New Leica Store in Kyoto Japan!

Gion Crossing, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summilux 35mm f1.4 Lens

iso 640, f6.7, 1/90 sec.

 

As you probably know, I'm a Leicaphile (meaning I love Leica cameras). I'm also a Japanophile (meaning I love Japan). Today I read that there's a new Leica store in the Gion District of Kyoto, Japan. Excellent news.

 

(Click Here) to see a great 3 minute video about the new store, built into a 100 year old "machi-ya" (traditional Kyoto style house). So beautiful.

 

(Click Here) to read about it on the Leica Camera Blog.

 

I think the craftsmanship of Leica cameras fits perfectly with the deep character of this traditional area of Kyoto.

 

I can't wait to visit!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Quick Report on Leica Store Event and Regional LHSA Meetup

I have been pretty active in the LHSA (International Leica Society) over the past year or so. One of the most rewarding things I've done is to schedule local meetups for LHSA members, roughly quarterly. These get a small yet dedicated attendance, and are always interesting.

 

(Click Here) to learn about and join LHSA.

 

For the most recent meeting, I decided to coordinate with the Washington DC Leica Store's photowalk event at DC's Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. A large group of Leica users met for the Chinese New Year parade, a mix of LHSA members and non-members.

 

(Click Here) to go to the DC Leica Store's home page. They have a beautiful store, and regularly host interesting events for Leica users.

 

We borrowed someone's camera and grabbed a nice Leica user group shot:

 

 

Since my M9 was in for service, I decided to shoot all film for this event. I brought my lovely M3 double stroke with 50mm Summicron f2 version 3 lens attached, and, stretching the Leica definition, my Zeiss SW body and Zeiss Biogon 25mm f2.8 lens.

 

I had a first-ever experience during this event. My M3's film advance mechanism jammed on me, preventing me from using it after about 15 exposures. I'd never experienced a mechanical problem with a Leica camera. Not to worry, it's already back from Youxin Ye, who quickly serviced it at no cost, since I had bought the camera from him last year.

 

Need Leica film camera service? Get in touch with Youxin. He does a great job and has my full recommendation.

 

(Click Here) to go to Youxin's home page.

 

Since we were meeting the very next week to share results at the Leica Store, I make the mistake of taking my film to one of the only local drugstores who still process film. Their processor must have needed service; the color came out just ridiculously bad, and in an unpredictable way. It seems that some frames were okay, others were almost completely devoid of red tones (you don't want to lose your reds in a Chinese New Year image), with a cyan tone. So, I had to work pretty hard in Lightroom to come up with a few images worth sharing.

 

NOTE: None of this would have been a problem if I'd used my regular processing solution, The Darkroom. I've used their mail-in service many, many times, and never had a single issue.

 

(Click Here) to look into The Darkroom's first-rate film processing service.

 

So, after overcoming a few challenges, here are the images I decided to share at the DC Leica Store:

 

 

 

 

 

We had our regional LHSA meetup at the National Portrait Gallery, just down the street from the Leica Store, before heading there to share images.

 

It was actually a lot of fun shooting the Zeiss SW and Biogon 25mm wide angle lens. It required getting very close, but I like the feel of the images.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

DC Area Photographers - Chinese New Year Walk, Sponsored by Leica Store DC

Chinese New Year, DC, by Reed A. George

Leica M8, Zeiss Biogon 25mm f2.8 Lens

iso 320, f8, 1/125 sec.

 

 

After living in San Francisco, I must admit that Washington DC's Chinatown is a bit underwhelming. However, on the Chinese New Year celebration, it does liven up quite well. Tomorrow (Sunday, Feb 2), the DC Leica Store is hosting a photo walk at 12:45PM.

 

(Click Here) to get the details from the Leica Store Event page.

