Like I said in my video, this isn't a review, so here are a couple M11 reviews from some friends of mine... Ted of The Art of Photography covers a lot of technicals and the differences between the previous M models and this new model: ruclips.net/video/Qskz6gai7Qg/видео.html Hugh of Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions discusses the intangibles, technicals, and why he ordered the camera! ruclips.net/video/3mr1kT7ufU4/видео.html
I went to a seminar of Ansel Adams and got a chance to grab several good medium format B&W shots of him signing some of his books. My Daughter grew up knowing my love of photography and named her First Son Ansel :-) During my 2 years at Daytona Beach Photography School we spent an entire Semester-6 Mo. just of the Zone System shooting and dev. & printing of 4x5 negs. When a photog moves up to a 4x5 view camera one takes more time on each shot. I am disables now with bad joints and even getting to those locations would be too hard. I should have gone there when I was young like you. I would reccoment every photographer buy and read his series of The Camera, The Negative, The Print.
Adams was a pioneer, and knew Digital Photography was on its way before he passed. Based on my readings, he was very enthusiastic about it. I believe he would be excited about the M11, and modern digital medium format cameras, if he were alive today. The concept of the Leica Monochrom is something I believe he would have enjoyed witnessing, and would embrace. I appreciate your approach in this video, as I’m exhausted by all the Yang energy videos out there on photography equipment. Thank you! 📷
Your video is a wonderful breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the usual launch day gear reviews. Very interesting to learn about this new M11 in the context of your artistic inspirations and adventures. Thoroughly enjoyable - thank you.
Your thought process is really right down my alley, Leigh. To me, photography is a very sensual process where different gear gives me different motivation and helps me visualize things around me differently. That's why I still use my DSLR, even though I have 2 mirrorless bodies, to which all my DSLR glass can be adapted I still at times long for those ergonomics of a larger body and the sense of sturdiness that the extra weight that my DSLR brings in. I also still buy DSLR glass along with mirrorless glass, every different piece of gear inspires me differently. When I want to go all tactile, I bring my Z fc and a selection of my manual focus glass with the LCD screen tucked away. I consider myself very privileged to be able to afford the luxury of switching between 3 different bodies, and many different lenses that each inspire me differently and allow me to enjoy my favorite hobby.
I absolutely agree with your premise. The gear does make you think differently. In addition to that, cameras that are different enough from each other literally cannot take the same photo, even from the same point. The differences will often be subtle, but sometimes not.
What a thoughtful 20 minutes, Leigh. Thank you. I can't wait to look at my own Ansel Adams book collection again, and to order "The Grand Canyon, and the Southwest." if it is not on my shelf. I wrote down in my own memory jogger, "Creativity isn't magic. It's hard work." And I realized, even though I'm currently shooting with four cameras, RX100M1, RX100M6, Z7, Z9, it is the Z7 in manual mode I'm enjoying using the most. It's the sweet spot for me. Your own photographs are absolutely inspiring. I appreciate you. I rewatched this video today.
Got my first Leica a week ago, loving the m11 and 50 .95 Noct so far. It’s difficult and really rewarding. I am really enjoying how it makes me think more about my shots and how I want to achieve them.
Love the direction and story in this video. Watched every minute and could’ve watched more. The project-themed camera presentation was refreshing amidst the noise of technical reviews. Thank you for putting it together. Cheers from WA State!
Very nice video! I love the pictures of the American South West and you have captured these very well! You make a very valid point and one that I constantly push - In photography you need a project. Once the basic skills have been learned and you can make a decent image then you need to channel that into making images that count. I work on projects all the time and have several on the go at any one time. For me my projects are mainly about photojournalism and are people based - I use Leica film cameras with the occasional Leica M digital. To me the most important thing in my style of photography is that "You have to FEEL for the image at the moment that you press the button" - if you don't feel and are not moved by the image then it will show and you will never move any observer of the picture. Your images moved me and I can feel your commitment that you had when you lined the camera up and pressed the button. Regards Paul Macnamara UK.
Wonderful video! You have a great energy and gentle way of communicating that is refreshing from all the salesmanship and influencing of today's world. I am using the Adams book 400 Photographs as my inspiration, making notes and trying the the ideas he expressed so magnificently in his images. Social media is not the place to see great photos, maybe just a place to excite your eyeballs. I appreciate you used the 50 to make the project to give us normal views rather than super wide saturated photos. I've been thinking about returning to Leica in digital form after having an M3 and M4-2 so many years ago. Retirement gives time for thinking and stillness.
This is by far my favorite of your videos. What a wonderful essay. It seems perfectly fitting that you have an art history degree. The copy of Gardner’s tome on your desk looks well-loved. My perception is that the academy doesn’t think of most photography as art. I’d love to hear your perspective on that.
I don't think that photography is art in any way. In fact, I dare say I can prove it logically! However, I am a photographer and it's the best job in the world. I wish I were an artist, too, though.
Leigh...THANK_YOU! What a wonderful video. Hugh and Ted did a great job talking about the camera and to a degree the shooting experience. Your video captured the essence (for me) of enjoying the use of the camera... to accomplish a wonderful project and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Obviously, the experience of using the tool is as important to you as is the output. Thank-you for this!
If this video is representative of you new content then I can’t tell you how excited I am for more. Thanks for everything that has come and excited for the new direction!
Nicely done, Ansel was such a force, of course he would have instructed all of us to slow down envision & plan. I know he played with the Contax viewfinder , I think he would have loved the M 11. I really appreciated your video so much more than just a tech sheet. Keep up the good work.
Leigh, thank you for the wonderful video!! Your use of "white space" (dark sky) made for some very stunning photos, and your use of "shadows" also was stunning ; all things we should use in our photos (not just fill up the frame with clutter). It looked like you used the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron for the majority of the photos, which provided a very nice, wide perspective. This is my favorite video on the M11 since it was about the mindset of an artist (you and Ansel Adams) and not about the camera. Great work!!
I actually used the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 for all but one photo (and that one was captured with a TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25). I carried the Voigtlander 28mm around with me everywhere but really enjoyed the 50mm focal length. I just never know what I'll feel like using!
@@LeighAndRaymond 50mm? Interesting... My wife and I were in Sedona last Feb with my SL2-S, 24mm Elmar-M, and 50mm Summicron-M (non-APO). In the end I only took 1 or 2 shots with the 24mm, the rest were with the 50mm. I thought I was the only one shooting landscapes with 50mm. Thanks for the validation!!
This was so refreshing to hear about a project and a camera in that context rather than the usual blurb. It has inspired me to do something similar. I am getting to know my Ricoh GR111 - which everyone implies is simple but does actually need a bit of work to get good results. Thanks for your inspiration.
This is one of the most insightful and refreshing photography videos I have ever watched. I have taken a similar approach in reading about Galen Rowell. Fascinating individual. Your statement about finding a camera that you like not for the spec sheet, but because it's an extension of who you are (paraphrasing) really resonated with me. It's so easy to get caught up in "well so-so shoots this or that and I like there images" an play monkey see, monkey do. In the process, I think many a photographer loses their vision. I so appreciate you sharing your project. It's very meaningful to me. Well done!
