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

Behind the Lens with Steve McCurry: A Journey Through Southern Italy

As a photographer who had the privilege of assisting Steve McCurry early in my career, coming full circle to document his photographic journey through the vibrant streets of Palermo and Naples was a particularly meaningful experience. Armed with our Leica SL2S cameras, we set out to capture the soul of Southern Italy through two distinct lenses – his capturing the scenes before him, and mine capturing the master at work.

The streets of Palermo and Naples provided the perfect backdrop for McCurry's signature style. These cities, with their labyrinthine alleys, sun-weathered facades, and the ever-present pulse of daily life, offered exactly the kind of rich visual tapestry that Steve has become renowned for capturing throughout his career. Watching him work with the SL2S was a masterclass in itself – his methodical approach, his patience in waiting for the perfect moment, and his innate ability to find extraordinary stories in ordinary scenes remained as sharp as ever.

What struck me most was how seamlessly McCurry adapted to the Leica SL2S. Having documented his process, I observed how the camera's capabilities complemented his shooting style. The camera's exceptional low-light performance proved invaluable as we navigated the shadowy vicoli of both cities, while its superior autofocus system helped capture those fleeting moments that make McCurry's work so distinctive.

During breaks between shoots, Steve and I discussed how digital photography has evolved. He shared insights about how the SL2S's features allowed him to maintain his iconic visual style while taking advantage of modern technology. The camera's durability was particularly appreciated as we moved through the busy streets and markets, dealing with everything from bright Mediterranean sunlight to unexpected rain showers.

As both a filmmaker and photographer on this project, the SL2S proved to be an incredibly versatile tool. The camera's video capabilities allowed me to capture stunning footage of Steve at work, while also maintaining the exceptional image quality Leica is known for. The ability to switch seamlessly between photo and video modes meant I could document both still and moving moments without missing a beat.

This experience was a powerful reminder of how photography connects generations of image-makers. From my early days assisting Steve to now documenting his work, the journey has come full circle. It's a testament to how the art of photography continues to evolve while maintaining its core essence – the pursuit of capturing moments that tell compelling stories.

The streets of Palermo and Naples, through McCurry's lens and my documentation, revealed themselves as timeless canvases where tradition and modernity coexist. This project not only showcased the capabilities of the Leica SL2S but also demonstrated how master photographers like Steve McCurry continue to find fresh perspectives in familiar places.

As this project wrapped, I couldn't help but reflect on how fortunate I was to document one of photography's living legends at work. It was a reminder that great photography isn't just about the equipment – it's about the eye behind the viewfinder and the story being told. Though both Steve and I were working with the same camera model, we each brought our unique perspectives to documenting these beautiful Italian cities.