I had to let my SL2 and 50APO-L go. The system is fantastic with both L and M lenses. I felt it to be too heavy for my freedom-style shooting. Honestly, my M cameras go with me everywhere and I"m able to create poetry even without looking through the OVF. M system is a love letter to photography, period. It has changed the way I photograph life. M forever.
I can empathise with that .I`ve been shooting film M`s for 30 years (still do) but for digital use a CL and sl2s. The CL with its full (-2 of the zooms ) lens line up is an absolute knockout .I struggle with the SL2s though .Beautiful sensor but the camera is heavy and its focus system is way below current industry standards and frustrating when I shoot my equestrian stuff.I`m loath to invest in any more SL glass because of this .I use my M lenses on the SL but actually prefer them (from a handling perspective) on the CL.
Hugh Always love your thoughtful and erudite insight to not only to the art of photography, but to the world around us. Just before watching your video, I was contemplating which system would work best for me - the SL2 or the Leica M. You were spot on with the pros/cons of both and it providing me with a greater understanding of my own needs/wants. The simplicity, size, and the photographic process will always win out for me. If I had the funds I would go with the M10R and 50 f2 APO. You are much appreciated during these most uncertain times.
Hugh...this all resonates with me so much. Between working at home continuously since March and having the kids here close to 24/7, I've felt at times like I was near a breaking point. As soon as my photo-a-day project had reached its end I practically recoiled from photography altogether, some days not even having the will to pick a camera up off the shelf; much less go shoot a few dozen images and sort/process them. After about 6 weeks of resetting myself mentally, I unexpectedly ended up getting my (current) dream camera, a Leica M-E. Its pure simplicity has been something of a salve. I only have one lens for it (a 40mm), and it won't replace my main Fuji setup. But when I pick it up to go for a walk, there is a mindfulness that sets in about the way I approach capturing images (I think perhaps the M actually stands for "mindful" rather than manual) that I don't have when trying to compose a shot only to discover my nose bumped the LCD as I moved into the viewfinder and changed the focus point to the corner of the screen rather than the center. It's actually made me want to shoot in manual focus on my Fujis more often, wresting the control back from the machine. Thank you for sharing the wonderful images you've created over the last 6 months. They have inspired me to get back out and shoot more as well.
Christopher Griffith Chris, nice to see you here. Sorry to learn of your challenges, heartened to learn that you seem to be coming out the other side. Have strength! 🤛🏻
A major part of what got me into photography was my frustration with the autofocus systems of the point and shoot cameras I used to use before smartphones became mainstream, and ever since I've always wanted at least to have the option to manually focus with some degree of precision. It's not fast, but it lets me just take pictures instead of getting frustrated that my camera isn't doing what I want it to and I'm 100% willing to miss shots just to leave that bit of frustration behind.
I’ve watched u for years. But I love this video. Your sensitivities to cameras as meaningful and tangible tools in our passions, spoke to me. I’ve been bouncing between an m10/11 and an sl2, and you helped confuse me more than ever. I suppose we both must have both!
lovely video Hugh although i do not plan on getting any camera let alone a Leica your enthusiasm and let's just say "Jeff Goldblum" ness just draws me in
Hugh, your passion for Leica M cameras is something to behold. I too am fortunate enough to own a number of M cameras. Whilst auto focus is a clear technological advance, it denies a person of the experience of focusing to the best of your own ability. A true skill in photography. I recently bought a 50mm, f0.95 Noctilux. That's a challenging lens to master. Focusing wide open ... holding steady ... controlling breathing ... much more besides. Your take on all things Leica is very much appreciated. Keep up the great work and I hope to join you next year on a Street Photography workshop. Take care and stay safe.
Saddened to hear of your earlier struggles Hugh. Many can relate. As a street shooter, you are first an historian. I'm glad you summoned the courage to create some truly poignant images to document this surreal time. I think we will look back in a few short years with amazement and sorrow at both what our government and this disease did. On the topic of technology, I couldn't agree more. For many years I made a living shooting medium format film for portraits and weddings. Now retired, I picked up an SL (Typ 601) this Spring, to "digitize" my M-glass and see what all this mirrorless fuss was about. Until then, my only Leica was an M4-P. The experience of overwhelming technology, well, overwhelmed me. It became about choices and menus. Too many options, for me. Decidedly not Zen. Don't get me wrong, the SL is a marvel, but it is wholly different than any M camera. It, and the SL2, are wonderful "technical" cameras. But as for me, I would say the M10-D would be my perfect "last" camera...if I were willing to pay the "M" tax.
Sold every SLR, Mirrorless, F mount, G mount, and X mount lens I owned to go Leica M10M, M10R, and for rainy days or a little video a Q2, and if I am feeling nostalgic, an M6. Call it a Marie Kondo moment and literally two good sized roller bags of kit have found new, happy homes. Perhaps it is affluenza, I had way too many choices and tools that were constantly being under-utilized. While my back and knees are quite grateful and don't regret the decision, what I have re-learned is that the best creativity comes through constraint and you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. The Ms have a much longer list of features that they don't have than they do have, but those constraints do force you to rely solely on your vision, heart and brain to execute as you ultimately point out. I think if one spends more time thinking about their craft from the perspective of what kind of photographer they are or aspire to be, then selecting tools and sticking with them is ultimately a lot easier. I wish I'd done this earlier is all I can say. Superlative and pretty good are not so far apart as noted, but I am so happy to be done with waiting for the next Fuji, or is the IBIS good enough etc., Would those tools be useful in some cases? Sure, but for me, I am also learning to accept I can't do and be everything.
Hi Hugh. I want to start by saying I like your videos. For keeping it short, have you found a way to configure back button focus properly on your SL2? I just bought mine last week after watching numerous reviews of the camera including yours. Everyone seems to love the camera. But I am finding too many small annoyances with it. Especially the back button AF. There is a way to assign it to the joy stick but it still doesn't decouple AF-L from shutter release. What I want is AE-L on shutter release half press and AF-L from joystick like my sony A7RIV or fujifilm GFX100 (never used canon or nikon mirrorless). Thanks in advance.
If I understand you correctly, just continue to press the back button as you recompose and trip the shutter. If you release the back button, the shutter will initiate AF.
@@3BMEP yup that works. thank you very much for your time. I really appreciate it. I thought assigning Auto Focus Lock to joystick would disconnect it from shutter release completely like my Sony camera and that I could have exposure lock on half press shutter release and AF on joystick. Just a small inconvenience nothing major but don't understand why it can't be customized. Hopefully future firmware update addresses it. Other major issue I am having is wrong exposure preview in Manual mode when AF is initiated ( I think my menu settings aren't affecting it). And yes my Exposure Preview is set to P-A-S-M. For detail, exposure is displayed correctly as long as AF is not initiated. When AF is initiated (via half press shutter release or joystick) the picture brightness keeps changing where the focus box happens to be during recomposing. I have tried it in all 3 metering modes with same results. I can understand if you don't want to answer. I feel I should share my experience in some way. Not everyone can make awesome videos like you, Hugh..... HOLD THAT THOUGHT..... lol P.S. I will keep annoying as I keep discovering issues with SL2 experience. After all, youtube reviews played a major role in my decision to purchase SL2 + 24-90 Vario-Elm.
Thanks, Hugh, a very thoughtful and persuasive ode to humanity and the role that photography can play within it. The M10R's sensor is of a back-side illuminated ("BSI") architecture which, by its very nature, dramatically(!) helps M lenses. When Phase One adopted BSI for their new 150mp back (over the 100mp one), they discovered that you really didn't have to do colour corrections on wide-angle lenses beforehand (taking a photo of a blank sheet for every aperture). So the M10R's big advantage is this plus the additional resolution. And the sensor is related to the S3 in terms of colour, etc., which the colours produced by the M10R just spectacular. The combination here is a game-changer the digital rangefinder (as was the M6, 35mm Aspherical and Kodachrome 25 was back in the early 90s). Anyhow, despite all of this, I would STRONGLY suggest one variant to your proposed combination: the SL2 and the M10 Monochrom (particularly as you convert to your shots to fairly high contrast B&W in the vast majority of your shots). The SL2's colours, particularly with the 35 and 50 summicron, are already gobsmacking. The M10M is honestly as different from the M10R as the M10R is from the M10P (even though the M10R&M share the same sensor). The absence of the RGB screen dramatically enhances the relative sharpness of the M10R (2-3x) and, more importantly, pushes the dynamic range to a usable 15 stops which becomes revelatory (2-4 more usable stops given the 50% red and blue channels). And the noise on the M10M is like extremely fine film grain. Thus, the resulting M10M low light capability is insane. So I would most earnestly suggest trying the M10M before making your final decision. Then you can always shoot colour on the SL2 with your SL, M and Sigma lenses and enjoy pure B&W on the M10M deep into the night. Just a quick side note: I am not making this recommendation to justify any of my own purchases. I was lucky enough to have the SL2 and M10M. When the M10R came out, I had already basically decided not to buy it. But when I saw the images coming out of it (particularly the colours) and the small size of the whole package, I was again completely seduced (as the rangefinder almost always eventually does). So I also bought it, shoot with both M10s (depending on my mood) and usually just carry only them now when I travel because the quality has now reached such an incredible height for such a relatively "tiny" system. Last quick thought: if on a budget, the previous 24F2.8 ASPH is now very inexpensive, is much smaller than (and you can skip the clip-on hood) and very close in image quality at F4 in comparison to the newer 24F3.8 ASPH which you mention in the video (which is considerably sharper at F4 than the 24F1.4 ASPH, btw). The 24F3.8 holds up better in the corners than the 24F2.8, but not by a lot. I have the luxury of having these three 24s (for different reasons) and can tell you that 24F2.8 ASPH is a true gem given its faster speed, smaller size and relatively high quality (Erwin Puts called it a "masterpiece"). And the beauty here is that the new M10R/M sensors can handle it quite a bit better than its predecessors! Enjoy.
