It’s been so long. Of course, I’ve been wearing my Leica like a necktie every day. But, I was so busy shooting around Tokyo for Photo Yodobashi and I wasn’t able to come back to this section. Another year has started and I noticed that three years have passed since I started this section and wondered what I have found so far.

( Photography / Text : Z II )

Unlimited choice of lenses

Choosing lenses for Leica is a pleasure. From the ones made more than 50 years ago to the factory-fresh ones, they have made countless number of lenses for Leica all over the world. My lenses are like my children because in a sense they came to me by fate. I own a variety of lenses including a cheap one, an old one, the latest Leica brand one, and the one supplied by other manufacturer. Each lens has their character. I started to look at scenes through their eyes, even if they were not mounted on my Leica. Because I can imagine their renditions beforehand, I can choose the best lens according to the scene. It’s like I’m a parent of my lenses and I love every one of them.

Jealousy and adoration for other photographers

After getting familiar to Leica, I became more curious about other photographers. Almost all PY crew have Leica, which is like a certificate of the love of photography. And, they are wonderful photographers and lovers of cameras. I have no idea what Mr. K, Mr. NB, and Mr. Naz are talking about. Because I have used Leica for only three years, they must be thinking I’m like a costumed mascot character. And, I can hear them saying I still need more training.

Image quality and lenses

While any camera takes wonderful picture when the condition is met, images shot with Leica are still captivating. Is it because of the lenses? Although I don’t understand the conversation like "Is it Summilix?" "Yes, the non-aspherical.," I can certainly answer to the question like "Is it Summarit?" "Nokton?" I’d smile and say, "Oh! Did you notice that?" I know the character of my lenses and it’s such a pleasure to explain them. And, my seniors must have gone through this stage.

Sheer commitment to photography

Being committed to photography means getting many kinds of lenses, taking good photography, and keeping improving. Meanwhile, I must also go over a pass of "family-finance issue" and "family’s consent." Still, I must move forward. No, I want to do it. I want to experience the rendition of a lens which costs more than a million yen.

Anyway, what I have discovered in the past three years is that some products are expensive for a reason. And, by getting and using them I can experience their renditions to tell my excitement to others. This way has no end, but I must keep exploring. And, it is in no way peculiar to photography.

To be continued.

( 2016.01.25 )