Zine vs. Zine

I've now published a coupla zines via Blurb, and I'm quite pleased with the quality. The thing I don't like is that they only use "perfect binding" as opposed to also offering "saddle stich," which is what most commercial magazines used- ya know, with the staples. The reason I mention is that saddle stich allows double truck images that are much easier to lay flat, see and enjoy (the entirety of the image over the two pages).

MagCloud allows zines with saddle stich, so even though I don't relish learning yet even more software, if the quality matches Blurb- it may just be worth the bother. Will try later in the year; viewing the occasional double truck image in a zine or book allows yet another valuable way to mix, edit and present your images in print, and it really is compromised in Blurb without saddle stich... 

Anyone have experience with Magcloud?  Some have mentioned that images tend to come out darker... but as opposed to Blurb, or as a result of an uncalibrated monitor? I've generally never had an exposure problem with printing on Blurb via my images straight form the monitor as is.

Review And Resist!

I'm still reeling, seething from the disgusting, despicable display of conduct unbecoming of any human being of any age, sex or social stature thrust upon us via Trumpland today! I am, of course, talking about Pam Bondi the US AG who was bribed and bought while still working in Florida by one Donald Trump, and who makes the lowest thief, cheat and traitor combined in the entire history of humanity stand tall and proud in comparison. Of all the people in this cowardly, sycophantic administration devoid of a human soul, she alone by sheer force of will rises to most worthy of debasement, torture and eventual dismemberment.

Now- on to the camera equipment review... 

Recently bought a Godox iT32 shoe mount strobe for my Fujifilms, and it works like a charm- a little (it's surprisingly small, roughly the size of my Ricoh GR), dedicated TTL flash unit with separate camera dedicated magnetic mounts also enabling off camera operation! It has a host of manual/automatic, on camera/off camera features- but I want it mostly for direct sunlight fill flash. I got it on a Saturday morning just before I was to cover a protest, and didn't think I'd have a chance to sift through its multiplicity of operations to deftly use it just for fill, almost left it home. Nevertheless, I turned it on, scrolled upwards as directed on its back screen, and Boom- first stop... TTL mode! And it worked flawlessly* the entire afternoon... 

Photo: © Stan B.**

I wish I could say the same for my Fujifilm X-T1/2 cameras. After losing one too many photos due to their abhorrent, literally non existent AF, I will now switch to MF when using them. It's tedious, outrageous and rage inducing, but I really have little choice. In the long run, I'll end up losing more photos if I continue to use their nonfunctional AF, as opposed to manually focusing my subjects the slow, methodical OG way! Hell, did it for decades with analog and film, and if I could learn to shoot and compose with my right eye after decades of being a left eye shooter (when I got my floaters), I'll gradually if very grudgingly adapt to it again- with many a loud, choice cussword along the way (hopefully, not within earshot of my subjects)...

*Check to see compatibility with particular camera brand and models- with possible exception of Fujifilm, seems to work only with latest brand models (Leica version supposedly coming soon- hope it works with original Q).

**Yeah, don't usually like smiley pictures much, but kinda partial to this one. I'd show others but anything else that came close was outta freakin' focus despite being incredibly well lit! Actually, doubt such a small strobe had much effect at that distance from the subject- just needed something positive to look at after the Bondi madness and revulsion...

2026 New Year's Resolution

 Same as it ever was..     Photo: © Stan B.

Wasn't wanting much anything this Xmas- save for a spatula, which I was gifted, for making omelets in my brand spanking new, forever chemical free, fry pan. What I really wanted in 2025 was a fairly compact, third party 18mm AF for my Fujifilm XT cameras- could really use it NOW that both my GR's are in the shop being cleaned (and hopefully repaired). Been waiting for that 18mm like forever...had there been one years ago, would have never got a Q! Hoping 2026 changes that- third party lenses come in every dang focal length for full and crop sensors, except APS-C 18mm! Fujifilm has a compact, sharp in the center, mud everywhere else offering and an optical perfection model that's too big, too heavy and too expensive. Hope this year doesn't leave me hanging, yet again...

