Kirsten’s Hiking Bag

Kirsten Vignes has been with Leica Store Miami since 2012 and is the resident graphic designer and marketing creative. She lives and works remotely from Minneapolis, MN with her cat and husband. Kirsten is passionate about photography, which she studied at Rochester Institute of Technology. When she's not off climbing a mountain somewhere, you can find her volunteering with The International Leica Society and putting together their quarterly photography journal Viewfinder. She loves traveling to far off places, paddling and biking around the lakes in Minnesota, movies with mythical creatures, and, of course, coffee. Read some of Kirsten’s articles here.

 

Last year in February 2023, Leica announced a game-changing new series of lightweight Summicron f/2 lenses for the SL-System. They’re compact and light at about half the size of their APO-SL cousins and weighing the same as an average M lens. And with an impressive close-focus range down to just to 24cm / 9.4 in, they're extremely flexible. Combine all that with full weather-sealing, and they’re perfect for the trail.

LEICA SL2 & 35mm Summicron-SL ASPH 

Whether you’re lucky enough to have the new Leica SL3 or are still rocking the SL2/SL2-S, or even the original SL (Typ 601), slap a Summicron-SL on there and just take a hike.

I used to be a die-hard 50mm shooter, but on the trail, I’ve found the 35mm Summicron-SL to be my Goldilocks. It has a slightly closer minimum focusing distance than the 50mm (great for mushrooms and wildflowers along the trail), still wide enough to get a stellar landscape shot, but not too wide for a portrait of my fellow hikers.

ARTISAN & ARTIST* GEAR BOX PRO POUCH

When I’m hiking, I usually leave the camera bag at home and just take a no-fuss camera insert. The Artisan & Artist* Gear Box Pro ACAM 63D Camera & Lens Pouch is perfect for the SL with a small Summicron lens, and it fits flawlessly in both my daypack and my bigger mulit-day pack. When I’m actively hiking though, I don’t use a camera bag at all. Instead, I rely on the Peak Design Capture Clip and Cuff Wrist Strap. The capture clip is an Arca-style tripod mount that secures onto any backpack strap, so I can easily clip the camera on and off my pack. No more stopping to dig my camera out of my bag and slow down the rest of the group. No more bouncing cameras and bruised hips from using a traditional neck strap. With the Capture Clip, I can hike hands free, and my camera is always right there and ready when I need it. After all, the most incredible shot might be just around the corner and I’d hate to miss it. 

EXTRAS

Depending on the length of the hike and how much spare space and weight I have in my pack, I’ll bring the LeoFoto Tabletop Tripod Kit and an ND filter. At only 9in high and weighing just 12oz, I barely even notice it’s there. It’s sturdy and versatile with a clever fold-out two-section leg design and an Arca-type ball head (same as the Peak Design Capture Clip!). It’s perfect for a quick long exposure waterfall shot using an ND filter, or an epic selfie using the self timer or Fotos App.

ESSENTIALS

The backcountry can be full of surprises. I’ve been caught in all kinds of unexpected weather from windy deserts in California to river crossings in New Zealand. It’s important to be prepared. This means camera gear too. I always bring at least two lens cloths or a small microfiber towel. Even thought the SL-System is weather sealed, it’s still important to keep the front lens clean and dry to avoid water spots and compromised image quality. I usually keep a UV filter and lens shade on too. I’ve seen my fair share of slips and falls where the hood and filter is ultimately what saves the lens…and the day.

And, of course, batteries and a spare SD card. There are no power outlets in the backcountry, so I always bring at least one spare battery and/or a MyCharge power brick. I love that Leica is transitioning to USB-C charging and that I can juice up both my camera and my phone with the same power bank. I always tuck a spare SD card in my pocket – I’d hate to have my card fill up or fail while far from civilization and a replacement. 

 
Browse Kirsten's Hiking Bag
 

Some of Kirsten's shots from the hiking trail:

 

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Jose's Travel Bag

Jose Rovira is perhaps best-known as the Producer of Red Dot Forum Camera Talk, our in-house livestream about all things Leica. Jose joined our team as a Leica Specialist in 2019. Always with a Leica in hand, he loves documenting daily life, spending time with his family, friends and cats, going to the beach, watching historical documentaries, anything having to do with sports, and of course, checking the latest Bitcoin news.

jose@leicastoremiami.com   |   IG @jroviraphoto   |   www.jroviraphotography.com

 

The most common dilemma photographers face: what gear do I bring on this trip? This is a question I get asked at the store all the time, and frankly, there is never one answer. As my Red Dot Forum Camera Talk colleagues David and Josh say, “It depends!” For this year’s “In Our Bag”, I decided to keep it simple and show the gear I took on my trip to Spain this past March.

