the brass ring

Salgado Slideshow

2009-11-08T21:46:00.001-08:00

With a few recent articles around the place featuring Sebastiao, I get the feeling something is on it's way. This little slideshow makes for good contemplation.

Canterbury, part II

2009-11-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

Leica M8, 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH. It's surprisingly dark inside a church. But the strong light makes for very dynamic images if used correctly.

Canterbury, part I

2009-11-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

I think more amazing is not the architecture and sheer size of Canterbury cathedral itself, but rather the fact that they built it when the majority of the population was living in thatched huts.I'm heading to Europe for a few days, more to come when I return.Leica M8 and 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Resilience

2009-10-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Children are tough. They experience things and deal with them most times, and somehow find ways of coping. In the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Sumatra, I met a few hardy kids who were taking it all in their stride.

so what does bokeh at 21mm look like?

2009-10-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

At close distances, surprisingly very much like the 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH stopped down a little. This was shot pretty close to the minimum focus distance, and wide open. (All images shot with the Leica M8 and 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH.)Although backgrounds in middle distance are quite blurred, there's still enough definition to be able to tell what's in the background.If you don't have any cues in

continuing the urban monologue

2009-10-22T02:16:00.000-07:00

No better way to loosen up a focusing ring than by shooting...Petticoat Lane, LondonLeica M8, 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHYet another protest, St. Martin-in-the-fields Church, Trafalgar Square, LondonLeica M8, 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHJust your average migrantsLeica M8, 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHUp, London BridgeLeica M8, 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHClink Street, LondonLeica M8, 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Published

2009-10-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

An elderly lady leaves her earthquake damaged home for a communal meal area. Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, October 2009. The Malaysian Insider, a local news portal/website has picked up on the earthquake material and published it today.Do take a look at the article.

Faces, West Sumatra Earthquake, October 2009

2009-10-17T03:54:00.000-07:00

The mass media has focused on Padang, West Sumatra for virtually all of their images and stories. Like in many mass populated Asian country, the hardest hit and longest suffering members of society are those in rural and semi-rural areas. MERCY Malaysia's mission of medical aid and emergency relief based itself around Pariaman, a smaller city, approximately 80km north of Padang.While entire

The Leica 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH review

2009-10-16T00:13:00.000-07:00

Is now up.The Leica 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH review

coming soon...

2009-10-15T08:22:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks for both of us, and yes, that's what you think it is. Review coming in the next few days!Incidentally, I had a chance to play with the new 50/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH; long story short, it has a very Summilux ASPH look. It's not quite as sharp as the Voigtlander 50/1.1 wide open, but the OOF areas are just much smoother. At 1.4 it's a toss up between the Noct 0.95,

all about the skies

2009-10-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

No doubt about it, winter is coming.Technical note: no HDR mapping. Just a good old fashioned red filter overlay to darken the blue channel.HoodedTate Modern, LondonLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonThe callSouthbank, LondonLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonDiscussionTate Modern, LondonLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonNB: What looks like a halo from overprocessing is actually a serendipitous cloud

Pullfolio

2009-10-04T02:42:00.001-07:00

And now for a change of pace, while Fuzzbucket is on assignment documenting the recent devastation in Indonesia (I can't wait to see the images from that.)I'm working on a project for pro-am photographers which I think might interest you. Consider it an advanced preview!Pullfolio (www.pullfolio.com) is a service - the only service - which uses your flickr stream to construct a professional photo

London Peace Week festival

2009-09-30T01:51:00.001-07:00

A number of events held in a temporary setup in Trafalgar Square to promote tolerance and understanding between different racial groups in London - mostly it was a R&B concert, though. Interesting to note some distinct racial separations still persisting amongst the crowd: Africans at the front, Caucasians at the back.And yes, the M8s locked up. Both of them. One once, and the other three times.

the difference an hour makes

2009-09-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Before the show (and one of the reasons I dislike working with models)Leica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonAfter the showLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonMore to come from the London Peace Week Festival soon...

