September’s Creak from the Chair
Welcome back TLS’ community, welcome to Septembers creak from the chair. I hope you all enjoyed the summer, which still seems keen to stay with us. I have certainly enjoyed the evening light, enabling me to cycle to the river and harvest images of the world going by, as I sip a decent glass of rouge. Most agreeable. I have had some good fortune in my endeavours too. It’s a bit like fishing: Find the right spot, add patience and a bit of guile, to land the best catch…. I digress. As always……apologies….back to business……
TLS exhibition world update:
54 of our delightful TLS members have shared images to this year’s haul, which is truly wonderful. I am also so thrilled to report that this year’s total is 8 more than last year’s, then new record for digital entrants. And the quality is inspiring. Equally encouraging is how many new and first time entrants have taken part. Thank you all for sharing your talent. It is so welcome and makes TLS what it is.
Judging will be completed by month end and we plan to announce winners at TLS exhibition awards event, being staged on the evening of October 15th at Leica UK’s Akademie in Greek Street Soho. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
I would also like to once again thank and congratulate Phil Coomes on the third online edition of TLS’ magazine. A wonderful piece of work that really shows how talented and robust our community is. Phil is working on the 4th edition and our annual print review both of which should land before year end. We are always happy to receive images or features, please email Phil at: editor@theleicasociety.uk
Lens review
No creak would be complete without one of my absurd ‘lens reviews’ and in the spotlight this month are the discontinued 21mm and 24mm Elmarits for the M.
I love these lenses, and the 21mm edges it for me. So easy to keep it sharp using zonal focus, it is a real gem for street scenes. And its f2.8 aperture creates atmospheric moments wide-open easily. It is even something of a winner at still life scenes too.
The wide elmarits are smaller and more discreet than the ‘lux equivalents, which makes them that much more user friendly for the sort of street and visual diary captures I enjoy. They charm and never intimidate and yet their performance with an M11 is astonishing: Cropping is never a problem and adds so much versatility. I love their focus tabs too. Build quality and durability are also admirable. Tough dudes, nothing phases them.
Wonderful lenses and very well priced on the secondary market, a strong recommendation from me. I hope the accompanying images show how much I enjoy using both wide Elmarits and how versatile and fun they are.
Very much looking forward to TLS awards night, report to follow. Enjoy the last few balmy weeks of the year.
Warmest regards, Giles
chair@leicasociety.uk
