100% agree with everything you said. I really enjoy your videos and to be honest they are therapeutic for me when I don’t have the time to get out and shoot myself. The mental clarity you get when you devote some time to just you, a camera and somewhere to explore is profound.
Great video Jamie. I'm 77 now and started taking photos at 15 years old. In my mid twenties I was lucky to find out about Leicas' and I have used one on and off ever since. I think a lot of the critics who like to have a down on Leica cameras, are, sadly envious. I worked hard to get one and don't regret owning any of the ones that I've had. That includes the M2, M3, M4p, M6, Leica X and the Q. As you wisely point out, street photography offers something for all of us and it really is a wonderful way of unwinding.
@@terrywhitworth5350 I know many people who bash Leica for being too expensive but then have upgraded their systems every time a new version is released and I think surely you have spent more than the equivalent of a Leica system on this. I think people will just take offence to any system, the circles I move in Nikon gets a lot of bashing for being terrible camera systems, I've used them personally and professionally for years with no real issues, you just need to know your kit. Personally I don't think Leica cameras and the eco system on the whole is worth the cost BUT I am not arrogant enough to bash someone else's choice on how they spend their money, if you want to buy a Leica go for it, you only live once, enjoy it. I hope I'm still actively shooting at 77, having to downsize at 42 so may not be a good sign 😂
Don't worry about bringing up things that might come across negative for a minute: you only seem to be doing that to drive a point that's positive. Worth it if you ask me, I'm here for it. Love the ol'Gervais quote and would add one I find fitting this video, though less funny, from Kevin Mullins: "your photos don't have to be good, they just need to be important". Keep em coming man.
I started using an M11 for the first time a month ago for about 3 weeks straight. I must admit i didn't really like it at first because its all manual. However, I slowly learned to like it. especially when you learn how to use zone focus and take your time to take each shot. I managed to get my favourite shot in 2024 by shooting from the hip on the Leica! Its much more purposeful action to take a photo than a modern camera with AF. there's this satisfaction that you took the photo with a fully manual camera. There's so much more commitment to take a photo compared to just a point and shoot. Also the build quality on the M11 is amazing. Its a very heavy piece of camera equipment and feels so good using it in your hands. Quite a different experience.
@@linalbert very happy for you investing in that camera. What a joy. I couldn’t agree with you more on what you said either. Thanks for heading over to this channel. J
Yes. It's funny, I don't think of myself as a jumpy/spas person, but it took me quite a while to learn to slow down with photography. Deliberate pacing really is a learned trait. And it has added immeasurably to my photography experience. As for Leica hate, whatever. There is always someone who will hate you for literally anything you do... for example a modern Mother Theresa might be mocked for being a do-gooder, when in fact she was amazing. So I don't give two sh*ts what anybody thinks about my Leicas any more than I care what they think about anything else. And for perspective, I am actually a really nice guy who has never met a stranger. Ask me for help, I have all day to help. Tell me what to do, and good luck. I don't cover the Leica red dot. Would you cover your wife's beautiful face? Nope. I worked hard to become successful in business, which allowed me to buy nice things. I shall enjoy them. Everyone should.
@@jamie.dop_ I don't own the M11, just borrowed! haha. My brother suddenly wanted nice cameras and he got the M11 and the Hasselblad X2D! So I can have some fun with them as well by borrowing them from time to time.
There are definitions of Street Photography. I personally like the one in the Encyclopaedia Britannica. street photography, a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge. Street photographers do not necessarily have a social purpose in mind, but they prefer to isolate and capture moments which might otherwise go unnoticed.
As for me, I tend to just simply go with "private lives in a public space". However, I like the approach and definition cited here, especially as it brings in the idea of candid. Thanks for sharing.
Jamie, “You go out and you have a day with a camera and it allows you to put everything else down”. Wiser words are rarely uttered. I have never used a camera to earn a living but I have always used one to help me escape the world in which I did earn a living as a first responder. And now in retirement, the pleasure I take with a rangefinder up to my eye keeps memories I need to hold at bay right where they need to be. As you are well aware, I enjoy your videos and comment regularly. Sometimes when I can’t go out with my Leica’s your adventures are a great substitute for a busy mind. Cheers, Mark walkacrossitall on the web
@@mjcatto thanks as always Mark. Great words here. Said far better than I could ever articulate! Glad you get that same experience too. We are very lucky. Thanks again for your ongoing support. J
I love to see the young people embracing street photography and film.I will take my digitals out a lot more than my film cameras. Most likely because all my professional career was all film. All we had at the time. My Sinar and my Hasselblad were my cameras for the professional work. Now for my personal work all I use is Leica. People can hate me because of the camera I choose and it does not bother me. I have to say I really enjoy your videos, one of the best UA-camrs and photographer out there. Keep up the great stories, really enjoy them.
@@StephenPodrasky ahhh Stephen that’s very kind. Not so sure about that! Haha You’ve clearly had some wonderful cameras and glad you’re enjoying your post photography career with Leica! J
Lovin ya work (always) Jamie. It saddens me that people can't just celebrate the differences between us and just be more tolerant. I really enjoy your street walks and seeing how you capture your images. I hope you have a wonderful 2025 Jamie.
Great video! Awesome words✌🏻I love how you speak from the heart. You are one of my top favorite photographers and UA-cam channels to watch. Your words are always so inspiring. In the video of your project with the homeless really shows how sincere and kind you are. Keep up the great work! I look forward to your videos for inspiration, so fuck everyone else or the negative bunch. You just do you. Rock on homie!✌🏻
I 100% agree with you on being present. When I have my camera out, I look at everything around me. Regarding memories collected with my photos, I can look back at a photo and remember the place, the time, the smells, the color, the light, and the people.