The other thing I got my eye out for is the Godox iT32 TTL MiniFlash; Godox is really hitting it outta the park with its flash offerings. I already have the Godox iA32 which is quite handy, but as versatile as it is, it would be nice to have an accurate TTL flash. The price is quite reasonable for its features and you order it with a separate, camera brand/model specific, magnetic hot shoe- I'm waiting to see if the upcoming Leica dedicated model syncs with the Q.  All first world problems of no great particular importance- 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, ONE AND ALL!!!

Welcome To The Godox Train...

Fujifilm X-T2 w/EF-X8              All Photos: © Stan Banos

Of the literary thousands of posts I've put up over the past twenty years on my blog(s), probably around a dozen (make it two to be on the safe side) have been on camera equipment. Not my thing really, although I've loved my fair share of equipment. I'm also a natural light kinda guy, and with the added ability to dig out digital shadows, never thought I'd really need any kind of additional lighting. I-was-wrong. Sometimes that little extra kick to: help with the raccoon eyes, give some small measure of detail in deep shadows, or just add the little extra oomph can go further than I thought. But I'm still not about to embark upon lugging around some biblical sized potato masher. The miniscule, near toy like flash that comes (or at least came- I'm assuming they still do) with the Fujifilm's XT cameras is more what I'm talking about... Mostly I just I just need a little something for masked or sunny day eyes.... Fill Light!

And while the EF-X8 accessory flash is just fine for my Fujifilm and my (currently somewhat working) GR is also accounted for with its built in flash- what do I do with my Q? At first I tried the Godox iM20 a bite size chewable of a flash that was surprisingly... powerful. It's manual only, has four power levels, but if I went just slightly closer than full length portrait (in landscape format) at its lowest setting, it would still blow out the exposure! If you don't use WA lenses, this may not be a consideration; one thing that is, no matter what lens used is that you can't see its miniscule diodes in direct sunlight. Still... pretty freaking amazing for size and power alone!

Godox iA32

Fortunately, there was an alternative... the Godox iA32, it's automatic (not TTL, old school auto), set the ISO and aperture and you're good to go. Now, I've yet to shoot with it in the field, but some (very) preliminary testing shows that it blows out the exposure by a full stop when set to ISO 200, f8 on auto! Well, I can deal with that, especially in direct sunlight, just set a full stop higher- I'm not your onion skin depth of field, butter creme bokeh kinda guy anyways. And it also gives several f stops to choose from in auto (not just a couple) at every ISO, and seven manual power levels- with three levels for each of those seven, talk about fine tuning. I'll probably just use the 1/32 or 1/64 manual settings for most of my needs if I find the auto problematic. It's almost identical in size to my GR, runs on two AA's, has an easy to see digital read out on the back and can also be triggered off camera. Did I mention it also does bounce (and looks like an electric razor)? 

Godox iM20

Godox has also recently come out with an iT30 mini TTL flash for most popular camera brands (except Leica) as well as the even smaller iT20 (also TTL) as I write this- pretty freaking awesome! At this point I'm betting they'll probably release both of the latter for Leica when I'm finally ready to use my then antiquated iA32 for reals...

My Year In Photography (thus far)...

Onwards to NYC...               Photo: © Stan Banos

2025 is almost half over, and so far it's been a mixed bag... Some of the usual photo ops I attend annually have borne no fruit (always disappointing not to nab at least one small something-something), but I have gotten a handful of small but significant surprises during every day, working day encounters- and lord knows one good thing, the only 'good' thing about Trump being POTUS is the increased photo ops via the increased protests.  

Meanwhile, my second GR (that I've already sent in for repair about a half year back- warranty lasts 90 days) has once again developed a serious recurring malady. The screen is once again completely dark upon turning on, the diaphragm completely closed; but then I press the shutter, the camera takes a completely underexposed frame, and Voila- the screen recombobulates and the camera is working normally again... What the? Long and short, turning on the camera is now a lengthier two step process, and I delete the 'preliminary exposure' at a later time! Better than paying yet another coupla hundred for yet another repair- for however long it lasts...

