ND Filter Factors, Densities and F-Stops compared
Numerous manufacturers use different terminology for their Neutral Density filters, which can sometimes make direct comparisons difficult. I’ve produced this chart showing the various designations in use against the number of stops reduced. Some manufacturers produce filters that fall in between stops, making comparisons even harder. For example, an ND400 filter would be just below 9 stops, but probably within tolerance to be marketed as a 9-stop filter. Those highlighted are the three most versatile filters overall, though it depends on your intended use. A 15-stop filter for long exposures in bright conditions, fully blurring clouds and smoothing seas, might be more useful than a 10-stop, which may only partially…
Leica Summilux-M 50 F1.4 Classic (V2) lens review
Leica recently launched a new version of its classic Summilux-M 50 F1.4 lens from 1959. Kevin Carter takes a look. As the fifth in the Classic Line series, following the Summaron-M 28 F5.6, Thambar-M 90 F2.2, Noctilux-M 50 F1.2 ASPH, and the Summilux-M 35 F1.4, the newly reissued M-mount model features vintage Leica styling, including a scalloped focusing ring and chrome-plated brass construction. To complete the vintage aesthetic, there’s even a circular, “vented” hood in black with chrome locking buttons. Optically, the lens is based on the second Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 (II) formula, a design that promises highly attractive rendering, wide open, with soft blur transitions to out-of-focus highlights.…
Leica M EV1 review: Electronic viewfinder model is a revelation
What is it? The Leica M EV1 is a long-rumoured model based on the Leica M11 body and M-mount, but with an electronic viewfinder rather than an optical rangefinder. It’s a feature that’s been a long time coming, but now that it’s here, what is it really like? And does it really ‘work’ in place of the rangefinder? Key features Full-frame 60MP BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology ( 60, 36 or 18 megapixels) 5.76 megapixel EVF Manual focus only, with focus peaking and focus assist (magnification) aids at taking aperture Supports Content Credentials 64 GB internal memory (and single SD slot) Connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cable Available from…
Black Friday deals
My Black Friday sale is currently open. Save 25% off any of my Capture One Styles with the discount code 6AXYHX9Z. Ends on 28 November. This site’s subscription is also 25% off currently, at $37.30, for 12 months (regular price $49.99). Does not renew, so you’re not locked in. There’s no need for a code, as the price reflects the discount. Also ends on 28 November. Amazon has been running Black Friday deals for a few days already, giving me some time to browse through the more interesting photography-related products. Surprisingly, though, there aren’t that many this year. Lightroom Classic users can pick up a 12-month subscription for just £61.99…
Leica reveals the B&W Q3 Monochrom
Leica has introduced the Leica Q3 Monochrom, the B&W sensor version of the popular Leica Q3 compact, featuring a 60 MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a 28mm F1.7 Summilux fixed focal length lens. In addition, the Leica Q3 Monochrom features a new intuitive user interface with a well-defined separation between the photo stills and video functions. Leica say the new UI will be rolled out with a firmware update for the existing Leica Q3 and Leica Q3 43 models. The new Leica Q3 M model is also the first in the series to utilise Content Credentials technology. The hardware chip in the Leica Q3 M embeds a digital signature in…
Lightroom Classic: Best Practice for Keeping Edits Separate
In Adobe Lightroom Classic, when you copy a Collection, the edits and adjustments made to images in the original Collection are also applied to the copied Collection. This means that changes made to a photo in either Collection will update in both. Unfortunately, there is no direct way to create a complete copy of the Collection that maintains separate edits from the original image directly within Lightroom. However, there is a way to work around that by creating a Collection from another Collection. 1. Create Virtual Copies Right-click on the image you want to edit and select “Create Virtual Copy.” Virtual Copies let you make different edits to the same…
Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM Tech Specs
Technical Data Manufacturer Canon Model RF 45mm F1.2 STM Web www.canon.co.uk Elements/construction 9 elements in 7 groups (1x Plastic Moulded (PMo) Asph, SSC) Angle of view (h,v,d) 49° 35′, 29° 50′, 51° 20′ Max aperture F1.2 (9x blades) Min aperture F16 Min focus distance 0.45 m ( 1,5 ft) AF/M STM Mount RF mount Filter size 67 mm Length 75 mm (3 in.) Diameter 78 mm (3.1 in.) Weight 346 g ( 12.2 oz) Price £479 inc VAT ($469) Check prices of the Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM at the following retailers: WEX Photo (UK)| Park Cameras (UK) | Canon Store (UK/Eur) B&H Photo (US) | Adorama (US)…
Contax Zeiss PC-Distagon 2.8/35 T* Tech Specs
Technical Data Manufacturer Zeiss (for Contax) Model Contax Zeiss PC-Distagon 2.8/35 T*. Web zeiss.de Elements/construction 9 elements in 9 groups Angle of view (d/h/v) 63/83° (diagonal) Max aperture F2.8 (five blades) Min aperture F22 Min focus distance 0.3 m / 8.3″ Mount C/Y mount with +/- 10mm shift Filter size 86mm via clamp-on Contax 70/86mm ring Length 85.6 mm / 3.4 in Diameter 70 mm / 2.8 in Weight 740 g / 1.6 lb Price £2,100 inc VAT / $2,499 RRP when new, over £4,000, nearly $5,000 today (2025) Read our review here. Check price & availability, used only now [affiliate links]: eBay | KEH | MPB (Zeiss)…
ProGrade Digital CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Iridium Series 400 GB £157.99 (Was £184.99)
Amazon UK have big savings on ProGrade Digital CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Iridium Series cards currently. The Iridium series is the highest performing CFexpress 4.0 Type B card in the maker’s range. CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium Delivers: Fully compliant with CompactFlash™ Association 4.0 specification and backwards compatible with 2.0 specification NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen4 X2 interconnect Low standby power through NVMe PS0 – PS4 support, enabling extended battery life Metal enclosure for improved durability and heat dissipation Thermal throttling protects the card from overheating Laser etched unique serial numbering for the tracking of key components and manufacturing data for the highest quality control Temperature ranges: operating…
Copying Steps within a Photoshop Action
You can copy specific steps from one action to another in Photoshop. By copying a step that performs a specific adjustment, such as sharpening, resizing, or saving to a specific file type (JPEG, size 10) and colour space, or naming a file and saving it to your desktop, you can create complex Actions that greatly reduce editing time and yet simplify your workflow, ensuring consistency across different projects. Here’s how to do it: Steps to Copy Action Steps Open the Actions Panel: Go to Window > Actions or press Alt + F9 (Windows) / Option + F9 (Mac) to open the Actions panel. Locate the Action: Find the action that…
