After photographing the moods of countless passersby, I realized that photography is a poem written to myself. Which of your poems is written to yourself?
A poem for myself
Tag: leica
Good lens, good weather, good mood
I’ve always thought that you don’t necessarily need a high-end lens to take good photos. A lot of the photos I like were taken on days with good weather and a good mood.
Simple photography, simple life.
My paintings are not the work that makes me feel accomplished. I’m so grateful for photography, though! It allows me to simply create and simply live.
Capturing the peaceful beauty that surrounds you
In the past, I had this idea that photography meant lugging around a big camera bag and wandering around the world, through the wild, untamed forest. These days, I love to carry a small line of crossbody bags with me wherever I go. I’ll walk from one intersection to the next, always with my camera in hand, a book to read, or a picture to take. It’s amazing how much beauty and peace I find around me!
Photography is a Poem
If photography is a poem, is it composed of thoughts, or scenes, or both? This is a question that we can only answer by looking at photography itself.
Every shutter release has a special meaning
The sound of a shutter recording the traces of a time when our fellow humans had been here before. I think photo excavation is going to be one of the most important jobs for archaeologists in the future of mankind!
When I met you
Life was a little worried that I might get bored, so I met the camera, and them in the camera, and you in front of the screen.
Leica CL Film Camera
The Leica M3 is a true legend in the history of photography. It’s not just the pinnacle of the Leica brand’s brilliant history — it’s an eternal classic in the hearts of countless photographers. The Leica CL, on the other hand, has done something really special. It’s broken new ground in the field of rangefinder cameras with its small and exquisite body. It’s become a bright pearl in the Leica family. If the CL can keep its special charm while making things even more precise and finely crafted, and giving it a more distinctive and unique personality, then it’ll be no surprise when it beats the Leica M6 and becomes the favourite of the new generation!
The Leica CL’s short focal length baseline design does have one slight drawback: it limits its perfect match with large aperture lenses to a certain extent. But don’t fret! This feature makes it a perfect match with lenses with apertures of f/2.8 and below. With these lenses, the CL really shines! It produces the finest image quality and deepest depth of field, making it perfect for photographers who want the best of both image quality and portability.
The Leica CL might have a few limitations, but that doesn’t take away from its value as a great camera! And there’s more! Its affordable price, excellent durability, compact size, and instantly recognizable small design combine to create an irresistible appeal. There’s something really special about holding the CL in your hand. It’s like holding the key to time! And each soft click of the shutter is a perfect tribute to classicism and innovation.
And then there’s the story about the relationship between the Leica CL and the M5, which is even more legendary! Word has it that the CL, with its one-of-a-kind charm, had a pretty big impact on the M5’s sales. In fact, it’s said that it led to the CL’s sad departure after three years of production.
For me personally, the Leica CL is undoubtedly my favorite. Compared to the slightly conservative design of the M5, the CL’s sleek and compact styling is more in line with my aesthetic. Whenever I pick it up, I can feel the unique flavor and ingenuity from Leica. Leica CL is not just a camera, it is an attitude towards life, a spiritual symbol of the relentless pursuit of beautiful things.
Leica CL is being made by Minolta of Japan. They’re a partner with excellent technology and craftsmanship, and they’re helping to keep the Leica CL a member of the Leica family in its purest form. From the very start, Leica has been involved in every detail of the CL’s design. They wanted to make sure that the camera not only looks elegant and classic, but also meets Leica’s high standards for performance and quality.
Every line, every button, and even the layout of the internal structure of the CL is the result of the efforts and wisdom of Leica’s wonderful designers. Together, they’ve created a camera that’s truly one of a kind, showcasing the unique Leica style we all know and love. And Minolta, as the manufacturer, makes sure that every part of the CL’s production process meets the quality standards set by Leica. They use their excellent manufacturing techniques and strict quality control system to make sure everything is just right!
So, even though the CL’s origin label reads “Minolta Japan,” it’s really Leica’s blood that flows in its veins! It’s a reflection of Leica’s persistent pursuit of the art of photography and relentless innovation. If you’re a photographer who loves Leica and wants a top-notch photographic experience, the CL is the perfect choice! You get to enjoy Leica’s iconic design while experiencing the amazing craftsmanship and quality from Japan.
It’s so lovely to see that even today, used Leica CLs are still going strong and remain a firm favourite among photography enthusiasts thanks to their incredible durability and stability. These lovely oldies but goodies seem to have been given a bit of a makeover by time! They’re still going strong and ready to be used in every shoot, showing amazing reliability.