 

I'm planning to meet several of my friends there for the walk. One week later (Sunday, Feb 9), we're planning to have a local LHSA (International Leica Society) meetup and then head over to the Leica Store to see and share photographic results from the walk

 

If you're in the area (whether you're a Leica user or LHSA member or not), come join us for some fun!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Review of Leica Akademie Workshop "The Truth About Photographs" Washington, DC, USA June 7-9, 2013 - AND - More WLL Results From The Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f1.5!

 

I attended the Leica Akademie Workshop, "The Truth about Photographs - Developing a distinctive visual style." at the new Leica Store DC on June 7-9, 2013. The workshop consisted of a Friday evening lecture and introduction session, a full day of shooting on Saturday, and a review and critique on Sunday. Assisted by Leica Akademie North America Manager Tom Smith, Instructor Quinton Gordon packed a lot into the relatively short time of a weekend.

Gordon is a professional photographer from Victoria, British Columbia. His work has been exhibited in international shows, books (including a handmade monograph, Mile Zero: A Place Uncertain), and many high-tier publications, including Canadian Geographic, National Geographic Adventure, and Action Asia.

(Click Here) to go to Quinton's website and blog.

 

At the outset, Quinton told us that the goal of the workshop was not to make pictures like his; the goal was to make pictures like ours. In order to discover what our own style was, he told us to stop thinking about themes or photographic types. We had to stop taking photographs of things and take photographs that show how we felt about things. He also introduced a concept attributed to photographer Sam Abell:

• Know when you're in the presence of a good photograph.
• Compose and wait

This concept rang true as we practiced our craft over the weekend.

I won't share more of the ideas that make up this very unique and intriguing class. Suffice it to say that Quinton will give you new ways to think about photography, and plenty of assignments to challenge you to practice what you've learned.

Here are some images that I made over the course of the weekend in the workshop.

I shot the entire weekend with one camera (Leica M9) and one lens (Carl Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm f1.5, my Whole Lotta Leica lens for June). This was helpful in getting the equipment out of my way, another tip from Mr. Gordon.

I was quite satisfied with this workshop. I feel that the subject of developing an individual style was well-treated, and was the true focus of the lectures and exercises alike. The workshop is scheduled for a few more locations over the next several months, culminating with one in Los Angeles, California, in January 2014. I can give this workshop my full recommendation.

(Click Here) to go to the Leica Akademie website for more details.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Leica Stores - When Camera Stores Are Disappearing, Leica Stores Are Multiplying

Image Source: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-06-14/why-leica-is-opening-so-many-stores

 

I've written a few times about how much I enjoy having a new Leica store in DC. I've taken a couple of Leica Akademie classes there, and always enjoy dropping in for a chat with the experts, and to view the latest equipment.

 

BusinessWeek has posted a brief article about the stores. (Click Here) to read it.

 

Apparently, the plan is to increase from the current number of 37 stores worldwide to over 200 by March 2013 2016. That's a business I'd actually consider running.

 

The Leica stores include retail space (obviously), studio space, which is also used for lectures in the Leica Akademie workshop series, and a gallery.

 

My experience in the Leica Store DC is that this is no snobby jewelry store atmosphere. The staff are true enthusiastics (which reminds me of Aziz, who proudly brings his early Barnack Leica IIIF and Summaron 50mm lens to work). They're intent on sharing Leica camera capabilities and unique features, not on getting your wallet out of your pocket.

 

The gallery space is always interesting, inspiring.

 

You've perhaps already read my thoughts on the Leica Akademie. It's really quite good. I've just finished a three day workshop there, "The Truth About Photographs." You'll see a review on that very soon.

 

So, in a time when brick and mortar camera stores are disappearing, Leica stores are expanding. I hope this is a good direction for the company. Apparently, something is going right. According to the BusinessWeek article, Leica's revenue increased 57% last year ($310M). I'm not sure exactly what this means, but the article also says that income increased 10X. Income can be defined in more than one way, but regardless, this sounds pretty good to me.

