Stay in The Zone- Leica M8, Leica M-D, Panasonic LC1, Fujifilm X20, Canon G16, Ricoh GR IV

Stay in The Zone- Leica M8, Leica M-D, Panasonic LC1, Fujifilm X20, Canon G16, Ricoh GR IV
July 2018, Carl Garrard

This article will touch on a subject that is hardly discussed in photography groups, but one that I feel is the most extremely important of all- staying in the zone. And what exactly do I mean by staying in the zone? Being in the zone to me at least, in life or in photography, is a mode in which you are in when you are at your most acutely aware, focused, and balanced. It's a moment, or series of moments in your life where you know you are at your optimum self, at your  most capable, and produce your finest works in all aspects of life. I also believe that being in the zone is a moving target, and that it takes supreme honesty and maximum effort of your cognitive skills in order to be there. The zone, to which I will refer in the rest of this article, should be a place we strive to be in as often as possible. To get yourself in the zone often requires a lot of honest self reflection, humility, and complete lack of external and internal distractions alike. You must know your true self "Nosce te ipsum", and then be your true self "Tu ipse esto", wholly, and without any reservations.

Setting Up My Leica M8 for the Leica M-D

Setting Up My Leica M8 for the Leica M-D
April 2018, Carl Garrard

My Leica M8 still gets plenty of work. It's a unique and fun Leica M, and with use over time I believe this to be even more so than my "classic" M9 in some respects. Recently, I learned how to properly adjust the M8 for a horizontal RF adjustment because its focus alignment was slightly off horizontally, and a small adjustment was  necessary. I'm an independent type, so I'd rather fix it myself rather than pay then wait a long time for it to come back from being serviced. It wasn't a difficult job, but I took my time to research it and complete it properly. Along the way I had also acquired two OEM black Leica logos, and so I also replaced my red dot on the M8 with the black dot (which I think makes it looks much better). With the focus dead on, I made sure my sensor was clean, and bingo my M8 felt like new again. Now it was time to dig into the menu system and set it up in such a way that would prepare me for a new arrival. The Leica M-D.

Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 - Fifteen Glorious Years Later

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 - Fifteen Glorious Years Later
April 2018, Carl Garrard

Although the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 wasn't officially announced till PMA in 2004, its near twin, the Leica Digilux 2 was announced in late December 2013, and both were developed in that year. Only aesthetics on the exterior separate the two from being identical (black paint vs silver, grip added vs flat, minor different looking on/off switch). It's amazing to think that fifteen years has passed since this camera was announced. And it's also unthinkable (more on that later) that Panasonic and Leica haven't collaborated to make a true successor to these cameras considering how wildly popular they are with the subculture who rave about them. These two cameras have become cult status icons, because they are two of the most beautifully designed digital cameras of all time. Most owners covet them, some have bought and sold them several times, but ultimately you cannot escape the draw of the beautifully designed LC1 (and Digilux 2). And that's one reason why I took so much time to write this article.

Ricoh GR Digital IV: Ricoh's Digital GR IV Still Reigns

Ricoh GR Digital IV: Ricoh's Digital GR IV Still Reigns
April 2018, Carl Garrard

Why does this particular GR still matter? Well, it always will in the line up of GR lore because it's smaller, lighter, and has a faster lens than its bigger GR I/II successors. Ricoh's GR Digital IV is definitely a complimentary camera to the large sensor GR's with both types having distinct advantages that can give you awesome results. This camera is the reason the larger sensor GR's are as good as they are today, so remember that. Having met and worked with Ricoh under NDA with it's employees in the past, I can tell you first hand that they are all photographers that look out for our best interests in camera design, and it shows in the final products. The GR Digital IV is no different.

Natural Abstract Symmetry Project

February 2018, Carl Garrard

Hello all my photographer readers! Happy February (already) to all of you. This year is going by quickly, but so far has been a wonderful year for myself and others in many respects. In the vein of that excitement, a new project has  been born that puts my 25+ years of photographic interest and experience to light.

