In preparation for our upcoming episode of “Show Us Your Leica Kit” on Red Dot Forum Camera Talk, we thought it would be a good time to show you what’s in our kits. So, we are back again with another installment of Leica Store Miami’s “What’s In Our Camera Bags” series. We’ll give you sneak peek into our team’s camera bags – from David’s epic landscape bag to Josh’s quirky product photography bag. We’ll show you not only the cameras and lenses we’re using, but also the straps, the bags, the snacks, and all the other little accessories that make a big difference. 

Red Dot Forum Camera Talk Live: Show Us Your Leica Kit, Round III
Saturday, June 8th, 2024 • 8 PM Eastern

Submit your kit for a chance to be featured: https://rdf.to/SubmitYourKit

Check out past editions of In Our Bag here. 
Watch “What’s in Your Leica Kit” here. 

Scroll through or click the quick links below:

• Kirsten's Hiking Bag
• Jose's Travel Bag
• Josh's Product Photography Bag
• David's Landscape Bag
• Colin's Workshop Bag
• Gabe's Professional Wedding Bag
• Ashlyn's Video Bag
• Brandon's Street Photography Bag

Kirsten’s Hiking Bag

Kirsten Vignes has been with Leica Store Miami since 2012 and is the resident graphic designer and marketing creative. She lives and works remotely from Minneapolis, MN with her cat and husband. Kirsten is passionate about photography, which she studied at Rochester Institute of Technology. When she's not off climbing a mountain somewhere, you can find her volunteering with The International Leica Society and putting together their quarterly photography journal Viewfinder. She loves traveling to far off places, paddling and biking around the lakes in Minnesota, movies with mythical creatures, and, of course, coffee. Read some of Kirsten’s articles here.

 

Last year in February 2023, Leica announced a game-changing new series of lightweight Summicron f/2 lenses for the SL-System. They’re compact and light at about half the size of their APO-SL cousins and weighing the same as an average M lens. And with an impressive close-focus range down to just to 24cm / 9.4 in, they're extremely flexible. Combine all that with full weather-sealing, and they’re perfect for the trail.

LEICA SL2 & 35mm Summicron-SL ASPH 

Whether you’re lucky enough to have the new Leica SL3 or are still rocking the SL2/SL2-S, or even the original SL (Typ 601), slap a Summicron-SL on there and just take a hike.

I used to be a die-hard 50mm shooter, but on the trail, I’ve found the 35mm Summicron-SL to be my Goldilocks. It has a slightly closer minimum focusing distance than the 50mm (great for mushrooms and wildflowers along the trail), still wide enough to get a stellar landscape shot, but not too wide for a portrait of my fellow hikers.

ARTISAN & ARTIST* GEAR BOX PRO POUCH

When I’m hiking, I usually leave the camera bag at home and just take a no-fuss camera insert. The Artisan & Artist* Gear Box Pro ACAM 63D Camera & Lens Pouch is perfect for the SL with a small Summicron lens, and it fits flawlessly in both my daypack and my bigger mulit-day pack. When I’m actively hiking though, I don’t use a camera bag at all. Instead, I rely on the Peak Design Capture Clip and Cuff Wrist Strap. The capture clip is an Arca-style tripod mount that secures onto any backpack strap, so I can easily clip the camera on and off my pack. No more stopping to dig my camera out of my bag and slow down the rest of the group. No more bouncing cameras and bruised hips from using a traditional neck strap. With the Capture Clip, I can hike hands free, and my camera is always right there and ready when I need it. After all, the most incredible shot might be just around the corner and I’d hate to miss it. 

EXTRAS

Depending on the length of the hike and how much spare space and weight I have in my pack, I’ll bring the LeoFoto Tabletop Tripod Kit and an ND filter. At only 9in high and weighing just 12oz, I barely even notice it’s there. It’s sturdy and versatile with a clever fold-out two-section leg design and an Arca-type ball head (same as the Peak Design Capture Clip!). It’s perfect for a quick long exposure waterfall shot using an ND filter, or an epic selfie using the self timer or Fotos App.

ESSENTIALS

The backcountry can be full of surprises. I’ve been caught in all kinds of unexpected weather from windy deserts in California to river crossings in New Zealand. It’s important to be prepared. This means camera gear too. I always bring at least two lens cloths or a small microfiber towel. Even thought the SL-System is weather sealed, it’s still important to keep the front lens clean and dry to avoid water spots and compromised image quality. I usually keep a UV filter and lens shade on too. I’ve seen my fair share of slips and falls where the hood and filter is ultimately what saves the lens…and the day.

And, of course, batteries and a spare SD card. There are no power outlets in the backcountry, so I always bring at least one spare battery and/or a MyCharge power brick. I love that Leica is transitioning to USB-C charging and that I can juice up both my camera and my phone with the same power bank. I always tuck a spare SD card in my pocket – I’d hate to have my card fill up or fail while far from civilization and a replacement. 

 

Browse Kirsten's Hiking Bag
 

Some of Kirsten's shots from the hiking trail:

 

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Jose's Travel Bag

Jose Rovira is perhaps best-known as the Producer of Red Dot Forum Camera Talk, our in-house livestream about all things Leica. Jose joined our team as a Leica Specialist in 2019. Always with a Leica in hand, he loves documenting daily life, spending time with his family, friends and cats, going to the beach, watching historical documentaries, anything having to do with sports, and of course, checking the latest Bitcoin news.

jose@leicastoremiami.com   |   IG @jroviraphoto   |   www.jroviraphotography.com

 

The most common dilemma photographers face: what gear do I bring on this trip? This is a question I get asked at the store all the time, and frankly, there is never one answer. As my Red Dot Forum Camera Talk colleagues David and Josh say, “It depends!” For this year’s “In Our Bag”, I decided to keep it simple and show the gear I took on my trip to Spain this past March.

LEICA M11 & LENSES

Europe is incredible for street photography. Historical monuments, narrow streets, churches, and lots of people walking around make for very interesting pictures. I knew I wanted to take a small kit to Spain, but I wanted to make sure I could also capture some amazing shots, so what better camera than the Leica M11. It’s compact but very powerful with its 60MP full-frame sensor, has impressive low light performance, 64GB internal memory and USB-C port for charging on the go. Also, since the black version is 20% lighter than its silver counter part, it’s perfect for walking around all day.

I decided to just take two lenses, a Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH and a Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE II. I definitely needed a wide angle lens to photograph buildings, interiors of cathedrals in Seville, and long, narrow streets, but I also wanted a standard focal length for portraits, street scenes, details and group shots. With these two lenses I felt I could cover almost everything I wanted to shoot and still not feel like I had too much gear that would get in the way of enjoying the family trip. The 21mm is a very compact and light lens, but the images it renders are unbelievable. It's a modern lens with very sharp rendering and most importantly, very little distortion. It's great for some quick shots while you walk around and don't want to hold up the group!

The 35mm Summilux FLE II is a dream lens. With the same optical design we all love from the original FLE and the new close focus mechanism, it's an even more versatile tool. I loved being able to take street shots and portraits, while also taking advantage of the 0.4 meter close focus for details of food!

EXTRAS

While I kept my gear simple and light, I definitely needed a few important add-ons. The first accessory I always recommend is the thumb support. It adds a more comfortable grip to the camera which makes it feel great in the hand while walking around. The Visoflex 2 also helps focus in certain situations; it's a must in an M kit. Since we were always on the go, I had to make sure I could charge my M11 anywhere, so I took the USB-C to USB-C cable. This allowed me to give it a quick charge when we sat down for some tapas and wine, which was often! As far as cleaning accessories, I took an Eyelead Mini Air Blower and a Leica Microfiber Cloth which are so important to keep your gear clean.

OBERWERTH M11 BAG

Choosing a camera bag for this trip was critical. It had to be discreet and small, but big enough to carry the previously mentioned accessories plus a few SD cards, a neutral density filter, Airpods, wallet, etc. The Oberwerth M11 Luxury Leather bag was a great choice. It looks and feels amazing, is nicely padded for protection, and is just the right size for the gear I was taking.

I always say there is a Leica for everyone and every situation. Sometimes you have to take ALL the gear, but sometimes less is more. I was very happy I took the M11 and two lenses. With this minimalist kit, I took some amazing shots but also enjoyed the trip without too much gear getting in the way. Spain is a beautiful country to photograph and it looks even better with a Leica! 

 

Browse Jose's Travel Bag
 

Some of Jose's photos from Spain and Portugal:

 

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Josh's Product Photography Bag

Josh Lehrer has been with Leica Store Miami since early 2010, beginning his Leica journey less than a year after graduating from RIT with a photography degree. Since then, he’s developed a strong passion for Leica collectibles, using vintage glass on modern cameras, and memorizing Leica part numbers. When he’s not chasing supercars around, you’ll find him co-hosting Red Dot Forum Camera Talk on YouTube, or spoiling his Golden Retriever, Enzo.

 

As Leica Store Miami’s resident pre-owned and vintage specialist, I spend a lot of time carefully testing, inspecting, and documenting the wide, ever-changing array of Leica equipment that makes its way to my desk. While we have a fantastic in-house product photographer in my colleague Tim, often I'll take a full set of images for special or unique incoming products here in my office, or detailed close-ups to highlight a particular aspect or cool feature.

CLEANING TOOLS

I rely on a range of tools. Before I can even turn my camera on, the equipment needs to be carefully cleaned and staged for images. That starts with the Eyelead Classic Air Blower and the Nitecore BB21, both of which filter the air coming through to best protect the delicate equipment being cleaned. Using filtered, pressurized air is a key first step, as it ensures I won't scratch any delicate finishes by rubbing dirt or grit around.

If there’s some dirt or particles that aren’t coming off with the blower, but need to be removed before the cleaning process continues, the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Stick is great for the job. It’s technically designed to clean sensors, but also works well to clean the surfaces of camera equipment or lenses. For the nooks and crannies that the Eyelead stick can’t reach, using a folded up Post-it Super Sticky Full Stick Note (with the sticky side out) works like a charm.

Next, it’s time to wipe down the gear to remove fingerprints, oil, or any other residue or stains that may be present. And to take extra care, I don my super-secret black Leica gloves. The Leica Microfiber Lens Cloth is what I grab next – it's high quality and lint-free. If there are more stubborn spots, I'll switch to the Eyelead 2-Step Wet/Dry Lens Cleaning Wipes, which can be extremely effective on many different Leica finishes without harming them.

ACCESSORIES

If the camera in question has a strap attached, it must be removed, and I'll use the Split Ring Plier for Camera Straps to remove it carefully. 

With the equipment cleaned ready for its close-up, next it’s time to get it set up on my desk. For smaller lenses, I'll prop them up on either a Leica Body Cap M or Rear Cap M to get the item at the right height. Alternatively, a small rubber band placed on one side of a larger lens when it’s laying sideways can ensure it doesn’t roll away.

LEICA SL3 & APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-TL 60MM

For the photos themselves, you can't beat the combo of the Leica SL3 with the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm. It lets me get as close as I need to, while retaining a very high level of sharpness, and has autofocus to manage the super-slim depth of field inherent with such close focusing distances. Even though the lens crops the camera to APS-C mode, the resulting 26 megapixel images are more than adequate for my needs. 

TRIPOD

Keeping my SL3 steady is the Sirui A-1205 Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit, which is small enough to easily store out of the way in my office. I light up the scene with my Lume Cube Panel RGB LED Light, mounted on the camera’s hot shoe. This direct, controllable light source allows me to display the camera or lens being photographed as honestly as possible. The goal isn’t necessarily to make it look pretty, but to look as close to its real-life condition as I can.

PEAK DESIGN CAMERA CUBE

When I'm all done, most of the kit is stored in the Peak Design Camera Cube V2, Small until another gorgeous piece finds its way to me!

 

Browse Josh's Product Photography Bag
 

A few of Josh's cool product shots…

 

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David's Landscape Bag

David Farkas is a self-admitted Leica junkie and an avid photographer since he was seven years old. He owns and operates Leica Store Miami in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida with his wife Juliana. David has years of experience shooting with just about every Leica camera and lens made within the last few decades. He loves exploring far-flung landscapes as much as discovering a new city, as long as he's got a camera in hand. Check out David’s camera reviews, technical articles and show reports here.

david@leicastoremiami.com   |   IG @davidfarkasphotography

 

Since I first tried out the SL2 at the end of 2019, the SL System has been my primary go-to for landscape photography. And while I have been extremely satisfied with the SL2, the update to the Leica SL3 has been a welcome one since I added it to my kit this Spring. So far, I've only had one big outing with the new camera. I took it to Patagonia while co-leading our recent Leica Photo Adventure and was blown away with the results.

CAMERA – LEICA SL3

The Leica SL3's 60-megapixel BSI sensor with 15-stops of dynamic range delivers incredible fine detail, offers extreme file malleability and excels in low light. Even with its slightly smaller, lighter body and flip-out rear LCD screen, SL3 is just as rugged, weather sealed and tank-like as its predecessor.  

Paired with three Leica SL Vario lenses, the 16-35, 24-90, and 90-280, my kit covers everything from ultra-wide to long telephoto with staggering levels of detail and gorgeous color rendition. And while I have always been a prime lens guy, these zooms have won me over, offering Leica prime lens quality at every focal length along with unbelievable flexibility in the field. 

BACKPACK – MINDSHIFT BACKLIGHT 36L

As with many photographers, I’ve been perpetually in search of the perfect bag. But over the last few years, I’ve found little reason to change from my workhouse, the MindShift Backlight 36L. For me, the Backlight 36L strikes a perfect balance of light weight, excellent carry capacity and all-day comfort in a package that fits into any airline overhead bin. Like all MindShift backpacks, this one takes design notes from hiking bags, with a substantial waist belt and thick carry straps with plenty of memory foam padding to make even the heaviest loads feel manageable. My camera kit fits easily inside, with room to spare for filters, accessories and even an extra camera body and lens. Deep, twin side pockets hold water bottles or a tripod. And the generously sized front pocket holds my rain shell, scarf, hat, extra layers and snacks. 

CARRYING STRAPS – PEAK DESIGN SLIDE LITE

I absolutely love the Peak Design Slide Lite Strap, especially in the midnight blue color. The strap is super quick to adjust with its dual metal flip latch quick adjusters, and with the simple yet strong Anchors, I can remove or reattach the strap within seconds when mounting and unmounting from a tripod. 

CLEANING

Shooting in the field and changing lenses as often as I do is a recipe for a dusty sensor. I use an Eyelead Medium Blower Bulb as a first line of defense, blowing dust and filaments off the sensor. If I still have stubborn dust at the end of the day, I'll use the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit to give it a more thorough cleaning. And I always have at least one or two lens cloths to keep lenses and filters clear. Pro tip – keep a few clean lens cloths in a zip top bag inside your rain shell. That way, you’ll have a reserve of dry cloths in case you have to wipe away frequent rain drops, mist from waterfalls or sea spray. Once a lens cloth gets soaked, it doesn’t do much except smear the water around. 

TRIPOD

When shooting landscape, I can’t be without a tripod. And given the challenging conditions I often find myself in, a bigger, more stable tripod is a must. The Colorado Tripod Company 4-Series Centennial Carbon Fiber Tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head is simply a beast of a camera platform. For my SL2, the RRS L-bracket was standard issue, so I will be adding this to my SL3 once Really Right Stuff releases a dedicated L-bracket. 

FILTERS

Essential for landscape photography, I take along a full setup of Breakthrough Photography X4 filters, all in E82 filter size since all three SL zooms sport the same front diameter. The Breakthrough X4 filters offer incredibly neutral color, even with extreme ND strengths and are the best quality filters I have used to date. A circular polarizer, 6-stop dark circular polarizer, along with 6, 10 and 15-stop NDs take care of most of my needs for landscape photography. The filters fit conveniently in my Think Tank Filter Nest for easy access and safe keeping. When I’m working on the tripod, the Filter Nest can be clipped around the tripod collar for easy access. 

If you want to read more about filters and how I use them, check out my article here: Essential Filters for Landscape Photography

POWER & CHARGING

Of course, I make sure extra BP-SCL6 batteries for the SL3. With one in the camera and three extras, I am set for a full day, and night, of shooting. Of course, charging this many batteries at night can become a juggling act. Using a single Anker dual port USB-C power adapter, I can juice up the Leica dual charger and the battery inside the SL3 at this same time. Both the charger and the camera take USB-C, which is so convenient since the same charger also works for my iPhone and MacBook Pro. 

For power on the go, I carry a myCharge battery pack. With a built-in USB-C plug, I can charge my iPhone, AirPods or even keep the battery in the SL3 topped up. For more far-flung destinations with no access to wall power, I also have a larger portable battery pack with fold out solar panels. 

MEMORY

SL3 files are very large. To make sure I have enough space to capture a full trip's worth of images, I pack two 512GB CompactFlash Express Type B cards and carry a few 256GB Lexar 1667x UHS-II SDXC cards for backup, all fitting nicely in my ThinkTank Pixel Pocket Rocket case. For backing up files from the laptop, I rely on some 2TB Samsung T7 and SandDisk Extreme SSDs. 

