Monthly Recap 🔴 Sep26
Photography related posts, videos and hopefully a source of inspiration!
Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)
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Founded 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.
Last month
August was a quieter month after a hectic July and teaching the Leica workshop in Cannes, France. The month started in Spain when I flew out to join my family on their summer holiday. No travel after that meant in theory more time for new Blog posts, Flickr uploads, Instagram and Substack. Instead I was down my latest rabbit hole – trying to improve my YouTube videos.
I’m not sure if it’s luck or effort, but to date, my latest upload has been my best performer (views per hour), of the 600+ videos I’ve published. Whether I can repeat the success we shall see. Wish me luck! (My YouTube goal is to hit 50,000 subscribers by December so if you’re not yet subscribed and would like to help Subscribe Here. Thanks!)
A shorter newsletter today but coming up – photos, links and the latest YouTube videos.
Spain family holiday
This was a family holiday so I didn’t take a tonne of photos. Below is one of my favourites and I still need to develop the film images. (See this YouTube video for more from Spain).
Prints and 2026 Photobooks
It’s that time of year again where I need to get organised and design my annual photobooks to be printed. Last year I printed 30 of each design and they all sold so I’ll likely do the same this year.
If you’re interested in my new photobooks and don’t want to miss out you can receive updates here. I’ve got prints too.
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UK photoshoots
Knowing that I was going to have a month in the UK I set about to try to find some new faces to work with. I found Wiktoria and we had two shoots within a space of a week. You might recognise her from my latest YouTube video cover photo.
I shared some BTS videos on Patreon from both sessions if you want to see how I go about making this images. Below are a few sample images (the usual, RAW files + MrLeica preset added) and to learn how to find models for free check out my eBooks.
Model photography eBooks
Always wanted to try model photography? Start today with my eBooks!
Leica workshop request for Gdansk, Poland
If you’re not aware, all of my Leica workshops are on a request basis. Photographers write to me and ask if they can they join me for a day or two and we go from there. You can check my availability here.
My local workshops are in London but over the last 12 months I’ve ran 1:1 workshops in France, The Netherlands, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Texas. Of those, my most visited cities are Budapest and Gdansk.
A French student (and Patreon) who joined me in London last year got in touch to ask if we could meet in Gdansk for a 2-day workshop in October. Of course I said yes. After booking my flights I helped him find suitable accommodation as I know the city well (after 50? visits). Now I just need to book the models.
Overseas workshops – Pricing?
Are overseas workshops more expensive? Not really. The day rate is the same as listed here for London but I just ask for a contribution towards my expenses on top. Thanks to London living costs, if you don’t live in the UK it’s likely cheaper to meet in Gdansk or Budapest compared to London.
I love teaching and it always feels more worthwhile when I receive Workshop Testimonials after the day. Here are a few photos from previous Gdansk workshops.
Workshops in Europe
Get in touch if you’re planning to visit Europe and want to arrange a day together. Check my availability
Help via Zoom
Zoom calls let me assist photographers around the world remotely. Whether it’s new cameras/ lenses, portrait lighting techniques or portfolio reviews I can help. Read the Zoom testimonials and check my availability.
Workshop survey
Complete the survey to register your interest in a MrLeica workshop near you.
Future travel plans
Here are my provisional travel plans. Maybe I’m coming to a city near you or somewhere you’d like to visit. Feel free to contact me to organise a workshop.
SEPTEMBER 2026
- Gdansk – Patreon visits from the US so a mini-gathering
- TBC – I’ve not had time to plan anything else yet
OCTOBER 2026
- Gdansk – Two day Leica workshop with models
- TBC – I’ve not had time to plan anything else yet
NOVEMBER 2026
- Budapest – Probably as it’ll be overdue by then
- Porto – Visit a model friend
Coming to London?
Check my availability if you’d like to meet up while you’re in London –
Digital photographers
If you follow me you know I love Leica cameras and my preference for film.
- Digital cameras – Leica CL, SL 601, SL2S, M262, M10P + Lumix S9, S1R
- Lenses – See all lens reviews. I’m testing a few I can’t mention yet
- Editing with presets – All my images are RAW + LR preset
New digital camera
After being highly tempted by the Leica M EV1 I ended up going for a better value proposition. It’s not a Leica but the photos look just as nice to my eyes. See the YouTube reveal if you’ve not seen it. Full article to follow when I’ve had time to use it more.
Mandler 50mm f1.4 count down
Yesterday Mandler announced the launch date of their new Leica Summilux 50mm f1.4 Pre-ASPH v3 remake. The clock is ticking, the count down has begun. 20th September is the day.
This lens will likely sell out immediately (like last time) so I’ll aim to post a YouTube video and blog notification on that day so you are notified and can grab one if you wish. Subscribe to the blog and subscribe on YouTube for the best chance of seeing my reminder.
Mandler? What’s all the fuss about? It’s the fact that you can buy a brand new replica of Leica lens legend from only £272 ($368) and that’s with peace of mind free tracked shipping + no import fees.
It’s no surprise that their first lens sold out immediately (and every new batch after that for months). If you missed the first lens, this is a remake of the famous Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v4 “King of Bokeh”. Brilliant little lens! Check out the Mandler official site for more details.
I’ve been testing the 50mm lens since the first prototype. Video coming soon!
View GearList for recommended products & discount codes
Film photographers
- Film – I bought Kodak XX for 2026 but shooting colour/ old XP2 first
- Cameras – Really enjoying the Leica M4 and Leica MP 0.85 combo
- Film Developing – I use 1:3 Kodak Xtol + dash if Rodinal in 3 reel tanks
- Film Scanning – See this video for how I scan film using a Valoi Easy120
- Darkroom Printing – When I get time – Mostly 5×7 + some 8×10
- Photobooks – Sold out but receive updates for the next print run
- Prints – You can now order limited prints
Film (on-hold)
I’m a failed plate spinner. The “film plate” is on the floor but I hope to get back to it soon. Until I get time to develop I will continue to shoot film along side my digital cameras.
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) –
Classic vs Next Gen: Leica Just Got Affordable
LUMIX S9: The Affordable LEICA M EV1 Alternative?
My FINAL Decision – Leica M EV1
VALOI Easy35 V2: 5 Film Scanners Later… Best Yet?
Why I Bought This Old Flagship Camera Instead of a Leica
Latest blog posts
400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos
Is the Panasonic Lumix S9 an Affordable Leica Alternative?
Patreon post (shared)
Join over 1000 members to see more content. Here are some Patreon articles you may have missed (Join us today!)(Patreon testimonials) –
- “The Dream? Finding a Local Muse to Create With“- Free to view
- “Latest UK Photoshoot BTS” – Members
Latest Substack
If you want more content you can also follow me on Substack. I post when I can, both short form and occasional long form articles.
Coming up next month..
We have the new Mandler 50mm f1.4 arriving in less than 3 weeks. After what feels like many months of testing prototypes for them I’ll be happy to finally share the results.
Before that, I have another new Leica M lens to share with you plus a video that is a bit different from my usual. (A company reached out and asked if I would review their product and I said no, twice. On their third request I saw how it could be a really interesting topic for photographers so I agreed). Stay tuned for that!
More videos are planned but I’m trying to find new models first.
YouTube video – spotlight
The YouTube video coming this week is a new(ish) Leica M lens that will help you get a more cinematic look from any camera. I’ll let you guess which lens!
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