🔴 WHY LEICA.. and Non-Leica (What I’ve Learnt)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@danielclift3068]

Tripods with a levelling ball below the tripod head are normally intended for video / filmmaking, as they allow the tripod head to be levelled once the tripod has been setup and means that panning shots will follow the horizon precisely.

[@Seapatico]

Here's the thing: life is short, and the GAS is fun! Everyone has hobbies; everyone spends their money on something. But in cameras, if you're smart about it, you can consistently make money or at least break even by buying things you want at lower prices and selling them for the same or more. Everyone watching this video got into photography at least partially because they loved cameras. At least cameras hold their value AND are fun tools to use personally or professionally. As long as you're not going to crazy debt to buy gear, don't shame yourself about it. I suggest you also do other things to encourage yourself to go out and shoot, but buying and selling gear is one of life's simple joys. Don't worry about it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Very nicely put, thanks for sharing those wise words! Yes, I'd like to think I'm smart enough so as you say, buy good deals, enjoy it, then sell it for a similar price if not (or even a small profit). ..and it's much healthier than spending on cigarettes and alcohol!

[@bennyb865]

Love the honesty and journey. For me it's the following. I purchased a Q, then sold it and got a Q2, then fell in love with the M system and got a M11, then wanted to get back into film so got a M6 but didn't feel connected to it, so I got a MP limited edition and enjoyed it but didn't want it to devalue too quickly by over-using it so bought a beater MP. So in total. I have a Q2, M11, MP Limited Edition, MP and I use all of them for different reasons. Do I have too many cameras? Yes. But do I enjoy shooting and taking my cameras everywhere, also yes.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Benny! Yes it's easily done. We find different uses for each camera as you say so they all serve a purpose! (That's my excuse anyway!)

[@averywagg1839]

I’m just loving the journey you’re on, and the fact that you’re taking us along for the ride. Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Avery! Yes I'll keep sharing what I learn

[@richardsimms251]

Matt : You are an extremely entertaining person and make great videos. RS. Canada

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thanks Richard, I wouldn't describe myself as that so thanks if you managed to watch this all the way through. Passionate and experimental (obsessed) might be more accurate! :)

[@khanscombe619]

Just brilliant m8! I can relate 💯. I think we share a lot. My thing is it’s hard to get a good view of a camera experience until you use it for yourself & your own work. Then there’s a camera for different things. It’s like finding a good pair of shoes. Then you keep it. (:

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes agree. Find what we enjoy then use different tools/toys for different tasks. Like owning multiple trainers/ shoes I guess :)

[@XboxTheBeatboxer]

You're in a different spot than most people because you're taking an educational stance. In a sense, it's your "job" to be able to give people advice and perspectives on different setups. Because of your channel, I have a pretty minimal yet expressive setup. Sony A7C + Voigtlander M-E close-focus adapter + Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 + Voigtlander 21mm f/2.0 + Nikon 135mm f/2.8. This setup will last me a decade (camera body) and a lifetime (lenses).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I am lucky that this journey I'm on ended up becoming my job. I'm lucky that I love testing and experimenting (and then trying to take nice photos) so I enjoy sharing what I learn to try to help/ inspire others.

[@Odins.Valhall]

Hi Matt✌ Ui I know that with the G.A.S too well😁I used to be no different with the old lenses and cameras from Canon the 40D to the 1DsMkIII actually had everything, but then it was too heavy for me and I switched to Sony. But one thing was already clear to me that I didn't want any autofocus lenses, so I sold everything and then just concentrated on old manual lenses. And it was a very good decision😉👌For me, it's just a hobby, but the more you learn to deal with it and learn from your mistakes. 👍 You never stop learning, just like in all other areas. And now I've been using Leica for a while and it's a lot of fun, but the rangefinder makes it a bit different to take photos and you have to get used to it, but it works very quickly😁 It's all a matter of practice, just like focussing, it takes a while to get it right😉 But it works. Great video Matt, thank you for sharing and showing. Lg Anderl

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Anderl!

[@Democratiser]

I love the way you think and teach! I also love your description of where you are seeking to head: making art from your photography. That sums up the differentiating character of your images: they are artistic. You are already there!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! Just my usual 2p worth but yes I'm excited for the months ahead!