I have never once commented on a TH-cam video; but Sir, your storytelling both spoken and photographic is on another level. Thank you for this video and for sharing your stories.
What a lovely video and also a selection of great images. I watched two other videos today that I only made it half way through as they both turned into feature comparisons of very small differences in cameras not yet released to the general public. Both got into the minutia of eye auto focus. Your video I watched the whole way through plus stopped and went back over a couple of things you said to make sure I understood what you said and also to look at a couple of your images a second time. Thank you. It was refreshing. Glad you are back from the gloom. My wife and I live out west and have an RV. We made it through the summer by heading out to places where social distancing is very easy and automatic.
The thing I dig about these type of videos is they aren't really about your gear. And you seem to be well aware of that. That's why I would sit and watch you talk about cameras I don't think I'll ever own or rent for myself. It's not just about the tools you like to use. It's what you're doing with them, and how you let them inspire you. That's valuable information, Hugh.
Me affording a Leica is as likely as you winning the next Winter Olympic ski jump, but I don't care; making images is so enjoyable and I still really enjoy yours. Doesn't matter if they're from New York City or rural Pa., they interest me and bring joy. Thanks again Hugh, and Claudia!
I recently acquired the SL2 as my first ILC Full Frame Leica, with the APO 50mm. Man I fell in love with this camera. The rendering from the lens is utterly incredible. It's heavy, but it's assuring. Switching from Sony A7R3, I felt happy shooting . The camera just felt right in my hands. I love it. I also have a Leica Q, which I use mostly for street shooting XD
At high ISO, yes - but for me the issue is resolution: I want the latitude to crop the CRAP out of an image so that I can keep my glass small and light. Elmar 24/3.5, Summicron 50/2 and Elmarit 90/2.8 and I can call it a day, fitting the glass NOT on the camera in my pocket!
Hugh, thanks for your wonderful story on these cameras. I shared the same journey over the last 6 months with the SL2 and the M10-P. I spent a lot of time assuming there was room for both of these (for all the reasons you discussed) - but found myself faced with a decision (and agony) - given the choice, which camera would I take with me. My overriding choice for most of the time was weight and my choice of focus (good or bad). Focus is the essence of my indulgence in photography - my compositional enjoyment. Irrespective of how good my pictures are, that process is the soul of my indulgence. I now only have the M10-R and am at peace with the world. Thank you for your sharing of your thoughts through this awful time - giving us something tho think about other than sadness.
Hugh, this was a lovely video and wanted you to know that you bring not only entertainment for us in this dark times, but knowledge and a soothing/calming influence that really help. I just hope you know that you are truly a great person and I would dare to say you are part of the positive family of people who make this word better. You and broxh (you should look for his channel) are worthy descendants to Bob Ross, mr rogers and Steve Irwin. God bless you.
Hugh and Claudia, As you know, those who subscribe to the various TH-cam channels will frequently begin to see more videos from those channels pop up on their TH-cam feeds (thanks to algorithms). When that happens to me, I sometimes choose one of those unexpected videos that somehow catches my eye, and seems to interest me at the moment. In today's case, I happened to see your Leica M10R VS. the SL-2 video pop up and decided to watch it even though I gave up my MP-4 and a Minolta/Leica CL, 2 years ago! I had no intention at all of wanting to see another Leica tome from anyone. However when I saw "your" video pop up, I got the urge to see what one of my favorite photographers was going to say. My theory -You never know when you can pick up a tip here or there when you listen to a peer's video. So your video was so informative and I enjoyed your takes on your Leicas' and CL and what they do for you and Claudia, and how you were making it through the pandemic etc. Then, suddenly I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear the devastating news that you and Claudia lost a loved one. I must admit that I stopped thinking about the gear at that moment and could not think about anything else! I just want to say how sorry I am for your collective loss and the resulting depression. I am so happy to know that you overcame your ennui and found it within yourselves to climb back to normalcy, through the various simple down to earth activities, that you did together, during your time of mourning and soul-searching. As much as I LOVED your brilliant comparison and photos of the two cameras, I cannot help but think how much the shared experiences with each other, the reconnecting with the fresh air, the land, and time itself, as well as your riding through the Amish country, were actually the "most" important factors in helping to restore the peace within your souls!! Wishing you both a new year of continued healing, happiness, and success in all you do!!! Je
Jerry, thank you so much! Claudia and I know how fortunate we are to have and support each other through joy and sorrow. We wish you and yours the same.Thank you, my unmet friend, for such empathy. 🙏🏻🖖🏻
Rewatching in June 2021 as we emerge slowly, with trepidatious steps into a brave new world with renewed invigorative wonder - Thanks Hugh this film is a reminder and a statement to those times where uncertainty reigned over us. Your B+W images rock. Stay safe; be lucky.
Hugh - thank you! I spend too much time watching your videos, but they are truly enjoyable - both in terms of narratives and pictures. All the best to both of you - stay safe and healthy.
Hi from the UK! Hugh - I don’t know you but I wish I did - you breathe life back into my hope for the US - and for my own great country going through one of its periodic moments of weirdness. I have been wrestling with “to be or not to be” re the M10-R. You’ve taken me several paces closer - thank you. Angus T
Another great video and, as usual, a wonderful (and touching) story and important social commentary. Thanks again Hugh, I'll look forward to the next one!
Killer Vlog, with emotion and thoughtfulness that encapsulates the spirit of photography and a year to remember - stay safe Hugh all the best from the UK
Always enjoy your videos Hugh. Your interview with Joel Meyerowitz was inspired. I am lucky enough to have a career in the arts that allows me the gear that others dream about. I have the M10M, M10R. The Leica's have rendered my other kits as little more than paper weights. I keep waiting for the honeymoon to end, but it has not abated. On the contrary, my love of the Leica(s) has only intensified. I take a camera for a walk every morning at dawn and they have made me slow down and look at the natural world. What beauty! The SL2 is gorgeous, but redundant with my other kits that are comparable. The rangefinder is the thing. At 63, they take me back to my roots as a shooter. Organic and supple in the hand, the best thing they do is get out of my way. Continued good health to you and Claudia and thank you for your great content.
Hello Hugh, José from Puerto Rico. My favorite TH-cam scholar strikes again! I wish I had a narrated history book with your voice back in the day; growing up in the Bronx in the latter years of the 1960's. A Leica is on my bucket list.
I am going through the same metaphysical journey you've had using the SL2 and feel the same gravitational pull towards an M10-R...Thank you for sharing your craft and your thoughts.
At the start of lockdown I dusted off my 50mm f1.2 Nikkor. Last used around 1990 (I learned the lesson about never selling a good lens early) and after a day or two of practice found I could focus manually faster, more consistently and anywhere in the frame than my D5 could with an AFS lens, be it fast zoom or prime. A lens designed in the late '70s was as good or better optically than the best of today's lenses and a fraction of the size. The sole advantage of the AF lens it would appear lies in very low light focussing and subject tracking. I've kept my 35mm Summilux and 50mm Summicron originally purchased with my M6 and there's no question I'll one day have the digital M body to revive them.
Great video as always. I have been using a 1958 Kodak Retina iiS my grandfather gave me recently. Your comments about slowing down really ring true and the pleasure it brings, not to mention a sense of connection to another generation. Keep up the good work
1. Maybe you should try narrating one of the Audible books. 2. I am just getting there, in terms of making sense of shooting manual focus film camera while also using modern Nikon setup. You summarized it very well for me - there are reasons to enjoy both. Keep it up, your videos are enchanting!
I appreciate the workmanship and feel of Leica cameras, they are beautiful pieces of machinery. At the same time, I also love my Sony A7 RIII with the 35mm f2.8, and am able to get a tremendous number of perfectly sharp shots, typically using back button focus. I think we live in a wonderful age of photographic technological marvels and whatever camera you choose and pretty much whatever price point you choice, or is chosen for you, you have the capacity to take wonderful photos!
Hugh, enjoyed the review as always. There is indeed something about using an M that's hard for me to describe. You mention that all you need are your eyes and your head. For me, the magical simplicity of the M let's me concentrate on using my eyes and head and not worry about futzing with the camera. But beyond the review, kudos to you for continuing to speak with a louder voice at a time when more need to stand up. Thank you. (And I image Leica will soon thank you as my itch to trade up to the M10-R is getting harder to scratch.)