 

Welcome to the neighborhood, Leica Store!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

First Regional Meeting of The International Leica Society (LHSA), Washington, DC, June 22, 2013

I am a member of the International Leica Society (LHSA). LHSA members are pursuing regional gatherings, with the purpose of building on the benefits that have already attracted us to LHSA which include the Viewfinder magazine, national meetings, raffles, and other opportunities to interact, teach, and learn about Leica and Leica photography.

 

(Click Here) to learn more about the LHSA. If you're a Leica enthusiast, you really should consider joining the society.

 

 

Our first Mid-Atlantic regional meeting was held on June 22, 2013 at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. The following people attended: Gary Irons, Charlie Arnhold, Bill Barton, Oleg Stepanov, Kevin Hase, Gerry Dreo, and myself (Reed A. George). The courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery turned out to be a nice place to meet, as there is plenty of space, great lighting and climate control. It is also a short walk from the new Leica Store DC. The only drawbacks were parking availability and cost of refreshments.

Through the course of introducing ourselves, we learned how each of us began photography, and came to use Leica equipment. Of course, we also got to see, handle, and sometimes even shoot equipment that others had brought, with bodies ranging from an early Leica C Standard to a new M. Other notable pieces included Charlie's Hektor 135mm screwmount lens with black lens head and chrome body, Gerry's lovely M3, and Bill's Ricoh GXR with Leica M mount module.

 

We took the opportunity to decide and agree upon some guidelines for future meetings. First,we came up with a few alternative locations in Vienna, Virginia, with better parking and coffee (which, of course, is critical!). Meetings will be held approximately quarterly, and we all agreed that the next meeting will be in the latter half of September. I will take responsibility for planning that one. More details coming soon. We are not particularly interested in group shooting, but may do special sessions, such as renting studio space for a future meeting, so that Mr. Arnhold can teach us about lighting. On the subject of photographic themes or contests, we agreed to a very simple approach: each member will bring one print to every meeting. The only requirement is that the image is shot with a Leica camera or lens. We will be relatively flexible, accepting any Leica lens or body, and even Leica branded Panasonic lenses.

One question that never got fully addressed was whether participants must be members of LHSA. As stated at the outset, the purpose of these meetings is to add value to LHSA membership. However, we would also like the meetings to attract new members. My personal feeling is that participants should at least be prospective LHSA members, but we'll continue that discussion at a future meeting.

We all walked over to the Leica Store DC to finish up the afternoon. Eric Oberg, General Manager,and his staff welcomed us to the lovely new store complete with equipment showroom, gallery, and teaching space. We also got a look at the new Leica Vario.

I'm quite encouraged by the turnout and the engaging discussions that we were able to start at this initial meeting. Thanks to everyone who came out. I look forward to the next one in September.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

I'm Hosting the First International Leica Society (LHSA) Regional Meetup in DC This Saturday!

 

Daguere Statue, by Reed A. George

Leica M8, iso 320, f9.5, 1/180 sec

 

This coming Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 1:00PM, I'll be hosting the first regional meetup of the International Leica Society (LHSA) in the atrium at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

 

If you're not familiar with LHSA, (Click Here) to check it out. Originally known as the Leica Historical Society of America, the LHSA has broadened and updated its scope, renaming itself to the International Leica Society. It is a great society to be a part of, offering an excellent journal, "The Viewfinder," national meetings, a raffle (ongoing at the moment, where members can win a new Leica M or APO Summicron lens, a Leica X2, or a Leica Dlux-6), a lively community on Google+, and now, regional meetups.

 

We will plan to meet at 1:00PM, get to know each other a little, maybe see an exhibit at the gallery. Then we'll head out and do some shooting around DC, ending up with a visit to the Leica Store DC.