LEICA M11 & LENSES

Europe is incredible for street photography. Historical monuments, narrow streets, churches, and lots of people walking around make for very interesting pictures. I knew I wanted to take a small kit to Spain, but I wanted to make sure I could also capture some amazing shots, so what better camera than the Leica M11. It’s compact but very powerful with its 60MP full-frame sensor, has impressive low light performance, 64GB internal memory and USB-C port for charging on the go. Also, since the black version is 20% lighter than its silver counter part, it’s perfect for walking around all day.

I decided to just take two lenses, a Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH and a Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE II. I definitely needed a wide angle lens to photograph buildings, interiors of cathedrals in Seville, and long, narrow streets, but I also wanted a standard focal length for portraits, street scenes, details and group shots. With these two lenses I felt I could cover almost everything I wanted to shoot and still not feel like I had too much gear that would get in the way of enjoying the family trip. The 21mm is a very compact and light lens, but the images it renders are unbelievable. It's a modern lens with very sharp rendering and most importantly, very little distortion. It's great for some quick shots while you walk around and don't want to hold up the group!

The 35mm Summilux FLE II is a dream lens. With the same optical design we all love from the original FLE and the new close focus mechanism, it's an even more versatile tool. I loved being able to take street shots and portraits, while also taking advantage of the 0.4 meter close focus for details of food!

EXTRAS

While I kept my gear simple and light, I definitely needed a few important add-ons. The first accessory I always recommend is the thumb support. It adds a more comfortable grip to the camera which makes it feel great in the hand while walking around. The Visoflex 2 also helps focus in certain situations; it's a must in an M kit. Since we were always on the go, I had to make sure I could charge my M11 anywhere, so I took the USB-C to USB-C cable. This allowed me to give it a quick charge when we sat down for some tapas and wine, which was often! As far as cleaning accessories, I took an Eyelead Mini Air Blower and a Leica Microfiber Cloth which are so important to keep your gear clean.

OBERWERTH M11 BAG

Choosing a camera bag for this trip was critical. It had to be discreet and small, but big enough to carry the previously mentioned accessories plus a few SD cards, a neutral density filter, Airpods, wallet, etc. The Oberwerth M11 Luxury Leather bag was a great choice. It looks and feels amazing, is nicely padded for protection, and is just the right size for the gear I was taking.

I always say there is a Leica for everyone and every situation. Sometimes you have to take ALL the gear, but sometimes less is more. I was very happy I took the M11 and two lenses. With this minimalist kit, I took some amazing shots but also enjoyed the trip without too much gear getting in the way. Spain is a beautiful country to photograph and it looks even better with a Leica! 

 
Browse Jose's Travel Bag
 

Some of Jose's photos from Spain and Portugal:

 

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Josh's Product Photography Bag

Josh Lehrer has been with Leica Store Miami since early 2010, beginning his Leica journey less than a year after graduating from RIT with a photography degree. Since then, he’s developed a strong passion for Leica collectibles, using vintage glass on modern cameras, and memorizing Leica part numbers. When he’s not chasing supercars around, you’ll find him co-hosting Red Dot Forum Camera Talk on YouTube, or spoiling his Golden Retriever, Enzo.

 

As Leica Store Miami’s resident pre-owned and vintage specialist, I spend a lot of time carefully testing, inspecting, and documenting the wide, ever-changing array of Leica equipment that makes its way to my desk. While we have a fantastic in-house product photographer in my colleague Tim, often I'll take a full set of images for special or unique incoming products here in my office, or detailed close-ups to highlight a particular aspect or cool feature.

CLEANING TOOLS

I rely on a range of tools. Before I can even turn my camera on, the equipment needs to be carefully cleaned and staged for images. That starts with the Eyelead Classic Air Blower and the Nitecore BB21, both of which filter the air coming through to best protect the delicate equipment being cleaned. Using filtered, pressurized air is a key first step, as it ensures I won't scratch any delicate finishes by rubbing dirt or grit around.