Thanks for sharing. Very sorry for your loss and very happy that you were able to work through things utilising your passion for photography. Best wishes from here in South Tyrol.
I really appreciate the nuanced approach you take to camera review in a far less clinical way but far more poetic. A pleasant reprieve just like the vacation I'm taking from my Nikon gear with my new/used Leica kit.
The Sigma is very, very, very good - excellent - but the APO is in another league. Most people will never see the difference. But for those of us for whom it is clear... Sigh. My reach exceeds my grasp on this one.
@@3BMEP Thanks Hugh ) I'd like to upgrade my SL c/w 24-90mm f/2.8-4 to SL2 + 35mm APO and a portrait lens. Unfortunately, I cannot afford 90mm APO at the moment. Therefore, wanted to listen your thoughts on Sigma 85mm DG DN. I remember how you admired 90mm APO in one of your "the last lens you'll every buy" episodes )
Thanks for the video. Glad to see you processing your emotions “in motion.” For anyone who feels stuck, take baby steps. I once took pictures of my door knob out of sheer “stuckness” and it led to me getting out with my Rolleiflex and shooting a roll of film for the first time in years. Regarding your comparison - I saw display model SL2 offered at a small discount. The EVF was smudgy and flickering. Maybe it was set wrong? My experience left me leaning more towards the M10r. Totally different cameras, I know. But I am already sensitive to the whole EVF experience. Do you think it is worth re-visiting the SL2 in another store?
Fantastic video Hugh, bravo 👏🏾 ! I too used my typ246 to help me deal with initial stages of COVID-19 here in Sydney. For this reason alone the Monochrom will hold a special place as my first Leica.
Hugh, thank you you just make me happy! I got my Vader in January and it’s been a continuous joy throughout this pandemic pandemonium. You are one of the reasons for my purchase and choice to match it with the VE 24-90,not a single regret! For fun I’ve had a f.180 pinhole mounted on my body cap and discovered a whole new world of imaging, multi shot pinhole photography a revaluation. Thanks from this side of the water from another blind old f**t with a Leica SL2.
Hugh, please do not discount the depression you mentioned, the emotional impact of this cascade of unwelcome changes to your world. We have evolved to be socially engaged with each other. These forced, rapid impacts to not only your business, but your social life, relationships with others are not something you can prevent, nor are they something you welcomed or initiated. Stuck here in Littleton, CO (with the beautiful Rocky Mountains just a couple of hundred yards west of me) I have learned to enjoy short dips into other's lives and interests through videos such as yours. But, when we were allowed back at the Botanic Gardens, my passion and appreciation for photography were back and ferocious. Thank you for your honest, transparent, and entertaining videos. Take care of yourself and your family. It's the only thing that counts really. Be gracious with others under stress and help make our new normal better than expected where you can.
Thank you for such a heartfelt perspective Eric. Your empathy shines through, and I take your points. I’m glad you have the Rockies available to you as such a powerful counterpoint to everything else going on.
Another great vlog on two great cameras...will I ever get one, probably, I love the M6 format and have dabble with the film M6 w/90mm back in the day...since then and through TH-cam education and discovering your channel, I took my step into the realm of Leica digital. I started out with the automation package of the Leica Vario-X (an underrated camera) and Q, slowly easing my way back to digital manual with the M240...the Leica images are synonymous with all these cameras, truly amazing. I often go back to your videos to gather inspiration by viewing your images and it looks like Black and White photography is coming back to the forefront of daily photography, I must say your black and white images are creatively inspirational with the infamous Leica touch, and your input as well, I’m hoping to have an end-game and say the M10-R is something I would love to acquire ... again, your videos and words are always an inspiration for me to get off my butt and get out and shoot...thx
Hi Hugh. Just come across your videos for the first time. Loved hearing your view on these cameras. I own an SL2 with 24-70 Leica lense, plus I have a few M lenses from when I owned a type 240. Great inspiration to go out more, thank you
Hugh, you personify calmness and common sense, with a superb ability to convey with enthusiasm your love of the Image. I look forward to every episode that you and Claudia produce. Regards from Wales... Ron
Your b&w images in this video are superb. A pleasure to view. Watching this a was a little déja vu for me. I have an original SL with the 35 SL lens. I also have an M10 with a 50mm Summicron (non-APO). Those are the only lenses I have for either camera (though I just ordered the Panasonic 20-60 to try on the SL). I gravitate more towards the M10 than the SL. Size and weight being the main determinants. Apart from our 6 month old great granddaughter visiting (all adults in masks) where the autofocus of the SL was more appropriate, the M10 seems more than enough to make the connection from eye to brain to sensor. I enjoyed this video very much. Thanks. Be safe.
Hey! I feel the same with AF. Thats why I love to switch between using my AF lenses and my old vintage lenses on my Fuji. Both makes me happy in a different way - its like owning two completely different systems. One is fast and I can shoot hunderts of photos with it in a day.. and then the second is much slower and I have a completely different satisfying mindset while shooting. Love both ways, it made me love photography again!
Going for the underexposed look today, eh? ;-) As for resolution, I'm all for it, even if I don't feel the need to chase it. I shoot at 16Mpx these days so even 24 is a decent upgrade for me. As for lenses like the 90 Elmarit, I find those much more useful than, say, the Summicron or the new Summilux. DOF is just not enough wide open for portraits, so what's the point of the wider apertures? And if Leica had to do a super low light lens, why put the new 75 and 90 ahead of a possible 35mm Noctilux? We already have enough fast portrait lenses. Shrug!
Dude, you’re gonna make me go broke putting out videos like this. I have a q2 and an sl2. Stop making me want an m10r!!!!!! Omg... anyway. Great video man.
@@stevenstevensteven4 i can't answer this without feeling like the answer is pointless bc its not apples to apples. i shoot sigma glass on my sl2. the q2 is a summilux, mated to that sensor. and i don't shoot video. haven't even tried it on either camera. sorry i couldn't be of help with this question.
Thank you for this superb presentation of these two cameras. They are both dream-like but with a huge price tag! I am a Fuji fan and very satisfied with the brand, because they put photo-enthusiasts first and they are still affordable. They are light and have superb lenses. With the Fuji X-Pro3 they tried to do something Leica-like. Better build quality than a Sony and...restrictions like the LCD that only flips down. And now a crazy 50mm F1 lens which I will be buying... For the first time in my life I could even afford to get a Leica Q2 or M10P or even 10R. The rangefinder-focusing of the M still scares me a bit though. I have the beautiful Voigtländer 58mm 1.4 and often miss shots with it on the Fuji X-T3. Anyway, thanks for being the best channel on youtube, you are the first I may actually be "joining" soon.
One of my fellow workers at the hospital asked why I was so in love with my Leica equipment. He saw some of the photos I had taken and asked how I got them. I told him that it's not simply snapping a photo...you are capturing a moment that you never get back, and that only you may understand. After a few seconds of silence, he said it was the most profound statement he had ever heard in his life. Photography opens windows to your mind that you may not have ever been aware of.
Thank you for the wonderful story. Around here (Denmark) we have been asked to work from home again where ever possible for the past couple of weeks, and will have to continue to do so for at least the next two weeks. On top of this, other things have been going on, so for me personally, photography has taken up very little time. I have only been shooting twice in the past three weeks. I did use my last ever pack of Polaroid Spectra color film in a local park getting some very nice photos of flowers and trees, but September hasn't been good to us in general. Here is hoping October will be better. The horse drawn carriage shot... I noticed, there was another carriage on the other side of the road. Did you consider a landscape framing with both carriages in the frame?
There is indeed something magical regarding the M. It is weird to say in those technological heydays of current cameras. Having used a lot of cameras the last decade. I always come back to the M system because they are simple to use, no gimmicks, the essentials for photographing and as you stated visualizing before taking the picture. Perhaps it is a form of coming to rest... The CL is indeed underrated and recently took it out again as i was considering selling it. I decided to keep it as it is a very powerful compact system with the Summicron 23mm or the 18mm pancake lens. Considering going for the Summilux CL 35mm as I am a 50mm(FF) guy. Wished they made a 35 CL Summicron... With my decaying eyesight this could be a compromise instead of using the M. At this moment I do not want to surrender and still have a very decent hit rate with the M.
