Top 10 Photography Purchases 2024
It’s that time of year where I do a round-up of my best buys (photography gear related) from the last 12 months. Purchases that stood out as keepers amongst the many items I reviewed. This article complements the related YouTube video. Here are my top 10.
1) Hasselblad H3D-39
My highest performing camera of 2024, by far, the amazing (and now “vintage”) Hasselblad H3D-39 digital medium format camera. Yes I’m a Leica guy but I’m not scared to look beyond the Leica bubble if I want something different.
For me the latest Leica M11, SL3 and Q3 don’t offer enough of a difference over the previous models so I still use the older cameras. All Leica M cameras feel the same to operate and that’s the same for SL and Q cameras (unless you like flippy screens).
Yes the latest cameras give you 60MP but if you crop in camera as I do I don’t feel I need the jump up in megapixels. More pixels sounds nice but getting a bigger sensor is where you really see a difference. The Hasselblad H3D-39 sensor is not only bigger than full frame, it’s bigger than most “medium format” digital cameras on the market today (Hasselblad X2D, Fuji GFX cameras etc).
Most photographers that have shot Hasselblad and Leica cameras agree that Hasselblad give us nicer colours. Photographers that remember CCD sensors may also remember much nicer colours compared to CMOS (IMO). When Hasselblad makes a BIG CCD sensor camera you know it’s going to have winning colours. (I realised I forgot to list my Hasselblad CCD camera presets on the blog so I’ll do it shortly, apologies!)
2) Light Lens Lab M-L Adapter
If you own any L mount camera (Leica SL series, Lumix S cameras etc) this adapter is a no-brainer. Unlike the official rigid Leica M-L adapter (which I own), the Light Lens Lab M-L close focus helicoid adapter lets you focus every M lens closer. This is also true for LTM lenses and any lens adapted to M mount. (I sometimes use Nikon F lenses on my Leica cameras for example).
If you’ve ever used vintage rangefinder lenses on your modern camera, the close focus distance of 1m can be a real pain. With the Light Lens Lab M-L helicoid adapter the problem is solved. I use the adapter on my Leica SL, Leica CL and Lumix S5 cameras. Nicely made and still gives infinity focus too (unlike the cheap 7Artisans close focus adapter which does not).
3) Thypoch Eureka 50mm f2
When I tried Thypoch Eureka 50mm f2 lens it was an instant hit as soon as I saw results shot wide open on my Leica M3. It’s my lightest 50mm f2 lens (I think) and one of the smallest so it’s been my 50mm lens of choice for film ever since.
The Thypoch 50mm f2 lens has less character than say the Light Lens Lab Elcan 50mm f2 (video)(also small) so I use the Elcan for digital and the Thypoch for film. The Thypoch has more modern rendering and is sharper at f2.
4) Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3
A lens that I still need to review is the Leica Summicron 35mm f2. I own the Light Lens Lab clone of the original Leica Summicron 35mm f2 “8-Element” (v1)(video). I then bought a v2 but returned it for a v3 and will explain when I make the video.
The Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v4 lenses vary depending on if it’s the German made version or the Canadian. Normally Canadian Leica lenses for me are fine but in this instance the v4 Canada is very poorly built. It feels like a cheap feeling Minolta plastic lens (and I’m not bashing Minolta). Videos still to follow so subscribe if interested.
5) Light Lens Lab “1966” 50mm f1.2
As someone that owns the Leica Noctilux 50mm f1 (v2) it’s nice when a company can make a lens that feels as nicely made and with just as much character, at a lower price point. I bought the Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.2 “1966” after a student leant me their copy during a London Leica workshop.
For me, the Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.2 1966 is one of the most cinematic lenses I own, in part, thanks to the orange lens coating which gives the most amazing lens flare. Some say the results from the Light Lens Lab 50mm f1.2 1966 are indistinguishable from the Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 remake.
Companies like Cosine Voigtlander seem to release new lenses and just keep making them for years. Light Lens Lab are a little different. They make a lens, sell them for a limited period, then discontinue and focus their efforts on another lens.
I missed out on the rigid version of the Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8-E in LTM as I left it too long so I made sure not to miss the LLL 1966. My favourite LLL 50mm f2 Elcan has also recently been discontinued I hear and they will now focus on a new LLL 50mm f2 Rigid (I read).
If Light Lens Lab release a lens that you like buy it rather than waiting 6 months to avoid disappointment.
6) TTArtisan 75mm f1.5 (Biotar)
The Chinese lens company TTArtisan released another gem in 2024. The eagerly anticipated copy of the famous Zeiss Biotar 75mm f1.5 lens. This is one lens that stands above most that I’ve tried for beautiful portraits and artistic rendering. I looked to buy the original lens many times on eBay but they cost around £2K so not cheap. When TTArtisan released their 75mm f1.5 copy it was an instant must have.
The TTArtisan 75mm f1.5 Biotar is M42 mount (like many of the Zeiss Biotar lenses). You will need an adapter to mount it to Leica (or your camera of choice). I use a simple Leica M-M42 adapter from eBay to use the Biotar clone on my Leica cameras.
