Tag: Newsletter

🔴 Monthly Recap – Oct25

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

Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)

First time here? Get your Perks!

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

September saw me post the least videos since I started YouTube in 2019. When I had a 9-5 job (plus commute = 7-7 job), I had very limited time for photography. Since going full time with YouTube and quitting my Finance career a few years back I thought I’d have endless time. Sadly not. 

For multiple years I was putting out two new YouTube videos each week. More recently, I tried to get fancier with the footage so videos took twice as long to make (same number of views and likes). That pretty much used up all my time each week which resulted in 3-6 months without developing any film.

By September, I was desperate to start developing my film again so I “used up” my available time processing some of my film pile. (I even managed a few hours in my converted bathroom to print a few images in the darkroom!) As a result video dropped to one per week. This might be the norm in the near term until I can catch up with everything.

Leica SL2-S presets

Finally I’ve made my Leica SL2-S preset pack for Lightroom available to download. Rather than 3 presets + 1 free this pack is bigger with 5 presets + 2 presets free. I use these presets to edit all my colour and black and white images from my Leica SL2-S camera. I’ve even been enjoying the presets applied to my Leica M10-P RAW files and Leica SL 601 RAW files. I hope you like them too and find a list of MrLeica presets here.

Photo books and prints 

I’ve found a UK print company that looks promising so I’m hoping to make a photobook or zine available before Christmas 2025. I’m just waiting to receive paper samples so I can decide what my work best for my B&W images and then I can start to put the book together. 

I’ve also started printing in the darkroom again after a break so look out for some examples in YouTube videos to follow. If you’re interested in my books or prints please add your preferences here –

Blog Insiders: New platform coming!

As mentioned last month my plan is to merge Patreon, Leica Club members and Blog Insiders all into one new do-everything platform. A mix of free access and tiered access and bringing all my services into one place. I hope to complete this over the next 12 months.

Help me, help you! (Poll)

If you’ve not already completed the poll please answer 5 quick questions –

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

Portfolio shoot 2 – Czech Republic

This was my third visit to the Czech Republic in recent months. I asked Patreon Tobi if he wanted to go back to the forest cabin for more model shoots so we did that. See the location in the TTArtisan 75mm f2 lens YouTube video. 

The plan was Tobi would drive from Germany and pick me up (plus bring the lighting gear). We’d do a 10K run each morning, I’d cook breakfast, then models arrive. Two full days of shoots then day three we head to Prague before I flew home. See the BTS videos on Patreon.

My goal was to test with digital and shoot the proper images on film (120 and 35mm). Plan is to then print some of the negatives in the darkroom. Here are a few samples –

Model photography eBooks

If model photography is something you’ve always wanted to try but you just don’t know where to start, check out my eBooks –

Leica workshops

My Leica and model photography workshops are usually in London but I teach in Europe too.

London workshops

Patreon Rich flew in from Chicago for a workshop with Hannah so we booked a studio in London. The first photo below was my most liked photo of the month on Flickr, shot with his beautiful Leica Noctilux 75mm f1.25 lens. Peter (now also a Patreon) joined me in London for a full day and we shot with Nicola in the afternoon.

Poland Workshop

Sundeep asked if he could join me in Gdansk, Poland in September so it was great to be teaching in Poland again. Gdansk is perfect for pure Leica workshops where we walk around the city master our Leica cameras (normally M cameras for this), and for model shoots. 

As Sundeep was more interested in how I organise my Polish model shoots I arranged two models, Veronika and Amelia as part of our full day workshop. See a few sample photos below and download my free eBook to see how I find models.

Leica MP film photos

Sundeep was shooting along side me so it was fascinating to see how his film images looked. I’ll do a full post for Patreon but here are a few samples. We both used Leica M film cameras (I used my Leica M7, Sundeep had his Leica MP). I developed and scanned my own film, Sundeep got his film lab processed. We did use different lenses and I share two of his sharpest negatives (with Kodak T-Max 400). Well done Sundeep!

Book a workshop

Now you can check my availability and book your workshop in advance –

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)

Remote tuition via Zoom

Zoom calls let me help photographers buying new cameras, lenses, and assist with mastering a Leica camera remotely. Students ask me to mentor them so I cover that too. Check my availability and feel free to get in touch. See Zoom testimonials.

Workshop survey

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

Future travel plans

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

OCTOBER 2025

• Poland, Gdańsk – Photoshoots (Gdańsk – YouTube) Request Poland workshops
• Budapest, Hungary – Photoshoots (Budapest – YT) Request Budapest workshops
• Netherlands – Private workshop + Photoshoots (Previous trip – YouTube)

NOVEMBER 2025

• Valencia, Spain – Join me for a private workshop (Valencia trip – YouTube)
• Alicante, Spain (near) – Join me for a private workshop (Alicante trip – YouTube)
• TBC – Want me to visit your city to run a 1:1 workshop? Get in touch!

DECEMBER 2025

• Poland, Gdańsk – Meet-up + Photoshoots (Gdańsk trip – YouTube)
• Lanzarote – Photoshoots (Lanzarote – YouTube)
• TBC – Want me to visit your city to run a 1:1 workshop? Get in touch!

Coming to London?

Check my availability if you’d like to meet up while you’re in London and book here.

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here ↗

Digital photographers

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

• Digital cameras – Leica CL, SL 601, SL2S, M262, M10P + Lumix S9
• 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

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

• Film – Finally I’ve started to catch up with my B&W film developing!
• Cameras – Leica M7 is my current camera of choice (See video)
• 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
• Printing – Darkroom prints in my bathroom (Interested? Add your details)
• Photobooks – Interested in my photobooks? Add your details

Accidental double-exposure!

1930s Leica Ic on a morning run in Gdansk

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) –

Laser rangefinder for your Leica!  CHI L.D. Meter

Leica Summilux 75mm f1.4 Review (Is it as good as the hype?)