Great vid, Hugh! Given the shear amount of bnw images in your presentation it seems that m10m would fit nicely, to be the next “last” camera you would ever buy. astraeus
Stay well and thanks for sharing. Well done in communicating the place for both in the hearts and minds of those whose preferences might be beyond the reach of those with a different aesthetic. Pete
You should get the M10 Monochrom. You really have nice B & W photos. I got the SL2 when it became available and used it with my 28 mm summicron, 50 summicron and 90 Apo summicron 90 and stopped using my M10, I sold the M10 and got the M10 monochrome on 9/14(9days ago) and stopped using the SL2
Hi Hugh and let me tell you that I loved this one even more than any of your previous videos. it's full of sensitivity that echoes with mine and it hits my heart and in my soul. It looks like your recent story is dedicated to mine... including depression ! Few question and remarks though: First isn’t a question, but I have to say how happy I am that you found your ELMARIT M90mm 1:2.8 I love mine and it delivers so crispy and detailed and poetic portrait shots on my S1R that I understand your point on the M10R. Question : What is your story with the M8? I own one that made me enter the word of M and I have to say I love its image quality and overall sensations and emotions it gives to me while taking time to shoot with it. I have to say that the definition that the Elmarit 90mm is able to achieve delivers such so crispy images on the M8 that I just can imagine the cropping capacity out of the M10R still with the lightness of an M system. And last but not least, I have the same trinity : ELMAR M 24mm 1:3.8 : it’s nearly a 35mm both on my M8 and my TL2 and I love it for street photo and as soon as I mount it on the S1R it a superb 24mm but be careful, the S1R sensor is not optimised for wide angle M lenses and the edges and corners are not 100% clean. One needs to be aware. SUMMICRON M 50mm GEN V : portrait lens... with this pleasing look ELMARIT M 90mm 1:2.8 : close portrait lens Sharp edge to edge closed at f/4 In addition I own a SUMMILUX M 35 1:1.4 silver ... for it’s fast aperture and low light super tool... Question : what would you chose among SUMMILUX M35 and SUMMICRON APO 35 SL? I’m just thinking on either selling the LUX 35 and grabbing a used APO 35 SL or stick on the LUX 35... Thanks again and you gave me the will to make a new video on my Chanel.
Would also be keen to recover your M8 summary - it pops in and out over several videos but difficult to grasp exactly where you place it other than that its no longer in your kit - nostalgia or would have it back?
@@3BMEP thank you. Perfect summary, indeed. Overdue time to part with mine, alas. Thanks for your marvelous videos and sharings… extraordinary feast that they are!
Thanks for yet agin a fun and good film! Waiting for th M11 tomorrow and are thinking of getting a M10-D... (have the Q2 and used to have the M9 and M10)
That was one of the most eloquent and tack sharp takes on politics and privilege I have heard on all of TH-cam, let alone from a photography channel. I 100% agree with @jesusjackson and it is this type of content that keeps me coming to your channel regardless of topic. You my friend are one in a million and I am very grateful for what you do.
Hi Hugh, I am curious about how you build your L mount system kit. Because Leica seems not to worry about size and weight at all and though their system produces wonderful images - no denying in that - I feel that size and weight can play a considerable part in the equipment/goal/photography equation. Most people say if you do not have Leica lenses, don't even bother to get a Leica camera. "Hold that thought" (lol). The SL2 seems to have the greatest, easiest, most intuitive user interface system ever on the mirrorless realm, along with features that are not just crammed into the camera to look good on a spec sheet. They are made to be useful and work well. That, by itself, can play a big part in one's decision to enter the system. So, when one does not opt for the Leica lenses (ok, that one being me), going instead for cheaper, lighter third party ones, how much is really lost in image quality, sharpness and so on? Say, if you get a Panasonic 24-105 and Sigmas 45 and 85, will you not get grade A images, lighten your gear and yet only spend a fraction of the cost of a single Leica lens? How much of the "Leica image" is really lost and how much of practicality does one get in return? Don't get the wrong idea, I think Leica lenses are great, but I feel they are heavy and limiting if you intend to carry it around. But I feel stupid when I go into camera forums and read comments like "if you're not using Leica lenses, don't even bother to go Leica"; or "I don't know why someone would buy a Leica camera and not use Leica lenses". Is it really the case?
Nope, this is not the case at all. I happily use Leica and the wonderful Voigtlander glass all the time, if I were left with only the 35mm F1.2 version 3, it'd be fine.
I've been having similar problems. I have been extremely un-motivated. I would practice colour grading a lot, but never wanted to do anything else before I started doing it. Getting back to normal again Tho. Stay safe!
Very nice... Here's hoping your "shutter therapy" session did as much for you as it did for me hearing about it and seeing the results. It has been a long strange summer after all. My own past adventures have included the Leica (M4) and the Leica-adjacent (Minolta CLE).. And now I happily make do with a pair of Panasonic GX-8s and mostly the Pana/ Leica primes... Their size and shape fill the emotional void and keep me roaming and shooting in the 2020s... As much as a pandemic and a gimpy knee will allow. Just maybe,,,,when we get past all this,, I'll try to fit in one of your workshops... That would be a real boost. ..Stay safe..
Great real world street shooting combo! Glad to be of service. Would love to have you join us once we’ve determined it’s safe - and our international attendees can come too!
Now for my second comment ... The M10R is a fantastic little machine alongside my M10M and I feel that my classic lenses have a new life. Heck I shoot landscapes with the thin 90tele-elmarit 2.8 and the images are fantastic. I’m kind of tired of the new wave of over contrasty lenses and welcome the classic rendering. For e.g my 24 elmar on both the M10M and M10R resolves like crazy. Heck, I can see my wife’s contact lenses when shooting environmental style portraits! I’ve been banned to use such lenses around her. Lately I have been shooting out in the wilderness trying new things. Otherwise I am your typical city rat addicted to hustling street-style shooting from the hip photography. Shooting landscapes has been wonderful to restart my creativity. And thank you for the wonderful videos.
I think the only MAJOR issue I have with you and your channel is that I can’t watch your videos before bed. I’d watch one video then before I knew it would be 3 or 4 in the morning. Your the reason I had to switch off auto play.
Love your shot at 21:23 of the horse drawn cart and how it falls just in the shade.......we can only revel at moments of magic when they happen like this. OMG that photo at 21:28 would be a phenomenal landscape including the oncoming horse drawn cart that looks brilliantly staged..just saying.
Sat here in England on a wet and cold evening and just listened to 26 minutes and 34 seconds of pure joy......thank you
I had to let my SL2 and 50APO-L go. The system is fantastic with both L and M lenses. I felt it to be too heavy for my freedom-style shooting. Honestly, my M cameras go with me everywhere and I"m able to create poetry even without looking through the OVF. M system is a love letter to photography, period. It has changed the way I photograph life. M forever.
A loveletter to photography..... beautifully put. And I can only agree :-)
I understand.
Well stated. An M is like journaling with a fine fountain pen. An experience that requires patience, but rewards in ways that everyday pens cant.
I can empathise with that .I`ve been shooting film M`s for 30 years (still do) but for digital use a CL and sl2s. The CL with its full (-2 of the zooms ) lens line up is an absolute knockout .I struggle with the SL2s though .Beautiful sensor but the camera is heavy and its focus system is way below current industry standards and frustrating when I shoot my equestrian stuff.I`m loath to invest in any more SL glass because of this .I use my M lenses on the SL but actually prefer them (from a handling perspective) on the CL.
My bad , forgot to say yet another thoughtful vid Hugh .
Hugh
Always love your thoughtful and erudite insight to not only to the art of photography, but to the world around us. Just before watching your video, I was contemplating which system would work best for me - the SL2 or the Leica M. You were spot on with the pros/cons of both and it providing me with a greater understanding of my own needs/wants. The simplicity, size, and the photographic process will always win out for me. If I had the funds I would go with the M10R and 50 f2 APO.
You are much appreciated during these most uncertain times.
Hugh...this all resonates with me so much. Between working at home continuously since March and having the kids here close to 24/7, I've felt at times like I was near a breaking point. As soon as my photo-a-day project had reached its end I practically recoiled from photography altogether, some days not even having the will to pick a camera up off the shelf; much less go shoot a few dozen images and sort/process them.
After about 6 weeks of resetting myself mentally, I unexpectedly ended up getting my (current) dream camera, a Leica M-E. Its pure simplicity has been something of a salve. I only have one lens for it (a 40mm), and it won't replace my main Fuji setup. But when I pick it up to go for a walk, there is a mindfulness that sets in about the way I approach capturing images (I think perhaps the M actually stands for "mindful" rather than manual) that I don't have when trying to compose a shot only to discover my nose bumped the LCD as I moved into the viewfinder and changed the focus point to the corner of the screen rather than the center. It's actually made me want to shoot in manual focus on my Fujis more often, wresting the control back from the machine.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful images you've created over the last 6 months. They have inspired me to get back out and shoot more as well.
Christopher Griffith Chris, nice to see you here. Sorry to learn of your challenges, heartened to learn that you seem to be coming out the other side. Have strength! 🤛🏻
A major part of what got me into photography was my frustration with the autofocus systems of the point and shoot cameras I used to use before smartphones became mainstream, and ever since I've always wanted at least to have the option to manually focus with some degree of precision. It's not fast, but it lets me just take pictures instead of getting frustrated that my camera isn't doing what I want it to and I'm 100% willing to miss shots just to leave that bit of frustration behind.
I’ve watched u for years. But I love this video. Your sensitivities to cameras as meaningful and tangible tools in our passions, spoke to me. I’ve been bouncing between an m10/11 and an sl2, and you helped confuse me more than ever. I suppose we both must have both!
😉🖖🏻
lovely video Hugh
although i do not plan on getting any camera let alone a Leica your enthusiasm and let's just say "Jeff Goldblum" ness just draws me in
🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
Or.... could one say that when one watches Jeff Goldblum.... his “Brownstone’ness” shows thru ???
