Back From Tokyo Japan:
I got back from Japan on Saturday night, and I miss it like crazy. I’ve been to Japan several times before. There was even a time when I stayed in Tokyo for one whole summer to visit a former girlfriend. I remember leaving at the end of the summer and feeling sad that I would be leaving what I consider as one of the best cities in the world. Seriously, it is such an amazing place and Tokyo is so full of life. I remember telling myself that I would try anything…a study abroad program even (I was in college at the time) just to spend more time in Japan. But you know how it is; things change and life leads you to other things, other opportunities, other obstacles, and sometimes you just have to go with it. Well, I think from this point on, I will be seriously leaving the option of one day being able to live over there. Maybe something like half a year here and half a year there…who knows. I know it’s hard but I will figure it out.
But enough of that for now, let’s talk about photography for a second. I have PLENTY of photos from Japan to share with you all. However, there is no way that I will be able to put out one post with all the photos, so my game plan is to share them in several posts over the month (maybe even more depending on how many photos I actually have). In addition to my content from Japan, I will also be writing up a few reviews (first ones up will be the Leica 21mm Summilux ASPH, the X Typ 113, the Artisan & Artist ACAM-7100, and maybe something new from Fuji), posting stuff from NYC, posting some film stuff (yes, mainly film with my recently acquired Hasselblad 503CW Millenium), and whatever various projects come up along the way just so we keep things diverse and interesting on this site. The point is, there will be quite a lot of new content coming, and I am VERY excited about that!
So, this post is just to basically check in with you all, and to share just a few images. I still have jet lag, which is actually the first time for me…I’m usually very good at adjusting. I started writing this post at 5am last morning and it’s night time now but I’m still not finished with it. I have a lot of photos I can’t wait to share with you all but honestly, I’ve just been sleeping a lot :). For now, the photos above this paragraph in this post are just a few snapshots I took when I first got there. I didn’t take much on the first night that I arrived because I didn’t sleep much at all before I got there. The pictures below this paragraph are just a few examples of what will be coming soon. These are just the photos I had time to process.
As some of you might be aware of, all these photos were taken with the Leica 21mm Summilux ASPH that Bob at Bergen County Camera was kind enough to loan me. I found this lens simply invaluable in Tokyo! In fact, I probably could’ve got away with just using this one lens there. I said in my Noctilux review that it would be the next M lens but after this trip, this is THE lens I want. I was completely surprised at how much I ended up loving this lens. This is an amazing optic, and for those who use a 21mm a lot, worth every penny but I will talk more about it in my review. Thanks for stopping by!
Great to hear you had a fantastic trip. Tokyo is certainly very high on my bucket list. For those on a tighter budget, I can whole heartedly recommend the Voigtlander 21mm f/1.8 (which is currently masquerading as a fast 28mm on my M8. Don’t think you would be disappointed!
Thanks Treve!
You should definitely go to Tokyo when you get a chance! Not only are there great photographic opportunities, there are also some of the most stocked camera stores that I’ve ever seen. There are so many old film cameras…it’s incredible. And thanks for leaving your recommendation!
Best regards,
Patrick
Hello Patrick,
Judging from that photo of Superwoman, it certainly didn’t take the new guy in town very long to find the right nightspots for photography & other viewing pleasures! Great photos with the 21mm Summilux ASPH & will look to see more down the line. It’s been a while since I spent much time in Tokyo, but went there often when in the air force & not quite so often when working. You are right, it is a very special city & I can’t think of any other in the world quite like it. Welcome home & glad it was a great trip. Cheers,
Jed
Thanks Jed!
I’m glad you like the photos. It was really a fantastic trip. You should’ve seen all the camera stores. I went to a camera store that had just one floor for camera bags…nothing else. There was even a camera store that encompassed several buildings! One store front was just for film. There are also many old collectibles there. You should definitely go back if you get a chance. The food there is pretty good too :).
All the best,
Patrick
Welcome back Patrick.
Great images and you can handle the wide angle lens very good. it is not always easy but i really liked what you did with it. i understand why you want this summilux 😉
Tokio is a city i havent visited but like New York it is on my go to list. Cant wait to see more.
Hope to see some Hasselblad shots in the distant future 😉 and what about the Leica X ?
You had lots of stuff to play with recently 🙂
Thanks for sharing first images from Tokio.
greetings,
Markus
Hi Markus!
Thanks for the kind words! My favorite focal length has always been a 50mm but I don’t know, it seems I’ve been gravitating more towards the ultra wides in recent years. I definitely enjoy using them.
From our conversations we have about Leica lenses, I think this is a lens you would definitely appreciate :). It is FANTASTIC. Optics are excellent, it is versatile, and surprisingly easy to use. Sometimes my 18mm is a little too wide, so originally I was looking at the Super Elmar because I prefer it’s size over the Lux and I don’t shoot wide angles wide open a lot.
But after this experience, I think I will just wait longer and save up for the Lux. I use wide angles a lot these days, so it is worth it to me. In fact, I use my 18mm more than any other lens nowadays. In Japan, I really could’ve gotten away with just using the 21mm. It fits my needs perfectly, and if it wasn’t for the price, I would buy it right now. But as you know, I have that new Hasselblad, so I will have to wait a long time :).
Speaking of the Hasselblad, I took my first test roll today, and I will probably shoot more with it this weekend. Unfortunately, it will take a while to process them, so you probably won’t see them for a couple of weeks. As for the X, I have to post that review soon lol. So, it is definitely on my mind :).
Tokyo is a city you should visit. It’s great for any photographer, and you would love the camera stores there. They have everything imaginable. I went to just look at the old Hasselblad lenses, and I couldn’t believe how much stuff I saw there. There are also so many Leica rangefinders there. I was even tempted to purchase an old Nikon rangefinder. As for New York, if you ever come for a visit, I’d be glad to show you around!
Best regards,
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
Looks like you had a great trip! Love these images and looking forward to your review on the 21 Lux. This is a lens that I have always been intrigued about, but can’t seem to pull the trigger. I currently have the 21 SEM at the moment and I like it for being compact. It’s no Lux, but I tend to use it mostly in daytime. Anyway, will wait for your full review.
Cheers,
Kerwin
Hi Kerwin!
Great to hear from you! Thanks for the kind words! The 21mm Super Elmar is a lovely lens but I also know you would love the 21mm Lux :). My review will be coming soon, once I get all these images processed.
Best regards,
Patrick