Newsletter πŸ”΄ Feb25

πŸ”΄ Monthly Recap – Feb25

Newsletter: Photography related posts, videos and hopefully a source of inspiration!

Leica M262 B&W Portrait

Flickr portrait of the monthΒ (Most liked)Β DISPLAY CORRECTLY

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Started in 2013, I share my experiences and reviews of  Leica, film cameras, lenses + more. View the last 100 blog posts and search 400+ articles. Photos? See Flickr and Instagram.

How was last month?

Firstly, thanks if you follow me on YouTube. I appreciate it is only a vanity number but it’s nice to finally pass 40K subscribers. If you’re not yet subscribed and enjoy my videos hit subscribe so not to miss future weekly videos. (Normally two videos each week).

January saw me doing photoshoots in Lanzarote and the Czech Republic. Thanks to less teaching I was able to develop some of my film backlog from 2024 and write more blog posts. I’m one step closer to darkroom printing again (time wise) but I’ve not managed it yet.

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

Leica workshops

Demand for 1:1 workshops is usually lower during the dark grey cold winter months but I was invited to Tenerife to teach. Sadly the trip was called off last minute so it didn’t happen but I hope to see my student later in the year.

MrLeica 1:1 workshops

The beauty of 1:1 teaching vs. groups is I can meet your individual needs –

  • Lightroom+Photoshop editing
  • Film and digital cameras
  • Portfolio reviews + Instagram
  • Vintage lens/ camera help
  • 1 or 2 professional models
  • Available light, LED or flash
  • Try before you buy (lenses)
  • Indoor spaces or outside
  • Leica gear shopping (old&new)

Complete the survey

Use the survey to register your interest in a MrLeica workshop near you.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54240946010Flickr colour portrait of the month (most liked)

Photoshoot trip to Lanzarote

Flights in January are normally cheap so I suggested to a model friend that we shoot in the sun in Lanzarote for a few days. The trip was a great success. See the BTS video explaining how I organise such trips on Patreon.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54259950084Sophie, Lanzarote

Patreon trip to Prague

Me and two good friends from Patreon arranged a trip to the Czech Republic to hang out and work with models for a few days. It was my first chance to use my Leica Visoflex and Leica MDa camera.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54282396367Thomas and Tobi, Czech Republic

Dates for Travel

Contact me to book a workshop. Here are my travel plans so far –

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Dubai Workshop, 2022

FEBRUARY 2025

  • Porto, Portugal
  • Gdansk, Poland
  • Budapest, Hungary

MARCH 2025

  • Porto, Portugal
  • Tenerife TBC
  • TBC

APRIL 2025

  • Lanzarote or Fuerteventura? Cycling TBC
  • TBC
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is model-photography-ebook-slide-1024x576.png

Private 1:1 Tuition

Visiting London? Message me to request a private 1:1 workshop to fit your schedule. See workshop prices and testimonials.

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here β†—

Digital photographers

If you follow me you know I love Leica cameras and my preference for film vs digital.

Digital cameras β€“ My Leica M10 was upgraded to M10-P by Wetzlar Germany (See video).

Lenses β€“ See all lens reviews. Currently I’m testing the new Voigtlander Ultron-APO 90mm f2, Light Lens Lab 50mm f2 Rigid and Light Lens Lab 28mm f2.8 9-Element. (Videos to follow).

Editing with presets β€“ All my images are RAW + LR preset.

Download Leica presets

Click Here β†—

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

Film β€“ I’ve almost caught up with my 35mm film developing. Next is 120 film from 2024.

Cameras β€“ The latest purchase is a Leica MDa. I love the simplicity!

Lenses – My next new lens review will be the Voigtlander 90mm f2 APO mentioned above.

Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and printing. My bathroom is a darkroom. I shower at the gym.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54291297971Explored on Flickr

Directory: Leica Repairs + Leica YouTubers

Have feedback following a Leica service, repair or CLA? See the Leica Repair Directory page. What are your favourite Leica YouTuber channels?