 

Right now it looks like 6-8 of us will be there. So, get your membership up to date, grab your gear, and come on over!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

It is Great Having a Leica Store Nearby - Leica Akademie - "The Truth About Photographs"

Image Source:

http://www.cvent.com/events/the-truth-about-photographs-developing-a-distinctive-visual-style-

/event-summary-5fc7d01fea244ac2b7d2fd4e38ec4ce1.aspx

 

I recently signed up for a Leica Akademie course, "The Truth About Photographs," to be held at the new Leica store in Washington, DC on June 7-9, 2013.

 

(Click Here) to read about the course.

 

The course is led by Quinton Gordon, and focuses on the creative aspects of developing your own style in photography.

 

(Click Here) to see Quinton's website. I always like to see the instructor's work before deciding to take a workshop. Quinton's work looks in line with the subject of the course.

 

Here is the list of topics, directly from the course description:

 

• Seeing the light.
• Working in three dimensional space.
• Developing complexity in your images.
  
• The elements of winning images.
  
• The benefits of limitations.
  
• The significance of editing.
  
• Finding your distinctive style.

 

The course is limited to twelve participants, and runs from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. This will be a great little creative retreat for me.

 

While I'm on the subject, I want to say how nice it is to have the Leica store nearby. In addition to being able to walk in and talk Leica with the knowledgeable staff any time I feel like it, they host Akademie courses (I took a street photography workshop there, led by Leica's Justin Stailey, last year), and always have something interesting in the gallery in the way of Leica photographs.

 

(Click Here) to go to the Leica Store DC's description. If you're in town, be sure to stop in.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Whole Lotta Leica Results - Summicron Collapsible at LHSA Spring Shoot in South Florida!

 

South Florida Sky, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summicron 50mm f2 Collapsible Lens

iso 160, f8, 1/350 sec.

 

I attended the LHSA (International Leica Society) Spring Shoot in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in April. I shot quite a lot with my Whole Lotta Leica lens for the month, the Summicron 50mm collapsible.

 

(Click Here) to read about the lens.

 

Here are some more shots from the trip.

American Dream, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summicron 50mm f2 Collapsible Lens

iso 160, f16, 1/180 sec.

As one of our outings, we visited Villa Vizcaya in Miami. Amazing what turn of the 20th century money could buy.

 

 

Garden Wall, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summicron 50mm f2 Collapsible Lens

iso 160, f16, 1/125 sec.

It was hot and sunny, as we were there mid-day. Justin Stailey of Leica attended the Spring Shoot, and led a great street photography workshop a la Leica Akademie for us.

Leica's Justin Stailey Catching Some Shade, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summicron 50mm f2 Collapsible Lens

iso 160, f3.5, 1/350 sec.

The new Leica Store in Miami welcomed our whole LHSA contingent, serving refreshments, talking Leica, and sharing some results from the new Leica M camera with us. I love the new Leica stores.

Leica Store, Miami, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summicron 50mm f2 Collapsible Lens

iso 640, f3.4, 1/350 sec.

While the lights were low for the M presentation, I shot a few images of one of our Leica Store hosts in the near darkness.

Thoughtful, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summicron 50mm f2 Collapsible Lens

iso 1250, f2.8, 1/25 sec.

My Summicron Collapsible caught the attention of Leica technical whiz Jim Lager. He noted the early serial number, and brought up the radioactive glass. Pretty good eye, catching that from across the table. Here's an example of shooting the old Summicron nearly wide open into the morning light, while I got coffee.

Morning Backlighting, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summicron 50mm f2 Collapsible Lens

iso 320, f2.4, 1/320 sec.

Not exactly flare-resistant, the old(est) Summicron does have character.

 

If you're a Leica enthusiast, please look into joining the LHSA. It's a wonderful society, with a first-rate quarterly publication, the "Viewfinder," and an amazing membership of people who know and love Leica and photography. We've recently started a Google+ community for LHSA, which I hope to really make interesting in the coming weeks.

 

(Click Here) to join LHSA. We promise to welcome you to the group!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com