If there’s some dirt or particles that aren’t coming off with the blower, but need to be removed before the cleaning process continues, the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Stick is great for the job. It’s technically designed to clean sensors, but also works well to clean the surfaces of camera equipment or lenses. For the nooks and crannies that the Eyelead stick can’t reach, using a folded up Post-it Super Sticky Full Stick Note (with the sticky side out) works like a charm.

Next, it’s time to wipe down the gear to remove fingerprints, oil, or any other residue or stains that may be present. And to take extra care, I don my super-secret black Leica gloves. The Leica Microfiber Lens Cloth is what I grab next – it's high quality and lint-free. If there are more stubborn spots, I'll switch to the Eyelead 2-Step Wet/Dry Lens Cleaning Wipes, which can be extremely effective on many different Leica finishes without harming them.

ACCESSORIES

If the camera in question has a strap attached, it must be removed, and I'll use the Split Ring Plier for Camera Straps to remove it carefully. 

With the equipment cleaned ready for its close-up, next it’s time to get it set up on my desk. For smaller lenses, I'll prop them up on either a Leica Body Cap M or Rear Cap M to get the item at the right height. Alternatively, a small rubber band placed on one side of a larger lens when it’s laying sideways can ensure it doesn’t roll away.

LEICA SL3 & APO-MACRO-ELMARIT-TL 60MM

For the photos themselves, you can't beat the combo of the Leica SL3 with the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm. It lets me get as close as I need to, while retaining a very high level of sharpness, and has autofocus to manage the super-slim depth of field inherent with such close focusing distances. Even though the lens crops the camera to APS-C mode, the resulting 26 megapixel images are more than adequate for my needs. 

TRIPOD

Keeping my SL3 steady is the Sirui A-1205 Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit, which is small enough to easily store out of the way in my office. I light up the scene with my Lume Cube Panel RGB LED Light, mounted on the camera’s hot shoe. This direct, controllable light source allows me to display the camera or lens being photographed as honestly as possible. The goal isn’t necessarily to make it look pretty, but to look as close to its real-life condition as I can.

PEAK DESIGN CAMERA CUBE

When I'm all done, most of the kit is stored in the Peak Design Camera Cube V2, Small until another gorgeous piece finds its way to me!

 
Browse Josh's Product Photography Bag
 

A few of Josh's cool product shots…

 

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David's Landscape Bag

David Farkas is a self-admitted Leica junkie and an avid photographer since he was seven years old. He owns and operates Leica Store Miami in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida with his wife Juliana. David has years of experience shooting with just about every Leica camera and lens made within the last few decades. He loves exploring far-flung landscapes as much as discovering a new city, as long as he's got a camera in hand. Check out David’s camera reviews, technical articles and show reports here.

david@leicastoremiami.com   |   IG @davidfarkasphotography

 

Since I first tried out the SL2 at the end of 2019, the SL System has been my primary go-to for landscape photography. And while I have been extremely satisfied with the SL2, the update to the Leica SL3 has been a welcome one since I added it to my kit this Spring. So far, I've only had one big outing with the new camera. I took it to Patagonia while co-leading our recent Leica Photo Adventure and was blown away with the results.

CAMERA – LEICA SL3

The Leica SL3's 60-megapixel BSI sensor with 15-stops of dynamic range delivers incredible fine detail, offers extreme file malleability and excels in low light. Even with its slightly smaller, lighter body and flip-out rear LCD screen, SL3 is just as rugged, weather sealed and tank-like as its predecessor.  

Paired with three Leica SL Vario lenses, the 16-35, 24-90, and 90-280, my kit covers everything from ultra-wide to long telephoto with staggering levels of detail and gorgeous color rendition. And while I have always been a prime lens guy, these zooms have won me over, offering Leica prime lens quality at every focal length along with unbelievable flexibility in the field. 