Latest YouTube videos 

Catch up on YouTube videos (Last 30 days) –

Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4 vs Summicron 35mm f2

Leica battery shortage in 2025

I quit! Any regrets? + Can you get rich from YouTube?

Nikon FM3a – Is this the best Nikon for Leica fans?

Convert your Leica to a SLR camera (with a Visoflex)

Affordable copy of the famous Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 Pre-ASPH

Repainting my Leica cameras

Not for everyone but I love the strange Leica MDa

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54243622037One of my favourites of 2024 – See prints video on Patreon

Latest blog posts

400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos

Patreon post (shared)

For a taster of Patreon, here is an article you missed. Join us today!

Coming up next month..

I’ve got a few mass-lens reviews planned as I’m testing them for my own needs behind the scenes. I’m also working on a few new blog posts to share some of the geeky finer details when it comes to Leica gear. 

YouTube video – spotlight 

The first video for February will be me failing spectacularly when I fly to Porto, Portugal. Coming up next will be my update on my Leica M-A now I’ve hit the 40K subs milestone.

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Newsletter πŸ”΄ Jan25

πŸ”΄ Monthly Recap – Jan25

Newsletter: Photography related posts, videos and hopefully a source of inspiration!

Leica SL2-S Reporter

Flickr photo of the month (Most liked)DISPLAY CORRECTLY

First time here? Get your Blog Insider perks!

Started in 2013, I share my experiences and reviews of  Leica, film cameras, lenses + more. View the last 100 blog posts and search 400+ articles. Photos? See Flickr and Instagram.

How was last month?

To round out 2024 I managed to finally travel to Leitz-Park in Wetzlar. (I had the excuse to take my Leica M10-P back as they forgot to finish the M10-M10P upgrade)(this video). With a few days “off” because of Christmas I managed to get a few more blog post articles published and finally list my new Leica M262 presets and Hasselblad CCD presets.

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

New MrLeica Presets

I’m so sorry for the delay on listing these presets, I know some of you have written to me a few times. To explain my process, when I buy a new camera I develop around 10 presets (for colour and black and white editing) and then over time see which version I use the most. I then package those up as a bundle and list as a preset pack to download here. 

The two all-new preset packs are as follows (and the legacy Leica M240 pack has been discontinued):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/53928623860Leica M262 RAW + MrLeica M262 Preset

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54070392485Hasselblad H3D-39 RAW + MrLeica Hasselblad CCD Preset 

Leica workshops

London 1:1 workshops

More of my London 1:1 workshops in December where photographers write to me to request a workshop. One of the workshops was a 10hr “Go Big” full day workshop with two models. To add variety I organised two different studios, morning and afternoon and we had a blast. 

Another student flew in from Dallas again and we walked round London for the day to help her get to grips with her digital Leica M11-P and Leica MP film camera (coming from Sony).

Leica workshop - 35mm Summicron

MrLeica 1:1 workshops

The beauty of 1:1 teaching vs. groups is I can meet your individual needs –

  • Lightroom+Photoshop editing
  • Film and digital cameras
  • Portfolio reviews + Instagram
  • Vintage lens/ camera help
  • 1 or 2 professional modelsΒ 
  • Available light, LED or flash
  • Try before you buy (lenses)
  • Indoor spaces or outsideΒ 
  • Leica gear shopping (old&new)

Complete the survey

Use the survey to register your interest in a MrLeica workshop near you.

Photo trip to the motherland!

After over a decade of making Leica camera reviews (and all the lens reviews) I finally got to visit the motherland, Leitz-Park in Wetzlar Germany. My Patreon friend Thomas was planning to drive from The Netherlands to Nuremberg Germany to visit fellow YouTuber, “GrainyDays” aka Jason’s photo exhibition at the Leica store. It sounded like a fun idea so I flew into Germany, met Thomas in Cologne and we drove to Wetzlar. 

From there we went to Nuremberg and Patreon friend Tobi travelled to meet us. See this video and this video 2 for more from this trip if interested. (So many amazing people. I hope to do it again in 2025).

