What I’m Shooting with at Filoli

For my personal projects, I put together a kit of gear that I could hike with in Canada. My number one objective was for it to be light. But, to create landscapes I need great glass. So, I chose the Leica M system. I’ve used every Leica M digital camera including the Monochroms. Today, I rely on two Leicas: the M10-R and, when I want to punish myself waiting for the results of my toils, the M6.

I think it’s how I use the Leica that might be most interesting. So, I’m going to focus on what I’m using in the current project of shooting in the Filoli gardens.

In the studio, we’re always tethered to a computer. So, it is a real treat to be able to wirelessly tether the Leica M10-R to my iPad. I have Live View set to display in black and white so I can see tones and not be distracted by the colors.

Lenses are really the key to getting the shallow depth-of-field and the abstractions that are characteristic of this project. To that end, the only Leica lens I reach for is occasionally the 35mm Summilux-m ASPH f/1.4. For getting in close with a traditional macro lens, I am using an Asahi SMC Macro-Takumar 100mm f/4. This lens is from my original Pentax Spotmatic kit and it just does pleasing things that no modern lens does. #oldglassrulessometimes My two favorite lenses for this project are pretty unusual. The Canon 50mm f/0.95 was the fastest lens ever conceived when it was made in 1961. And, today it is quite a cult lens that has no rival at creating a dreamy bokeh-on-steroids. I’ve also come to love a modern day marvel pictured here: the Laowa 15mm Macro f/4 is the widest macro lens I am aware of. It capable of extreme close-up while providing surrounding perspective. It takes a bit to get used to and it especially take practice compose with it–probably because it offers up such an unusual perspective.

To shoot wide-open in the middle of the day sometimes necessitates a neutral density filter. My favorite for this is a 2-5 stop variable neutral density filter from Polar Pro. The quality is superb and I love how the front and back caps mate up when the filter is on the lens. Genius.

That’s about all that’s in my bag. I do really try to put a lens on and just use that lens each visit to Filoli. But, I don’t always accomplish this–too many good shots to be had there every time I visit!

UPDATE: Someone wrote and asked what iPad holder I am using. Found this on Amazon to mount your iPad to a bike in the gym. Made by Lamicall and it’s called the Spinning Bike Tablet Holder Mount.

ANOTHER UPDATE: I pulled out another old lens for October. This one is a rare lens that was made by the Russians from the 1950s all the way through the 1980s. There are three generations of the lens that are known for their cinematic-look. I own the latest version which allows the closest focus. So, what is it already? The Tair 11A 135mm f/2.8. What I like most about it is the separation you can achieve while compressing everything in the composition.