Poem Sharing: A Surrender to Light

A Surrender to Light

January 2018, Carl Garrard

A Sunday Drive 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and the Fujfilm X10

A Sunday Drive, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and Fujfilm X10
January 2018, Carl Garrard

2017 was a challenging and difficult year, both for those I love and for myself personally. I'm sure there would  be relative testimony from many of my readers about last year as well. I'm particularly glad it's behind all of us. But, although time is a man made idea, sometimes it seems a new year can bring good luck and fortune. This year, although in its beginnings, has been the best start to a year that I can recall in some time, it feels like its a year of healing after licking some wounds. And thus a good Sunday morning drive can be a great way to take some time to reflect on all the good things we have in our lives, and see some natural beauty too. That was my morning today and yesterday, whilst driving my newly acquired 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and the Fujifilm X10 as my companion.
Fujifilm X10 Current Used Prices

Fujifilm X-T1- Beauty, Handsomeness, and Incredibly Chiseled Features

Fujifilm X-T1- Beauty, Handsomeness, and Incredibly Chiseled Features
January 2018, Carl Garrard

When I unboxed Fujifilms X-T1, the first thing I thought of  was Hansel's (Owen Wilson's) line in Zoolander (yes really).  This is one beautiful and supremely well designed camera that you'll be at home with either on the street, at a modeling shoot, or even at Mount Vesuvius. There really are only two types of cameras that get photographers hearts pumping these days- beautiful looking rangefinder (styled) cameras, and the classic SLR (style) cameras. Both types imbue an adrenaline based Starbucks cocktail mixture of emotions. Those emotions include: a dose of fond personal memories, a dab of historical significance, a warmed heart, and all mixed together with a little sprinkle of lust. Wherein Leica have pretty much nailed down the most beautiful rangefinders cameras of all, Fujifilm, at least in my eyes, have taken the award for the  most beautiful SLR style digital camera of all. The Graphite version of the XT1 (or XT2), in person, is the most handsome SLR, or DSLR style camera I've ever seen. Pictures simply don't do it justice, you do really have to see it in person to believe it. For serious.

Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Version, Best Current Price

Mystery Camera Review- Series 1

Mystery Camera Review- Series 1
December 2017, Carl Garrard

MCR #1: This review is the first in a series of a new type of camera review (we will do lenses too) wherein I'll discuss only the image quality, usability, and some key features of the camera. There will be enough information in the review that you'll probably end up being able to discern the product name eventually, but the whole point here is solely on what the image quality can look like and how much I enjoy using the camera. Images shared in this review will be screen shots only from my 1080p HD monitor (no exif peeking!). It is not a challenge to guess the type of camera, but rather to see what can be done with the camera. Today, we have so many cameras available that produce excellent image quality, it is simply time to focus on how intuitive and fun a camera can be to use. No, the reflected image isn't the camera I used in this article, the fuzzy squarish thing around it, is.

Sony Alpha A100 DSLR Review - Looking Back

Sony Alpha A100 DSLR Review - Looking Back 

December 2017, Carl Garrard

Wrapping up 2017 here is a short tribute to a camera that I was (and still am) very fond of. Back in 2006, when in my digital 'career' I decided to graduate from fixed lens cameras such as the Sony V3, F828, and Sony R1, to a DSLR platform. I had to choose if I was going to stick with the Sony brand I was familiar with  or start fresh with a completely new DSLR brand. Sony cameras had helped me kick start a very decent fine art sales income back then. I felt comfortable using the brand and was more than happy with the quality of images coming from them. So, when Sony made an exciting announcement (on the heels of a sad Konica Minolta announcement) of acquiring the Konica Minolta camera division in late 2005, it pretty much was a no brainer that I'd end up purchasing their very first DSLR.

