review of the Leica M Monochrome

Posted on May 12, 2012 by czed

Leica surprised the world once again.

The recent release of the Leica M Monochrome, has raised a few eyebrows, mainly due to it’s price tag and the audacity of elitism that rings through. The Leica Monochrome is beautiful, classic, minimal and solid. As always, it symbolizes perfection. Made in Germany.

Leica. Das Wesentliche – Berlin, May 10th 2012 from Leica Camera on Vimeo.

Not for the Everyday Shooter

Clearly, the Monochrome isn’t for the everyday shooter, it’s not for the many DSLR entry photogs that want to make it big and become the new rich with their photographic art. Its not really for the working photog either, – like the news/sports/wedding/shooter, where speed and gear and quick deadlines are dictating the workflow and stifling creativity.

No, the Leica Monochrome, like all Leicas, is made for the Image-Artisan, the Artist, the Time-Rich. Those whose highest priority is Quality, Design, Essentialsm – das Wesentliche. Those that want to focus on the image and the Art of taking it. Those who think and see differently, who create in their own time & space and with their own creative agenda.

Daring to simplify, to go monochrome and thus to reject the hype and distraction that colour brings, to force the photographer to focus on subject matter, light, composition and to be of a certain single-mindedness about each shot, is what this camera stands for. Leica stripped back, the quality of the camera and the pieces of art made with it, are now judged by the most subtle differences, and the finest details in shades of grey. And all of that makes this camera so appealing.

Have a look at this video (and enjoy some fun german accent, too .-)

A Critical thought about the Appeal of the Leica Monochrome

If you think about it more critically,

Continue reading →