Leica M-A at Wetzlar

Dates for Travel

Contact me to book a workshop. Here are my travel plans so far –

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is leica-workshop-dubai.jpg
Dubai Workshop, 2022

JANUARY 2025

  • Lanzarote photoshoot
  • Czech Republic photoshoots

FEBRUARY 2025

  • Budapest? TBC
  • TBC

MARCH 2025

  • Lanzarote or Fuerteventura? Cycling TBC
  • TBC

Private 1:1 Tuition

Visiting London? Message me to request a private 1:1 workshop to fit your schedule. See workshop prices and testimonials.

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here β†—

Digital photographers

If you follow me you know I love Leica cameras and my preference for film vs digital.

Digital cameras β€“ My Leica M10 was upgraded to M10-P by Wetzlar Germany (See video).

Lenses β€“ See all lens reviews. Finally I review the vintage Canon 50mm f1.2 screw mount rangefinder lens (this video) and compare the 7 different 35mm Leica Summicron lenses.

Editing with presets β€“ All my images are RAW + LR preset.

Download Leica presets

Click Here β†—

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54229260687Flickr film portrait of the month (Likes)

Film photographers

Film β€“ I’m still shooting film but behind with my B&W film developing (soon!)

Cameras β€“ After returning the Leica MP I bought a Leica M-A.

Lenses – I still need to review my Nikon FM3a so I’ve been using that recently with my usual favourite Voigtlander SL lenses for Nikon F mount (90mm APO perhaps the most).

Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and printing. My bathroom is a darkroom. I shower at the gym.

Directory: Leica Repairs + Leica YouTubers

Have feedback following a Leica service, repair or CLA? See the Leica Repair Directory page. What are your favourite Leica YouTuber channels?

Latest YouTube videos 

Catch up on YouTube videos (Last 30 days) –

Why I bought the Leica M-A? (After returning my Leica MP)

Who makes the best lenses for Leica M mount in 2024?

How I instantly improve portraits with any boring lens/ modern lens

Asking Leica HQ why Leica repairs take so long

Thanks Leica, you helped me find my people!

Leica accidentally sold me a watch (but it wasn’t a Leica)

I review a lot of kit. Not all are keepers. Here’s my top 10!

My first live-ish (uncut) video answering your most asked questions

Why the Canon 50mm f1.2 lens is so good for Leica users

35mm Summicron buyer’s guide (v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 v6 v7)

Latest blog posts

400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos

Patreon post (shared)

For a taster of Patreon, here is an article you missed. Join us today!

Coming up next month..

What’s coming up in 2025? I have a few new products due to be shipped to me for testing so I’m excited to share those with you. I have a special video planned for when I reach 40K subscribers on YouTube so please subscribe. (I pick up the item mid-January then I can share it as soon at we reach 40K).

I have a few new surprises coming too.. when I thought I’d fully explored the Leica bubble I discover a new massive rabbit hole to jump into! (The fun continues!)

YouTube video – spotlight 

I’m actually early posting the newsletter for once so I’m not actually sure what the next video will be. I did script the second video for January when I woke up this morning so all that to follow!

Claim your free eBook

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Leica News πŸ”΄ Jan25

New in Leicaland πŸ”΄ Jan25

Mid-month mentions for Blog Insiders – What’s new?

Leica related news

This month we have the following announcements –

  • Leica SL3-S – The latest camera release from Leica is the new SL3-S. On paper it’s very similar to the Leica SL2-S that I’ve reviewed in the past (See SL vs SL2 vs SL2-S comparison). The SL3-S retains the same 24MP as the SL2-S but is said to now have faster autofocus, better video capabilities and comes with the Leica SL3 tilt screen (see video). If you like the idea of a mirrorless L mount camera but don’t have the cash to splash out on a Leica, you can get similar looking images using the Lumix S cameras. I own both. (See my Lumix S5 vs Leica SL video). 