Sony Alpha A100 BEST PRICE BODY ONLY

Fujifilm XQ2 Review- More Than A Surprise Bargain

Fujifilm XQ2 Review- More Than A Surprise Bargain
December 2017, Carl Garrard

Fujifilm XQ2 Review- Fujifilms XQ2 is a sub-compact camera for enthusiast photographers. In its small shell it houses a bright f/1.8-4.9 wide angle 25-100mm 4x zoom lens, a 12mp 2/3" sized X-Trans II sensor (with raw capture), full HD video, wireless control and image transfer, a tempered glass rear screen, and much more. It's a lot of power you can put in your pocket, and it is just slightly smaller than a deck of playing cards. For those who like to travel light, but won't compromise such options as mentioned, this is a bargain camera that you ought to take a look at. After all it's at stocking stuffer used prices these days. There is more too this camera though, as noted in my abbreviated format review.



Fujifilm XQ2 Current Best Price

A Tribute to the Light Bulb

A Tribute to the Light Bulb 
December 2017, Carl Garrard

A week ago today, the light bulb pictured here burned out. It was part of a gift I received in the Christmas of 2005 from my mother. A gift that ended up illuminating my daughters room nearly every waking day of her 6 years of being alive so far. The soft red glow of the lava lamp, has put her to ease and given her countless nights of perfect sleep. It's funny how a light bulb means so much to me now that it is extinguished. Yet the more I thought about how important it really is, the more I realized I had to pay tribute to it. This is the story of the light bulb, one that lasted almost exactly eleven years before it finally gave up.

Fujifilm X-E3 Preview

Fujifilm X-E3 Preview
November 2017, Carl Garrard

Fujifilm X-E3 Preview: If you found this article, then you probably like rangefinder cameras. Fujifilm's X-E3 offers a host of progressive upgrade of capabilities over the X-E2 series, and a couple of trade offs. If Fujifilms best image quality matters most, then likely it's going to be a camera you'll want. I'll be updating my blog with a detailed head to head comparison between the X-E2 and X-E3 in my full review, but this article is a quick but informative run down on it's design. (If you'd like to donate here you can, or check the price at Amazon below, even if you don't buy one it really helps me out!)


Fujifilm X-E3 Best Current Price

Fujifilm X-E2 Review II- Authentic Rangefinder Experience?

Fujifilm X-E2 Review II- Authentic Rangefinder Experience?
October 2017, Carl Garrard

Fujifilm X-E2 Review II: When I wrote my original review on the Fujifilm X-E2 some time ago, the review was prepared from the typical  prosumer stand point. This review will be much different. Back then, the X-E2 was also a much higher price and in higher demand, but today they can be found in like new condition or new for a steal in comparison. Lately I've been in search of cameras for my readers that are better suited for manual control photography, but more specifically one that could mimic a rangefinder shooting experience without paying for a full priced Leica M system. Sound impossible? Fujifilm's X-E2 at least on paper, seems be an ideal and affordable option for just this task (if you don't mind the 1.5x crop factor) . This review is based on using the X-E2 with the very latest firmware (v.4.01) in manual modes only for the purpose of mimicking a rangefinder system camera. If you want a general perspective on the X-E2 (prior it's comprehensive firmware update) go here: Fujifilm X-E2 review.  Spoiler alert: The new firmware has been quite a surprise and makes the X-E2 a whole new experience.

Fujifilm X-E2 Body Only (Used and New)

Canon EOS 80D Review

Canon EOS 80D Review
October 2017, Carl Garrard

Canon's EOS 80D Review: Canon as a company, seems to have taken a huge leap forward with the 80D. Not only has Canon's semi-conductor division created a new sensor for the 80D that is much more competitive in the marketplace, it seems to have exceeded in image quality and overall performance than any other Canon branded APS-C sized sensors before it. Yet, it seems the value of what you get overall in the EOS 80D is extraordinary. This camera seems to be loaded. If you took most of the best features of its competitors that Canon has lacked, added the better sensor of its competitors, and put them all in an easy to use and versatile Canon camera body- you'd probably get a Canon EOS 80D. And while Canon still isn't offering 4K video in this body, there's no denying its value as a video device based on its features for the dollar. But value is always in the eye of the beholder. Let's get this review started.



Canon EOS 80D BEST DISCOUNTED INTERNATIONAL PRICE
Canon EOS 80D BEST NEW PRICE

A Special Shout Out to Our First Donation!

