Leica Q3: Eolo Perfido Street Photography

I am pleased to share with you the new video for Leica Camera filmed in Rome, where I show some aspects of my street photography and the new Leica Q3

As a street photographer living and working in Rome's vibrant neighborhoods, I find the Q3's 28mm Summilux lens to be perfectly suited for this genre. The 28mm focal length allows me to capture both the subject and the surrounding context – essential for telling complete stories in a single frame. When shooting at f/8 or f/11, I can take full advantage of hyperfocal distance techniques, which is crucial for rapid street work. By setting the focus to around 2 meters and stopping down, nearly everything from 1 meter to infinity remains sharp, eliminating the need to constantly adjust focus.

The Q3's advanced sensor now delivers incredible detail at these hyperfocal settings, making it possible to crop into images later while maintaining professional quality. This is particularly valuable in street photography, where maintaining distance from subjects is often necessary to capture natural, unposed moments.

Working with the 28mm perspective has become second nature to me over the years. It pushes me to get closer to the action, to become part of the scene rather than observing from a distance. This proximity creates a more intimate connection with the subject matter, resulting in images that feel more immediate and engaging. The wide angle also helps when working in Rome's narrow streets, where space is often limited but architectural context is crucial to the story.

The Q3's improved EVF and touchscreen make zone focusing even more precise, allowing me to verify depth of field in real-time. This is especially useful during my street photography workshops, where I can demonstrate to students exactly how hyperfocal distance works in practical situations. The camera's quick startup time and responsive interface mean I'm always ready to capture those fleeting moments that make street photography so exciting.

I wrote a blog post on how I configure the Leica Q3 when I shoot Street Photography:

https://www.walkingphotographer.net/blog/blog/mastering-street-photography-with-the-leica-q3-a-professionals-configuration-guide

Leica M6: John Sypal and Tokyo Camera Style

The new # LeicaM6 is out today.

I'm excited to share my latest project for Leica Camera - a documentary video that captures the essence of American photographer John Sypal and his fascinating project, Tokyo Camera Style, filmed in the vibrant streets of Tokyo this September.

For those unfamiliar with his work, John Sypal has become a notable figure in the photography community through Tokyo Camera Style, a project that documents the cameras and stories of photographers he encounters in Tokyo. His own choice of camera, the Leica M6, has become an extension of his photographic vision and an integral part of his daily life in Japan.

The filming experience was particularly special as Tokyo revealed itself in all its September glory. The city's unique blend of traditional charm and modern energy provided the perfect backdrop for telling John's story. We followed him through his familiar haunts, capturing both his methodology and the intimate relationship he has developed with his Leica M6.

For the technical aspects, I shot the entire documentary using the Leica SL2S paired with various M lenses. This combination allowed for a cinematic quality while maintaining the intimate feel that the story required. The post-production magic came through the skilled hands of Lorenzo Razzino, whose editing and color grading brought additional depth and atmosphere to the final piece.

What struck me most during this project was John's authentic passion for both photography and the stories behind each camera he documents. His work goes beyond mere documentation of equipment; it's a celebration of the photographers who make Tokyo's street photography scene so vibrant and diverse.

This project not only documents a photographer's journey but also serves as a testament to how cameras, particularly the Leica M6 in John's case, can become more than just tools - they become companions in our creative journey.

I invite you to watch the video and experience John's story, his relationship with his Leica M6, and the fascinating world of Tokyo Camera Style.

Technical Credits:

  • Filmed on: Leica SL2S with M lenses

  • Editing and Color: Lorenzo Razzino

  • Location: Tokyo, Japan

  • Filmed: September 2024