  • Funleader 35mm f1.4 M lens – Quick update as you keep asking! The Funleader copy of the pre-ASPH Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 v2 arrived and to clear the confusion it is labeled as Artizlab not Funleader. Lens testing is complete and video out soon. If you want to buy one while they have their pre-sale save 5% with code MRLEICACOM on this link. Update – see video!

  • Light Lens Lab 50mm f2 “Rigid” M lens – This announcement came out in 2024 but the first copies of the lens are now starting to ship. Light Lens Lab or LLL are now well known for their fantastic remakes of highly regarded classic Leica lenses. Lenses like the LLL Elcan 50mm f2 (blog & video), LLL 35mm f2 8E (video), LLL 50mm f1.2 1966 (video). Now they bring us the LLL 50mm f2 Rigid, based on the Leica Summicron 50mm f2 Rigid lens design. I’m due to receive a demo copy to test soon so follow the blog to see the results. (I’m also due to receive their LLL 28mm f2.8 9-Element lens to test). *LLL work in batches and have since discontinued their 50mm Elcan and 35mm 8E. The 50mm f1.2 is next to go as I understand but we do have a new 35mm in the pipeline.

Non-Leica news

  • Camera strap/ watch strap set – Do you love your camera AND your watch? How nice would it be if you could obtain matching quality leather straps for both in your favourite colour? I had this thought so I reached out to Wotancraft to ask if it was possible. They asked me to order the camera strap of choice first via their website (I like their leather straps with integrated Peak Design anchors). After payment email them and ask them to make you a watch strap to match your camera strap (You will need your watch dimension details – lug width, wrist circumference etc).  You can even have your strap embossed with your initials and get matching leather bumpers to protect your camera. My Leica M3 has never looked so good! (Try to spot my new straps on YouTube soon!)

Wotancraft Camera Straps + Watch Straps

Click HERE if image is not displaying correctly

Other news

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Leica News πŸ”΄ Feb25

News in Leicaland πŸ”΄ Feb25

Mid-month mentions for Blog Insiders – What’s new?

Leica related news

We had no releases in the last 30 days so let’s recap some of the latest lenses –

  • Voigtlander 90mm f2 APO-Ultron VM – Great performer and now an affordable alternative to the Leica Summicron 90mm f2 APO. I’m tempted for sure.  Watch the video review and see this video for results on film. (If you live in the UK Robert White is the Voigtlander stockist).

Leica MA + Voigtlander 90 APO-Ultron

Voigtlander APO-Ultron 90mm f2 (on film) *CLICK HERE IF NOT DISPLAYING

  • Funleader 35mm f1.4 M lens – I’ve been really happy with the Funleader (Artizlab) lens so far. Watch the video review if you’re interested and see the Porto video for results on film. Check prices here and use code MRLEICACOM for money off.

Funleader 35mm f1.4 on film (Artizlab)

Funleader Artizlab 35mm f1.4 (on film)

  • Light Lens Lab 50mm f2 “Rigid” M lens – If you saw my recent Poland video you might have spotted me testing the new LLL 50mm f2 Rigid. Review video coming soon.

Light Lens Lab 50mm f2 Rigid

Light Lens Lab 50mm f2 Rigid

Other news

  • Join Patreon for FREE – Follow along to get a feel for the content before signing up.
  • eBooks β€“ What are your goals for 2025? Perhaps make money with your photography or improve your portraits skills / try model photography? I have similar goals so I wrote the books I wish I had access to when I was starting out with my photography.
  • Workshop Survey – Thanks to everyone that has already registered their interest in my 2025 photography Workshops. I’m collecting your responses and will announce US workshops (and any others) in the main monthly newsletter. (1:1 London workshops are ran on a request basis so if you are planning to fly into the UK (or live here) get in touch to book a day to fit around your schedule).

