It’s the noise that gets you first. There are police vehicles blocking streets, people milling about, and more Ferraris than you might see on a rainy winter’s day in Monaco. So what’s going on? The clues are there for all to see. It’s Columbus Day in Chicago.
Leica Vario-Elmarit vs Sigma Contemporary: Exploring the benefits of standard 28-70mm zoom lenses
Not so long ago, many photographers dismissed the “standard zoom” as a mere kit lens for beginners. Although this misconception lingers, the truth has changed dramatically. Modern standard-range lenses, such as this 28-70mm zoom duet from Leica and Sigma, perform remarkably well, often matching prime lenses in quality and rendering.
Leica Camera strikes partnership deal with Capture One imaging software
Leica Camera AG announced a strategic partnership with Capture One, one of the world’s leading developers of professional imaging software. This collaboration is centred on delivering the most powerful and reliable tethered shooting experience and editing tools for Leica photographers — from studio professionals to on-location creators.
Exploring Yorkshire: from pastis in Provence to roast beef in Reeth
There are few things more ridiculous than deciding that the best way to experience a plate of roast beef, and the rolling green hills of northern England, is to set off from Provence. And in a car that has just been washed and waxed by a French auto lavage with a questionable sense of geometry.
A brief tribute to Martin Parr (23 May 1952–6 December 2025)
As many of you may already know, Martin Parr died on Saturday 6th December. I had been a fan of his work, since I became interested in photography. To me, he was one of the important voices and eyes that captured social change in Britain, and I felt it was important for Macfilos to mark his passing.
Sirui: Innovator in anamorphic lenses, and emerging force within the L-Mount Alliance
Sirui, pronounced ‘soo-ray’, joined the L-Mount Alliance in March 2025, further diversifying the system beyond its heavyweight founders, Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. As well as offering lower-cost options for popular spherical lenses, the company has brought a new and exotic dish to the L-Mount feast: anamorphic lenses.
Capturing Over-Tourism in Florence: An impressionist approach
A few weeks back, I wrote about using the in-camera composite function of my Ricoh GR IIIx HDF to create impressionist-style photographs. In that article, I described the technique, using London as my muse. Since then, I have become rather enamoured by this approach to photography to capture the idea of over-tourism.
Leica announces four limited edition M lens variants: Three Safari and one glossy black
Today, Leica has introduced four new limited-edition M lenses — three Summiluxes and one Summicron. They are designated officially as “coveted product variants”. Three are to complement the popular Safari colour scheme, while one has a glossy black finish. They range from 28mm to 50mm.
Leica Monopan 50 Review: A new era of 35mm film
I have never stopped shooting film. I still shoot massive amounts of large and medium format film. But ever since I started using the M9, then M10, and ultimately, my M10R camera, I have been an advocate of walking away from shooting 35mm film. It just made no sense to me. Here, I look at a new development in film photography, Leica Monopan 50.
Supporting Macfilos: How to keep our photography blog independent
Five keen photographers based in Europe and the USA run Macfilos as a private hobby blog. We all contribute our time, and cash, to keeping Macfilos completely independent, free of advertising and beholden to no one. Nevertheless, costs continue to rise, and the burden falls increasingly on our volunteers. In this article, Mike explains what we do and why we value support from our readers.
Leica Announces its Picture of the Year 2025: A New York street image by Joel Meyerowitz
The Leica Picture of the Year was captured by Joel Meyerowitz on the fringes of the Puerto Rican Day Parade — an enduring celebration that remains a fixture in New York City’s annual parade calendar. Dating from 1963, the image portrays four women, gathered in a shop doorway on Fifth Avenue, absorbed in the process of perfecting their make-up.
Discovering the Real Cuba: Beyond the tourist sights
I wanted to see the real Cuba, not just the Cuba that visitors make a point of seeing. That’s the Cuba of classic 1950s American cars and astonishing architecture. The Malecón, the innumerable wrought iron fences, bicycles, and women smoking cigars. All those things are important to see, but I was more interested in what daily life was like for the average Cuban.
Billingham Capsule 1 Pouch: Stylish camera protection for Santa’s stocking
The new Billingham Capsule 1 pouch is a useful accessory for any of the standard Billingham camera bags, adding an extra layer of security and a convenient method of transfer for a small camera and lens. It’s also perhaps the most endearing potential Christmas present for a Macfilos reader that we are likely to see this side of December 25.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70 f/2.8 Review: The ideal standard zoom for everyday use
The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70 f/2.8 ASPH was introduced rather quietly earlier this year, together with enticing kits with the Leica SL3-S. I had not been asked to test the lens beforehand (I’m not always asked). But I was intrigued by it, and as I had a series of varied events to shoot over the summer, I bought the kit with the SL3-S.
Discover the 2025 Royal Photographic Society Award Winners
The recipients of The Royal Photographic Society Awards for 2025, the world’s longest running photography prize, have been announced. The RPS is a world-leading photographic community, made up of accomplished artists, dedicated academics, hobbyists, and seasoned professionals The society aims to inspire people through its innovative exhibitions, its award-winning RPS Journal, and its highly respected awards and events.