Thanks for sharing your project. It's always interesting to see what other people are up to behind their lens. We've been up to Canyon de Chelly a number of times. Spring and Fall. We were there this past October for a couple of days. If you have the option I'd pick the fall. Late October. The Cottonwoods in the canyon are radiant yellow which is a perfect background to the red walls. I shot with my Q2 Mono. Not so great. The wife shot with a Q2 color. Fabulous.
I absolutely loved this video. Just riveting. To see adams’ impact on your images, this was both brave and beautiful. Very insightful. Thank you Leigh! 🙏🏽🌸🇮🇳
Hello Leigh. I have been around for over 47 years; I was taught analog 35mm film photography from 1994, so I am Olde-Skool of which I am proud of, because it encouraged me to learn the craft of photography the proper way, I learned about the Zone-System, which I employed in my work, albeit not to the exact level as Ansel Adams, nevertheless it helped me understand the limitations of relying on a light meter’s average exposures. Considering that you love cameras that don’t get in the way of the image making process, as do modern cameras from Cannon, Nikon, and Sony which are over-saturated with features, I would recommend that you buy a Nikon FM2N manual-focus SLR, it was launched way back in 1983; it has hardly any featues, it’s a full manual camera, the only aspect of the FM2N that requires a battery is the in-built light-meter; the shutter-release and the shutter-curtains are fully mechanical thus don’t require battery power. I too love simple cameras that have very little in the way of features. You don’t need to reply to this.
Enjoyed your video. I would like to suggest Ansel's autobiography and "Examples: The Making of Forty Photographs." For me they were most important books because they gave me glimpses of what he was thinking or feeling.
I really appreciate your project style review…got the tech review elsewhere. Your comment on the camera that excites you to take pictures, resonates. I have a Z6II and while i I still love the camera I recently purchased an XT4. It dots everything my Z6II does (plus or minus) it is how the XT4 feels in the hand, the retro styling that excite me to take pictures! That being said, as my hands are not always the steadiest, I think I’d better keep saving for the SL-2 😊
This was a thoroughly enjoyable non-review! I don't know if I could ever afford a new M-series Leica but your emphasis on the experience of shooting with a Leica has caused me to seriously consider adding perhaps the Q or Q-2 (previously owned) to my kit. Thanks for this video!
Thank you for this video, very inspiring angle on (what we can do with) equipment. I think Adams has actually quoted for being excited about a digital photography future, in an interview.
Ansel was just as much a master of the darkroom as he was of taking the photo. Measuring the dynamic range of the scene with his light meter and knowing how to develop that negative to achieve what he imagined of what he saw and then put it to paper. A true master from start to finish.
I was very lucky to study with Ansel in Yosemite in the late seventies. We would shoot as a small group during the day and then head into his darkroom to make the magic. Ansel in the darkroom was a non digital version of photoshop before there was PS. After the darkroom work we would meet at his place to critique our work. He also would play the piano for us ( music was his first love). Great times and thanks for the excellent video.
I found your video refreshing and informative. It was interesting to learn something about how Ansel Adams pursued his work. Also to hear your analysis of his compositions, and eventual translation of some of that into elements of your photo series. In a way I am just getting started in photography. As such many of my compositions are simple. I find myself occasionally pulling off the road to get a sunset / sunrise, or taking as picture from a parking lot of some spectacular (to me) cloud views. I learn things from some of these exercises. Other times, the only reward was that I found them interesting. it is encouraging to learn that great photographers such as yourself and Ansel Adams sometimes find value in the effort (and results) of capturing things that might be seen as common or simple. It also validates what I hear and experience repeatedly; some of the best photo opportunities are spontaneous in nature; despite the real value of planning. Thanks for the reassurance I and others who are early in our photographic journey are on the right track.
One of the most beautiful and informational “reviews” I’ve seen. Thank you for sharing the “you in your elements”. I have watched many of your presentations. This one drove me to Subscribe to say “Well done and thank you”
I really enjoyed this video, especially because of your references to the Venerable Adams, long a favorite of mine. You rhetorically asked what Adams would have thought about a camera like the Leica M-11. Short answer is that he would have loved it! He was always someone who was interested in technical innovation and was an advisor to Dr. Edwin Land and the Polaroid Corporation for several decades. In his autobiography, written (mostly) towards the end of his life) he speculated about new electronic photo technology (probably based on videotaping technology of the time) and speculated that this would open up new doors for photography. I have to thank you because your video has prompted me to reread his autobiography. I recommend it to you as means of getting to know how his artistic approach came about. He died before it was fully finished, at which time Mary Street Alinder brought the book to completion. It is a good read and I think you might enjoy it. Cheers!
That’s how a camera review should be done. I watch the tech ones as well. AFTER I buy it. These educate me on wether to buy it or now. All cameras are technically great..even my phone. Only a few cameras ask me to be taken out and shoot. Leica does that.
Great story! I’ve followed Adams’ works & philosophy for a long time. The photo with Georgia O’Keefe & Ansel Adams is a fave of mine. Both were extraordinary artists! Trivia time: Adams used Hasselblads and even Polaroid on occasion, besides Large Format. I have his book of Polaroid photos on my shelf, with several other works. He did a lot of documentary work as well. Group f/64 shout-out! Historical and very absorbing, thanks a bunch! I like your videos- good stuff! 🙏
Ansel Adams was also a master of post processing. The prints you see are so different than contact prints of his his original negatives. He heavily dodged, burned, and adjusted his chemicals and times to achieve the results he envisioned. I think Ansel would have embraced the digital technology and software processing of today since he also consulted to companies regarding the fringe technologies of his day. For a modern day parallel of an Ansel Adams type of photographer, check out the work and story of Clyde Butcher.
I think Adams would have loved where digital is today, and having the ability to expand the range of his zone system via the dynamic ranges of the cameras that have come to market over the past 3 years or so and on into 2022. He would not abandon film however, but would maintain the thinking process that comes from it. I think he would love the ability to shoot in color, convert it to B&W and see the detail in the entire range of darks and lights that he loved to show. Even with the S5, I shoot as I did when shooting film with my Nikon FM or FE2, My Bronica or my Blad. I just use the tool at hand to my advantage. I love it, and enjoy it so much more than the DSLR, Canon 7D. So, projects; I don't have a lot of time for projects as I drive over 120k miles a year, but along the way I love to shoot docs, landscape series, in both video and photographs. I made a living shooting photos and videos from the age of 18 until ohhh around 2008, then took a break. Now with what I described, what I shoot is not stressful, but enjoyable and yet challenging in its own right. The showcasing is yet to come. Keep up the great work. I watch much of what you share here on You Tube!
Great video and so refreshing, I have been a student of Ansel Adams for 45 years, but I think a discussion of his work would be remiss without the inclusion of his Zone System, which creates the tool to see and produce the image in your mind, the intensity of the shadows and highlights from pure black to white and all the midtowns in between. Ansel Adams did mention Digital photography and its promise in one of his many books and I think he would certainly of tried it, but I would very surprised if he left Black and White photography and even his use of film. Very nice that Adam's is being spoken about these days and another master that is worth mentioning is George Weston. Thoughtful photography - speed and ease is not always its friend. Again thank you for this piece. Al Mallozzi
Bravo! Studying an artist to better understand his work and draw inspiration. The art historian in me is so happy. Question, as this video was on your project and using the new Leica lens may make this off-topic, but Adams did a lot of post production work on his photos. Did you incorporate any of those techniques in the creation of the images in your project?
