RF / Leica Blog – Page 6 – WHERE CLASSIC CARS, NATURE, TRAVEL, PHOTOS & VIDEO MEET

PART III. CREATIVITY AND THE DIGITAL CAMERA: A LOOK BACK – Randy’s Photo Tips

For the third installment on creativity and the photographic process I revisit my first professional digital camera in an article I wrote for PC Photo Magazine:

“What inspires us to photograph in a more creative way? For some it might be the realization that we are seeing something anew for the very first time. It might be as simple as connecting with a new country or culture. Maybe this inspiration is a reward for venturing outside of our comfort zone. For others, it might come from trying out a new technique, or viewing a master photographer’s work, or being forced to overcome some challenge that compels us to aspire to heights we haven’t reached for previously. Continue reading “”

SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH A NORMAL LENS

It’s been a long time since I’ve used a fixed focal length normal lens for stills (the first time was when I bought a Canon AE-1 in 1976). I have a 50mm f2 Summicron for my Leica M rangefinder, though I use it more for personal work. As a cineamatographer, I also use several fast fixed focal length lenses on my 5D MK II DSLR for motion filming. Continue reading “”

INSPIRED : HAWAII

For the second part of the “inspired” elements triptych (earth, fire, water/air), I’m going for an aerial photograph made from a helicopter at sunrise over Maui. Another homage to Ernst Haas.

Haas was a genius and the pioneer of color photography when it comes to fine art. Eggleston? Sorry, not the first to have a color exhibit at MOMA in 1962. Porter? Sorry, kinda boring and a bit pedestrian. Shore, Meyerowitz? Ditto. Continue reading “”

CANON’S MASS APPEAL

When Canon abandoned its fifteen year old “breech-lock” FD line of lenses in 1987 to make room for a totally different EF electronic mount, loyal pro photographers like myself were left wondering. Why would Canon, unlike Nikon, eliminate reverse compatability of their 35mm lenses? I soon switched over to the German Leicaflex SL2 cameras that were built like tanks and had even better glass. When Leica decided not to adopt the autofocus capabilities introduced by the Japanese manufacturers, I moved back to Canon whose zoom optics had improved enough for me to use professionally. Continue reading “”

CABO

Just returned from a photo shoot/vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my wife and a Leica rangefinder. What a great place to relax and escape the cold of winter. Situated on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, it’s within easy reach of the Western US and accessible via most major airlines. Sandy beaches, low humidity and sunny skies virtually all year round means this is a dependable Mexican destination. If you are into sport fishing, golf or scuba diving – it’s a best bet tropical location. Continue reading “”

Randy-Wells-Director of Photography-Auto-Car-Transportation-Porsche-Ferrari-Classic-Cars-Photographer-Writer-Filmmaker

Randy has the good fortune to photograph, write about, and film cars and transportation for the best manufacturers, advertising agencies, collectors, auction houses, and magazines full-time. His work has appeared in more than 20,000 publications worldwide, including National Geographic.

Visit Randy’s secure archive where over 5,000 of his searchable images and films can be downloaded for licensing usages, prints and products:
WELLS IMAGERY

Here is Randy’s Client List
His award-winning Instagram page is @cars.randywells

THE EARLY 911, FILM AND VINYL – PART 2

My history with cameras is remarkably similar to that for early 911s. I learned to photograph and develop my own black and white film in 1979 with a German made Leica M3. That first rangefinder camera led to the use of numerous film-based Leica cameras and lenses, which have a smoothness and mechanical precision missing from many other models. I still love using the Leicas for their purity, quiet shutter and silky film advance lever. However I’ve made Canon digital SLRs my choice for most subjects since photography has become my profession (and Leica discontinued its SLR line.). Continue reading “”

THE EARLY 911, FILM AND VINYL – PART 1

You’ve probably read enough analogies of sports cars, fine cameras and luxury audio equipment in high-end lifestyle magazines to get the idea that journalists are passionate about these in a big way. I’m not immune and vinyl records, Leica rangefinders and Porsche 911s have been a primary fascination of mine since 1964. That’s when I bought my first LP, was gifted a camera, and was introduced to the early 911. I immediately fell in love with the feel and sound of the long playing record, the shutter advance of the film camera, and the Porsche 911’s hooligan nature with its air-cooled flat six barking a nasty exhaust note. School and financial obligations kept me from fulfilling my dreams of ownership for a long time, but I promised myself that someday I would have a top notch analog stereo system, a Leica M series rangefinder, and a pre-‘74 911. Continue reading “”

R.I.P. JIM MARSHALL

A witness to ’60’s rock history and one of the greatest Leica M photojournalists, Jim Marshall passed away in New York City yesterday. He was 74. His photographs of Jimi Hendrix at Monterey, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and The Beatles’ last concert in San Francisco in 1966 are legendary. He was well known for capturing decisive musical moments and was the chief photographer at the original Woodstock festival. A strong personality with a solid business sense and great stories to tell, his is a dying breed in still photography. He may well be the end of an era. Continue reading “”

LEICA’S NEW S2

I’ve been a fan of Leica cameras since I bought a used Leicaflex SL back in 1979. Since then I’ve come to value their mechanical precision, durability and astounding image contrast and shadow quality. M2s, M3s, M4s, M6s, Leicaflexes, R4s, R6s and R8s have passed through my hands over the years.

With each succeeding model, the innovations have impressed just as much as the consistent “look” provided by the superb German optics. Leica has just introduced a brand new Leica S-system that combines 35mm handling with a medium format digital sensor. The first of these S2 cameras and lenses are just now being delivered, and I hope to test one soon. Continue reading “”

HELLO AND WELCOME TO MY BLOG

I’m starting the New Year in 2010 with this commentary site, which reflects my personal areas of interest and how I view the temporal quality of life. My goal is to post something at least once a week on one of my four major passions: Photography/Video, Classic Porsches, Travel, and Music.

Hopefully I’ll provide a useful perspective on how each of these pursuits can be experienced with more than one unique sensory experience. I plan to review on average one photo tip, one sports car article/video, one journey, and one music album every month.

-Randy Wells

Continue reading “”