For the column series LIVE LEICA, it would be nice to fly overseas and shoot with Leica. But, I know the chief editor will just say, "Feel free to go if you pay out of your pocket." So, I decided to go only by train and foot because cost and time don't always bring better results. Once you carry a camera, your trip starts with your first step. Who's disappointed? You should pre-established harmony is pleasant. Even though I live in the capital area, I seldom go to the famous tourist attractions and I guess many Tokyo people get out of Tokyo to take photography. This series of "Tokyo Exposure with Leica" will be conducted under the following conditions: 1) the destination should be familiar to everyone, 2) the destination should be easily accessible, 3) we must bring Leica (some exceptions apply), 4) we must have fun shooting, and 5) we must have fun eating.
The word "exposure" means to take photograph and to be exposed (to sightsee). In short, when we become hungry, we just go out with Leica, shoot, and eat. Don't worry. We will talk about cameras and lenses, too. If we have a chance, we also hope to host a photo exhibition at the Yodobashi Photo Gallery INSTANCE.
This time we went to Tsukishima to eat "monja-yaki" and our cameras are the Leica X1 and the M3. How great are they! No matter how many of them I have, they are great. As long as I take photography, I come in contact with cameras as instruments. So, it's OK to smile fondling cameras more than necessary. Without a camera, we can't get the masterpiece. Yes, we should adore cameras more. Who said, "Why do you want so many cameras when you have only one body?" You have many shoes, skirts, and neckties, don't you? Oh, now I'm talking like I'm making excuses to my wife... Let's go back to the main topic, the Leica X1. I've just compared it with the Fujifilm's X100 in my review the other day and many people liked the Leica X1 (I've meant to compare the two cameras, though). The price of the X100 is almost the half of the X1's, but it's truly an enjoyable camera in terms of capability and cost performance. But, Leica users like sober color or the red badge. Anyway, the X1 does take great pictures. I also shot films for you to compare it with the X1's output. And, let me say that you will want the X1.
The X1 triple lens reflex... just kidding. One of your editorial crew bought the X1 after he read our review. Also, my friend bought the X100. I appreciate your efforts.
Speaking of Tsukishima, I think of "monja." Also, many people may think of Nishi-nakadori. This place is filled up in the Meiji period and it's interesting to shoot in the shore. As shown above, you can shoot the waterbuses or the city in the twilight. With a Leica M camera, you can use 1/30 second shutter without camera shake. So, if you mount your fast lens and go out in the evening, you can take great photos. But, we arrived before the twilight. Anyway, we picked our cameras and shot. The picture on the left was shot by the X1, and the one on the right was shot by the M3 with the Elmar 3.5/5 (it was fixed on the pre-war Leica A). I think many of you know that films deform the reality more than digital sensors do. Actually, the X1 sample is closer to what I saw (even after taking the difference of focal length into consideration). This means digital photography has more reality than film photography. It's just that we've been used to films for a long time, so we feel more reality in the film photography. Good or bad, human being has an ability to get accustomed to things. I'm amazed by the performance of the pre-war lens, and the 3D plasticity of the X1's depiction. This is why I have to buy many camera and lenses...
You can wonder around Tsukiji, Kachidoki, and Tsukishima. I'm sure you'll shoot so many photos. When you meet the residents, just make a slight bow.
This lens is fantastic. As I become used to digital photography, even negative films look hard in terms of depiction.
Whenever I walk alleys, I realize how much people like to integrate nature into their living. The flowers on the flowerpot are just sweet and make me feel the approach of spring. By the way, I adjusted the white balance when developing. I love this wet depiction.
This is a lottery and it's not digital. You can play with it while looking at the prizes directly. Is the old man checking some news on his cellphone?
This isn't the lens distortion. By nature, the monitor is distorted.
I used to wear this pair of slippers on, so I know how I feel even if I don't try it. The X1 takes good pictures, doesn't it?
How about the texture of the shop curtain? I like the shop curtain, but I like the X1, too. This camera would be ideal for serious shooters rather than casual shooters. Anyway, let's talk about the food.
As a man who grew up in Osaka area, I don't quite understand what the "monja" is. On the other hand, Tokyo people don't get Okonomiyaki set menu including okonomiyaki, miso-soup, and rice, but in Osaka it's so common like the sun that rises in the east and sets in the west. Anyway, my companion says monja tastes best when it's cooked by the restaurant staff.
The staff cooks skillfully. This photo was shot at ISO800 and looks good. Also, the 30cm minimum focus distance assists you to take table photos. The X1 generates sober colors (JPG), so if you add some yellow and red on the PC, your food photos look delicious. I think the Fujifilm's X100 。is better at taking food photos. Use the X1 if you want some sorrow in your pictures.
Now, the food is ready to serve. It still looks mysterious. The two of us kept taking photos of this monja and I think we looked like doing some Tai Chi. I do this even if I'm not on duty. I think people who like taking photography like seeing things through the viewfinder. But, through the eyes of ordinary people, they look just weird and they should keep that in mind. (Go up to the right column)
Oh, I forgot to shoot the special way of eating monja with the spatula. But, at least I took photos until it's ready to serve. By the way, what's that food on the right side?
"I need some impact on the photo. Excuse me! Can I get beef tongue, butter squid legs, and butter scallop?" "Oh my gosh!"
This is so-called a "sizzle photo." I advise you not to get too close to the subject.
It was a dinner full of fulfillment and regret. The restaurant was always crowded with local people including lovers, families, and friends. They seemed to be very happy and I remember I got so excited when my family took me to an okonomiyaki restaurant. I recommend you to go there with a camera.
I didn't know how to "shoot and eat" until I started taking photography. Everyone finds the meaning for their shooting, but I'm sure everyone agrees that taking photography is looking at things. I go out because I want to shoot. I look at things because I shoot. And before I know it, I'm always out of home carrying a camera. Plus, looking means knowing. Once you know something, then you want to understand it. This chain reaction will significantly improve your life. To be honest, I had never been interested in local food until I got into photography. By looking at different approaches for cooking, you will understand so many things.
We cannot always get permissions to disclose information (e.g. location where the photos were taken, restaurant information), but we will do our best to include it in the future. Anyway, just visit there with your camera and it will be so much fun.
The LEICA X1. Wasn't it nice? I'll be carrying it with me all the time.
