It has been a while since I tried out a manual rangefinder camera. I have become used to Leica SL, its stunning viewfinder and focus peaking to use my favorite lens. Rangefinder cameras have become a bit harder to use as my eyesight has started to lose its youthful vigor. The SL fits the bill for me. Nevertheless, folks from the Leica loaned me their new M10-Monochrome camera for a few days — and I have been taking photos around town with it.
Having briefly owned an earlier Monochrome, this camera gives me instant regret on why I sold that camera. The more I look at this camera’s results, the more I realize that converting color photos to B&W will never match the tonality and depth of a pure B&W digital Leica camera.
Here is a set of images from a visit to Brady Therapeutic Riding, a small family operation that is a wonderful charity supporting kids with special needs. They are a departure from my usual style and subjects, but don’t be surprised to see more such images.
These were made with Leica M-10 Monochrome & a Leica f2/50mm Summicron lens, one of the best from the German camera company. I adjusted brightness, blacks, and slight contrast on JPEG files from the camera.
February 7, 2021, San Francisco
