What got me into Leica

The novelty of toy film camera was what got me started into photography. I clearly remember the first camera gifted to me was a Holga medium format camera. I later bought a Diana mini (JIYU Freedom). Browsing through Lomography’s website for my next camera, I stumbled onto the Kiev 4A rangefinder camera. It was interesting and it certainly got my attention. My fascination for rangefinder cameras began.

I started to research more on cameras, and specifically rangefinders. This eventually led me to the discovery of Leica. The company that created the legendary Leica M system. The design of their cameras was just so refined, simple and timeless. Sadly, as a student, the price of Leica cameras was way out of my reach and I could only admire their beauty from afar.

I later saved up enough money to purchase a Fujifilm X100. It looked like a rangefinder and while it tries to emulate the rangefinder with its optical viewfinder. Still, it wasn't a rangefinder like I wanted.

One day, I had the opportunity to play with the Leica M9. I picked it up and explored shooting with it. Needless to say, it was love at first encounter. It shoots pictures just like any other camera, but the experience of composing your shot through the viewfinder and watching the split image align to focus was on a much different level. It definitely wasn't easy to focus, but the camera really forces you to engage with it. To me, it was pure enjoyment.

In the meantime, I upgraded my Fujifilm X100 to the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and later on, the X-Pro 2, both of which were much more affordable than a Leica.

My first Leica came much later when I started working. I got myself a Leica 50mm Summilux lens, which I adapted it for use with the Fujifilm cameras. But I still the experience not as satisfying as when I first tried the M9.

By sheer luck I struck gold: a Leica M7 in very mint condition at an amazing price of SGD2,100. Without any hesitation I took the deal. Till date, this amazing camera still resides with me and functions perfectly. I’ve never once regretted this purchase.

Leica SL2 with Leica Voigtlander Nokton 21mm f/1.4

Over time, as my love for the brand grew, so did my collection. With my very limited funds, most of the Leica gear I purchased were pre-owned. I also explored other M mount lens by other brands. I think this is a good way to start growing a Leica collection for beginners interested in investing in the brand.

To the utilitarian, buying a Leica would never make any logical sense. In terms of digital imaging technology, it definitely does not lead the pack in every aspect. I guess the only thing it really leads in is its prices.

Regardless, photography to me is more than just taking the picture itself. The process and experience are just as important. That's not to say Leica's quality is bad – it's amazing. So, if like me, you share the same philosophy, give Leica try for the same enjoyable experience. You won’t regret joining the movement.

Leica SL2 ; Marrying the Art and Science of Photography

Leica just recently announced the release of the SL2, their second iteration of the SL camera. While the published specifications closely mirrors that of the Panasonic S1R, the overall experience shooting with it was completely different. It is more than just a camera. It is a piece of art. So let us rewind and see what let Leica to the iteration of the SL.

When Leica first released the SL camera system back in 2015, I was not sold by it. The lens lineup was limited and Leica lens were your only options. While Leica undoubtedly produces the finest lens out there, the price tag isn’t very palatable to many, especially for hobbyists like myself. Furthermore, it seems to lack the Leica DNA that you would typically find from the M-system.

Fast forward three years to September 2018, Leica announced the L-mount alliance with Panasonic and Sigma. This strategic alliance meant both Panasonic and Sigma could adopt the L-mount and produce their own line of cameras using the L-mount. Consumers now had a wider range of options to choose from. There was a camera for everyone regardless of budget and needs.

In the SL2, they listened to users’ feedbacks. They worked on the flaws while retaining all the pros of the previous SL (Typ 601). These adjustments were minor yet enough to improve the overall user experience. Reminiscent to that of the changes made from the M240 to the M10. It made it Leica.

So what did Leica change from the previous SL?

Refined Aesthetics
When placed side by side, both SLs look almost identical. The original SL itself is already a piece of art with its flawless industrial design. Leica pushed the boundary by refining the edges to give the SL2 a sleeker look. While the footprint hasn’t changed much, the camera is now perceived to look smaller.

Improved Ergonomics
The shape of the hand grip has changed ever so slightly yet in the hands, it feels so much more comfortable. The new indent on the grip has also made it easier to grip the camera.

Intuitive Graphical UI
Leica has always made user interface that are very clean. The last thing you want is a UI that is difficult to navigate. Leica has improved the UI by making it more intuitive. Menus are all well-organised. Everything is at your fingertips without being too cluttered. Paired with the new touchscreen similar to that found on the Leica M10P, the SL2 has the most intuitive user interface I have ever used.