On another front, I'd be getting along with my relatively new cloud subscription PS just fine- if it didn't freeze and/or crash so damn much... FRUSTRATING AS HELL to lose a full hour's work, or more, repeatedly! Sometimes (sometimes) you get your file returned "RECOVERED," but even then, you get it back with the last coupla edits missing! Sometimes, most of the times, you're just flat out... Fucked! Then there are the useless pop up notices instructing to describe the problem so that someone can get back to you to address said situation- and no one ever has, or ever will... Lying PS FUCKS! And my desktop is new, so... 

I try to remember to just save, close and restart after no more than 1/2hr so I don't lose as much as I might otherwise- not exactly the ideal work around! I researched some software modification suggestions on what to do to try and fix; will attempt at some point- if Boomer can manage! You'd think they would answer one of the notices they themselves solicit, regarding a service you pay for... Perhaps it has something to do with the Plethora of F Bombs I liberally deploy when describing said problem in the immediacy of the situation. That said, I've also written several thoroughly G Rated descriptions that received an equivalent (non) response. Looks like another fun project to pursue at year's end when I retire- assuming Social Security still exists and hasn't been obliterated by "Big Balls," Trump and Friends... 

Speaking of PS, I've noticed a distinctive pattern now in my files (should one pixel peep) that was absent when I used PS Elements. Actually, it's a rather pleasing grain-like structure that I first thought might be the infamous Fujifilm "worms," but it's also present in my bayer based GR and Q files. Whatever it is, or causes it- I rather like it!

Don't know what took me so long, but I've finally started to use the tiny flash unit included with Fujifilm cameras for fill in strong sunlight- about time, Stan! Perhaps because one can only go to 1/180 on the X-T1, and 1/250 on the X-T2 which severely restricts usage in sunlight where needed most. I then purchased the ridiculously small Godox iM20 flash for my Q. This ridiculously miniscule min-mite puts out a considerable amount of light for its size. Problem is, it's completely manual, and it's impossible to see the LED power settings in direct sunlight, plus- it can still overexpose even on its lowest setting if you get somewhat close for a portrait. Good for more relaxed studio type settings where one can test and (re)set at leisure, not so good at hectic public events where you don't control the action. Fortunately, there's now a slightly larger TTL version coming out- unfortunately, it will not be available for Leica! Will just opt to use fill on original GR (long as it lasts) for the 28mm perspective...

Anyway, June's here soon, which means the annual trip back home to NYC to visit moms, the Mermaid parade and hopefully, a street shot or two...

I'll Take It!

Photo: © Stan Banos

Was on my way to one of those uniquely San Franciscan affairs called "The Brides of March," where everyone and their mom (and dad) dress up as a bride. It was a drop dead gorgeous day and a fun spoof, but with all the mugging and posing, I not surprisingly ended up with a lotta almosts, or worse.* I knew my recent keepers going to and from work during the recent weeks were no doubt gonna balance out with a string of weekend failures. Least, always seems to work that way...

Anyway, on the way home, I had the privilege of running into none other than The Honorable Dr. Sun Yat Sen. And he more than willingly posed quite patiently in the open shade for a rather handsome documentary shot (XT-1, 14mm).

*BTW- My original GR w/flash was a lot more valuable than my Q, with all those blazing white bridal gowns in the sunlight! Hope the GR IV returns its rightful flash- hopefully, I won't be in the market for one, but it really comes in quite handy for sunlight fill!

Graduation!

Photo: © Stan Banos

This is the first photo I've successfully edited in 'adult' PS after reading about one third of the Scott Kelby PS manual (videos only get me so far). I had first edited it in PSE about a year ago and the resulting image was, in a word... awful- not because PSE was so utterly lacking, but because of my pathetic color sense! I'm sure someone with considerably more experience could do the present result even better, but this version is night and day of my previous, trust me- it was so bad I'm embarrassed to post a Before/After. I can usually get color balance in the general neighborhood, but sometimes it's like that part of my brain leaves without notice and I'm left with something completely foreign to both sight and common sense. 

