AM I writing quicker? To be honest, I want to write more. Although I started this column knowing only a little about Leica, I'm quite happy that I bought it. So, I'm writing for those who want Leica but refrain from it because of the price tag or who want it some day but don't know when, and I hope they can imagine their prospective life with Leica by reading what I share. I haven't been able to add lenses although I bought the body. But, it sounds more real, doesn't it? Old lens? Of course, I haven't got it yet.。

I'm busy working all day, so I can do what I want in the night and that's when I can grab my Leica and press the shutter. So, this time I'll show you the photos I took in such time of the day. It's interesting to switch to monochrome mode when there isn't enough light and I need to be careful about colors and noises. This time, I shot in the "vintage black and white" mode with the Leica M-E.

The Monochrome World shot with Leica

Generally, night is hard condition for shooting, but it's perfect time for Leica. The AF doesn't hunt..., no it doesn't even have the AF and the double-image lining-up rangefinder focusing lets you focus securely as long as you find the vertical line. And, even if it doesn't focus on anything, you can still fire. So, I can just keep shooting and this is nice.

If I were shooting in colors, I'd pay attention to the colorful bottles. But, when shooting in monochrome, I look for silhouette realized by light and shadow. The warm vintage black and white is something that can't be generated by colors and it's fun to use it. When I'm shooting in monochrome, I feel I need to choose the subject differently from when I'm shooting colors.

I shot mostly at ISO1600 this time. It's great that I don't need to worry about noises in the monochrome mode. Am I the only one who feels it becomes more "photographic" and cooler with some noises? I feel it's still too smooth even at ISO1600.

Monochrome portrait looks sweet, doesn't it? Maybe it's the vintage black and white color makes me feel this way.

Speaking of night, I heard the most proper time to worship at a shrine is night. It's because the Gods are awake at night. So, I went to the open-air market in Washi Jinja (Eaglet Shrine). Because the festival is for gathering happiness, everyone was smiling.

It was fun shooting in the monochrome mode with the Leica. I hear there's also Leica M Monochrom that only takes pure monochrome photos. I'm interested, but for now I'm happy with the monochrome mode of the M-E and I should rather get more lenses first. Thinking about managing to get one in this winter and when I returned home...

You knew the end, didn't you? Yes, I was shocked, too. People lose words when a piano is carried in by a crane all of the sudden. The commissioner of finance's decision to invest on her daughter's future was so quick and it's a different story from my desire to get a lens. Hoping I can get one next year, I'll enjoy listening to the sound of the piano for the end of the year.

Thank you for reading my column this year. I'll continue next year and see you again.

（Photo・Text：Z II）