@@francisschweitzer8431 *hold that thought*
(you could certainly say that)
"Jeff Goldblumness"...Yes! : )
Hugh, your passion for Leica M cameras is something to behold. I too am fortunate enough to own a number of M cameras. Whilst auto focus is a clear technological advance, it denies a person of the experience of focusing to the best of your own ability. A true skill in photography. I recently bought a 50mm, f0.95 Noctilux. That's a challenging lens to master. Focusing wide open ... holding steady ... controlling breathing ... much more besides. Your take on all things Leica is very much appreciated. Keep up the great work and I hope to join you next year on a Street Photography workshop. Take care and stay safe.
We look forward to seeing you in New York, conditions permitting!
I've recently picked up my first Leica. The legendary M3. After shooting with it for about a month, I get it. I really get it.
😎👍🏻
+1. Love my M3. I use it with a collapsible 1:2.8/50mm. And the best part is, I get grain in the images.
Saddened to hear of your earlier struggles Hugh. Many can relate. As a street shooter, you are first an historian. I'm glad you summoned the courage to create some truly poignant images to document this surreal time. I think we will look back in a few short years with amazement and sorrow at both what our government and this disease did.
On the topic of technology, I couldn't agree more. For many years I made a living shooting medium format film for portraits and weddings. Now retired, I picked up an SL (Typ 601) this Spring, to "digitize" my M-glass and see what all this mirrorless fuss was about. Until then, my only Leica was an M4-P. The experience of overwhelming technology, well, overwhelmed me. It became about choices and menus. Too many options, for me. Decidedly not Zen. Don't get me wrong, the SL is a marvel, but it is wholly different than any M camera. It, and the SL2, are wonderful "technical" cameras. But as for me, I would say the M10-D would be my perfect "last" camera...if I were willing to pay the "M" tax.
Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful addition to our discourse. 🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
Sold every SLR, Mirrorless, F mount, G mount, and X mount lens I owned to go Leica M10M, M10R, and for rainy days or a little video a Q2, and if I am feeling nostalgic, an M6. Call it a Marie Kondo moment and literally two good sized roller bags of kit have found new, happy homes. Perhaps it is affluenza, I had way too many choices and tools that were constantly being under-utilized. While my back and knees are quite grateful and don't regret the decision, what I have re-learned is that the best creativity comes through constraint and you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. The Ms have a much longer list of features that they don't have than they do have, but those constraints do force you to rely solely on your vision, heart and brain to execute as you ultimately point out. I think if one spends more time thinking about their craft from the perspective of what kind of photographer they are or aspire to be, then selecting tools and sticking with them is ultimately a lot easier. I wish I'd done this earlier is all I can say. Superlative and pretty good are not so far apart as noted, but I am so happy to be done with waiting for the next Fuji, or is the IBIS good enough etc., Would those tools be useful in some cases? Sure, but for me, I am also learning to accept I can't do and be everything.
What a lovely story, well told! Thanks for sharing!
Which one do you recommend for street photography, Leica SL2 or Leica SL2S?
I prefer (and own) the original 2. I use the megapixels as an alternative to carrying more glass.
Hugh, I need a piece of advice here, which one do you recommend between SL2/Q2 & M10R
Hi Hugh. I want to start by saying I like your videos. For keeping it short, have you found a way to configure back button focus properly on your SL2? I just bought mine last week after watching numerous reviews of the camera including yours. Everyone seems to love the camera. But I am finding too many small annoyances with it. Especially the back button AF. There is a way to assign it to the joy stick but it still doesn't decouple AF-L from shutter release. What I want is AE-L on shutter release half press and AF-L from joystick like my sony A7RIV or fujifilm GFX100 (never used canon or nikon mirrorless). Thanks in advance.
If I understand you correctly, just continue to press the back button as you recompose and trip the shutter. If you release the back button, the shutter will initiate AF.
@@3BMEP yup that works. thank you very much for your time. I really appreciate it.
I thought assigning Auto Focus Lock to joystick would disconnect it from shutter release completely like my Sony camera and that I could have exposure lock on half press shutter release and AF on joystick. Just a small inconvenience nothing major but don't understand why it can't be customized. Hopefully future firmware update addresses it.
Other major issue I am having is wrong exposure preview in Manual mode when AF is initiated ( I think my menu settings aren't affecting it). And yes my Exposure Preview is set to P-A-S-M.
For detail, exposure is displayed correctly as long as AF is not initiated. When AF is initiated (via half press shutter release or joystick) the picture brightness keeps changing where the focus box happens to be during recomposing. I have tried it in all 3 metering modes with same results.
I can understand if you don't want to answer. I feel I should share my experience in some way. Not everyone can make awesome videos like you, Hugh..... HOLD THAT THOUGHT..... lol
P.S. I will keep annoying as I keep discovering issues with SL2 experience. After all, youtube reviews played a major role in my decision to purchase SL2 + 24-90 Vario-Elm.
Thanks, Hugh, a very thoughtful and persuasive ode to humanity and the role that photography can play within it. The M10R's sensor is of a back-side illuminated ("BSI") architecture which, by its very nature, dramatically(!) helps M lenses. When Phase One adopted BSI for their new 150mp back (over the 100mp one), they discovered that you really didn't have to do colour corrections on wide-angle lenses beforehand (taking a photo of a blank sheet for every aperture). So the M10R's big advantage is this plus the additional resolution. And the sensor is related to the S3 in terms of colour, etc., which the colours produced by the M10R just spectacular. The combination here is a game-changer the digital rangefinder (as was the M6, 35mm Aspherical and Kodachrome 25 was back in the early 90s).
Anyhow, despite all of this, I would STRONGLY suggest one variant to your proposed combination: the SL2 and the M10 Monochrom (particularly as you convert to your shots to fairly high contrast B&W in the vast majority of your shots). The SL2's colours, particularly with the 35 and 50 summicron, are already gobsmacking. The M10M is honestly as different from the M10R as the M10R is from the M10P (even though the M10R&M share the same sensor). The absence of the RGB screen dramatically enhances the relative sharpness of the M10R (2-3x) and, more importantly, pushes the dynamic range to a usable 15 stops which becomes revelatory (2-4 more usable stops given the 50% red and blue channels). And the noise on the M10M is like extremely fine film grain. Thus, the resulting M10M low light capability is insane. So I would most earnestly suggest trying the M10M before making your final decision. Then you can always shoot colour on the SL2 with your SL, M and Sigma lenses and enjoy pure B&W on the M10M deep into the night.
Just a quick side note: I am not making this recommendation to justify any of my own purchases. I was lucky enough to have the SL2 and M10M. When the M10R came out, I had already basically decided not to buy it. But when I saw the images coming out of it (particularly the colours) and the small size of the whole package, I was again completely seduced (as the rangefinder almost always eventually does). So I also bought it, shoot with both M10s (depending on my mood) and usually just carry only them now when I travel because the quality has now reached such an incredible height for such a relatively "tiny" system.
Last quick thought: if on a budget, the previous 24F2.8 ASPH is now very inexpensive, is much smaller than (and you can skip the clip-on hood) and very close in image quality at F4 in comparison to the newer 24F3.8 ASPH which you mention in the video (which is considerably sharper at F4 than the 24F1.4 ASPH, btw). The 24F3.8 holds up better in the corners than the 24F2.8, but not by a lot. I have the luxury of having these three 24s (for different reasons) and can tell you that 24F2.8 ASPH is a true gem given its faster speed, smaller size and relatively high quality (Erwin Puts called it a "masterpiece"). And the beauty here is that the new M10R/M sensors can handle it quite a bit better than its predecessors!
Enjoy.
What song were you playing behind the first slide show? Thanks. je
I have never once commented on a TH-cam video; but Sir, your storytelling both spoken and photographic is on another level. Thank you for this video and for sharing your stories.
Thank YOU. 🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
What a lovely video and also a selection of great images. I watched two other videos today that I only made it half way through as they both turned into feature comparisons of very small differences in cameras not yet released to the general public. Both got into the minutia of eye auto focus. Your video I watched the whole way through plus stopped and went back over a couple of things you said to make sure I understood what you said and also to look at a couple of your images a second time. Thank you. It was refreshing. Glad you are back from the gloom. My wife and I live out west and have an RV. We made it through the summer by heading out to places where social distancing is very easy and automatic.
Don’t tell anyone, but we’ve watched dozens of videos on class B RVs lately...
The thing I dig about these type of videos is they aren't really about your gear. And you seem to be well aware of that. That's why I would sit and watch you talk about cameras I don't think I'll ever own or rent for myself. It's not just about the tools you like to use. It's what you're doing with them, and how you let them inspire you. That's valuable information, Hugh.
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Me affording a Leica is as likely as you winning the next Winter Olympic ski jump, but I don't care; making images is so enjoyable and I still really enjoy yours. Doesn't matter if they're from New York City or rural Pa., they interest me and bring joy. Thanks again Hugh, and Claudia!
😉
Had the m10 now have the sl2 and love it with m lenses. Make manual focusing easy
So right!