[@garnieross9958]

Great channel Mat! Love my Nikons! Fell deep into the 35mm film camera, lens, accessories hole a number of years ago. Now have 200+ bodies, 200+ lenses and a multitude of accessories. I'm primarily a Nikon fan. 86ish of my film bodies are Nikon. Most lenses are Nikon. Have nice collections of Topcon, Miranda and Pentax as well. Have 9 Nikon digital bodies that I use manual and vintage AF lenses on. My first Nikon Mirrirless could be added shortly.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

200!! I feel better now, thanks! :) Yes it's so easy to do especially if you enjoy photography over multiple decades/ lifetime.. they soon accumulate! Thanks for your kind words!

[@cwantuch]

Okay wow! I only have 10 or so. I don’t feel as guilty. Other than my Q3, all my other Leica’s are used.

[@richardsimms251]

I have a moderately large collection of Leica M film cameras and Leica lenses as well as the same number of Nikon F3 HP film cameras and lenses. I love them and would never give them up until I pass away. Such fun. RS. Canada

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great to hear Richard! Thanks

[@leonarddavis8449]

Hi Matt, with large format you may get vignetting when using movements, by using a ground glass screen with a cut off corner, (about half an inch) looking through the corner with the lens open you will be able to see how much to stop down the lens. If you can see a full aperture circle the it should not vignette. You may be able buy the cut off and gridded screens. Love your videos.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, great tip! Some of my cameras have that style of screen, I will have to try that.

[@JanivarNorbeck]

Hi Matt keep going I am glad for your sake 😊Hold on to your collection.I enjoy mine collections more now when I am older.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you!

[@stuartmeador8993]

glad to see your progress in photo knowledge.. We did many studio portraits with 4x5 cameras 'back then'... we set a mark at 3.5 feet and 5.6 feet on the camera rail or focus scale and verified the accuracy of focus; then attached a string to the camera and made a knot at 3.5 feet and 5.6 feet. when the subject arrived we simply aimed the camera and held the knot on the string to the subject to avoiding the delay of ground glass focus, stopping down inserting film, etc.; allows the photographer to be much more in the moment with the subject.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice Stuart, thanks for sharing these soon to be lost pro tips. Maybe I’ll try that for a studio shoot one time (with strobes)

[@stuartmeador8993]

Works for the lights, too. At one power setting, we would string 4,feet 5.6 feet, 8 feet.... which allows ratios; one light at 4 feet, another at 5.6 feet... instant ratio without having to fiddle with power settings....most lights change color balance at different power settings.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have an MPP Micropress camera with a 135mm F 4.7 Schneider Xenar lens. A clone of the Speed Graphic, not a Linhof. I use Fomapan 200 in it. I use a Manfrotto Gruppo with a Linhof ball and socket head. This is my camera of the year. My other camera is a 8.1 megapixel original Ricoh GR digital camera from 2005. Large and little. I use a Nikon D40x with a 18 70 afs DX lens f 3.5 to 4.5 lens. At 70mm the background Bokeh is amazing.

[@markthompson3977]

Great video, I have also started with 5x4 in the last few years. You mentioned wanting to try pinhole, one option is Intrepid make a relatively inexpensive pinhole lens board. With pinhole, I would recommend either medium or large format, but avoid using Fomapan as the reciprocity failure is horrendous, it gives a whole new meaning to slowing down!!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Mark, and the Foma warning (my film of choice!). I did look at Intrepid boards (it'll be clear why in a video to come) but after lots of research on Flickr as harsh as this sounds, I struggled to find any photos that inspired me. So I skipped it for now.

[@4WHEELBIKER]

I think it’s time for you to go into photo rehab Matt 🤣 I went through this phase when digital cameras took off and classic used film camera prices dropped. I shot with pretty much all the popular Japanese film cameras back then. Sold all my film equipment and Nikon digital cams and jumped down both the Leica and Fuji holes.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I know right.. I guess at least it's kind of my job now so could be worse!

[@HenleyBailey]

I got in to Leica to try and get rid of my GAS. I convinced myself that the least amount of gear I can get away with the better. For the most part it's worked. I just rock a 28mm and 50mm and use those for everything. Occasionally I think I should get something longer but then decide against it since it'll be useful for me about 5% of the time and carrying it on my travels doesn't justify it. I'm really happy now and my GAS is pretty much gone-ish although it kind of moves sideways now as I end up swapping 28mm lenses (Voigtlander, Thypoch or Leica???) and 50mm lenses instead. :P 28 Typoch and 50mm Lux is perfect for me at the moment, until next week probably.