TOOLS

My Black Diamond Storm head lamp gets a lot of use. After shooting until last light following a sunset, you can quickly find yourself alone, having to negotiate a rock-strewn trail in the dark. It's nice to have light. I've even used it for light painting in a pinch, and it’s waterproof for those rainy outings. Along the lines of preparation, I always carry a Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool, a multi hex wrench, a small roll of Gorilla tape or Duct tape, and a couple Black Diamond climbing carabiners. You can fix almost anything with this combo, from torn pants to a broken tripod leg. When leading photo workshops, I’ve got my trusty Rocky Talkie long-range weatherproof walkie talkie for communicating with other guides when out of cell phone coverage. The Rocky Talkies last for almost a week on a single charge and are easy to recharge, using a standard USB-C port. And since some of the most beautiful destinations are often far away from civilization, I always pack an Iridium Extreme satellite phone.

EXTRA LAYERS

Lastly, even on the nicest of days, my trusty Arc'teryx Beta SV technical shell gets rolled up and tucked in the front pocket of my backpack in case the weather turns nasty. If there is a chance of things cooling off, I'll also add in my Arc'teryx Cerium LT light down jacket, as well as a merino wool beanie to keep my head warm, a wool scarf to fight off the chill and some neoprene gloves to prevent frozen fingers. This combo, as part of a solid layering system, lets me take full advantage of the beauty of dramatic weather without having to suffer as a result of it. I also throw in an extra pair of Smartwool socks just in case of wet feet. Read more here: What to Wear: The Definitive to Clothing Guide for Landscape Photography

TIP

My Red Dot Wear Oscar Barnack Kleen Kanteen is awesome for either keeping water cold, or coffee hot for hours on end. Nothing beats having some nice hot coffee when you're standing in the freezing cold, waiting for the light. I make sure to take a couple snacks with me, to keep my energy level up and hunger at bay. I would always rather get the shot of a lifetime than have to stop shooting, just to have a meal. Granola, trail mix, nuts, fruit jerky, a meal replacement cookie or an energy bar are easy to fit in the bag and eat on the go. I also carry a couple single serve packets of Mount Hagen organic instant coffee – for when you can’t break free to grab your morning coffee. And for the odd pesky headache, or allergy attack, I stash a few single dose blister packs of basic over the counter meds – Sudafed, Tylenol, Benadryl. If venturing much further from civilization, a small first aid kit can be a smart addition. 

 

Browse David's Landscape Bag
 

Some of David's SL3 images from his recent adventure to Patagonia:

 

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Colin's Workshop Bag

Colin McKinley has been part of the Leica Store Miami team since 2016, planning and guiding Leica Photo Adventures across the US and around the world . Originally from Boston and now based in Denver, he specializes in adventure photography, landscapes, astrophotography, and music photography. When he’s not leading photo trips, you might find Colin hiking, climbing, or skiing in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, or dancing under the stars at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

colin@leicastoremiami.com   |   IG @colinmckinley_

 

The Backlight 36L from Mindshift is the largest camera bag in my collection and has earned its place as my go-to bag for serious landscape photography outings and international photo expeditions. The spacious main compartment easily holds two or three camera bodies, four to six lenses, and sometimes if needed, a small drone kit with controller and extra batteries. If I’m gearing up for a Leica Photo Adventure to Iceland or Patagonia and I want to have as many tools with me as possible, this bag is the one I reach for every time.

LEICA SL3 & Q3

The SL has been my primary camera system ever since I picked up the original SL (Typ 601) for the first time at Leica Store Miami in 2016. When the next generation arrived, I felt somewhat torn between the high resolution of the SL2 and the fantastic low-light performance of the SL2-S, which was perfect for my Astrophotography work – I often packed both cameras for my trips.

Now in 2024 we are lucky to have the Leica SL3, a camera which combines massive resolution with shockingly clean high-ISO performance to deliver a level of image quality which would have been unthinkable just a few years prior. This has quickly become my number one choice for camera body in just about every scenario possible. That said, you’ll rarely see me pack my SL kit without throwing in some iteration of the Leica Q.

With the same battery and charger, same user interface, and nearly identical RAW files which can easily be processed with the same presets, SL & Q go together like PB & J. If I’m shooting on a tripod with my SL3, I might have a Q3 hanging on my shoulder for quick snaps while the other camera is tied up on a long exposure. It also works great if I’m shooting with a 100-400mm or 90-280mm lens on the SL to have the Q on the other shoulder for a quick wide angle shot without changing lenses. If I’m heading out for dinner or drinks and want to bring a camera along, the Q3 is a great choice with its small form factor and fast f/1.7 lens.  

ACCESSORIES

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the Peak Design ecosystem of accessories.  PD straps are my favorite – durable, easily adjustable on the fly, and quick to remove if the camera is going on a tripod.  I also use the PD Capture Clip to have the camera readily available while I’m hiking. I love the PD tripod and usually bring one along as a backup for my main tripod which gets checked in my luggage.  

For filters, I almost exclusively use Breakthrough Photography.  If I could only have one for the rest of my life, it would be the 82mm 6-Stop Dark Circular Polarizer (CPL) filter, which is extremely versatile and fits easily on all the SL zoom lenses. On bigger trips I usually also bring a 3-stop Dark CPL, 10 Stop ND, and a regular CPL.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

One of the most important pieces of kit for any serious landscape photographer is a good shell jacket.  I love the Arc'teryx Alpha series for their durable reliability, thoughtful design, and bright colors. It’s so crucial to stay warm and dry in the field, and I know that many of my favorite photos would never have been possible without this jacket. A headlamp with a red light mode is usually in the pocket of my jacket, crucial for any type of night photography or dawn/dusk hiking to locations.  

Last but not least, I use Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios to stay in touch with my team in the field.  Communication is extremely important, especially in the case of an emergency, and these radios are extremely tough and reliable.

 

Browse Colin's Workshop Bag
 

Some of Colin's workshop images:

 

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Gabe's Professional Wedding Kit

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Gabriel Luis Reyes is a full-time wedding and portrait photographer who also serves as the in-house trainer at Leica Store Miami. A Miami native, Gabe's journey in photography began in the 6th grade at South Miami Middle School. He is passionate about sharing his expertise as a professional photographer and his insights on photography techniques, camera systems, and settings. Gabriel offers personalized 1-on-1 appointments at Leica Store Miami and is also available for online sessions via Zoom.

Book a 1:1 with Gabe   |   gabe@leicastoremiami.com   |   www.gabrielluisphotography.com

 

I’ve shot weddings with every SL since the first, and every Q since the first gen too. Now in their third generation, the SL3 and Q3 finally introduced a function that helps me be more creative – a flip out screen. While I shoot 90% of my weddings like a documentary photographer, I like to plan out a creative portrait session with my clients. During that time, I’m looking for a way to share the magic of photography, or sometimes, make the most of five short minutes and a random area in a place I’ve never been. My favorite solution to a challenging space with very little time to produce an interesting image is to put my camera on the floor. The flip out screen on both the SL3 and Q3 means I don’t have to worry about laying all the way down on an ant pile to line up a shot. I can now look straight down at my composition while flicking the ants off my camera. 

LEICA SL3 & Q3

I’m in love with shooting prime lenses, especially the L-Mount APO-Summicrons and the 28mm lens attached to the Q3. A fixed focal length means I generally see my frame before the camera even leaves my hip. I reach for the Leica Q3 most of a day, with a Leica SL3 and 50mm APO-Summicron-SL on deck. When a situation calls for different perspective, I swing my Peak Design sling around and use it as a lens changing platform, swapping out to either the wide angle 21mm Super-APO-Summicron-SL or the telephoto 90mm APO-Summicron-SL.

LEICA SOFORT 2

One of the newest additions to my wedding day kit is the Leica Sofort 2. It’s really cool having an instant print from a digital image I just took – and now I can include it in a digital delivery too. The real secret power of the Sofort 2 is as a portable printer. I transfer images taken during a wedding day to my phone using the Leica FOTOS app. then I’m able to print a gift for my couple from my favorite images we took during the same wedding day. 

EXTRAS

After 14 years shooting weddings I’ve picked up a few must-have items that are always in my kit. A box cutter is great for all the emergency snags and loose ends that happen around me, and my folding tool set sits in the pocket of my sling for when a thumb support is blocking my flash mount or a base plate change is needed. Airpods Pro 2 protect my hearing while allowing for me to switch to transparency mode to hear what someone is yelling at me over the DJ’s speakers. The Insta360 X3 is my content creator, offering me a versatile angle and aspect ratio no matter where I place it in a room. I have to have my flair, so Strike Gently Co’s line of barely appropriate pins are my go-to for helping my bag stand out if it’s not on my back around other photographers. Finally a copper pipe and prism offer a quick and effective way to add some magic when the right circumstances present themselves. 

Overall, 2024 is my favorite year ever for Leica’s new products. We’ve seen such an improvement in processing power, transferring speed to the Leica FOTOS App, and those flip out screens were a dream come true for my shooting style and my geriatric knees.

 

Browse Gabe's Wedding Kit
 

Some of Gabe's wedding & portrait photography:

 

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Ashlyn's Video Kit

Ashlyn McKibben is part of the Leica Store Miami team in Coral Gables, working as the in house content creator. She also freelances full-time shooting photo and video for weddings, events, fine art projects and more. Ashlyn is a New Hampshire Institute of Art graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Art in photography, and has participated in fine art exhibitions, competitions, and has also lead a portrait workshop here at LSM for women and femme photographers. She is also a dog mom to a little chihuahua named Beans who is at her side most of the time.

www.ashlynmckibben.com   |   IG @ashlynmckibben

 

I have always been a “I just do still photos” kind of creator…until I recently found myself caught up in the whirlwind of videography and cinematography. As media trends evolve, I find more and more of my clients are looking for video work instead of photography. Luckily, the same camera that was already always in my bag can do both! 

LEICA SL2 & LENSES

My trusty Leica SL2 stays rigged up with an 8SINN Camera Cage by SmallRig. The cage allows me to attach a handle for stabilization, mount a monitor, mic or light panel if needed, along with a base plate for my monopod or tripod. The cage also gives the camera some additional protection, which comes in handy as I am often “running and gunning,” either out in nature, nightclubs, theaters, or in the field with other creatives. My go-to lenses are the 24-70mm Vario-Elmarit-SL, which is my most used lens by far, followed by the 35mm Summicron-SL f/2 ASPH and the 90mm APO-Summicron-SL f/2 ASPH primes. The 35mm is a favorite for its size and speed, and the 90mm lends some variety in my footage with its different perspective. Anywhere you can save some weight is a MUST when doing video on the go, and these little lenses are really the best you can get for AF lenses. 

PELICAN CASE

I know it seems like a LOT of accessories, but for videography, I am far from a maximalist. I've found a happy medium between “carry only what is necessary” and “carry everything”. My Pelican case rocks. I can safely stuff it to the gills with everything I need to create dynamic videos, including my drone and GoPro. I know…I know, blasphemy in the Leica world right? But it's easier to mount on moving vehicles and going underwater than my SL2, so let's just be honest here.

AUDIO EQUIPMENT

I usually record my audio separately from my video file, so my ZOOM recorder, and tiny Tascam lav mics are a must for any video. I always have my noise cancelling headphones to hear audio samples in the field to make sure the levels are correct before hitting record.  

BATTERIES & STORAGE

I know you’re probably looking at the absurd amount of batteries and SD cards and thinking I have lost my mind, but I assure you these are absolutely necessary for any professional creator working on all-day projects. Recording video takes a lot more power than shooting still photos so I always need fresh batteries at the ready. For my lenses I carry a few ND filters to allow me to shoot wide open in bright spaces, as well as a handheld circular prism for some fun effects. My most prized extra item in my bag is my set of earplugs! If you work in loud environments and get a little overstimulated, or just want to protect your hearing, ear plugs are a must. Lastly, any time I can have Mr. Beans present to assist it is a good day on the job!

 

Browse Ashlyn's Video Kit
 

A sample reel of some of Ashlyn's videos:

 

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Brandon's Street Photography Bag

Brandon Woods is the newest member of the Leica Store Miami team. Having lived in Asia and the Caribbean before moving to the states, Brandon employs his background as a freelance Director of Photography to continue his drive for storytelling and cultural significance, always behind a Leica lens.

brandon@leicastoremiami.com   | IG @woods.bm

 

A full day of street photography starts with your bag. Do you have enough room for all your gear? Can you fit all the film you'll need? And, most importantly, can you carry it comfortably all day? These are the key things to think about when choosing your everyday camera bag.

ARTISAN & ARTIST* ACAM 1100 CAMERA BAG

I'm a big fan of my Artisan & Artist ACAM 1100 Canvas Camera Bag. It's compact, has plenty of pockets, and its sleek design lets me move around the streets smoothly without drawing too much attention. When I'm out shooting, I try to keep a low profile. Nothing flashy in my wardrobe—just blending in with the crowd. Even my camera stays in the bag until I see a moment unfold in front of me. And that zipper top is a real time-saver, allowing me to grab my gear quickly so I don't miss a shot.

LEICA M9 & M6 TTL

I rock it old school with the Leica M9-P and Leica M6 TTL. The M9-P was my first digital M camera, and will continue to be my everyday carry for two reasons: I know every function of the camera – the way it meters light, what ISO I can push it to, its buffer, battery life, etc. – and I enjoy the UI, or lack thereof. There is no live view, and it features an old and simple menu, which I’ve grown to learn and love. Using this camera allows me to truly live in the moment, rather than worrying about having to switch between settings and get caught up in a modern, feature-packed system. The process of shooting this camera reminds me of shooting film and pairs so nicely with a Leica M6 TTL. 

The Leica M6 is perfect for my everyday carry bag. It's silent, discreet and its lightweight body is perfect for an all-day photowalk – a massive difference from my medium format Hasselblad 500c. The integrated light meter lets me to leave my external meter at home and avoid having to guess my exposure with the Sunny 16 Rule. Because I prefer focal lengths on the wider side, I specifically chose the M6 TTL with a 0.58x magnification viewfinder, allowing me to view 28mm and 35mm frame lines clearer, even wearing glasses. The 28mm is perfect for the street, which leads me to my selection of lenses…

LEICA 28MM SUMMARON-M F/5.6

The Leica 28mm Summaron-M sports a slower aperture of f/5.6. It's a lens not known for its speed, but rather its size, allowing the camera to be portable even with the lens on. The 28mm is a perfect focal length for my line of street work due to its up-close and personal nature as a wide-angle lens. It forces me to truly become involved in the scene, placing myself closer to my subjects and being able to capture the environment and context around them. Built using brass, this little lens is small but durable and fits perfectly with any M body. Optically, the Summaron produces a sharp image in the center of the frame with natural vignetting that gives me the vintage feel I'm looking for when out shooting street photos.

LEICA 35MM SUMMILUX “STEEL RIM”

The 35mm in my opinion (and I’m sure most of the world’s) is the most versatile focal length across the board. I have gone to 35mm for all types of photography from street, portraits, and landscapes, all the way to F1 racing. It's the perfect lens for an everyday carry, with the ability to capture any scene with relative ease. The 35mm lets you separate your subject while maintaining a view of the environment. For my taste, the Leica 35mm f/-1.4 Summilux-M “Steel Rim” is just magical. Scenes are rendered in dream-like qualities wide open, and stopped down, produce a sharp image closer to modern optics.

LEICA 50MM APO-SUMMICRON-M F/2 ASPH

Finally, I must give in to the ol’ “nifty fifty.” The Leica 50 APO-Summicron-M is no ordinary 50mm. It’s a tack-sharp, incredible lens that contrasts nicely with the other vintage design lenses in my bag. It gives me a different style photograph and the option to capture subjects in stunning detail. 

FILM

The Leica M6 TTL wouldn’t be complete without a roll of film to bring it to life. In order to capture any and all types of scene on the street, you need to be prepared for every lighting condition and consider the style of image you are looking to create. This is why the film stash in your bag should contain a variety of ISO speed film, and a stock with colors, contrast, and rendering that you love. Some of my go-to rolls are Kodak Ektachrome 100, Portra 400, Portra 800, and Tri-X 400. Through trial and error, I’ve found these stocks to work the best for my style of shooting, giving me a lot of versatility with varying ISO speeds. I can shoot wide open in sunlight with Ektachrome and shoot darker scenes with Portra 800 or Tri-X pushed 2 stops.