I know that Adams did extensive post-production work in the dark room but I prefer to spend as little time as possible at my computer. I edited the photos but only basic edits.
Interview with Ansel Adams: ruclips.net/video/CKpyZoUIFts/видео.html and this ruclips.net/video/rdCq-1MJmHw/видео.html In this clip Adams sees the future being "electronic photography" ruclips.net/video/IWhQGU2RYuM/видео.html
Beautiful story and great project. A little known aspect of Adams work was photographing Japanese Americans interment during WWII. Incredible how we can see empathy through a lens of a camera. It takes 1/250th/sec. to realize that what we are seeing is the photographer seeing. Can't think of many other ways we see what someone else sees.
Have you used colored fitters on your monochrome images? Using red, yellow, green or blue filters change your images dramatically. I’d love to see you try this and see what you come up with
Thanks for the review. I do have one question for you and hopefully you can answer it. About a week ago, I requested some info from your video 'Is This the 35mm You're Looking For? Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art - Leica L, Sony E - Review' At about 4:40 into your video, you mentioned programming the lens' Focus Lock button to Full Frame/APSC mode on your SL2. How it that done? I also have a SL2. I'd appreciate if you could help me out since since you mentioned it could be done. I cannot find anything, anywhere on how to do this.
I like Ansel Adams “Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite National Park,” photo because I like the mountains, the fog, forest and the snow together in the valley. If Ansel Adams were here today, he would probably want to make the Sony A1 his main camera and the Sony A7Riv his backup camera because Tony/Chelsea and the Fro says that Sony is the best for Eye auto focus, colors, video and ergonomics practically the best camera ever made, so they can't be wrong. Nice photos with the Leica M11.
A very interesting approach to testing a camera. I wonder if taking any other high end (a7r4, cano r5, etc) with a fully manual lens wouldn't deliver the same experience. Neither of those options is cheap, but they all have an insane dynamic range and very high MP count. Personally I use a few old lenses (helios, meyer optics) from time to time, for their specific look, on a sony A7R3. The leica brand gear seems to fit the concept -it's not what one NEEDS to buy, rather than what one WANTS to buy (and had a boat load of money to do that).
Great Review. I was out making photos yesterday with my Leica Sl-2 and now will repeat yesterdays "shoot" with a better eye (I hope) having watched yours.
Ansel Adams was a master in the (film) darkroom, its not so much about the camera he used & if we talk about scanning negatives or slides as technology progresses, digital will never exceed the capabilities of film in that regard I say it only wise to still shoot film, sadly the associated costs now prevent most of us from doing so
If you take into account the depreciation of digital cameras, when you replace them with a new model every 2 to 3 years, taking photos with film, in a permanently used body, is not that expensive.
Enjoyed the video and your lovely images. I am a big fan of Ansel Adams as well and spent plenty of sleepless nights messing around in the darkroom pushing and pulling development times experimenting with the zone system. Ansel Adams wasn’t afraid to experiment with different photographic mediums. I have a great book titled “Ansel Adams Singular Images”. it’s a compilation of images he took using Poloroid negative material.
This was a very nice presentation, so thank you. You have a great point about negative space. Adams was obviously thinking about a large print. Where a lot of people are thinking about - as you said - Instagram. Another technique which I find overused and used improperly is shallow focus. Some people know how to shoot wide-open, and I tip my hat to them. They know exactly what they're doing. But it's seen as some kind of good standard and it's actually not, neither in cinema nor in photography. How interesting that, with the M11, and M10-R before it, we have a camera that's compact enough to be called a travel camera, and yet also capable of making absolutely huge prints. I don't think that Adams would use it, though. He'd be a medium format guy. Today he'd be using the Phase One achromatic back, IMHO. Speaking of large prints, it's a shame that the Ansel Adams book is so small! Where are the large format photo books? As in A3 or even larger. I have a few, and oh boy are they worth it. I have no projects to share, but I am discovering that I like photographing birds. I had never wanted to do that before a year ago. ... BTW I didn't know you studied art history. In that light, I find it hard to believe that anyone would study photography (almost all of the best photographers never studied it!). Photography is the best job in the world, but it's also such a meaningless degree. Who would choose photography over art history? I can't even draw stick figures properly and I'm a photographer through and through, and yet I would pick art history every single time.
start by reading "Camera and Lens" and the "Negative" along with all the other books in the series. They are dense and sometimes hard to understand and it took me a lot of time in the darkroom making prints to understand (still working on that) what he was saying.
Wonderfull and instructive video. It is very interesting to present the artistic inspiration and unique vision. The pictures are great! Congratulations.
Interesting idea. When I first read "Chanelling Ansel Adams...", what immediately popped up in my mind is obviously a 4x5 camera. Of course, carrying a 4x5 around isn't particularly fun and unless you want to print really big gallery-level, a 35mm is more than sufficient, yes?
19:17, to answer your question I suggest you read Andrea G. Gilman’s book “Looking at Ansel Adams” (who was Mr Adams assistant in the 1970’s). She suggests in the book that he would have embraced digital and I’m sure he would have loved digital cameras especially Leica and Fuji. Very enjoyable video as I love all your desert outings having experience the south rim in 2014. We do have a beautiful country here in the UK but nothing like the Grand Canyon. Thanks.
Awesome video Leigh thanks. For me personally I get excited by using any new to me camera I’m a full time press photographer and spare time is all about trying old cameras I just love the experience I’m not at all interested in specs I like to try and use the cameras rather than look at tech data. A Leica along with a blad will one day undoubtedly become part of my ever growing collection.
You talked about the loss of detail in the highlights and shadows. Keep in mind you are viewing a reproduction in a book. Just like Facebook does, you lose a lot in translation. It would be better to view a print, preferably printed by Adams himself, to get a better idea of what he placed in Zone I and what he placed in Zone IX. BTW, I graduated from Art Center College of Design. It was when Adams was teaching at Art Center that he and Fred Archer codified the Zone System, which is just a more formal approach to techniques commonly used by photographers back then and even earlier. I used to use the Zone System frequently, both for personal and professional work.
Is this the first M you have shot with? I am pretty sure it is the first video of the M you have uploaded. They are a delight to use. For more on Ansel Adams, I strongly recommend his autobiography. Then read his biography by Mary Street Adler. She was his assistant late in life and played a major role in helping him complete his autobiography. In the biography she goes into a lot of detail about “Moonrise”. Not just how he captured it, but how he printed it, and how the way he printed it changed over the course of his life.
Your nod to AA and attention to his work in your project is admirable. As you say, it’s not seen much in the fray of modern photography in the grips of social media and generally dizzying frenzy of over baked and overly manipulated, under thought, ..poor work. I especially like your callout to really ‘know your gear.’ To me, there’s nothing more annoying and self-defeating than to not be intimately familiar with one’s equipment. Personally, one of the biggest embarrassments i could ever make is to let myself down in my own work by fumbling around on a shoot, or missing a shot from not knowing or being ‘at one’ with my gear. I spent a lot of time with this part of my photography during the pandemic, and found a visceral connection to my fly-fishing cast. There is a certain familiarity and ‘feel’ in both - a muscle memory, perhaps an extra sense, of sorts - that extends out of the mind and soul to one’s hands and fingers. You just KNOW when it’s right, and when it’s not that’s ok, it just tugs at my insides to keep practicing, and keep the curiosity fires lit past any comfort zone - until at least Im understanding what’s off. Then practice, practice, practice and love every second of that above all frustrations. With the right gear, unforgiving as Leica M system cameras and glass can be (in this example), getting it right is ultimately satisfying. I suspect this is what you find so inspiring in Ansel’s work and writings. Thank your for insights and thoughtful piece!