Home scanning made easy! 35mm + 120 film – Valoi Easy120

Leica M film camera buyer’s guide (written version)

Latest blog posts

400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos. (I’ve got a few articles written that I just need to finish and post – soon-ish*).

• Anamorphic lenses for Leica cameras
• Leica News  Sep25

Flickr non-model photo of the month (Most liked)

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) –

• “Are you using “minimal quality” setting on your camera?” – Free to view
• “Leica M Users: Your lens brand isn’t the priority” – Members

Coming up next month..

For October I’ve received more workshop requests for London. I’ll be in Gdansk Poland, Budapest and The Netherlands for photoshoots and I need to make time to create more darkroom prints and work on my B&W photobook.

YouTube video – spotlight 

The first YouTube video in October will likely be the MrDing 35mm f1.8 vs updated Funleader Artizlab 35mm f1.4.Both great lenses. See which might suit you the best!

Receive this newsletter via email (free) + See previous newsletters

🔴 Monthly Recap – Sep25

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

Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)

First time here? Get your Perks!

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

How is it September already? For August I was in Brighton and Prague creating YouTube content. (Thankfully the weather was mostly dry and sunny which always helps!) Multiple Leica photographers emailed me to schedule a day together in London (a mix of Leica and models) and the rest of the month I was likely testing lenses or making videos.

Blog Insiders: New platform coming!

If you don’t yet follow the blog now might be a great time to get involved. My plan is to merge Patreon, Leica Clubmembers and Blog Insiders all into one new do-everything platform. This will be a mix of free access and tiered access and bring all my services into one place. It’s going to take some time to set up as I’ve got a 4-year content archive on Patreon but I’m excited to see the end result and I’ll keep you updated with progress. 

Help me, help you! (Poll)

Regular reader or perhaps your first time?

Please answer 5 quick questions so I can better understand your interests. Thanks!

Leica SL2-S presets

I did promise that my new Leica SL2-S preset pack for Lightroom would be out in August. Sorry, I’ve been struggling to shortlist 5 favourites from the many I’ve developed so it might end up being a 6-pack. Next I need to find time to put a blog post together to show before and after photos so you see the effect of each preset. These are what I use to edit the Leica SL2-S photos I share on the likes of Flickr. Find all MrLeica presets here and coming soon!

Booking workshops just got easier

Finally I’ve updated the site so you can now both (1) check my availability, and (2) book your workshop (and Zoom calls) as easy as when you buy a MrLeica preset pack. Just add items to cart, checkout and done. Sorry it took me so long to automate!

Photo books and prints (Poll)

As a model photographer using both film and digital, I want to offer photo books or zines plus special limited handmade darkroom prints. If that sounds of interest please share your preferences here and I can get organised!

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

Brighton Patreon Meet

Patreon friend Tobi flew to the UK and we met in Brighton for a few days of sea, sun and photos. We didn’t book any models so instead did the usual tourist style street photography. You might have seen me interview Tobi for the Leica M9 chopstick video!

In addition to testing lenses for YouTube you’ll see me trying out another product on my Leica camera in the next video. Brighton is a fantastic place for photos if you’ve never been. I really should visit more often, even if just for the run along the coastline in the mornings! 

(Thanks to those of you that stopped me to say hi! It’s always nice to connect with you guys and chat about Leica and photography).

Portfolio shoot – Czech Republic 

You may remember that last month I was in the Czech Republic testing the TTArtisan 75mm f2 lens for YouTube (This video). I scouted a model for that trip that I wanted to work with again so we agreed on a follow up and I flew to Prague to meet her. The plan was to make some portfolio-worthy images to include in a future phonebook or to print in the darkroom.

Jolana and I spent two full days creating photos so sorry in advance for lots of posts.  (It was so nice to have my own muse for 2 days. I didn’t want it to end!) After shooting 4 rolls of B&W film I’ve been trying to post digital images in colour to mix it up a little. (Don’t worry I still like B&W).

Model photography eBooks

If model photography is something you’ve always wanted to try but you just don’t know where to start check, out my eBooks. The Model Photography Handbook is the book I wish I had access to when I was starting out. It answers all your common questions (I collected 1000s of questions from you guys for over 12 months while writing the book) and provides an easy to follow step-by-step framework to follow.

Leica workshops

Most of my Leica and model photography workshops are in London but I teach in Europe too. For September I’m back in Poland to teach so I can’t wait!  Check my availability if you want to meet me in London, Budapest, Gdansk (or anywhere else you see me traveling too).

London workshops

Teaching in London this month, I met up with one of my regular students Sundeep who has become a great friend.  This YouTube video shows some of what we got up to and the lighting we used with our 2 models. 

I also had a new student Joern fly in from Germany so it was fun shooting alongside him. You might have seen us on YouTube – this video. This workshop included nude photography and the model was someone Joern found via European model networking websites.  (Download my free eBook to see how I find models).

For both workshops, students requested my former “Go Big” 9-hour workshops (now called “Extended”) and we still ran out of time both days. Almost everyone books my 9 hour workshops so I’ve added optional bolt-on Zoom call options for follow-ups after the day. Check my availability with the new calendar option!

Eastern European models

After frequent photoshoot trips in Eastern Europe during the last 15 years I’m perhaps known for these model photography images. If you’d like to see what all the excitement is about you can request to join me overseas for an exclusive 1:1 experience (workshop day). I arrange our models, a studio if required and can help you with finding accommodation. (I’ve done this for so long now I probably need to write the book! Hmm, maybe that should be my next eBook?)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/49258368006/Poland throwback, 2019

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)

Remote tuition via Zoom

Zoom calls are like my face to face workshops that I teach in London (and overseas). I help photographers when buying new cameras or lenses, or assist with mastering your Leica camera. Students ask me to mentor them so I cover that too. (Check my availability).

Perhaps you’ve just got into the Leica ecosystem or portraiture and you’re trying to fast track your progression? We can set up weekly or monthly calls to review your work and iron out any difficulties you are having. Feel free to get in touch and check out the Zoom testimonials.