EXTRAS

With all the necessities out of the way, the rest of my empty camera bag space is allocated to accessories that make life easier and more enjoyable as I walk around and photograph. Most important on this list is my Peak Design Leash straps to help secure my camera, and provide easy access when I want my camera out of the bag. I dress up both of my M-bodies with soft releases, as well as a Thumbs Up for the M9. Topped off with two additional batteries, an SD card, and my AirPods and I am almost ready to head out. As night falls, I am able to shoot in the dark with my Leica SF20, a low-profile flash with TTL metering. Having a flash with TTL metering lets me know that my exposure will be correct for every shot I take, without any fiddling. Finally, your pictures will always be better with a clean lens, which is why having a microfiber cloth, Eyelead blower, and sensor cleaning stick to get the most out of my camera’s quality is crucial.

 

Browse Brandon's Street Photography Bag
 

A few of Brandon's street photography shots…

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The post What’s in Our Camera Bags – 2024 Edition appeared first on Red Dot Forum.

I have a camera bag problem. 

It started out innocent enough – just one or two bags for different-sized camera systems – maybe a backpack for longer hauls and a shoulder bag for the day-to-day stuff. Yet I’ve now somehow reached the point where I’m contemplating a bigger apartment to accommodate all my camera bags. A dedicated closet would do, or maybe a wall in my office where I could neatly arrange them by color and appreciate their visual aesthetic everyday. We all have our thing, right? 

After my most recent camera bag acquisition (I’ll get to that later), I realized it’s probably high time for another “What's In Our Bag” breakdown. The last peek into our Leica Store Miami staff camera bags was two years ago, and needless to say, a lot has changed. 

Leica has rolled out an impressive line-up of new cameras and lenses: the SL2, SL2-S, M10-R, M10 Monochrom and Q2 Monochrom, just to name a few. We’ve hired new staff: Gabe, a punk-rock gentle giant and wedding photographer, and Jose, who has the most beautiful head of hair this side of the Mississippi and is the man behind the camera during our live Red Dot Forum Camera Talks. Our shooting styles and subject matters have changed quite a bit in the last year too, with many of us putting our travel photography on hold and having to turn to our own backyards for inspiration. While not ideal, COVID-19 challenged our creativity and forced us to see the world through a new lens – perhaps changing the gear in our camera bags along the way. 

So, without further ado, I present to you the latest edition of the Leica Store Miami staff’s “In Our Bag.”

Scroll through or click the quick links below:

• Kirsten's Environmental Product Photography Bag
• Gabe's Professional Wedding Bag
• David's Workshop Bag
• Ashlyn's Carry-On Bag
• Jose's Documentary Bag
• Peter's Workshop Bag
• Josh's Car Photography Bag

Kirsten’s Environmental Product Photography Bag

Kirsten Vignes has been with Leica Store Miami since 2012 and is the resident graphic designer and marketing creative. She’s originally from Minnesota, but much prefers the sunshine and warmth of St. Petersburg, Florida, where she lives and works remotely. Kirsten loves photography, which she studied at Rochester Institute of Technology, volunteering with LHSA – The International Leica Society and putting together their quarterly photography journal Viewfinder, traveling the world, movies with mythical creatures, and, of course, coffee. Read some of Kirsten’s articles here.

About that camera bag problem… Last year we began carrying Billingham bags, but, I never let myself take too close a look. I knew what the outcome would be: I’d buy one. And, I was right. After a year of ogling from a distance, I finally caved.

BAG – BILLINGHAM HADLEY PRO, SMALL, NAVY

I’m convinced the Billingham Hadley Pro Camera Bag, Small might actually be the perfect small-system camera bag. Bold words, I know.  It’s the perfect size for a Q kit or an M or CL with a couple of lenses. The two front gusseted pockets are deceivingly spacious – perfect for all your extra bits and bobs such as spare batteries, lens cloths, and keys. On the inside, you can squeeze a small tablet between the insert and the bag itself. The insert, by the way, is removable, making it easy to convert into a functional day bag. The leather buckle closures are adjustable in case you need a little extra height to fit your tablet, notebook, or what have you. 

On the back, we’ve got a weather-sealed zippered compartment for valuables (think Passport, wallet, phone, etc), as well as a luggage strap that fits just peachily over a carry-on handle. 

All in all, the functional details of the Hadley Small Pro are thought out to a T. No buyer’s remorse here. And it looks so sharp in navy blue with classic brown leather accents.

CAMERA – LEICA CL & SUMMILUX-TL 35MM F/1.4 ASPH + APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-TL 60MM F/2.8 

Enough gushing about the bag. Let’s talk about the camera setup. 

This time around, I was a little stumped on what to write about. During the pandemic, I’ve been shooting with various M’s – just taking snaps around the neighborhood. But, when I looked back over the last couple years, I realized I was forgetting the obvious: product photography. 

If you follow @leicastoremiami on Instagram or receive our weekly newsletters, you’ve probably seen the myriad environmental Leica product images. From coffee shops to mountain tops, I’ve photographed Leica cameras and lenses in just about every scenario possible. Every trip I take, every cute little café I pass, I’m always scoping out and trying to sneak in an environmental product shot. As our full-time graphic designer and marketing creative, I am creating new content every chance I get. 

And what camera do I use for that, you ask? The Leica CL. 

Take a look at our Instagram feed and nearly every image you see was taken in-house with the Leica CL and Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. It’s been a reliable workhorse for the past few years. Lightweight, low-profile, and its 24 megapixel CMOS sensor is perfect for web resolution files. 

The Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH (50mm equiv.) is a gorgeous product photography lens. With a f/1.4 minimum aperture and close focusing down to 0.3m (just 12 inches), it allows me to create a nice separation between the subject, background and foreground. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH is the perfect complement to the 35mm Summilux. It allows me to dial in even closer on little details: red dots, and rangefinders and aperture scales (these are a few of my favorite things!).

ESSENTIALS

I actually went to school for Advertising Photography and have spent countless hours in studio arranging product still lifes (I once spent an entire summer internship helping photograph Target’s UP & UP brand of shampoo and windex bottles.) Needless to say, I know how a simple adjustment in studio can save hours later in photoshop: wiping schmutz off a lens, blowing dust out of the grooves of a lens barrel, eliminating strange glares by using a flag or scrim. So, there’s always a few must-haves I keep in my bag. First, a blower ball: the Eyelead Mini Air Blower is fantastic and actually packs quite a punch (or should I say gust) for such a little thing. It comes standard as part of the Eyelead Optical Cleaning Kit which clips nicely to my bag via a carabiner and includes a wonderful assortment of cleaning tools, such as lens wipes, antistatic cotton Q-tips, and a lens cloth. I also always carry an extra bottle of the Eyelead Optical Cleaning Fluid, an alcohol-free optical cleaner that is safe for both paint finishes and lens coatings alike.

I also always keep a wad of sticky putty in my bag. I never know when I’m going to have to prop a lens or camera up to get just the right angle. 

EXTRAS

Lastly, I recently added the Remarkable II digital paper notebook to my workflow. I use this magically paper-like tablet to keep track of marketing ideas and make product photography shot lists. 

And of course, I can’t live without my Apple AirPods Pro, which provide my soundtrack for getting in the zone, and also let me touch base my my coworkers hands-free while I'm lining up my next environmental shot. 

Some of Kirsten's environmental product photography shots:

Gabe's Professional Wedding Bag

Gabriel Reyes has been a Leica Specialist with Leica Store Miami since 2019. He’s a bilingual Miami native. Gabe studied photography at South Miami Middle School, graphics and web design at Design & Architecture Sr. High, and advertising at Florida International University. Gabe photographs weddings on a weekly basis all over South Florida. On a night off he can be found catching a local band with a camera or guitar in hand.  

In a decade of covering weddings, I’ve carried every kind of bag imaginable. I still own a massive Think Tank Logistics Manager, but the issue with carrying everything I have is that with great options come great complications. Hunting for gear in a bag while a tight schedule gets pushed back is not an option. I need the essentials within reach at all times. This is where Leica’s brand virtues and mine align. A Q (Typ 116) lives on my left shoulder all day, while I rely on the SL-System for its incredible versatility. My go-to setup is the Leica SL2 with the stunning APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH, along with a couple compact but high performance TL lenses, the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH and Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11-23mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH.

CAMERAS – LEICA SL2 & Q (TYP 116) 

I carry two physical cameras, but there is a third virtual one built into the SL2. Shooting a cropped image in APS-C mode that still yields a high quality 20 megapixels expands my lens choices to include TL glass for lighter weight and a perfect macro lens for shooting wedding rings (more on that later). The Q is a superstar for documentary shooting and has incredible low light performance, so it never leaves my side. Now the SL2 is my workhorse, producing thousands of images every weekend. My favorite thing about the SL2 is the dynamic range. I find myself shooting a white dress with ornate details in harsh lighting all the time, so I underexpose as a rule. The SL2’s shadow recovery maintains pleasing color and tone, even when shot 2-3 stops under. Gone are the days when I carried a tripod for a single reception room shot thanks to image stabilization that results in a sharp image with up to a one second exposure. With my 50 APO SL f/2.0 attached to the SL2 I can even shrug off rain and champagne spray, for which I keep a change of clothes in the car.  

LENSES – APO-SUMMICRON-SL 50MM F/2.0 ASPH + APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-TL 60MM F/2.8 ASPH + SUPER-VARIO-ELMAR-TL 11-23MM F/3.5-4.5 ASPH

I shoot primes as often as possible. If I could float and phase through walls I would only ever shoot with a 50mm. Like many shooters I come across, I can cover just about everything with a 28mm and 50mm.  

The APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2.0 is unbelievably sharp, with a steep contrast curve that mimics a lens with a more open aperture. I believe in limits as a catalyst to creativity, and this lens does just that. It shoots 80% of a wedding day with no compromise to quality or framing since I can crop into a 75mm equivalent frame on my SL2 with resolution to spare.  

But I also love TL glass for being compact and producing a more manageable file size. The 11-23mm (16-35mm equiv.) covers my environmental portraits, dance floor and venue photos while the 60mm Macro-TL (90mm equiv.) comes out when there is time to set up a tighter ring shot that the Q / Elpro combination hasn’t already. And these lenses can take full advantage of the SL2's sensor-based image stabilization as well.

BAG – PEAK DESIGN EVERYDAY BACKPACK 30L, ASH

There are a few bag options in my rotation, but I keep coming back to my Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L. Peak Design’s modular system has survived four of my camera system changes, making it the most versatile bag on the market. Flexible material on the interior side pockets stretch to fit odd shapes like flash triggers while color-coded stitching on interior buttons helps keep fresh batteries or used cards organized.  Another feature I enjoy about the 30L is that it fits a 15” Macbook. I use my laptop to backup photos at receptions and display a selection of photos for guests to enjoy while that happens, so having everything in one bag, including power and space for a hard drive, is a huge plus.  

CARRYING STRAP – THE MANDO HOLDFAST MONEYMAKER

I am a huge fan of Holdfast straps. They allow me to shoot primes by placing two cameras always within reach to make sure I never miss a moment changing lenses. And they look good too. The combination of leathers and colors with my Arte Di Mano half cases get a lot of compliments from clients and their guests. This limited edition strap is called “The Mando” – as a Star Wars fanatic, I had to have it.  

EXTRAS

Over the years a few essentials have become lifesavers for wedding photography. A Peak Design Field Pouch lives on my belt for quick battery or card changes, with two compact Lume Cube Panels for supplemented lighting in a pinch. I carry a tiny suction cupped hook for hanging the wedding dress, along with an Leica ELPRO E52 Close-Up Lens Set for adding to the macro capability of the Q for unique ring shots with a wider angle. Master & Dynamic Bluetooth headphones save my ears later in the night, when I am consistently walking right in front of blaring dance floor speakers. I would use earplugs, but I need to hear guests who might want a quick snapshot, and replacing the Cupid Shuffle with Slayer is my way to keep the energy up after hours of shooting.  

Some of Gabe's wedding photography:

David's Workshop Bag

David Farkas is a self-admitted Leica junkie and an avid photographer since he was seven years old. He owns and operates Leica Store Miami in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida with his wife Juliana. David has years of experience shooting with just about every Leica camera and lens made within the last few decades. He loves exploring far-flung landscapes as much as discovering a new city, as long as he's got a camera in hand. Check out David’s camera reviews, technical articles and show reports here.

CAMERA – LEICA SL2

For many years, I worked primarily with the Leica S System for my landscape photography. But ever since first trying out the SL2 at the end of 2019, I’ve had a hard time not reaching for it. The Leica SL2 is a rugged yet refined tool, with all the tech I could ask for. In-body image stabilization, super high resolution electronic viewfinder, full weather sealing, 47 megapixel CMOS sensor and access to some of the best glass ever created. 

Paired with the three Leica SL Vario lenses, the 16-35, 24-90, and 90-280, my kit covers everything from ultra-wide to long telephoto with staggering amounts of detail and gorgeous color rendition. And while I have always been a prime lens guy, these zooms have won me over, offering Leica prime lens quality at every focal length but with unbelievable flexibility. 

BAG – MINDSHIFT BACKLIGHT 26

In streamlining my landscape kit to a camera and three zooms, I’ve also found a new go-to backpack. The MindShift Backlight 26L strikes a perfect balance of light weight, excellent carry capacity and all-day comfort in a package that can even slide under most airline seats and fit into any overhead bin. Like all MindShift backpacks, this one takes design notes from hiking packs, with a substantial waist belt and thick carry straps with plenty of memory foam padding to make even the heaviest loads feel manageable. Despite its compact dimensions, the Backlight 26L has plenty of storage. The camera kit fits easily inside, with room to spare for filters and other accessories. Deep, twin side pockets hold water bottles or a tripod. And the generously sized front compartment accommodates a full-size laptop for editing at night. 

CARRYING STRAPS – PEAK DESIGN SLIDE LITE

I absolutely love the Peak Design Slide Strap as well as the Slide Lite, so I have both. For this setup, I’ve got the wider Slide in ash gray. The strap is super quick to adjust with its dual metal flip latch quick adjusters, and with the simple yet strong Anchors, I can remove or reattach the strap within seconds when mounting and unmounting from a tripod. 

CLEANING

Shooting in the field and changing lenses as often as I do is a recipe for a dusty sensor. I use an Eyelead Medium Blower Bulb as the first line of defense, blowing dust and filaments off the sensor. If I still have stubborn dust at the end of the day, I'll use the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit to give it a more thorough cleaning. And I always have at least one or two lens cloths to keep lenses and filters clear. And for bigger messes, I stash a small microfiber camping towel. This does the trick for wiping down gear after getting drenched in rain, snow, or sea spray, and folds down to almost nothing.

TRIPOD

When shooting landscape, I can’t be without a tripod. And given the challenging conditions I often find myself in, a larger, more stable tripod is a must. After decades of shooting with my collection of Gitzo sticks, I’ve made the switch to a newcomer in the tripod space. The Colorado Tripod Company 4-Series Centennial Carbon Fiber Tripod with matching Highline Medium Ball Head is simply a beast of a camera support. Stable, rugged, and beautifully machined out of milled aluminum and lightweight carbon fiber in Denver, Colorado, the combo weighs over a full pound less than my previous Gitzo and Really Right Stuff setup, while increasing the load capacity. Operation is smooth and intuitive. Now, truth be told, this kit is just to hold me over for Colorado Tripod Company’s upcoming machined titanium tripod and head, which will further shave weight and increase strength. But for now, I'm definitely not complaining. To mount the camera, I’m using a RRS SL2 L-bracket, which is compatible with the adjustable Arca-style quick release on the Highline head. 

POWER & MEMORY CARDS

Of course, I make sure to carry no fewer than three extra batteries for the SL2 along with a Nitecore SL USB charger, as well as the standard charger. With one in the camera and three extras, I am set for a full day…and night…of shooting. Now charging this many batteries at night can become a juggling act. A dual Anker power adapter can juice up the Nitecore and the battery inside the SL2 at this same time, with the standard Leica charger working on a third. And if the trip takes me outside the US, I pack a mains power adapter plug. For power on the go, I carry a myCharge battery pack. With a built-in Lightning connector and a USB-C plug, I can top up my iPhone or even charge an SL battery while in the field, either in-camera or with the Nitecore. For more far flung destinations with no access to wall power, I also have a battery pack with fold out solar panels. 

SL2 files are large, even more so if you take advantage of the 187 megapixel multishot mode. To make sure I have enough space to capture a full trip's worth of images, I carry a selection of 128 and 256GB Lexar 1667x UHS-II SDXC cards in my ThinkTank Pixel Pocket Rocket case. And for backing up files from the laptop, I rely on my Samsung T5 SSDs. 

TOOLS

My Black Diamond head lamp gets used quite often. After shooting until last light following a sunset, you can quickly find yourself alone, having to negotiate a bumpy trail in the dark. It's nice to have light. I've even used it for light painting in a pinch, and it’s waterproof for those rainy outings. Along the lines of preparation, I always carry a Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool, a multi hex wrench, a small roll of Gorilla tape, and a couple climbing carabiners. You can fix almost anything with this combo, from torn pants to a broken tripod leg. And when leading photo workshops, I’ve got my trusty Motorola VHF long range walkie talkie for communicating with other guides when out of cell phone coverage.