Hi. I really enjoy that type of content on your channel A LOT 👍🏻 Choosing Adams is certainly not an easy task but as a landscape photographer if not him, who then? Great video.
I borrowed a brand new M11 with 35mm lens a few days ago. I wanted to see what was so different about Leica and the always talked about ' Leica Look'. I have compared very detailed shots of the new M11, a Sony A7iii and Fujifilm XPro3. Aside from resolution, i seriously cannot fathom the extra $10000 price tag for the Leica. Sure the image is much higher in megapixels, but honestly all 3 cameras produced roughly the same quality photo. I appreciate that people like to purchase high end brands as they like prestige gear, but......i do not see it being worth it. For anyone stuck on the fence about getting a Leica camera, I can honestly say that if you have the money do what you want. i have the money to purchase a few of these M11's but to be brutally honest I cannot see any reason aside from social image status to own one. i have tested dynamic range and processed the photos like any normal consumer would and I would bet nobody reading this could determine which camera made which photo. Note to newcomers, DO NOT get caught up in the leica hype. Like all other mirrorless bodies, they are just sensors and a lens like any other mirrorless camera. After shelling out $10,000 plus for a leica, you are kidding yourself if you think your photos are superior to anything else a fifth the price on the market. Dont believe me?......rent one and see for yourself. I have leica raws and I could tell you they came from a sony a7iv and you would believe me as they look like any other camera. RUclipsrs seem to pushing the Q2 at the moment, avoid it at all costs. You are not getting a camera that is superior in any way. Leica cameras do have once strength that none of the other brands have yet to achieve. Their bodies and lenses drain your wallets very quickly with no noticeable benefit to the owner. Maintenance on leica is insanely offensive too along with accessories. I dare you to prove me wrong.
cool video. The M series isn't really my cup of tea but like you said, what works for one person may not work for someone else? Maybe heresy, but I think Mr. Adams would have used anything at his disposal that he thought would give him the photograph he wanted. Given his prowess in the dark room I believe he would be a master at Photoshop and other post processing tools if he were alive and taking photos today. No idea what camera he would use, whatever gave him the shot he wanted and my guess is he would have multiple cameras of different types and formats.
A great book about Ansel Adams is a biography written by Mary Street Alinder. She was Mr. Adam's Chief Assistant from 1979 until his death. I know you would enjoy reading about this great photographer.
Thank you for another excellent video. One of the secrets to Ansel Adams formula for great photos Is he was very selective on Photos he took and used he would be very happy if he got 12 usable photos in a year. When I go out to take photographs I always like to bring something home to have a look at it takes a brave person to come home with no photographs
Can it really be the 60 MP Sony sensor? I don’t quite understand the 60 MP gives highest resolution, but the 18 MP setting gives you 15 stops of dynamic range and the lowest noise levels. What does it mean? Is the image at 60 MP soft and less sharp due to the noise?
Love seeing Ansel's photos as they show me places I will never get to see myself. I once had a conversation with a pro tog and he said he gor everything right in camera just like Ansel so that is why he did not edit his photos. Once I stopped laughing I pointed out that Ansel would spend a day in the darkroom getting the print right, funny he did not talk to me again
I love the Grand Canyon so much…… I want to come and stay for like a month and see as much as possible! I want to see the things off the main drive. I really want to find that perfect image and then wait and see the light and the weather and just wait and enjoy the beauty. Did you know Angel camped out and wait as much as 90 days to get just the right image. Ie… waiting for deer in the foreground….. I think for some landscape photography is a channeling of energy. Majestic beauty is often hard to translate. Becoming awestruck, humbled and in the state of grace. Moved. I don’t know do people just see it as a cloud, or was it a spiritual experience? Often the viewer says there’s something about it…
I think Adams might have stuck with playing the piano!, He was in a world where what he did was technically challenging, new and rare. Now it isn't technically challenging and is very common. Would it attract his personality?
I think he would do more color if he was here now. With film you have a limited amount of control over color. With digital you can alter one color without affecting the other colors,and you can alter the color of one part without altering the whole picture.
That's an interesting thought! And you're right - we have an obscene amount of flexibility in our digital files these days. I imagine any photographer from any age would be enticed by that.
The book, “Ansel Adams in Color” is a great book. Wonderful images and fascinating essays on how and why he used color film and his thoughts on it, positive and negative, including his foreseeing the digital tools he felt would be so worthwhile.
I was actually impressed with the image quality at higher ISO Sensitivities. The photo at 8:25 was captured at ISO 3200 and the noise is imperceptible, even though I didn't do any noise reduction. It may have something to do with processing the camera does on the files (even the Raw files). Ted actually does a great job of explaining it in his video... ruclips.net/video/Qskz6gai7Qg/видео.html
Like I said in my video, this isn't a review, so here are a couple M11 reviews from some friends of mine...
Ted of The Art of Photography covers a lot of technicals and the differences between the previous M models and this new model: ruclips.net/video/Qskz6gai7Qg/видео.html
Hugh of Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions discusses the intangibles, technicals, and why he ordered the camera! ruclips.net/video/3mr1kT7ufU4/видео.html
Ansel Adams - great angle for your video, Leigh. Thanks for the shout-out!
I like the video, well said
Two great videos to promote...they are BOTH excellent!
No, it’s not. It is Leica propaganda. How much did they pay? Your audience is not dumb. Thumbs down.
@@NWind-go9qn to answer your ostensibly rhetorical question directly: they paid me nothing. Shame on you.
Leigh - I love the new direction - keep it up!!!! You're very sweet to give me a shout out. Miss you guys - been too long!
We’re planning a trip out there soon!
I went to a seminar of Ansel Adams and got a chance to grab several good medium format B&W shots of him signing some of his books. My Daughter grew up knowing my love of photography and named her First Son Ansel :-) During my 2 years at Daytona Beach Photography School we spent an entire Semester-6 Mo. just of the Zone System shooting and dev. & printing of 4x5 negs. When a photog moves up to a 4x5 view camera one takes more time on each shot. I am disables now with bad joints and even getting to those locations would be too hard. I should have gone there when I was young like you. I would reccoment every photographer buy and read his series of The Camera, The Negative, The Print.
Adams was a pioneer, and knew Digital Photography was on its way before he passed. Based on my readings, he was very enthusiastic about it. I believe he would be excited about the M11, and modern digital medium format cameras, if he were alive today. The concept of the Leica Monochrom is something I believe he would have enjoyed witnessing, and would embrace. I appreciate your approach in this video, as I’m exhausted by all the Yang energy videos out there on photography equipment. Thank you! 📷
Your video is a wonderful breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the usual launch day gear reviews. Very interesting to learn about this new M11 in the context of your artistic inspirations and adventures. Thoroughly enjoyable - thank you.