Improved Specs
Compared to the previous SL, here you’ll see a longer list of technical improvement.
1) Increased Sensor Resolution (47.3 Megapixel)
2) 5.5 Stops of IBIS
3) Improved EVF (5.76 Megapixel)
4) Larger Backlit Touchscreen LCD
5) Leica Maestro III Image Processor
6) Dual UHS-II SD Card Slot

In summary, Leica has improved on the Man-Machine user experience and added technical improvements that match that of the Panasonic S1R without increasing its footprint. However all these come with a price. The Leica SL2 retails at a hefty $9400 SGD. It is priced nearly twice that of the Panasonic S1R. Whether the huge price difference is worth it ultimately depends on individual. To me photography is more than just creating images. It is also about the experience of shooting. With that I bid my Panasonic farewell to welcome the Leica SL2.

Panasonic s1r 1st impression

Finally the camera we’ve all be waiting for. Or is it not? So lets see what Panasonic has to offer with their newly released S1R.

SPECIFICATION
Sensor : 47.3MP Full Frame CMOS
AF : 225-area DFD Contrast Detect AF
EVF : OLED, 5.76m dots, 100% coverage, 0.78x magnification
Memory : SD (UHS II) + XQD
Display : 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen
IBIS : 5 axis In Body Image Stabilisation
Size (Body) : 148.9 x 110.0 x 96.7 mm
Weight (w/ Battery and and XQD/SD) : 1kg

Leica M 50mm Summilux w/ Leica M to L adapter

Without wasting too much time lets move on to share my thoughts and feelings shooting with the S1R. In this 1st impression I’m gonna spare everyone from all the technical performance which is readily available all over the net and share what is important. My experience thus far shooting with the Panasonic S1R.

Panasonic S1R tilting Display

So how does it feel to shoot with the S1R? Well the first thing you’re gonna notice when you pick this bad boy up is its substantial weight. Body alone weighs 1kg. When paired with the amazing Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4, you’re all set to do some heavy lifting at the gym. So jokes aside. While this camera certainly weighs a tonne, its weight coupled with the awesome hand grip, this camera provides some really steady shot. This brings me the next point. The In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS)

Flow of people at Jewel @ Changi Singapore - S1R, 50mm /f8 1.6s

Similar to other competitors, Panasonic boast 5 axis in body image stabilisation capable of +5.5EV. That is as far as the similarities goes. The IBIS in the Panasonic S1R is simply a league above all its competitors. With the S1R IBIS, I was able to create stable shots of up to 2.5s handheld as show in the picture below. Certainly something could not have achieved with the other brands out in the market. I guess the proof is in the pudding here.

Stream, Jewel @ Changi Singapore - S1R, 50mm /f16 2.5s

So in an era where Phase Detect Autofocus (PDAF) reins supreme, Panasonic refuses to comply with the market norm. Instead chooses to stick with Depth from Defocus (DFD) Contrast Detect Autofocus (CDAF) citing image quality as its key reason. As under certain certain (fairly extreme) lighting conditions PDAF can create banding and other artifacts in photo. So the drawback to using DFD CDAF is its speed. However Panasonic claims with its machine learning, it is able to achieve comparable focusing speed. So what do i think of it? Well the focusing speed is definitely not the fastest out there in the market. If you’re look for speed, Sony is your best bet. That is not to say that the DFD CDAF used in the S1R is unusable. In fact I was really pleased at how fast and accurate the focusing was when using the S Pro 50mm. It was quick just not lightning quick. However I do have to say when in continuous autofocus the breathing is rather noticeable. Can be rather irritating in video mode but that doesn’t really irk me as I’m more of a stills person.

Love in Motion - S1R, 50mm /f1.4 1/10s

And lastly, the image quality out of this camera is simply stunning to my eyes. Really accurate colour rendering and awesome low light performance at higher ISO. For a 47.6MP sensor, the amount of noise at higher ISO is really remarkable.

Thinking - S1R, 50mm f/1.4 1/125s

So to sum things up here is some of the things I love and hate about the camera.

Pros
- Image Quality
- IBIS
- Ergonomics
- Stunning clear EVF

Cons
- Weight
- High Price (compared to competitors)

Transport through time - S1R 50mm f/4 1/3s

So is it the camera we’ve all been waiting for? Definitely a yes for me. So if you have yet to get your hand dirty with it, it is about time you do to know what you’re missing out on. Will share a more in depth review of the camera at a later date once I’ve used the camera for a longer time. So stay tune for more. Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoyed.

Where it all began

Having picked up photography seriously for close to 2 years now, I wanted to bring my photography skill to a new level. So with some encouragement from a friend, I’ve decided to start this site. Here is where where I will be sharing with all of you my work, and my thoughts and views on everything photography.

So to anyone out there reading this now, do join me on my journey to grow as a better photographer as I share more post in time to come. Do feel free to leave comments or ask any questions and I will reply you with my utmost honesty.

Thank you very much and have a good day.