[@DoenerFoundation]

I have the same setup 😊 I was really surprised how nicely the Thypoch 28 renders and will keep it for a long while…

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Henley, good to see you! Yes I think digital Leica can kill camera GAS (I got the M10 partly as I'm a Leica YT'er). For "normal" use good lenses should help with GAS too but I'm a weird one looking for less perfect so the quest is never-ending! (and then film is just unlimited fun options!)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the 28mm Thypoch is a nice one

[@HenleyBailey]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yeah, for sure. I love both 'perfect' lenses but more recently prefer lenses with character and don't even really care about sharpness for the most part. The Lux is pretty good for having a dual look and the size is ok. I love having 1.4 available. I rocked a Cron 50mm for the last 10 years and it's amazing and I tried to tell myself f2 is enough (it is but I want more gawdammnit). I got a Voigtlander Nokton F1 to fill that bokeh gap and have the Noktilux experience at a fraction of the cost but now I have the lux it's kind of a happy medium. There's too many amazing lenses and it's hard to resist, your channel makes it harder too. 😆 I have a M6 and love film but the cost is hard to justify. Buying the film and then the cost of developing it just adds up too much as a non-pro so I keep that for special occasions. Modern Leica are pretty similar-ish (kind of) to film for the most part so for me it's almost not worth chasing which is kind of a shame as I like the whole experience.

[@HenleyBailey]

@@DoenerFoundation yeah, it's a bit of a gem. I like that it's a different choice to the norm, it's fun to get to know too.

[@stevebarnett5048]

I think it does everybody good to think twice about the cameras they are using. So have a dalliance, have a few, and you’ll either confirm or deny where you think you are. I keep coming back to Leica and Nikon which are the classic combination. But for 4x5 I keep to wooden field cameras because they are lighter, but they all work the same. I would add that the joy of any camera on a tripod is to set it up and go for a walk around, look where the clouds are coming from, move the tripod six inches, etc.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Steve, yes to lighter cameras but no to all the same (once you get in deep with it. Some lenses won't fit some cameras)(as I keep learning). Yes to light 4x5.. stay tuned.. and yes I like the idea of more tripod work, maybe with a Hassy next time too.

[@tomhudd8149]

Back in the day I shot with 35mm film(Zorki and Canon) medium format (Mamya RB67) and 5x4 ( Sonar P3 an absolute joy to use). and I concur with that shooting in the various formats teaches you. On large format if you can get a book by Leslie Stoebel called View Camera Technique it will give you what you want to know about getting the most out of a large format camera with full movements. The flexibility in creating a photograph using a large format camera as no equal and it will give you so much fun and satisfaction. Alas the years have caught up with me and my days of carring heavy kit have long past. Have fun.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tom and thanks for sharing!

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Spot on, Dr. Osborne, excellent and erudite lesson plan. I was a Leica skeptic but now I know that my M series cameras will click a photo when I press the shutter button, every time. And the CCD M8 and M9 have nicer color, the M240 is OK, too. Getting stuck, yes. I was stuck with my limited skills and then I got the X2D + XCD 55V. Wow! What great color and IQ. It was a joy to use and still is. My simple poll of what gets the most hits on Flickr is the X2D shots. Same skill set holding the camera but better color and IQ. I owe you a Ploughman's Lunch by now. It is in the mail. Bon apetit. And thanks for another of your consistently well researched, well presented, knowledgeable videos. You are the Chieftain o' the Photo Clan. ;o)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Sandy, thanks, very kind (and interesting about the X2D..nice!). Thanks for the free lunch, received and very much appreciated (again!). I will spend it on film instead as I have my priorities! :)

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I kind of figured you'd do something like that. ;o) You have your priorities. It's not being wasted.

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

Lots of great info and inspiration. Also, I have the same shirt ;-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks (and haha, it’s so comfy isn’t it!)

[@jlwilliams]

[sigh] Matt, your musings are highly relatable and engagingly presented, but I'm glad I don't face your dilemma. Your photos are really good -- which is certainly not the case with the average gear-obsessed photo nerd -- but I'm not convinced that constantly pondering what sort of camera or lens to try next makes the pictures fundamentally better vs. picking one setup and sticking to it. On the other hand, I get it that nobody wants to watch KZbin videos about somebody else's photographic journey of self-discovery, whereas lots of people like to watch KZbin videos that feature exotic cameras and lenses! I'm still here mostly for the models, exotic European locales, and now the bad-weather photos (the snowstorm photos in this video were terrific... surely you could find some models who like to be out in bad weather?) but I realize I'm in the minority!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James! As with most of my things, my channel and journey wasn't planned, I just share what I enjoy ..which strangely seems to be experimenting and testing gear + taking photos of nice stuff. I agree a good photography can use 1 camera/lens but I just love the quest! (It's worth noting I'm happy to use 1+1 for digital and then I can focus on film (until I know the pros/cons of that gear and then I can use 1+1 for that).. it's mainly as I'm always testing A+B for myself.