Just a quick thank you for your thoughtful and gracious donation to the website. This the first donation PC has received yet.  And you know who you are :).  Also thank you to others for the support of the site in general. -C

We Need Followers!

PC Readers: First of all, a sincere thanks to all of you who tune into our website. As you may have noticed lately, there is an uptick in the momentum of articles being published here for our readership. We need momentum, and you can help! If you would be so kind as to "follow" this site, it would help us greatly. And feel free to please share our website with friends too, this will also help us and doesn't require any funds to do so. A little help will go a very long way!

You can follow our site by simply clicking the blue follow button in the right hand column under the followers section. We'd be much obliged if you do! Any help you give us here, comes back to the site to help you as well. We believe the teamwork mentality really pays off for all.

Thanks again for reading and sharing. It's much appreciated, more than you know.

Stay focused.

-Carl Garrard

Canon EF 24-70mm F/4L IS USM Review

Canon EF 24-70mm F/4L IS USM Review
September 2017, Carl Garrard

Canon EF 24-70mm F/4L IS USM Review- Not many DSLR lenses encourage me these days as much as the affordable, weather resistant, macro capable, excellently built Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM. From the quality of the boxing to my pixel peeping scrutinized shots, this zoom lens is very impressive and versatile for its price. Built quality is L level phenomenal, speed of focus is fast, its macro capability is a big bonus and nearly unheard of in this category. It seems to pair nearly perfectly with the Canon EOS 6D- it's size, weight, weatherproofing, and handling is dynamite on this body. It may not have the mid telephoto range of the older/newer 24-105 f/4L (II), but, image quality is better (especially distortions). It's also more compact, has much better macro capability, and it's nearly the same price as the older 24-105 f/4L model at about $749.00-$899.00 USD. Used copies are available for a bit lower, but there aren't too many of those yet. Read on to hear what my thoughts are on this lens. These days I'm shooting less with DSLR's, but this lens needed to be reviewed here for my readers.





Canon EF 24-70mm f/4.0L BEST CURRENT PRICE

Ricoh GR II Review

Ricoh GR II Review
September 2017, Carl Garrard
Ricoh GR II Review- No, I'm not late reviewing a camera that was announced in 2015 or anything (ducks for cover)... I mean, its only been two years plus since Ricoh announced it, and I'm just now finally getting around to reviewing the GR II. I will get a pass from my friends at Ricoh though, since they know I've always been a fan of Ricoh cameras in the past. Considering that I've personally met with a few friendly Ricoh representatives from Japan long before they purchased Pentax, and, that I've owned every digital GR model made, I thought I ought to at least dedicate some time for a short review on the latest GR here. And with the review I'll include some notes on this camera that haven't really been mentioned  before in other online publications. Note that this review is solely based on using the GR II with latest firmware v3.00, which few reviews were based on. Ricoh's are some of my favorite cameras in the world. Lets see how I like the newer GR II.


Ricoh GR II Digital BEST NEW PRICE

Leica M9 Rangefinder Review (Diary Part II)

Leica M9 Rangefinder Review (Diary Part II)
September 2017, Carl Garrard

Leica M9, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.7 Ultron (Image shot with M8)

Leica M9 Rangefinder Review: Since I've decided to switch to a rangefinder as my main camera system, life has been simpler. My creativity along with my passion for photography, seem in full swing again. Sometimes I reflect with a heavy heart when I realize that I almost lost both of those vital components that make photography so special to me. All of my life I've understood the value of a less is more philosophy, but as I get into more mature years I realize the rewards of living your life that way. Since publishing my M8 article I've been active. I've been making new contacts, having discussions with other passionate like-minded photographers, planning more, and looking forward to my next photo outings. I continue to hone my technique using a rangefinder camera. For those of you who are considering getting into rangefinders with a limited budget, this article will serve as a practical point of view when comparing the Leica M9 with the Leica M8. In a way, this is really a part II to my M8 article. This is my fourth rangefinder article here, and likely won't be the last.
Leica M9 Best Current Price