@@JasonMoody glad you agree. Those memories are key! My favourite point to make and we are lucky to be able to collect them and look back. Cheers for taking the time to comment. J
Great video Jamie! Working in the creative industry is both rewarding and super demanding, but nothing beats getting out there and taking my own pictures. It’s so rewarding for the soul! Keep up the inspirational videos 😎
Totally agree! Well done. Beautiful photos (really, I've seen a lot of real garbage passed off as "street"). Hang in there, ignore the haters you're doing great work!
Happy New Year Jamie! Great video. I don’t see the beef - I do see the “opinion monkeys” circling deciding what is and what isn’t “street photography”. The greatest thing is that these are just opinions - not law. That maybe their thoughts but doesn’t make the image more or less relevant. People love to announce things on social media - but forget they don’t work in a train station and their announcement is less important than knowing when the 1015 from Kings Cross is leaving. Regarding gear. Surely it’s what makes you feel compelled to do the thing? If that’s a Canon 6D - cool! If it’s a Box Brownie - fab! I’ve seen amazing images captured in both. If having the gear that I like compels me to go out and do the thing - then it’s the right gear. I love your thoughts on film vs digital. I’ve found similar love with my M9M and M9. The screen sucks so waiting until I get home gives that suspense - but I can see the attraction of film. Still haven’t scratched that itch - yet.
@@paulhogden7454 Thanks Paul, another detailed and thought out comment from you. Some wonderful points here and was a pleasure to read. Got an M9M v M11M coming up in a few weeks. Love the images from both. As for film, the M9 is about as close as you can get without moving to analogue! Enjoy them. Wonderful cameras! J
Definition Street Photography: is not taking random pictures of people on the streets!! It is taking just that moment!! In your video there is a moment what could be described as a street photo :) Definition: "Street photography is photography conducted for art or inquiry that features unmediated chance encounters and random incidents within public places. It usually has the aim of capturing images at a decisive or poignant moment by careful framing and timing" And for Leica: you have to shoot Leica lenses full open to get that Leica look! See what Peter Karbe from Leica says on this. Stopped down the lens performance like a GM Sony, Canon or Nikon lens...
I have been shooting film since 2005. I started shooting ona nikon fm2 and just walking around. It didn't have a name to me then. I stopped shooting 35mm over 10 years ago and solely shot 120 and 4x5 for work and personal. I recently (month ago) got my first digital camera. An MP 240. I deliberately got this as the image quality was closer to my film work. I would use my mamiya 7II for any street work. But I have had an amazing time using 35mm / digital. I treat it like a film camera. I don't chimp, turn of the preview and just go out. The beautiful thing is I don't have to "think" so much and I don't have to worry about the final outcome of every image. Of course when I see something "special" my mind goes into multiple levels of looking. But it's been amazingly liberating. I will always use film but having the option to shoot digital hasn't changed my enjoyment or the quality of my work. It's just given me another way to create work.
I had an encounter last year at the photographers gallery where I had my micro four thirds Olympus Pen F plus my Panasonic Leica 25mm lens, and someone took a look at it, and I explained what it was, and as soon as I explained that it was a m43 camera he said it was just a toy, and that I should save up for a M11 like he had. I have to say that there is zero chance of me getting any Leica digital camera, but I don’t hate the people who are in a position to get one, or the camera. But I suppose there will always be jerks in any hobby. I have a big collection of Leica screw mounts, plus my M3, but I also love using my collection of Fuji and m43 cameras. It gives me an excuse to do something creative instead of over thinking and going through another doom spiral.
Should have responded to say it essentially does the same job at a fraction of the price and maybe you are the one with common sense. Hate Leica owners like this, I mean to be fair all brand fanboys are idiots. Leica aren't the 'best' cameras, it is a personal experience, I've owned them, they are nice but I prefer my Nikon and Fujifilm systems and think they are much better value. True story I was once criticised in a similar way for having a poor man's Leica in Fujifilm so I told him I would trade in, so a month or so later I told him I had picked up an M10 (I hadn't) and sent him some images I took with the M10 (or the Fujifilm X-T2 as it really was) his response was about how they looked so much better and I should have moved to Leica earlier. Utter moron. I never told him what I did but I kept it going for months and he would comment on my feed about how my images were much better since I had moved to Leica, no clue and sadly that's what fanboys are like. Never let anyone tell you that your system is inferior or that theirs is 'better' if it works for you, you can get results you are looking for and you enjoy using it then you have the best system there is.
@@leethirkellson hahaha this is classic. Great idea! So good. Yeah he sounds a muppet. Good on you for sticking with what you like and not following a crowd. I picked up the xt-20 last year and those colours are amazing! Love the look of it too. Makes me wanna pick it up. I don’t love Fuji menus but everything else is class!
@@crashcommander I grew up using M43 cameras and I would say the camera that propelled me into film and photography the most was the LUMIX GH5 and I’ll always remember that camera. Whatever works for you bud. Ignore the haters of any brand. Sounds like you got it on lock anyways and those people won’t affect you! J
Been shooting digital M rangefinders for years and I have to agree with you on shooting film. I sold everything and bought a brand new silver chrome Leica M-A as it’s going to be a heirloom camera for me, something a digital camera can’t do as electronics eventually break down and support for it stop (batteries, parts, etc) compared to a fully mechanical camera. Even if I wanted to get back into digital, with the current prices of digital, I got priced out and I’m not a fan of the direction of where Leica is going starting with the Leica M11.