Your thought process is really right down my alley, Leigh. To me, photography is a very sensual process where different gear gives me different motivation and helps me visualize things around me differently. That's why I still use my DSLR, even though I have 2 mirrorless bodies, to which all my DSLR glass can be adapted I still at times long for those ergonomics of a larger body and the sense of sturdiness that the extra weight that my DSLR brings in. I also still buy DSLR glass along with mirrorless glass, every different piece of gear inspires me differently. When I want to go all tactile, I bring my Z fc and a selection of my manual focus glass with the LCD screen tucked away. I consider myself very privileged to be able to afford the luxury of switching between 3 different bodies, and many different lenses that each inspire me differently and allow me to enjoy my favorite hobby.
I absolutely agree with your premise. The gear does make you think differently. In addition to that, cameras that are different enough from each other literally cannot take the same photo, even from the same point. The differences will often be subtle, but sometimes not.
Whatever you do, DON’T buy the Nikon ZFC, it is an utter CRAP camera, you would be better off investing in a second-hand Nikon F2 SLR dating from 1971
Using your works to demonstrate the purpose and the capabilities of the camera is brilliant. Way to go!
Photography is ART. After years of gadgetry, I realized that's not the answer, its the talent & art !
I am always drawn to individuals who excel at what they love doing. This woman is WONDERFUL!!!
One of your best videos ever IMO. The running commentary while reviewing the photos is great. Thank you.
What a thoughtful 20 minutes, Leigh. Thank you. I can't wait to look at my own Ansel Adams book collection again, and to order "The Grand Canyon, and the Southwest." if it is not on my shelf. I wrote down in my own memory jogger, "Creativity isn't magic. It's hard work." And I realized, even though I'm currently shooting with four cameras, RX100M1, RX100M6, Z7, Z9, it is the Z7 in manual mode I'm enjoying using the most. It's the sweet spot for me. Your own photographs are absolutely inspiring. I appreciate you. I rewatched this video today.
Got my first Leica a week ago, loving the m11 and 50 .95 Noct so far. It’s difficult and really rewarding. I am really enjoying how it makes me think more about my shots and how I want to achieve them.
Love the direction and story in this video. Watched every minute and could’ve watched more. The project-themed camera presentation was refreshing amidst the noise of technical reviews. Thank you for putting it together. Cheers from WA State!
Very nice video! I love the pictures of the American South West and you have captured these very well! You make a very valid point and one that I constantly push - In photography you need a project. Once the basic skills have been learned and you can make a decent image then you need to channel that into making images that count. I work on projects all the time and have several on the go at any one time. For me my projects are mainly about photojournalism and are people based - I use Leica film cameras with the occasional Leica M digital. To me the most important thing in my style of photography is that "You have to FEEL for the image at the moment that you press the button" - if you don't feel and are not moved by the image then it will show and you will never move any observer of the picture. Your images moved me and I can feel your commitment that you had when you lined the camera up and pressed the button. Regards Paul Macnamara UK.
Wonderful video! You have a great energy and gentle way of communicating that is refreshing from all the salesmanship and influencing of today's world. I am using the Adams book 400 Photographs as my inspiration, making notes and trying the the ideas he expressed so magnificently in his images. Social media is not the place to see great photos, maybe just a place to excite your eyeballs. I appreciate you used the 50 to make the project to give us normal views rather than super wide saturated photos. I've been thinking about returning to Leica in digital form after having an M3 and M4-2 so many years ago. Retirement gives time for thinking and stillness.
This is by far my favorite of your videos. What a wonderful essay. It seems perfectly fitting that you have an art history degree. The copy of Gardner’s tome on your desk looks well-loved. My perception is that the academy doesn’t think of most photography as art. I’d love to hear your perspective on that.
I don't think that photography is art in any way. In fact, I dare say I can prove it logically! However, I am a photographer and it's the best job in the world. I wish I were an artist, too, though.
Leigh...THANK_YOU! What a wonderful video. Hugh and Ted did a great job talking about the camera and to a degree the shooting experience. Your video captured the essence (for me) of enjoying the use of the camera... to accomplish a wonderful project and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Obviously, the experience of using the tool is as important to you as is the output. Thank-you for this!
If this video is representative of you new content then I can’t tell you how excited I am for more. Thanks for everything that has come and excited for the new direction!
What an inspiring sharing of your own creative process, irrespective of the gear. Thank you, Leigh.
I like your creative take on this M11 review. It was inspiring. I just ordered the Ansel Adams book you discussed. Thank you Leigh 😊
Nicely done, Ansel was such a force, of course he would have instructed all of us to slow down envision & plan. I know he played with the Contax viewfinder , I think he would have loved the M 11. I really appreciated your video so much more than just a tech sheet. Keep up the good work.
I enjoyed you sharing your experience with the camera. I find that this actually helped me to decide on the camera.
Leigh, thank you for the wonderful video!! Your use of "white space" (dark sky) made for some very stunning photos, and your use of "shadows" also was stunning ; all things we should use in our photos (not just fill up the frame with clutter). It looked like you used the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron for the majority of the photos, which provided a very nice, wide perspective. This is my favorite video on the M11 since it was about the mindset of an artist (you and Ansel Adams) and not about the camera. Great work!!
I actually used the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 for all but one photo (and that one was captured with a TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25). I carried the Voigtlander 28mm around with me everywhere but really enjoyed the 50mm focal length. I just never know what I'll feel like using!
@@LeighAndRaymond 50mm? Interesting... My wife and I were in Sedona last Feb with my SL2-S, 24mm Elmar-M, and 50mm Summicron-M (non-APO). In the end I only took 1 or 2 shots with the 24mm, the rest were with the 50mm. I thought I was the only one shooting landscapes with 50mm. Thanks for the validation!!
This was so refreshing to hear about a project and a camera in that context rather than the usual blurb. It has inspired me to do something similar. I am getting to know my Ricoh GR111 - which everyone implies is simple but does actually need a bit of work to get good results. Thanks for your inspiration.
Gorgeous photos and i really enjoyed your narration. Thanks for sharing your work and passion
This is one of the most insightful and refreshing photography videos I have ever watched. I have taken a similar approach in reading about Galen Rowell. Fascinating individual. Your statement about finding a camera that you like not for the spec sheet, but because it's an extension of who you are (paraphrasing) really resonated with me. It's so easy to get caught up in "well so-so shoots this or that and I like there images" an play monkey see, monkey do. In the process, I think many a photographer loses their vision. I so appreciate you sharing your project. It's very meaningful to me. Well done!
Thank you! I'm glad this spoke to you. It was a fun project to do.
I loved this thoughtful reflection on your process...my goodness, you inspire me!
Thanks for sharing your project. It's always interesting to see what other people are up to behind their lens.
We've been up to Canyon de Chelly a number of times. Spring and Fall. We were there this past October for a couple of days. If you have the option I'd pick the fall. Late October. The Cottonwoods in the canyon are radiant yellow which is a perfect background to the red walls. I shot with my Q2 Mono. Not so great. The wife shot with a Q2 color. Fabulous.