It’s really impressive how well the Leica CL’s metering system holds up compared to other cameras from the same era. Many of them just don’t have the same staying power when it comes to their metering functions. This is thanks to Leica’s dedication to quality and precision in the design and manufacturing process, as well as the amazing craftsmanship contributed by Minolta as a manufacturing partner. Even today, when we pick up a used Leica CL and flick the dial, the familiar and precise metering indications still respond quickly and accurately. This is great for photographers because it provides a reliable reference for exposure, ensuring that the perfect moment of light is captured on every shot!
This amazing durability and stability is one of the main reasons why the Leica CL is so popular on the used market. It’s not just a camera, it’s a symbol of heritage and faith. Every photographer who owns it can feel the unique charm and craftsmanship from Leica.
Leica M9 Review
The Adolescence of Leica Digital – Leica M9
The last Kodak train made its way to the station, carrying with it the CCD of the M9. It was a sad day when the last Kodak train took away the CCD of the M9. But it couldn’t be kept, nor could it be saved. Leica has entered the exciting, mature CMOS era! Youth will eventually say goodbye, but it’s a bittersweet moment. Farewell, youth! As you slowly fade away, your pure happiness stings memories.
Remembering the Leica M9
In 2009, Leica released the M9, and it was a game-changer! Just think of all the people who dream of having one! The world’s first full-frame rangefinder digital camera! Just imagine holding such a camera, like Henri Cartier-Bresson, wandering the streets. How many fantasies could it evoke?
Just how many people only discovered this amazing brand thanks to the incredible Leica M9? At that time, it was the most impressive 135 full-frame digital camera on the market. Just one look at you with this camera around your neck and you’d be the center of attention wherever you went!
How many people have tried different settings in Photoshop, trying to get their Canon or Sony colors to match Leica? They usually end up failing, not because of Photoshop, but because they’re impatient.
Classic Elements of the Leica M9
The viewfinder frame of the M9 is physically lit, just like the film M cameras. Film users will feel comfortable looking at the front face of the M9, while the bald front face of the M240 and M10 may feel a bit awkward. In addition, the M-E and M240, which were introduced after the Leica M9, lack the preview lever, making them look less classic in appearance. Therefore, when looking back at the M9, its classic elements appear more dazzling. Nowadays, the M10 also lacks the light window, and Leica designers realized this. If we continue to simplify it like this, can we still call it a Leica? Therefore, Leica M10 quickly introduced the most classic rewind knob of the M3, making it into an ISO dial. In order to maintain its classic elements, it can be said that they put in a lot of effort.
Leica users are interesting. On one hand, they say that Leica is becoming less and less classic, but on the other hand, they look forward to seeing what new products Leica will release slowly. This shows that Leica M has always had some kind of tacit understanding with its users, which can only be explained by mysticism. But in any case, it is now a consensus that there is no light window after the M9. From today on, the Leica M9 is officially classified as a classic camera!
M8 and M9
APS-H and full-frame are the differences in film size, but in terms of operation, the M8 and M9 are basically the same. Once you get used to the M8 and M9, it might feel a bit strange to switch to the M240 and M10 in terms of settings. The menus on the M8 and M9 are pretty simple, which makes them seem easier to use.
The Color of the M9
I think film is better than digital. It has more character. No matter what data you use to prove the high pixels and accurate colors of digital, it can never replace the premium texture of film. I think it’s fair to say that the color of the Leica M9 is pretty close to film. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that’s the biggest compliment you can pay the M9.
CCD vs. CMOS
The CCD from Kodak gives the Leica M9 a special texture, of course, when paired with Leica lenses. Many people switched from CCD to CMOS, but still missed the color and texture of the M9. The solid blue, the pure red, and the greenish tone throughout the photo—they always give you some unexpected surprises. That’s the characteristic of film, right?
Don’t get me wrong, the CCD of the M9 is an amazing piece of technology. Some people can even process a CMOS photo to have a CCD-like texture, it just takes some time. And the color of Leica’s CMOS is also not to be underestimated. It is not something other brands can easily catch up with.
Raw Dynamic Range
The good news is that underexposure of up to 4 stops can be salvaged, while overexposure can be recovered up to 3 stops. This is truly amazing! It’s incredible how well it retains highlights, especially when compared to other cameras. Many people have been blown away by this feature, and they’re saying that highlights can’t be recovered as well in CMOS cameras.
Conclusion
I’m not here to judge other people’s opinions about the Leica M9. Everyone’s entitled to their own! For me, it will always be a camera that inspires admiration! It was then, it is now, and it will be again! Because I’ve never denied those whimsical thoughts from my youth!
For the previous generation, owning an M3 was a truly happy thing! For those who were interested in Leica ten years ago, owning an M9 was an absolute dream come true! I’m not trying to persuade you to buy a Leica M9. I’m just sharing my love for this amazing camera! Maybe you’re thinking about the M11 or M10? Well, my song might not be in your dreams, but it’s definitely worth a listen!