FOMO (“Fear Of Missing Out”)

One thing I really struggle with is FOMO but it’s probably not in areas you might think – 

  • Latest digital camera release? Near zero FOMO. Existing Leica cameras are so good I’m already very satisfied with the old models.
  • New lens release? Minimal FOMO. I strive to review every new Leica M lens (all brands) when announced. (Lenses are usually sent to me on loan to test so I don’t need to buy them). My only FOMO with lenses are those from Light Lens Lab as they make limited batches and I’ve missed out on amazing lenses in the past. (Voigtlander have just discontinued their modern LTM lenses so I’m thankful I bought those).
  • Sunshine? Massive FOMO. If I wake up to a dry day with sunlight in the UK I’m completely overwhelmed. Do I run? Do I cycle? Should I test lenses or make product photos? Should I record a YouTube video while there is light? I have at least 200% more energy and enthusiam on a bright day but I struggle to fit in all I want into that time. It makes me wonder if I should just relocate to somewhere brighter so I can 10x my productivity (and I’m far from lazy already*).

Help please!

If you’re a UK resident and perhaps a fellow self employed photographer/ YouTuber can you recommend a superstar personal tax accountant? I’d love to connect with them.  You can write to me here, many thanks!  (*Yes I was a former qualified accountant before cancelling my letters to become a full-time YouTuber but I worked for large US companies).

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Leica News πŸ”΄ Mar25

New in LeicaLand πŸ”΄ Mar25

Mid-month mentions for Blog Insiders – What’s new?

Leica related news

Two new lenses for Leica M mount –

  • Voigtlander 35mm f3.5 Color-Skopar VM – You know I love super small lenses (Ideally screw mount LTM lenses like the discontinued Voigtlander Heliar 40mm f2.8 LTM that lives on my 1930s Leica Standard). This will be one of the smallest 35mm lenses for Leica M mount so I can’t wait to receive this lens to test. The plan will likely be to buy from Robert White as soon as they are available as my travel lens. (I will pair it with the super small Light Lens Lab 35mm viewfinder on cameras like the Leica MDa).
  • Thypoch Simera 75mm f1.4 lens for Leica M β€“ Thypoch kindly sent me their latest Simera lens to review. The 4th in the lens line-up. I’m waiting for the green light and I will share the YouTube video. Spoiler, it’s good! (Below is an example from Porto).
Leica M10-P Conversion (Review)

Thanks + Plan for 2025

Thank you for all the likes and comments on my recent YouTuber life is no longer realistic video. I was a little overwhelmed by all the kind messages of support. I took on board some of your suggestions and the current plan for 2025 will now include the following –

  • Fewer YouTube videos – Drop from 8 videos per month to 5-6
  • Regular posting schedule – Post new videos on the same day and time each week (I’ll do a poll on YouTube asking what day you prefer). Additional videos can fit between*
  • Improved videos – Still lots of information and photos but vary the topics and formats
  • More Patreon posts and videos each month. You can follow for free before signing up and Patreon is the best way to support the blog and YouTube channel.
  • Write more useful blog posts – Up from 2 per month to 3-4
  • Develop new MrLeica presets – For cameras I’ve not yet covered
  • Work on next eBook – Blending actual photos and information on specific topic
  • Get in the darkroom – Make small quantities of prints available for sale to super fans
  • More discount codes and links – Reach out to companies and ask
  • Teach more workshops – Leica and models (London mostly plus Europe and US)
  • Remind people of remote workshops – I teach people remotely via Zoom 1:1 too 

Shout outs

Quick shout out to people I spoke to recently that I can highly recommend –

  • Cameraworks UK – If you need a Leica film camera servicing definitely check out Cameraworks in the UK. I had a nice chat with Alan as I’ve sent him my Leica MDa for a CLA. I wanted to use a company that I can trust without needing to send the camera to Leica Wetzlar in Germany.
  • Adam Peace – This is slightly more niche. Last month I asked you for help as I was looking for a recommended accountant. Steve Ellis kindly replied and suggested I spoke to Adam. If you are UK based and need an accountant to help you with your tax return give Adam a call. We had a chat and I was able to bounce some ideas off him.