Well, I'm hoping it's satisfactory- particularly since I also had to get a new monitor calibrator, and after several tries and retries to get it right on first attempt, and failing miserably... I just decided to tweak it 'manually' after the fact until my library best mirrored their previous results- at least as I best remember! My previous calibration was in sync with a few prints I had commercially made with no problem, so I can only conclude it was on point or fairly damn close- and that the 'legacy' hopefully carries on... 

Looking forward to studying more of the manual and select videos, especially looking forward to using gradient masks for the sky! And being able to edit more in RAW and as a 16, as opposed to 8 bit TIFF will help relieve the banding I sometimes experienced in skies previous. Of course, this will all take more time than I currently have (why I had originally planned to do in retirement), but getting up for the challenge. One thing's for sure, I ain't gonna mess with no LR until then! I opened it up just to take a look, accidentally clicked on something or other, and next thing I knew it had reorganized one of my folders into it's own distinct filing system which took me a good hour to suss out and (re)reorganize. I gotta separate manual for that too- but one headache atta time!

Temporary Change Of Address...

That is to say, today's post is featured on a different venue! Enjoy the change in scenery while yours truly downloads photo-editing software,* starts the beleaguering process of viewing an endless array of You Tube tutorials on Photoshop and Lightroom (having ordered and thus awaiting respective manuals on each), only to begin what will no doubt be a years' long process of delving into the labyrinthine intricacies of each. Or should I say, trying how to most effectively avoid involvement with as much of either as possible...

*Hopefully, they will download and operate properly unlike the last time.

The Photo Edit Blues (Cont)...

So... I made my peace getting PSE 2025 until retirement scheduled for end of year when I would have time to graduate to PS and/or LR. That was the plan, remained the plan, until... PSE 2025 started acting up from jump! Long story short, program would freeze solid after 1/2 hr of use and it would open some DNG files in RAW, and not others... WTF!?! Support then updated a driver- which didn't fix a thing. 

So... called again and am told my files are damaged or corrupted- can't possibly be program. Of course, never, ever had these problems before PSE 2025! Both my older and most recent DNG files (from same card in same camera) can open in RAW one day, can't open in RAW the next, if they are now "damaged," as claimed- pretty obvious what damaged them!!! Not possible, I'm told. Then explain how possible!!! Cause what you're saying clearly doesn't make sense...

So... after being given the distinct impression that I'd be grasping at straws if the updated driver didn't fix the freezing, after refusing to even address that something else (like the program itself) might be amiss (rather than 'corrupted' files)- I told 'em to just give me my damn money back! Agreed- now, how'd I like to purchase the entire PS package!? Well, uhm, what kind of discount would I get for my trials and tribulations? Ten bucks per month for PS and LR- essentially, half price. 

So... WTF! Here we go- not one, but at least two programs, each thirty times more complex than PSE... what could possibly go wrong?!? Download this weekend, master the 10% of each I'll end up using round about when seventy-five (assuming I get there)...

Software Solution(s)

FWIW, after much soul searching and deep rooted meditation, I've decided to stick to the original gameplan... That is, having now reacquainted myself, I will continue with the latest juvenile reincarnation of PSE for the remainder of my F/T employment (till end of year), it's latest formulation runs $100 for 3 yrs- yes, even that is now by subscription. Then, when I actually have the time and peace of mind, I will test the waters of both LR and C1; I actually look forward to trying both out in a relaxed manner, and then proceed from there- right now, waaay too many fish to fry before that eventful time. This is a pretty stressful period in life with: financial, health, parental and housing concerns all clashing for top billing, while still attending to my F/T occupation. So, I'm really quite anxious for the time when things are (hopefully) settled enough for me to indulge myself in both the above. It'll be interesting to discover which of the two I settle on after serious testing- or, if I'll continue to avoid 'adult responsibility!'

Addendum: And I still haven't properly(?) calibrated my monitor- so I just further fine tune it after the fact to the point where it mimics what I had previous. I have to assume it was OK before since I did get a coupla commercially made prints made, and they mirrored my results...

Digital Dyslexia

I'll spare you the concurrent woes of my dental, parental and prostate woes- cause who the freak wants to hear it! So...

