Handgrip for the Leica M240

Because the multifunctional handgrip wasn’t available AND because there were some rumors about the MF Grip sucking out the battery life – because of the GPS -I opted for the much cheaper regular handgrip. I only wanted it for ergonomic reasons anyway. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now and I can say it definitely improves handling of the camera, especially with heavier lenses, like the Nokton 35/1.2. On some weddings, when light is bad, this heavy lens is glued to my camera all day and after I few hours I get sore fingers, because of the lack of grip. Last friday I had a wedding and I felt a lot more comfortable with the grip. I haven’t tried the finger loops yet, but as soon as I do, I’ll do a proper review.

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Work your Leica M – English

Want to learn to focus faster and more accurately? The Leica M rangefinder camera can be regarded as a legend in the field of photography. Using it in real life can be a challenge however. Focussing is done all manually and many people lack the speed to keep up with things.

You can buy the tutorial here.

In this e-book, documentary -wedding- photographer Joeri van der Kloet, presents a clear, step by step tutorial to increase your focussing performance. In 14 effective exercises you will improve your speed and accuracy in focussing.

Joeri:

I’m surprised to meet so many Leica shooters that have been working with a rangefinder for many years and still are so slow in achieving focus. Everybody says you should practice a lot, but most don’t know how to practice. I think that’s key, knowing which methods are best for improving your skills.

This is what readers have to say about this book:

Marc Johansson:

I never had the confidence to use my M9 in fast action. I always was too slow with focussing. Now at least I know how to train effectively and the tricks in the tutorial make focussing easier.”

Dolf:

Love the practical set-up of this tutorial! It is clearly written, with a lot of fun exercises which really made me experience the camera a lot better. Hopefully I will end up with the same documentary skills as Joeri (see also his own site luta.nl)”

Don:

I purchased this book and it’s really great. Not so much revolutionary but a good collection of common sense and exercises to get better and better. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to improve their rangefinder focusing skills.”

Bratt:

I’ve been shooting with a rangefinder for years now, but I never realized that better training is far more effective. Joeri has proven to master the rangefinder (just look at his wedding pics) and he knows how to work this thing. Small investment and really worth it.”

Joan:

After reading the book I got enthusiastic and booked a workshop with Joeri. I should have done this years ago!”

Introduction workshop on a sunny day

What does a typical introduction workshop look like? Well, because my clients are usually not yet very familiar with the M-system, I always begin with explaining how the rangefinder and the menus work. I also show them the differences between film Leicas, the M9 and the M240. After a few espressos we head out and, depending on what my clients want to see, we visit The Hague, Delft, or walk around in my own neighbourhood.

During the workshop I make sure they develop a feel for the camera. So, I won’t focus too much on technical aspects and try to get people to squeeze more out of the camera, but I show them what you could do with it and if you want to get there, what it takes. Usually rangefinder first timers are fiddling with the focus, so we do a bit of focus training, but after that we’ll switch to zone focussing and look at composition and timing, instead of missing moments due to lack of focussing skills.

Hey Joeri, I just bought a used/new Leica M6/7/8/9/240. I love it and thanks again!

If needed, I point out interesting subjects. I show them how they can anticipate a shot, or how they can make a shot more interesting by recomposing or by using another exposure. Sometimes we walk around and see what happens, After that we might encounter an interesting situation and then wait for something to happen there.

After the walk, we head back and upload the pictures to a computer for some photo feedback. We check the focus, exposure, but also composition and timing. I explain how I select my photos and how I edit. After that we usually talk about buying a Leica. I give them my honest advice and in many cases I’ll get an email just a few days after the workshop: “Hey Joeri, I just bought a used/new Leica M6/7/8/9/240. I love it and thanks again!”

So know you know. Attending my introduction workshop can be a very expensive adventure…

Interested? Check out this section

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An interesting subject. Light falling through an abandoned office.

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Time for a portrait. I give instructions: I’m the CEO and you’ve got five minutes to take your shot. Pick the right spot and play with the light.

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Leica workshop

Leica customized teaching

You’re the proud, but not so happy owner of a digital rangefinder. You bought the camera because you know Leica camera are the best, but you made better pictures with your iPhone. Actually, you don’t know where to start: you can’t get images in focus and shutter speed and aperture is unfamiliar to you. Don’t worry!  In a few minutes we know what we need to know and we’ll design a custom teaching program for you. Sometimes, six hours are enough, sometimes we need thirty.

Rates

Depends on your skill

Where

In Nootdorp, the Netherlands, or at your place

When

Whenever you want. All workshops are one-on-one, unless requested otherwise.

Level

You know how to unbox your camera. That’s all.

Streets of Hong Kong I

No picture please!

You won’t hear that too often in South-East Asia and the chance will be even smaller when you’re used to ‘working under the radar’. All frequent visitors of Digital Rev TV will know the city of Hong Kong already by heart, since most of the gear reviews are being recorded here. And for a reason. Two reasons probably, because the headquarters of Digital Rev are situated in Hong Kong, but also because the city is incredibly photogenic. Many travellers will regard Hong Kong as a city for passing through only. Either to Australia and New-Zealand, or further into Sout-East Asia. A shame, because there is a lot to see here and I will show you that in a couple of posts.

