Nikon F5, F100 and F6
Just a size comparison of the Nikon F5, the Nikon F100 and Nikon F6.
The F6 succeeded the F5 as the top Nikon film camera, which makes the F6 the world’s top 35mm SLR (IMHO). I always liked the F100 better than the F5 – the F6 feels like an upgraded F100.
M9 Firmware 1.138 released
The improvements in the Firmware Version 1.138 are described on the Leica Blog
Poor man’s Summilux
Since i bought my first Leica M, i have always been torn between using a focal length of 35mm or 50mm for my street photography. I own both, the Leica 50mm Summicron and 35mm Summicron ASPH but have been thinking about upgrading to Summilux lenses (f 1.4) lately. Instead of spending a huge amount of money on two Summilux lenses, i decided to give the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f 1.4 a try.
This lens only costs a fraction of what a Leica lens would cost. At least on the paper, the Nokton 40mm looks like the perfect lens for me. It was in the mail only this morning so i haven’t had a chance to try it on the streets, but as you can see, it looks nice on the M9. I will post a couple of pictures taken with this lens as soon as i have some time. What i found out so far, is that focussing is a bit stiff (compared to a Leica lens) and that the build quality seems to be ok but not even close to Leica standards.
Leica M9 and the missing anti-alias filter
I took the picture below this morning using my Leica M9 and a 24mm/f3.8 Elmar lens. Almost every digital camera on the market uses an anti-aliasing filter while the M9 doesn’t. The lack of an AA filter normally translates into appreciably higher resolving power but may in some cases also lead to aliasing.
I took 6323 images with the M9 before this happens for the first time. I have no clue why the aliasing can be seen in frame 6324, maybe it’s the lens in combination with the structure of the wall in the background. Whatever the reason is, as long as it just happens every 6000 images i don’t worry too much.
MacBook Pro
I got my new MacBook Pro 2,66 Intel Core i7 today. Fortunately i work for a company that knows how to make their employees happy. Much to my surprise the one feature that really stands out is the solid-state drive. I don’t really care about tech specs, but using a computer that is not just silent but makes absolutely zero noise is a whole new experience.
Leica Elmar 24mm/f 3.8
My M2 with the Leica Elmar 24mm/f 3.8
Leica M9 with black Leica logo
I got a black Leica logo from a friendly Leica employee last week and put it on my M9. The camera front now is completly black and sure looks better than with all the tape i used before.
Bag World – David Alan Harvey
I already own +10 camera bags so this could be me in 30 years.
Bag World from Stephen Alvarez on Vimeo.
Leica M9 firmware update on Monday
check Leica Rumors for details on the Leica M9 firmware update.
Leica M9
The M9 finally arrived. Yes, it’s great.
Below some pictures i took on the first day, nothing special. I seriously need to improve my digital workflow. Currently i need twice as much time for processing RAW files than with my usual (and proven) scan & post-edit workflow.
Leica M2 / collapsible Summicron
I shot 1.5 rolls of Tri-X using the M2 and an old 5cm collapsible Summicron last Sunday. Currently i am using the M2 for street photography as my M6 is still being serviced.
There’s no doubt that the M2 is a great camera, but i would always prefer to go with the M6 or MP as they have builtin Lightmeters and guessing the exposure time is always a little bit tricky (even though most of the time my results are ok).
A Street Photographers most essential gear
A Street Photographers most essential gear is not his camera, it’s the shoes he is wearing. As a Street Photographer you will do a lot of walking so you better buy good shoes. I got myself a new pair of Lowa Renegade GTX today.
Nikon releases new 24mm f/1.4 lens
Nikon has released the new AF-S Nikkor 24mm F/1.4G ED. From the specs this looks like a truly amazing lens. I already own the 50mm AF-S and it’s great. I would buy the 24mm 1.4 lens too if i hadn’t decided to go for the M9. These Nikon lenses are weather sealed and, i my personal opinion, better than the L-series lenses from Canon. It would be great if Nikon would also release a 35mm f/1.4 as their current 35mm lens (which i also own) is pretty lame.
The Leica M9, perfect street camera?
Nick Turpin summarizes his Street Photography experience using the Leica M9 in his latest blog post.
Leica M6 CLA
I am about to send my workhorse, the Leica M6, for a CLA to Fotomechanik Reinhardt in Hannover. The last CLA (clean lube adjust) is almost 8 years ago and i have the feeling that the exposure times are not as accurate as they used to be. The bottom cover is also a little loose, hopefully this can be fixed too.
Apple iPad hands-on
Check “Apple iPad first hands on” on engadget
Leica Motor M
Saw a low priced Leica Motor in a shop window yesterday and couldn’t resist. Compared to the Leica winder it’s almost inaudible (but still louder than the Hexar). Not sure whether i will keep it or not.
in search of the ‘tri-x look’
I am currently experimenting with bw conversion tools for pictures taken with the D700. So far i like the results i get from ‘Alien Skin’ the most. (Though i still think it’s a bit weird to use cameras and software worth a few thousands euros, to simulate a look i get from a simple roll of Tri-X without any further effort.)
Video tour of Leica M9 assembly and testing
Assembling The Leica M9 from Michael Reichmann on Vimeo.
Leica M9 Stephan Daniel Interview from Michael Reichmann on Vimeo.
Leica M9 – hands on
The guys at Leica Meister Berlin have been so kind to let me play with the brand new Leica M9. You will find some sample shots on my flickr stream. There are better folks out there for doing camera reviews, so this is just my personal impression. For comprehensive M9 reviews check my earlier posts.
The M9 feels very nice and the menus/buttons are much intuitive and usefull than with the M8. In terms of picture quality i am not really convinced. At least on my pictures there were some very obvious CA’s and i also wouldn’t recommend to use something beyond ISO 640. What i see in LR is in no way comparable with the 5D mk2 or even the old 5D – but then again the 5D is a clunky DSLR while the M9 as a Rangefinder shares all the advantages of my MP or M6. I don’t think i will buy the M9 any time soon but i’am glad it exists. This time Leica did everything right and i am sure that the M9 will be a good deal for them.
more details and tests of the Leica M9
Leica M9 Microsite
Leica M9 Betatest 1
Leica M9 Betatest 2
Leica M9 Performance Proofs
Leica M9 – hands on at dpreview