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Leica News πŸ”΄ Apr25

New in LeicaLand πŸ”΄ Apr25

Leica news for Blog Insiders

Leica related news

Lots of updates this month in LeicaLand!

  • Leica M11 discontinued – Leica discontinue their Leica M11. You can still buy the Leica M11-P M11-M, M11-D and the new gloss black Leica M11 model. I much prefer the P version with the top plate script and no red dotlike my M10-P. Maybe this means the rumoured Leica M11-V will soon be announced?
  • Leica MP Silver discontinued – Sad news! I prefer the silver Leica MP like I had over the pretty but not so practical gloss black paint version. Maybe the silver model didn’t sell as well? If you want to buy a new Leica M film camera in silver in 2025 the only option will now be the silver Leica M-A. Silver looks timeless but I went for the stealthy black Leica M-A.  (Fellow YouTuber and street photographer Mike Chudley just bought a silver MP if you want to see one in action!) Perhaps Leica will release the Leica M6 re-issue in silver?
  • Leica Summilux 50mm f1.4 Pre-ASPH re-issue – Great news! Leica recognise the trend that photographers are bored of perfect lenses on perfect sensors so re-release the fantastic Pre-ASPH 50mm Summilux. I borrowed the v2 50mm f1.4 Pre-ASPH original from a workshop student and the results are nicer than my modern 50mm f1.4 ASPH lens for digital.
Leica M-A + Skopar 35mm f3.5
  • Voigtlander announce 3 new fast f1.2 lenses for Leica M β€“ Voigtlander will release new Nokton lenses – 35mm f1.2 (iv), 40mm f1.2 (ii) and 50mm f1.2 (ii). As I understand, each lens will be lighter than previous models, with black nose not chrome nose and use a new lens hood. (Photographers that adapt M lenses to mirrorless cameras via autofocus adapts will be able to benefit from these lighter lenses. A Patreon has the Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 lens glued to his Sony via the TechArt autofocus adapter). Find reviews for existing lenses here: 35mm f1.2/ 40mm f1.2/ 50mm f1.2.
  • Godox X3-L trigger for Leica – Finally Leica users can enjoy HSS flash (high speed sync) with the Godox X3-L. Now you can get creative with your lighting!  Watch the video where I show the trigger in use on the Leica SL/ CL and M10-P where I sync flash up to 1/8000. (Note, I’m told the X3-L doesn’t currently work on the M11).
Leica M7 Portrait

  • Patreon – We will soon reach 1000 members!
  • Newsletter – Over 2000 monthly email subscribers
  • Presets – Try MrLeica presets for Lightroom
  • eBooks – Have you downloaded your free eBook?
  • Zoom calls – Helping photographers around the world
  • Workshops – London, Europe and the US
  • YouTube – Subscribe for weekly videos
  • Latest articles – Monthly written reviews
  • Discount codes – Save money on your favourite brands

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Leica News πŸ”΄ May25

New in LeicaLand πŸ”΄ May25

Leica news for Blog Insiders

Leica related news

Updates from LeicaLand!

YouTube: Voigtlander Bessa R2
  • Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.5 “Z1” – Inspired by the classic Angenieux S21 50mm f1.5 lens LLL bring us the Z1. The new LLL Z1 lens is now shipping and available on their website. I can’t wait to receive a copy to review! (Soon).
  • Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 APO (Leica copy?) – You may have seen the rumours that LLL have make a remake of the modern high performance Leica Summicron 35mm f2 APO M lens. I wasn’t sure if it was true so I asked the question. Yes LLL are making a 35mm f2 APO lens but no it is not the same optical design as the Leica lens. I’m still excited to review it!
  • Voigtlander announce 3 new f1.2 lenses for Leica M – The next lenses expected from Voigtlander for M mount are the remakes of the current 35mm, 40mm and 50mm Nokton f1.2 VM lenses. I’ve understand that the new lenses are optically identical to current versions but with a few changes such as smaller and lighter. Check Robert White in the UK for availability.
Leica SL2-S for Video

Leica for video?

