Leica CL Review and Sample Photos / November 29, 2017 by Benjamin Traves

The brand new Leica CL has arrived!

I have been testing it and I will be posting my thoughts and more importantly, lots of sample photos very soon. Check back for more!

Leica CL - my first quick conversion to B&W from a raw file (DNG)

Quick unscientific test of dynamic range. Full sunlight to heavy shadow, and the CL did pretty well.

Below is a slideshow gallery of some of the test photos I took in a wide variety of light conditions. All were DNG processed in Lightroom and adjusted slightly to suit my preferences. Some of them have a film look which I added. The files look great to me so far and I'm looking forward to shooting more soon.

Leica X-U is here! Now you really can always have a Leica with you! / January 21, 2016 by Benjamin Traves

The Leica X-U (photo by Leica Camera AG)

The best camera is the one that's with you, unless you've ever owned an underwater compact camera. The Leica X-U is about to change all that. Nothing on the market has ever inspired much confidence in terms of image quality, even if the waterproofing and shock resistance were neat (often essential) features. Not since the Nikonos (film) series has anything compact been worthwhile for serious underwater photos. Not counting the pro standard of using a DSLR in an underwater housing, this is the best possible underwater / outdoor adventure camera.

Even if you do count housed DSLRs as an option (typically double the cost of your camera by itself), consider that this new Leica X-U has an APS-C sensor, the same as in most DSLRs on the market today. So, what are you giving up, really? Interchangeable lenses (I would have probably put a 35mm lens on mine anyway). An optical viewfinder (difficult to use underwater) and you'll still have Live View so that's roughly the same. AND, this has macro mode plus a built-in macro flash, so no dorky, bulky flash arms protruding from either side of your heavy, borderline unmanageable underwater housing rig. In short, this camera packs a lot in a small form factor.

A visit to either the Florida Keys or maybe even the Bahamas seems necessary now...

Leica Q - Review of the Leica Q (typ 116) - Image Samples and Hands-On First Impressions / June 13, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

The new Leica Q (product image via Leica Camera)

The new Leica Q is here, and I am planning on taking it out for a thorough evaluation this weekend... Sample images will be posted right here soon, as well as my impressions of the camera and how it works. The first image above is from Leica Camera, the rest are my own and may not be used or reproduced without my written permission. The Leica Q was borrowed from Leica Store Miami for this review, but all opinions expressed here are my own and I am not paid or endorsed by anyone to write this review.

The Leica Q has a 28mm fixed lens with 3 aspherical elements, f/1.7 lens, full-frame sensor, and a very nice built-in EVF (electronic viewfinder). Those are the most important specs, but I will elaborate in my review when I finish it.

The Q uses an existing battery from the V-LUX so you won't have trouble finding extras once you get the camera. Leica accessories are notoriously hard to come by, even months after a new camera comes out. At least you'll have a battery, but don't hold your breath for the half case, grip, or other add-ons. The grip is very nice, by the way, and I've been using it most of the time.

I will also include a comparison to other cameras, both from Leica and from other camera brands (looking at you, Sony RX1/R)

Below is the first sample image I'm posting from the Leica Q, and I think it speaks volumes about the capabilities of this camera. Very little was done to this file in Lightroom 6, honestly I spent about 30-45 seconds on it. I have personally shot with the new Monochrom, and the original Monochrom (one of my favorite cameras of all time in terms of image quality), and I think this file looks pretty good considering it's a conversion from color rather than a b&w raw file like the Monochroms produce.

Leica Q raw file converted to b&w in Lightroom 6 - Image ©2015, Benjamin Traves

This is a jpeg of the same image above, unprocessed and straight from the camera.

Above is the jpeg straight out of the camera (SOOC) for those of you interested in that. I always shoot raw (which is DNG format for most Leica cameras) but it is interesting to note that the Q, unlike the M and S, only offers RAW + JPEG mode, no mode with only DNG files, so if you are a raw shooter, you will get some bonus jpegs in there as well. No way to change that yet, but maybe a firmware update in the future will allow it (I'm just speculating about that, no idea if they will or not). Doesn't really bother me, but worth noting. In Lightroom, when you import you can just select the DNG files.

I found myself converting many of these test shots to black & white, and I definitely think the Q sensor is great for B&W.

And the lens can get quite close to your subject (especially compared with Leica M lenses which are generally 2.5-3 ft. minimum focus distance)

This was taken by my friend when I handed him the camera to have a look at it. He likes the macro mode. Raw file processed in Lightroom. This was shot handheld at 1/40th of a second, f/2.8 and ISO 400.

** This is a "rolling review" so I'll be adding new thoughts / impressions / opinions and of course more images as soon as I have time.

Lots of image samples coming soon...

Here are some low-light test images...

First one is at 12,500 ISO, with very minimal noise reduction done in Lightroom:

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Below are some "mobile uploads" via WiFi which is built into the Leica Q

All images below are jpeg transferred directly from the camera to my iPhone, processed in VSCO Cam and uploaded to my blog post, also from the phone.

Leica Q transfer via Wifi to my iPhone, then used VSCO Cam app and posted it to my blog from my phone... While eating amazing gelato from the new place next door.

