I want to thank Bob Gragmegna from the Leica Boutique Bergen County Camera for loaning me the Leica Q, so can write up this review!

Leica Q Typ 116 Review:

As most frequent visitors of my blog know, I’m a huge fan of Leica and their M system.  I started out with an M3 that by a rare chance, I was able to acquire at a very young age, and since then, I’ve always had an M camera by my side.  With that said, I really believe that Leica has often made great non-M high end compact cameras and I’ve owned a few myself but in almost each one, it could be argued that they all had at least one key component that was missing.  For instance, the new X Typ 113 is an excellent camera but to this day, the X line still doesn’t have a built-in viewfinder.  Instead, if you want a viewfinder, you have to purchase an external one that makes the camera noticeably larger.  Well, the new Leica Q Typ 116 seems to be aimed at changing all of this because the list of features is quite impressive.  In fact, on paper this camera seems to be exactly what most have been asking for not just Leica to build but any manufacturer, and thanks to Bob Gragmegna at the Leica Boutique Bergen County Camera, I was able to test the Leica Q to see if it is what we’ve been waiting for. [continue reading…]

This review is a little different than my other reviews because I took all the pictures in Japan.  I hope you all enjoy it!  I’d also like to give a HUGE thanks to Bob Gramegna over at the Leica Boutique at Bergen County Camera for loaning me the 21mm Summilux ASPH for my trip, so I can write up this review!  

Leica 21mm Summilux-M F1.4 ASPH Review:

A decent wide angle lens can be an essential part of any photographer’s kit.  Knowing this, Leica has created several different wide angle lenses ranging from a focal length of 24mm to an ultra wide 16mm.  There are even lenses of the same focal length with different wide open apertures to better suit each photographer’s needs.  For instance, Leica currently produces 2 different 21mm lenses: the 21mm Super Elmar F3.4 ASPH and the 21mm Summilux F1.4 ASPH.  The latter is the subject of this review.  For those who work with a wide angle quite frequently, the 21mm Summilux might be the one optic that they have been searching for.  It’s ultra fast aperture makes this lens quite versatile.  However, with a current list price of $7,650, it is definitely one of Leica’s most expensive lenses, and to many, that is reason enough to not even give it a second look.  Plus, for less than half the price, one can purchase the Super Elmar, which is an excellent lens albeit with a smaller wide open aperture.  So what is it that you really get for such a high asking price and is it worth the extra money?  Well, thanks to Bob at the Leica Boutique at Bergen County Camera, I was able to test this lens extensively on my trip to Japan, and I ended up with both expected and surprising results. [continue reading…]

Leica X Typ 113 Review:

The ever growing fixed prime lens compact camera scene is filled with many competitors these days all fighting for a piece of the pie.  Manufacturers like Fuji, Sony, Nikon, and Sigma just to name a few, each have their own unique take on what a high quality non-interchangeable lens compact camera should be.  To stay competitive, Leica updated their X line by introducing the new Leica X Typ 113 (B&H Photo/Amazon).  They have kept the main characteristics and formula that have made the predecessors of the X line successful, such as, simple and direct layout of the controls but they’ve also brought along some much needed serious upgrades like the new Summilux lens to help it differentiate itself and therefore, stay competitive with the rest of the pack. [continue reading…]

Artisan & Artist Silk Green Wrist Strap #14885 Review For Leica:

For those who prefer holding their camera in their hand instead of having it hang around their neck or shoulders, a decent wrist strap is a nice alternative to a traditional neck strap.  I for one almost never hang my camera around my neck when I’m out taking pictures.  I just find it’s easier for me to weave around a crowded street when the camera is in my hand.  Of course, it’s all about personal preference.  One of my favorite straps from Artisan & Artist has always been the ACAM-301 Silk Cord.  It’s light, strong, and very flexible allowing me to hang it around my neck when I need both hands free or wrap it very easily around my wrist.  But even with such a flexible strap, sometimes the length still makes it a bit cumbersome if all you really need or want is something that can be easily secured to your wrist, which is why the new Artisan & Artist Silk Green Wrist Strap is an excellent alternative. [continue reading…]