@@TKim103 sounds like you’re all set my friend! Never seen an M-A in silver. Bet it’s lovely! Enjoy and hope you throw many rolls through it in 2025. J
Perhaps I should get my M6 back out. It's been in the cupboard for years. Then again so has my Hasselblad and Pentax 6x7. I have a rolliflex somewhere.
Nice one. And buddy those still images were all so good, it still amazes me what an average scene on your vlogging camera turns into when you point a Leica at it 😊
Preach it brother!!! Couldn’t agree with you more on these perspectives. BTW…It feels weired at times commenting on each of your vids. However…I just really dig them and try to do my part to help with the dreaded algorithms. FWIW
@@gayleruble6529 thanks so much. I’m sure it does help and I just like the conversation anyway and also the validation that it’s worth while making these videos in the first place so it really is appreciated :)
Great shoutout against the 'street-police', let everyone enjoy their own photography and give helpful advice where you can. Can't imagine going out with a film camera and no film though ... oh wait a minute, I did forget my SD card once! ☹
Agreed about the therapeutic effects of street photography, and film vs digital. On Leica hate, I also don’t get it… except just pure envy. That said, use what you have and get out there and shoot - that’s most important.
@@johnkasianowicz6536 so pleased you got it finally. Honestly John I was very touched by your email and I can’t thank you enough for purchasing the book. J
@ I showed your book webpage to someone who works at a non-profit organization that aids the homeless. She said she’ll order the book. I’ll see if she got around to it,
As a person who owns an M11-P and a Sony A7R V I would never say that the Leica is the best. I think use whatever you are most comfortable with. Why would anyone use a Leica for "the perfect picture" if the person does not know how it properly works. Also. The M11 Series has a pretty hefty magenta shift. I would not say it is perfect, but my preferred choice. Happy New Year. Also. Sorry. I think photography is an art and as such everyone will interpret their own ideas into it. Never let people pull you down, just because they are unhappy with their lifes. ❤
@@eugenheller4182 wise words, appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experiences. Not only helpful for just me but everyone. Enjoy you cameras and snap away! J
It honestly just feels like people want to hate on everything lately. Not sure what's been going on, but there's a ton of hate going on and it needs to stop.
Cracking video, makes total sense.... Im sure others have said the same but my view is its all subjective and it doesnt matter what others think. You are in it for your OWN art so l think its important to focus on that and not the noise... Keep it up sir and see you on the streets ;)
A valid reason behind the friction among photographers is partially caused by the efforts made by many to become visually proficient and not being retributed fairly. Bizarrely, several postmodern artists one day picked a camera up, messed around with it and got the gallery spotlights. In Liz Well's Photography Reader there is a remarkable chapter about such issue. And obviously, Im one of those that belongs to the former group. Lastly, if Leica made a Cartier Bresson (or Robert Capa) tribute model, rather than a Lenny Kravitz limited run, maybe it would be better perceived by many of us.
Yes. And how often are the simplest ideas the best: how have Leica NOT made a Cartier Bresson!? I don't need any more cameras but I would buy it out of respect and love for the art.
@@andreaxyz3959 This is an interesting point I hadn’t really thought about. I like it. I guess Leica did this because they wanted to appeal to a younger generation and I also agree with thinking that was pointless. We don’t need a Lenny or Greg Williams, we need the greats if anyone. Leica doesn’t need to compete with the modern cameras especially for their M range. They are classics, pieces of art and not just an AI driven piece of kit that practically takes the photo for you. Strong point here and I look forward to talking about this with others. J
@@jamie.dop_ Hi there, the appeal to younger generations is, indeed, what motivates the marketing strategists to come with these ideas. To be honest, I don't like the M range and I find it a bit of a clichè to say that your pictures will be better with a Leica; directly or indirectly, I know several Leica ambassadors and all say the same thing: a great piece of kit but nothing groundbreaking. Hence the need of Lenny Kravitz's glamour to propel the brand image. However, if I could afford one my model of choice would be the SL3.
@@greenbrightly I agree and thought I made that quite clear. Just saying that people hate on Leica where as I think it’s the best iv used and others love what they use so why hate? No one hates on a Rolex yet they all tell the time.
Quality Jamie I agree !! Why worry what some one else is doing of using , why they not more focused on there needs and creativity!! I’m looking in to film at the moment but going observe for a time , thank you great Channel proper content glad I found it 👍
I agree with film, i even had a desity meter, to measure my negatives. Spent hours in the darkeoom. Still got a couple of enlagers and my easel. I have been in my attic and found my Leica v35 enlager, it needs a bit of TLC though.
I just may get a couple of rolls, and bring back some old vibes. I may even run it through one of my screw fit Leicas. There was something about pulling the film from the developing tank. What was the shop by the old vic in London that sold paper and film ?. I wonder if it’s still open.
@@jamie.dop_definitely, it was a lot of work and very time consuming. But also exciting watching the print emerging on the paper. I use to make my own perceptol and ID11 and pyro. Went on a platinum printing course, even made salt prints, from pinhole camera negs. Even joined a black and white only photo club.