BACKPACK – MINDSHIFT BACKLIGHT 36L

As with many photographers, I’ve been perpetually in search of the perfect bag. But over the last few years, I’ve found little reason to change from my workhouse, the MindShift Backlight 36L. For me, the Backlight 36L strikes a perfect balance of light weight, excellent carry capacity and all-day comfort in a package that fits into any airline overhead bin. Like all MindShift backpacks, this one takes design notes from hiking bags, with a substantial waist belt and thick carry straps with plenty of memory foam padding to make even the heaviest loads feel manageable. My camera kit fits easily inside, with room to spare for filters, accessories and even an extra camera body and lens. Deep, twin side pockets hold water bottles or a tripod. And the generously sized front pocket holds my rain shell, scarf, hat, extra layers and snacks. 

CARRYING STRAPS – PEAK DESIGN SLIDE LITE

I absolutely love the Peak Design Slide Lite Strap, especially in the midnight blue color. The strap is super quick to adjust with its dual metal flip latch quick adjusters, and with the simple yet strong Anchors, I can remove or reattach the strap within seconds when mounting and unmounting from a tripod. 

CLEANING

Shooting in the field and changing lenses as often as I do is a recipe for a dusty sensor. I use an Eyelead Medium Blower Bulb as a first line of defense, blowing dust and filaments off the sensor. If I still have stubborn dust at the end of the day, I'll use the Eyelead Sensor Cleaning Kit to give it a more thorough cleaning. And I always have at least one or two lens cloths to keep lenses and filters clear. Pro tip – keep a few clean lens cloths in a zip top bag inside your rain shell. That way, you’ll have a reserve of dry cloths in case you have to wipe away frequent rain drops, mist from waterfalls or sea spray. Once a lens cloth gets soaked, it doesn’t do much except smear the water around. 

TRIPOD

When shooting landscape, I can’t be without a tripod. And given the challenging conditions I often find myself in, a bigger, more stable tripod is a must. The Colorado Tripod Company 4-Series Centennial Carbon Fiber Tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head is simply a beast of a camera platform. For my SL2, the RRS L-bracket was standard issue, so I will be adding this to my SL3 once Really Right Stuff releases a dedicated L-bracket. 

FILTERS

Essential for landscape photography, I take along a full setup of Breakthrough Photography X4 filters, all in E82 filter size since all three SL zooms sport the same front diameter. The Breakthrough X4 filters offer incredibly neutral color, even with extreme ND strengths and are the best quality filters I have used to date. A circular polarizer, 6-stop dark circular polarizer, along with 6, 10 and 15-stop NDs take care of most of my needs for landscape photography. The filters fit conveniently in my Think Tank Filter Nest for easy access and safe keeping. When I’m working on the tripod, the Filter Nest can be clipped around the tripod collar for easy access. 

If you want to read more about filters and how I use them, check out my article here: Essential Filters for Landscape Photography

POWER & CHARGING

Of course, I make sure extra BP-SCL6 batteries for the SL3. With one in the camera and three extras, I am set for a full day, and night, of shooting. Of course, charging this many batteries at night can become a juggling act. Using a single Anker dual port USB-C power adapter, I can juice up the Leica dual charger and the battery inside the SL3 at this same time. Both the charger and the camera take USB-C, which is so convenient since the same charger also works for my iPhone and MacBook Pro. 

For power on the go, I carry a myCharge battery pack. With a built-in USB-C plug, I can charge my iPhone, AirPods or even keep the battery in the SL3 topped up. For more far-flung destinations with no access to wall power, I also have a larger portable battery pack with fold out solar panels. 

MEMORY

SL3 files are very large. To make sure I have enough space to capture a full trip's worth of images, I pack two 512GB CompactFlash Express Type B cards and carry a few 256GB Lexar 1667x UHS-II SDXC cards for backup, all fitting nicely in my ThinkTank Pixel Pocket Rocket case. For backing up files from the laptop, I rely on some 2TB Samsung T7 and SandDisk Extreme SSDs. 

TOOLS

My Black Diamond Storm head lamp gets a lot of use. After shooting until last light following a sunset, you can quickly find yourself alone, having to negotiate a rock-strewn trail in the dark. It's nice to have light. I've even used it for light painting in a pinch, and it’s waterproof for those rainy outings. Along the lines of preparation, I always carry a Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool, a multi hex wrench, a small roll of Gorilla tape or Duct tape, and a couple Black Diamond climbing carabiners. You can fix almost anything with this combo, from torn pants to a broken tripod leg. When leading photo workshops, I’ve got my trusty Rocky Talkie long-range weatherproof walkie talkie for communicating with other guides when out of cell phone coverage. The Rocky Talkies last for almost a week on a single charge and are easy to recharge, using a standard USB-C port. And since some of the most beautiful destinations are often far away from civilization, I always pack an Iridium Extreme satellite phone.