After ten or so years, it was time to replace ye ol' desktop- especially since Windows 11 would no longer be supported on it. So I got me a sleek, little Dell at a good price, uploaded my battle weary PS Elements 9 on it and- Boom, lights out! He just wasn't getting up... Lugged it over to the Amazon return center (as instructed), where I was curtly told they wouldn't accept it- could only return to UPS! This was after the repair man never showed, as scheduled. I'll spare you the details of the Amazon return and Dell repair phone calls- let's just say I indubitably made it unto two more training recordings...

I calibrated my monitor on the new, new desktop with a new Datacolor Spyder (my old Spyder 4 also wouldn't take to W11) and it's not quite the same... brightness, color and contrast a bit off, so do I adjust incrementally on my monitor- and have everyone else in the world adjust accordingly? Was it wrong before and right now, or vice versa?!? Or does it all even out in the long run? Damned if I know, so I'm corresponding with Mr. Datacolor Customer Service in Switzerland as to what to make of it.  Meanwhile, Windows 11 has moved everything around enough to make it that much harder to find and locate anything, as any proper update should do- and now for The Biggest Wrench in the whole shebang... what photo editing software do I now proceed with? 

The plan was to get (and learn) a serious, adult photo editing software (as opposed to my juvenile Elements version of Photoshop) upon retirement end of this year when I actually have the time and calmness of mind. Curious how many a photographer complains how overly complex camera menus are- but never a word about ever so much more complex photo editing software!?! I don't need more than1/10 of 'em, can't understand more than 1/10 of 'em, can't bear to look at any more than 1/10 of any of 'em, and yet, I'm cornered into procuring something so utterly complex and exorbitantly priced! Lightroom seems the current tried and true, but apparently not all that good with Fujifilm files; Capture One does Fuji best but either one is akin to learning a foreign language. The latter has a free, more moderately featured program specifically for Fuji I've yet to try (for fear of proving my ineptitude even with the simpler program), but I'd still need something for my Q and GR files. Which means I'll probably go back (at least in the meantime) to using the latest, greatest version of PS Elements. I just got a free trial for a week, and that has changed so much in the intervening years (surprise!), I hardly recognize it and will have to retrain on that as well! And speaking of free trials- let's hear it for those three figure, yearly subscription rates, paid updates and renewal increases...

But why limit myself!? Afterall, there's: Affinity, Luminar Neo, Darktable, GIMP, DXO Photolab 8, Raw Therapee and on and on it goes... a veritable, never ending chain of intricate, labyrinthine interfaces each more brazenly convoluted and byzantine than the former. And my tiny, pea sized cranium short circuits each and every time I just glance at a distance. Mercy! I am truly gobsmacked by these photo editing marvels who can master any of the above to create images of such precision and wonder. And I'm left wondering, how did I ever create any images worth viewing with my paltry peasant's knowledge of a handful of the most basic of tools and workflows- which is all I freaking need! Don't need AI this and that, don't need to detach and replace people's heads, don't need vectoring gradient layer masks... I thought I might be able to logically, scientifically deduce which program would best suit my needs by reading the reviews, viewing the tutorials, listing the pros and cons in order of importance, value and ease. Instead, I surrender (yet again) with a migraine wishing 'em all into the cornfield. The Joy of Photography!

Ricoh GR Sensor Cleaning

A poet & he don't know it!      Photo: © Stan Banos

My GR stopped cold a few weeks back while taking the simple snap above- screen just went dead! Found the place to repair it ($274) with a "free cleaning" thrown in. Then thought, why not send in my first, 'retired GR' (well worn, but still works- just needs a sensor cleaning). Precision Camera (authorized Ricoh repair center) wanted the same price just for the cleaning, which true, is still cheaper than a brand new GR3 (if ya can actually get one)- still, it just rubbed me the wrong way. C'mon, make it an even $250 at least- throw me a bone! So I said thank you- no thank you! Which was really kinda stupid 'cause... it's still way cheaper than even buying a used one in Exc Cond- cause even that one's gonna have dust too! 