Leica film cameras are great, Leica digital are not as good as competitors, they haven’t got there yet. Leica primes are great but Leica have never made the best wide lenses. It’s all preference but some of the things you were saying were untrue and some things were on point. Maybe the hate comes because they are extremely over priced. Look at the d lux and the Q!! Enjoyed your vid 👍🫶
@@gavinhell4597 isn’t it odd how people don’t hate on Rolex yet they still just tell the time…? Leica isn’t better I agree actually, but it is different. Canon, Nikon and Sony are just carbon copies of each other that do the work for you. That’s more my point I guess. Thanks for sharing your opinions. Nice to hear them. J
Leica and Rolex are beautiful engineering but they are for certain people in certain circumstances. People always gonna hate 🤦♂️ I don’t actually like rangefinder cameras as my ‘go to’ camera but the Leica profile, build and astetics are so damn beautiful imo
jamie i agree with you there is a lot of jealousy out there in photograghy i have wondered why but im the same camera up to the eye then everything leaves your mind bliss i see you have the same surname as myself are your family from scotland
That part where he says "let's not be stupid, the Leica is going to be better." I'm still not sure if he was being sarcastic or not. But really the end result is subjective. It's about the process of capturing that image. Some may like getting it with auto everything vs manual. Also, I didn't realize there was a beef within street photography. To me street photography is anything that you capture as it happens. What street isn't is when you stage a portrait shot and call it "street photography" like those damn TikTockers. 🤣 I'm not hating on them, but pls just call it a street portrait my guy. 🤣
@@IDaumI well said and yes… that comment was just to sit in peoples minds a little and make them want to get stuck in to debate otherwise these videos can fall away and I don’t learn anything from you all in the comments! Thanks for watching. Appreciate it. J
@@WilsonGomez was more commenting on those who are negative. Shame you saw it that way. Glad you’ve shown the type of person I was talking about. Thanks for making it easy for the rest of us
4:35 let's stop right there cause you are full of shit, Leica is not quite up to date technology wise, it doesn't have the best quality, whatever that means. I started to look to many Leica videos recently and what I notice is that Leica users look like snobs to be honest, probably from here the hate, I didn't knew they were hated though
There are objective and subjective measures of camera and lens quality. Subjectively, I prefer Leica cameras because they are generally simpler (very few buttons on the exterior, and straightforward menu system). Objectively, I found that the way Leica had sensors built for them (thinner cover glass, custom microlens arrays) makes a substantial and positive image quality difference (at least compared to my Canon EOS 6D). I don’t think Jamie was using a broad brush here. I suspect if you ask him which camera system is better for wildlife or fast action sports photography, he might suggest a brand other than Leica (because its AF is not the fastest and it doesn’t produce long AF telephoto lenses). I also like the look and feel of Leica kit and now have 7 Leica cameras and ~ 38 Leica lenses. That said, if I wanted to do wildlife photography, while I’d use my Leica SL3 with either a Leica AF 100-400 zoom (+ 1.5x extender) or a manual focus Leica 280 mm R lens (+ 1,4x extender) I’d prefer to lean harder on a Nikon mirrorless camera and a high-end Nikon 600 mm telephoto lens. Other brands might be better than Leica for this purpose as well.
@@johnkasianowicz6536 bang on as always John! Well said. If I was shooting fast moving subjects or subjects far away then Sony and Nikon seem to be the choice for those users. The beauty is… we know why we love Leica and that’s what matters and makes us shoot more! Has your book arrived? J
100% agree with everything you said. I really enjoy your videos and to be honest they are therapeutic for me when I don’t have the time to get out and shoot myself. The mental clarity you get when you devote some time to just you, a camera and somewhere to explore is profound.
@@jeffreywjpn you’re spot on and thank you for your kind words. Glad you feel that way! J
Great video Jamie. I'm 77 now and started taking photos at 15 years old. In my mid twenties I was lucky to find out about Leicas' and I have used one on and off ever since. I think a lot of the critics who like to have a down on Leica cameras, are, sadly envious. I worked hard to get one and don't regret owning any of the ones that I've had. That includes the M2, M3, M4p, M6, Leica X and the Q.
As you wisely point out, street photography offers something for all of us and it really is a wonderful way of unwinding.
@@terrywhitworth5350 well said Terry! You should know after such a long career with photography. Impressive. Good on you. J
@@terrywhitworth5350 I know many people who bash Leica for being too expensive but then have upgraded their systems every time a new version is released and I think surely you have spent more than the equivalent of a Leica system on this. I think people will just take offence to any system, the circles I move in Nikon gets a lot of bashing for being terrible camera systems, I've used them personally and professionally for years with no real issues, you just need to know your kit. Personally I don't think Leica cameras and the eco system on the whole is worth the cost BUT I am not arrogant enough to bash someone else's choice on how they spend their money, if you want to buy a Leica go for it, you only live once, enjoy it. I hope I'm still actively shooting at 77, having to downsize at 42 so may not be a good sign 😂
Just bought a M6 yesterday from Red Dot Cameras, perfect video. My first Leica. Thanks Jamie
@@davidberry2410 yes David! Class, glad you have one and jealous you have that whole experience ahead of you. Enjoy it and speak soon. J
Don't worry about bringing up things that might come across negative for a minute: you only seem to be doing that to drive a point that's positive. Worth it if you ask me, I'm here for it. Love the ol'Gervais quote and would add one I find fitting this video, though less funny, from Kevin Mullins: "your photos don't have to be good, they just need to be important". Keep em coming man.
@@thenosyhungarian that’s great man. Lovely quote. Thanks for sharing. J
I started using an M11 for the first time a month ago for about 3 weeks straight. I must admit i didn't really like it at first because its all manual. However, I slowly learned to like it. especially when you learn how to use zone focus and take your time to take each shot. I managed to get my favourite shot in 2024 by shooting from the hip on the Leica! Its much more purposeful action to take a photo than a modern camera with AF. there's this satisfaction that you took the photo with a fully manual camera. There's so much more commitment to take a photo compared to just a point and shoot. Also the build quality on the M11 is amazing. Its a very heavy piece of camera equipment and feels so good using it in your hands. Quite a different experience.
