Leica Wedding Photographer - What's In My Bag?

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. Here is my Leica M6 and M10 wedding kit: 90mm f/2 Leitz 35mm f/1/4 Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/1.4 Leitz Here is my Fuji X-Pro2 wedding kit: 56mm f/1.2 Fujinon 23mm f/1.4 Fujinon 16mm f/1.4 Fujinon I usually use one kit to back up the other. I also carry two electronic flash units with a remote trigger, an umbrella, and a light stand.

[@enshongmiranda]

I can never afford a Leica but I always find it really cool to see wedding photographers that shoot with them and wish I could too! I hope you make more videos or even vlogs about shooting with your Leicas. :)

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

Thank you and I definitely will!

[@jjjoooojjj]

Love to see more videos from you ..

[@RickGTI2019]

Very interesting that you shoot weddings with Leica. I shot weddings in NYC for 20 years. Starting with medium format, then switching to 35mm film (Nikon) when the trend was going digital. However, I always had my M6 with me loaded with Tri X for intimate portraits. The Leica slowed me down a bit but the results were well worth it. Nice photos, nice video, thanks….. Rick

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

It was a decision I didn’t make lightly, but so happy I did. I also went the medium format to 35mm route as I was tired of carrying around a Contax 645 system that would fill billingham’s largest bag. Really happy with how small my system is now and you’re right, the m6 for b&w portraits is just something else.

[@torb-no]

I don’t shoot Leica, but I've shot Fujifilm X-Pro series and X100 series camera, and I actually use the OVF. I've found Leica shooters to be sometimes more interesting, because so many Fuji shooters just use the EVF anyway. And I know it's not the same because of auto focus (X-Pro has more in common with the Contax G series than Leica), but I'd love to hear a technique video, espescially considering composition and the usage of not-through-the-lens optical viewfinder and how that affects things. Anyway, thanks for sharing this video! It was interesting to hear your thoughts.

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

I shot on the Xpro system for a season and loved them, they just didn't provide an all in one system solution for me so I moved on. I do miss them and still have my x100v when I get the itch to shoot on easy mode. Ironically I never really got on with the optical viewfinders on the Fujis as they were unable to use the eye tracking in that mode and it was a bit of a deal breaker for me as most of my photos on my x100 are of my kids. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it's always so fascinating to hear what others are interested in. Alex

[@RichardPilon]

Do you scan your own negatives and if yes, which scanner do you use?

[@shutterlag192]

Looking forward to more from you. I used the m240 for a while at weddings. While I loved it and was inspired by it I found it way too hard to focus at 1.4. Do you stop down during unpredictable moments? I considered this but with the older camera the iso was limited. My dream is a Leica q3 with phase detect and internal memory paired with a 50mm version of the same camera. Ahhhh take my money if that ever happens, not that I even have enough, but I’d try!

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

Thank you! I don't typically shoot wide open on my 35mm unless I want that dreamy look or I need the speed. On the 75mm I basically shoot at f2 or 5.6, but have no problem focusing wide open.

[@davidjohn2405]

Holy trinity of bodies. Will be following for more videos! Would love to hear more on your thoughts for the M11 and SL2-S as individual standalone cameras. Currently have a Q2 that has been my gateway.. But the 28 feels limiting as I really want to pair it with a 50 for portraits. Not sure whether to go M or SL. Or Canon R5/R6/1DXii.

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

Indeed and thanks! I definitely have a list of videos I intend to release soon! I could chat for ever about these two cameras but they really are amazing. I’ve never shot a q2 but I hear they are quite incredible! I’m a 35/75 shooter on m so never really had the desire for one, but definitely tempting for a one body/one lens setup!

[@peetje28021970]

You could pair the sl2s with the new 50 aspherical non apo which is a good and affordable setup, Leica affordable I mean lol.

[@jlinwinter]

Great video! Do you find that the autofocus from the SL lens helps or hinders in your photography?

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

Thank you! I shot on the Canon 5D dslr system for a decade so compared to that the autofocus is fantastic. I don’t feel that it hinders my workflow throughout the day, although a phase detect system would be most welcome for those faster moments, especially with longer lenses.

[@peetje28021970]

Do you prefer 75 to 90mm and if so why, thanks.

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

That’s a great question! I find I use them for different reasons. The 75 is my go to for close portraits, fantastic for that glowy classic mandler rendering. I use the 90 as more of a mid to full length portrait lens as well as my go to for tele work at the ceremony and reception. Totally modern rendering and great for a more modern editorial look. Thanks!

[@doogster07]

What is the leather case on your m6

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

Arte Di Mano case, they make amazing goods.

[@forsterdaniel]

very nice setup. I was wondering what is this piece of black plastic you have to fix both lens back to back together to secure them in the bag ? never saw that before

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

I recognized St Anthony and Main Street. Are you also in Minneapolis?

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

Good eye! Yep Minneapolis is my home base. I take it you’re local as well? Hope to put out more videos featuring the city!

[@itacatv2146]

I can see the future. You’re going to sell the Noctilux.

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

Lol. Read the leaves apparently

[@JGphotoyt]

If this is too personal, feel free not to answer: How do you afford all of this gear, is it tax deductible or something as a photography business owner?

[@alexjohnsonphotography]

No worries! It’s definitely tax deductible (hello IRS) and the short answer is I buy everything used. I’ve been doing this a while, coming on 14 years as a professional wedding photographer and have shot canon, Fujifilm, Sony, and Contax. It’s a mixture of saving over time and getting lucky with a few of my film bodies (namely the Contax) that appreciated rapidly. As a side note, a used m10 can be had for near or under 4k used… while this is still very expensive for a used camera, it’s comparable to canon/Nikon/Sony offerings for their full frame mirrorless bodies (new of course). Same goes for lenses.

[@JGphotoyt]

@@alexjohnsonphotography Thanks a lot, I appreciate the reply! Time to start my "side business" photography and write off a used m10 😈

[@SamueltloganVideos]

I cant imagine shooting a wedding with my leica gear. Two bodies, multile lenses, lens change outs, slow burst rate. Give me any DSLR with a 24-70 and a 70-200 2.8 and i am good to go. I have no need for stelth at a wedding.