But what really influenced my no go position was... I stumbled upon this video, and sure enough, idiot that I am, psyched myself up that, yeah, sure, I can do that- and it's the exact-same-thing that the repair guy's gonna do! Except I can do it for absolute... FREE! Except he can do it in his sleep cause he's done it a thousand trillion times, and all I'm gonna do is open it up (if I can get that far), and drop, tear or break something- which at least will spare me from having to not be able to put the whole damn thing back together again!

Too embarrassed to send it back again now anywho. If I can only find the proper sized screwdriver! Say what? Yeah, this'll make a good... retirement project end of next year- a nice relaxing holiday project.

PS- For you GR3 guys.

Photo: © Stan Banos

The Search For...

I don't usually talk the gear talk here, but occasionally I get into it as the prevalent winds (my prevalent winds) demand. I love the 20mm and 28mm (and their 14 and 18mm crop equivalent) focal lengths, use the latter for everyday shooting, while also incorporating the former for event shooting. Recently, I took note of a new 18mm Color Skopar for my Fujifilm cameras, and even though it was manual focus only- I was determined to make it work. The focusing knob and aperture ring on this cute as all hell pancake were true acts of perfection in their precise and silky smooth operation. Alas, the optical quality was... abysmal- far worse than even the 18mm Fuji it was meant to replace! Maybe because it was refurbished, or perhaps it was just a (truly) bad copy? Don't know; but I did focus with the magnified focus check- so that got returned pronto! 

The following week I was checking out an image on the screen of my GR, and when I commenced to reframe- the screen went dead! Must've inadvertently pressed some obscure menu item, but after going through the menu several times, seems my initial impression was correct- and off to the repairman it went! 

Fortunately, my Leica Q continues to perform despite the two of us tumbling hard on concrete the other day, but I'm always slightly paranoid when I take it out, and I sure wouldn't mind using a second focal length on my Fujis. I've refused to imbibe in the overly large and expensive 18mm f1.4 Fujinon, despite its absolute optical perfection, and have pretty much given up hope of an update on the dismal Fuji pancake or third party equivalent. Then along comes the plastic fantastic Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 WA zoom- could that be the an answer? Now I love the results of my optically superlative 14mm f2.8 Fuji (the lens itself is one ugly duckling), and while I love WA's, I don't have much use for anything wider than 20mm (FF)- and I hate lens diameters that go past the 50's (the Sigma has a 67mm filter diameter)! Otherwise, it is fairly compact, and if it can cover 14 and 18mm with sufficient optical quality (which it supposedly does deliver), I may, just may, be able to get over its obese filter diameter size... maybe not ideal for everyday carry, but it just might spell significant ease of use for special events- one camera, one lens, two fave focal lengths! And if'n it can't- off it goes as well, once it gets here. To be cont...

Sigma10-18mm f2.8

Fat Ass(ed) Batteries

Photo: © Stan Banos 

This is probably a known topic, that is, since it happened to me, it's also probably happened to others (numbers admittedly unknown) well before me. Don't ask me why, or exactly how- but somehow, someway my Wasabi batteries got... fat! After recharging I tried to put one in my X-T2 after removing the original Fujifilm battery and- no go!?! Oh, this must be the Leica Q battery?!? No, it's the right battery for the right camera, alright- so why the hell won't it fit?!? I'm putting it in the wrong way! No, I'm putting it in the right way- so what the hell is going on!?!? 

Yup, battery got fat- I'm gonna reckon some kinda internal, chemical reaction swelled the suckers all up. Maybe 'cause I don't use 'em all that much- don't know. But before I put two and two together, Stupid Stan decides to see just how tight a fit said battery is in the camera, if he can put it in at all. No dumb camera is gonna stop him- no, sir! Stan successfully manages to squeeze and finagle the battery in the compartment. And immediately upon so doing, it finally dawns on him that maybe, just maybe- he might not be able to get said swolled up battery outa said camera. And gosh, darn it- turns out I really am smart enough to realize just how stupid I really am! 

So... I try shaking the camera upside down- but that battery is now snug as... a big fat battery in a small assed hole. Sucker ain't budging- and now I'm thinking just how much money it's gonna cost me to send it on in to Fujifilm for repair battery removal surgery and then get scolded for using third party batteries. I'm an ever lovin' idiot!  I'm the ever lovin' idiot!

