Filter sizes for Leica M lenses
As you might expect, Leica offers its range of UV filters, which are recommended for the protection of the front element in everyday use but also to prevent damage when cleaning. It’s much less worrying to clean a filter than a front element. However, I also recommend B+W (UV or Clear) filters, which, although made by the German brand Schneider-Kreuznach, tend to be slightly cheaper and yet are not considered inferior in any way. The XS-Pro, now replaced by the ‘Master’, features a thin brass frame and a Nano coating to facilitate easier cleaning. More competitively priced offerings include the excellent Breakthrough Photography UV X2 range and the Firecrest series…
Canon UK store sale with 10% off RF lenses
The Canon UK store currently has a sale on RF lenses, with 10% off most, if not all, current RF models, including the vaunted L-series. For example, the extraordinary Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM lens was £3,160 inc VAT but is now £2,884 inc VAT (£316 off). When buying directly, Canon offers a 2-year guarantee and free shipping (when spending above £30). Furthermore, their generous returns policy gives you a 30-day window in which to send your item back (should you need to) free of charge for a full refund. Make your purchase as normal through the Canon Store to save. Offer ends 30/07/2025. Buy now while stocks last.…
Nikon PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED tilt shift lens review
Key features +/- 12mm shift and +/- 7.5° tilt movements can be applied in parallel (same axis) or perpendicular 90° rotation left and right in 30° increments, tilt 90° left only with a 45° stop Shift movement operates without having to lock it Three extra-low dispersion elements reduce chromatic aberrations Two aspherical elements minimise coma, distortion and enhance sharpness Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings reduce reflections, lens flare, and ghosting Fluorine coatings protect front and rear elements from water drying marks, fingerprints Electromagnetic aperture mechanism ensures stable and accurate exposure control What is it? The Nikon PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED is a F-mount retrofocus lens designed specifically to…
Leica celebrates 100th year anniversary with Leica M11 100 special edition
Leica is introducing a special edition of the Leica M11-D to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary since the introduction of the Leica I in 1925. The Leica M11 100 features a black gloss paint finish and silver-chromed control elements with cross knurling, a black cowhide covering, and distinctive details, including a black chrome hot shoe cover, a unique serial number, and a certificate of authenticity. It is available now in German Leica Stores at EUR 9,500.00, including VAT. Check stock and prices [affiliate links] Leica Camera (DE) | Leica Camera (UK) | Leica Camera (US) Press Release: Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “WETZLAR GERMANY” To mark the 100-year…
Leica introduces new Monopan 50 black and white film
Leica has announced a new high-resolution black-and-white film with an ISO 50 rating. The film, Monopan 50, is produced in Germany and boasts an extended spectral range, with sensitivity up to 780 nm (near-infrared region). Leica Monopan 50 will be available worldwide in Leica Stores and through authorised retailers from the 21st of August 2025. The recommended retail price is £10.00 / €12.00 incl. VAT, for a 36-exposure roll. For more information and to pre-order [affiliate links] Leica Store (UK/US) Sample Shots Press Release: Wetzlar, 18th of June 2025 – The Leica I transformed photography when it made its debut…
Leica announces new lightweight L mount 28-70mm F2.8 zoom
Key Features Slightly lower zoom range (28–70mm) for size and weight benefits Weighs 572 g, measures 102mm by 73mm (lxd) Maintains the physical dimensions of Summicron-SL primes Same 67mm filters Durable all-metal (magnesium and aluminium) exterior High image quality 16 elements in 12 groups, with three aspherical elements (five aspherical surfaces) Fast, accurate and reliable autofocusing £1,650.00 /€1,950.00 incl. VAT (hood additional £145.00) Available now Check price and availability at the following stores [affiliate links, this site may earn commission on sales via these links]: B&H Photo (US) | Adorama (US) | Amazon (US) WEX UK | Park Cameras (UK) | Leica UK (Leica Online Store) As an Amazon associate, this site earns commission…
Contax Zeiss PC-Distagon 2.8/35 T* lens review
Key features Highly versatile 35mm focal length +/- 10mm shift (no tilt) 90° rotation left and right in 15° increments Shift movement operates without locking Floating element design to reduce aberrations at close range T* coatings reduce reflections, lens flare, and ghosting Made by Zeiss in Germany (Oberkochen) Stopped-down operation only The Contax Zeiss PC-Distagon 2.8/35 T* is a shift lens manufactured by Zeiss for Contax C/Y mount SLR cameras, designed in the late 1970s or early 1980s. At that time, the 35mm focal length was a popular choice for shift lenses. Canon stood out for its tilt/shift model, but Minolta, Nikon, and Olympus all had 35mm shift lenses in…
Recomended Filters for Lens Protection
Filters for lens protection seem to divide opinions; however, I’m strongly in favour of them. Not only do they prevent fumbling with lens caps (keep those for storage), but they’re also a lot easier to clean than the front element. I also don’t like cleaning lenses and would rather accidentally scratch a filter than my lens. And if you think it’s unlikely, consider the number of secondhand lenses for sale on eBay with scratched front elements. Those few that aren’t sell for appreciably more. Fingerprints are another issue. They are both greasy and contain an acid that damages coatings, and so should be removed promptly. My filter of choice for…
Setting playback in the viewfinder of the Canon EOS R5
By following these steps, you will be able to set and view playback in the Canon EOS R5’s viewfinder. To set playback in the viewfinder of the Canon EOS R5, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the Camera: Ensure your Canon EOS R5 is powered on. 2. Switch to Playback Mode: You can switch to playback mode by pressing the playback button, which is represented by a blue triangle icon with a rectangle around it. This button is located on the lower right of the back of the camera. 3. Using the Viewfinder: The EOS R5 primarily uses the LCD screen for playback, but you can also use the electronic…
Sony launches high-speed FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens
Sony is emerging as a leader in lens design with its latest release, the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM. The new lens is highly corrected with five ED elements, two being the ‘Super’ ED type, and two double-sided aspherical elements for mitigating fringing and distortion. It’s also relatively lightweight (1.34kg), is some 200mm in length and takes 95mm filters. According to Sony, the lens has a “floating focusing system [which] enables a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m.” This sentence is somewhat confusing but infers the lens has ‘floating elements,’ which is meant to mitigate aberrations at close distances, and not necessarily enable a 0.4m mfd. Of course, if aberrations are…