Complete the survey

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

Future travel plans

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

SEPTEMBER 2025

• Poland, Gdańsk – Private workshop + Photoshoots (Gdańsk trip – YouTube)
• Netherlands – Private workshop + Photoshoots (Previous trip – YouTube)
• Czech Republic – Photoshoots (Previous trip – YouTube)

OCTOBER 2025

• Budapest, Hungary – Join me for a private workshop (Budapest trip – YouTube)
• TBC – Want me to visit your city to run a 1:1 workshop? Get in touch!

NOVEMBER 2025

• Valencia, Spain – Join me for a private workshop (Valencia trip – YouTube)
• Alicante, Spain (near) – Join me for a private workshop (Alicante trip – YouTube)

Coming to London?

Check my availability if you’d like to meet up while you’re in London and book here.

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here ↗

Digital photographers

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

• Digital cameras – Leica CL (travel), SL, SL2S (portraits+video), M262, M10P, Lumix S9
• 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

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

• Film – Fallen well behind with my b&W film developing but I’m close to starting again!
• Cameras – Leica M7 is still my current camera of choice (See video)
• Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline
• Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and prints

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) –

Best 28mm for Leica? Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 28mm f2 VM

Best 28mm EDC lens? Brightin Star 28mm f2.8

How I film myself as a solo YouTuber (Detailed gear breakdown*)

Discovering that light is more important than a nice lens for portraits

Convert your dead Leica M9 to a M9M Monochrom.. using a chopstick!?

35mm Mega-test: Is the Voigtlander 35mm APO-Lanthar king for M-mount?

Refreshing! Modern lens that isn’t clinically sharp – 7Artisans 75mm f1.4

Latest blog posts

400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos. (I’ve got a few articles written that I just need to finish and post – soon*).

• Leica News  Aug25

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54697789487Flickr non-model photo of the month (Most liked)

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) –

• “Converting Leica M9 with a chopstick (part 2)(more detail)” – Free to view
• “When packing for an important photoshoot” – Members

Coming up next month..

September is looking busy with 3 overseas trips, workshops and new products being shipped to me for review. As autumn approaches I’m less inclined to run and cycle outside in the rain so hopefully that will inspire me to get back in the darkroom! I’d love to make some limited-run handmade black and white prints for those of you that enjoy my work. (Did you complete my books and prints poll?)

YouTube video – spotlight 

The first video in September showcases a product that combines vintage cameras with modern technology. I’m just waiting to get a roll of colour film developed by a lab and I can put the video together. That one is a surprise but coming up I’ll make a part 2 35mm lens test review with more 35mm lenses for Leica M mount plus hopefully a high power portable lighting solution for portraits. Follow on YouTube so not to miss new videos!

Start receiving this newsletter via email (free) + Previous Newsletters

🔴 Monthly Recap – Aug25

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

Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)

First time here? Get your Blog Insider perks!

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

July kicked off with a European road trip with Patreons, Tobi and Thomas. Our first destination was Leica Wetzlar (see video), then multi-day photoshoots in the Czech Republic and finishing in Prague before flying home. During the month I was then trying to get the YouTube videos posted from the lenses I tested on the trip. The last week of July I had an annual family getaway, this year to Wales so I packed a pile of lenses to test.

Leica SL2 + SL2-S presets

If you missed it, I developed a Leica SL2 preset pack when I owned that camera. When I then changed to the Leica SL2-S it was time to develop new presets. I’m currently shortlisting my favourites from presets I’ve developed for the SL2-S and I’ll make the best ones available in August as a full SL2-S preset pack. Check all MrLeica presets available here.

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

Leica Wetzlar Photoshoot

If you are a regular reader you might remember my trip to Wetzlar last year. We accidentally bumped into Kim and did a few photos. This time I wrote to Kim and asked if she’d like to arrange a car shoot again during our brief visit. You might have seen these already but here are a few samples. See the road trip YouTube video for lots more photos.

Czech Republic photoshoots

If you photograph models like me, you may often get nice photos but sometimes everything just clicks and you capture some real favourites. I kept my camera setup really simple by using just one autofocus lens for all images. If you read the last blog post you’ll know that lens was the TTArtisan 75mm f2.  See the video or check out the full blog post that covers autofocus portrait lenses for L mount cameras. Here are a few of my favourites from the mentioned video/ blog. 

Model photography eBooks

If model photography is always something you’ve wanted to try but you just don’t know where to start check out my eBooks. The Model Photography Handbook is the book I wish I had when I was starting out. It answers all your common questions (I collected 1000s of questions from you guys for over 12 months while writing the book) and provides an easy to follow step-by-step framework to follow.

Leica workshops

Most of my Leica workshops are in London but I have been doing more teaching in Europe this year too.  Get in touchif you want to meet me in London, Budapest or Gdansk. (I’m teaching in Poland in September and probably October too as photographers reached out to me). 

I seem to be known as that guy that flies to Eastern Europe to photograph the local beauties after doing so regularly for over a decade. If you’d like to learn how you can do the same, join me! (For workshops I arrange our models, the studios if required and can help you with finding your accommodation).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/10059533264Ukraine, 2013 (I’ll go back once things settle down)

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)

Remote tuition via Zoom

My Zoom calls are like the face to face workshops that I teach in London. Some weeks are really busy then others are quieter. Recently I’ve had quite a few overseas photographers reach out requesting a Zoom call. Often I’m guiding photographers when they are buying a new camera or lens, or helping them learn how to master their latest camera. 

If you need help feel free to get in touch and check out some of the Zoom testimonials.

