This quarter’s review of the most-popular Macfilos articles is our most diverse ever. The majority of stories still covered gear reviews, our most popular genre. But, only four concerned Leica, and one of those was a bit of a cheat. This quarter’s line-up includes articles about non-Leica camera brands, third-party lenses, celebrity interviews, and even kit which has nothing to do with photography.
It has been a busy three months for contributors and editors. We posted almost sixty articles, from twenty-four different authors. A sincere thanks to everyone who wrote an article and to everyone who commented on them.
Many of these articles were part of our “What Leica Means to Me” series. This is our contribution to Leica’s centenary anniversary of the M-camera’s launch, where authors tell us about their Leica journeys. We’ve learned about the different ways these photographers, many of whom are regular contributors, developed their connection with Leica.
The series has undoubtedly given a boost to our output, but it will soon be coming to an end. So, we will be on the lookout for new contributions from both regular authors and anyone who has not previously submitted an article idea. You are welcome to click on the button below to learn more.
The gifts that keep on giving
Some of the most-popular Macfilos articles are those from previous years. The site’s format facilitates spotting intriguing articles from years gone by, as well as articles covering different genres. Nevertheless, the popularity of some articles remains a puzzle. We work hard to increase the likelihood of search engines finding articles, but Google seems to move in mysterious ways!
In the coming quarter, we hope to feature articles that expand our coverage yet further. Look out for stories about medium-format gear, well-known photographers, and a new crop of travelogues.
But, without further ado, let’s take a look at the articles, from eight different authors, that proved most popular with you, our readers. As usual, we will go in reverse order.
10. Fujifilm X100VI Review
Based upon his hands-on experience with this latest iteration of the Fujifilm X100 series, Mike gives us this comprehensive review. He systematically evaluates its ergonomics, menu system, and optical performance. His conclusion? All things considered, it’s probably the best fixed-focal length compact out there.
Fujifilm X100VI Review: Is this the best fixed-lens compact on the market?
Mike Evans, August 2nd 2024
9. Following a standing ovation, the M-Files gets an encore
Here’s a fantastic example where one of our most-popular Macfilos articles is one which readers have re-discovered. Part of Jörg-Peter’s outstanding M-Files series, this one highlights five non-Leica M-lenses worthy of serious consideration. Check out the article, and then dip in to the many articles in the series to explore the world of non-Leica M-Mount gear.
The M Files Encore: five particularly recommendable M-Mount lenses
Jörg-Peter Rau, 10 May 2021
8. Another retro-gem, the Summilux 50mm f/1.4 Classic
Another review by Jono of a release from the Leica Classic line, in which Leica produces modern interpretations of their most famous lenses. Jono gives us his opinion of each new entry in the series, and we get a detailed evaluation of the lens, as well as a tasty collection of images. This is the kind of review that Macfilos is well known for, and just what our readers are after.
Leica Launches the Summilux-M 50 f/1.4: Another retro gem in the Classic Line
Jonathan Slack, 20 February 2025
7. Through Italy with OM System, old and new
Jörg-Peter scores a winner with an article describing a vacation which doubles as a gear review. And not just one, but two cameras. He puts the two related cameras, from two distinct eras, to the test on his trip through a spectacular country. It’s a great story, with terrific images. And, he draws some interesting conclusions from his experience.
OM System Old and New: Through Italy with an Olympus OM-4 and an OM-5
Jörg-Peter Rau, 3 February 2025
6. FujiFilm X20, the unique retro travel camera, rides again
It’s still going! This article is undoubtedly the record holder for the most deeply buried post in our back catalogue to have made it to a most-popular Macfilos article list. Perhaps it’s photographers, forlornly seeking alternatives to the unobtainable X100VI, who have sought it out. Or, maybe the X20 scratches an itch for vintage digital cameras still relevant today. There is no doubt, though, that seven years on, the article is still going strong.
FujiFilm X20: The unique retro travel camera still impresses
Jason Hannigan, 25 July 2018
5. Introducing Matt Osborne
Andrew, in the latest article in his series interviewing photographers he admires, gives us the backstory on someone well-known to many Leica shooters. The article is a fascinating account of Matt Osborne’s transformation from humble accountant to fashion photographer and Leica expert. Chances are, you already know his online persona as “Mr Leica”. With YouTube established as an increasingly important medium for photographers, Andrew’s interview gives us a behind-the-scenes peak at this fascinating world.
Introducing Matt Osborne, better known to photographers as “Mr Leica”
Andrew Owen-Price, 25 April 2025
4. Photographing the people of Skye at night
Andrew’s study of the inhabitants of the Scottish Island of Skye is proving to be a perennial favourite. Despite being posted in mid-2024, it’s still receiving large numbers of views. It is now among the top three most-viewed posts of the last several years. It is no surprise. Andrew’s long-term review of the Leica Q3, and stellar nighttime images of people at work, makes for a great read.
Leica Q3: A one-year review, photographing the people of Skye by night
Andrew Tobin, 14 June 2024
3. Tesla Model 3 Long-term Review
In a departure from our usual fare, Mike shared his thoughts, not on a camera, but on a car. Tech geek, and notorious early adopter that he is, Mike, of course, is an EV driver. He spent four years in the driver’s seat of a car from the most famous electric-vehicle brand on the planet. In this article, he shares his opinions with us. And, lo and behold, Macfilos readers loved it. Who says all we cover is Leica?
Tesla Model 3: Long-term review over four years of contented motoring
Mike Evans, February 12 2025
2. Leica Q3 43 in real life
There has been tremendous interest in the Leica Q3 43 since its release last year. Photographers who were tempted by a Q3, but not its 28mm field-of-view, jumped at the option of a longer focal length. Claus’s review of the camera has ridden that wave of interest, becoming one of our most read-articles of the last several years. It’s Macfilos at its best — a real world, long-term review by a practicing photographer, with great photos to boot.
Leica Q3 43 in real life: Resistance is futile, so I gave in and got the thing after all
Claus Sassenberg, 31 January 2025
1. Leica launches the M11-S camera
What a shocker! The most-read article of the quarter was a complete fabrication, describing a Leica M-camera that does not exist, and probably never will. Keith outdid himself with this year’s April Fools article. He cunningly exploited the anticipation surrounding how Leica would mark its 100th anniversary of the launch of the M-camera, cooking up, of all things, a left-handed “sinestra” version for the occasion. Talk about fake news!
Leica launches M11-S camera, with radical new viewfinder
Keith James, 1 April 2025
We hope you have enjoyed this quick reprise of the most-popular Macfilos articles of the quarter. If you missed any, here’s your chance to plug that gap. And even if you have already read them, they are well worth a second look!
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I freely admit that I’m as flummoxed as anyone as to why the X20 article has had a resurgence of views over the last year or so!! I’m not even sure it’s one of my better writing efforts !! But the Fuji universe is a strange place at times. Since that article , I’ve added an original X100, an X-T1 (then sold it again) and X-pro2 . Their popularity, to my mind, lies in the handling / layout and the somewhat unique colour renderings. Very interesting cameras.
Thanks, Jason. As you say, the Fuji world is different and has a massive following. So a link to your old article on a major site could have brought in the visitors. However, I’ve been unable to identify that site. Have you thought of putting together another article covering your later Fuji acquisitions? Mike