I absolutely loved this video. Just riveting. To see adams’ impact on your images, this was both brave and beautiful. Very insightful. Thank you Leigh! 🙏🏽🌸🇮🇳
Hello Leigh. I have been around for over 47 years; I was taught analog 35mm film photography from 1994, so I am Olde-Skool of which I am proud of, because it encouraged me to learn the craft of photography the proper way, I learned about the Zone-System, which I employed in my work, albeit not to the exact level as Ansel Adams, nevertheless it helped me understand the limitations of relying on a light meter’s average exposures. Considering that you love cameras that don’t get in the way of the image making process, as do modern cameras from Cannon, Nikon, and Sony which are over-saturated with features, I would recommend that you buy a Nikon FM2N manual-focus SLR, it was launched way back in 1983; it has hardly any featues, it’s a full manual camera, the only aspect of the FM2N that requires a battery is the in-built light-meter; the shutter-release and the shutter-curtains are fully mechanical thus don’t require battery power. I too love simple cameras that have very little in the way of features. You don’t need to reply to this.
OMG, Leigh! 😉 Best to Raymond, too!
Hi Hugh! 😃
Enjoyed your video. I would like to suggest Ansel's autobiography and "Examples: The Making of Forty Photographs." For me they were most important books because they gave me glimpses of what he was thinking or feeling.
I really appreciate your project style review…got the tech review elsewhere. Your comment on the camera that excites you to take pictures, resonates. I have a Z6II and while i I still love the camera I recently purchased an XT4. It dots everything my Z6II does (plus or minus) it is how the XT4 feels in the hand, the retro styling that excite me to take pictures!
That being said, as my hands are not always the steadiest, I think I’d better keep saving for the SL-2 😊
Lovely photos. I especially liked the moon over the mountains. Thanks for the video.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable non-review! I don't know if I could ever afford a new M-series Leica but your emphasis on the experience of shooting with a Leica has caused me to seriously consider adding perhaps the Q or Q-2 (previously owned) to my kit. Thanks for this video!
The Q is a fabulous camera!
Thank you for this video, very inspiring angle on (what we can do with) equipment. I think Adams has actually quoted for being excited about a digital photography future, in an interview.
Leigh, this is a wonderful video! Great to hear your experience rather than all the specs! Thank you!
Ansel was just as much a master of the darkroom as he was of taking the photo. Measuring the dynamic range of the scene with his light meter and knowing how to develop that negative to achieve what he imagined of what he saw and then put it to paper. A true master from start to finish.
I was very lucky to study with Ansel in Yosemite in the late seventies. We would shoot as a small group during the day and then head into his darkroom to make the magic. Ansel in the darkroom was a non digital version of photoshop before there was PS. After the darkroom work we would meet at his place to critique our work. He also would play the piano for us ( music was his first love). Great times and thanks for the excellent video.
An excellent video - capturing the 'art' in photography in today's age. Thank you.
This was so inspiring and got my creative juices flowing.
I found your video refreshing and informative. It was interesting to learn something about how Ansel Adams pursued his work. Also to hear your analysis of his compositions, and eventual translation of some of that into elements of your photo series. In a way I am just getting started in photography. As such many of my compositions are simple. I find myself occasionally pulling off the road to get a sunset / sunrise, or taking as picture from a parking lot of some spectacular (to me) cloud views. I learn things from some of these exercises. Other times, the only reward was that I found them interesting. it is encouraging to learn that great photographers such as yourself and Ansel Adams sometimes find value in the effort (and results) of capturing things that might be seen as common or simple. It also validates what I hear and experience repeatedly; some of the best photo opportunities are spontaneous in nature; despite the real value of planning. Thanks for the reassurance I and others who are early in our photographic journey are on the right track.
I always liked your channel, but now I love it! Great content 👍
One of the most beautiful and informational “reviews” I’ve seen. Thank you for sharing the “you in your elements”. I have watched many of your presentations. This one drove me to Subscribe to say “Well done and thank you”
I really enjoyed this video, especially because of your references to the Venerable Adams, long a favorite of mine. You rhetorically asked what Adams would have thought about a camera like the Leica M-11. Short answer is that he would have loved it! He was always someone who was interested in technical innovation and was an advisor to Dr. Edwin Land and the Polaroid Corporation for several decades. In his autobiography, written (mostly) towards the end of his life) he speculated about new electronic photo technology (probably based on videotaping technology of the time) and speculated that this would open up new doors for photography. I have to thank you because your video has prompted me to reread his autobiography. I recommend it to you as means of getting to know how his artistic approach came about. He died before it was fully finished, at which time Mary Street Alinder brought the book to completion. It is a good read and I think you might enjoy it. Cheers!
Thank you for the “abnormal” review on the camera. Really makes me think of how to take good photos again.
That’s how a camera review should be done. I watch the tech ones as well. AFTER I buy it. These educate me on wether to buy it or now. All cameras are technically great..even my phone. Only a few cameras ask me to be taken out and shoot. Leica does that.
Great story! I’ve followed Adams’ works & philosophy for a long time. The photo with Georgia O’Keefe & Ansel Adams is a fave of mine. Both were extraordinary artists! Trivia time: Adams used Hasselblads and even Polaroid on occasion, besides Large Format. I have his book of Polaroid photos on my shelf, with several other works. He did a lot of documentary work as well. Group f/64 shout-out! Historical and very absorbing, thanks a bunch! I like your videos- good stuff! 🙏
Ansel Adams was also a master of post processing. The prints you see are so different than contact prints of his his original negatives. He heavily dodged, burned, and adjusted his chemicals and times to achieve the results he envisioned. I think Ansel would have embraced the digital technology and software processing of today since he also consulted to companies regarding the fringe technologies of his day. For a modern day parallel of an Ansel Adams type of photographer, check out the work and story of Clyde Butcher.
Ummm wow seems like such an understatement..... a great video Leigh!! (Did you use any filters?)
stunning shots! Thank you for sharing em
really enjoyed it
I think Adams would have loved where digital is today, and having the ability to expand the range of his zone system via the dynamic ranges of the cameras that have come to market over the past 3 years or so and on into 2022. He would not abandon film however, but would maintain the thinking process that comes from it. I think he would love the ability to shoot in color, convert it to B&W and see the detail in the entire range of darks and lights that he loved to show. Even with the S5, I shoot as I did when shooting film with my Nikon FM or FE2, My Bronica or my Blad. I just use the tool at hand to my advantage. I love it, and enjoy it so much more than the DSLR, Canon 7D. So, projects; I don't have a lot of time for projects as I drive over 120k miles a year, but along the way I love to shoot docs, landscape series, in both video and photographs. I made a living shooting photos and videos from the age of 18 until ohhh around 2008, then took a break. Now with what I described, what I shoot is not stressful, but enjoyable and yet challenging in its own right. The showcasing is yet to come. Keep up the great work. I watch much of what you share here on You Tube!
Stellar video, Leigh. This was a thousand times better than the usual "pushing the new Leica" video that many others published.
Great video and so refreshing, I have been a student of Ansel Adams for 45 years, but I think a discussion of his work would be remiss without the inclusion of his Zone System, which creates the tool to see and produce the image in your mind, the intensity of the shadows and highlights from pure black to white and all the midtowns in between. Ansel Adams did mention Digital photography and its promise in one of his many books and I think he would certainly of tried it, but I would very surprised if he left Black and White photography and even his use of film.
Very nice that Adam's is being spoken about these days and another master that is worth mentioning is George Weston.
Thoughtful photography - speed and ease is not always its friend.