Complete the survey

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

Future travel plans

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

AUGUST 2025

• Brighton – Photoshoots/ Making content (See this video)
• Prague – 1:1 Photoshoots (Example video)

SEPTEMBER 2025

• Poland, Gdańsk – 1:1 Leica Workshop (Trip to Gdańsk video)
• Netherlands – Leica Workshop (Netherlands workshop video)
• Czech Republic – Photoshoots (Example video)

OCTOBER 2025

• Poland, Gdańsk – 1:1 Leica Workshop (TBC)
• Budapest – TBC (See last trip on YouTube)

Private 1:1 Tuition

Visiting London? Message me to request a private 1:1 workshop (see prices and testimonials)

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here ↗

Digital photographers

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

• Digital cameras – Leica CL (travel), SL, SL2S (portraits+video), M262, M10P
• 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

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

• Film – Fallen behind again for 2025 and still need to develop 120 film from 2024
• Cameras – Leica M7 (See video + Follow to see the blog to come)
• Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline
• Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and prints

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) –

My first music video attempt (and comparing to model photography)

Is this the perfect analogue-digital camera? Epson R-D1

YouTubers are lying. Am I part of the problem?

Easy portraits for Leica fans – Autofocus 75mm f2 lens

2025 Roadtrip to Wetzlar + Testing the new Blazar Mantis 35mm lens

Simple Lightroom trick that removes unwanted lens flare

Latest blog posts

400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos. Sorry not many articles written in June but more coming soon.

• Best portrait lens for Leica SL (with autofocus)?
• Leica News  Jul25

Patreon post (shared)

Join over 1000 members to see more of my content. Here are some Patreon article you might have missed (Join us today!)(Patreon testimonials) –

• “A change of scenery can re-inspire your photography” Sign up to view (free)
• “Don’t show everything!” Sign up to view (members)
• “Czech girls – 6 photoshoots BTS” Sign up to view (members)

Coming up next month..

Coming up in August, I’ve arranged a 2-day shoot in Prague with a model I met on my last visit to the Czech Republic. The plan is to shoot more film and hopefully capture some portfolio-worthy images (to go in a photo book at some stage).  Patreon Tobi (see Tobi’s Substack) is also visiting me from Germany so we’re heading to Brighton to shoot some content for YouTube.

As I was away with family for the last week of July, I used the UK getaway as an excuse to test lots of lenses. Like all my trips, now I’m back I need to lock myself away to go through the footage and photos so I can make the YouTube videos.

YouTube video – spotlight 

Talking of videos, coming up in August are YouTube videos for the new Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 28mm f2 VM and Brightin Star 28mm f2.8 (plus a few other videos I’ve been working on).

Subscribe to receive the newsletter via email (free) + Previous Newsletters

🔴 Monthly Recap – Jul25

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

Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)

First time here? Get your Blog Insider perks!

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

All change for my camera line-up. I sold the recently bought mint Leica SL2 and got a nearly new Leica SL2-S instead. It was time to say goodbye to my Leica Q and I step outside the Leica bubble to buy my new B camera, a Lumix S9. We’ll get onto that plus I fly to Budapest to teach another 1:1 Leica workshop and head north to complete my 2-day charity bike ride.

Leica SL2 > SL2-S

After being very excited and settling on the Leica SL2 (see the Leica SL2 vs SL2-S blog post) I soon regretted having excessive megapixels when I crop in camera and shoot models. A combination of the SL2 being more than I needed plus knowing I could swap to a newer camera AND get a good chunk of money back to put towards something else sat heavy on my shoulders. I listed my SL2 on eBay and it soon sold and I was lucky to find a clean copy SL2-S from a Patreon friend/ workshop student.

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

My new B cam – Lumix S9

I’m not new to Lumix. My first camera was a point and shoot Lumix TZ20? My first interchangeable lens camera was a Lumix G1 (one of the very first micro four thirds cameras). Years later I discovered Leica after a period with Nikon and then I went back to Lumix when I got the Lumix S5 (see that Leica vs Lumix article). 

It was that time again where Lumix cameras offered me featured that I could get from Leica (mostly for video). I’ll do a full blog post write up but in brief I got a Lumix S9 instead of the Lumix S5IIX because of the small size and small price tag. (See on YouTube). These cameras are an absolute bargain on MPB and compact for my travel.

Bye-bye Leica Q

After buying a Leica Q camera for wedding photography jobs some years ago I finally sold it. My Q has been gathering dust for 2-3 years since I quit weddings and now I focus on teaching photography workshops. The Q is a great fixed lens point and shoot camera but I love experimenting with interesting lenses so it’s not a great fit for me. Featured in this YouTube video.

Charity bike ride

After a year of planning and months of training (on and off) it was time to drive north to complete the coast to coast 2-day bike ride with friends to raise money for charity. 8 riders, 1 driver and a support vehicle. 150 miles on day 1 and 120 miles on day 2 across England. Mentioned in this YouTube video and see full highlights video on Patreon (free).

Macfilos article

After being featured on the Macfilos website the article was shared again in their Top 5 article (and with my photo as the cover image).

Leica workshops

Most of my Leica workshops are in London but after the success of my recent workshop in Budapest I flew out to Hungary again to teach a US model photographer/ Leica user. While I was there I also taught a photographer from the Netherlands.  Get in touch if you want to meet me in London, Budapest or Gdansk. I arrange our models, the studios if required and can help you with finding your accommodation.

Model photography

Here are a few sample photos from the latest model photography workshops in Budapest –

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.

