March 23, 2016 by Benjamin Traves

I tested out the macro feature built in to the Leica Q, and it works quite well for the purpose of photographing other gadgets. I don't normally do much macro so I can't speak to the "pro" requirements but it worked fine for me.

The Q camera I used for these images is from Leica Store Miami.

* Images were adjusted in Lightroom. These are customized, not the colors you would get straight from the camera. The Leica Q has a very accurate color rendering. These are much more blue but I like it to emphasize the silver of the iPhone.

More sample images coming soon...

Thanks to Leica Store Miami for loaning me the Leica Q

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 SL Review and Sample Images - The new Leica SL (typ 601) / November 22, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

The Leica SL (typ 601) is here and it is fantastic! For sample images just scroll all the way down. I'm working on the review now and will have more of it finished soon.

The Leica SL, a camera nobody really expected, has suddenly arrived. Now, just because nobody expected it doesn't mean it isn't a great camera. Usually companies make decisions on new products based on consumer demand and what the competitors are offering. What is so great about Leica is that, as with Steve Jobs at Apple for many years, they design and build things that nobody knew they wanted or needed. They create devices which are just plain better than anything else, unique / different, and usually able to completely surprise everyone. The Leica SL is definitely the future of the photography industry, and Leica is leading the way.

* This is a "rolling" review, meaning I will be constantly updating it over time.

If you read the specifications it looks like some madman's wishlist of everything ideal to put into a camera (and the new zoom lens as well). In fact, no camera company has ever put this many different popular features together in one single camera, for example, the Leica SL has both GPS and WiFi built into the camera, instead of just one or the other. As far as I know, the only other semi-serious camera to have both of those functions is the Canon 6D (although curiously none of the higher-end Canon or Nikon cameras such as the 5D III / 1DX or the D810 / D4S have either capability). The autofocus is extremely fast. The LCD screen and electronic viewfinder have no visible lag or delay at all. The camera is fully weather sealed, robust, solid. Most consumer cameras are not, except for the few I just mentioned which are the best Nikon and Canon make. Those, until now, were the only cameras I would put any real faith in with regard to durability and "survivability" in extreme conditions.

Inside, the Leica SL is much the same as the new Leica Q, with a 24 megapixel full-frame sensor and Maestro series processor. On the outside, however, it is a different animal entirely. While still managing to be smaller than the S series, which isn't hard, the new SL is still quite substantial, particularly when paired with the new 24-90mm zoom lens. On the outside, it has a fantastic eyepiece for the EVF and a very nice "transflective" display on top which is easily visible even in bright sunlight. Even with Leica's minimal interface, borrowed from the S series, it's quite easy to learn what each of the unlabeled buttons does and if you get lost just press any of them. A little hint icon will pop up next to each one, and these vary based on being in shooting mode (live view) or playback of photos already taken.

* I will be adding much more to this review soon, once I've had sufficient time to shoot with the SL a bit more. Also lots more sample images coming soon!

PROS:

- Image quality. Just fantastic. That's why you buy (and carry) a camera like this.

- Fast, silent (truly silent) autofocus.

- Build quality is top notch, and every button and dial feels perfect to use.

- The 24-90mm zoom lens is just optically incredible, no noticeable distortion and extremely sharp edge to edge throughout the zoom range.

- I'm just going to go ahead and put image quality again.

CONS:

- This is major, the bottom edge of the camera digs into my side / hip as I'm carrying it slung on my shoulder. It is a very sharp metal edge, not rounded like pro DSLRs are at the bottom. I understand the desire for clean, crisp lines but it negatively impacts the comfort and ergonomics of this camera.

- I wouldn't exactly consider either the price or weight as a con because it really just depends on the individual. What's heavy and expensive to one person is just professional quality and construction to another. But it is certainly not light. Or inexpensive.

- Very small complaint, but this anodized black aluminum for the body and lens are just absolute fingerprint magnets. Also tends to get condensation all over when you transition from cool indoor areas to tropical humidity here in Miami.

All Images ©2015, Benjamin Traves

Rooftop lifestyle shoot at sunset / November 4, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

This shoot was a lot of fun, as you can probably tell, but it was actually a lot of work too. First, to coordinate four different male models from various agencies, plus a makeup artist and a wardrobe stylist, just the scheduling alone was a challenge. We had a very limited window of time to get the shots before we lost the sun and I needed everyone to have a good expression at the same time, which is hard without making things look too artificial and posed.

These are a few of my favorites from the series (slideshow):

LENS REVIEW: LEICA 50mm SUMMILUX / November 4, 2015 by Benjamin Traves

LENS REVIEW: LEICA 50mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-M ASPH

This particular Leica 50mm is a very special lens, with a difficult position in the lineup. There are precisely five (5!) different options currently offered by Leica at this focal length, but one might say that this Summilux is the best all-around option. In terms of price, the lens sits squarely in the middle of the lineup, but it is the second highest-performing lens in terms of maximum aperture (namely f/1.4 vs. f/0.95 of the famous Noctilux).

Another factor to consider is that the 50mm APO shares a maximum aperture of f/2 with its stablemate, the classic 50mm Summicron.

To save you reading a long review, I can safely say that this lens is the way to go if you don't mind the price tag. Roughly speaking, the price points of $2k, $4k, $7k, and $11k are the main lenses that Leica offers in 50mm. I have used all of them and they are all excellent.

LEICA 50mm SUMMILUX-M ASPH (yes, it also comes in black)

LEICA M (typ 240) & LEICA 50mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-M ASPH

Technical Notes: Product images for this review were taken with the Leica X Vario (any photos of the lens or camera) and the example images were taken using the equipment being reviewed. In this case, the Leica 50mm lens on a Leica M (typ 240) camera. All of my images are processed in Adobe Lightroom from Leica DNG raw files and I have slightly adjusted them to my own personal preferences unless I indicate otherwise in the caption.