Bill Blackwell Images

Leica M2, 90mm Tele-Elmarit

Also from the archives - from my 2003 (first and only to date) trip to the east coast. Leica M6, 35mm Asph Summicron (IIRC) Film was likely Fuji 200 (converted to B&W) - but don't hold me to it

Prior to the RD-1, which was a co-op between Epson and Cosina, Leica executives insisted a digital M was impossible due to the short rear-lens element to film-plane distance. Plus, Leica wouldn't have considered a cropped censor (the RD-1 has a 1.5x crop factor) prior to the RD-1 (the M8 had a 1.3x crop factor). I dare say that Leica would have never produced a digital M camera unless someone else had done it first. The fact we have full-frame mirrorless cameras today from any manufacturer can be traced back to the RD-1.

Leica M6, 28mm Asph Summicron Washington D.C. - June 2003

ISO 400 (old film)

50mm Asph Summilux

12/26

Happy New Year everyone! The best in your estimation anyway. ... Ernst E. Debs Regional Park - Los Angeles, CA

Certainly not the best, but here's my last shot taken in 2023 ... Leica M10-P, CV 40mm Nokton f/1.2

90mm

Ft. MacArthur, San Pedro, CA Leica M10-P, CV 40mm Nokton f/1.2

Many years ago I did jobs such as what you describe and weddings. I always used daylight film with fill flash at around ASA 200 (never above 400). I never had an issue. But I also liked to shoot with Tri-X when shooting stage plays. B&W always seemed more "natural" in this venue. But I almost always forced myself back stage for some after shots (sometimes at the intermission) of the actors in character and in costume.

50mm