EXTRA LAYERS

Lastly, even on the nicest of days, my trusty Arc'teryx Beta AR Gore-Text Pro technical shell gets rolled up and tucked in the front pocket of my backpack in case the weather turns nasty. If there is a chance of things cooling off, I'll also add in my Arc'teryx Cerium LT down jacket, as well as a merino wool beanie to keep my head warm. This combo, as part of a solid layering system, lets me take full advantage of the beauty of dramatic weather without having to suffer as a result of it. Read more here: What to Wear: The Definitive to Clothing Guide for Landscape Photography.

PRO TIP

Besides being prepared for the weather by taking along lightweight technical layers, always make sure to have a packet of single-use hand warmers in your bag. For those times you find yourself with frozen hands, something so small can make such a huge difference. They work best when paired with some gloves, but also feel great in hand-warmer pockets. 

My Red Dot Wear Oscar Barnack Kleen Kanteen is awesome for either keeping cold water cold, or hot coffee hot for hours on end. Nothing beats having some nice hot coffee when you're standing in the freezing cold, waiting for the light. I make sure to take a couple snacks with me, to keep my energy level up and hunger at bay. I would always rather get the shot of a lifetime than have to stop shooting, just to have a meal. Granola, trail mix, nuts, fruit jerky, a meal replacement cookie or an energy bar are easy to fit in the bag and eat on the go. I also carry a couple single serve packets of Mount Hagen organic instant coffee – for when you can’t break free to grab your morning coffee. And for the odd pesky headache, or allergy attack, I stash a few single dose blister packs of basic over the counter meds – Sudafed, Tylenol, Benadryl. If venturing much further from civilization, a small first aid kit can be a smart addition. Rounding out my pack, a leather journal cover holds a Fields Notes pad, business cards and my fancy-schmancy Leica pen. 

Some of David's workshop images:

Ashlyn's Carry-On Bag

Ashlyn McKibben is part of the Leica Store Miami team in Coral Gables, working as a Leica camera specialist, curator of gallery exhibitions and an event organizer. Ashlyn is a New Hampshire Institute of Art graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Art in photography, and has participated in fine art exhibitions and competitions since the age of 13, winning several awards along the way. She is also a dog mom to a little chihuahua named Beans who sometimes comes to work with her. 

CAMERA SETUP – LEICA Q (TYP 116) & LEICA SL2 WITH LENSES

Whether I am taking a weekend trip to visit friends or doing a three-week trek around the national parks, my “trip bag” has been the same for the past year. It always consists of the Leica SL2, Leica Q (Typ 116), Leica Wide-Angle-Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4.0 ASPH, Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE, and the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH.

As a portrait photographer on-the-go, I need to be able to capture my subjects as well as the surrounding environment. Shooting with M lenses on the SL2 instead of native L-Mount glass allows me to be more discreet, gives me more variety of focal lengths, and saves space in my bag. With a range from 16mm all the way up to 75mm, I'm able to shoot anything from landscapes to traditional portraiture and documentary work. During my trips, I’m usually couch surfing with friends and photographing them out in the wilderness, so versatility is key. 

The Leica Q (Typ 116) lives around my neck and has essentially become an extension of myself, always ready for the spontaneous moments, or even to be handed over to a friend to take a quick shot of me on my travels. 

BAG – THINK TANK RETROSPECTIVE BACKPACK 15 IN PINESTONE

The Retrospective Backpack 15 Pinestone not only fits all of my gear in its spacious main compartment, but also has a top pouch for other hiking essentials as well as tripod loops for my compact Sirui T-025SK Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit. The backpack doubles as a carry-on bag, as well as a hiking/day pack. I try to load up as minimally as possible, but when setting off on a day of adventuring, there are several necessities that can't be left behind. An added bonus: the Think Tank Retrospective series are constructed from DWR-treated canvas, so I never worry about taking the bag out in the elements. 

EXTRAS

In our last “What’s in Our Bag” article I mentioned carrying Lume Cubes and their attachments as an additional source of light. Since then, Lume Cube has released the Lume Cube Panel RGB LED Light which basically does everything in one piece, so you can ditch the accessories and open up room in your bag. I still love the cubes to set up around environmental portraits to give the background an extra dimension, but for trips the RGB Panel is perfect. Essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, and my pocket sketchbook all fit in the top pouch of the Retrospective. Traveling during COVID has also added a few major necessities to my bag as well, such as masks, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc. Safety is a top priority these days. 

Some of Ashlyn's travel shots:

Jose's Documentary Bag

Jose Rovira has been a Leica Specialist at Leica Store Miami since 2019. Always with a camera in hand, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, his cats, traveling, watching historical documentaries, checking the latest Bitcoin news, and anything having to do with sports. Most importantly though, he's always documenting life.

CAMERA – LEICA M10 & M (TYP 240)

Ever since joining the Leica Store Miami team, I've been very spoiled by having many different camera and lens choices to shoot with. From the simple and intuitive Q system to the advanced features of the SL2, or the incredible image quality and robustness of the S, it's been difficult to pick a favorite. But I fell in love with the Leica M10. The way it looks, sounds and feels makes it a one-of-a-kind shooting experience. The rangefinder focusing mechanism can be challenging, but that's one of the reasons I love this camera. It forces you to be a better photographer and really hone your craft.

Since I also do videography, both for personal and commercial work, I love carrying the M (Typ 240) around to record certain moments. With a 24MP full frame CMOS sensor and the only generation M camera with video capabilities, I can pair it with older Leica lenses to create a vintage look. For me, documenting life can happen anywhere. You don't have to travel across the globe to find interesting subjects or breathtaking landscapes to photograph; life is happening everywhere and there are always great moments to capture.

LENS – 35MM & 50MM SUMMICRONS & 135MM APO-TELYT-M

Since I never know what I will encounter, I'm ready for most anything with my basic three-lens setup. The 35mm Summicron-M f/2 ASPH is small and compact, but delivers outstanding quality. You can create beautiful environmental portraits wide-open, or stop it down to f/8 when shooting street photography and want to make sure you don't miss the moment.

Having a 50mm is a must, and for me there's nothing better than the 50mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 ASPH. Compact and sharp, yes, we all love sharp lenses, but this lens just has a certain magic to it. The “Leica look” is on full display here, as it creates beautiful separation from the subject and the out-of-focus areas.

For telephoto, I've usually shot with 75 or 90mm focal lengths, but lately I've been grabbing the 135mm APO-Telyt-M f/3.4, and it hasn't disappointed. Tack sharp corner to corner, I've used it to shoot tight landscapes and create more compression in my photos. It's also great to shoot portraits and street photography and change things up from the more traditional 35 and 50mm focal lengths.

BAG – ONA BOWERY IN ANTIQUE COGNAC

I like to stay compact wherever I go, so I find the ONA Bowery in Antique Cognac bag a great fit for the M system. Besides my camera gear, I can throw an extra battery, filter and memory card in there and shoot all day long. The dividers are great for keeping my equipment safe from bumping into each other, as well as being easily accessible when I'm on the go.

EXTRAS

I've come to depend upon the Visoflex (Typ 020), especially if shooting in a dimly lit location like a music studio. And using the EVF really helps to nail focus on the 135. Having an air blower and lens cloth is a must, so those will always be stashed in my bag. Another essential M accessory is a thumb support, as it gives me a much better grip when walking around. Unfortunately, I can't use the thumbs support and the Visoflex at the same time, but each has its place. 

Some of Jose's documentary photos:

Peter's Workshop Bag

Peter Dooling has been with Leica Store Miami since 2012 and heads up our Photo Workshops Program, planning and leading workshops around the globe. He was born in Philadelphia, PA and received degrees in Geography and Philosophy from the Pennsylvania State University. He fell in love with photography as he traveled the world while working for United Airlines and it has been his passion ever since. When he’s not helping people improve their photography in exotic destinations, he’s spending time with his wife, two daughters and two dogs in Carrboro, NC. 

CAMERA – LEICA SL2-S & Q2 MONOCHROM

I’ve been using the Leica SL system on our workshops since 2016. The Leica SL2 provided a great resolution bump for landscape photography, and now that the SL2-S has come along, I’m excited to add it to my kit. Its high ISO capability is fantastic for astrophotography and the IBIS works very well in low light situations. My go-to lenses for any landscape expedition are the SL 16-35mm, 24-90mm and 90-280mm lenses. They're tack-sharp, offer low distortion and cover just about any photographic situation that I might encounter. These are the best zoom lenses I have ever used from any camera system. 

The M10 Monochrom and the Q2 are two of my favorite cameras in the Leica lineup. So when the Leica Q2 Monochrom came to market, my dream camera was born! The Q2 Monochrom offers an amazing 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, a 47 megapixel black and white sensor, image stabilization and fast autofocus – all in a lightweight, weather-sealed package. I use this camera on landscape trips in Patagonia, street photography workshops in Paris and everywhere in-between. This might be my desert island camera.

BAG – MINDSHIFT BACKLIGHT 26L

I know that Think Tank bags aren’t the sexiest on the market, but when it comes to function they just can't be beat. The Mindshift Backlight 26L Backpack is no exception. It’s the perfect size for my needs, it’s weatherproof and it’s just so easy to organize. It fits my SL2-S, my three SL zoom lenses, the Leica Q2 Monochrom, my laptop, my Arc’teryx Beta AR Gore-Tex shell and all of my accessories. As an added bonus, this bag opens from the back panel so you can either swivel it around with the waist belt still attached, or put if face down on the ground keeping the back pad and straps clean and dry. With all of the traveling that I do each year, it really helps that this backpack meets international carry-on size requirements. 

CARRYING STRAPS – PEAK DESIGN

For the last few years, my favorite straps have been the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap (in black) for the SL2 and the Peak Design Leash Camera Strap in black for the Q2 Monochrom. The seatbelt-style nylon webbing is very comfortable and I love the Anchor Link quick connect system. These straps feel good, are easy to adjust and have never failed me. 

FILTERS

I always bring a filter kit on our Leica Photo Adventures. Recently, I’ve been using Breakthrough Filters, including the 82mm X4 Circular Polarizer, the 82mm 6-Stop and 10-Stop ND filters, the 100mm X4 3-Stop GND Soft filter and the X100 holder for square filters. To hold my filters, I love the Think Tank Filter Nest Mini and Filter Nest. 

TRIPOD

We just started carrying Colorado Tripod Company tripods and I’m very excited about the brand. I’m using their 2-Series Centennial Carbon Fiber Tripod along with their Highline Small Aluminum Ballhead. I like to cut down on weight wherever possible and this combination does just that. This ballhead weighs only 0.7 lbs and has a load capacity of 50 lbs! Finally, I use a Really Right Stuff L Bracket for the SL2 which allows me to shift to a vertical composition quickly and easily. The ballhead offers native Arca-style plate compatibility, so no adapters are needed to mount my RRS bracket.

EXTRAS

I always bring an extra battery or two for the SL2-S and Q2 inside of a Think Tank DSLR Battery Holder 2 when I travel because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Luckily, these cameras share the same BP-SCL4 battery so I only have to bring one charger. I love the Plug Adapter (Angled) and the 1-Foot Power Cord for Battery Chargers to save space. I never leave home without a few microfiber lens cloths which are great for cleaning lenses, LCDs, viewfinders and eye glasses. I use an Eyelead Air Blower to remove dust and dirt from my gear and sensors. For stubborn sensor dust, I’ll use the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit. I always bring several Lexar 128GB SDXC UHS-II cards inside of a Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket and to back up my images, I use a Samsung T5 solid state external hard drive. I also pack a Leatherman Skeletool, a multi hex wrench, a headlamp w/ red light option, an Anker Powercore 10000 charging unit and a walkie talkie for in-field communication.  

PRO TIP

On landscape photography trips, particularly in colder locations, make sure you keep warm and stay dry. There’s nothing like being out in a beautiful location and feeling miserable because you don’t have the right clothes. Dress in layers! You won’t regret it. 

Some of Peter's workshop images:

Josh's Car Photography Bag

Josh Lehrer has been with Leica Store Miami since 2010 and is as obsessed with Leica as he is with fast cars, mechanical watches and his Golden Retriever, Enzo. He particularly enjoys obscure and vintage Leica gear and you can catch him as the co-host of our bi-weekly live Red Dot Forum Camera Talk show.

CAMERA SETUP – LEICA SL2-S & NOCTILUX-M 50MM F/1.2 ASPH

In 2021 I felt like switching things up in my kit, and recently starting using the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH as a car photography lens. I could have easily stuck with the SL2 – that’s been my main camera for the past year or so, but I’ve been attracted to the SL2-S for M lenses, especially in low light. The performance of the viewfinder at sunrise or sunset (where I spend a lot of time shooting) makes critically focusing a lens like the 50mm f/1.2 a breeze.

Will I miss the high-res SL2 files? For almost a decade now I’ve trumpeted 24 megapixels as the sweet spot for all-around photography, and while I won’t complain about the 40+ megapixels found on many of Leica’s latest releases, the file size of the SL2-S does indeed speed up my post-production workflow. I won't complain about the insane high ISO performance either. 

As I have only just started experimenting with this “new-but-old” Noctilux, I still have much to learn in order to truly master it. The vintage rendering on a modern camera makes for lots of creative potential, and I’ve even begun to modify my Lightroom editing based around the images this special lens puts out. 

BAG – ONA BOWERY

As always, I rely on my ONA Bowery for just about everything. A few years back, I was fortunate enough to snag one of the limited-edition ONA x Japan Camera Hunter Bowery bags (only 230 in the world!) and that continues to treat me well for my one or two lens setups. The SL2-S fits nicely in the bag even with a 24-90mm attached, but for M lenses it is even better, as I can fit all my accessories in there too. The zippered rear compartment of this special-edition bag is perfect for storing my Think Tank – SD Pixel Pocket Rocket loaded with Lexar Professional 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Cards.

EXTRAS

Critically for my automotive work, I always have a circular polarizer attached. Currently I am using a B+W filter, but that is only until the Breakthrough Photography 49mm X4 Circular Polarizer is available again. Regardless of brand, you won’t catch me without a polarizer.  

Another change for me was finally trying something other than the stock neoprene SL2-S strap, which I've loved since the days of the S2. The Arte di Mano Sughero Neck Strap – Rally Volpe I find “classes” up the camera while still allowing me to hang it around my neck or shoulder for a day of shooting. 

I have found the Battery Box, 2x to be extremely handy. Mainly because it is an easy way to keep two spare batteries together in my bag, without them bouncing around or getting lost. I don’t want to spend time fumbling around looking for a fresh battery after all. The charge status indicator is a nice bonus. Keeping the compact power-supply theme, a Plug Adapter (Angled) for Battery Chargers takes the place of the messy six-foot power cable that you get with the camera when new. 

Keeping everything clean is my 15ml bottle of Eyelead Optical Cleaning Fluid, which I can spray (carefully) right onto a dirty filter or lens and wipe clean with my Leica lens cloth. It evaporates very quickly and will not leave any streaks or residue. But before I wipe anything down, I use my Eyelead Mini Air Blower to remove any surface debris. It's small but surprisingly powerful and doesn’t get in the way when I don’t need it. Naturally, my Apple AirPods Pro’s are always nearby, as is my Grimsmo Saga titanium pen and a small stack of business cards. Because you never know who you will meet when hanging around cool cars!

PRO TIP

I personally prefer using the silver version of the M-Adapter-L because it makes it easy to quickly know if one of my lenses has an adapter attached or not, just by glancing in the bag. I also enjoy the contrast of the silver adapter against the black camera and lens. 

For years I was strongly against any type of cleaning fluids for my gear, but the made-in-Germany Eyelead optical fluid has really been a lifesaver. Whether it’s an errant fingerprint or stubborn residue that a lens cloth alone won’t remove, a quick spray of this stuff and like magic, my gear is clean again! 

See some of Josh's car photography..

The post What’s in Our Camera Bags – 2021 Edition appeared first on Red Dot Forum.

We’ve also realized that we each have more than one gear setup. You wouldn’t bring the same camera on a bare-bones hiking trip as you would on a fashion shoot. You’re unlikely to shoot wildlife with the Leica M, and you probably wouldn’t grab a Leica S for discreet street shooting. This is the photographer’s dilemma: there just simply isn’t one camera that does it all. Different cameras and lenses serve different purposes.

So, here we are a year later, sharing with you yet again “what’s in our bag.”

Scroll through or click the quick links below:

• Kirsten's Rangefinder Bag
• David’s Workshop Case
• Peter's Workshop Bag
• Ashlyn's Fashion Bag
• Josh's Car Photos Bag
• Victor's Professional Gig Case
• Julie's Dancing Bag
• Kirsten's Birding Bag
• David's Climbing Setup

Kirsten’s Rangefinder Bag

Kirsten Vignes has been a Leica Specialist with Leica Store Miami since 2012. She’s originally from Minnesota, but much prefers the sunshine and warmth of South Florida. Kirsten loves photography, which she studied at Rochester Institute of Technology, graphic design, traveling the world, movies with mythical creatures, chasing non-mythical creatures (birds) and, of course, coffee. Read some of Kirsten’s articles here.