Instead of taking a knife to try and nudge it out, or fantasize throwing the camera with its obese parasite against any of four available walls to jar it loose (as would have been my more youthful solution), I decided to see if I could actually solve said problem in house, and proceeded to put on my Mr. Science/Mr. Fix It hat... 

With the widget pictured above, I carefully placed some crazy glue on the bottom part, and pressed it flush against the exposed battery surface, making sure there wasn't enough to ooze out the sides and damage the battery compartment interior. I then set the entire camera upside down in the fridge (and let the cold also do its contraction thing), crossed my fingers- and a few hours later... commenced to pulling! Slid out with only a moderate tug, and lemme tell ya- that sucker was wedged in there good! Always sumptin'...

If I Was Starting Anew...

If I was starting anew in 2024 instead of 2016 when I first started shooting digital, what changes, if any would I make gear wise? Well, I'm quite satisfied at present with my: (all Used) Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T2, Ricoh GR and Leica Q. If I was to outfit myself today however, what I might very well choose is: a (Used) FF Sony of some particular number/letter designation for my modest needs, along with their 28mm Sony,* the new Viltrox 20mm, and a 40mm of some sort whenever the need would arise (ie- portraits), along with the GR, natch.

Advantages: use of one body only for all three lenses mentioned- and faster, more accurate, more reliable autofocus than my Fuji's! Disadvantages: the compact Viltrox would not quite match the IQ of the superior 14mm (21 equivalent) Fujinon- and that would be the deal breaker, all depending on how big the difference. Of course, one can not possibly complain about a $150 lens that punches well above it's weight, but it's optical performance would ultimately determine if I would go the Sony route. I would miss using the Q, but the 28 Sony should come through and make that relatively... irrelevant (and cost effective)!

As is, I'm good- with no right to complain!

*The Fuijinon f2 18mm pancake (28mm equivalent) is not very good optically save for the center, and their excellent premium 1.4 is just too damn big (and expensive) for my liking.

Sometimes...

Photo: © S. Banos

You just adapt to the camera- actually, you always adapt to the camera. Guess what I'm really trying to say is that sometimes you not only change how you shoot to accommodate yourself to your new camera's quirks and advantages, sometimes you actually change what you're shooting because of it. I've rather unknowingly found myself taking advantage of the Q's FF sensor to shoot images featuring increased expanses of more dimly lit areas. The improved shadow detail is rendered in a richer, more pleasing manner that facilitates more nuanced lighting scenarios that previously went either without consideration or appreciation. 

That said, I was damn lucky to get these- right place, right time, nothing but coincidence. To think I could just walk about residential San Francisco (forgot just how beautiful so many parts of this city still are) and continue to find interesting sites kissed with just the right balance of light and shadow is far from realistic. But, at the very least, this has opened up both a new way and new time of seeing- and that is something to draw on for the remainder,,,

Photo: © S. Banos

Photo: © S. Banos

Photo: © S. Banos

Fool's Paradise...

I mean, seriously- if you ain't already deterred by the blatant illegitimacy of the offer, then you most certainly deserve... "The Fool Set." Back when I was very patiently stalking the best deal possible for a used Q, I would occasionally come across eBay offers such as this, originating in Eastern Europe- woefully underpriced, Mint Cond Q's and Q2's whose shipping exceeded their sell price, peddled by Sellers with 100% Positive Feedback... and one previous sale to their name! Always got an immediate chuckle- although the fact that eBay still allows this to occur (the one on top is but a coupla weeks old) is certainly not a laughing matter!

Triptych

My first (and everyone should have one)! BTW- Gotta be honest here... as I was taking these, I kinda expected someone to come up and ask, "Excuse me, is that a Leica?" And of course, I would have to admit that it was, to which they would then reply, "Then, I'm afraid, we both know what the consequences are, sir." And clearly, I would have immediately sensed what he was inferring- I would have to surrender my Q on the spot. Obviously, this was GR 'snapshot' subject matter, and well beneath the purpose and dignity of any Leica to the manor born. Fortunately, this level of brand crime went unnoticed on this particular weekend stroll, but I'm fully aware of the risks I am willingly taking should I continue to pursue this behavior...