EXTRA LAYERS

Lastly, even on the nicest of days, my trusty Arc'teryx Beta SV technical shell gets rolled up and tucked in the front pocket of my backpack in case the weather turns nasty. If there is a chance of things cooling off, I'll also add in my Arc'teryx Cerium LT light down jacket, as well as a merino wool beanie to keep my head warm, a wool scarf to fight off the chill and some neoprene gloves to prevent frozen fingers. This combo, as part of a solid layering system, lets me take full advantage of the beauty of dramatic weather without having to suffer as a result of it. I also throw in an extra pair of Smartwool socks just in case of wet feet. Read more here: What to Wear: The Definitive to Clothing Guide for Landscape Photography

TIP

My Red Dot Wear Oscar Barnack Kleen Kanteen is awesome for either keeping water cold, or coffee hot for hours on end. Nothing beats having some nice hot coffee when you're standing in the freezing cold, waiting for the light. I make sure to take a couple snacks with me, to keep my energy level up and hunger at bay. I would always rather get the shot of a lifetime than have to stop shooting, just to have a meal. Granola, trail mix, nuts, fruit jerky, a meal replacement cookie or an energy bar are easy to fit in the bag and eat on the go. I also carry a couple single serve packets of Mount Hagen organic instant coffee – for when you can’t break free to grab your morning coffee. And for the odd pesky headache, or allergy attack, I stash a few single dose blister packs of basic over the counter meds – Sudafed, Tylenol, Benadryl. If venturing much further from civilization, a small first aid kit can be a smart addition. 

 
Browse David's Landscape Bag
 

Some of David's SL3 images from his recent adventure to Patagonia:

 

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Colin's Workshop Bag

Colin McKinley has been part of the Leica Store Miami team since 2016, planning and guiding Leica Photo Adventures across the US and around the world . Originally from Boston and now based in Denver, he specializes in adventure photography, landscapes, astrophotography, and music photography. When he’s not leading photo trips, you might find Colin hiking, climbing, or skiing in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, or dancing under the stars at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

colin@leicastoremiami.com   |   IG @colinmckinley_

 

The Backlight 36L from Mindshift is the largest camera bag in my collection and has earned its place as my go-to bag for serious landscape photography outings and international photo expeditions. The spacious main compartment easily holds two or three camera bodies, four to six lenses, and sometimes if needed, a small drone kit with controller and extra batteries. If I’m gearing up for a Leica Photo Adventure to Iceland or Patagonia and I want to have as many tools with me as possible, this bag is the one I reach for every time.

LEICA SL3 & Q3

The SL has been my primary camera system ever since I picked up the original SL (Typ 601) for the first time at Leica Store Miami in 2016. When the next generation arrived, I felt somewhat torn between the high resolution of the SL2 and the fantastic low-light performance of the SL2-S, which was perfect for my Astrophotography work – I often packed both cameras for my trips.

Now in 2024 we are lucky to have the Leica SL3, a camera which combines massive resolution with shockingly clean high-ISO performance to deliver a level of image quality which would have been unthinkable just a few years prior. This has quickly become my number one choice for camera body in just about every scenario possible. That said, you’ll rarely see me pack my SL kit without throwing in some iteration of the Leica Q.

With the same battery and charger, same user interface, and nearly identical RAW files which can easily be processed with the same presets, SL & Q go together like PB & J. If I’m shooting on a tripod with my SL3, I might have a Q3 hanging on my shoulder for quick snaps while the other camera is tied up on a long exposure. It also works great if I’m shooting with a 100-400mm or 90-280mm lens on the SL to have the Q on the other shoulder for a quick wide angle shot without changing lenses. If I’m heading out for dinner or drinks and want to bring a camera along, the Q3 is a great choice with its small form factor and fast f/1.7 lens.  

ACCESSORIES

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the Peak Design ecosystem of accessories.  PD straps are my favorite – durable, easily adjustable on the fly, and quick to remove if the camera is going on a tripod.  I also use the PD Capture Clip to have the camera readily available while I’m hiking. I love the PD tripod and usually bring one along as a backup for my main tripod which gets checked in my luggage.  

