Olympus Pen-F • Leica M9 • Fuji xPro2 • Fuji x30 • Leica MP240
Starting with the Leica M9… which, in my opinion, I think is THE BEST digital M-camera Leica's made — with regard to image rendering. Of course, the camera itself does have some technical drawbacks - like low light capability, LCD screen quality, and a few other things. But hands-down, I prefer the rendering from the M9 more than my Leica 240 — which I also love, for other reasons — like, it’s a bit more flexible to everyday photographic situations.
I should mention that I ONLY shoot SOOC jpegs, so "manufacturing" an image later in post is not something I take into consideration when comparing the two, as it's not part of my workflow. I'm strictly a "camera-based" photographer — not a "computer-based" photographer.
For the Leica, I have both the Leica 50mm Summilux f/1.4 (attached), the Leica 28mm Elmarit f/2.8, the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Classic SC, 40mm f/1.2, and the 21mm Color-Skopar and 35mm Ultron from their Vintage line . All these lenses fit all my other cameras via Novoflex M-adapters.
The Olympus Pen-F is, in my opinion, a hugely underrated camera. There are SO many features and details I love about this camera. In fact, I can easily say this is the most feature-packed camera I’ve ever used. I really need to write a dedicated review, and sing it's praises.
Aside from the Olympus 25mm f/1.8, I use all Leica-Panasonic glass on this one. The 15mm f/1.7 (forgot to include it in this shot!), the 8-18mm f/2.8—4 and the 42.5mm f/1.2.
For the Fuji xPro2 (Graphite Edition), I currently have the 23mm f/2 (not shown), and the 35mm f/2. This camera is just plain fun, with an amazing shutter sound, and is body & lens water-resistant. So, I’ll often use this one when I don’t wanna endanger my Leica M’s to weather or rough environments.
Also in the picture:
Gariz leather half-cases, Artisan & Artist and Gordy's Straps. Billingham bags in the background.
Fuji x30
While this camera has the smallest sensor of the group, it's in every other way a powerhouse! All the features of the x100, plus a fast, optical zoom lens, a tilting LCD, and two macro modes.
In case you're wondering... I put a piece of matt-black tape on the front of the camera, covering the model name, and evoking the look of an optical viewfinder. Looks better balanced this way, to me.
This is my go-to camera for bike rides.
Panasonic Lumix GX7 (sold)
Loved this camera.
This was the camera that got me started in the mirrorless system—and got me taking pictures again. Major points-of-difference... the tilting EVF. Fantastic. It really comes in handy when shooting at odd angles, and gives a surprisingly impactful change of viewpoint when using it looking straight down. The other key things about this camera (and the GX8) are the extremely well designed and organized menus, the buttons (some have different heights and shapes so you can differentiate them easier), and the REALLY useful filters/FX. Many of these mimic effects I used to do in the darkroom. It's pretty much the only way I shoot with this camera (and the GX8)—I rarely ever use the "standard" settings . I originally purchased it with the Leica 15mm f/1.7 lens. Perfection.
Fuji x100T (sold)
Ahhh.... my x100. A truly great camera. I sold it only because I wasn't using it as much, once I got the Leica and xPro2. But be warned, this camera is a gateway-drug… I ended up buying 2 Leica’s as a result. :-)
Panasonic GX8
GREAT camera. The images I create with this—in camera—are among my favorites, and singular among all the work I do. Still my go-to camera for video work, as well. And the EVF on this is fantastic. WAY better than the GX9.
—Note: By and large, all the images on this site are SOOC jpegs.