Billingham 307 camera bag review
This was one of the most popular reviews from the old site, and so I’ve decided to re-publish it here with up-to-date links for those trying to buy – thank you for your continued support. Introduction to the Billingham 307 Billingham camera bags need little introduction, they’ve been the choice of professional photographers since the mid-’70s and the Billingham 307 typifies all that’s great about them. There have been one or two imitators, most notably the well-regarded Classic range from the sadly defunct CCS (Camera Care Systems) and the hand-made range of bags from FOGG; probably the closest in terms of quality and materials, if not in design (FOGG were…
Leica M11 review
Leica M11 – what came before? The Leica M11 is the successor to the Leica M10, indeed to the uninitiated it looks practically identical. This is just as well as the Leica M10 was in effect a refinement of the Leica M (Typ 240), particularly with the larger, more durable rangefinder, more logical button layout, and improved menu operation. However, while there were some slight gains in noise and DR the M10 sensor’s similar pixel count likely hindered sales. Still, it wasn’t until the introduction of the M10-R some 18 months or so ago that we saw the real successor to the Leica M (Typ 240) models. As good as…
Canon adds heavy-hitting RF 800mm F5.6 and 1200mm F8 super-telephoto lenses to range
Canon has added the RF 800mm F5.6 and RF 1200mm F8 to their mirrorless EOS R series cameras using the RF mount. This is presumably due to Canon experiencing a little pressure from Sony, as they’ve recently started targeting sports and action photographers with high speed telephotos to go with the Sony A9 and A1 cameras. Even Nikon have announced an interesting alternative with their PF 800mm F6.3, which appears to be targeting birders but no doubt, due to the smaller sizer and lower weight, but will also appeal to sports photographers. It’s a prudent move from Canon, however these two new lenses aren’t quite what they appear to be.…
Fujifilm GFX 50R Medium Format camera price reduced, showing as discontinued
Several UK retailers have the Fujifilm GFX 50R medium Format camera reduced currently, from £3199 to just £2199 at WEX [advertiser link]. Park Cameras in the UK has it listed as discontinued and has one demo body left.
Park Cameras special price on super-compact Gitzo Systematic series 4, 5-section tripod at just £699
Park Cameras have a special price on the super-compact Gitzo Systematic series 4, 5-section tripod (GT4553S) at just £699. See here for more details. It’s normally £1024 (inc VAT), if you click through the Gitzo advert, shown on the left. It has a lowish 1.36m (about 4ft) maximum height but the plus side is better usage at or close to minimum height than the standard 3 or 4 leg section variants, plus great portability of course. So it’s great if you work with sports or wildlife and also good for interiors and architecture, which is more my thing. In fact, I’m considering buying one myself, instead of an RRS TVC-24 Mark…
Leica M11 announced: Leica’s best and most-rounded M to date
Leica has announced the latest update to its rangefinder camera, the M11. After numerous leaks online, the Leica M11 is now official. Rather than go over what’s been leaked already, after speaking with Leica today at the press launch, I’m going to outline what I’ve learned. The price is confirmed as £7,500 body only, £600 for the new Visoflex 2. Both are inclusive of VAT. My concise review of the Leica M11 can be read here. Leica M11 – bespoke full-frame sensor The sensor is a new model that won’t be used in other Leicas (probably due to the size). The 60MP device is a BSI CMOS type, so…
Videos surface of the new Leica M11
Two new videos have surfaced showing some of the design elements on the forthcoming Leica M11. The rear screen is not flush, as I had hoped for but on the plus side the new battery looks large, which bodes well for capacity. Also shown is the rumoured new Visoflex. It is rather boxy looking but it is hinged for overhead viewing and it has built-in dioptric control. At present there are no details on the spec’s but the inferred low-light capabilities are encouraging. https://vimeo.com/661857936 https://vimeo.com/661857745
Thoughts on the upcoming Leica M11 – Updated
Update, January 7th: two new videos feature the new Leica M11 have leaked, see here for more details. Nokishita Camera, the principal source of most camera leaks on the net today, published the first picture of the Leica M11 (shown above) last week, allegedly ’taken’ from Leica’s Japan-based site. As it has shown up there it’s genuine, and coming soon. Although the press get advanced warning of cameras I’ve not heard anything officially (or unofficially, either), so this is just what I would like to see featured. It’s been long rumoured that the M11 will differ greatly from the M10, however as the leaked photo reveals there are only some slight differences…
First images of the new Nikkors to be launched with the Nikon Z 9
Via Nokishita Nikon leap-frogs ahead of the Canon EOS R3 and possibly the Sony A1 with the release of the 45 MP Nikon Z 9. What’s even more intriguing is the price, just £5,299 in the UK including VAT. Pre-orders are already open: Park Cameras WEX UK
Ending soon: 20% off upgrade promotion launched for Capture One 22
Update 07 Nov, 2021: Although I wasn’t told initially when this ends a Capture One spokesperson informed me that the offer ends Tuesday 09 November (presumably at midnight Central European time.) The same spokesperson said as a license holder (subscribers automatically upgrade) this is going to be the “best offer” to upgrade to version 22. So if you haven’t decided already, nows the time. Capture One have launched an upgrade promotion for existing perpetual license holders only (those on Capture One Pro 21, Capture One 21 and older versions of the licenses) for those wishing to move on to version 22. The promotion does not apply to anyone buying…