@@linalbert very happy for you investing in that camera. What a joy. I couldn’t agree with you more on what you said either. Thanks for heading over to this channel. J
You will be fine once you get used to its limitations.
Yes. It's funny, I don't think of myself as a jumpy/spas person, but it took me quite a while to learn to slow down with photography. Deliberate pacing really is a learned trait. And it has added immeasurably to my photography experience. As for Leica hate, whatever. There is always someone who will hate you for literally anything you do... for example a modern Mother Theresa might be mocked for being a do-gooder, when in fact she was amazing. So I don't give two sh*ts what anybody thinks about my Leicas any more than I care what they think about anything else. And for perspective, I am actually a really nice guy who has never met a stranger. Ask me for help, I have all day to help. Tell me what to do, and good luck. I don't cover the Leica red dot. Would you cover your wife's beautiful face? Nope. I worked hard to become successful in business, which allowed me to buy nice things. I shall enjoy them. Everyone should.
@ this is a solid solid comment and I like the way you talked about the red dot! Great. Thanks for that :)
@@jamie.dop_ I don't own the M11, just borrowed! haha. My brother suddenly wanted nice cameras and he got the M11 and the Hasselblad X2D! So I can have some fun with them as well by borrowing them from time to time.
There are definitions of Street Photography. I personally like the one in the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
street photography, a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge. Street photographers do not necessarily have a social purpose in mind, but they prefer to isolate and capture moments which might otherwise go unnoticed.
@@peterd1332 YES! Love this. Thanks for sharing
As for me, I tend to just simply go with "private lives in a public space". However, I like the approach and definition cited here, especially as it brings in the idea of candid. Thanks for sharing.
@ that’s a gooden. Simple and effective. So often less is more and that quite does just that!
Jamie,
“You go out and you have a day with a camera and it allows you to put everything else down”. Wiser words are rarely uttered.
I have never used a camera to earn a living but I have always used one to help me escape the world in which I did earn a living as a first responder. And now in retirement, the pleasure I take with a rangefinder up to my eye keeps memories I need to hold at bay right where they need to be. As you are well aware, I enjoy your videos and comment regularly. Sometimes when I can’t go out with my Leica’s your adventures are a great substitute for a busy mind.
Cheers,
Mark
walkacrossitall on the web
@@mjcatto thanks as always Mark. Great words here. Said far better than I could ever articulate! Glad you get that same experience too. We are very lucky. Thanks again for your ongoing support. J
I love to see the young people embracing street photography and film.I will take my digitals out a lot more than my film cameras. Most likely because all my professional career was all film. All we had at the time. My Sinar and my Hasselblad were my cameras for the professional work. Now for my personal work all I use is Leica. People can hate me because of the camera I choose and it does not bother me. I have to say I really enjoy your videos, one of the best UA-camrs and photographer out there. Keep up the great stories, really enjoy them.
@@StephenPodrasky ahhh Stephen that’s very kind. Not so sure about that! Haha
You’ve clearly had some wonderful cameras and glad you’re enjoying your post photography career with Leica! J
@@jamie.dop_ I will also say. If any does not have your book "If nothing Changes" they are really missing out. A wonderful book.
@ haha too kind. Thanks pal
Love this style of video - walking talking - and love the conviction you have in sharing your point of view
@@redfoxash thanks pal, find it can be a bit stale just sat behind a desk. Each to their own though hey! J
Lovin ya work (always) Jamie. It saddens me that people can't just celebrate the differences between us and just be more tolerant. I really enjoy your street walks and seeing how you capture your images. I hope you have a wonderful 2025 Jamie.
@@agwithey thank you for the comment and also for watching! J
Great video! Awesome words✌🏻I love how you speak from the heart. You are one of my top favorite photographers and UA-cam channels to watch. Your words are always so inspiring. In the video of your project with the homeless really shows how sincere and kind you are. Keep up the great work! I look forward to your videos for inspiration, so fuck everyone else or the negative bunch. You just do you. Rock on homie!✌🏻
@@phuchong7568 thank you so much. Appreciate you saying all that. Gives me a good drive for this year and to continue YT. Really kind. Take care. J
I 100% agree with you on being present. When I have my camera out, I look at everything around me. Regarding memories collected with my photos, I can look back at a photo and remember the place, the time, the smells, the color, the light, and the people.
@@JasonMoody glad you agree. Those memories are key! My favourite point to make and we are lucky to be able to collect them and look back. Cheers for taking the time to comment. J
Great video Jamie! Working in the creative industry is both rewarding and super demanding, but nothing beats getting out there and taking my own pictures. It’s so rewarding for the soul! Keep up the inspirational videos 😎
@@MattRichmond-m5n couldn’t agree more. Cheers for the message. J
Totally agree! Well done. Beautiful photos (really, I've seen a lot of real garbage passed off as "street"). Hang in there, ignore the haters you're doing great work!
@@paulboskerphotography cheers Paul. Thanks for stopping by. J
Happy New Year Jamie! Great video. I don’t see the beef - I do see the “opinion monkeys” circling deciding what is and what isn’t “street photography”. The greatest thing is that these are just opinions - not law. That maybe their thoughts but doesn’t make the image more or less relevant. People love to announce things on social media - but forget they don’t work in a train station and their announcement is less important than knowing when the 1015 from Kings Cross is leaving.
Regarding gear. Surely it’s what makes you feel compelled to do the thing? If that’s a Canon 6D - cool! If it’s a Box Brownie - fab! I’ve seen amazing images captured in both. If having the gear that I like compels me to go out and do the thing - then it’s the right gear.
