Monochrom (typ 246) - New Leica Monochrom Review and Sample Images / June 28, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

The new Leica Monochrom (typ 246) is finally here, and it is fantastic. The previous version was my favorite Leica so it will be hard to beat, but I think the new (major) improvements in usability will make a big difference to many photographers.

* This is a "rolling" review, meaning I will be updating it regularly with more samples and also my opinions on using the new Monochrom.

Below are a few sample images, more coming as soon as I have time. All were DNG (Leica's raw format) processed with either Lightroom 6 or Capture One 8.

The lens was the new 50mm APO-Summicron (also amazing, need to review it soon).

New!! Low light image samples...

ISO 12,500 at night through a shop window. Still extremely sharp. Lens was the 18mm Super Elmar

More coming soon...

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.

New Leica Monochrom is here! Officially known as the "Leica M Monochrom (typ 246)" / April 30, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

I have had my hands on a prototype of the new Leica M Monochrom (typ 246) and it is fantastic!

Officially, it is known as the "Leica M Monochrom (typ 246)" but the internal code name of the camera in development at Leica (before it was announced today) was "Elliott" after the legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt.

Leica has posted information and some incredible sample images by photographer Ragnar Axelsson.

Long story short, it is the same body as the Leica M-P (typ 240) but with a black chrome finish similar to the previous Monochrom camera. There is a sapphire crystal protecting the rear LCD, as with the previous Monochrom and the current M-P 240. No markings on the body, which is different from the engraved top plate of the M-P, but similar to the previous Monochrom. Sensor is the 24 megapixel CMOS from the M-P but without an RGB color layer, hence the "monochrome" images, even for the raw files (the raw file format is DNG for all Leica M cameras, in case you're new to Leica). All accessories from the current M/M-P should be compatible with the new Monochrom (typ 246).

If you want to read a very in-depth review of the camera with lots of great sample images by David Farkas, check it out on Red Dot Forum

Another great interview (and photos) with Ragnar Axelsson on the official Leica Camera Blog

You can pre-order the new Monochrom at Leica Store Miami

I will be shooting with the new Monochrom (typ 246) and posting sample images (and video) soon!

Apple Watch Review and Photos / April 25, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

The Apple Watches have arrived. Full review coming soon, but for now enjoy the first photos I took. This is the 38mm Sport version of the Apple Watch. Be sure to check back soon for more!

* Thank you Leica Store Miami for the cameras I used to take all of these photos and video clips.

This is a rolling review, meaning I will be adding my thoughts and updating all the time. I've had my watch for about a week now and what I find most interesting is that it feels like I've always had it, meaning it is so intuitive and seamlessly blends with my daily life that it doesn't feel at all out of place. I know it's new, but it's also very familiar and I really feel like I've worn it for years. I'll go into the technical details later, but for now I think my first impressions are more useful to anyone considering the Apple Watch.

More words soon, but for now, enjoy the photos!

Here's a slideshow with some of my first images of the brand new Apple Watch Sport:

Below is a 4K video clip which I shot on the Leica D-LUX (typ 109) - I will have a more complete video review in Ultra High Definition (4K) coming very soon, so be sure to follow my YouTube channel (or Vimeo) and stay in the loop!

Be sure to set the resolution to the highest possible before watching the video:

Leica M Monochrom with flash / April 12, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

Behind the scenes at a fashion show - Leica M Monochrom and flash

I wanted to test out the Monochrom with flash so I rigged up a sync cable to the Leica SF-58 along with a bracket I already owned from a previous camera system. Worked quite well although I was in fully manual mode, no TTL due to the sync cord being from a different manufacturer. Skin tones take on a silver look, similar to the old days of black and white film. I really enjoyed using this combo.

Look at the hands of all the models. They are just about to go out on the runway so they are at their most nervous.