When we decided to re-visit the “In Our Bag” idea again, I immediately knew what I was going to share this time around: the gear I actually own (or some of it anyways). As a Leica Store Miami employee, I have access to the entire range of Leica equipment, and I can honestly say I use a wide spectrum of Leica gear. I use the CL with 35mm Summilux-TL to do environmental product photos for our Instagram page, the V-Lux (Typ 114) for birding, the Leica SL (Typ 601) with M lenses for the occasional wedding, the beloved Q and M cameras for street and travel, the Leica D-Lux 7 for an evening out with friends, and the Leica S for those once-in-a-lifetime landscapes. 

But what do I actually own? I’m glad you asked.

CAMERA – LEICA M9 & M4-P RANGEFINDERS

The first Leica I bought was the iconic M9, the original full-frame digital rangefinder. It was 2013, the M (Typ 240) had been released, and we were in the process of selling off all of our old M9 demo cameras at Leica Store Miami. When I was given the instruction to box up the last M9 to be listed and sold, I just couldn’t do it. The M9 and I had been through quite a bit. It had documented my first year living in Miami: the neon lights, the turquoise waters and the new friends I had made. It had traveled with me to Argentina and kept me company as I sipped wine in Mendoza, went horseback riding with gauchos, and took in the breathless beauty of Iguazú Falls. Call it an impulse buy, but I had to have it.

And, I still shoot with it today. I know, I know. It’s a ten-year-old camera with ten-year-old technology, terrible ISO performance (by today’s standards anyhow), and a laggy user interface. But, there’s just something about those M9 colors and the clunky yet endearing sound of its shutter. I’ve been tempted to trade-in towards the current M10 (especially with current used prices), which to Leica’s credit, has a comparable color output and feel as the M9. At the end of the day though, I just can’t part with my M9. I’ll be honest, it spends a lot of time in a drawer these days, but I do reach for it for those times when I want to take things slow. It’s reminiscent of shooting film. Its limitations force you to slow down and really think about and appreciate a scene before firing the shutter.

This brings me to my most recently-acquired Leica: an M4-P analog rangefinder. Over the years, I’ve toyed with the idea of buying a film M. After all, it is the ultimate M experience – the most “das Wesentliche” of all the M’s. For someone who’s just starting to dabble in the film world, the M4-P is an affordable and functional option. The Canadian-made rangefinder comes in at half the price of a used M6, and, unlike a used M3, doesn’t require cumbersome goggles when shooting a lens wider than 50mm. 

Both used digital and analog M cameras are a great way to get in the Leica M system. A lot of people starting out are intimidated by Leica’s price tag, but with a little research and patience, you can get into the M system for a reasonable price. 

LENSES – 50MM SUMMICRON F/2, V4 & 28MM SUMMILUX-M ASPH F/1.4

I’ve always been a 50mm shooter. I like being able to isolate pieces of a scene and create a very graphic and intentional image. When I set out to buy a used 50mm, I came across the 50mm Summicron-M f/2 Version 4. The V4 50mm Summicron-M is optically identical to the current V5 standard Summicron-M, but has a different barrel construction. Like my M4-P, the V4 Summicron was built in Canada. Because Canadian-made Leica’s are less desirable in the used market, it’s easy to pick one up at a significantly lower price than their German-made counterparts. For someone looking to get into a used M and not break the bank, look into Canadian-made glass.

I’ve always complemented my 50mm with my Leica Q (Typ 116)’s 28mm Summilux-M. These days, I’ve been trying to focus more on rangefinder photography, so the Q gets left at home more often than it’s used to. For those who want to shoot with a rangefinder and aren’t interested in the autofocus Q, Leica offers four different 28mm M-mount lenses: the Summaron-M f/5.6, the Elmarit-M f/2.8, the Summicron-M f/2.0, and the Summilux-M f/1.4, which is pictured here on my M4. (This I borrowed from the store and is more of a wish list item. My collection of M lenses is a work-in-progress.) In digital, we’re spoiled with incredibly high, clean ISO’s. If a lens only opens up to f/2.8, no problem, just boost the ISO. With film – and the M9 for that matter, a fast aperture such as a f/1.4 Summilux is more critical, especially in low light situations. On top of that, the 28mm Summilux-M is the most recently-designed 28mm M lens. Of the entire 28mm M lineup, it delivers the most corner-to-corner sharpness.

BAG – OBERWERTH HARRY & SALLY (BLACK/RED)

The photographer’s other dilemma: there is no perfect camera bag. Different shooting occasions call for different bags. My bread n’ butter bag is the Oberwerth Kate (You can see my video review on the Kate here.), however, when I’m just kicking around town and have a smaller setup, I carry the Oberwerth Harry & Sally. The Harry & Sally is part of Oberwerth’s casual line and is made of the same soft, tumbled leather as my Kate. It fits a small two-body rangefinder setup perfectly. 

Another clever feature of Oberwerth bags is the built-in SD card pockets. I can usually double stack them and fit four extra cards at a time. This eliminates the need to carry a separate SD card wallet.

CARRYING STRAPS

I like a soft, thin strap that I can wrap around my wrist to double as a wrist strap. A smaller, softer strap also packs easier and takes up less space in my bag. Pictured here on the M9 is the Arte di Mano Comodo Neck Strap in Rally Volpe, and on the M4 is the Arte di Mano Waxed Cotton Neck Strap in Barenia Tan.

FILTERS

When shooting black and white film or the Leica M Monochrom, filters are essential. In a digital color file, you can easily adjust the color channels to achieve a desired look. With film or a Monochrom file, you have to use a physical filter over your lens. I always keep a Leica Orange filter on hand to darken skies and brighten skin tones, as well as a Leica 4-Stop ND filter to be able to shoot wide open in daylight.   

EXTRAS

I always carry a notebook and pen when shooting analog. Unfortunately, film doesn’t record metadata, so I try to make a point to jot down my exposure settings while shooting.

A huge travel game-changer for me has been the discovery of short power cables and plug adapters. I leave the exaggeratedly-long power cables that come standard with most cameras and chargers at home, and swap them out for 1-foot power cables. When I travel to Europe, I use a European plug adapter, eliminating the need for a separate adapter. 

The tripod and blower ball pictured here don’t fit inside the Harry & Sally along with the other stuff, but I wanted to show them because they are part of my setup. The Giottos blower ball is a must with an interchangeable lens system. Never be caught off guard without a way to clean your sensor.

My Sirui T-025SK Carbon Fiber Tripod is always on hand. If I’m traveling, it’s in my suitcase. If I’m driving around town, it’s in the back seat. I might not always have it on my physical person, but it’s never far away. It folds up to just 12 inches, weighs less than a pound and has traveled all around the world with me. 

Some of Kirsten's M-system shots:

David's Workshop Case

David Farkas is a self-admitted Leica junkie and an avid photographer since he was seven years old. He owns and operates Leica Store Miami in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida with his wife Juliana. David has years of experience shooting with just about every Leica camera and lens made within the last few decades. He loves exploring far-flung landscapes as much as discovering a new city, as long as he’s got a camera in hand. Check out David’s camera reviews, technical articles and show reports here.

CAMERAS – LEICA S and LEICA SL

I still shoot most of my serious landscape work with the Leica S007 and a clutch of S lenses. If you want to see what’s in my landscape backpack, the MindShift Rotation 180 Professional, check out last year’s What’s in Our Bag article. Why do I still shoot the same camera and lenses? Quite simply, the S was the best system last year and remains so today. Why fix what isn’t broken? Incredible dynamic range, luscious color, edge-to-edge sharpness and intuitive handling make the Leica S System a landscape photographer's dream setup.

So, rather than rehash the same info this time around, I figured I’d show you guys my other case when traveling to far-off, exotic destinations. Often, I’m leading or co-leading landscape photography workshops for Leica Store Miami Photo Adventures, and one of the perks that we provide is an ample selection of loaner Leica gear. Leading up to a trip we’ll conduct a consultation with each participant to see what he or she is shooting, what camera they are planning on bringing with them and what gear they might want to try out during the adventure. Based on the wish list, and availability, we work to get each attendee the camera and/or lenses they’ve requested. And for twelve people, that can be a lot of gear.

CASE – PELICAN AIR 1615

The Pelican Air 1615 is the largest checked baggage size allowed by airlines, measuring in at 72 linear inches (the sum of L + W + H). Staying under this size means that we can avoid oversize luggage handling and associated hassle. Looking like a large, somewhat shallow suitcase, the 1615 has robust fold-out carry handles on three sides, a slide-out trolley handle and sturdy wheels. The fully waterproof and shockproof cases provide piece of mind both when checking on airplanes, as well as when carting them around in some quite wet and muddy locations.

And yes, I did say “cases.” We routinely carry two of these cases with us, usually fully loaded. In the one pictured above, you can see three complete SL kits and two full S007 kits, with an arsenal of SL and S lenses, along with plenty of extra batteries. Out of sight are the quick release plates, straps, and other accessories required for shooting that we also cart along. In its displayed configuration, this Pelican case tips the scales at around 70 lbs, the limit for international checked luggage. Sometimes we’re able to simply check the cases without issue, but often we face overage charges on both cases, on multiple flights. But for us, being able to have the depth and selection of gear for our workshop attendees is paramount, so the added expense and 140 lbs of extra luggage is worth it.

MUST HAVES

Plastering the outside of these cases, on all sides, are a variety of “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” stickers. As protective as the Pelican cases are, we still don't want baggage handlers competing to see who can drop them the furthest. The cases are secured during transit with two metal TSA combination locks using steel wire through the dual security loops on the 1615. We usually carry a couple extra in case they are damaged or cut by customs. Most of the time, there will be an inspection notice inside the cases upon our arrival. And we often get pulled aside in US Customs when returning. Just another small price to pay for our fantastic workshop attendees.

Some behind-the-scenes shots from our workshops:

Some of David's recent workshop images:

Peter's Workshop Bag

Peter Dooling heads up the Leica Store Miami Photo Workshops program, planning and leading workshops around the globe. When he’s not helping people improve their photography in exotic destinations, he’s spending time with his family and taking his adorable Golden-doodle Sam for long walks in the woods. Peter used to live in Miami, but now resides in Carrboro, NC, where they have all four seasons, and hills.

CAMERAS – LEICA SL & LEICA Q

For most of our destination photo workshops, I like to bring the Leica SL along with the SL 16-35mm, 24-90mm and 90-280mm lenses. These three lenses are super sharp, come with image stabilization and cover just about any photographic situation that I might encounter on a photo workshop. I used to think that zoom lenses were a compromise, but these lenses are nothing of the sort. The 16-35mm and the 24-90mm are my go-to lenses for landscape photography and the 90-280mm is great for compression, details and wildlife.

I always sling my Leica Q (Typ 116) over my shoulder for behind the scenes shots of our workshops. The Q comes with an amazing 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens attached, which is great for street and travel photography. For a change of pace, I can shift to macro mode for detail shots and closeups. The autofocus is lightning quick and accurate, which makes it a great tool when you’re on the move.

BAG – PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL BACKPACK 45L

I recently started using the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L in Sage. It fits the SL with all three zoom lenses, the Leica Q, my Arc’teryx Beta AR Gore-Tex shell and all of my accessories. It features top, side, front and rear access via intuitively placed weatherproof zips. With all the travel that I do, I love that this bag is weatherproof and meets international carry-on size requirements. It has plenty of pockets to help keep my gear organized and it can expand from 35L to 45L, which makes it versatile for my trips.

CARRYING STRAPS – PEAK DESIGN

Like any photographer, I’ve tried my fair share of straps. My new favorites are the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap (in black) for the SL and the Peak Design Leash Camera Strap in black for the Q. The seatbelt-style nylon webbing is very comfortable and I’ve really grown to love the Anchor Link quick connect system.

FILTERS

On our landscape photography trips, I always take a filter kit that includes a B+W 82mm F-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC Filter, a Schneider 4″ filter holder, 4-stop and 6-stop Schneider Platinum IRND filters, and 4-stop Schneider GND filters in soft edge.

TRIPOD

For the last few years I’ve been using Gitzo GT3543L legs, which are a great balance of size, weight, height and strength. I also use the Gitzo GH3382QD Series 3 Center Ball Head, which is reliable, compact and easy to use. Finally, I use a Really Right Stuff L Bracket for the SL which allows me to shift to a vertical composition quickly and easily. The Gitzo head offers native Arca-style plate compatibility, so no adapters are needed to mount my RRS bracket.

EXTRAS

I always bring an extra battery or two (SL & Q) when I travel because I never want to miss a shot. I also like to bring the Plug Adapter (Angled) and the 1-Foot Power Cord for Battery Chargers to save space. A few indispensable Leica Microfiber Lens Cloths are always in my bag to clean my lens, viewfinder and LCD in the field. I use a Giottos Q Ball Blower Bulb to blow dust and dirt off of the camera, lenses, filters and sensor. When the bulb doesn’t do the job on my sensor, I’ll use the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit. I’ll bring at least four 64GB Transcend 600x SDXC cards with me along with a Samsung T5 external hard drive to back up my images. I also carry a Leatherman Skeletool, a multi hex wrench, and an Anker Powercore 10000 charging unit.

PRO TIP

One of the main things that I tell our customers on landscape photography trips is to look for your shot before setting up your tripod. It may sound like a simple thing, but I always find better, more creative compositions when I’m not locked down on my tripod.

Some of Peter's workshop images:

Ashlyn's Fashion Bag

Ashlyn McKibben is part of the Leica Store Miami team in Coral Gables, where she is not only a Leica camera specialist, but also curates gallery exhibitions and organizes events. Ashlyn is a recent New Hampshire Institute of Art grad with a Bachelor of Fine Art in photography. During school she received formal training in several different mediums including film processing, darkroom printing, film scanning, and other hands-on processes. Ashlyn has participated in fine art exhibitions and competitions since the age of 13, winning several awards along the way. And, she's got an adorable little dog named Beans who sometimes comes to work with her.

CAMERAS – LEICA Q-P & LEICA SL (TYP 601) W/ 16-35MM

For as long as I remember, I've always been a 50mm shooter, but this past year my tastes have changed. Lately, my go-to cameras are the Leica SL (Typ 601) with the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH
and the Leica Q-P. Both of these setups feature wide angle lenses, but function completely different for me.

When I am photographing portraits with the SL and the 16-35mm, I can capture the full environment, which is an important part of the image to me. Despite its extremely wide field of view, the 16-35mm delivers a tack sharp image with barely any distortion, and its minimum focusing distance of just a few inches lets me move in closer to my subject. Shooting portraits with wide lenses has traditionally been considered by many as a big no-no, but I've never been one to stick to the status quo. If you feel your portraiture getting a little stale, I suggest giving it a try! Shooting at a low angle gives visual power to your subject and adds a new dynamic to your photographic style.

Recently, I have also found myself photographing shows and events in the underground Miami music/art scene. Here, the Leica Q-P has proven to be the best camera for the job. The ability to open up to a fast aperture of f/1.7 gives me the flexibility to shoot in dark spaces, and the Q-P’s stealthy matte black finish and omission of the iconic red dot makes people unaware of both me and my Leica.

BAG – ADAM MARELLI X CHAPMAN CAMERA BAG

I could joke about how I love this bag because it comes personalized with my initials “A.M.”, but the Adam Marelli x Chapman Camera Bag obviously functions beyond that. Leather has never been my first choice in camera bags simply because of the additional heft. This lightweight canvas bag easily fits everything I need on-the-go. Even after loading up with the photographic essentials (extra SD cards, batteries, and chargers), the Chapman bag leaves me enough room to bring my other essentials such as wallet, phone and makeup for quick touch-ups…on myself or my subjects. The two pockets on the front make fore easy organization. I stash my “photo” essentials on the left, and “other” essentials on the right. For added security, the top flap clips to the two outside pockets.

Lastly, I love the masculine and sleek look of this bag, even more as a woman. We’re all about breaking conventions, right? Purse who?

EXTRAS

Whenever I am shooting, I keep a set of Lume Cube LED lights and colored filters on hand. I photograph mostly in available light, and I would much rather carry these small LEDs over standard flash units. With a few fun colors, a set of diffusers, and a warm tone gel filter, I'm able to manipulate whatever light I am working with, or simply add extra punch to the image. Rounding out my lighting kit is a small rotating, hot shoe mount for the cubes just in case I want to have the light directly on the subject.

I always keep an extra battery for each system on hand. During indoor shoots, I've got a battery on the charger when possible. To minimize space, I swap the charging cable that comes with the SL for a shorter, 1-foot power cable. Extra power is important but so is extra memory. Typically, I'll have two SD cards in the SL, one in the Q-P, and two or three additional in my Leica leather SD card holder, which can also double as a wallet if pressed on space.