One shot

2009-09-28T06:32:00.001-07:00

Yin and yangCity Hall, LondonLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton

Those Left Behind

2009-09-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

For a country that apparently holds obvious pride in it's projected identity, Malaysia seems to have developed a penchant for highlighting superficial positives while blatantly ignoring the inequities that exist right under it's highly polished nose. As the nation prepares itself to take on the world in the Formula 1 arena to the tune of over US$100 million a year, and continues to advertise

protest

2009-09-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

Protesters blockade Richard Barnbrook (London representative of the British National Party) from entering City Hall to face tribunal charges of allegedly inciting racial hatred in his constituency for his fascist remarks.A case of being in the right place at the right time with a camera...Richard Barnbrook defends allegations (light suit)City Hall, LondonLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonRichard

I didn't know there were this many Malaysians in London

2009-09-22T04:08:00.001-07:00

Shot at the Malaysian High Commission solat raya and open house. Selamat Hari Raya everybody.Mr. WongLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton MSelamat Hari RayaLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton MAnimatedLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton MFamilyLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton MBalconyLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton MIn Malaysia, this many people means only a

Cojones' new portfolio site is up.

2009-09-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

www.mingthein.comGo check it out.

sometimes, it all just comes together.

2009-09-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

...and I wouldn't be surprised if they did too, later.The KissLondon Bridge StationLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 Biogon

commuters

2009-09-18T04:10:00.000-07:00

Around London, last couple of days. Fantastic light, and I guess the newness of the place - or rather newness of me to the place - is making me see things I wouldn't normally.Call a cabLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super NoktonA moment of recognitionLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super NoktonSunshineLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super NoktonDouble deckerCanon SD780 ISThe kissLeica M8, Carl Zeiss ZM

Borough Market, London

2009-09-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

A return to photography. Had fantastic light that afternoon in London; made the most of it by shooting at Borough Market while waiting for the other half to sort out her bank transactions. The following images were all shot with the M8 and Voigtlander 50/1.1. Enjoy!What could very well be Tintin waiting for his coffee ParmesanExistentialism in foodVegetable manSpritzer manThe investment banker in

on the new Leica M9

2009-09-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I was underwhelmed at first. The user experience wasn't that different. There are a couple of nice tweaks you DO notice - the low vibration, much quieter shutter for one, the soft release point for two, and the ability to add exposure compensation directly off the rear dial for three - but surely not worth 3x the going price of an M8 these days. And then there were the sample

possibly the hardest thing I've had to shoot

2009-09-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

No words. In memory of my late uncle, Thein Kim Siew. May his soul rest in peace. One hell of a test for a photojournalist, I tell you.Just days before he passed away.Canon SD780 ISSuiting up before prayersLeica M8, 35/2 Summicron-M ASPHDad at the wakeLeica M8, 35/2 Summicron-M ASPHHis eldest daughter offering prayers before the cremationLeica M8, 35/2 Summicron-M ASPHIt is traditional to give

Extraction... Part 2

2009-09-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

The belated follow-up and conclusion of an afternoon at the dentist's. One was fortunate in obtaining permission to shoot on the premises and with the cooperation of the gracious yet gallant and brave patient. Fast lenses are valuable indeed.

a post without images

2009-09-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it's harder to shoot than you might think. I wanted to be the tough PJ at my uncle's memorial wake today, but shooting was the last thing on my mind. I wasn't prepared for how much it would affect me personally; there was no way I could get into the right frame of mind when you're surrounded by your family and trying to draw strength from each other. Also, the light was crap, but

on assignment: hospital maintainence

2009-09-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

I did a corporate shoot for an engineering and maintenance firm at a couple of hospitals the other day. It was mostly your standard annual report stuff, but I did manage to sneak in some photojournalism. The M8 failed miserably and stayed in the bag. It was far too dark in most of the locations, and some creative flash work was required: good thing I brought the D90.Mass incontinence (Tena is a

more gear to wank over

2009-09-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting few days.Let's do them by interestingness to us as photojournalists.First up: Panasonic GH1 (pic from DPReview). It's what the E-P1 should have been (Fuzzbucket and I fought over who didn't have to do that review) - and even has an optional external EVF that sits in the hotshoe. That lens looks pretty good, too. Needless to say - same sensor as all the other Micro Four

right place, right time

2009-09-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

North-South Highway, outside Seremban, 2 September 2009. The driver suffered minor injuries but was largely okay.Nikon D90, 18-200 VR

going fast for less: the Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton review

2009-08-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

NewspapersLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton MLet's use a car analogy. Suppose the Leica 50/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH is a BMW M5; huge, fast and expensive. The Voigtlander 50/1.1 Super Nokton, by comparison, isn't quite as fast or advanced, but it's still impressively fast, cheaper, and Japanese: kinda like a Mitsubishi Evolution X. (Like the cars, it's also slightly less well built, and