Again thank you for this piece.
Al Mallozzi
George Weston? I think you meant to say Edward Weston. Just quibbiling
Bravo! Studying an artist to better understand his work and draw inspiration. The art historian in me is so happy.
Question, as this video was on your project and using the new Leica lens may make this off-topic, but Adams did a lot of post production work on his photos. Did you incorporate any of those techniques in the creation of the images in your project?
I know that Adams did extensive post-production work in the dark room but I prefer to spend as little time as possible at my computer. I edited the photos but only basic edits.
@@LeighAndRaymond Thanks!
@@LeighAndRaymond I am with you on that one. I cull aggressively and only process my keepers. And I don't process them for hours on end.
Interview with Ansel Adams: ruclips.net/video/CKpyZoUIFts/видео.html and this ruclips.net/video/rdCq-1MJmHw/видео.html
In this clip Adams sees the future being "electronic photography" ruclips.net/video/IWhQGU2RYuM/видео.html
Beautiful story and great project. A little known aspect of Adams work was photographing Japanese Americans interment during WWII. Incredible how we can see empathy through a lens of a camera. It takes 1/250th/sec. to realize that what we are seeing is the photographer seeing. Can't think of many other ways we see what someone else sees.
Have you used colored fitters on your monochrome images? Using red, yellow, green or blue filters change your images dramatically. I’d love to see you try this and see what you come up with
Thanks for the review. I do have one question for you and hopefully you can answer it. About a week ago, I requested some info from your video 'Is This the 35mm You're Looking For? Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art - Leica L, Sony E - Review' At about 4:40 into your video, you mentioned programming the lens' Focus Lock button to Full Frame/APSC mode on your SL2. How it that done? I also have a SL2. I'd appreciate if you could help me out since since you mentioned it could be done. I cannot find anything, anywhere on how to do this.
I like Ansel Adams “Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite National Park,” photo because I like the mountains, the fog, forest and the snow together in the valley. If Ansel Adams were here today, he would probably want to make the Sony A1 his main camera and the Sony A7Riv his backup camera because Tony/Chelsea and the Fro says that Sony is the best for Eye auto focus, colors, video and ergonomics practically the best camera ever made, so they can't be wrong. Nice photos with the Leica M11.
A very interesting approach to testing a camera. I wonder if taking any other high end (a7r4, cano r5, etc) with a fully manual lens wouldn't deliver the same experience. Neither of those options is cheap, but they all have an insane dynamic range and very high MP count. Personally I use a few old lenses (helios, meyer optics) from time to time, for their specific look, on a sony A7R3.
The leica brand gear seems to fit the concept -it's not what one NEEDS to buy, rather than what one WANTS to buy (and had a boat load of money to do that).
Great Review. I was out making photos yesterday with my Leica Sl-2 and now will repeat yesterdays "shoot" with a better eye (I hope) having watched yours.
Was patiently waiting for this one Leigh. I’m all things Leica. Saving my coins now lol.
Ansel Adams was a master in the (film) darkroom, its not so much about the camera he used
& if we talk about scanning negatives or slides as technology progresses, digital will never exceed the capabilities of film in that regard
I say it only wise to still shoot film, sadly the associated costs now prevent most of us from doing so
If you take into account the depreciation of digital cameras, when you replace them with a new model every 2 to 3 years, taking photos with film, in a permanently used body, is not that expensive.
Enjoyed the video and your lovely images. I am a big fan of Ansel Adams as well and spent plenty of sleepless nights messing around in the darkroom pushing and pulling development times experimenting with the zone system. Ansel Adams wasn’t afraid to experiment with different photographic mediums. I have a great book titled “Ansel Adams Singular Images”. it’s a compilation of images he took using Poloroid negative material.
Yes! In his later years, his camera of choice was the medium format Hasselbad.
This was a very nice presentation, so thank you. You have a great point about negative space. Adams was obviously thinking about a large print. Where a lot of people are thinking about - as you said - Instagram.
Another technique which I find overused and used improperly is shallow focus. Some people know how to shoot wide-open, and I tip my hat to them. They know exactly what they're doing. But it's seen as some kind of good standard and it's actually not, neither in cinema nor in photography.
How interesting that, with the M11, and M10-R before it, we have a camera that's compact enough to be called a travel camera, and yet also capable of making absolutely huge prints. I don't think that Adams would use it, though. He'd be a medium format guy. Today he'd be using the Phase One achromatic back, IMHO.
Speaking of large prints, it's a shame that the Ansel Adams book is so small! Where are the large format photo books? As in A3 or even larger. I have a few, and oh boy are they worth it.
I have no projects to share, but I am discovering that I like photographing birds. I had never wanted to do that before a year ago.
...
BTW I didn't know you studied art history. In that light, I find it hard to believe that anyone would study photography (almost all of the best photographers never studied it!). Photography is the best job in the world, but it's also such a meaningless degree. Who would choose photography over art history? I can't even draw stick figures properly and I'm a photographer through and through, and yet I would pick art history every single time.
start by reading "Camera and Lens" and the "Negative" along with all the other books in the series. They are dense and sometimes hard to understand and it took me a lot of time in the darkroom making prints to understand (still working on that) what he was saying.
Love that photo of the canyon with the lone raven.
Wonderfull and instructive video. It is very interesting to present the artistic inspiration and unique vision. The pictures are great! Congratulations.
Yes, you would never have been able to do that project without the M11!
Interesting idea. When I first read "Chanelling Ansel Adams...", what immediately popped up in my mind is obviously a 4x5 camera.
Of course, carrying a 4x5 around isn't particularly fun and unless you want to print really big gallery-level, a 35mm is more than sufficient, yes?
19:17, to answer your question I suggest you read Andrea G. Gilman’s book “Looking at Ansel Adams” (who was Mr Adams assistant in the 1970’s). She suggests in the book that he would have embraced digital and I’m sure he would have loved digital cameras especially Leica and Fuji. Very enjoyable video as I love all your desert outings having experience the south rim in 2014. We do have a beautiful country here in the UK but nothing like the Grand Canyon. Thanks.
Awesome video Leigh thanks. For me personally I get excited by using any new to me camera I’m a full time press photographer and spare time is all about trying old cameras I just love the experience I’m not at all interested in specs I like to try and use the cameras rather than look at tech data. A Leica along with a blad will one day undoubtedly become part of my ever growing collection.
You talked about the loss of detail in the highlights and shadows. Keep in mind you are viewing a reproduction in a book. Just like Facebook does, you lose a lot in translation. It would be better to view a print, preferably printed by Adams himself, to get a better idea of what he placed in Zone I and what he placed in Zone IX. BTW, I graduated from Art Center College of Design. It was when Adams was teaching at Art Center that he and Fred Archer codified the Zone System, which is just a more formal approach to techniques commonly used by photographers back then and even earlier. I used to use the Zone System frequently, both for personal and professional work.
Is this the first M you have shot with? I am pretty sure it is the first video of the M you have uploaded. They are a delight to use.
For more on Ansel Adams, I strongly recommend his autobiography. Then read his biography by Mary Street Adler. She was his assistant late in life and played a major role in helping him complete his autobiography. In the biography she goes into a lot of detail about “Moonrise”. Not just how he captured it, but how he printed it, and how the way he printed it changed over the course of his life.