For filters, I almost exclusively use Breakthrough Photography.  If I could only have one for the rest of my life, it would be the 82mm 6-Stop Dark Circular Polarizer (CPL) filter, which is extremely versatile and fits easily on all the SL zoom lenses. On bigger trips I usually also bring a 3-stop Dark CPL, 10 Stop ND, and a regular CPL.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

One of the most important pieces of kit for any serious landscape photographer is a good shell jacket.  I love the Arc'teryx Alpha series for their durable reliability, thoughtful design, and bright colors. It’s so crucial to stay warm and dry in the field, and I know that many of my favorite photos would never have been possible without this jacket. A headlamp with a red light mode is usually in the pocket of my jacket, crucial for any type of night photography or dawn/dusk hiking to locations.  

Last but not least, I use Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios to stay in touch with my team in the field.  Communication is extremely important, especially in the case of an emergency, and these radios are extremely tough and reliable.

 
Browse Colin's Workshop Bag
 

Some of Colin's workshop images:

 

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Gabe's Professional Wedding Kit

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Gabriel Luis Reyes is a full-time wedding and portrait photographer who also serves as the in-house trainer at Leica Store Miami. A Miami native, Gabe's journey in photography began in the 6th grade at South Miami Middle School. He is passionate about sharing his expertise as a professional photographer and his insights on photography techniques, camera systems, and settings. Gabriel offers personalized 1-on-1 appointments at Leica Store Miami and is also available for online sessions via Zoom.

Book a 1:1 with Gabe   |   gabe@leicastoremiami.com   |   www.gabrielluisphotography.com

 

I’ve shot weddings with every SL since the first, and every Q since the first gen too. Now in their third generation, the SL3 and Q3 finally introduced a function that helps me be more creative – a flip out screen. While I shoot 90% of my weddings like a documentary photographer, I like to plan out a creative portrait session with my clients. During that time, I’m looking for a way to share the magic of photography, or sometimes, make the most of five short minutes and a random area in a place I’ve never been. My favorite solution to a challenging space with very little time to produce an interesting image is to put my camera on the floor. The flip out screen on both the SL3 and Q3 means I don’t have to worry about laying all the way down on an ant pile to line up a shot. I can now look straight down at my composition while flicking the ants off my camera. 

LEICA SL3 & Q3

I’m in love with shooting prime lenses, especially the L-Mount APO-Summicrons and the 28mm lens attached to the Q3. A fixed focal length means I generally see my frame before the camera even leaves my hip. I reach for the Leica Q3 most of a day, with a Leica SL3 and 50mm APO-Summicron-SL on deck. When a situation calls for different perspective, I swing my Peak Design sling around and use it as a lens changing platform, swapping out to either the wide angle 21mm Super-APO-Summicron-SL or the telephoto 90mm APO-Summicron-SL.

LEICA SOFORT 2

One of the newest additions to my wedding day kit is the Leica Sofort 2. It’s really cool having an instant print from a digital image I just took – and now I can include it in a digital delivery too. The real secret power of the Sofort 2 is as a portable printer. I transfer images taken during a wedding day to my phone using the Leica FOTOS app. then I’m able to print a gift for my couple from my favorite images we took during the same wedding day. 

EXTRAS

After 14 years shooting weddings I’ve picked up a few must-have items that are always in my kit. A box cutter is great for all the emergency snags and loose ends that happen around me, and my folding tool set sits in the pocket of my sling for when a thumb support is blocking my flash mount or a base plate change is needed. Airpods Pro 2 protect my hearing while allowing for me to switch to transparency mode to hear what someone is yelling at me over the DJ’s speakers. The Insta360 X3 is my content creator, offering me a versatile angle and aspect ratio no matter where I place it in a room. I have to have my flair, so Strike Gently Co’s line of barely appropriate pins are my go-to for helping my bag stand out if it’s not on my back around other photographers. Finally a copper pipe and prism offer a quick and effective way to add some magic when the right circumstances present themselves. 

Overall, 2024 is my favorite year ever for Leica’s new products. We’ve seen such an improvement in processing power, transferring speed to the Leica FOTOS App, and those flip out screens were a dream come true for my shooting style and my geriatric knees.