I recently acquired the SL2 as my first ILC Full Frame Leica, with the APO 50mm. Man I fell in love with this camera. The rendering from the lens is utterly incredible. It's heavy, but it's assuring. Switching from Sony A7R3, I felt happy shooting . The camera just felt right in my hands. I love it.
I also have a Leica Q, which I use mostly for street shooting XD
Enjoy!
I have CL wanted to get a prime what would be a good choice for a 35mm m lens, Tl lens or sigma the new dc dn?
Thanks Hugh for a great video. You prefer the colors of the m10-r to the m10-p? Thanks
At high ISO, yes - but for me the issue is resolution: I want the latitude to crop the CRAP out of an image so that I can keep my glass small and light. Elmar 24/3.5, Summicron 50/2 and Elmarit 90/2.8 and I can call it a day, fitting the glass NOT on the camera in my pocket!
Hugh, thanks for your wonderful story on these cameras. I shared the same journey over the last 6 months with the SL2 and the M10-P. I spent a lot of time assuming there was room for both of these (for all the reasons you discussed) - but found myself faced with a decision (and agony) - given the choice, which camera would I take with me. My overriding choice for most of the time was weight and my choice of focus (good or bad). Focus is the essence of my indulgence in photography - my compositional enjoyment. Irrespective of how good my pictures are, that process is the soul of my indulgence. I now only have the M10-R and am at peace with the world. Thank you for your sharing of your thoughts through this awful time - giving us something tho think about other than sadness.
Thanks for sharing a bit of YOUR story! 🖖🏻
Hugh, this was a lovely video and wanted you to know that you bring not only entertainment for us in this dark times, but knowledge and a soothing/calming influence that really help. I just hope you know that you are truly a great person and I would dare to say you are part of the positive family of people who make this word better. You and broxh (you should look for his channel) are worthy descendants to Bob Ross, mr rogers and Steve Irwin. God bless you.
🙏🏻🖖🏻😊
Hugh and Claudia, As you know, those who subscribe to the various TH-cam channels will frequently begin to see more videos from those channels pop up on their TH-cam feeds (thanks to algorithms). When that happens to me, I sometimes choose one of those unexpected videos that somehow catches my eye, and seems to interest me at the moment. In today's case, I happened to see your Leica M10R VS. the SL-2 video pop up and decided to watch it even though I gave up my MP-4 and a Minolta/Leica CL, 2 years ago! I had no intention at all of wanting to see another Leica tome from anyone. However when I saw "your" video pop up, I got the urge to see what one of my favorite photographers was going to say. My theory -You never know when you can pick up a tip here or there when you listen to a peer's video.
So your video was so informative and I enjoyed your takes on your Leicas' and CL and what they do for you and Claudia, and how you were making it through the pandemic etc.
Then, suddenly I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear the devastating news that you and Claudia lost a loved one. I must admit that I stopped thinking about the gear at that moment and could not think about anything else! I just want to say how sorry I am for your collective loss and the resulting depression. I am so happy to know that you overcame your ennui and found it within yourselves to climb back to normalcy, through the various simple down to earth activities, that you did together, during your time of mourning and soul-searching.
As much as I LOVED your brilliant comparison and photos of the two cameras, I cannot help but think how much the shared experiences with each other, the reconnecting with the fresh air, the land, and time itself, as well as your riding through the Amish country, were actually the "most" important factors in helping to restore the peace within your souls!!
Wishing you both a new year of continued healing, happiness, and success in all you do!!! Je
Jerry, thank you so much! Claudia and I know how fortunate we are to have and support each other through joy and sorrow. We wish you and yours the same.Thank you, my unmet friend, for such empathy. 🙏🏻🖖🏻
Rewatching in June 2021 as we emerge slowly, with trepidatious steps into a brave new world with renewed invigorative wonder - Thanks Hugh this film is a reminder and a statement to those times where uncertainty reigned over us. Your B+W images rock. Stay safe; be lucky.
The pictures beginning at the 4:25 mark took my breath away. I mean that almost literally. Bravo!
hisownfool1 🙏🏻
Hugh - thank you! I spend too much time watching your videos, but they are truly enjoyable - both in terms of narratives and pictures. All the best to both of you - stay safe and healthy.
And to you and yours!
Well Done Hugh. Correct me if I am wrong, but the 50mm Summicron NON-APO, 1979 design, can resolve the 40 Mega Pixel of the M10R? Thanks
That is correct!
@@3BMEP That is amazing. Thats a 40 year old lens.
40 year old designed*
Hi from the UK!
Hugh - I don’t know you but I wish I did - you breathe life back into my hope for the US - and for my own great country going through one of its periodic moments of weirdness. I have been wrestling with “to be or not to be” re the M10-R. You’ve taken me several paces closer - thank you. Angus T
Glad to be of service. 😉
Another great video and, as usual, a wonderful (and touching) story and important social commentary. Thanks again Hugh, I'll look forward to the next one!
Jeff!
Killer Vlog, with emotion and thoughtfulness that encapsulates the spirit of photography and a year to remember - stay safe Hugh all the best from the UK
You too!
Your talk on the auto focus systems & then again torward the end of the vid on the endless features was a classic & so true. Another great vid.
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Always enjoy your videos Hugh. Your interview with Joel Meyerowitz was inspired. I am lucky enough to have a career in the arts that allows me the gear that others dream about. I have the M10M, M10R. The Leica's have rendered my other kits as little more than paper weights. I keep waiting for the honeymoon to end, but it has not abated. On the contrary, my love of the Leica(s) has only intensified. I take a camera for a walk every morning at dawn and they have made me slow down and look at the natural world. What beauty! The SL2 is gorgeous, but redundant with my other kits that are comparable. The rangefinder is the thing. At 63, they take me back to my roots as a shooter. Organic and supple in the hand, the best thing they do is get out of my way. Continued good health to you and Claudia and thank you for your great content.
Our pleasure - and thank you for the lovely addition to this conversation.
Hello Hugh, José from Puerto Rico. My favorite TH-cam scholar strikes again! I wish I had a narrated history book with your voice back in the day; growing up in the Bronx in the latter years of the 1960's. A Leica is on my bucket list.
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I am going through the same metaphysical journey you've had using the SL2 and feel the same gravitational pull towards an M10-R...Thank you for sharing your craft and your thoughts.
🙏🏻☺️
At the start of lockdown I dusted off my 50mm f1.2 Nikkor. Last used around 1990 (I learned the lesson about never selling a good lens early) and after a day or two of practice found I could focus manually faster, more consistently and anywhere in the frame than my D5 could with an AFS lens, be it fast zoom or prime. A lens designed in the late '70s was as good or better optically than the best of today's lenses and a fraction of the size. The sole advantage of the AF lens it would appear lies in very low light focussing and subject tracking. I've kept my 35mm Summilux and 50mm Summicron originally purchased with my M6 and there's no question I'll one day have the digital M body to revive them.
Thanks for sharing! 😊🖖🏻
Great video as always. I have been using a 1958 Kodak Retina iiS my grandfather gave me recently. Your comments about slowing down really ring true and the pleasure it brings, not to mention a sense of connection to another generation. Keep up the good work
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Thanks for sharing your experiences and fantastic photos. You have inspired me to dust off my equipment and get out and shoot!
I’m so glad!
1. Maybe you should try narrating one of the Audible books. 2. I am just getting there, in terms of making sense of shooting manual focus film camera while also using modern Nikon setup. You summarized it very well for me - there are reasons to enjoy both. Keep it up, your videos are enchanting!
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One hell of a job storytelling, Hugh. Thank you.
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The photo of the intersection is absolutely stunning.
I appreciate the workmanship and feel of Leica cameras, they are beautiful pieces of machinery. At the same time, I also love my Sony A7 RIII with the 35mm f2.8, and am able to get a tremendous number of perfectly sharp shots, typically using back button focus. I think we live in a wonderful age of photographic technological marvels and whatever camera you choose and pretty much whatever price point you choice, or is chosen for you, you have the capacity to take wonderful photos!
Hugh, enjoyed the review as always. There is indeed something about using an M that's hard for me to describe. You mention that all you need are your eyes and your head. For me, the magical simplicity of the M let's me concentrate on using my eyes and head and not worry about futzing with the camera. But beyond the review, kudos to you for continuing to speak with a louder voice at a time when more need to stand up. Thank you. (And I image Leica will soon thank you as my itch to trade up to the M10-R is getting harder to scratch.)
You’re so bad! 😉😎💯
Thanks for sharing. Very sorry for your loss and very happy that you were able to work through things utilising your passion for photography. Best wishes from here in South Tyrol.
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Hugh, what do you think of using manual R glass with the SL? Would it be the worst of both worlds in your opinion based on this videos revelations?
I know some people love that approach, but I’ve never gone hands-on with an R lens!
I really appreciate the nuanced approach you take to camera review in a far less clinical way but far more poetic. A pleasant reprieve just like the vacation I'm taking from my Nikon gear with my new/used Leica kit.
Enjoy!
Inspiring videography and photography Hugh. Helped me become a Leica owner. Q2 and now Sl2. What is the music that begins at around 4:20?
Elm Lake, available on Epidemic Sound. Click on "show more" in show notes for a link to a free trial!