I didn't know he wrote an autobiography. Thanks for the recommendation. :-)
Your nod to AA and attention to his work in your project is admirable. As you say, it’s not seen much in the fray of modern photography in the grips of social media and generally dizzying frenzy of over baked and overly manipulated, under thought, ..poor work. I especially like your callout to really ‘know your gear.’ To me, there’s nothing more annoying and self-defeating than to not be intimately familiar with one’s equipment. Personally, one of the biggest embarrassments i could ever make is to let myself down in my own work by fumbling around on a shoot, or missing a shot from not knowing or being ‘at one’ with my gear. I spent a lot of time with this part of my photography during the pandemic, and found a visceral connection to my fly-fishing cast. There is a certain familiarity and ‘feel’ in both - a muscle memory, perhaps an extra sense, of sorts - that extends out of the mind and soul to one’s hands and fingers. You just KNOW when it’s right, and when it’s not that’s ok, it just tugs at my insides to keep practicing, and keep the curiosity fires lit past any comfort zone - until at least Im understanding what’s off. Then practice, practice, practice and love every second of that above all frustrations. With the right gear, unforgiving as Leica M system cameras and glass can be (in this example), getting it right is ultimately satisfying. I suspect this is what you find so inspiring in Ansel’s work and writings. Thank your for insights and thoughtful piece!
Wonderful video, thank you
Hi. I really enjoy that type of content on your channel A LOT 👍🏻 Choosing Adams is certainly not an easy task but as a landscape photographer if not him, who then? Great video.
Does it render photos better than the Leica SL2?
Of course, M mount glass is much better than L mount glass.
The Leica M all years is like a precious Time Piece I wear
very nice episode!! I LVOE IT!!! even if I never get a Leica.
I said a while back you'd end up with an M. Game changing camera and look what it inspired!
10:40 great photo but the out of focus brush in the foreground is distracting imo
Really enjoyed this, but have to admit to having a little cry when you left finger marks on the Moonrise photo!
great video! I have no doubt that Ansel Adams would have thoroughly embraced today’s technology, especially when it comes to editing.
He edited all his photographs extensively.
@@Mike_M_Smith Yeah that’s kinda why I said that.
@@Dan-C-71 glad you see that. So many people think he did straight prints. The
I borrowed a brand new M11 with 35mm lens a few days ago. I wanted to see what was so different about Leica and the always talked about ' Leica Look'. I have compared very detailed shots of the new M11, a Sony A7iii and Fujifilm XPro3. Aside from resolution, i seriously cannot fathom the extra $10000 price tag for the Leica. Sure the image is much higher in megapixels, but honestly all 3 cameras produced roughly the same quality photo. I appreciate that people like to purchase high end brands as they like prestige gear, but......i do not see it being worth it. For anyone stuck on the fence about getting a Leica camera, I can honestly say that if you have the money do what you want. i have the money to purchase a few of these M11's but to be brutally honest I cannot see any reason aside from social image status to own one. i have tested dynamic range and processed the photos like any normal consumer would and I would bet nobody reading this could determine which camera made which photo. Note to newcomers, DO NOT get caught up in the leica hype. Like all other mirrorless bodies, they are just sensors and a lens like any other mirrorless camera. After shelling out $10,000 plus for a leica, you are kidding yourself if you think your photos are superior to anything else a fifth the price on the market. Dont believe me?......rent one and see for yourself. I have leica raws and I could tell you they came from a sony a7iv and you would believe me as they look like any other camera. RUclipsrs seem to pushing the Q2 at the moment, avoid it at all costs. You are not getting a camera that is superior in any way. Leica cameras do have once strength that none of the other brands have yet to achieve. Their bodies and lenses drain your wallets very quickly with no noticeable benefit to the owner. Maintenance on leica is insanely offensive too along with accessories. I dare you to prove me wrong.
cool video. The M series isn't really my cup of tea but like you said, what works for one person may not work for someone else? Maybe heresy, but I think Mr. Adams would have used anything at his disposal that he thought would give him the photograph he wanted. Given his prowess in the dark room I believe he would be a master at Photoshop and other post processing tools if he were alive and taking photos today. No idea what camera he would use, whatever gave him the shot he wanted and my guess is he would have multiple cameras of different types and formats.
A great book about Ansel Adams is a biography written by Mary Street Alinder. She was Mr. Adam's Chief Assistant from 1979 until his death. I know you would enjoy reading about this great photographer.
Excellent video yet again 👏
Thank you for another excellent video. One of the secrets to Ansel Adams formula for great photos Is he was very selective on Photos he took and used he would be very happy if he got 12 usable photos in a year. When I go out to take photographs I always like to bring something home to have a look at it takes a brave person to come home with no photographs
Can it really be the 60 MP Sony sensor? I don’t quite understand the 60 MP gives highest resolution, but the 18 MP setting gives you 15 stops of dynamic range and the lowest noise levels. What does it mean? Is the image at 60 MP soft and less sharp due to the noise?
No, but when you downsample, you improve S:N in the shadows. That's a little over-simplified though. But I'm not an engineer.
Love seeing Ansel's photos as they show me places I will never get to see myself.
I once had a conversation with a pro tog and he said he gor everything right in camera just like Ansel so that is why he did not edit his photos. Once I stopped laughing I pointed out that Ansel would spend a day in the darkroom getting the print right, funny he did not talk to me again
Unique x Excellent = this presentation! Bravo !!!
I love the Grand Canyon so much…… I want to come and stay for like a month and see as much as possible! I want to see the things off the main drive. I really want to find that perfect image and then wait and see the light and the weather and just wait and enjoy the beauty. Did you know Angel camped out and wait as much as 90 days to get just the right image. Ie… waiting for deer in the foreground….. I think for some landscape photography is a channeling of energy. Majestic beauty is often hard to translate. Becoming awestruck, humbled and in the state of grace. Moved. I don’t know do people just see it as a cloud, or was it a spiritual experience? Often the viewer says there’s something about it…
Leigh, if you liked Ansel's letters in the book you mentioned,, pick up a copy of the book 'Ansel Adams: Letters 1916-1984'
Great video! Thank you.
I think Adams might have stuck with playing the piano!, He was in a world where what he did was technically challenging, new and rare. Now it isn't technically challenging and is very common. Would it attract his personality?
I think he would do more color if he was here now. With film you have a limited amount of control over color. With digital you can alter one color without affecting the other colors,and you can alter the color of one part without altering the whole picture.
That's an interesting thought! And you're right - we have an obscene amount of flexibility in our digital files these days. I imagine any photographer from any age would be enticed by that.
The book, “Ansel Adams in Color” is a great book. Wonderful images and fascinating essays on how and why he used color film and his thoughts on it, positive and negative, including his foreseeing the digital tools he felt would be so worthwhile.
At least you got the brass one instead of the stupid yucky aluminum one (the black version).
A pity they didn’t put IBIS in it , knowing the pixel pitch is so small for a 60 Mpxl sensor
I was actually impressed with the image quality at higher ISO Sensitivities. The photo at 8:25 was captured at ISO 3200 and the noise is imperceptible, even though I didn't do any noise reduction. It may have something to do with processing the camera does on the files (even the Raw files). Ted actually does a great job of explaining it in his video... ruclips.net/video/Qskz6gai7Qg/видео.html