[@daysofgrace2934]

I used to have a Bronica 6x6 for BW landscapes, still miss it...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice! Yes I miss my Xpan sometimes too.

[@Millicente]

The black leicas are indeed stealthy but I just can't stop loving the look of the silver Ms. I'd like to say my sl2-s is stealthy but given its size it isn't really 😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha yes I should watch my words.. small black Leica are stealthy.. SL are not :). I tried :)

[@vinylisland6386]

Don't you find the fact that Nikkor lenses focus the other way round (infinity on left, close focus to right) from Leica makes jumping from one system to another difficult?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

No I'm weird as you know, I must be the only person with a Mac and Windows laptop on his desk using both for their strengths!

[@jeromearnould9940]

Learning curve is not incompatible with GAS syndrom as far as you enjoy your toys and use it ... thanks for sharing your journey and your experience ...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Grom! At least it's my job to share the reviews so that can be my excuse!

[@Spearmanmark]

They are not so much rabbit holes as they are rabbit warrens, interconnected networks of passages and rooms going on seemingly forever. indeed, it is a good thing. Do not despair, my son, you are doing the Lord’s work.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you and yes you are correct, the never ending labyrinth! Thanks!

[@TheMungo54]

Pinhole is great fun. I can heartily recommend that rabbit hole.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I did look at pinhole boards for the 4x5. Maybe something to come in the future! :)

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Large format = 3D pop 😁x 100

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Peter! That’s the plan!

[@JanivarNorbeck]

Matt you inspire me.And i thank you from my heart ❤

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks!

[@lensman5762]

Well, you are not the only one, I assure you. A couple of weeks ago I was researching the possibility of buying a M Monochrome to partner with my M240. I ended up buying another Nikon F3 HP to add to my F3-P and an F100.Then I had to go and buy another camera bag to house the F3. Now I am wondering what happened?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha, oh no! Yes that's exactly what happens to me! :)

[@lensman5762]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom you wouldn't believe me if I told you that it all started with buying a waste level finder for the F3-P. Nuts.

[@jls2975]

I was a Nikon GAS guy, changing cameras for higher MP, changing lenses that coudn't feed higher pixel density, searching for lenses that keept the old one's rendition. Then i tryed a M8 and these fewer MP CCD and small Elmarit shocked me, these colors, this 3D look. Then after trying to get this IQ with Nikon gear, i stopped. Sold most of this gear to buy Leica stuff. GAS is dead now i have what pleases me and i don't see a "wall" 😅

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great to hear and similar to my move from Nikon story (D800-M9). Digital Leica help kill GAS, no question, that's why I have older models (SL etc). Film has too many 'opportunities to explore!'

[@jls2975]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes now shooting digital and film too, on Leica M7 and Minolta CLE (Leica M mount) and medium format Plaubel

[@laurapodrasky9687]

So next will be 8x10 then move into Ultra large format and then remember why Oskar Barnack made the Leica.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha, I hope 4x5 will be enough and then yes my small Leica/Nikon for faster stuff.. and Hassy etc for in-between tasks!

[@stevepringle2295]

Matt you must buy a Nikon F-2AS. It’s built like a tank.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

No more! ..OK maybe I'll check it out in there future if I ever get a chance, thanks!

[@chrisloomis1489]

When you go out ; to photograph , as I did on the 7th. I walked in the fields with gaiters and my Kilt , Domke F1 bag and the 2 Leica's with their respective lenses. Walking through the fallow field the grass damp in my approach shoes , tall wool socks to knee warm , I imaged with the 100 speed film a fallen snag , the bumble bees whipping about me in my yellow rain jacket ( big Dandelion Me ... ) , and this is the best part .... you stop. I stop decompress the hawk is hunting round me , this head craned into a downward scan ... looping gliding and snatching. The cherry and apple are blossoming , the birds call ... decompress. Models in rooms are real exciting ,I would not excite them .. I am a Low End Man ... not Yacht or sport car , none the less there is so much a deeper complete ( solo yes ) experience... and Nature accepts you for what you are. SO .. decompression and light , nuances ... moments , calm and listening to the wind , the hawk or Bald Eagles , the Canadian geese walking right up upon you , and they are un afraid .. as your in that Zone. There is nothing like that search for the nuances of Light.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Chris, very nicely written! (A more Corporate approach I've heard is break down you senses - sight, sound, touch (first 2 mostly) and then zone out so only focus on one at a time.. then you hear the bubble bee or see the hawk overhead! Nice.