Extraction... Part 1

2009-08-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

I used something other than the Summilux 50 Asph in one or two of these shots. Better shooting than getting shot with a massive big ass steel syringe. I'm trying to like the Biogon too, but I haven't had much of a chance to use it 8-).

a lens is a personal thing: musings on the Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 Biogon

2009-08-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Wet reflectionsLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonThe dressLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonNight shiftLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonTong Nam Piles Clinic and Driving SchoolLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonWorkingLeica M8, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 BiogonLenses are quite a personal thing, it seems. Since in this day and age it's really quite difficult to buy duds, we are left in the enviable position of

making the leap

2009-08-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

Dawn, Kuala LumpurLeica M8, Carl Zeiss 21/2.8 BiogonI'm about to try to go full time pro for the third time. The first time I missed my break because I was working full time to support myself and didn't know when to jump on to a good thing and take a risk; by the time I did, there were jealous people who wanted a piece of that special pie to themselves. The second time I think I didn't have a

Tasty Treats

2009-08-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Malaysians love to eat. The cliche certainly ring with some semblance of the truth in this multi-cultural country. While the land struggles with political and economic strife, we mostly choose to take comfort in a pastime or a delicious treat, of which there are plentiful.cojones and I plus our respective spouses delight in the occassional visit to our favourite camera store, and indulging in

It's nice to see somebody taking compacts seriously...

2009-08-19T23:42:00.001-07:00

In case you haven't already seen the new Canon Powershots, here they are (image courtesy DPReview)Top - S90; bottom - G11.The interesting thing isn't the feature set, or the LCD, or any of the external stuff. It's that they actually reduced pixel count from 15 to 10 on the same sized sensor as before, meaning hopefully much better image quality - lower noise, better color, better dynamic range.

"There Was a Time" by pres~c

2009-08-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

"At first I was a little hesitant when Fuzzbucket aka JediSavant invited meto post my photo ‘There Was A Time’ here. I've never talked aboutmy work on a blog before, and have only really been shooting withinterest in the last few months, mainly inspired by spending time atDeleteMeUncensored, a Flickr critique group we both visit.I’m an Aussie, living in northern country Victoria, and this was

Commuters...

2009-08-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Collins St, Melbourne, July 2009110 Exhibition St, Melbourne, July 2009Bourke St Mall, Melbourne, July 2009Swanston St, Melbourne, July 2009Bourke St, Melbourne, July 2009...are also here there everywhere. Each time one person steps off a tram or bus, another one gets on. Some even walk. And mixed in there are lots of workers. The struggle continues.We will be spending the weekend doing a fair

workers

2009-08-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Durian man, Bukit Bintang, Kuala LumpurCanon SD780 ISCheckout, Damansara Uptown, Kuala LumpurCanon SD780 ISTyre shop melancholy, Damansara Uptown, Kuala LumpurCanon SD780 ISWaitress, Bandar Utama, Kuala LumpurCanon SD780 ISShot chef, Bandar Utama, Kuala LumpurCanon SD780 ISOnce again, in hommage to Salgado. However, unlike Salgado's workers, Malaysian ones seem to have it significantly easier.

A sad, sad day

2009-08-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

Lament for a dying field - PhotojournalismIn the New York Times. I am saddened...but have to agree.

Melbourne - Lanes Pt. II

2009-08-11T00:12:00.001-07:00

While waiting for and drinking one cup of coffee, one was subjected to several mini-dramas being played out, each with a unique narrative. Lit naturally by the morning winter's light, and leakages of tungsten and halogen and fluorescent from windows and doors, each singular moment compels and seduces.One should wait and just watch, and if one is lucky, one gets to record. One location, one

many faces of one subject

2009-08-10T02:19:00.000-07:00

The boredom of waiting - Goa, IndiaLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHInviting - Kuala LumpurLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton Asph LTMLookout, Kuala LumpurLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHOutdoors - Kuala LumpurLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton Asph LTMProfileLeica M8, Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton Asph LTMTiming, and time itself, is critical for good images. Missing the moment can make or break the

how long does it take to do a dozen portraits?