Hey Hugh, another nice video... Can you please advise how Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN is compared to Leica 90mm f/2.0 APO Summicron on Leica SL2?
The Sigma is very, very, very good - excellent - but the APO is in another league. Most people will never see the difference. But for those of us for whom it is clear... Sigh. My reach exceeds my grasp on this one.
@@3BMEP Thanks Hugh ) I'd like to upgrade my SL c/w 24-90mm f/2.8-4 to SL2 + 35mm APO and a portrait lens. Unfortunately, I cannot afford 90mm APO at the moment. Therefore, wanted to listen your thoughts on Sigma 85mm DG DN. I remember how you admired 90mm APO in one of your "the last lens you'll every buy" episodes )
Farhad Farajov someday, that APO 90... 😍🥰
Thanks for the video. Glad to see you processing your emotions “in motion.” For anyone who feels stuck, take baby steps. I once took pictures of my door knob out of sheer “stuckness” and it led to me getting out with my Rolleiflex and shooting a roll of film for the first time in years. Regarding your comparison - I saw display model SL2 offered at a small discount. The EVF was smudgy and flickering. Maybe it was set wrong? My experience left me leaning more towards the M10r. Totally different cameras, I know. But I am already sensitive to the whole EVF experience. Do you think it is worth re-visiting the SL2 in another store?
Yes. 😎
Best video yet, I’m using what I call the practical man’s Leica (X-Pro 3), but I understand how a Leica becomes part of you.
X-Pro 3 is great - enjoy!
Fantastic video Hugh, bravo 👏🏾 ! I too used my typ246 to help me deal with initial stages of COVID-19 here in Sydney. For this reason alone the Monochrom will hold a special place as my first Leica.
Hope you and family remain safe!
Hugh, thank you you just make me happy! I got my Vader in January and it’s been a continuous joy throughout this pandemic pandemonium.
You are one of the reasons for my purchase and choice to match it with the VE 24-90,not a single regret!
For fun I’ve had a f.180 pinhole mounted on my body cap and discovered a whole new world of imaging, multi shot pinhole photography a revaluation.
Thanks from this side of the water from another blind old f**t with a Leica SL2.
Hah! Enjoy!
Hugh, please do not discount the depression you mentioned, the emotional impact of this cascade of unwelcome changes to your world. We have evolved to be socially engaged with each other. These forced, rapid impacts to not only your business, but your social life, relationships with others are not something you can prevent, nor are they something you welcomed or initiated. Stuck here in Littleton, CO (with the beautiful Rocky Mountains just a couple of hundred yards west of me) I have learned to enjoy short dips into other's lives and interests through videos such as yours. But, when we were allowed back at the Botanic Gardens, my passion and appreciation for photography were back and ferocious. Thank you for your honest, transparent, and entertaining videos. Take care of yourself and your family. It's the only thing that counts really. Be gracious with others under stress and help make our new normal better than expected where you can.
Thank you for such a heartfelt perspective Eric. Your empathy shines through, and I take your points. I’m glad you have the Rockies available to you as such a powerful counterpoint to everything else going on.
“Build quality of impermanence”. Priceless!
Another great vlog on two great cameras...will I ever get one, probably, I love the M6 format and have dabble with the film M6 w/90mm back in the day...since then and through TH-cam education and discovering your channel, I took my step into the realm of Leica digital. I started out with the automation package of the Leica Vario-X (an underrated camera) and Q, slowly easing my way back to digital manual with the M240...the Leica images are synonymous with all these cameras, truly amazing. I often go back to your videos to gather inspiration by viewing your images and it looks like Black and White photography is coming back to the forefront of daily photography, I must say your black and white images are creatively inspirational with the infamous Leica touch, and your input as well, I’m hoping to have an end-game and say the M10-R is something I would love to acquire ... again, your videos and words are always an inspiration for me to get off my butt and get out and shoot...thx
As a Nikon and Hasselblad user, you are inspiring me to purchase a Leica M10 B&W, only.
I was on the fence about either getting either a SL or a M10-R and this helped make up my mind.
What’s your answer?
Hi Hugh. Just come across your videos for the first time. Loved hearing your view on these cameras. I own an SL2 with 24-70 Leica lense, plus I have a few M lenses from when I owned a type 240. Great inspiration to go out more, thank you
Welcome - and thank you!
If by any chance you can get your hands on a Leica M3 or M4, I would love to hear/watch what your thoughts are and see what you would get on film.
Hugh, you personify calmness and common sense, with a superb ability to convey with enthusiasm your love of the Image.
I look forward to every episode that you and Claudia produce.
Regards from Wales... Ron
Cheers, Ron! 🙏🏻😊
Your b&w images in this video are superb. A pleasure to view.
Watching this a was a little déja vu for me. I have an original SL with the 35 SL lens. I also have an M10 with a 50mm Summicron (non-APO). Those are the only lenses I have for either camera (though I just ordered the Panasonic 20-60 to try on the SL). I gravitate more towards the M10 than the SL. Size and weight being the main determinants. Apart from our 6 month old great granddaughter visiting (all adults in masks) where the autofocus of the SL was more appropriate, the M10 seems more than enough to make the connection from eye to brain to sensor.
I enjoyed this video very much. Thanks. Be safe.
Hey! I feel the same with AF. Thats why I love to switch between using my AF lenses and my old vintage lenses on my Fuji. Both makes me happy in a different way - its like owning two completely different systems.
One is fast and I can shoot hunderts of photos with it in a day.. and then the second is much slower and I have a completely different satisfying mindset while shooting.
Love both ways, it made me love photography again!
Going for the underexposed look today, eh? ;-)
As for resolution, I'm all for it, even if I don't feel the need to chase it. I shoot at 16Mpx these days so even 24 is a decent upgrade for me.
As for lenses like the 90 Elmarit, I find those much more useful than, say, the Summicron or the new Summilux. DOF is just not enough wide open for portraits, so what's the point of the wider apertures? And if Leica had to do a super low light lens, why put the new 75 and 90 ahead of a possible 35mm Noctilux? We already have enough fast portrait lenses. Shrug!
New sponsor is a great fit. You are excellent orator.
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Dude, you’re gonna make me go broke putting out videos like this. I have a q2 and an sl2. Stop making me want an m10r!!!!!! Omg... anyway. Great video man.
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Hi, do you see a difference in autofocus between your q2 and your sl2, particularly in video ? Is the sl2 better or they’re the same ?
@@stevenstevensteven4 i can't answer this without feeling like the answer is pointless bc its not apples to apples. i shoot sigma glass on my sl2. the q2 is a summilux, mated to that sensor. and i don't shoot video. haven't even tried it on either camera. sorry i couldn't be of help with this question.
Imagine travel with a Q2 and the M10-R and a couple of lenses. That's how I plan to travel (when we can eventually, that is).
I'm thinking of buying exact same cameras... what do u think? SL2 and Q2
Thank you for this superb presentation of these two cameras. They are both dream-like but with a huge price tag!
I am a Fuji fan and very satisfied with the brand, because they put photo-enthusiasts first and they are still affordable. They are light and have superb lenses. With the Fuji X-Pro3 they tried to do something Leica-like. Better build quality than a Sony and...restrictions like the LCD that only flips down. And now a crazy 50mm F1 lens which I will be buying...
For the first time in my life I could even afford to get a Leica Q2 or M10P or even 10R. The rangefinder-focusing of the M still scares me a bit though. I have the beautiful Voigtländer 58mm 1.4 and often miss shots with it on the Fuji X-T3. Anyway, thanks for being the best channel on youtube, you are the first I may actually be "joining" soon.
We think FujiFilm makes some great cameras and glass, including the X-Pro3. Enjoy! I should have something to say about the 50/1.0 soon. 😉
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Looking forward to that!
A vert nice piece about embracing the precious moments that we have all around us.Stunning pictures.
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Sorry for your loss, Hugh.
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So poetic with the words "typically increases the distance between one's intent and execution".
One of your best Hugh, keep them coming....thanks
One of my fellow workers at the hospital asked why I was so in love with my Leica equipment. He saw some of the photos I had taken and asked how I got them. I told him that it's not simply snapping a photo...you are capturing a moment that you never get back, and that only you may understand. After a few seconds of silence, he said it was the most profound statement he had ever heard in his life. Photography opens windows to your mind that you may not have ever been aware of.
YES!
Thank you for the wonderful story.
Around here (Denmark) we have been asked to work from home again where ever possible for the past couple of weeks, and will have to continue to do so for at least the next two weeks.
On top of this, other things have been going on, so for me personally, photography has taken up very little time.
I have only been shooting twice in the past three weeks.
I did use my last ever pack of Polaroid Spectra color film in a local park getting some very nice photos of flowers and trees, but September hasn't been good to us in general.
Here is hoping October will be better.
The horse drawn carriage shot... I noticed, there was another carriage on the other side of the road. Did you consider a landscape framing with both carriages in the frame?
I did - but the angle didn’t satisfy me. 😎
There is indeed something magical regarding the M. It is weird to say in those technological heydays of current cameras. Having used a lot of cameras the last decade. I always come back to the M system because they are simple to use, no gimmicks, the essentials for photographing and as you stated visualizing before taking the picture. Perhaps it is a form of coming to rest...