[@flipflopsleica]

Will not sell my Hasselblad 903swc, Fuji GF670 and Deardorff 5x7 view camera.

[@stoneyblack6905]

Wow! Great review with your thoughts and experiences!! Mate… you’re a bad bad bad influence on me, with purchasing cameras.😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and oh no sorry about that! (I get myself too so these videos must be bad for everyone!) ..I bought a lens recently as a result of other KZbinrs, which is less common, so it goes full circle! (Future video)

[@stoneyblack6905]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom all good mate,😂 l guess we all get caught up sometimes? love what you do, keep it up! Cheers from down under…

[@David-kq3ki]

I’m exactly the same one week it’s Leica next week it’s Nikon

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks David! I'm glad it's not just me. Both are great fun!

[@David-kq3ki]

Yeah it can get very expensive, I think you’re channel is really good keep up the good work !

[@khanscombe619]

Furthermore, I would certainly not disregard Nikon as cheep. They area & was very much in the high end paid professional market. If you are only comparing used old. It is labour cost that make Leica & Linhof cost a bomb , yet cheep Asian labour that makes the Japanese pro gear more obtainable by a working professional. & made in such large numbers can cost less in used market for us . I’d say Nikon & Horseman were built good in the day. Not to mention, you can some blooming brilliant Voigtlander glass on them.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and yes great to point out. You know I love Nikon too so I'm not bashing them. You can get more affordable Nikon bodies which let you enjoy taking great photos without the worry of the Leica price tag.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Mate love it as a young lad I kept most cameras I had so had a few in storage when I started KZbin I thought I’ll try a few and upload the experience dumb move gas wise haha to be honest though I don’t drink smoke do drugs or mess around with fit women so researching gear searching for and buying gear then using gear is my passion. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Thanks for feeding my addiction. Live once shoot loads.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Paul! Yes I enjoy a similar healthy/boring life so I focus my attention (and funds) on photography

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom trust me mate it far cheaper and less strain on your sanity in the long run....wish I learned that long long ago

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

I did my first model shoot last week, I was bricking it but I think it turned out well, vid goes up soon. I even gave you a mention haha, that should gain you a sub or two from my minimal but loyal band of brothers, n sisters.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@paultaylorphotography9499 thanks Paul, very kind!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom all gd mate just got a wee Lens for the L3 looking forward to trying it

[@cecilsharps]

i've never seen ilford pan 400. what's it like?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I like it, like a cheap TMax400 as I think of it. See the review on MrLeica.com when I compare it to Kentmere 400 (both are Ilford budget films but Pan 400 is hard to find. I had to import it)(some years ago*)

[@jacovanlith5082]

The reciprocity item is not a low light problem. Be aware what will happen when youhave to deal with ultra short and ultra long exposure times; shorter than 1/1000 sec and longer than 1 sec. You will meet the change of the sensitivity and contrast of the black and white film. Plus a huge colour shift of colour negative and colour reversal films. You need tons of colour balancing filters to get the right colours on your film. I exposed in the Eighties the colour reversal Agfa Chrome 50 S for short exposures at daylight and the Agfa Chrome 50 L at long exposures at 3400 K. {n the hay days when photography still was a metier; Agfa, Ilford and Kodak sent to the professional photographers the job sheets and leaflets on reciprocity. My Technika 5x7 did exposure times of 30 minutes in obscure cathedrals in France. The bloody tourist did not spoil my photo by passing by my Linhof or looking into my Schneider Symmar lens for a few seconds. I was a big fan of long exposure times; I could go to the loo or have a pint and a lunch in a French pub opposit the church.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jaco, that made me smile with go for a pint. :) I'm excited to see how good these Linhof cameras really are.. stay tuned!