I use an iPad for social media coordination and sequencing (Favorite App: Preview for Instagram curation.), and it fits perfectly inside the Chapman – right between the camera insert and the actual bag. When traveling, I like to remove the lens from the SL body and place each piece in its own slot. This gives you more space to add additional odds and ends as needed.

Some of Ashlyn's fashion shots:

Josh's Car Photos Bag

Josh Lehrer has been with Leica Store Miami since 2010 and is as obsessed with Leica as he is with fast cars and his Golden Retriever, Enzo. He particularly enjoys obscure and vintage Leica gear and is probably the only person to use the Leica S for photographing car shows. Learn more about Josh here.

CAMERA – LEICA CL

Since the Leica SL (Typ 601) came out in late 2015, it’s been my primary camera for automotive photography. I just love the viewfinder, the resolution and the lens lineup. But in the back of my mind I always knew that if something smaller and lighter came along that could give me a similar level of flexibility and quality, I would want to incorporate it into my workflow. Being a bit of a “full-frame snob” I could have easily dismissed the Leica CL, but I quickly learned that that the APS-C camera was far more powerful than its small size let on. Especially when firmware version 2.0 was released, giving the CL that final bit of polish. While the CL kit is a relatively recent addition to my arsenal, it's quickly become my go-to.

My favorite lens by far is the Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, which offers performance on par to any top-shelf M-system lens. When things need to be kept compact and discreet, the Lux goes away and out comes the Elmarit-TL 18mm f/2.8 ASPH. Barely bigger than a body cap, I can stash the CL and 18mm combo in a coat pocket and no one is the wiser.

BAG – ONA BOWERY

I currently own not one, but two ONA Bowery bags, and that doesn’t include the third one I gave away when a friend simply had to have it. It is simply the perfect size for my CL kit. I keep extra dividers at the bottom so I can adjust the interior of the bag as needed, and I love that the strap is removable. This allows me to use the Bowery as an insert in a larger bag and also to swap out straps when I need something more substantial.

EXTRAS

No car photographer worth his salt would be caught without a polarizer so I’ve always got a B+W 60mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer MRC Filter mounted on the 35 1.4 TL. A few other useful bits include the Thumbs Up EP-CL which gives me maximum stability, and my handy Nitecore charger to keep batteries topped off while away from wall power. Plus, I wouldn’t go anywhere without my Red Dot Wear brand Micro-suede Lens Cleaning Cloth and Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit, since I have a tendency to swap lenses quite a lot.

TIP:

Don’t just slap any neck strap on the CL. Pick something narrow and flexible, so you can wrap it around the lens when you put the camera away, or in your pocket. I like a well-worn leather strap without a shoulder section.

Some of Josh's car photos:

Victor's Professional Gig Case

Victor is not just another photographer. He's an artist, dreamer, poet, storyteller, digital wizard, regular run-of-the-mill magic wizard, free thinker, misfit, and at times lone wolf, especially when he is hungry. It's in your best interest that he goes off on his own. When he's not getting photo bombed by beautiful people, you can find him out capturing images of the fish he catches.

CAMERA – LEICA SL (TYP 601) & LEICA SOFORT

Before starting at Leica Store Miami in June of 2018, I was a full-fledged Nikon shooter. That all changed the first time I used the Leica SL (Typ 601) for one of my photo assignments. Since then, the SL has quickly become my favorite camera for any sort of production shoot, big or small. Some of the key features on the SL that I've grown to love include the gorgeous, high resolution 4.4 megapixel electronic viewfinder, the way the camera body feels in my hands, and the minimalistic approach to the menu system. The SL is simple, yet powerful, and handles like a well-tuned machine.

Usually, when I'm on a commercial job, my go-to lenses are the 24-90mm and 90-280mm zooms, along with the 75mm APO-Summicron. But when traveling, I prefer to leave the larger SL glass at home and just take M lenses with an M-Adapter L. On my recent trip to Wetzlar to tour the factory (humble brag) I packed the Leica 50mm APO-Summicron-M and the Leica 28mm Summilux-M. The smaller form factor of the SL paired with M lenses makes an ideal travel kit. Although you lose autofocus capability with the all-mechanicall M lenses, the EVF is so clear and bright that manual focusing is a breeze.

When working for a client, I depend on the native L-mount SL lenses. Being a fashion and lifestyle photographer means that most of the time my subjects are frequently in motion. The quick-focusing motors on the native SL lenses give me the confidence to nail focus every time.

The other camera I like to take on my production shoots is the Leica Sofort. Talent and clients alike both get a real kick when I pull this little guy out on set. Today, we all want instant gratification, which is exactly what the Sofort delivers, but in a more tangible way than the ever-ubiquitous iPhone snap. I can shoot fun behind the scenes pics or just pass the camera around, which helps fill in the downtime between setups. Plus, everyone loves to share those instant photos on their social media.

BAG – PELICAN 1510

When tackling big jobs using the native SL lenses I always use a Pelican case. Leica makes a great hard case for the S system with custom inserts for specific lenses., making it easy to pack up and identify what equipment you have with you. I’m hoping that Leica comes out with a dedicated SL-System hard case once all the new Summicron-SL lenses are released. That would be awesome! Looking your way Stefan Daniel…

One addition I would recommend to any hard case is the Pelican Photographer’s Lid Organizer. This pops right into the top part of the lid with just four small screws, and keeps all my batteries, cables, and other accouterments organized.

EXTRAS

You never know whether you'll have access to power on set or on location, so I err on the side of being over-prepared. Even though I pack three extra batteries per camera body, I also don't leave the house without my SL Nitecore charger. This compact and portable charger plugs into any USB wall outlet plug or USB -equipped battery bank. I prefer this charger over the standard Leica one due to its smaller size, along with the handy LCD screen, which displays the precise charge level on the battery. It can even read the health of the battery and let you know if it has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.

Another useful accessory that's always in my bag is the Think Tank SD Pocket Pixel. I have accumulated so many SD memory cards that keeping track of them all is a challenge. With this well-designed card wallet, I can keep all my cards organized. My system is simple; when a card is turned label-side down, the card is full and needs to be downloaded. If the label is showing, then I know the card is backed up, empty and ready to be used.

KNICK KNACKS & SNACKS

If you know me, then you know I love to listen to music whenever possible, especially on set. The right music can set the mood for a shoot. Thankfully, I was able to find a Bluetooth speaker with great battery life. The UE Boom Waterproof speaker can play for 8 hours, serving up solid rhythmic tunes that keep your eardrums tingling all day. Another tidbit about me: while I’m on set I tend to forget to eat lunch. That’s why I always pack a snack bar.

The last two pieces of equipment that I always bring on set with me are my DJI Mavic Air and DJI Osmo Pocket. Having aerial drone shots really adds to the production value of a campaign. You can take breathtaking overhead shots from the air and grab some dynamic video footage at the same time. Combining the footage from my drone with my stabilized handheld Osmo camera, I can deliver a mini 30 second to 1-minute video for the client of the whole shoot. While usually unexpected and often a surprise, this extra touch is always appreciated. Sending along a cool video really helps set me apart from my competition.

Some of Victor's professional work:

Julie's Dancing Bag

Juliana loves documenting her various adventures and travels with family and friends. She considers herself to be less a photographer who travels, and more a traveler who takes pictures. Having grown up in the American Southwest, she loves hiking, rock climbing and spending time in the outdoors. She also enjoys traveling abroad, exploring new destinations and checking out quirky and notable sites from her Atlas Obscura.  

CAMERAS – Leica M Monochrom, Q & CM

My newest obsession is ballroom dancing. After months of learning the various dances and practicing some routines, I participated in my first competition. My primary interest was obviously the dancing, but watching the other competitors between my heats, I quickly realized the opportunities for photography.

LEICA M MONOCHROM – Most professional dance photographers approach these competitions like any other sport, using big DSLRs with long zoom lenses. Given the multi-colored stage lighting, boldly styled gowns, and not wanting to carry a huge camera setup with me as a competitor, I decided to try my hand at using the M Monochrom. My working theory was that shooting in black and white would reduce the visual “noise” and allow the viewer to focus on just the composition and form of the dancers. 

With the camera choice out of the way, I worked on piecing together a lens kit. The 21 Lux, 50 Cron and 75 Cron can capture everything from wide shots that encompass the whole dance floor to beautifully rendered portraits from across the room.

My other obsession is rock climbing. Having used the M Monochrom at ballroom dance competitions, and being pleased with the results, I figured why not use it in another completely unlikely scenario? For this application I'm usually only carrying the body and the 50 Cron. Yes, it is a lot of trial and error, but the keepers I get are satisfying enough to keep dealing with the frustration. Worth it. And in the end, I feel like I am becoming a better M photographer. 

LEICA Q (TYP 116) – The Q (Typ 116) is a permanent resident of my bag, my go-to camera for travel photos of family and friends, which is by far my favorite subject matter to shoot. I don’t do anything fancy with it, merely documenting mine and my family’s life. Simple and intuitive to use, I can hand it to almost anyone if we want a group shot of everyone. Once it becomes more available, I may eventually change to the Leica Q2, but the original Q is already an amazing camera. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. 

LEICA CM (MY VERY FIRST LEICA) – Fifteen years ago, my husband-to-be gifted me a Leica CM for our upcoming wedding and honeymoon trip to Europe. I used the camera for everything for almost five years before our toddler enthusiastically dragged it off a table to its demise. Unfortunately, when I sent it in for repair, I received the almost never expected response from Leica AG repair, which was that they had run out of replacement parts! It has been my one and only true disappointment with Leica. Over the years I have followed listings on Ebay and come close to replacing it several times, but never followed through.  Now, fifteen year later, one day after our fifteen-year anniversary, I was “gifted” another Leica CM! Not by my husband this time, but by Josh, our used Leica expert, who many of you may know. He had finally been offered one for sale that was working and in great condition, so he surprised me by buying it. I've added it to my bag and can't wait to start shooting with it again.

BAG & EXTRAS

These days I am carrying the Artisan & Artist ACAM7100. I love that this bag fits everything I need to carry, yet is extremely lightweight. In the past, I have been drawn to smaller, leather bags. But as my photo kit has grown, I needed to start looking for a bigger bag. The weight of the leather combined with the weight of my gear has proved to be a bit uncomfortable. The ACAM7100 provided an ideal solution. Made of canvas and nylon, it weighs less than leather bags of comparable size. There are plenty of pockets to accommodate a lens cloth, my RDW wallet, along with extra batteries and chargers for both cameras. And the contrast of the red interior with the body and lenses make finding everything easy. 

The straps on my cameras are also from Artisan & Artist. I went with the ACAM312BKSL for my monochrome because, well, it’s monochrome, and I like the harmony. It's also very comfortable and lightweight. 

Browse Julie's dancing bag…

Kirsten’s Birding Bag

Over the last couple years, Kirsten Vignes has become an avid birder. Through Leica Store Miami's partnership with the local Tropical Audubon Society, she's met an amazing group of local, female nature enthusiasts, and together they've started an all-women’s birding group called Phoebes Birding.

CAMERA – LEICA V-LUX (TYP 114)

I’ve dabbled with large digiscoping and full-frame camera setups for bird photography over the years, but, at the end of the day, I always come back to the Leica V-Lux (Typ 114). With its 20MP 1-inch sensor and 400mm optical zoom, the V-Lux outputs rather stunning results – without causing back problems. I wrote a review about the V-Lux a couple years ago, and I have never stopped using it. In fact, I recently picked up a used one for myself. It’s lightweight, and when doing something active like birding, it’s nice to not be weighed down with heavy equipment. 

BINOCULARS – LEICA ULTRAVID 8X32 HD-PLUS

My go-to binocular is the Leica 8×32 Ultravid HD-Plus. It’s the smallest, full-size binocular. I get a wide field of view with a comfortable viewing experience, all in almost-compact package. They’re small enough to throw in a camera bag or a suitcase, but large enough for extended use during a full-day of birding. (Read my full breakdown of Leica binoculars here.)

BAG – ONA BOWERY (OLIVE)

The ONA Bowery has become a staple camera bag for many photographers. Turns out, it makes a great birding bag too! It’s the perfect size for a pair of bins and a V-Lux – in fact it’s the bag that’s actually included in the V-Lux Explorer Kit. It’s simple and spacious, with just enough pockets to keep you organized.

CARRYING STRAPS

On the V-Lux I use the Artisan & Artist* Easy Slider. As its name suggest, you can easily adjust the length to switch between carrying your camera cross-body or around your neck.

For my Ultravids, I use the Leica Slide & Flex Bino-System strap. With this harness, I barely notice my bins are there. I can wear them for an entire day of shooting and never suffer from neck fatigue. 

EXTRAS

I’m not a big “lister”, but I do always have a local Florida field guide or checklist, as well as the iBird app (available on iOS and Android) handy to help identify and learn more about the birds I’m spotting.

Some of Kirsten's birding images:

David's Climbing Setup

While photography has always been my first love and driving passion for as long as I can remember, my wife and I have more recently gotten into rock climbing. We’ve always had a love for the outdoors and try to lead an active lifestyle. And you may wonder why we chose to take up rock climbing in one of the flattest states in the country, hours from anything resembling a legitimate boulder. Thankfully, one of the best indoor climbing gyms, Project Rock, is just 15 minutes from our house. When I’m not off traveling, we head to the gym two to three times a week to get our climb on.

The gym is great, but the big room beckons – that’s the one with mountains and trees and blue skies. Just as we must make pilgrimage to Utah or Colorado for our winter ski adventures, so too must we venture off to various climbing destinations. So far, we’ve hit crags in North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Maine, with many more spots on our list like Red River Gorge in Kentucky or the Whites in New Hampshire.

CAMERA – LEICA Q2

Most climbers just climb. But not me. Not content with quick snaps on my iPhone, I feel that the views afforded to me by the nature of our elevation high above the tree line calls for a real camera. I’ve taken the Leica CL with an 18mm pancake on a few of these trips, but on our last outing to Asheville and the Pisgah National Forest, I upped my game with the new Leica Q2. Sporting a flexible 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens affixed to a full frame 47-megapixel sensor, the Q2 offers speed, flexibility and absolute image quality in a still compact package. With resolution to spare, I’m able to use the digital zoom feature to crop without carrying additional lenses like I would with other systems.

STRAP – ARTISAN & ARTIST* ACAM E25R EASY ADJUST + BLACK DIAMOND CARIBINER

And while the camera performs amazingly well, you’ll probably notice the lack of a bag for the in-my-bag shot. That’s because I don’t climb with one. Using the Artisan & Artist* ACAM E25R Easy Adjust Strap, I secure the Q2 crossbody, with the camera resting just behind my left hip. To keep it from swinging into the rock as I climb, I employ an extra Black Diamond Positron locking carabiner, clipping the base of the camera strap to a gear loop on my climbing harness. This ‘biner is on the lighter side and works perfectly keeping the camera in place. When I want to take a shot, either while on belay or at a rest position along the climb, I just unlock the screwgate, swing the camera around in front of me, and snap away. The Easy Adjust strap has enough length that I can get the EVF up to my eye without compromising the added security of keeping it slung across my torso. When finished shooting, I just swing the camera back to hip level and lock into place. Occasionally, I might scrape the lens shade into the rockface depending on my position relative to the wall, but the camera itself is almost always out of harm’s way. Really, the biggest shock is seeing the black Q2 covered in climbing chalk from my hands. But due to the Q2’s weather and dust sealing, I’m not worried. A quick wipe down or even rinse with a water bottle back in the parking lot does the trick and the Q2 is ready for some after climbing brews and bites.

EXTRAS

Besides the Q2, I make sure to keep an extra battery in the stash pocket of my climbing pants. On some longer multi-pitch routes, you can’t physically get back to your main hiking backpack for hours. And let’s face it, you never want to top out with a dead battery. Also in my pocket is a quickly accessible lens cloth for wiping off any dust, chalk or debris during the climb. When shooting into the sun for some dramatic angles of fellow climbers, a bit of dust on the front element can result in some nasty flare.

SNACKS

Just like taking an extra battery for my camera, the human body needs some mid-route fuel too. Climbing can burn about 500 calories per hour. So, I’ll toss an energy bar and a bag of almonds into my chalk bag for a pick-me-up along the way. On longer climbs, we usually take a tiny backpack with water, a Peanut Butter sandwich and some fruit. After two hours of climbing, nothing tastes as good as that sandwich while looking out from the top of the final pitch.

CLIMBING GEAR

For the climbing itself, I use an Arc’Teryx harness, Arc’Teryx chalk bag, Scarpa Vapor climbing shoes, a Petzel Grigri Plus assisted belay device, a range of Black Diamond carabiners, a Black Diamond ATC Guide, Black Diamond belay/rappel gloves and a Black Diamond Vector helmet to protect my noggin.

The post What’s In Our Camera Bags – 2019 Edition appeared first on Red Dot Forum.

Scroll through or click to quick links below.

