Leica M Edition 100 Set at Bergen County Camera:

I was speaking to Bob at Bergen County Camera, which is the camera store and Leica Boutique dealer that I’ve been going to for many years, and he told me that they are getting the Leica M Edition 100 set!  I think there’s only like 20 sets being sent to the U.S., so if you’re interested, you should definitely give him a call!  Here’s more info from Leica:

“The Leica M Edition 100 brings together a purely mechanical rangefinder camera for film photography – the Leica M-A – with a digital Leica M (Leica M Monochrom) in one set. Both cameras stand as symbols for the origins of Leica photography and the present day. The Leica M-A, with technical specifications based on the currently available Leica MP film camera. Alternatively, the second camera, a Leica M Monochrom, is the contemporary variation of the theme composed a century ago by Oskar Barnack. This is the first time that stainless steel has been employed for the visible metallic elements of Leica products. The set also includes three Leica Summilux-M lenses with focal lengths of 28, 35 and 50 mm and will be supplied in a black anodized aluminium case. The cameras and lenses will be available exclusively as sets from Leica Stores and Boutiques and strictly limited to 101 sets.”

Personally, I really like this set because of the stainless steel finish :).  For me, this is what makes this set one of the nicer and more unique special editions to come from Leica in a long time.   Having the 35mm Lux ASPH, the 50mm Lux ASPH, the brand new 28mm Summilux ASPH, and a new model called the M-A all in one set doesn’t hurt either :).  Anyway, for those interested in purchasing the Leica M Edition 100 set, give Bob a call at (800)-841-4118.

Note from Admin: Here’s a excellent review of the Filson + Magnum Harvey Messenger bag written by professional photographer, Marco Sobrevinas.  He’s been a photojournalist for years and is currently a fashion photog.  Check out his new site, Eyebeam Images, when you get a chance.  He definitely knows his stuff.  Enjoy!

The Search for the Ideal Street Photography Bag

Like Patrick, I’ve also been a long-time user of Billingham bags.  I bought my first Billingham 20 years ago (an original Hadley), and my Hadley Pro, which I still own, is old enough that I don’t remember the year that I purchased it (maybe a decade ago, during its first year of production?).  I also use a 335 for professional location work. [continue reading…]

Fuji XF 56mm F1.2 R Lens Review:

A fast short-tele portrait lens is a “must-have” for many photographers, especially for those in the wedding and portrait industry yet for a long time, it was missing in the Fuji X Series lineup.  There are third party versions, and there’s also the sharp, compact XF 60mm F2.4 but nothing made by Fuji, below the F2.0 range.  As of spring 2014, that changed with the release of the XF 56mm F1.2 R lens (B&H Photo/Amazon), an optic that many have been patiently waiting for.  With the crop factor taken into account, the 56mm F1.2 is approximately an 84mm equivalent, which is a preferred focal length for many portrait and wedding photographers.  Its fast aperture is also prized in this type of lens both for available light photography and for creating beautiful shallow depth of field or as some refer to as “bokeh”.  So far, the details sound promising but does the XF 56mm F1.2 really cut it?  Is it worth its asking price of $999.00?  Was it worth the wait?  Let’s find out. [continue reading…]

View of The Brooklyn Bridge From Dumbo:

I hope everyone is having a great summer.  Sorry for the lack of posts.  What was only suppose to be a two week fishing trip ended up being extended a lot longer.  I also know that a few of you left me comments and sent me emails.  I’m sorry for the late replies!  I’m back now, and I will be posting again.  I have some cool Fuji stuff coming soon, and I might throw some Leica in the mix since I want to expand that section of my blog.  But for now, I just wanted to post something quick to get the ball rolling again.  I figure a great way to start off is a pic of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.

I took this shot in Dumbo.  It was actually a pretty muggy day.  While I like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, I rarely do so now because it gets very crowded.  I had my M 240 and my old 35mm Summicron Version 4 with me.  I’ve been shooting with a lot of my older lenses lately.  I prefer the modern Leica lenses in general but a lens like the Summicron Version 4 is so compact; it’s a great lens to carry on those hot summer days.  Nowadays, I use the ASPH version more because I prefer it optically but the older one is still no slouch; someone recently requested a 20×30 print of the photo in this post, and I have to say, for a lens that is decades old, it still performs brilliantly.

 Anyway, I appreciate you all stopping by.  Take care!