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Matt, GAS do not start on this, Tripods I have 5 from big stands to smaller one I have used and own a number of tripod heads, I never got on with ball heads and started using geared heads about 5 years age. Just got the best geared head every it a Arca-Swiss Cube it is amazing, try one if you can. I first started using Nikons back in 1980's and have only just sold most of my old F mount cameras and lenses to go fully mirrorless, after selling my Hasselblad 500cm and lenses a number of years ago. But I still have three PCe lenses from Nikon and still shoot Hasselblad X1D and X2D cameras and lenses. as for studio flash I stared back in the lat 1970's with some Bowen (Not very good but all my money at that time) then started using and owning Elinchrom what a difference, still have 5 heads. But buy far the best is the Broncolor systems I have used and own. That empty my pockets almost as quickly as your Leica cameras do. I used to shoot with 5x4 Sinar cameras and on some jobs 10x8 Sinar cameras but that was a long time ago.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks John! Yes I know those lights are not cheap! I settled for Godox as spent my money on cameras! Thanks about the gear head. Noted!

[@davidselby8115]

The problem is if you sell cameras you probably end up buying again at double the cost

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Correct! I try not to sell unless I really don't like them, but yes a topic of a video to come selling a camera that I can now appreciate as I shoot 4x5.

[@jayderose753]

I like how you "accidentally " bought certain cameras. Hilarious. I got rid of a Nikon outfit in 1978 and went with Canon. But I am the same with buying Canon as you are with Nikon...it never ends...my Leicas will be with me till I pass. I bought Zorkis and a Moskva 5 from your reviews...all it takes is money and storage space.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks.. yes don't you hate those accidents haha. Yes there are so many cool cameras out there for us to try, the fun quest is near endless! (I still have my Moskva5 and Zorkis!)

[@SavedbybGrace]

Well there you go. 100% legit and justifiable... 🤣 After decades of shooting I've narrowed it down to two cameras in total, and like you I have the waist level finder method covered. Actually something I missed since shooting on the 500CM & 503 CX back in the nineties. So my current two (unlikely to change) are the Leica M11 & Hasselblad 907X CFV100. Maybe... maybe at some stage I'll add an Leica MP... but that's it for me. Famous last words I know... My most current GAS is centred on ProFoto gear... Man that gear is lush. Certainly come a long way since my days shooting with Bowens Monoblocs. BTW... might have a problem with your 5X4 camera. The image is upside down... 🙃

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thanks Paul! Yes Profoto GAS is just as real as camera GAS!! Both are nice :)

[@lighturpl3]

‘Gear doesn’t matter’ people don’t make videos as rich as this! Cant wait to hear about your darkroom printing.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! Yes I’m excited to do more darkroom printing soon

[@cameraprepper7938]

For you G.A.S. syndrome, do not touch a Canon New F-1, do not touch a Contax RTS, do not touch a Fuji 608 etc.......

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thanks, I'm safe from Canon SLR though i'm sure they are nice, I have a Contax RX (sounds cool), sold my MF Fujis some years ago.

[@Wasp9513]

This is an obsession, Leica Leica Leica…

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry I try to relate most things back to Leica here as most viewers here love Leica.

[@Rkolb2798]

You seem to fall down a lot of holes 😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I think the key is never do any reading or research around cameras. Doing it most days results in finding many holes to fall down!

[@chrisloomis1489]

Tripod heads and gear Matt: here is the BEST .. ACRATECH FOR THE Nikon F3 or M3 , or in my case Rollei Wide , " quick release wheel plate " , then the tripod I use american company they are bulletproof , you do not want an Ebony 4x5 taking a tumble , they are irreplaceable ... PRO MEDIA GEAR , the Best , again , what is the cost of your camera and lens if they tumble ? a Super Symmar XL 150mm lens is costly , a 110mm Super Symmar XL with center filter is priceless and all center filters are costly. Do not trust a crap tripod. Good tripod is cheap insurance. The heads , I use a 3 way , also heavy old beast from 7 years ago , a " video " head but perfect for the Ebony , and as stated above the products from ACRATECH the GP ball head , is fine for 90 % uses ...does NOT float about. then the Panoramic head , is also excellent. The " ball " you showed , is a " bowl " type affair , I have the tripod that accepts that. For 4x5 , 8x10 , MF , or even ULF , the bowl type head works beautifully to quickly adjust a piece of equipment .... I find my 3 way and Panorama heads to be the most pleasure to use , so there is a little assignment for you , some research. Now I have to go , and reason out if I want a ... well cannot say here ...is a secret but the look from that lens ... My lips are sealed. 😁

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Chris, wise words, and from my recently acquired LF know I know both know what XL lenses are AND the price (and the related filters!). I hear you. I'll be honest I do need to invest in more premium tripod gear but I'll use what I have for now. (I spent too much on everything else!)