Leica users generally don’t like video (so much so, that Leica removed the video feature from all Leica M cameras following the M240) BUT times are changing. In a world of SHORTS and REELS it’s nice to have a camera that offers both photos and video. 

I just bought the Leica SL2 for photos but to my surprise it’s the video that has won my heart. Just imagine using your favourite vintage Leica glass to make motion pictures. That beautiful Leica rendering and classic bokeh now captured on video. Leica SL series cameras make the dream a reality. 

As a photographer not a filmmaker, I approach video as I would photos. Using vintage Leica M, LTM and R lenses to record short video clips instead of stills. If you saw the Canon R5 vs Leica SL2 video that was all shot with Leica SL2/SL2-S cameras using M glass. See my full Leica video rig with 7″ monitor in last night’s video as I explore the topic further. 

Leica SL2-S video rig + 7" monitor
  • Patreon – We will soon reach 1000 members!
  • Newsletter – Over 2000 monthly email subscribers
  • Presets – Try MrLeica presets for Lightroom
  • eBooks – Have you downloaded your free eBook?
  • Zoom calls – Helping photographers around the world
  • Workshops – London, Europe and the US
  • YouTube – Subscribe for weekly videos
  • Latest articles – Monthly written reviews
  • Discount codes – Save money on your favourite brands

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Leica News πŸ”΄ Jun25

New in LeicaLand πŸ”΄ Jun25

Leica news for Blog Insiders

Leica related news

Updates from LeicaLand!

  • Leica 28-70 Vario-Elmarit-SL f2.8 Zoom II – Leica release a new version of their compact 28-70 zoom lens for L mount cameras. This lens is originally based on the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN lens.
  • Brightin Star 28mm Safari – Following the Leica M11-P Safari last month Brightin Star released a limited edition 28mm pine green pancake lens. This lens has been on my to-review list forever so finally I’ve got a lens coming to test. (Sadly mine is the standard black lens not the limited edition but either way this is one of the smallest lenses for M mount).
  • New wide angle lenses for Leica M – I can’t say too much other than I’m testing some very nice new lenses which are in the pipeline for Leica M users. One should be dropping before the end of June so look out for my video. (I share in my Instagram stories if you follow me there – @MrLeicaCom).
  • New Leica L mount lenses – If you enjoy using L mount cameras such as the Leica SL series, Leica CL (or Lumix bodies etc) I’m also both testing and consulting with brands for future lens releases. See the latest affordable autofocus L mount lens from 7Artisans verses Leica and Lumix in this video.

What lenses do we need?

As mentioned above, multiple lens brands are now asking me for my input as to what lenses they should make next, what specs we need, etc, so that’s really exciting. I’m used to testing lots of lenses for Youtube but I never thought I’d be in a position where companies ask me to help them right from the R&D / development stage. Let me know if you think we need a specific lens for either Leica M mount or Leica L mount?

Bye Bye Leica SL2

Bye-bye Leica SL2

If you read the blog post I recently bought a Leica SL2. Sadly after only a few weeks I realised I’d made a mistake. I didn’t need 47MP as I crop in camera for my portrait work. For tighter crops I just step closer. I resented how fast I was filling up my computer hard drives so I sold the SL2 and bought a Leica SL2-S instead.  Shout out to Ben who had my SL2 for his product photography and thanks to Patreon Sundeep who kindly sold me his black Leica SL2-S (he got the sexy SL2-S Reporter version!)(Below, during a workshop).

Leica SL2-S Reporter

Leica alternative

As a photographer but also a YouTuber, I need to consider cameras for their video features in addition to great images. The Leica SL2 really opened my eyes to what is possible with steady handheld video footage thanks to IBIS. Going forward the Leica SL2-S will be my primary “A” cam (photos and video) but often I need a “B” cam for BTS footage and as a backup. Leica don’t make a small L mount camera with great video features but thanks to the L mount alliance you can use the same lenses on Lumix cameras too. After lots of research I went for the Lumix S9 (similar form factor to my APS-C Leica CL but full frame). 