2009-08-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

According to my recent experience with yipieyaya studio, a whole day from 10am to 7pm, apparently. In what must be the most poorly organized shoot I've ever seen, the participants - winners of a scholarship - were called in at 10am to be made up. Fair enough. Except then they were made to stand around and wait for several hours until they started shooting. And of course whichever assistant was

Melbourne - Lanes Pt. 1

2009-08-04T02:29:00.001-07:00

Flinders Way is one of many unassuming yet hugely interesting lanes that form a delicate network of intrigue and entertainment in Melbourne. People work, eat, play, love, live, drink coffee, smoke and busk in these lanes.All these images were shot during the same session, whilst drinking coffee, smoking and playing in the lane. The light, on a clear bright winter's morning, is clean and playful,

parallels II

2009-08-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

Fuzzbucket's post got me thinking. Then I found these two images in my processing folder - shot some weeks apart, but still strikingly similar. I was about to junk one until I noticed they were shot with two different cameras:Bedtime computing IBedtime computing IISpot the differenceLook at these two images and play spot the difference: both were shot illuminated by the light of the computer's

Parallels...

2009-07-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

are everywhere so it seems. Before we return to regular programming on the Melbourne series, take a look at these two photos, shot in 1000s of kilometers and a month apart, depicting work. They could be colleagues.The Egg-Man, Ubud, Bali, June 2009The Tube-Man, Melbourne, July 2009

daily randomness

2009-07-28T18:18:00.001-07:00

Reflecting on a photographLeica M6TTL, Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton LTM on Fuji Velvia 100FSometimes, photographs make good images in and of themselves.

About Melbourne, Part I...

2009-07-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

I used to live in Melbourne, in fact, spent most of my formative years there. One can spend much time in a seemingly foreign place, maintain all sorts of notions of nationality, belonging etc. but still be able to call a city one's 'hometown'. I'm not an Australian, but I'm definitely a Melbournian. This winter, I returned 'home' to spend time with friends and colleagues. It was a great

what if somebody asked you...

2009-07-27T01:40:00.000-07:00

...if it were possible to do photojournalism, at night, with a point and shoot with a cripplingly small 1/2.3" sensor, and a maximum aperture of just f3.2?I'd give them these as an answer, and tell them size doesn't matter: only what you do with it counts.Her mother never told her it was rude to stick her tongue out at people.Canon SD780 ISThe observation powers of childrenCanon SD780 ISWaiting

I hate it when people use my images without permission.

2009-07-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

Link to the Gadling postThe thing is, I don't mind if they have the courtesy to ask - simple enough to send me a message via Flickr where they found the image in the first place. I guess in today's internet society, intellectual property means nothing. At least I got some image credit though, which is better than some other cases.Image theft is a serious problem for photographers these days. It

review: Canon SD780 IS/ IXUS 100 IS

2009-07-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Canon SD780IS/ IXUS 100ISNikon D90, AFS 105/2.8 VR Micro with SB900.IntroductionI'm going to refer to the camera as the 100IS throughout this review to avoid confusion and retyping. As mentioned in a much earlier post, I came over with one of those rare cases of camera lust for the sake of lust - I like this thing purely because of the way it looks, and the size, not anything in particular on the

off to a desert island for a few days...

2009-07-17T15:45:00.001-07:00

...so I leave you with two images, from the same perspective, but just a slight shift in focus:Father and daughter I, Kuala LumpurLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHFather and daughter II, Kuala LumpurLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHIn this game, it's all about perspectives. And I got that Canon IXUS 780 IS yesterday. First impressions are favorable indeed. More when I return. Have a good weekend!

when it's confirmed by the horse, it's no longer rumor-mongering.

2009-07-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

I had a meeting with Nikon today. Confirmed for early August launch are:D300s: D300 with a minor sensor upgrade allowing video mode (I believe a derivative of the D90's sensor, which means better high ISO too). Slightly faster fps.D3000: Cut down D5000, either no swivel LCD or no movie mode. D60 replacement.70-200/2.8 VR replacement.Another lens - apparently Nikon Japan are still trying to decide

how complicated can it be to build an aperture ring?

2009-07-14T19:12:00.001-07:00

For Leica, apparently very complicated:Not one, but TWO APO 75/2 Summicron duds (note position of aperture ring!)I've used dozens of Nikon lenses, which all have coupling levers in there too - and the only time I've had an aperture diaphragm fail was when using a 1960s pre-AI 55/1.2 SC on a D2H. At 8fps. That's understandable. But for aperture diaphragms to fail on a rangefinder lens, where the

family

2009-07-13T01:48:00.000-07:00

There's a certain something to portraits shot with Leica glass that I can't put my finger on.ContemplativeLeica M8, 35/2 Summicron-M ASPHUntitledLeica M8, 35/2 Summicron-M ASPHSultryLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

It's about time...