For portraits you can also mount the lens on Nikon F cameras like my Nikon FM3a (via Nikon F-M42 adapter). I used this combo for one photoshoot but I still need to develop the film. *Note, you won’t get infinity focus using M42 lenses on a Nikon F cameras but it’s still perfect for model shoots. Talking of model photography, check out my eBook!
7) Voigtlander Color Skopar 28mm f2.8 Typ II
I already own the Voigtlander Color Skopar 28mm f2.8 Typ I in LTM mount for my vintage Leica III cameras. A Leica workshop student took a liking to my lens so I took her to buy one while she was visiting London. As soon as I felt the weight of the Typ II I had to get one too.
Size and weight are HUGE for me. Yes the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f2 II is sharper (video) and the Thypoch Simera 28mm f1.4 is faster (video), but they are too big for me. (Both lenses are great and I use them but given a chance I take the little Skopar every time).
When I find a lens that is small, light and sharp it becomes my go to for both film and digital. Below are sample photos, (1) with the Leica CL (APS-C)(as the size and weight just works), (2) Leica M-A (blog still to follow – Subscribe!)
8) Leica M262
If you read my Leica M262 blog post you’ll know that it’s a fantastic camera. The colours are better than my Leica M10 and the M11 (I still need to make a video on this), the battery lasts forever AND it’s lighter than the M10, M240 and M11 silver. (The black M11 is now the lightest digital M camera).
If you use a Leica M rangefinder rather than LiveView option you’ll love the M262 as it doesn’t even have LV. The M262 is fatter than my M10 but the bigger battery lasts easily for a full day of shooting.
Below are a few sample photos edited with my new M262 preset pack. (If you own the Leica M240 or Leica MP Typ240 the sensor is the same as the M262 so you might like these presets too). I’ll list the MrLeica Leica M262 preset pack to download this weekend (I know a few of you have been asking so apologies for the delay!)
9) 1934 Leica III (Model F)
If you’re a regular reader you’ll know I love my 1930s Leica I (Model C) camera. When I was teaching in Italy I then bought a Leica II D conversion from Luigi. Also black paint. I then saw a great deal on eBay and got the 1934 Leica III F (or Model F). This is the early black paint camera from the 1930s and is not the 1950s Leica IIIF which is found in silver chrome.
The Leica III (F) just seems to tick all the boxes so I carry it as my small travel film camera, equipped with the matching black paint Voigtlander Heliar 40mm f2.8 LTM (video).
10) Wotancraft Canteener EDC 3.5L Bag
As someone that has a camera in his hand most days, I just love camera bags that work for the task in hand. I’ll be honest, I’m completely guilty of owning A LOT of camera bags but having the choice means I don’t need to compromise. If you read my best bags for Leica article from a few years back I’ve been enjoying Wotancraft bags since I discovered them. Wotancraft have a bag for every occasion it seems.
I use the black leather Wotancraft Pilot bags for teaching Leica workshops in London, especially in winter and when I need to look smart. I use different Wotancraft canvas Pilot bags as my workhorse bags for trips depending on the cameras I’m using.
The Wotancraft 7L Pilot bag has become my goto when I use the larger Hasselblad H3D-39 camera and I use their smaller 3.5L Pilot bag for Leica cameras. The Wotancraft 18L Pilot bag rucksack is the correct dimensions to fit under the seat when flying (even for low cost carriers) so that goes with me on every flight. (In the past, I put a Wotancraft 3.5L Pilot bag in the top of the 18L bag instead of the top compartment). in 2024 I’ve used the lightweight Wotancraft Canteener EDC 3.5L in the top of my 18L backpack as it’s lighter and more compact than the 3.5 Pilot bags.
Perfect combo!
The Wotancraft 18L backpack + 3.5L Canteener EDC is the ultimate bag combo for flying (and some flights can cost as little as £29.98 return for 4hr+ flights thanks to no added bag fees). I carry my Apple MacBook, Leica cameras and lenses, running kit and a few essentials and I’m all set. Having the EDC bag as a pull out top compartment that can be warn like a satchel on arrival frees up the top of my rucksack. I can then use the extra luggage space to stash my coat or groceries etc etc. Super useful.
After over 12 years of travelling most months this is my best camera bag setup to date. (When I have a big trip planned and I want to take more stuff I pay for a second backpack and take my old LowePro AW II but that is less often).
Bonus) My Leica Watch (Nomos Club Campus)
Slightly off topic, I know many Leica fans also love watches. I’ve been looking for my perfect Leica watch for some time. It wasn’t until I visited Leitz Park in Wetzlar and saw the salesman’s watch that I finally knew what I liked. It wasn’t a Leica watch it was a Nomos watch.
Nomos watches like Leica watches are made in Germany and to high standards. Nomos watches are perhaps more Leica-like than Leica watches thanks to the slim, elegant case size and minimal Bauhaus design.
After much research I settled on the red face Nomos Club Campus “Non-Stop Red” (see Nomos website). Check out the recent watch video for more about watches and I will write a full watches and cameras blog post when I get time.
Watch on YouTube
Best gear of 2023
When making my best of 2024 video I re-reviewed my Best gear of 2023 blog post. Most of the items mentioned are still valid and I still use the majority in my kit bag (The lighting gear especially). Check out last year’s article for more of what I use on a day to day basis.
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