 
Browse Gabe's Wedding Kit
 

Some of Gabe's wedding & portrait photography:

 

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Ashlyn's Video Kit

Ashlyn McKibben is part of the Leica Store Miami team in Coral Gables, working as the in house content creator. She also freelances full-time shooting photo and video for weddings, events, fine art projects and more. Ashlyn is a New Hampshire Institute of Art graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Art in photography, and has participated in fine art exhibitions, competitions, and has also lead a portrait workshop here at LSM for women and femme photographers. She is also a dog mom to a little chihuahua named Beans who is at her side most of the time.

www.ashlynmckibben.com   |   IG @ashlynmckibben

 

I have always been a “I just do still photos” kind of creator…until I recently found myself caught up in the whirlwind of videography and cinematography. As media trends evolve, I find more and more of my clients are looking for video work instead of photography. Luckily, the same camera that was already always in my bag can do both! 

LEICA SL2 & LENSES

My trusty Leica SL2 stays rigged up with an 8SINN Camera Cage by SmallRig. The cage allows me to attach a handle for stabilization, mount a monitor, mic or light panel if needed, along with a base plate for my monopod or tripod. The cage also gives the camera some additional protection, which comes in handy as I am often “running and gunning,” either out in nature, nightclubs, theaters, or in the field with other creatives. My go-to lenses are the 24-70mm Vario-Elmarit-SL, which is my most used lens by far, followed by the 35mm Summicron-SL f/2 ASPH and the 90mm APO-Summicron-SL f/2 ASPH primes. The 35mm is a favorite for its size and speed, and the 90mm lends some variety in my footage with its different perspective. Anywhere you can save some weight is a MUST when doing video on the go, and these little lenses are really the best you can get for AF lenses. 

PELICAN CASE

I know it seems like a LOT of accessories, but for videography, I am far from a maximalist. I've found a happy medium between “carry only what is necessary” and “carry everything”. My Pelican case rocks. I can safely stuff it to the gills with everything I need to create dynamic videos, including my drone and GoPro. I know…I know, blasphemy in the Leica world right? But it's easier to mount on moving vehicles and going underwater than my SL2, so let's just be honest here.

AUDIO EQUIPMENT

I usually record my audio separately from my video file, so my ZOOM recorder, and tiny Tascam lav mics are a must for any video. I always have my noise cancelling headphones to hear audio samples in the field to make sure the levels are correct before hitting record.  

BATTERIES & STORAGE

I know you’re probably looking at the absurd amount of batteries and SD cards and thinking I have lost my mind, but I assure you these are absolutely necessary for any professional creator working on all-day projects. Recording video takes a lot more power than shooting still photos so I always need fresh batteries at the ready. For my lenses I carry a few ND filters to allow me to shoot wide open in bright spaces, as well as a handheld circular prism for some fun effects. My most prized extra item in my bag is my set of earplugs! If you work in loud environments and get a little overstimulated, or just want to protect your hearing, ear plugs are a must. Lastly, any time I can have Mr. Beans present to assist it is a good day on the job!

 
Browse Ashlyn's Video Kit
 

A sample reel of some of Ashlyn's videos:

 

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Brandon's Street Photography Bag

Brandon Woods is the newest member of the Leica Store Miami team. Having lived in Asia and the Caribbean before moving to the states, Brandon employs his background as a freelance Director of Photography to continue his drive for storytelling and cultural significance, always behind a Leica lens.

brandon@leicastoremiami.com   | IG @woods.bm

 

A full day of street photography starts with your bag. Do you have enough room for all your gear? Can you fit all the film you'll need? And, most importantly, can you carry it comfortably all day? These are the key things to think about when choosing your everyday camera bag.

ARTISAN & ARTIST* ACAM 1100 CAMERA BAG

I'm a big fan of my Artisan & Artist ACAM 1100 Canvas Camera Bag. It's compact, has plenty of pockets, and its sleek design lets me move around the streets smoothly without drawing too much attention. When I'm out shooting, I try to keep a low profile. Nothing flashy in my wardrobe—just blending in with the crowd. Even my camera stays in the bag until I see a moment unfold in front of me. And that zipper top is a real time-saver, allowing me to grab my gear quickly so I don't miss a shot.

