My association with the brand started in 1969 when I bought a Leica III something from a friend who wasn’t interested in photography but had inherited the camera from a family member. At that time, I knew nothing of Leica, or its reputation, but I did know that the photographs it produced were far better than anything I had seen before. It was the start of my 55-year love affair with Leica.
An innocent start to a love affair
As my interest in photography grew, I decided I wanted something more modern. So in 1973 I traded the faithful screw-thread and bought a double-stroke M3, which I absolutely loved. The M3 gave me the ability to take superb images which reached far beyond my expectations.
And usually, they created a favourable impression with my viewers. I still knew little of Leica’s history and wasn’t particularly interested. As long as they continued to provide the tools I needed to meet my needs, I was happy.
A growing connection
Between the mid-seventies and the late nineties, we lived in Zambia, Dubai, and Singapore. While in Dubai, I bought the CLE (Minolta’s version of the original Leica CL). In those days, there was no Leica store in the Middle East, so this was my best option. That camera with its three lenses was great. It allowed me to take colour slides and use the M3 for black and white photography.
During our seven years in Singapore, I travelled to Japan frequently. It was on one of these trips that I traded up to a new M6 with a 50mm Summicron lens. The love affair blossomed anew. And on a further trip to Tokyo, I bought a second M6 so that I was able to take colour and black and white again.
Becoming part of the Leica family
We returned to the UK in 1998, and it was from that point that I started to get involved with other Leica photographers. I joined the Leica Society and Leica International Forum and have been an active member of both ever since.
The M6s became M8, then M9 and M9 Monochrom. Now I use the M10-R, M10 Monochrom and have just bought an M11-P. No one camera system can do everything. And from our time in Africa I have also used Nikons, mainly for safari and motorsport. These days, the Nikons are hardly used since Leica introduced the SL system — they get an outing only when I must use that 600mm f/4 lens.
The contentment from connection
My SL2 with the three zooms and 50mm APO Summicron produces astounding images. But to be perfectly honest, I only feel content and creative when looking through the viewfinder of a Leica M. It’s at the heart of my love affair with Leica. There is just something about M photography which screams, “be creative”, or “go back to the basics”. When I use the SL or Q, I can’t wait to get back on the streets with one of my M cameras.
It’s over 55 years since my love affair with Leica started. I have no doubt that if Leica continues to produce these wonderful tools, my relationship will carry on, for as long as I’m involved with photography.
A cup of coffee works wonders in supporting Macfilos
Did you know that Macfilos is run by a dedicated team of volunteers? We rely on donations to help pay our running costs. And even the cost of a cup of coffee will do wonders for our energy levels.
Tom, thank you for sharing you Leica story with us. Very interesting. From observation of your work, I sense your preference for monochrome photography in which you have developed much expertise. Add to that, during several years living in the southern hemisphere, having a dependable camera was essential for capturing so many fascinating and tantalising scenes. What an visual aid you have to living on memories in your retirement years.
From the Mekong, to Singapore, Japan — what an amazing life! Not to even mention the Leica-journey.
I hope we’ll see more of the files from your photographic odyssey.
Many thanks for your kind comment Kathy which is greatly appreciated. Yes, we’ve been extremely lucky to have had the opportunities to travel and live in different countries. I do contribute to Macfilos from time to time but if you are interested in seeing more of my work I do have a website https://photographybytomlane.com
Best wishes
Tom
A great article about the joy of Leica – especially the unique pleasure of using an M.
My first Leica was a M4P and a 50/2. Even my wife could see the difference on my Kodachrome slides – even family images.
Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks for your positive comment which is most appreciated. Yes, there is omething special about using the M cameras, although I do like the SL2 when I want a big landscape print.