Leica Q test image... Sent via Wifi to my iPhone and edited with VSCO Cam app, then posted from phone.

Fujifilm X100T Hands-On Preview Video / January 14, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

Here's a quick hands-on video of the Fuji X100T:

Be sure to follow me on Vimeo and YouTube!

My full review of the Fujifilm X100T is coming soon! If you already know you'd like to buy the camera right now, here's the link:

Fujifilm X100T 16 MP Digital Camera (Black) Buy on Amazon

Review of the new LEICA D-LUX (typ 109) / November 25, 2014 by Benjamin Traves

I just had the opportunity to test out the new Leica D-LUX (typ 109) and here are some of my thoughts on it, along with sample images below. This is not an in-depth review, just a quick preview and a few images.

LEICA D-LUX (typ 109)

So, the long wait for a new D-LUX camera is finally over. Leica managed to sandwich a Micro 4/3 sensor into a camera scarcely larger than the previous version. I am told the new sensor is five times larger. Luckily, it doesn't cost five times more for the camera, although it has increased from around $800 for a D-Lux 6 to just under $1,200 for this new version. Considering the new sensor and many other major improvements, especially a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), it is a rather modest increase in price. The manufacturer warranty has also been increased to 3 years, and as with all Leica cameras, this one includes Adobe Lightroom 5 software. That being said, I used Lightroom 5 to adjust all RAW images to my own preferences.

If you currently own a D-Lux 6 and are wondering if there is enough difference to justify the upgrade, I can honestly tell you it is a completely different camera except for the name and a familiar silhouette. This is not just a sensor upgrade (although that by itself would be enough of a reason to swap, in my opinion). The lens is new as well, as it had to be designed to accommodate the much larger sensor in this version. This is only a quick preview of the camera so I won't go into depth on the optical design, but in actual use it works great. You can click any of these sample images to enlarge them and see what you think.

The new electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a big help here in Florida, where the merciless sun beats down on photographers struggling to use their LCD screens to compose an image. The fact that it is by far one of the best EVFs currently built into any compact camera is nice too, but the main point is that this has one, it's easy to use, and it's a great help in certain situations. It's automatic, just hold the camera up to your eye and it will turn on as the rear LCD turns off.

The metal body feels quite nice, cool to the touch and very solid. A big upgrade from the rather plastic body of the D-Lux 6. A small bit of rubber where your right thumb would be is perfect for keeping a good grip on the camera. As you can see, there are several neat buttons on the back. Most are self-explanatory (like "WiFi" or "ISO" or the universal red dot which means "record" for video, and the triangular playback symbol) but others like "QM" (Quick Menu) and "WB" (White Balance) are less obvious. Still, it's very easy to pick up this camera and go take great photos.

Inside the Perez Art Museum in Miami. Settings: f/3.2 and 1/125th, ISO 200

The handling and controls are great, very intuitive as it is set up just like the flagship Leica M series, with an aperture ring on the lens and shutter speed dial on top. Unlike the M, this one has autofocus and the option to let the camera select the aperture in addition to selecting the ISO and shutter speed. It is great to have physical controls when you need them and also automatic modes for just walking around.

Operation is incredibly simple: if both controls are set to "A" then the camera is in Program mode. Shift either of the dials and you will be in Aperture priority or Shutter priority mode. Shift both, and you are in Manual mode. Essentially this gives you instant manual override of either critical function, Aperture or Shutter Speed, or both. Perfect, it just works.

In addition to the Shutter Speed dial on top, there is an Exposure Compensation dial for quick adjustments of +/- 3 EV in thirds of a stop. Very convenient and easy to reach with your right thumb. You can use that to control exposure (brightness) without having to change your other settings. Overall, I'm quite pleasantly surprised by the features and functions of this camera, as well as the image quality.

Settings: f/4 and 1/125th, ISO200 — Settings: f/4 and 1/125th, ISO200

What strikes me as I review these sample images is that they really are substantially better than I expected. I probably should have mentioned at the beginning of this review that I am not a fan of most compact cameras. Every camera I have owned in recent history has been full frame, and I rarely take other cameras seriously. The results from this camera actually made me sit forward in my chair while I was editing images.

When I talk to people about what camera to get, I tell them what matters most is that they enjoy using the camera and of course that they love how the images turn out. If you like what you see, then clearly the new lens and the new sensor have made a difference. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer.

Sample Images:

Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/200th, ISO 200

Settings: f/5.0 and 1/125th, ISO200 — Settings: f/5.0 and 1/125th, ISO200

Inside the Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/2.5 and 1/125th, ISO200 — Inside the Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/2.5 and 1/125th, ISO200

Settings: f/5.6 and 1/160th, ISO200 — Settings: f/5.6 and 1/160th, ISO200

Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/320th, ISO200 — Perez Art Museum, Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/320th, ISO200

Settings: f/5.6 and 1/250th, ISO200 — Settings: f/5.6 and 1/250th, ISO200

An elevator at the Perez Art Museum in Miami. Settings: f/5.6 and 1/1250th, ISO 200

Thanks for reading and be sure to check back soon for more reviews!