One big appeal of Leica is its enduring design. The reassuring weight I feel on my shoulder and waist, the feel of round metal, and the simple shape. These features make Leica an extremely natural tool to be mastered. With its unique appearance, it just cannot be ignored. I feel people's eyes on my Leica once I walk on the street with it. This is simply a pleasant experience because I spend so much money for it. I don't need to show it off, but I don't feel bad when I attract some public attention. But, sometimes, they look at my Leica, then look at my face, and finally they look mystified. What is that all about? I still don't look natural with Leica? I imagined a country samurai whose sword doesn't suit him. Ha ha, that's also me. Well, I'll take it easy and enjoy my time with a Leica.

The Leica M-E is still an expensive camera even though it's reasonable for a Leica. But, that doesn't mean I should display in the shelf. A camera is meant to be used well. So, except when I needed other cameras for my work, I always carried my Leica with me. The excitement of using this camera makes me search for subjects and shoot. This instrument changes ordinary days into a treasure box of shutter chances. The "moment" arises only while I search for a chance to shoot. Isn't this something important?

Anyway, it took me a while, but now I can finally post some photos I took. I took daily scenes using the Leica M-E and the Summarit 50mm. Thanks to the compact system, I can integrate myself into the scene and shoot. This is another advantage of using a Leica.

It was when I showed this Summarit to my crew. He unmounted the lens from the body and held it to the light. He said, "ZII, you've got the hit." I don't really understand what he's talking about, but I was happy because he has seen so many lenses. Actually, the depiction is excellent and I felt the power of a modern lens. Of course, this is also because I had been using an old lens. And the Summarit directly shows the photographer's ability because it depicts very naturally. Then now, because of the great depiction, I come to want to get a lens that "doesn't depict." No, this must be first world problems...

This way, I started to become interested in so many other lenses and look for another lens. Oh, I see. This must be so-called "a lens swamp." (Cont.)

( Photography and Text by Z II )