Fun Fun Fun. Hal here playing with a Leica M3 with a 35mm 2.8 Sumaron. We get to see a wide range of new and used Leica Lens and Cameras in both of our stores. What a great place to work.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cool Stuff 10.21.09
Interesting, and applicable photography/technology related tidbits distilled from the web:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Leica Day, and what a day it was...
On the 13th of October 2009 Camera West, Walnut Creek, California, was proud and honored to have a very special demonstration of the latest cameras from German camera manufacturer Leica. With the release of the M9 and coming soon the X1 and S2, Leica has indeed been productive. Both the Leica rep and the Leica factory Product Specialist, were on hand to answer any questions as well as show off the features of these three cameras.
I was given the chance to have a hands on experience and I must say this is a fairly impressive array of very capable cameras. They all serve a different purpose, but they do all share common traits of exceptional build, processing and image quality. You can read a thousand reviews of the specifics of each of these cameras online but when it all boils down these are all wonderful and very unique cameras of which only Leica is capable of making.
I love the weight and feel of the S2. Its quick and quiet and feels very reliable with an easy menu set up on the rear LCD display. The design is simple, yet well thought out. The dials and controls all are well placed without any nonsensical icons or images to "help" with navigation.
The X1 was also a lot of fun to shoot and it finally helped me to understand the reason and advantage of shooting with single focal length lens on the camera. There is no need for anything else. Its shoots fast (f/2.8) and clear. If you want more focal length range then step up to the M9. This is a great little pull out and shoot camera, which works with your creative side while still producing exceptional Leica imaging.
I can't say too much about the M9 that has not already been said. I will say that I believe the introduction of this full frame rangefinder camera Leica have definitely upped the ante in terms of what is offered in the digital camera market. Watch this space as I believe this will definitely be the the start of a new direction for digital cameras.
The X1 was also a lot of fun to shoot and it finally helped me to understand the reason and advantage of shooting with single focal length lens on the camera. There is no need for anything else. Its shoots fast (f/2.8) and clear. If you want more focal length range then step up to the M9. This is a great little pull out and shoot camera, which works with your creative side while still producing exceptional Leica imaging.
I can't say too much about the M9 that has not already been said. I will say that I believe the introduction of this full frame rangefinder camera Leica have definitely upped the ante in terms of what is offered in the digital camera market. Watch this space as I believe this will definitely be the the start of a new direction for digital cameras.
Leica Systems Preview, Monterey
At
Monday, October 12, 2009
A brave and somewhat exhilarating new world
With the introduction of video into the world of DSLRs we are seeing a completely new direction for creative output. Imagine the future this opens for people of all backgrounds to use video capable Canon or Nikon bodies to produce cinema quality video telling their stories in their own unique way. This is a very exciting time indeed.
No longer will we be limited to simple automated point and shoot video from our small low resolution cameras. Think about the possibilities of shooting with your fast 50mm f/1.4 or 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom and perhaps what you can do with full manual focus while filming. All those features we have learned to love such as shallow depth of field and bokeh or selective focus suddenly become available for integration into movie making. The mind boogles at the potential this holds.
Now if your still with me and I have you somewhat interested and perhaps even a little excited by this then please check out some videos I have enjoyed care of Youtube.
Canon Shooters:
Nikon Shooters:
No longer will we be limited to simple automated point and shoot video from our small low resolution cameras. Think about the possibilities of shooting with your fast 50mm f/1.4 or 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom and perhaps what you can do with full manual focus while filming. All those features we have learned to love such as shallow depth of field and bokeh or selective focus suddenly become available for integration into movie making. The mind boogles at the potential this holds.
Now if your still with me and I have you somewhat interested and perhaps even a little excited by this then please check out some videos I have enjoyed care of Youtube.
Canon Shooters:
Nikon Shooters:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Leica D-Lux 4 Safari.*
The new and limited edition Leica D-Lux 4. With only 6000 units world wide this limited edition camera offers great versatility, and exceptional image quality all in a convenient size. Great for your next expedition where ever it may lead you.More at Leica's Flickr page.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Leica X1, M9 and S2 System Preview
We are pleased to host Justin Stailey, Product Specialist from Leica Camera, at Monterey on Oct 12th and to Walnut Creek on Oct 13th. We will have on hand a prototype X1 camera, specially sent from Leica AG, for our event. We will also have a second version prototype S2 system for review as well as production version M9's. This is a rare opportunity to see all of these cameras at one time, before their market release!
The evening presentation will be shown with Leica's new Pradovit D-1200 digital projector. This will be busy event and evening space is limited, so RSVP will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Welcome!
We will begin posting in the next week and look forward to providing you with information for new products, upcoming workshops and for personal product reviews.
Sean Cranor
President, Camera West
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