Future travel plans

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

JULY 2025

• Czech-Germany Roadtrip II – Read Tobi’s write-up from our first roadtrip
• Wales family gathering – Get a glimpse of Wales in this video

AUGUST 2025

• Poland teaching – TBC
• TBC

SEPTEMBER 2025

• Poland Gdańsk – 1:1 Leica Workshop
• Netherlands – Leica Workshop

Private 1:1 Tuition

Visiting London? Message me to request a private 1:1 workshop (see prices and testimonials)

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here ↗

Digital photographers

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

• Digital cameras – Leica CL (travel), SL, SL2S (portraits+video), M262, M10P
• Lenses – See all lens reviews. I’m testing a few I can’t mention yet so stay tuned
• Editing with presets – All my images are RAW + LR preset

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

• Film – Fallen behind again for 2025 and still need to develop 120 film from 2024
• Cameras – Leica M7 (See video + Follow to see the blog to come)
• Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline
• Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and prints

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) –

Affordable L mount primes for portraits (Lumix vs 7Artisans vs Leica)

New Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.5 Z21 (in Budapest)

My new B-cam (Pocket size full frame L mount camera) Lumix S9

Bye-bye Leica SL2 + Getting the SL2-S

Discussing the best Leica for video (with Lukas)

My new favourite light mod for portraits – Gobo Projector Snoot

New! Thypoch Simera 21mm f1.4 vs Voigtlander Nokton 21mm f1.4

My first Anamorphic lens for Leica (Sirui Saturn 50mm T2.9 L mount)

Latest blog posts

400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos. Sorry not many articles written in June but more coming soon.

• Leica News 🔴 Jun25

Flickr photo of the month/ year so far (Most liked)

Patreon post (shared)

Join over 1000 members to see more of my content. Here are some Patreon article you might have missed (Join us today!)(Patreon testimonials) –

• “Indie photography” Sign up to view (free)
• “Charity bike ride video highlights” Sign up to view (free)
• “How to get your images “Explored” on Flickr” Sign up to view (members)

Coming up next month..

Lots of new gear reviews to come as I’m testing various kit behind the scenes. A few people sent me questions about what video rig I’m now using as lots has changed recently. I’ll do a full breakdown video for that in July (in addition to the usual lens reviews etc). 

Looking forward to the 2025 European road trip with Patreon friends in July so you’ll likely see some of that in YouTube videos soon. (If you’re interested to hear what it’s like travelling with me check out Tobi’s Substack as we often travel together).

YouTube video – spotlight 

The first video to come in July is probably not one you’ll rush out to watch but I talk about stepping out my comfort zone. I kept the video to around 3mins so one of my shortest ever and share my first attempts at shooting a music video(and compare it to my usual model photography). 

Subscribe to receive the newsletter via email (free) + Previous Newsletters

🔴 Monthly Recap – Jun25

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

Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)

First time here? Get your Blog Insider perks!

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

May has come and gone in a blink. It’s great to finally get some sunny weather for location shoots and longer days are always more productive. I’d booked a trip to Poland but after a busy 3 days in London for our annual Patreon meet-up I cancelled the trip as I had too much to do. No travel in May but lots of workshops (and I bought myself a Leica SL2!)

Finally upgrading my Leica SL > SL2

If you’ve followed my journey you might remember my Leica vs Lumix article. I started out with a Lumix S5 (as a cost saving option) but then realised it just wasn’t a Leica so bought the Leica SL. That was 4 years ago. For 2025 I thought it would be great to get one camera that I enjoyed using that can do both photos and video. At the current silly low prices (for Leica*) these cameras are just too good to say no to. My Leica SL2 vs SL2-S post covers my reasons for getting the SL2 rather than the SL2-S but both are great cameras.

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

Leica workshops

Now the weather is improving in the UK it’s getting busier again. I ran multiple 1:1 Leica workshops in London, both general photography and model photography days. Next month I’m back in Budapest to teach again following the success of my last visit.  Get in touch if you want to meet me in London, Budapest or Gdansk. 

Model photography

Here are a few sample photos from model photography workshops in London –

General photography

When photographers fly in from the US (and other countries) to meet me they often want to explore London. Despite most of my personal work being model photography I do teach general photography and street photography too. These photos are from workshops in May –

Photography theory over coffee

One student flew in from Italy and wanted to quiz me over a coffee. The topics we covered were some of the camera basics when working with lighting and then looking at a specific situation and how to light the space. I guess it was more like being hired as a lighting expert/ consultant ahead of their paid gig. I LOVE lighting so if you are struggling get in touch!

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.

Patreon meet in London

This was our third year attending PhotoLondon so it’s become an excuse for our annual Patreon get together. Some of the guys can be seen in the photos below and others joined us later and managed to escape the camera. I invited model friend Sofia to join us and to my amazement she said yes! Thanks Sofi for modelling for us and putting up with all the camera chat.  (Read some of the Patreon testimonials and you can find Sofi on my Instagram feed).

Want to try model photography?

One of my Zoom call remote students Eric, in Dubai managed to arrange multiple photoshoots (free) within his first week of owning his Leica camera. How? I share his success story on Patreon or you can learn lots of tips from my eBooks. 

Future travel plans

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

JUNE 2025

• Budapest, Hungary (Teaching a 1:1 workshop) (See Budapest in this video)
• Coast to coast 2-day bike ride with friends to raise money for charity (Last charity ride)

JULY 2025

• Czech-Germany Roadtrip II – Read Tobi’s write-up from our first roadtrip
• Wales family gathering – Get a glimpse of Wales in this video

AUGUST 2025

• TBC
• TBC

Private 1:1 Tuition

Visiting London? Message me to request a private 1:1 workshop (see prices and testimonials)

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here ↗

Digital photographers

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

• Digital cameras – Leica CL (travel), SL+SL2 (portraits), Q (for sale), M262, M10P
• Lenses – See all lens reviews. I’m testing a few I can’t mention yet so stay tuned!
• Editing with presets – All my images are RAW + LR preset

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

• Film – Fallen behind again for 2025 and still need to develop 120 film from 2024
• Cameras – Just bought a Leica M7. (See video + Follow to see the M7 blog to come)
• Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline
• Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and prints

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) –

Tiny pocket flash for Leica

Buying the Leica SL2 camera

Easy tips to improve your portrait lighting

Canon R5 vs Leica SL2 (Can I get the Leica Look?)

Leica for video (Featuring fellow YouTuber Lukas)

Leica vs Lumix! 

Latest blog posts

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

• Leica News 🔴 May25
• Canon R5 vs Leica SL2
• Why I bought a Leica SL2 vs SL2s

Patreon post (shared)

We passed 1000 members in May so join us if you want to see more content from me. Here are some Patreon article you might have missed. Join us today! (Patreon testimonials)

• “Need free models? My student has the answer“ Sign up to view (free)
• “Hannah photoshoot BTS – All images + Timelapse” Sign up to view (members)

Coming up next month..