2009-07-12T18:33:00.001-07:00

...to change lenses. I've been using the Summilux 50/1.4 since I got into Melbourne. Now it's time to go to the Summarit 35/2.5. Or pick up a Voightlander 15mm Heliar... hmmm....

Reality

2009-07-12T07:30:00.001-07:00

A city changes, just like each component that comprises the greater whole changes, and is amplified into an entire wave of flux. Melbourne as I see it today, isn't the same as when I knew her best. Trips down memory lane are often exhausting. Especially when every turn in the path, each corner revealed, harbour shadows and fragments of impressions. With the passing of time, the image itself fades

Nostalgia

2009-07-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Melbourne, Australia. I'm currently in town for a visit, catching up with friends and updating networks. Here are some of the ways I see my town. Nostalgia can be gratifying, but honesty is important.

integrity

2009-07-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

There are two forms of integrity. The first is pictorial integrity. The second, personal. Both are very important to making a good image; here's why.Photoshop has often been derided as the tool of the dishonest photographer; used to rearrange elements of a scene, add things that weren't there and remove things that detract aesthetically. What people don't realize is that even in the early days of

ultrawide day lens review 2: Voigtlander 15/4.5 Super-Wide Heliar Aspherical II

2009-07-09T19:30:00.001-07:00

Voigtlander 15/4.5 II welded to cojones' stealthified (i.e. electrical-taped) Leica M8Nikon D90, AFS 105/2.8 VR Micro and diffused SB900For a while, the Voigtlander screwmount 15/4.5 (21mm equiv.) used to be the widest lens you could get for the M mount - until they brought out the insane 12/5.6, which is so wide you get your knuckles in the photo by gripping the camera normally. It lacked

ultrawide day lens review 1: Nikon AFS 10-24/3.5-4.5 DX G

2009-07-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

Introduced as a companion lens to the D5000, the AFS 10-24/3.5-4.5 DX G now becomes the widest rectilinear lens (15-36 equivalent) in the Nikon stable, ousting the former AFS 12-24/4 DX. It doesn't bear the gold ring though, which suggests somewhat lower expectations might be in order. Like all of our equipment reviews, this one will be from a practical photographer's standpoint and experience.

a blast from the past

2009-07-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

For a brief moment yesterday, my very first digital camera came back to life. It was a Sony Cybershot U20:When I purchased it in 2002, it was pretty much the only thing that satisfied my criteria of small*, proper autofocus, proper flash, and LCD. But seriously, that was about all it had. The megapixel count was 2. The LCD was a measly 1", and there was no way of zooming the playback image to

damn. I want.

2009-07-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

Canon SD 780 IS/ IXUS 100 IS - Photo from Victor Tassarov's blog....y'know, to fill that pocket-shaped hole. It's TINY! And seriously sexy looking in all-black. If I got one I'd even black out the logo for more stealth. Footprint smaller than a credit card, and just 18mm thick. There are times when I don't want to carry even the M8 (like now, after the whole summilux experience) and I think this

Wildlife...

2009-07-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

...seems to be the order of the day, so I'll stick with the theme, this time of the watery variety. After a recently enjoyable yet disappointing side-trip while in Bali to log some dives, I returned with a fairly unassuming crop of images. The visibility and conditions were awesome, the diversity of life not so.We dived in Pemuteran, North-west Bali, which had experienced coral bleaching due to

and now for something different: the Nikon AFS 400/2.8 VR review

2009-07-07T01:07:00.000-07:00

This is a HUGE lens. That's a D3 on the back.Nikon D90, AFS 18-200/3.5-5.6 DX VR and SB900 The superteles get stabilized Introduction Canon users have until recently had one big advantage over Nikon shooters: optically stabilized fast telephotos. Not until the announcement of the D3 and D300 did Nikon add VR (and second generation, too) to the 400/2.8, 500/4 and 600/4

equipment musings

2009-07-07T00:40:00.001-07:00

The recent headache with the broken 50 lux and subsequent hassle dealing with distributors has made me seriously rethink how far it's worth going in pursuit of image quality.Yes, the 50 lux - at least a good one - is quite possibly the best lens I've ever used, offering the isolation and sharpness of a good telephoto at a normal-ish field of view. The comparable Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton ASPH is

cojones is not alone...

