Exploring Photography in New York with the Leica M10-R and 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1

1: Leica M10-R & 7Artisans 50/1.1

Prairial, the ninth month in the French Republican Calendar, marks the beginning of my rolling photo project. This month has been particularly busy with photography, prompting a second blog post dedicated to my experiences. Diving into the nuances of different equipment and my encounters in captivating locales, I aim to shed light on the more intricate aspects of photography.

Exploring Leica and 7Artisans

My focus is on three key elements during the first half of the month:

1. Experimenting with the Leica M10-R, recently acquired, paired with the new 50mm 7Artisans f/1.1 lens. This duo has proven to be both enjoyable and rewarding, opening up avenues for creative expression.
2. A long weekend trip to New York City, a dream location for street photography, which I hadn't visited in over two decades. The city offers a unique vibrancy and an array of subjects that every photographer dreams of capturing.
3. Testing the 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 lens alongside other vintage lenses using film photography. The juxtaposition of modern optics with classic film opens up fascinating dialogues within my portfolio.

Below are some images captured during my journey, showcasing the capabilities of my selected gear.

Kitchen - M10-R with 7Artisans 50mm f1.1

Using the M10-R paired with the 7Artisans lens, I found that it performed exceptionally well. The lens has impressed me with its quality, providing a perfect mix of sharpness and image character. This combination encourages exploration, pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

New York! New York!

The primary reason for acquiring the M10-R was my much-anticipated trip to New York City. This vibrant metropolis presented a perfect playground for street photography, offering endless inspiration and a bustling atmosphere. The streets were alive with energy, and every corner turned revealed a new story begging to be captured.

Trump - Leica M10-R & Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Aspherical VM

During my New York adventure, I chose to primarily use the Leica M10-R, which I appreciated for its high resolution and impressive detail. This camera allowed for great cropping without losing quality, a feature that significantly enhances one's composition options in a city as dynamic as New York. The camera's performance became more than just a tool; it became an extension of my vision.

The second image features the Chrysler Building reflected in a nearby glass structure, showcasing the architectural beauty that New York offers. Reflections like this play a critical role in modern urban photography, allowing photographers to capture dual images and layers of complexity that highlight the relationship between the subject and its environment.

Chrysler Building reflected - Leica M10-R & Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Aspherical VM

Additionally, I experimented with different lenses to capture various scenes effectively. The M10-R's compatibility with Voigtlander lenses allowed for great versatility, enabling me to document the city's vibrant life from multiple perspectives. This adaptability is vital, especially when time is limited and the perfect shot may only present itself for a fleeting moment.

New York Skyline - Leica M10-R & Voigtlander 75 mm f/1.5 Nokton VM

For wider shots, I used the Voigtlander 21mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar alongside the 40mm and 75mm lenses, balancing convenience and performance. The M10-R's high resolution made the entire process straightforward, providing excellent detail in every shot. Each lens contributed a distinct character, enriching my visuals in ways that mirror the diverse fabric of the city itself.

Experimenting with Film

In addition to my digital work, I utilized the 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 with my Leica M7 for film photography, specifically focusing on black and white film. This lens, combined with Kodak T-Max 100 film, offered a classic feel that I enjoyed revisiting. The tactile nature of film photography evokes emotions that digital sometimes fails to capture, establishing a connection with the process itself.

Broadway Market - Leica M7, 7Artisans 50mm f1.1, Kodak T-Max 100

This blend of techniques has allowed me to assess different aspects of photography, from the immediacy of digital to the tactile nature of film. This assessment isn’t just an academic exercise; it lets me engage with my surroundings differently. The results have been gratifying and encouraging, providing a broad range of textures in my portfolio and enriching my storytelling approach.

Implications for Future Work

What this means for you, as a photographer or enthusiast, is the potential to re-evaluate your own equipment and methods. The continued exploration of both digital and film techniques can enhance your understanding of photography's multifaceted nature. There’s a richness found in experimentation, urging you to push beyond familiar comforts and explore new creative avenues.

Looking ahead, I aim to share further insights and photographs from New York in the subsequent post, which will feature additional lens tests and stories behind the images. This first part has demonstrated the joys of combining the Leica system with the creative flexibility that various lenses provide. Photography remains a journey, full of discoveries waiting to be made.

For a deeper glimpse into my photographic journey this month, explore my complete collections on Flickr: Prairial Album and New York Gallery.

Thanks for following my photography adventures. Your feedback and thoughts on my work are always welcome.

Best,

Nick