LEICA M9 & M6 TTL

I rock it old school with the Leica M9-P and Leica M6 TTL. The M9-P was my first digital M camera, and will continue to be my everyday carry for two reasons: I know every function of the camera – the way it meters light, what ISO I can push it to, its buffer, battery life, etc. – and I enjoy the UI, or lack thereof. There is no live view, and it features an old and simple menu, which I’ve grown to learn and love. Using this camera allows me to truly live in the moment, rather than worrying about having to switch between settings and get caught up in a modern, feature-packed system. The process of shooting this camera reminds me of shooting film and pairs so nicely with a Leica M6 TTL. 

The Leica M6 is perfect for my everyday carry bag. It's silent, discreet and its lightweight body is perfect for an all-day photowalk – a massive difference from my medium format Hasselblad 500c. The integrated light meter lets me to leave my external meter at home and avoid having to guess my exposure with the Sunny 16 Rule. Because I prefer focal lengths on the wider side, I specifically chose the M6 TTL with a 0.58x magnification viewfinder, allowing me to view 28mm and 35mm frame lines clearer, even wearing glasses. The 28mm is perfect for the street, which leads me to my selection of lenses…

LEICA 28MM SUMMARON-M F/5.6

The Leica 28mm Summaron-M sports a slower aperture of f/5.6. It's a lens not known for its speed, but rather its size, allowing the camera to be portable even with the lens on. The 28mm is a perfect focal length for my line of street work due to its up-close and personal nature as a wide-angle lens. It forces me to truly become involved in the scene, placing myself closer to my subjects and being able to capture the environment and context around them. Built using brass, this little lens is small but durable and fits perfectly with any M body. Optically, the Summaron produces a sharp image in the center of the frame with natural vignetting that gives me the vintage feel I'm looking for when out shooting street photos.

LEICA 35MM SUMMILUX “STEEL RIM”

The 35mm in my opinion (and I’m sure most of the world’s) is the most versatile focal length across the board. I have gone to 35mm for all types of photography from street, portraits, and landscapes, all the way to F1 racing. It's the perfect lens for an everyday carry, with the ability to capture any scene with relative ease. The 35mm lets you separate your subject while maintaining a view of the environment. For my taste, the Leica 35mm f/-1.4 Summilux-M “Steel Rim” is just magical. Scenes are rendered in dream-like qualities wide open, and stopped down, produce a sharp image closer to modern optics.

LEICA 50MM APO-SUMMICRON-M F/2 ASPH

Finally, I must give in to the ol’ “nifty fifty.” The Leica 50 APO-Summicron-M is no ordinary 50mm. It’s a tack-sharp, incredible lens that contrasts nicely with the other vintage design lenses in my bag. It gives me a different style photograph and the option to capture subjects in stunning detail. 

FILM

The Leica M6 TTL wouldn’t be complete without a roll of film to bring it to life. In order to capture any and all types of scene on the street, you need to be prepared for every lighting condition and consider the style of image you are looking to create. This is why the film stash in your bag should contain a variety of ISO speed film, and a stock with colors, contrast, and rendering that you love. Some of my go-to rolls are Kodak Ektachrome 100, Portra 400, Portra 800, and Tri-X 400. Through trial and error, I’ve found these stocks to work the best for my style of shooting, giving me a lot of versatility with varying ISO speeds. I can shoot wide open in sunlight with Ektachrome and shoot darker scenes with Portra 800 or Tri-X pushed 2 stops.

EXTRAS

With all the necessities out of the way, the rest of my empty camera bag space is allocated to accessories that make life easier and more enjoyable as I walk around and photograph. Most important on this list is my Peak Design Leash straps to help secure my camera, and provide easy access when I want my camera out of the bag. I dress up both of my M-bodies with soft releases, as well as a Thumbs Up for the M9. Topped off with two additional batteries, an SD card, and my AirPods and I am almost ready to head out. As night falls, I am able to shoot in the dark with my Leica SF20, a low-profile flash with TTL metering. Having a flash with TTL metering lets me know that my exposure will be correct for every shot I take, without any fiddling. Finally, your pictures will always be better with a clean lens, which is why having a microfiber cloth, Eyelead blower, and sensor cleaning stick to get the most out of my camera’s quality is crucial.

 
Browse Brandon's Street Photography Bag
 

A few of Brandon's street photography shots…

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