• Kirsten – Leica CL
• Peter- Leica Q and M Monochrom
• Colin – Leica SL
• David – Leica S
• David – Leica M10
• Juliana – Leica D-Lux and X-U
• Josh – Leica SL
• Luis – Leica M

Kirsten – Leica CL

Kirsten Vignes has been a Leica Specialist with Leica Store Miami since 2012. She's originally from Minnesota, but much prefers the sunshine and warmth of South Florida. Kirsten loves photography, which she studied at Rochester Institute of Technology, graphic design, traveling the world, movies with mythical creatures, chasing non-mythical creatures (birds) and, of course, coffee. Read some of Kirsten's articles here.

Camera

For the past couple years, my travel setup has been the Leica Q, either solo, or accompanied by an M with a 50mm. But lately, my go-to camera has been the Leica CL. The CL is incredibly compact and offers a variety of lenses, and at 24 MP, I’m not sacrificing resolution.

My staple lens for the CL, is the 35mm Summilux-TL f/1.4 (50mm equiv.). I can’t live without a 50mm, and the Summilux-TL gives the equivalent full-frame 50mm’s a run for their money in terms of sharpness and bokeh. The second lens is the 11-23mm Super-Vario-Elmar-TL. This is a lens that took a while to grow on me as I’m generally not into zoom lenses. The 11-23mm is sharp at every focal length and shows minimal distortion at even the widest angle. At 11mm (18mm equiv.) I can shoot architecture and landscapes, then zoom into 23mm (35mm equiv.) and jump right into street photography. If I were to bring a third lens, it would be the 60mm Macro-Elmarit-TL (90mm equiv.). It’s great for focusing on little details as well as portraits and close-distance wildlife. 

Bag

I use the Kate by Oberwerth. As a woman, I like a camera bag that can double as a purse, or vice versa. The removable camera insert makes it easy to transform from a functional camera bag to a stylish everyday carry-all. See my full video review on the Kate here.

Binoculars

Call me a nerd, but I rarely leave the house without a pair of binoculars. I don’t think people realize how incredibly useful a pair of compact binoculars is when traveling.  From museums and architecture to nature and cityscapes, binoculars lets you get a better look at the world. I like the Leica 10×25 or 8×20 Ultravid BCR Compact Binocular for a super slim pair, or the the Leica Ultravid 8×32 HD-Plus Binocular for a full-size pair that doesn’t sacrifice too much space in your bag. 

Tripod

“The best camera is the one you have with you.” I think this common phrase could easily be applied to tripods as well. If a tripod is too large or heavy, it’s going to spend more time in the hotel room than out in the field with me. I’ve been using the Sirui 025x for several years, and it’s traveled with me all over the world. With a folded length of 12 inches and weighing only 2 pounds, I can easily fit it in my Kate.

Extras

I usually travel with two extra batteries per camera. I never know how many outlets a hotel room is going to have or how much time I’ll have to charge up. Better safe than sorry. A little trick for Leica Q and CL owner's: the Leica V-Lux (Typ 114) takes the same battery, the BP-DC 12. The charger that comes with the V-Lux is cordless, using a flip down prong instead. Pick up a V-Lux charger, eliminate a cable and save space in your bag.

My CL sports an Arte di Mano half case. It not only protects my camera, it adds grip, making the camera feel more secure in my hand.

I store my memory cards in a Think Tank SD Pocket Pixel. It allows me to hold up to nine SD cards and I can clip it to a buckle or loop within my bag so I don’t lose track of it. 

Tip

Pick small, flexible straps. You can wrap them around your lens or camera body and save on space in your bag (right). Some of my favorite straps are Arte di Mano’s Comodo and Waxed Cotton straps, as well as Artisan & Artist’s ACAM312N and ACAM301N braided silk straps.

Browse Kirsten's Bag

Peter – Leica Q & M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Peter Dooling heads up the Leica Store Miami Photo Workshops program, planning and leading workshops around the globe. When he's not helping people improve their photography in exotic destinations, he's spending time with his family and taking his adorable Golden-doodle Sam for long walks in the woods. Peter used to live in Miami, but now resides in Carrboro, NC, where they have all four seasons, and hills. 

Cameras

My favorite cameras for travel photography are the Leica Q (Typ 116) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246). I love the combination of color and black and white points of view. The Q comes with an amazing 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens attached, which is great for street and travel photography. For a change of pace, I can shift to macro mode for detail shots and closeups. The autofocus is lightning quick and accurate, which makes it a great tool when you’re on the move. On the Monochrom, I like the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH because of its diminutive size and the sharp, punchy images it produces. The Monochrom never ceases to amaze me; it resolves so much detail for a camera its size. As my friend Richard Sexton says, “It’s like a pocket 4×5.”

Bag

I’ve been using the ONA Bowery for years. It’s very small, easy to carry, and has quick access to everything I need. The Bowery doesn’t look like a camera bag, which is exactly what you want when you’re traveling. The waxed canvas construction looks great, repels rain, and the strap is very comfortable.

Strap

I have been preaching about the benefits of the Artisan & Artist ACAM E25R Easy Adjust Straps to anyone who’ll listen. They are truly function-over-fashion straps, but in my opinion, nothing beats them for run-and-gun photography. This strap might as well be welded on to my Q because I never take it off. There is a quick cinching mechanism that allows you to tighten the camera close to your body when you’re not taking pictures. That way, the camera doesn’t bounce around while you’re on the go. I also like the Artisan & Artist 312N Silk Neck Strap on the Monochrom. It's a beautiful strap that’s incredibly soft and super easy to wrap around your wrist while shooting.

Thumbs Up

The Thumbs Up EP-SQ and the Thumbs Up EP-10S- Black never come off of my cameras. These little pieces of metal are my favorite accessories for rangefinder-style Leica bodies like the Q and the Monochrom. Because these cameras lack a grip for your forefingers, they require a fair amount of pressure to hold them. Using a Thumbs Up allows your thumb to carry the majority of the camera’s weight, which really helps with hand fatigue when you’re out shooting all day. As an added bonus, their small dimensions don’t add much size or weight to the camera.

Color Filters

I really like using color filters with the Monochrom. They transpose color values to shades of grey, which can improve your images at the time of capture. The use of a Leica orange filter, for example, will darken a blue sky to give your image a more dramatic look.

Extras

I always bring an extra battery or two (Monochrom & Q) when I travel because I never want to miss a shot. I also like to bring the Plug Adapter (Angled) and the 1 Foot Power Cord for Battery Chargers to save space when I travel. The indispensable Leica Microfiber Lens Cloth is always in my bag to clean my lens, viewfinder and LCD.

Tips

Only carry what you need. I used to feel like I would miss out on a shot if I didn’t bring every lens in my kit. Now I try to limit my choices and bring the bare necessities. This allows me to really get to know different lenses and focus on my surroundings.

Browse Peter's Bag

Colin – Leica SL

In his two years at Leica Store Miami, Colin McKinley has been bitten hard by the Leica bug. A recent graduate of the University of Miami's Frost School of Music in Media Production, Colin is a talented sound engineer. But don't overlook his photography and videography skills. He blends his two creative worlds seamlessly by producing music videos and photographing artists and bands. Outside his professional work, Colin loves landscape and street photography, which he does during his frequent travels. 

Camera

My camera of choice is the Leica SL, usually paired with the outstanding 24-90mm zoom lens. I also like to carry a fast prime lens, in this case a 50mm Summilux-R with an R-to-L adapter, and an SF-40 Flash unit for professional work.

For my personal work, I love to shoot on my old Leica M3. I usually shoot with 50mm lenses, so the M3’s 0.91x finder is a real treat to use.

Bag

The Camps Bay backpack from ONA goes with me everywhere. It is extremely well-made, has enough space for both my digital and analog camera systems, and can still hold my 15” Macbook Pro and all the accessories that go with it: charger, external drives, headphones, etc.  I also appreciate the discrete, understated design; I feel safe carrying my expensive gear in a bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag.

Strap

I tried so many camera straps before I finally arrived at Peak Design.  The PD “Slide” camera strap is a perfect match for the SL. It is versatile, extremely strong, and the unique quick-release anchor system makes it easier than ever to quickly switch over to a wrist strap.

Binoculars

If you’ve never had the pleasure of looking through Leica’s world-class binoculars or scopes, I highly recommend checking them out. The 8×32 Ultravid HD+ binoculars make for a perfect travel companion, thanks to their light weight and compact dimensions.

Tripod

The Sirui A-1205 is a fantastic carbon-fiber tripod to bring with you when traveling.  It is compact and lightweight, but strong enough to keep the SL stable in fair weather conditions.

Extras

I like to bring the Leica SD Card Holder to carry my extra cards.  This travel-friendly accessory is crafted from high-quality leather that is soft to the touch, and is available in two colors.

Tips

There is an L-bracket Baseplate for the SL made by Really Right Stuff (RRS), which works extremely well with the Peak Design Strap.  If you attach the Slide strap to the strap lug on the baseplate instead of the normal strap lug on the top corner of the camera, the SL will hang vertically, with the lens resting securely on your leg.

Browse Colin's Bag

David – Leica S

David Farkas is a self-admitted Leica junkie and an avid photographer since he was seven years old. He owns and operates Leica Store Miami in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida with his wife Juliana. David has years of experience shooting with just about every Leica camera and lens made within the last few decades. He loves exploring far-flung landscapes as much as discovering a new city, as long as he's got a camera in hand. Check out David's camera reviews, technical articles and show reports here.

Camera

This is my serious landscape kit, so the Leica S (Typ 007) does all the heavy lifting. With 15.5 stops of dynamic range, a 37.5 MP medium format sensor and a rugged body, I depend on the S to capture all the grandeur nature has to offer. For lenses, I like to cover a wide variety of subjects, so I carry more than I should. In the bag are the 24, 30, 45, 70 and 120 S lenses. I absolutely love the color and detail from this system and the ergonomics and weather sealing let me work in everything from darkness to pouring rain with ease.

Bag

Like my colleagues, I've gone through so many different bags over the years, in search of “the one.” I recently replaced my old Kata Bumblebee photo backpack with the MindShift rotation180° Professional 38L and really like it. This bag really hits a lot of the right notes. It's spacious enough for me to fit an S and five lenses, along with my filter kit, various tools, snacks and extra layers. The straps have ample padding and even fully loaded, doesn't leave me with sore shoulders or a stiff back.

The MindShift is designed with many elements of backpacking packs, such as stash pockets for a rain jacket, hip pockets for quick access items like batteries or tools, substantial waist straps to transfer the load to your hips, a gear loop for attaching carabiners, and even pocket for a full 2 liter hydration bladder. The bag also has a neat trick, which is that the bottom section of the backpack, the one on the waist belt, swings around 180 degrees like a fanny pack, allowing me to access lenses without having to remove the whole pack. This is great when I'm hiking a trail and need to swap my wide out for a tele and don't want to slow my pace.

Cleaning

Shooting in the filed and changing lenses as often as I do is a recipe for a dusty sensor. I use a Giottos Q Ball Blower Bulb as a first line of defense, blowing dust and filaments off the sensor. If I still have stubborn dust at the end of the day, I'll use the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit to give it a more thorough cleaning. And I always have at least one or two Leica lens cloths to keep lenses and filters sparkling.

Tripod

My number one, can't leave home without it accessory is my trusty Gitzo GT3543XLS 3-Series Systematic tripod with Relly Right Stuff BH-55 ball head and RRS Panning Clamp Adapter. The tripod is a monster, capable of standing 7 feet tall fully extended and holding up to some nasty wind. I've taken it all around the world, submerging it in oceans, rivers, lakes, mud, dust, you name it. And to mount the camera, I use a Really Right Stuff L-bracket for the S. This allows me to go vertical without needing to tilt the ball head over, creating a much more stable platform over the center of gravity. Works like a charm for shooting panoramas as well.

Filters

I also take along a full filter kit for landscape photography, which includes B+W circular polarizing filters in E72 and E82, a Schneider 4″ filter holder, 4-stop and 6-stop Schneider Platinum IRND filters, and 4-stop Schneider GND filters in both hard and soft edge. If you want to read more about filters and how I use them, check out my article here: Essential Filters for Landscape Photography

Power and Memory Cards

Of course, I make sure to carry two extra batteries for the S along with the Pro Charger and 1-foot cord. The Pro Charger lets me charge two batteries at the same time, which is great when you only have a few hours to sleep before catching the next sunrise. Two batteries can get me through a really full day, so the third battery is really just insurance. And if the trip takes me outside the US, I have a mains power adapter plug. To make sure I have enough space to capture a full trip's worth of image, I carry four 64GB Transcend 600x SDXC cards in my ThinkTank Pixel Pocket Rocket case.

Tools

My head lamp gets used quite often. After shooting until last light following a sunset, you can quickly find yourself alone, having to negotiate a bumpy trail in the dark. It's nice to have light. I've even used it for light painting in a pinch. Along the lines of preparation, I always carry a Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool, a multi hex wrench, a small roll of electrical tape, a climbing carabiner and myCharge phone juice pack. You can fix almost anything with this combo, from torn pants to a broken tripod leg and keep your phone charged for days.

Extra Layers

Lastly, even on the nicest of days, my trusty Arc'teryx Beta AR technical shell gets rolled up and tucked in the front pocket of my backpack in case the weather turns nasty. If there is a chance of things cooling off, I'll also add in my Arc'teryx Cerium LT light down jacket. This combo, as part of a solid layering system, lets me take full advantage of the beauty of dramatic weather without having to suffer as a result of it. Read more here: What to Wear: The Definitive Clothing Guide for Landscape Photography

Tips

Besides being prepared for the weather, by taking along lightweight technical layers, always make sure to have a packet of single-use hand warmers in your bag. For those times you find yourself with frozen hands, something so small can make such a huge difference.

My 24oz Hydroflask is awesome for either keeping water cold, or coffee hot for hours on end. Nothing beats having some nice hot coffee when you're standing in the freezing cold, waiting for the light. I also make sure to take a couple snacks with me, to keep my energy level up and hunger at bay. I would always rather get the shot of a lifetime than have to stop shooting just to have a meal. Granola trail mix, nuts, or an energy bar are easy to fit in the bag and eat on the go.

Browse David's S-System Bag

David – Leica M10

Camera

For travel and urban photography, the Leica M10 is hard to beat. Compact size, big performance. And it just puts a smile on my face every time I go out and shoot with it. The M10 becomes an extension of me as I wander around a new city. For lenses, I try to balance coverage, speed and weight. On the wide side, for interiors and architecture, I love the 18mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH and the 24mm Elmar-M ASPH. Compact and bitingly sharp. My most used lens is my 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH. Such a perfect travel companion. When I go out to dinner when traveling, I'll often just take the M10 and 35 Lux with no bag. For portraits and details, I rely on the exceptional 50mm APO-Summicron-M and my trusty 90mm Elmarit-M.

Bag

There is nothing fancy about my Think Tank Retrospective 7 in black. It's understated and as basic as it gets. But I love it's functionality. Plenty of room for my kit, super lightweight, very comfortable padded strap, and a good amount of pockets. Gotta have pockets.

Cleaning

I change lenses fairly regularly, so dust can be an issue. The Eyelead Sensor Cleaning kit works great on the easily accessible M10 sensor. For lenses, I've always got a Leica Lens Cloth in my pocket.

Power and Memory

As always, I'm a big believer in carrying extra batteries and a charger in your bag. I've been in situations where the shooting has been so good that I've drained two batteries before lunch. Usually, you can find an outlet in most restaurants or cafes, so I'll pop a battery on to charge while I eat a bite or get a coffee. The 1-foot short cord takes up much less space in the bag.

For memory cards, I have one 64GB Transcend 600x SDXC in the camera and one extra in my pocket. Even with my heavy shooting, two cards will usually cover me for a good week of travel.

EVF

While some purists might disagree, I love using the Visoflex 020 EVF on the M10. Focusing and composing become much more precise. By flipping it up 90 degrees, I can use it like a waist level finder, which is much more discreet on the street.

Extras

In urban environments, there are many more opportunities to grab a bite, an espresso, a gelato, etc. So, I don't typically fill my bag up with snacks or water. That being said,  I will usually throw in an energy bar just in case.

I tend to rely on my phone when traveling, pulling up maps, looking for cafes, checking travel plans, using Google translate, etc., so I make sure to carry a rechargeable juice pack to keep the phone topped up. My favorite is the myCharge, which has flip-out prongs for charging and built-in cords for iPhone and Android.

My Sennheiser PXC 550 Bluetooth Noise Cancelling headphones are great for  listening to music. Or just eliminating the background rumble  while on a train or airplane. The rechargeable battery last for days, and I can always give it a quick boost from the myCharge.

Lastly, I sometimes carry an emergency wind/rain shell. Folded up into its own pocket, the Arc'teryx Squamish hoody only weighs a few ounces but can be a lifesaver if the wind picks up and temperatures drop. For places with big temperature swings between day and night, or sunny and shady, I will clip my Arc'teryx Cerium LT down jacket in its stuff sack to the outside of the bag.

