27 February 2026

The February Creak from the Chair

Greetings TLS community, welcome to The February Creak from the Chair.

I hope you have enjoyed the first online magazine. I know online is not universally popular, but it is very simple to download and print if desired. And very easy to share via WhatsApp too. In my view our delightful editor Phil Coomes, ably supported by designer Phil Maden, have produced a really high quality edition. We hope you enjoy it.

We also plan to produce one printed magazine a year. This will feature the work of our TLS community and its production will depend on us receiving as many images as we can. Please consider sharing an image, or more, that you like. Taken with a Leica camera and or lens. You can title the images if desired and include a brief description of why you like it, or how it came about. Any relevant technical information is welcome too: Camera and lens used, exposure, etc. Many thanks for your consideration and please share with Phil Coomes: editor@leicasociety.uk see note at the bottom of the page for image specs.

Now, if you will indulge me, as promised in my January creak, a quick review of the Wide Angle Tri-Elmar, always known as the WATE. With a brief light-hearted comparison with the Zeiss Distagon 15mm 2.8

The WATE was discontinued in 2025 after nearly two decades in production. As I understand it, demand was modest for the lens, which is very costly to manufacture. With the arrival of full frame huge resolution sensors, its days were always likely to be numbered. I believe it is a pity, as there are now no Leica M lens offerings wider than a 21mm. I am delighted I have a WATE, it’s a fabulous performer on all 3 of its focal lengths.

Leica tri-elmar-m_f4_16-18-21 WATE ©Leica Camera

It’s truly versatile, and can deliver sweeping landscapes, impactful architectural, dramatic street work and can even work well for still life close-ups. I hope the images I share here demonstrate what the WATE can deliver. All taken in just 3 days in London.

History Museum ©Giles Johnson

So how does it compare with the Zeiss 15mm? Pros, it is lighter, it is range-finder coupled, it has 3 focal lengths and almost no distortion. Where does the Zeiss win? A stop faster, which used fully open can add so much drama to many subjects. It also focuses that much closer.

The winner? Actually both lenses are exceptional and will meet the needs of super-wide image making beautifully. I do love that 2.8 feel…..so tend to make more use of my Distagon and with my M11, cropping is totally viable of course.

Another first world dilemma sorted then….

All emails answered: chair@leicasociety.uk

We can’t wait to receive your images. All the best for the month.