Keith James

Keith is a photographer and writer with a background in science and technology, living in Coronado, California with his life-partner, Marianne. Originally from Wales, he retired recently after a long career in drug discovery at both major pharma and start-up biotech companies. He is a graduate of Imperial College, London, holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Cambridge University, and spent two years as a NATO postdoctoral fellow and Fulbright-Hays travel scholar at Stanford University in California and Columbia University in New York. Keith’s most recent role was as Senior Vice-President of Drug Discovery at a San Francisco Bay Area-based biotech company, insitro, applying machine learning to the challenges of discovering new medicines. He enjoys photography in both colour and black and white, and is particularly interested in architecture, travel, music and abstract photography. He shoots primarily with Leica cameras and lenses, as well as third party gear within the L-Mount ecosystem. Keith has recently begun to try his hand at rangefinder photography.

Is 50mm the world’s most boring focal length? Not if you shoot with this lens…

Shooting with a 50mm lens offers a familiar perspective, most closely resembling that of the human eye. But this popular focal length sometimes offers only a limited context. This is where the wider field of view of an anamorphic version opens up additional creative opportunities.

Hands-on with the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 for L-Mount: A walk on the wide side

The Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 lens gives L-Mount photographers an impressive, ultra-wide option that is both sharp and fast. If you fancy exploring the creative opportunities to be found at the wide end of the focal length range, this is a superb tool for the job.

Telephotography with the Leica TL2: Chasing a killer sunset shot

Could pairing a Leica TL2 with a Sigma telephoto zoom give the author enough optical reach to capture a memorable sunset photograph before it's too late in the season? Read on to find out.

Exploring the art of abstract quadriptychs through photography

The article discusses abstract quadriptychs, artworks comprising four abstract panels. It explores their creation through photography, emphasising the blend of geometric shapes and digital manipulation in modern artistic expression.

Zeiss Biogon 25/2.8 ZM: A superb one-lens option when hiking with a rangefinder

The Zeiss Biogon 25/2.8 ZM proved to be a versatile companion for a Leica M camera, covering all the bases on a trip to the great outdoors in the American Southwest.

Shooting Anamorphic on the Leica TL2: Exploring a quirky corner of the L-Mount world

Keith mounts a Sirui Super 35 anamorphic lens on his Leica TL2 in search of the cinematic look for which these lenses are known. Get ready for some wide-screen shots, unusual flares and oval bokeh.
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Hands-on with the Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C: Vintage looks but superb modern performance

Hasselblad's 90zX & CFV 100C medium format camera might have vintage looks, but it is packed full of thoroughly modern features and delivers superb image quality.

Sirui: Innovator in anamorphic lenses, and emerging force within the L-Mount Alliance

Sirui, one of the newest members of the L-Mount Alliance, has significantly diversified the range of glass available to L-Mount shooters, through its affordable, high quality anamorphic lenses.

Shooting from the sHip: The compact Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm F4-7.1 Macro zoom is a winner

The Lumix 28-200mm zoom lens proved ideal for travel photography during a river cruise, offering versatility and sharpness, suited for both urban and scenic landscapes.

Hasselblad X2D II and 35-100E: Probably, the best camera-lens combination in the world

The Hasselblad X2D II brings significant improvements in ergonomics and continuous autofocus over its predecessor, and when coupled with the new XCD 30-100E zoom, the combination delivers outstanding flexibility and image quality.

Celebrating musical diversity – with a medley of Leica cameras and lenses

A front row seat at his local library, and a range of Leica gear, has enabled Keith to photograph a dizzying display of musical virtuosity, and build an extensive collection of musical portraits.

Prioritising Weight Over Speed: Panasonic scores again with the Lumix 28-200mm zoom

Keith extends the focal-length range of his travel kit with a cracking new Panasonic zoom: the Lumix 28-200mm f/4.0-7.1.