I’ll be in Budapest again teaching so I’ll take some new lenses to review. I’ve received various products to test so I’ll try to get those videos made too. I also have my charity bike ride event so fingers crossed I survive that!

YouTube video – spotlight 

One lens that people are already asking me about is the new Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.5 “Z21”. That video is coming in the next few weeks (after I test it in Budapest). If you follow me on Instagram @MrLeicaCom I’ll mention it in a story once the video is uploaded. The first video coming in June is me testing two of the most affordable L mount portrait lenses vs Leica.

Subscribe to receive the newsletter via email (free) + Previous Newsletters

🔴 Monthly Recap – May25

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

Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)

First time here? Get your Blog Insider perks!

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

In April I fly to Toulouse and Budapest for photoshoots. I spent another week trying to fix up the blog so it’s easier to navigate and Macfilos publish a full article about me.

Blog updates – Easier than ever

With the aim of making this blog easier to navigate I spent another week working on it behind the scenes.  In addition to the 500+ YouTube videos there are 400+ written reviews with full res images. (Follow to not miss new reviews). Changes include –

• Leica camera reviews simplified to 1 per camera
• Lens reviews now A-Z by focal length
• Non-Leica film camera reviews list simplified
• New MAMIYA, NIKON, HASSELBLAD pages
• Film stocks A-Z (In process of adding new images)
• Deleting over 80 “low-value” old blog posts
• Deleting 4 years of old monthly newsletters 
• Adding fast links at the start of popular articles 
• Homepage search bar refining for correct results
• Updating my kit / discounts tab + lighting gear
• Grouping all past publications to a single page 

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

Macfilos MrLeica article

You may have come across the Macfilos photography website. Andrew reached out to me earlier in 2025 asking if he could write a piece about my photography journey with Leica. I answered his list of questions over multiple weeks and he put it all together. Thanks Andrew for making me sound very fancy! (For those that have met me you know I’m just an average guy with a passion for Leica, film, model photography and travel).

Leica workshops

This month I was asked to teach 1:1 Leica workshops (and model photography) in London and Budapest. If you want to meet me for a day in Gdansk, Poland (May 2025) or Budapest, Hungary (June 2025) get in touch.  Limited 1 workshop per city, first come basis.

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.

Patreon meet in Toulouse

After setting up my Patreon account in 2021 we have grown to  almost 1000 members. Many are silent supporters and free members but we do have a very active core group that meet twice a month on our group Zoom calls. Of those, six of us met up in Toulouse France for a creative weekend. (Read some of the Patreon testimonials).

Arno kindly hosted us and it was me, Tobi (Germany), Thomas (The Netherlands), Rex (US), and Grom (France). Arno arranged 10 models/ actors for us on both days and we tried to give them all photos. We even recruited an extra photographer, Peter, that we met in the street by accident. An extremely enjoyable few days and we do it again in May in London for our annual meet. If you’re going to PhotoLondon we’ll be there. Stop and say hi if you see us!

Teaching in Budapest (Photoshoots)

For April, I flew to one of my favourite cities, Budapest. Daniel reached out and said if I was coming to Central Europe let him know as he’d like to book me for a day. This was my first workshop in Budapest despite being a regular visitor for model photoshoots. 

I helped Daniel find an apartment and I booked Edina as our model (a friend for over 6 years who happened to be in town between overseas modelling gigs). I might write an eBook about travel to share tips on finding apartments, favourite cities to visit, costs involved, camera gear and tying that back to my existing model photography eBook.

If you like the idea of joining me in Budapest get in touch and I can try to fit you in on my next visit.  Daniel got the fast train from Vienna to Budapest to meet me and said it was really easy.  Currently I’m offering Budapest workshops for the same price as my London full day workshops but dates will be limited and I can’t accept last minute requests.

Future travel plans

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

MAY 2025

• PhotoLondon – Patreon meet
• Gdańsk, Poland 

JUNE 2025

• Budapest, Hungary
• Coast to coast (2-day charity bike ride)

JULY 2025

• Czech-Germany Roadtrip II 
• Wales – Family

Private 1:1 Tuition

Visiting London? Message me to request a private 1:1 workshop (see prices and testimonials)

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here ↗

Digital photographers

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

• Digital cameras – Leica CL (travel), SL (portraits), Q (for sale – boxed), M262, M10P
• Lenses – See all lens reviews. I’m testing a few I can’t mention yet so stay tuned!
• Editing with presets – All my images are RAW + LR preset

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

• Film – Fallen behind again for 2025 and still need to develop 120 film from 2024
• Cameras – Just bought a Leica M7! (See video + Follow to receive the M7 blog)
• Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline
• Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and prints

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) –

Hasselblad H cameras vs Mamiya 645!

Now you can shoot HSS flash with your Leica!

Perfect 35mm EDC lens for Leica M!

Disappointed results from the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2.8 ZM

Easy way to capture more cinematic looking images (Mist filter mega test)

Latest blog posts

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

• Leica SL2 on sale! Time to buy?
• Leica SL3 vs SL3s review
• Leica News – April 2025
• Best 35mm lens for Leica M?
• Leica CL 7-year review

Patreon post (shared)

Here are some Patreon article you missed. Join us today! (Patreon testimonials)

• “Leica vs Zeiss vs Voigtlander vs Chinese (35mm lenses)“ Sign up to view (free)
• “Lanzarote Photoshoots BTS – Mar25” Sign up to view (members)

Coming up next month..

In May we have our Patreon meet-up in London and I’ll also escape to Poland for a few days for photoshoots. I’ve got a few more London workshops booked and new models I’m excited to work with. Spoiler, I just bought a new camera so I’m currently testing that with a YouTube video + blog to follow!

