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.

Street Photography: Two for the price of one

Capturing images of people going about their daily lives is the bread and butter of street photography. The author argues that photographs of two people are much more informative than shots of individuals.

Studio Portrait Photography: Starting from scratch with a one-light setup

When available light just isn't good enough, it's time to bring in the studio lights. The author tells us how he threw caution to the wind, and tried his hand at formal portrait photography.

The Macfilos Podcast: You heard it here first, thanks to NotebookLM

Using the new Google product, NotebookLM, you can convert a written article into a podcast. Imagine that, a podcast version of a Macfilos story. It's true, hearing is believing.

Street Photography: An excursion into P.U.L.P. Fiction (Parody Using Leica Photos)

Ever wondered whether your neighbour is an alien invader in human form? This secret organization uses street photography to discover the grim truth. Read all about it!

Panasonic Lumix and Sigma L-Mount Prime Lenses: You can’t go wrong

Lumix and Sigma L-Mount prime lenses offer superb optical performance in a cost-effective package. You can't really go wrong, whichever model you choose.

Street Photography: Crowds and Cosplay at Comic-con 2024

Comic-con is the world's largest multi-genre entertainment convention, attended by hundreds of thousands of people. But for me, it's all about photographing cosplayers cruising around the nearby streets.
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My Favourite Lens: The Leica APO Summicron SL 1:2 50mm ASPH

My favourite lens is the first prime lens I bought, and the first Leica lens I bought. Some view it as the best 50mm lens ever made.

Rangefinder Photography: Touring the Pacific Coast Highway and Carmel

In the second part of his visit to the Monterey Peninsula, Keith takes us on a brief visit to one of the most famous towns, and most famous coastlines, in California. Armed with an M240 and three lenses, he shows us how well a Leica-M kits handles California's most scenic spots.

Back-Button Focus: Disentangling focus and shutter release

Back-button focus allows photographers independent control of focusing and shutter release, which offers a number of advantages. Its implementation on the Leica SL2 is particularly elegant.

Panasonic Lumix S5II: The only L-Mount camera you might ever need

The author gives us his assessment of a camera that used to be referred to as a stepping stone to more accomplished Leica cameras, but is currently receiving much critical acclaim in its own right.

Rangefinder Photography: The magnificent Monterey Peninsula with a Leica-M kit

Keith travels for the first time with only a rangefinder, visiting one of the most scenic places in California: the Monterey Peninsula.

Street Photography: My pocketable, relatively affordable, extremely stylish Leica companion

The debate rages on about the best camera for street photography, but Keith would argue that a discontinued gem, the Leica TL2, is a great option out on the street.