Tips

M lenses are compact and most camera bags are usually designed for larger lenses. Use the OP/TECH back-to-back M caps to stack two Leica M lenses to fit into one standard lens slot in your bag. I carry two for my standard M kit, meaning I have the 35 Lux on the body, and two stacked lens combos, the 18+24 and the 50+90 in the Retrospective 7.

Browse David's M-System Bag

Juliana – Leica D-Lux and X-U

Juliana loves documenting her various adventures and travels taken with family and friends. She considers herself to be less a photographer who travels, and more a traveler who takes pictures. Having grown up in the American Southwest, she loves hiking, climbing and spending time in the outdoors. She also enjoys traveling abroad, exploring new destinations and checking out sites from her Atlas Obscura.  

Cameras

The Leica D-Lux 109 is my standard go-to when traveling. A nice combination of simplicity and flexibility, the D-Lux is capable both outdoors in full light as well as in low light situations thanks to its large M4/3 sensor and fast f/1.7 lens. The camera is compact and light, so I don't feel weighed down when I'm out and about. To keep a good, one-handed grip on the camera, I like to use the Arte Di Mano half case. And the red rope strap included with the new D-Lux Explorer Set is comfortable and soft, not to mention stylish.

Although not as feature-rich as the D-Lux, the Leica X-U is a pure adventure camera. If I'm planning an outing to the beach, or expecting inclement weather while traveling, I love the peace of mind I get by taking the X-U. Fully weather sealed, shock resistant, and submersible up to 50ft, the X-U can keep up with me on most undertakings. I recently carried it while canyoneering in Utah and didn't have to fuss with putting it in, and taking it out, of a dry bag every time we encountered a water obstacle in the slot canyons, nor did I have to worry about mud, sand or grit on the trail. For sailing on the lake, snorkeling, or other deep water activities, Leica makes a floating strap so you don't have to worry about the camera becoming sunken treasure. Usually, though, I have the Leica Neoprene Outdoor Wrist Strap on the X-U, which keeps it secure and close at hand.

Binoculars

I recently started carrying binoculars with me everywhere! I never realized how often I wished I could see something in the distance and the Leica Trinovid HDs in 8×32 offer just the right balance of magnification, brightness and size. They're are perfect to have to have when hiking the mountains, trekking in the city, sailing, climbing or just being a passenger on a road trip.

Bag

The Artisan & Artist* ACAM 7100 is fantastic for my travel kit. It features very durable cotton canvas construction which is much lighter weight than other leather bags the same size. I also don't have to worry about the bag getting wet as I would with a leather bag. The Artistan bag has plenty of  space and extra pockets to fit everything I need, and the wide carrying strap just gets more comfortable with age.

Extras

I keep a lens cloth in my bag at all times for keeping the LCD and lens clean. And, since I prefer to carry only one bag at a time, my camera bag also does double duty as a purse for carrying my ID, credit cards and cash.  In this case the Leica SD and Credit Card Holder comes in very handy. Extra batteries for the D-Lux and X-U makes sure I'm not out of juice mid-adventure. 

Tips

The D-Lux Explorer Set also comes with an auto-cap. If you've got the regular version of the D-Lux, make sure to pick up one of these caps. It automatically opens when you turn the camera on and self-closes when you turn it off. This protects the lens and you never have to worry about losing the lens cap.

To clean the X-U after a bout with salt water or a sandy beach, rinse the camera for around ten minutes in a bucket filled with cool tap water. Of course, make sure the camera is completely dry before you open up the battery/SD access door.

Browse Julie's Bag

Josh – Leica SL

Josh Lehrer has been with Leica Store Miami since 2010 and is as obsessed with Leica as he is with fast cars and his Golden Retriever, Enzo. He particularly enjoys obscure and vintage Leica gear and is probably the only person to use the Leica S for photographing car shows. Learn more about Josh here.

Camera

In my world, the perfect setup is the Leica SL with the 24-90 and 90-280mm lenses. For my automotive photography, I love the compression of space when working at the long end of the 90-280 and how it allows me to isolate small details. The lens is razor-sharp wide open and image stabilization is always there to keep my shots steady. The 24-90 comes in handy when I am in a tight spot or when I am looking to incorporate some landscape shots. You'll notice I don't carry lens hoods. If you ask me, they just get in the way!

Bag

The ONA Brixton is perfect for me. It fits the SL with the two zoom lenses, plus all my accessories, while still maintaining a low profile since it looks like a classy messenger bag. The big interior pocket is perfect for documents and spare memory cards too. You can even re-wax the canvas if you want to refresh the look after a few years of use.

Filters

To save me time when I swap between the two zoom lenses, I carry an 82mm polarizer for each one. In my kit is one B+W 82mm F-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC Filter (which has a bit tighter feel to the ring that I prefer on the 24-90 so it does not adjust by accident) and one Leica E82 Circular Polarizer  (which is a bit looser than the B+W to adjust) that I use on the 90-280.

Cleaning

To keep my gear clean, I employ a few handy tools. First and foremost is my trusty Leica microfiber lens cloth for cleaning LCD screens (and my glasses). A Giottos Q Ball Blower Bulb gets surface dust off lenses, filters and the SL’s sensor. When the sensor needs a bit more attention, that’s when I’ll give it a deeper cleaning with the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit.

Extras

Since I can’t stand the long, unwieldy power cable you get with the SL, I’ve always got a 1 Foot Power Cord with me for the battery charger. The Think Tank – SD Pixel Pocket Rocket keeps all my SD cards organized and I can keep a business card in there too (with spare cards tucked into a side pocket of the Brixton). My keys, flashlight and pen find homes in the other pockets around the bag, and I’ll usually keep the spare SL battery in my pants pocket for quick access.

Tips

Really Right Stuff makes a fantastic L-bracket for the SL, which makes tripod use far easier and gives you a secondary attachment point if you prefer a hand strap over my Arte di Mano Sughero Neck Strap. I always keep a few extra bag dividers at the bottom of the Brixton, which not only provide additional protection for my gear but also allow me to change how the bag is laid out depending on what I may be bringing along with me that day!

Browse Josh's Bag

Luis – Leica M

Luis Mora has been with Leica Store Miami for 3 years and a Leica photographer for more than a decade. A little more than obsessed with analog photography and vintage cameras, he's especially fond of his M6 and 40mm Summicron-C. See some of Luis' work here. In addition to being a gifted photographer, Luis is also a talented graphic artist, who designs Red Dot Wear, Leica Store Miami's line of Leica-focused apparel and accessories. 

Camera

I like simplicity, sometimes having too many options deters me from actually taking out my camera and shooting.  I usually carry two cameras with me, one lens per camera.  It takes the guessing game out of what gear I’m using and I can apply all that extra mental energy into my photography.  I carry around an M-P (Typ 240) with a 35mm Summicron and my trusty M6TTL with a 40mm summicron from 1973.

Bag

Tip

Browse Luis' Bag

The post What’s In Our Camera Bags appeared first on Red Dot Forum.

I think I might have been as guilty as anyone of disposable people pictures (meaning the pictures, not the people) until I started using Leica. Portrait time was measured by that exactly – time. How many pictures of this person or people can I cram in to my allotted fifteen minutes with them? I cared almost entirely about volume, and why not? With my DSLR it was Aperture Priority, point and click. Find a neat background and go!

These days I shoot all of my portrait sessions with my Leica M Typ 240. Why? It’s a lot easier to my Canon. Like I said, all of the major technical decisions are already made for me: I set the aperture and everything else is determined in camera, even proper focus. It is very easy to take pictures, and a lot of them in quick succession.

The answer to why Leica is now my primary choice for portraits comes in three parts.

1. There is the Potential for Absolute Perfection

When I hit a picture with my DSLR, it can be glorious, no doubt about it. In much the same way, when I don’t exactly nail it with my Leica, it is indistinguishable from my normal, run of the mill photos with any other camera. But when I nail it, I mean really, really nail it with my M, the photos are technically perfect. The sharpness, the clarity, the reach-into-the-print-and-touch-the-subject quality cannot be achieved with any DSLR I’ve ever owned, and I own a LOT of them .

I did my research when considering buying my Leica and many crusty old timers on forums bemoan the loss of the Leica specialness that used to be there back in the day as if this is some problem within Leica’s bodies or lenses. That they are too clinical, too flat, too whatever. No longer special.

That’s wrong. The truth is that the competition has caught up to the point that the great majority of pictures won’t be that different between a Leica user and a Nikon or Canon or Sony user. Average light, average location, and the picture is what it is, no matter what you used to take it. Most photographers can’t differentiate between good and bad conditions, so to them, there’s no difference. Average in, average out.

It’s the photo that comes along every other month or so where everything comes together just right – perfect light, background, moment, everything – and the Leica, in that instant, gives me the most accurate rendition of what is actually there. The Canon, bless its heart, will give me its best interpretation of reality; Leica gives me reality. Perfection.

2. It’s So Intimate

There are plenty of rewarding features for me as the photographer using Leica, not the least of which is the fact that it does literally nothing for me and the picture is what it is because I decided it would be so, from shutter speed to aperture to focus. It’s all me.

The most rewarding feature however, especially in portraiture, is rangefinder focusing. It’s very sad that it’s considered rude and creepy to walk up to random people and just stare into their eyes for a good solid 30 seconds because I can testify that it’s an incredibly intimate and beautiful moment in time. I know that sounds schmaltzy, but what can I say, it’s an experience.

In my pursuit of the aforementioned perfection, I try to achieve perfect focus every time. To do that when taking a picture of a person you have to try and get the focus 100% precise on the iris. This is incredibly difficult to do. 98% is no problem, but 100% at f/1.4 can be tricky to say the least. Trying to get it just so, moving the focus ring left, then right, then left, ever so slightly, just flat out total concentration . . . it can sound a little scientific and detached, and often it is. That’s sometimes just the subject’s fault for a plastic smile and dead eyes.

While taking portraits with my Leica, my breathing is always slow and steady and often stops completely right before I release the shutter. In that instant of total stillness it’s possible to inhabit that moment completely and without distraction.

The person who connects with you, steps out and in to inhabit that singular moment with you, THAT’S where the exhilaration comes from. Standing at the minimum focusing distance at 90mm (at f/2.0) and gazing directly into someone’s eye, trying to achieve perfection, and seeing them SEEING back is exposing that moment’s soul.

AND you get a photo of it to boot!

3. It’s Super Impressive

No one would accuse me of humility. My ego is well fed and quite fat. That being said, it’s relatively impossible to succeed as a wedding photographer without thinking you’re this incredible gift from the photo heavens. It’s too saturated, the competition is fierce and everyone in the world has a camera and a Facebook business page, so the edge you get from thinking you’re something special is an invaluable business advantage. So I think I’m something special, and it’s worked thus far.

When I show up to a portrait session with just my Leica, couples are always amazed at how discreet my camera is as opposed to the big rigs they’re used to seeing. At first I can sometimes tell they feel like they’re not getting their money’s worth because my setup is so unassuming, but once I start showing them what I’m doing with it, they fall in love. They brag about it to their friends and family, and when it appears on their wedding day random uncles will say “So THIS is the famous camera!”

More than anything, shooting with Leica has taught me what a portrait is; it’s not a picture taken quickly and forgotten. It’s a shared experience that defines exactly how that moment felt. It exposes the soul, and not just of the subject, but yours as well.

The post Exposing the Soul: Portraiture with the Leica M240 appeared first on Red Dot Forum.

How many of us would love to photograph perfect strangers, but the idea of talking to people, let alone taking their picture, seems impossible.  This series looks at situations around the world, where I have met complete strangers, taken their picture and walked away with more than a smile.

Last year, B&H Photo invited me to speak about the topic and when they reviewed my presentation, they were skeptical.  They did not know if a guide on photographing strangers would be that interesting…well after 132,000 YouTube views and counting it seems like there are a few people out there who would like to know how to do this more easily.  So, welcome to the new series “How to talk to Strangers” and we hope that it encourages you to get out there, take some pictures and make a few unexpected friends along the way.

Know thy Self

Before you attempt to photograph people, spend a few minutes reflecting on yourself.  When you travel, do you:

• Strike up conversations with the person next to you on a plane, at a bar or in a park?
• Do you smile or make eye contact with people on the street?
• Do you actually like people? (laugh if you will, but there are a lot of photographers who really don’t like new people)

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, things will be a lot easier for you as you endeavor to connect with your photographic subjects.

If you answered no to any questions, my suggestion is to make a conscious effort to work these behaviors into your non-photographic life.  It will get you in the habit of being comfortable with new people in a short period of time. If you genuinely don’t like people…well that one’s a bit more challenging to overcome. Smiling at people is great start, though – a waitress in a cafe, a checkout clerk at the store or just someone walking by in your neighborhood. Being friendly takes no time and can make someone else’s day.

The Challenge

For the sake of clarity, let’s set out a framework for the series so it is not confused with Street Photography or Portraiture.

Street Photography, social documentary, social realism…whatever we call it, is not what we are discussing here.  No one is giving brownie points for the picture being candid.  This is a learning experience and truthfully, I have NEVER met a gallerist, curator or editor that has even cared if a photo was “pure street.”  The concept is an invention of the Internet which we will not discuss here.

We will consider Portraiture any photograph which was arranged in advance with the intention of making a portrait.  It’s a great way to learn and something that may be useful to try, but for this series we will stick to the idea of walking up to someone on the street and being allowed to take their picture.  Allowed is the key word here.

The token sunset shot for the day

Dinara & Plamen in Florence

This past May, David Farkas and I were in Florence, Italy for a workshop we hosted.  Perched high above the city is the abbey of San Miniato al Monte.  It overlooks the Arno River and Brunalleschi’s dome and is the preferred spot to watch the sun set over the city below.  People gather, every night, to take the most important picture of the 21st century, The Selfie. Given the predictable nature of photographic subjects and the great end of day light, we headed up to the abbey one afternoon.

The ubiquitous selfie

While the light was fading, we saw a young couple on the wall in front of the abby.  He was doing what most boyfriends do, trying to take a picture of his girlfriend.  She was doing what most girlfriends do, rolling her eyes as he fussed to get just the right angle and setting on the camera.  These awkward exchanges happen at every sunset around the globe.  We decided that we might ease the obvious tension by asking, “Hey, would you guys like us to take a picture of you both?”  

What did they say? “Yes.”  

Why did they say yes?  Who knows exactly, but my best guess was that she was at the end of her patience and he was equally frustrated with the half smiles that girlfriends give when they no longer want their picture taken.

In effect, we were allowed to take a picture because we solved a problem for them.

Lesson 1:  Solve a problem for someone FIRST and ask to take their picture SECOND.

Once we were allowed to shoot, we asked Dinara and Plamen to sit in a few locations, gave a few instructions and they were happy to oblige.  After a few shots, Plamen decided that it might be easier for him to grab a few pictures while we were shooting, so we ended up just shooting Dinara.

Dinara 1

Lesson 2:  Ask for their names.

When we meet people, what were we taught to do?  Introduce ourselves, shake hands, bow…it all depends on the country and local customs, but photographers seem to forget their manners with a camera in hand.

There is nothing different about talking to strangers than there is to meeting a new client.  They want to know who are you, why are you there, and whether you are actually paying attention to them.  Here is how you can solve this problem, because it will happen every time you photograph someone new.

1. Introduce yourself, clearly.  If your name is complicated and has three hyphens, two middle names, and a royal prefix, just give them the short version.
2. Tell them why you want to take their picture. In this case, we said we were leading a photo course, and that was all they needed to hear.
3. Most importantly….REMEMBER their names.  A real test of whether someone is paying attention is if they remember your name.  Try this the next time you are out.  Introduce yourself and see how many names you can remember.

During college I used to do this for fun.  We would be out with friends and meet a group of girls.  While everyone was busy sizing up one another, I would listen and remember everyone’s name.  I can’t tell you how many people will be impressed if you remember their name.  Forget about being good looking, charismatic, or even a good photographer… all you need to do is pay attention. Why?

Because, it makes them feel special because most people introduce themselves simply as a precursor to them talking about themselves (Welcome to NYC.)

Dinara 2

Lesson 3: The follow up

While most of the photography world kicked and screamed with the introduction of digital cameras, they have two advantages that we did not have with film.  First, you can turn the camera around and show them their picture and secondly, you can email them a picture afterwards.  Sounds silly right?  If you can take a good picture of someone within a few minutes of meeting them, they will enjoy it…I guarantee you.

Once you finish shooting, exchange info or cards or whatever you have and send them your pictures as a thank you.  I try to do this with everyone I meet.  I can’t tell you how many times I see one of my pictures as a new Facebook profile picture.  And do I mind? No, not at all.  It is a fair exchange where everyone walks away feeling good about the situation.

Now go out and give it a try and see how you make out.

Everyone together after shooting

The post How to talk to Strangers: “The Couple” appeared first on Red Dot Forum.