The CL is indeed underrated and recently took it out again as i was considering selling it. I decided to keep it as it is a very powerful compact system with the Summicron 23mm or the 18mm pancake lens. Considering going for the Summilux CL 35mm as I am a 50mm(FF) guy. Wished they made a 35 CL Summicron... With my decaying eyesight this could be a compromise instead of using the M. At this moment I do not want to surrender and still have a very decent hit rate with the M.
ebreckpo SummiluxTL 35 and SummicronTL 23 are our two lenses for it - truly spectacular!
Great vid, Hugh! Given the shear amount of bnw images in your presentation it seems that m10m would fit nicely, to be the next “last” camera you would ever buy.
astraeus
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Stay well and thanks for sharing. Well done in communicating the place for both in the hearts and minds of those whose preferences might be beyond the reach of those with a different aesthetic. Pete
Dear Hugh, your experience is inspiring and deep in the meaning of what makes a good shooting moment. Thanks and looking forward for more insight🤗
Got off the Leica bus a while ago. Still use M6/M7 occasionally, but digital M not much. Sucked back in by the Q and now Q2. Darn.
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You should get the M10 Monochrom. You really have nice B & W photos. I got the SL2 when it became available and used it with my 28 mm summicron, 50 summicron and 90 Apo summicron 90 and stopped using my M10, I sold the M10 and got the M10 monochrome on 9/14(9days ago) and stopped using the SL2
great video, thanks ! my first digital Leica is the SL2, and the next will be the M11 !
Great video as always. Did you say you’re an hour away from Lancaster county? I thought you were a New Yorker, not a Philly guy like me. LOL
Hi Hugh and let me tell you that I loved this one even more than any of your previous videos.
it's full of sensitivity that echoes with mine and it hits my heart and in my soul.
It looks like your recent story is dedicated to mine... including depression !
Few question and remarks though:
First isn’t a question, but I have to say how happy I am that you found your ELMARIT M90mm 1:2.8
I love mine and it delivers so crispy and detailed and poetic portrait shots on my S1R that I understand your point on the M10R.
Question : What is your story with the M8? I own one that made me enter the word of M and I have to say I love its image quality and overall sensations and emotions it gives to me while taking time to shoot with it.
I have to say that the definition that the Elmarit 90mm is able to achieve delivers such so crispy images on the M8 that I just can imagine the cropping capacity out of the M10R still with the lightness of an M system.
And last but not least, I have the same trinity :
ELMAR M 24mm 1:3.8 : it’s nearly a 35mm both on my M8 and my TL2 and I love it for street photo and as soon as I mount it on the S1R it a superb 24mm but be careful, the S1R sensor is not optimised for wide angle M lenses and the edges and corners are not 100% clean. One needs to be aware.
SUMMICRON M 50mm GEN V : portrait lens... with this pleasing look
ELMARIT M 90mm 1:2.8 : close portrait lens Sharp edge to edge closed at f/4
In addition I own a SUMMILUX M 35 1:1.4 silver ... for it’s fast aperture and low light super tool...
Question : what would you chose among SUMMILUX M35 and SUMMICRON APO 35 SL? I’m just thinking on either selling the LUX 35 and grabbing a used APO 35 SL or stick on the LUX 35...
Thanks again and you gave me the will to make a new video on my Chanel.
APO 35 SL for ultimate image quality - I literally thing of my SL2 with that lens as a medium format system.
@@3BMEP and what about your story about the M8. I'm curious to get your point of view about it. 😉
Would also be keen to recover your M8 summary - it pops in and out over several videos but difficult to grasp exactly where you place it other than that its no longer in your kit - nostalgia or would have it back?
It was TOO much like a film camera: it was fairly useless above ISO 800. And it was not enough like a film camera: it wasn’t as svelte as a film M.
@@3BMEP thank you. Perfect summary, indeed. Overdue time to part with mine, alas. Thanks for your marvelous videos and sharings… extraordinary feast that they are!
Thanks for yet agin a fun and good film! Waiting for th M11 tomorrow and are thinking of getting a M10-D... (have the Q2 and used to have the M9 and M10)
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That was one of the most eloquent and tack sharp takes on politics and privilege I have heard on all of TH-cam, let alone from a photography channel. I 100% agree with @jesusjackson and it is this type of content that keeps me coming to your channel regardless of topic. You my friend are one in a million and I am very grateful for what you do.
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Hi Hugh, I am curious about how you build your L mount system kit. Because Leica seems not to worry about size and weight at all and though their system produces wonderful images - no denying in that - I feel that size and weight can play a considerable part in the equipment/goal/photography equation. Most people say if you do not have Leica lenses, don't even bother to get a Leica camera. "Hold that thought" (lol). The SL2 seems to have the greatest, easiest, most intuitive user interface system ever on the mirrorless realm, along with features that are not just crammed into the camera to look good on a spec sheet. They are made to be useful and work well. That, by itself, can play a big part in one's decision to enter the system. So, when one does not opt for the Leica lenses (ok, that one being me), going instead for cheaper, lighter third party ones, how much is really lost in image quality, sharpness and so on? Say, if you get a Panasonic 24-105 and Sigmas 45 and 85, will you not get grade A images, lighten your gear and yet only spend a fraction of the cost of a single Leica lens? How much of the "Leica image" is really lost and how much of practicality does one get in return? Don't get the wrong idea, I think Leica lenses are great, but I feel they are heavy and limiting if you intend to carry it around. But I feel stupid when I go into camera forums and read comments like "if you're not using Leica lenses, don't even bother to go Leica"; or "I don't know why someone would buy a Leica camera and not use Leica lenses". Is it really the case?
Nope, this is not the case at all. I happily use Leica and the wonderful Voigtlander glass all the time, if I were left with only the 35mm F1.2 version 3, it'd be fine.
I've been having similar problems. I have been extremely un-motivated. I would practice colour grading a lot, but never wanted to do anything else before I started doing it. Getting back to normal again Tho. Stay safe!
Just gonna add I was super productive at the beginning doing all the hobbies, but that became worn off by the end of easter
Welcome back, another fun video! I have a 90 2.5 Summarit and think the same of it as you do your 90 Elmarit....Gems
Beautiful pictures, Hugh. My favourite analog Lens-Camera-Combination was BTW the Leicaflex SL2 with the Leica Elmarit-R 2.8/90mm. Stay healthy!
🙏🏻😊 you too!
Very nice... Here's hoping your "shutter therapy" session did as much for you as it did for me hearing about it and seeing the results. It has been a long strange summer after all. My own past adventures have included the Leica (M4) and the Leica-adjacent (Minolta CLE).. And now I happily make do with a pair of Panasonic GX-8s and mostly the Pana/ Leica primes... Their size and shape fill the emotional void and keep me roaming and shooting in the 2020s... As much as a pandemic and a gimpy knee will allow. Just maybe,,,,when we get past all this,, I'll try to fit in one of your workshops... That would be a real boost. ..Stay safe..
Great real world street shooting combo! Glad to be of service. Would love to have you join us once we’ve determined it’s safe - and our international attendees can come too!
Thank you..... I forgot about the joy of shooting in B&W, need to get back out there.
Please do!
18:31-18:41 is all you need to know when you’re wondering which camera you should get.
I keep saying it, but that was one of your best videos... Really good stuff Hugh, thanks!!
Thank YOU, Glenn. Just went back to take a look. That was a good day. Thanks for reminding me! 😊🖖🏻
Of course, the downside to such a great video is I am now back on my quest to sell stuff so I can upgrade to the M10-R :-)
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
Now for my second comment ... The M10R is a fantastic little machine alongside my M10M and I feel that my classic lenses have a new life. Heck I shoot landscapes with the thin 90tele-elmarit 2.8 and the images are fantastic. I’m kind of tired of the new wave of over contrasty lenses and welcome the classic rendering. For e.g my 24 elmar on both the M10M and M10R resolves like crazy. Heck, I can see my wife’s contact lenses when shooting environmental style portraits! I’ve been banned to use such lenses around her.
Lately I have been shooting out in the wilderness trying new things. Otherwise I am your typical city rat addicted to hustling street-style shooting from the hip photography. Shooting landscapes has been wonderful to restart my creativity.
And thank you for the wonderful videos.
The TL2 is underrated too.
I think the only MAJOR issue I have with you and your channel is that I can’t watch your videos before bed. I’d watch one video then before I knew it would be 3 or 4 in the morning. Your the reason I had to switch off auto play.
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Love your shot at 21:23 of the horse drawn cart and how it falls just in the shade.......we can only revel at moments of magic when they happen like this.
OMG that photo at 21:28 would be a phenomenal landscape including the oncoming horse drawn cart that looks brilliantly staged..just saying.
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Truly a great channel.. happy to have subscribed... seriously on the fence about switching from Sony to Leica
Welcome! As for being on the fence: you need great clarity on your priorities, especially convenience vs. “being at one with one’s horse.” 😉
Took me a very long and stubborn time to trade in all my Canon gear and go Leica. Best decision ever hands down.