 

Photos: © Stan Banos

Return Of The Q

Living Large.             Photo: © Stan Banos

No, not the Hillary child sex, pizza parlor variety, not the JFK, Jr. reanimator type either, nope, not even this guy! Just the camera, the camera I've lusted for a good half dozen years. Had to wait that long just to get it at a somewhat reasonable price. And then I had to return the damn thing cause the sensor had a big ol' smudge on it like someone cleaned it while chomping away at their Big Mac. Fortunately, the store I bought it from in Japan is a reputable company- they accepted and paid for the return. And a few weeks later notified me they had another at the same price point- I bit again, and... no regrets. Truth is, it has a coupla slight dust marks (even after an official Leica sensor cleaning), but for half the MSRP, ya can only complain so much, and they disappear (when even visible) after some minor dodging/cloning; the rest of the camera seems to work flawlessly, and it's cosmetically quite clean. I've seen Q's in this condition sell for a full grand more- and without the Leica cleansing. Can only imagine- Caveat Emptor! 

Did I need it that bad? Not really, not at all. The GR punches way above its weight and does most everything quite well and beyond. But the viewfinder is nice for events (leather fair coming late Sept) and, well... it's just such a goddamn sexy beast!

It was either a week's vacation or the camera- I usually always vote the former, but I had already visited moms in NYC, as well as the estranged wife in Portland this year. So I figured I'd go for the legacy camera while I still had the bucks. If Fujifilm made a high quality 28mm equivalent that wasn't ginormous (and expensive), I'd be spending a week in LA, right about... now! Currently, I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go- but a few more vacations, will no doubt be had, provided I'm still walking these earthly parameters the following year(s).

Was really uncertain about the photo above, wasn't sure about the composition (even though I worked it best I could under the circumstances). Just seemed contorted, unbalanced, not completely... there, but it's really grown on me for whatever reason. Perhaps my indecision reflects my feelings about the content- conflicted. A nice young couple in their prime enjoying life to the fullest- or a spoiled, well to do duo treating the world as their oyster without the slightest care or regard for anyone or anything around them? Will never know (for sure)... 

I'm also conflicted about the graffiti in the second shot- a likely epithet. But on such a gorgeous day, complete with sailboat, azure sea and sky, it loses whatever negative connotation it may have and reverts to its original state, making for one nicely minimalist and complementary, short poem.

Photo: © Stan Banos

Dream Camera Deferred

Somewhat cleaned up tribute to Joel's Cape Light.  Photo: © Stan Banos  

I recently purchased my 'dream' camera, a used but well preserved Leica Q at half price (cleaned and serviced by Leica Japan), and had to return it after a week because of a smudge on the sensor on the upper left hand side- like right where the sky goes on landscapes! At 100% it was a darkened irregular oval, an ill defined stain about an inch in diameter that was just a major pain in the ass to photoshop evenly and invisibly, exactly where most obvious. It seemed more the result of direct contact with the sensor from a contaminated surface (finger?) than actual dust, which is usually smaller and more well defined. Map Camera in Japan accepted the return and paid for return shipping with the option of buying once again when properly (re)cleaned by Leica Japan (if possible), or purchasing another, once available... Pretty classy resolution- their very positive feedback seems well earned!

I was negotiating with them for a week on how to handle the situation, feeling them out, expecting the worst, and I must say that thus far, Map Camera has come out as exemplary! No, I haven't got my money back as of yet, but then, they haven't gotten their camera back just yet (currently in transit)- I just don't see them stabbing me in the back at this point, and again, must heartily recommend their customer service.

The Q ain't nirvana, but if you're a 28mm fan (as am I) it most certainly has its strengths: ergonomics, build quality, styling- and the IQ is a noticeable (but certainly not astronomical) step up from my trusty, punch above its weight GR. Sometimes, I just get the feeling that this was Leica's way of telling me to... know thy place.