Lumix S9
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Leica News πŸ”΄ Jul25

New in LeicaLand πŸ”΄ Jul25

Leica news for Blog Insiders

Leica related news

Updates from LeicaLand!

  • Leica Monopan 50 film – Leica join others by releasing their own branded B&W 35mm film. Most experts I’ve chatted to agree than Leica Monopan is just rebadged Adox HR-50 film stock but if it helps fund more new cameras and lenses then great!  *Leica Wetzlar told me that Monopan 50 should be available from August. 
  • Voigtlander 28mm f2 APO-Lanthar VM – If you’re a 28mm lens fan Voigtlander has added a 28mm their APO lens line-up for Leica M mount. YouTube review to follow once tested and you can find them + more info at Robert White.
  • TTArtisan 75mm f2 AF – If you follow me on Instagram @MrLeicaCom, all the images I’ve been posting from the Czech Republic were shot with this very affordable compact autofocus lens. Now available in Leica L mount,see last night’s YouTube video.
TTArtisan 75mm f2 Portrait

Anamorphic lenses for Leica

If you love using vintage lenses on your Leica camera for those added imperfections and character, have you considered anamorphic lenses? Unlike modern spherical lenses which often render very digital looking images, anamorphic lenses are optically imperfect so ideal if you want to create something a bit different. 

Yes anamorphic lenses are perhaps better suited to video but you can use them for photos too.  Sirui make some of the smallest and most affordable anamorphic lenses for Leica L mount with their Sirui Saturn lenses (see this video).  I’ve since gone on to get a few more anamorphic lenses and I’m really enjoying the wider format.

From Instagram

In a time where it’s quite difficult to take photos that stand out, the images I’ve been sharing using anamorphic lenses have been my best performers. (I have another YouTube video to follow covering the image shared below so Subscribe on YouTube to see that).

Leica SL2-S Colours

  • Patreon – 1000+ members worldwide – Join us!
  • Newsletter – 2000+ monthly email subscribers
  • Presets – Try MrLeica presets for Lightroom
  • eBooks – Download your free eBook
  • Zoom calls – Helping photographers around the world
  • Workshops – London, Europe, US – Get in touch!
  • YouTube – Subscribe for weekly videos
  • Latest articles – Monthly written reviews
  • Discount codes – Save money on your favourite brands

Receive newsletters via emailΒ + Read previous newsletters

Leica News πŸ”΄ Aug25

New in LeicaLand πŸ”΄ Aug25

Leica news for Blog Insiders

Leica related news

Updates from LeicaLand! (Quiet month..)

  • Voigtlander 28mm f2 APO-Lanthar VM – Last month I mentioned the announcement of the new 28mm APO lens from Voigtlander. You can now watch the full review on YouTube and see how it performs against similar 28mm lenses for Leica M mount.  Spoiler! Excellent performer and available at Robert White in the UK.
  • Funleader Artizlab 35mm f1.4 silver edition – You may remember my YouTube review of this lens which was originally only available in gloss black. The Artizlab 35mm f1.4 offers a small, lightweight, affordable alternative to the classic Leica 35mm f1.4 pre-ASPH lens (inspired by). Now available in silver to match your silver Leica cameras!
Leica M10-P by Leica M-A

Lighting isn’t sexy but it works!

When it comes to gear, us Leica fans love to get the latest camera or lens. What seems far less popular is learning how to light. Light makes or breaks our photo regardless of what kit we use and this was clearly evident in my latest YouTube video (3 fantastic portrait lenses for Leica yet the winner was actually the light source). 

Leica Summilux 75mm f1.4 Portrait

After teaching portrait lighting workshops to Leica fans for over a decade I often get asked what is my favourite light? Below are some of my favourite lights that I use with my Leica cameras (and videos showing how I use them). See this written article for full res sample images using different light setups.

Feeling inspired to improve your portrait skills?  Get in touch if you’d like to organise a day together and follow me on Instagram to see how I light my Leica portraits. 

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