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Leica M9, 35 summicron ASPH

In Kowloon, which is considered to be the most authentic part of Hong Kong, you’ll find lots of shops like these. Most shops are organised in little districts, so if you’re looking for a fish, there is one street where you should be. For tools, you obviously need to be in the street you’re looking at now.

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Leica M9, 35 summicron ASPH

For the best views of the city centre of Hong Kong, you’ll need to go to Vicoria Harber, where there is always enough to see. People meeting for a chat, old men trying to catch some fish and every friday night, there is a lightshow, which is very Asian: lots of noise, music and a bit over the top.

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Leica M9 and M9-P with 35 and 50 summicron

But I’m not the Lonely Planet. If you need more detailed information about where to go, just check out these great books. What I can tell you is that Hong Kong is best discovered by just walking around. If you need to cover more than a few streets, you can use the excellent metro. Keep your camera at hand, literally, attach a wrist strap, because there is so much to see. Take a camera bag however, because in the streets it can be hot and humid, but indoors, the AC is freezing. If you take care of your camera, you’d try to keep the ‘climatic changes’ as smooth as possible to prevent condensation.

One more tip: Leica stuff – not the cameras though – and Artisan and Artist stuff is cheaper in Hong Kong, compared to most European countries.

Leica Masterclass

You are the proud owner of a rangefinder camera and although you made some pretty good pictures, you think you can get more out of your camera. Focussing is not speedy enough and exposure isn’t always spot on either. This is what you’ll learn:

  • Focussing quickly on static objects
  • Focussing quickly on moving objects
  • Using your light meter more effectively
  • Optimizing images in Lightroom

After completing the Leica Masterclass and working your way through the tutorial – yes, you get to do homework – you’ll notice that working with a rangefinder is just as speedy, or speedier than a DSLR. And hey, it’s way more fun too.

Rates

295 Euro, including tax.

Where

In Nootdorp, the Netherlands.

When

Whenever you want. All workshops are one-on-one, unless requested otherwise.

Level

You know the basics: ISO, shutter speed and aperture. You have worked with a rangefinder for at least a few months and know how the system works. You know all about composition and timing, but it’s your timing that doesn’t keep the pace.

Some shots that were taken during workshops by the participants:

Leica Masterclass Leica Masterclass Leica workshop Leica teaching Leica workshop Leica Masterclass Leica Masterclass Leica Masterclass

 

To get more and better results with my M-system I took a class with Joeri van der Kloet. During the course of an afternoon he gave me several tips and tricks to improve both speed and accuracy in focussing. A big step ahead! I think the best way to improve your skills is to listen to someone who has hands-on experience with a product. It just works the best. Thanks for the inspiration Joeri!

Gert Huygaerts

The workshop was truly inspiring! Like so many of us I had gotten used to autofocus and auto-all settings. With my new M, this is something I had to live without. Prior to your workshop my subjects were limited to things that did not move, but now I feel confident to try other (moving) subjects. You convinced me that a rangefinder with manual focus can be quicker than autofocus if you know how to use it. Thanks!

Jan vandenbusche

Truly insightful!

Mark Dorlas

 Enjoyed a Leica Masterclass with Joeri, which I should have done years ago. Small things make a big difference in my workflow now and I’ve finally come to realize that I need to keep training on my focussing skills. Thanks!

Edward v A.

My brother and I had a 2-day workshop with Joeri recently (Oct 2018) in the Netherlands. We did one day of street photography in Rotterdam and one day of portrait photography with a photo model in a studio. It was the first time I had a workshop with Joeri and I really enjoyed Joeri’s approach. Joeri is very enthusiastic (but relaxed at same time) and very focused on ensuring we got a maximum of new knowledge out of the two days.

I particularly liked his practical advice in street photography such as the use of light (and shadows), focus, composition and the 1/3rd rule – definitely aspects that I will continue to use. I thoroughly enjoyed the portrait photography in the studio. It exceeded my expectations by far in terms of what I learnt from it, particularly in terms of composition of a good portrait, and the results we got out of it. Joeri gave great advice in terms of lighting, positioning of the model v-a-v background and lighting, composition, and editing of pictures.

Overall, the workshop was a great experience; the combination of street photography and studio work was really interesting and fun. And importantly, I have learnt things I can apply going forwards.

Jurriaan M.

Leica introduction workshop

 

You don’t just buy a Leica. They are simply too expensive to do so. Before you decide to buy – or not to buy- it might be wise to try out the Leica M for yourself. Not just by firing of a few shots from a tripod, no, you’ll get to work with the M for a few hours in a real life environment. This is what you’ll get:

  • You’ll be able to try a Leica M9 for half a day yourself
  • We’ll explain everything you need to know about the menu and other functions
  • We’ll teach you how to focus, expose and compose
  • With a 35 summicron attached we’ll go out and test the camera in real life circumstances
  • Back home, we’ll upload the images and see what you can do with them in Lightroom

After the workshop you can make an informed decision whether you should buy a Leica M, or not. Second, you have learned something about documentary photography. Does the M make documentary photography easier, or maybe more rewarding, like so many people say?

Rates

295 Euro, including tax. The rent for the M is included.

Where

In Nootdorp, the Netherlands.

When

Whenever you want. All workshops are one-on-one, unless requested otherwise.

Level

You know the basics: ISO, shutter speed and aperture. You have worked in manual modes before.

Some shots taken during introduction workshops

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