Exploring Italy Through the Lens: The Leica M10 Monochrom and Q2 Adventures

In the final entry of my year-long photography project inspired by the French Republican Calendar, I found myself in the picturesque Italian village of Picinisco for August's Fructidor. With creative motivation sparked by last year's travels, I set out to capture the essence of this unique month through my lens.

1. The Leica M10 Monochrom Experience

The project launched during Vendémiaire last September, with the M10 Monochrom serving as a steadfast companion throughout the year. Its design, leveraging the artistry of black-and-white photography, particularly excelled during low-light conditions at the annual festa of the Madonna di Canneto.

With the Voigtlander 40mm Nokton f1.2 mounted, I found the camera produced stunning nighttime images, with rich contrasts and sharp detail. The festival’s lit ambiance is reflected beautifully in the images, demonstrating the camera’s capabilities in dynamic environments.

Despite an unfortunate drop that sidelined the M10 for six months, the joy of capturing Italy's beauty returns once more. The project’s requirements pushed me to explore various locations and themes, resulting in a diverse collection that I am proud to present.

2. The Versatile Leica Q2

Alongside the M10, I also carried the newly acquired Leica Q2. Initially a backup for color images, it soon became a primary player in my photographic endeavor. Its 28mm fixed focal length provided an excellent perspective for street and landscape photography.

One standout image from this segment is "Pastarama", depicting a vibrant supermarket aisle filled with various pasta. This series perfectly illustrates the Q2’s ability to maintain sharp detail and captivating colors, essential for still-life and candid photography.

As the trip progressed, engaging light and vibrant colors influenced my preference for shooting in color more frequently. The Q2’s rich color palette encouraged this shift, showcasing how environmental conditions can impact artistic choices.

3. Channeling Nostalgia with Film: Yashica FX-3 Setup

Alongside my digital gear, I also utilized my Yashica FX-3 35mm film camera equipped with Contax lenses. This setup offered an exciting return to the roots of photography, enabling exploration of analog processes. The Yashica is lightweight, easy to operate, and compatible with top-quality Contax glass, making it a rewarding film camera choice.

Complementing this setup were three robust lenses: the 50mm Zeiss f1.4 Planar, the 18mm Distagon f4 for stunning wide-angle captures, and the Contax Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 35-70mm f3.4 for diverse framing options. The film medium paired with these high-quality optics produced expressive, textured images reminiscent of classic photography.

4. Embracing the Leica SL2-S for Adapted Lenses

Upon returning to London, I had the opportunity to test my adapted Contax lenses on the Leica SL2-S. This camera is an excellent choice for those looking to combine traditional film glass with modern digital performance. I shot primarily with the 50mm Planar, producing rich bokeh and characteristically sharp images, especially in urban environments.

One of my favorite aspects of the SL2-S is its exceptional high ISO capabilities, which complement the zone focusing technique. Consequently, this setup allowed for more spontaneous and candid shots, capturing the dynamic nature of city life.

5. The Journey’s Reflection and Future Aspirations

From Italy back to London, I created a multitude of compelling photographs that exceeded my original goal of 30 images per month. The experience solidified my creative exploration in both digital and film formats, and I’m excited to continue experimenting with a range of cameras. The variety and places visited — from Tuscan streets to vibrant festivals — provided a treasure trove of photographic opportunities.

While I’m winding down this long-term project, I’m looking forward to smaller, more frequent mini-projects that will keep the spirit of creativity alive. This includes reviving older films, sharing unique lens experiences, and potentially exploring new territories in medium format photography.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me throughout the year! You can view all photographs from Fructidor, including a collection of images in various resolutions here on Flickr.

— Nick