I love your thoughts on film vs digital. I’ve found similar love with my M9M and M9. The screen sucks so waiting until I get home gives that suspense - but I can see the attraction of film. Still haven’t scratched that itch - yet.
@@paulhogden7454 Thanks Paul, another detailed and thought out comment from you. Some wonderful points here and was a pleasure to read. Got an M9M v M11M coming up in a few weeks. Love the images from both. As for film, the M9 is about as close as you can get without moving to analogue! Enjoy them. Wonderful cameras! J
@ I look forward to that! 🥳
Definition Street Photography: is not taking random pictures of people on the streets!! It is taking just that moment!! In your video there is a moment what could be described as a street photo :)
Definition: "Street photography is photography conducted for art or inquiry that features unmediated chance encounters and random incidents within public places. It usually has the aim of capturing images at a decisive or poignant moment by careful framing and timing"
And for Leica: you have to shoot Leica lenses full open to get that Leica look! See what Peter Karbe from Leica says on this. Stopped down the lens performance like a GM Sony, Canon or Nikon lens...
@@kosmidts many thanks. Send my best to ChatGPT haha 😝
I have been shooting film since 2005. I started shooting ona nikon fm2 and just walking around. It didn't have a name to me then. I stopped shooting 35mm over 10 years ago and solely shot 120 and 4x5 for work and personal. I recently (month ago) got my first digital camera. An MP 240. I deliberately got this as the image quality was closer to my film work. I would use my mamiya 7II for any street work. But I have had an amazing time using 35mm / digital. I treat it like a film camera. I don't chimp, turn of the preview and just go out. The beautiful thing is I don't have to "think" so much and I don't have to worry about the final outcome of every image. Of course when I see something "special" my mind goes into multiple levels of looking. But it's been amazingly liberating. I will always use film but having the option to shoot digital hasn't changed my enjoyment or the quality of my work. It's just given me another way to create work.
@@synlfo7828 great input here. Solid words and a good comment for us all to read. Thanks for sharing, J
I had an encounter last year at the photographers gallery where I had my micro four thirds Olympus Pen F plus my Panasonic Leica 25mm lens, and someone took a look at it, and I explained what it was, and as soon as I explained that it was a m43 camera he said it was just a toy, and that I should save up for a M11 like he had. I have to say that there is zero chance of me getting any Leica digital camera, but I don’t hate the people who are in a position to get one, or the camera. But I suppose there will always be jerks in any hobby. I have a big collection of Leica screw mounts, plus my M3, but I also love using my collection of Fuji and m43 cameras. It gives me an excuse to do something creative instead of over thinking and going through another doom spiral.
Should have responded to say it essentially does the same job at a fraction of the price and maybe you are the one with common sense. Hate Leica owners like this, I mean to be fair all brand fanboys are idiots. Leica aren't the 'best' cameras, it is a personal experience, I've owned them, they are nice but I prefer my Nikon and Fujifilm systems and think they are much better value. True story I was once criticised in a similar way for having a poor man's Leica in Fujifilm so I told him I would trade in, so a month or so later I told him I had picked up an M10 (I hadn't) and sent him some images I took with the M10 (or the Fujifilm X-T2 as it really was) his response was about how they looked so much better and I should have moved to Leica earlier. Utter moron. I never told him what I did but I kept it going for months and he would comment on my feed about how my images were much better since I had moved to Leica, no clue and sadly that's what fanboys are like. Never let anyone tell you that your system is inferior or that theirs is 'better' if it works for you, you can get results you are looking for and you enjoy using it then you have the best system there is.
@@leethirkellson Lol, love your little experiment
@@leethirkellson hahaha this is classic. Great idea! So good. Yeah he sounds a muppet. Good on you for sticking with what you like and not following a crowd. I picked up the xt-20 last year and those colours are amazing! Love the look of it too. Makes me wanna pick it up. I don’t love Fuji menus but everything else is class!
@@crashcommander I grew up using M43 cameras and I would say the camera that propelled me into film and photography the most was the LUMIX GH5 and I’ll always remember that camera. Whatever works for you bud. Ignore the haters of any brand. Sounds like you got it on lock anyways and those people won’t affect you! J
@@leethirkellson wise words!
Been shooting digital M rangefinders for years and I have to agree with you on shooting film. I sold everything and bought a brand new silver chrome Leica M-A as it’s going to be a heirloom camera for me, something a digital camera can’t do as electronics eventually break down and support for it stop (batteries, parts, etc) compared to a fully mechanical camera. Even if I wanted to get back into digital, with the current prices of digital, I got priced out and I’m not a fan of the direction of where Leica is going starting with the Leica M11.
@@TKim103 sounds like you’re all set my friend! Never seen an M-A in silver. Bet it’s lovely! Enjoy and hope you throw many rolls through it in 2025. J
Perhaps I should get my M6 back out. It's been in the cupboard for years. Then again so has my Hasselblad and Pentax 6x7. I have a rolliflex somewhere.
It is literally more expensive to shoot film, after 4000 photos you are spending more than with a digital
@ you have the hall of fame of cameras!! Nuts. I mean I can understand why it’s been in the cupboard then haha
It's nice to hear that someone has a similar approach to yours. Spot on.