YouTube video – spotlight 

I’ve got a new M lens review waiting to be shared that was due early April but has been pushed back so I’m not sure when I’ll get to share the video. I’m excited to update you on the new camera but first will be the Mini flash for Leica video. (Look out for a change in my YouTube presentation after the next video. I’ll do a video for Patreon showing the new setup).

Subscribe to receive the newsletter via email (free) + Previous Newsletters

🔴 Monthly Recap – Apr25

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

Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)

First time here? Get your Blog Insider perks!

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

In March I finally cut back after a crazy 4 years of posting 2 new YouTube videos each week. I fly back to Porto, Portugal and Lanzarote for photo trips and the UK starts to see the first signs of spring!

Fewer YouTube Videos

After surpassing 40K subscribers on YouTube and the drop in YouTube ad revenue I felt it made sense to ease off the gas and focus my limited time on other areas of photography such as more blog posts and teaching workshops. 

Going forward the plan is at least 1 new YouTube video per week plus extras if I get time.  (I explain all this in more detail in this video if you missed it).

MrLeica.com – The goal (recap)

The goal for this blog is to review every popular Leica mount lens (all brands, all Leica mounts but especially Leica M mount) plus every Leica camera (film and digital). I want to build a resource you can use when looking to buy camera gear. (Follow to not miss new reviews).

There is already 500+ videos plus 450+ written articles grouped by –

• Leica camera reviews
• Lens reviews
• Non-Leica film cameras A-Z
• Film stocks A-Z

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

Patreon reaches almost 1K members

I setup the MrLeica Patreon platform around 4 years ago for fans wanting to get access to exclusive content and as a way for you to support the blog and YouTube channel. I upload new content each week so we now have a HUGE back catalog of videos and posts. 

We have Patreons from all corners of the globe and the highlight each month is our 2x 1-hour group Zoom calls. The level of knowledge across members is quite mind boggling so it’s great that I get to learn too. Read some of the Patreon testimonials if that sounds like fun.

*Since Patreon added the option to follow Patreon for free the signups have rocketed and we’re getting close to 1000 members. There is a Patreon meet-up in France next month and another in London in May so good times ahead!

Leica workshops

Now the UK weather is starting to improve the requests for my London 1:1 workshops are starting to come in (+ enquiries to fly to teach in Central Europe (Budapest, Poland etc). Get in touch if you want to schedule a workshop day together!

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.

Porto II photo trip

If you remember my Porto video on YouTube from last month you’ll know that I had a bit of a disaster with my film cameras. I was determined try again so I made a second visit. See the second Porto trip video on YouTube and here are a few sample photos.

Lanzarote photoshoots

After my successful trip to Lanzarote in January with Sofi (See the Patreon BTS videos) I was keen to go again. I found return trips flights for under £35 and this time I invited Patreon friend Tobi to join us. (See this YouTube video). 

You’ll likely see more of this trip in future YouTube videos and here is a photo from one of the other photoshoots (catching up with Ying).  (It’s crazy but I’ve hardly had time to look at the photos since getting back but I’ll try to post more soon).

Future travel plans

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

APRIL 2025

• Toulouse, France – Patreon meet 
• Budapest – Teaching

MAY 2025

• Photo London – Patreon meet
• Poland/Budapest TBC

JUNE 2025

• Coast to coast to coast (UK cycling event)
• TBC

JULY 2025

• Czech-Germany Roadtrip II – TBC
• TBC

Private 1:1 Tuition

Visiting London? Message me to request a private 1:1 workshop (see prices and testimonials)

Leica+Model Workshops

Click Here ↗

Digital photographers

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

• Digital cameras – Leica CL (travel), SL (portraits), Q (for sale – boxed), M262, M10P
• Lenses – See all lens reviews. Lenses I’m currently testing are the Thypoch Simera 75mm f1.5 (see video), Voigtlander 35mm f3.5 and soon the Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.5
• Editing with presets – All my images are RAW + LR preset

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

• Film – I’m keeping up with my 35mm film developing. Next is 120 film from 2024
• Cameras – Just bought a Leica M7! (See video + Follow to receive the M7 blog)
• Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline
• Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and prints

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) –

Learn how I light my portraits – Super easy setup!

Leica users – Why some lenses give you more better photos

YouTuber life is no longer realistic in 2025

Get a new lightmeter for your Leica M6 Classic (Thanks ACR!)

New portrait lens for Leica M – Thypoch Simera 75mm f1.5

I bought a Leica M7! Why?

Latest blog posts

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

• Best Digital Leica M Camera Comparison
• Best Leica M Lens for Travel (Top 10)
• MrLeica Mentions – Mar25
• Dream Camera Conversion! Leica M10P
• Leica Workshops London (2025)

Patreon post (shared)

For a taster of Patreon, here are some article you missed. Join us today!

• “Gamechanger for Leica owners that use flash“ Sign up to view (free)
• “What’s in my bag – Mar25 II” Sign up to view (members)

Coming up next month..

In early April I meet a Patreon flying in from the US for a photoshoot day in London and then we fly to Toulouse, France to meet more Patreons and a weekend of model shoots. I am also due to be back in Budapest for teaching so it will be nice to be back.  (I’ve shot a few rolls of film with my new Leica M7 so I’m keen to get the film developed and check the results).

YouTube video – spotlight 

The first YouTube video in April is a good one. I need to make more time to cover some of the other amazing film cameras in addition to Leica. Check out the Hasselblad vs Mamiya article + YouTube video to enjoy bigger negatives than is possible with Leica cameras.

Subscribe to receive the newsletter via email (free) + Previous Newsletters

🔴 Monthly Recap – Mar25

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

Flickr portrait 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?

February saw me using my cameras in Porto, Gdansk and Budapest. I finally printed some photos in the darkroom after what feels like a six month gap and I reviewed the latest lenses for Leica M mount. All videos and blogs from the month coming up below.

12 years of MrLeica.com!