2009-07-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

...due to the fact that there are generally a pair of of them swinging around most parts you'd find cojones. He is also not alone, because apparently the mighty new Noctilux can also break down in a similar way. Click here to check it out... Noctilux 0.95 - $10,000 paperweightWow dude.Quality issues at recent times at the old Solms?

the 50 summilux update, part two

2009-07-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

After an entire morning and afternoon of telephone calls, I have determined that:1. The best the distributor/ dealer here is willing to do is refund the cost of the lens, less credit card fees. They can't get another lens.2. Leica Germany said to send it back; that'll take a few months.3. I can buy the last remaining lens in the country, but then I'd be about $150 out of pocket because of said

Taking a Deep Breath...

2009-07-06T03:07:00.000-07:00

...after that little sojourn to Goa, courtesy of cojones. I'm sure he got them wet too on the beach. My weekend was occupied by the Malaysian International Diving Expo, in Kuala Lumpur. Brisk business was done at the stall occupied by Scuba Symphony, who are underwater imaging specialists, led by the very capable, and musical, Mr Sim Chee Gee. The number of Canon G10s and underwater housings

Goa: four tenuously related images

2009-07-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a wedding in Goa. Being an Indian wedding, it was an insanely extravagant affair over several days. Needless to say, the photographic opportunities were manifold, especially for a person who's never observed the elaborateness of the whole thing before.I leave you with a story in four images, all shot with the Leica M8 and 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (the black working one, that is.

if you're a complete idiot, how are you supposed to remember 78 rules?

2009-07-05T19:43:00.001-07:00

78 Photography Rules for Complete Idiots, courtesy The Gawno Magazine.

the 50 summilux tale of woe update

2009-07-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Being constrained to f2 and smaller is bad enough, considering the price differential between a Summicron f2 and a Summilux f1.4 is times two - and around US$2000. Nevertheless, a lens is better than no lens, however small the aperture might be. I was out shooting with the busted Lux yesterday morning because the light was awesome, and I don't have another 50 - I had to sell them all to fund the

why getting it right isn't enough: or, luck

2009-07-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Marketplace thespian, Petaling Street, Kuala LumpurNikon D200, AFS 12-24/4 DX GIf you're trying to tell a story with a single frame - possibly the ultimate challenge - then it all has to come together for that 1/100th of a second (or however long the shutter opens). HCB called it the decisive moment. I think it's both simpler and more complex: you have to be in the right place at the right time

Back to Regular Programming...

2009-07-03T00:37:00.000-07:00

Plotting, July 2009Leica M8, 50 Summilux-M ASPHReviewing, July 2009Leica M8, 50 Summilux-M ASPHThe Slide is in Place, July 2009Leica M8, 50 Summilux-M ASPHYou Love It, July 2009Leica M8, 50 Summilux-M ASPHSome people prefer the relative comfort and privacy of a surgeon's office, although many dentists today consider that term archaic. But I still think 'oral health technician' has more to do with

things could be significantly worse: you could be in pain with an audience.

2009-07-02T23:02:00.001-07:00

Street dentistry/theatre, Petaling Street, Kuala LumpurNikon D200, AFS 17-55/2.8 DX GNow where did I put my chisel?

Anticipation

2009-07-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

Eennee Meennee Miny MoeLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHThey give you the impression that you have a choice, but you really don't. But they do like to show you what they could do to you, with the implements at their disposal. It's cruel. I wanted to be a dentist when I was a kid. It's one of the few professions where people pay you to hurt them, and they don't mind talking about it in public.

Is a smile always friendly?

2009-07-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Wong, Before, June 2009Leica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHWong, About To, July 2009Leica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHOccasionally, we have to attend to issues that are not entirely pleasant. It's wonderful when one is greeted by a friendly face as a prelude to potentially painful, tear-inducing experiences. An already fragile mental constitution may be irreparably rattled, when that smiling face