@@NiCKLG526 cheers Nick. Much appreciated. J
Nice one. And buddy those still images were all so good, it still amazes me what an average scene on your vlogging camera turns into when you point a Leica at it 😊
@@christopher_searles appreciate that man. Too kind! Thanks for tuning in. J
Preach it brother!!! Couldn’t agree with you more on these perspectives. BTW…It feels weired at times commenting on each of your vids. However…I just really dig them and try to do my part to help with the dreaded algorithms. FWIW
@@gayleruble6529 thanks so much. I’m sure it does help and I just like the conversation anyway and also the validation that it’s worth while making these videos in the first place so it really is appreciated :)
Great shoutout against the 'street-police', let everyone enjoy their own photography and give helpful advice where you can.
Can't imagine going out with a film camera and no film though ... oh wait a minute, I did forget my SD card once! ☹
@@bristolstreetphotography lovely comment. And I think we’ve all done that once! Haha
Everything you said really resonated with me. Thanks for this video. Happy shooting!
@@wmfraser00 cheers! Thanks for watching :)
Agreed about the therapeutic effects of street photography, and film vs digital. On Leica hate, I also don’t get it… except just pure envy. That said, use what you have and get out there and shoot - that’s most important.
@@JohanKhoo You’re bang on my friend! Wise words
Love your channel man, keep on keeping on ✊
@@ChrisBoultonPhotography thanks Pal. Appreciate that :)
See you again，great video made！
@@JJCPhotography thank you! Appreciate the message and you tuning in. J
I just received your book on the homeless. It’s brilliant!
@@johnkasianowicz6536 so pleased you got it finally. Honestly John I was very touched by your email and I can’t thank you enough for purchasing the book. J
@ I showed your book webpage to someone who works at a non-profit organization that aids the homeless. She said she’ll order the book. I’ll see if she got around to it,
@ too kind. Zero pressure. They are not for everyone those images. Kind of you
As a person who owns an M11-P and a Sony A7R V I would never say that the Leica is the best. I think use whatever you are most comfortable with. Why would anyone use a Leica for "the perfect picture" if the person does not know how it properly works. Also. The M11 Series has a pretty hefty magenta shift. I would not say it is perfect, but my preferred choice. Happy New Year.
Also. Sorry. I think photography is an art and as such everyone will interpret their own ideas into it. Never let people pull you down, just because they are unhappy with their lifes. ❤
@@eugenheller4182 wise words, appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experiences. Not only helpful for just me but everyone. Enjoy you cameras and snap away! J
It honestly just feels like people want to hate on everything lately. Not sure what's been going on, but there's a ton of hate going on and it needs to stop.
@@nick_a_pagan agreed 👍🏻
Great commentary. You’ll love Argentina. It’s my second home.
@@tdliskey4688 just got back a few days ago. Loved every second of it. Lots of images and footage to share over the coming months! Thanks, J
Don’t worry about the critics, jealousy is a funny thing
Cracking video, makes total sense.... Im sure others have said the same but my view is its all subjective and it doesnt matter what others think. You are in it for your OWN art so l think its important to focus on that and not the noise... Keep it up sir and see you on the streets ;)
@@peteb5461 cheers Pete. Appreciated
A valid reason behind the friction among photographers is partially caused by the efforts made by many to become visually proficient and not being retributed fairly. Bizarrely, several postmodern artists one day picked a camera up, messed around with it and got the gallery spotlights. In Liz Well's Photography Reader there is a remarkable chapter about such issue. And obviously, Im one of those that belongs to the former group. Lastly, if Leica made a Cartier Bresson (or Robert Capa) tribute model, rather than a Lenny Kravitz limited run, maybe it would be better perceived by many of us.
Yes. And how often are the simplest ideas the best: how have Leica NOT made a Cartier Bresson!? I don't need any more cameras but I would buy it out of respect and love for the art.
@@eastbaystreet1242 valid!!
@@andreaxyz3959 This is an interesting point I hadn’t really thought about. I like it. I guess Leica did this because they wanted to appeal to a younger generation and I also agree with thinking that was pointless. We don’t need a Lenny or Greg Williams, we need the greats if anyone. Leica doesn’t need to compete with the modern cameras especially for their M range. They are classics, pieces of art and not just an AI driven piece of kit that practically takes the photo for you. Strong point here and I look forward to talking about this with others. J
@@jamie.dop_ Hi there, the appeal to younger generations is, indeed, what motivates the marketing strategists to come with these ideas. To be honest, I don't like the M range and I find it a bit of a clichè to say that your pictures will be better with a Leica; directly or indirectly, I know several Leica ambassadors and all say the same thing: a great piece of kit but nothing groundbreaking. Hence the need of Lenny Kravitz's glamour to propel the brand image. However, if I could afford one my model of choice would be the SL3.
Great stuff mate...well said on all points 👍🏾
@@bnwaneampeh appreciate that and thanks for taking the time to watch :)
SPOT ON!!!
Thanks for the videoessay! Enjoy Argentina!
@@DanielNovello cheers fella. Back now. It was incredible and lots was captured! Many memories created and I look forward to sharing them :)
The camera used has very little to do with how good a photo is, just because you shot something with a Leica doesn’t give you a pass to better art.
@@greenbrightly I agree and thought I made that quite clear. Just saying that people hate on Leica where as I think it’s the best iv used and others love what they use so why hate? No one hates on a Rolex yet they all tell the time.
Quality Jamie I agree !! Why worry what some one else is doing of using , why they not more focused on there needs and creativity!! I’m looking in to film at the moment but going observe for a time , thank you great Channel proper content glad I found it 👍
@@marcoshea4868 cheers! Yeah so many options and you will love the experience. Keep me posted on what you go for :)
I agree with film, i even had a desity meter, to measure my negatives. Spent hours in the darkeoom. Still got a couple of enlagers and my easel. I have been in my attic and found my Leica v35 enlager, it needs a bit of TLC though.