It’s officially 12 years since I started the MrLeica.com blog back in March 2013. Little did I know that my humble reviews on WordPress would lead to me quitting my finance career and going full time with photography. 

Celebrate and SAVE!

To celebrate, I’m offering 20% off eBooks and 10% off preset packs during the month of March. Use codes “MARCH20” and “MARCH10” at checkout. 

MrLeica.com – What’s the goal?

The goal for this blog is to review every Leica mount lens (all brands, all Leica mounts but especially Leica M mount) and every Leica camera (film and digital). I want to build a resource you can use when looking to buy camera gear. (Follow to not miss future reviews)

Check out 500+ videos plus 450+ written articles listed under –

• Leica camera reviews
• Lens reviews
• Non-Leica film cameras A-Z
• Film stocks A-Z

Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club

• See full info here or enter your details below:

Leica workshops

I was back to teaching my London 1:1 workshops in February after the usual gap over the festive period. Below is a sample.

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@N03/54336617510Flickr colour portrait of the month (most liked)

Porto photo trip

If you saw my Porto video on YouTube you’ll know the trip didn’t quite go to plan. Despite my film fails I enjoyed my first visit to Porto and I’ve booked it again. Second time lucky!

Gdansk photoshoots

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Poland so I arranged to meet Patreon friend Thomas in Gdansk. We booked an apartment in the centre which makes it a fun social trip and also cheaper. Plan was a few days of shooting film plus a couple of models. See my YouTube video on favourite B&W film for 2025 for the photos.

Budapest photo trip

Another European city I’m a big fan of is Budapest. The weather is often blue skies so the goal was to escape the grey wet UK condition for a few days of light. Sadly my best plans failed and it rained for half of my visit. I felt slightly foolish when I stepped off the plane to see sunshine in the UK when I got home! 

The goal for the trip was to push film and see the results before using a similar setup in Porto next time. I’ll try to make a video on this but below is the first film scan from Hungary. (200mm f4 lens on a 1934 Leica iii camera!)

Future travel plans

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

MARCH 2025

• Porto, Portugal
• Lanzarote
• TBC

APRIL 2025

• Toulouse, France – Patreon meet 
• Teaching in Lisbon – TBC
• TBC

MAY 2025

• Photo London (Patreon meet)
• 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 ↗

Digital photographers

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

Digital cameras – Leica CL (for travel), SL (for portraits), Q (for sale – boxed), M262, M10P

Lenses – See all lens reviews. Future new lenses to test are the Thypoch Simera 75mm f1.5, Voigtlander 35mm f3.5 and Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.5.

Editing with presets – All my images are RAW + LR preset.

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

Film photographers

Film – I caught up with my 35mm film developing. Next is 120 film from 2024.

Cameras – Two undisclosed film cameras are being tested for review. Stay tuned!

Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline.

Film Processing – I made my first darkroom print for months last week so there is a glimmer of hope! See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and printing.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54323803612Explored 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) –

Film fail in Porto (But I still take you along for the journey)

Why are 135mm Leica lenses SO CHEAP? 

How good is the new Voigtlander 90mm APO-Ultron?

Shoot film in Gdansk – Comparing Kentmere 400 vs Kodak XX

Leica Summicron Rigid 50mm Improved Clone (from Light Lens Lab)

Remake of the Leica Elmarit 28mm f2.8 9-Element from Light Lens Lab

Taking my Leica M-A to Wetzlar (+ 10 ways to customise your camera)

Latest blog posts

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

• Customise Your Camera (10 ideas for Leica)
• MrLeica Mentions – Feb25
• Best 135mm Leica lens? Why so cheap?

Patreon post (shared)

For a taster of Patreon, here are some article you missed. Join us today!

• “What season are you in? (with your photography)“ Sign up to view (free)
• “Easy Hack! How to grow your Instagram fast” Sign up to view (members)

Coming up next month..

After hitting 40K subs on YouTube companies are now starting to reach out offering to sponsor the channel. If all goes well I’ll share my first “paid promotion” video in March. I’m testing two not yet disclosed film cameras so I’m excited to see how they perform plus I have new lenses arriving soon to review. 

My goal with YouTube for 2025 is to continue the two new videos a week but make one a no-frills info video and the other the usual B roll clips + info. This might free up one day a week so I can try to focus on darkroom printing.

YouTube video – spotlight 

The first video in March is undecided as I have a few that I could make. I’ll leave it as a surprise but I do have a video coming sharing my workflow and how I edit my photos in Lightroom.

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🔴 Monthly Recap – Jan25

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

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

• See full info here or enter your details below:

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):

• Leica M262 presets (Also for Leica M240 and Leica M262 cameras)
• Hasselblad CCD presets (For H3D-39 + CCD sensor Hasselblad cameras)

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).

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.

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).

Dates for Travel

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

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 ↗

Digital photographers

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

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

Lenses – 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 – All my images are RAW + LR preset.

Download Leica presets

Click Here ↗

View GearList for recommended products & discount codes

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

Film photographers

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

Cameras – 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

• Best 35mm Leica Summicron Lens? v1,v2,v3,v4,v5,v6,v7
• Buying a Leica M-A (Leica Purist Camera)
• MrLeica Mentions – Dec24
• Top 10 Purchases 2024

Patreon post (shared)

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

• “Inspired by a different genre” Sign up to view (free)

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!

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New in Leicaland 🔴 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!)

Click HERE if image is not displaying correctly

Other news

• Join Patreon for FREE – Did you know that you can follow along on Patreon for free? 
• Leica M6 & Leica M-A Updates – Both cameras are back. Videos are coming.
• eBooks – What are your goals for 2025? Perhaps make money with your photography or improve your portraits skills / try model photography. I wrote books to help you.
• Leica M262/M240 + Hasselblad H (CCD) MrLeica presets – Now available (finally)
• London Workshops 2025 – Get in touch if you’d like to book a day (before the rush)
• US Workshops 2025 – No exact dates yet, looking at New York in late spring first

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