A Leica adventure

This weekend, I thought, "Hey, why not take my new (well, new to me) Leica M240 and Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 lens out for a joyride ?" Now, I'm usually all about those sleek, modern digital cameras like the Sony A7 III & IV. But stepping into the realm of classic gear had me feeling like a fish out of water, or more accurately, a technophile in a time machine.

Let me tell you, when I first hoisted that Leica, it was like lifting a German-engineered dumbbell. It's hefty, like it's saying, "I'm here to take pictures and lift weights, and I'm all out of film." But there's something oddly reassuring about its weight, like holding a piece of history that's as sturdy as a tank. And don't even get me started on the manual controls—it's like going from driving a Tesla to riding a horse. Sure, it takes some getting used to, but there's a certain charm to twiddling knobs and turning rings.

Now, slap that Voigtlander lens on, and suddenly, I'm seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses—literally. The images have this vintage vibe, like they've been marinating in nostalgia sauce for years. It's like Instagram, but without the filters—just pure, unadulterated retro goodness.

Victoria, my unsuspecting model for the day. She's got the patience of a saint and enough charisma to make even a potato look photogenic. Together, we walked the streets, me clutching my Leica like it's a newborn baby and her striking poses like she's auditioning for Vogue.

As the day went on, I found myself falling head over heels for this old-school setup. Sure, it's got its quirks—like trying to focus at f1.4 on a moving target with the precision of a sniper—but there's something downright magical about the way it captures light and shadow. It's like rediscovering photography all over again, like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in your grandma's attic.

So, here's to the classics, to the Leicas and Voigtländers of the world. Because sometimes, in a sea of flashy gadgets and gizmos, all you need is a little bit of old-school charm to make your photos truly shine. Cheers to that !