50 summilux woes

2009-07-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Fuzzbucket and I both recently purchased Leica 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH lenses, new, from our local authorized dealer. But what a different experience. Whereas the black one is functioning perfectly, the silver one has developed an aperture hiccup: first the ring was too loose and refusing to lock at any position and now one of the aperture blades is sticky - it doesn't open smoothly to f1.4

the economy class nightmare

2009-07-02T18:33:00.001-07:00

The Economy Class Nightmare, somewhere over the Andaman Sea, Malaysian AirlinesLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHI hate traveling. Not because I'm a xenophobe but because it's routine to be crammed into a pressurized metal tube for twelve hours with so little personal space that crossing your legs might be constituted as an act of war. And the amount of moisture in the air might as well be zero,

raising the game: the TBR camera company

2009-07-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

Let us suppose that you are in charge of a camera company. And you are in the enviable position of building the best cameras in the world, so people actually want to buy them. We'll call ourselves TBR camera, for arguement's sake.If you are Nikon, you refresh things in a regular cycle, and put the latest technology into the newest camera, regardless of the target market - this is why the D3 and

polarization

2009-07-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of Ken Rockwell. His work is pretty good, but most importantly he has a big bucket of common sense that most photographers lack. Horses for courses. That kind of thing. The equipment emphasis being out of the way once the camera stops being the limitation, and you do. As we've seen from DXO, these days, almost every photographer is the limitation. Problem is, saying things like the

a little too much photoshop...

2009-07-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

2009 Australian AIPP Professional Photographer AwardsIs it just me, or is there too much photoshop in just about every one of these images? This may sound contradictory, but I believe there's a line between what is reasonable to enhance the image, and what makes it no longer a photograph.That said, there are some rather good images in there. I especially like the tagged and wrapped zebra.

and getting back to photojournalism...

2009-07-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

...we have a prime example of Fuzzbucket's observations - just look at the equipment masturbators in the entire foreground of this image (there are more of them than people actually just watching the show!), shot at a large local mall:Exposure compensation, Pavilion, Kuala LumpurLeica M8, 35/2 Summicron-M ASPHFloatLeica M8, 35/2 Summicron-M ASPHI'll be damned if you need a telephoto to shoot

What is to blame if not the equipment?

2009-07-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

The question is a rhetorical one. That means, it doesn't require you to reply because it's so damn obvious what the answer should be.It may come as a surprise to many, but there really isn't anything wrong with criticism. We could all do with a healthy dose of it, and similarly, we could all do with some serious listening and understanding of criticism levied at us. Unfortunately, it isn't always

so just how close is it?

2009-07-01T04:56:00.000-07:00

DXOMark rankingsIt's quite surprising just how close cameras are these days in terms of raw image quality. Granted, DXOMark doesn't take resolution into account, but measures other sensor properties like SNR (visible as image noise), dynamic range, color accuracy and acuity into account - but still. People splitting hairs over Canon 40D vs 50D are insane - the 40D actually ranks higher (63.5/100

four hommages and a note on style

2009-07-01T00:38:00.001-07:00

Hommage a Cartier-Bresson: Builder, Kuala LumpurLeica M8, Voigtlander 15/4.5 Super-Wide Heliar M ASPH IIIf you look closely at the work of the great photographers of the small format era - say since Oskar Barnack defined the 36x24mm frame - it's quite obvious they have their own distinctive style, regardless of the subject or camera used.HCB had his trademark timing; capturing the decisive moment

The State of Play

2009-06-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a camera these days. It's on their phones, you can't get a phone without a camera these days. Compact point and shoots are de rigeur for everybody. On a recent trip to Bali, every second Japanese tourist had a Canon G-10 slung around their necks. It's all at once encouraging and discouraging. Just take a look through the various photo-sites and you'll see what I mean.There is simply

founder: Fuzzbucket

2009-06-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Two Worlds, Seminyak, BaliLeica M8, 35/2.5 Summarit-MFuzzbucket is alive and well, and cannot get over how images can appear better than real life. Harnessed within a coccoon of education and convention, he broke out and decided soon enough, that anarchy isn't sufficient. These days, he eats more than is good for him, sleeps not enough, and spends a lot of time stuck to the viewfinder. He is also

founder: Cojones

2009-06-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

hommage a Salgado, Canacona, GoaLeica M8, 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPHCojones is a photojournalist and macrophotographer. He is technically masochistic and prefers a challenge, and has developed a recent allergy to color since discovering Leica. He learned photography by the consequences of experimentation and statistics of large numbers of frames, and bows in deference to the technical skill of Adams,

not quite square zero

2009-06-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

There are three types of photographers. The type that buy cameras and pretend, the type that buy the cameras and make money, and the type that shoot. We are photographers of the third type. We use whatever works to capture the things we see. We report on the common and uncommon world around us that people don't see but not notice because they barely live it every day of their lives.We don't like