But digital and lightroom are so much easier.
@@r423fplip thats the trade off isn’t it… not always worth it but when it hits…. Golden!
I just may get a couple of rolls, and bring back some old vibes. I may even run it through one of my screw fit Leicas. There was something about pulling the film from the developing tank. What was the shop by the old vic in London that sold paper and film ?. I wonder if it’s still open.
@@jamie.dop_definitely, it was a lot of work and very time consuming. But also exciting watching the print emerging on the paper. I use to make my own perceptol and ID11 and pyro. Went on a platinum printing course, even made salt prints, from pinhole camera negs. Even joined a black and white only photo club.
@ good on you. Sounds well worth diving back into! Think you are talking about Mr Cad?
Leica film cameras are great, Leica digital are not as good as competitors, they haven’t got there yet. Leica primes are great but Leica have never made the best wide lenses. It’s all preference but some of the things you were saying were untrue and some things were on point. Maybe the hate comes because they are extremely over priced. Look at the d lux and the Q!! Enjoyed your vid 👍🫶
@@gavinhell4597 isn’t it odd how people don’t hate on Rolex yet they still just tell the time…? Leica isn’t better I agree actually, but it is different. Canon, Nikon and Sony are just carbon copies of each other that do the work for you. That’s more my point I guess. Thanks for sharing your opinions. Nice to hear them. J
@@jamie.dop_ man if you think people don’t hate on Rolex you’re not too familiar with the watch scene lol
@ when I sell all my Leica gear I may just be able to afford the little hand that shows the seconds of a Rolex
@@jamie.dop_ a Leica body and lens could get you a basic Rolex
Leica and Rolex are beautiful engineering but they are for certain people in certain circumstances. People always gonna hate 🤦♂️ I don’t actually like rangefinder cameras as my ‘go to’ camera but the Leica profile, build and astetics are so damn beautiful imo
Well said, and greetings from Singapore.
@@crispin8888 ahhh great city! Good to have you you here :)
Such a good, engaging video. Agree with everything you say!
@@julesc5571 Cheers Jules. Glad you agree and appreciate you commenting! J
jamie i agree with you there is a lot of jealousy out there in photograghy i have wondered why but im the same camera up to the eye then everything leaves your mind bliss i see you have the same surname as myself are your family from scotland
@@robertkeith6952 ahah classic. Love to see that. Yes my dad’s family are Scottish. Us 🏴 got to stick together! Haha Thanks for watching pal. J
Amen, brother!
@@jayocotube6483 cheers pal
Love Leica ❤
@@rtoghraee solid
That part where he says "let's not be stupid, the Leica is going to be better." I'm still not sure if he was being sarcastic or not. But really the end result is subjective. It's about the process of capturing that image. Some may like getting it with auto everything vs manual. Also, I didn't realize there was a beef within street photography. To me street photography is anything that you capture as it happens. What street isn't is when you stage a portrait shot and call it "street photography" like those damn TikTockers. 🤣 I'm not hating on them, but pls just call it a street portrait my guy. 🤣
@@IDaumI well said and yes… that comment was just to sit in peoples minds a little and make them want to get stuck in to debate otherwise these videos can fall away and I don’t learn anything from you all in the comments! Thanks for watching. Appreciate it. J
You don’t need an sd card to get out with your m11 😂
@@peetje28021970 haha I know… kinda thought that as I said it but hopefully it makes the point! Thanks, j
@@jamie.dop_ only joking.
Started 2025 on a negative rant, GTFO Leica can't even make a reliable digital camera, from the M8 to the M11 they all had problem.
@@WilsonGomez was more commenting on those who are negative. Shame you saw it that way. Glad you’ve shown the type of person I was talking about. Thanks for making it easy for the rest of us
4:35 let's stop right there cause you are full of shit, Leica is not quite up to date technology wise, it doesn't have the best quality, whatever that means. I started to look to many Leica videos recently and what I notice is that Leica users look like snobs to be honest, probably from here the hate, I didn't knew they were hated though
Didn’t you hear him? We don’t need this beef, yet here you are perpetuating it 🙄
There are objective and subjective measures of camera and lens quality. Subjectively, I prefer Leica cameras because they are generally simpler (very few buttons on the exterior, and straightforward menu system). Objectively, I found that the way Leica had sensors built for them (thinner cover glass, custom microlens arrays) makes a substantial and positive image quality difference (at least compared to my Canon EOS 6D).
I don’t think Jamie was using a broad brush here. I suspect if you ask him which camera system is better for wildlife or fast action sports photography, he might suggest a brand other than Leica (because its AF is not the fastest and it doesn’t produce long AF telephoto lenses).
I also like the look and feel of Leica kit and now have 7 Leica cameras and ~ 38 Leica lenses. That said, if I wanted to do wildlife photography, while I’d use my Leica SL3 with either a Leica AF 100-400 zoom (+ 1.5x extender) or a manual focus Leica 280 mm R lens (+ 1,4x extender) I’d prefer to lean harder on a Nikon mirrorless camera and a high-end Nikon 600 mm telephoto lens. Other brands might be better than Leica for this purpose as well.
@@johnkasianowicz6536 bang on as always John! Well said. If I was shooting fast moving subjects or subjects far away then Sony and Nikon seem to be the choice for those users. The beauty is… we know why we love Leica and that’s what matters and makes us shoot more! Has your book arrived? J
@@cristibaluta example, case and point right here
@ I knew you’d choose appropriate kit for a given application.
The book arrived. It’s really well done!