Have a great trip to Cuba. After decades of communist rule and sanctions the poverty is astonishing, but the people we met were all super friendly. Best to stay in a group or with a knowledgeable guide. And make sure to do a lot of research before leaving, the modern conveniences we take for granted such as cell coverage and wi-fi, and even consistent electricity, are spotty at best. And you can't just run down to the convenience store to get toothpaste if you forget to bring some. We were on a humanitarian mission and brought a lot of daily essentials such as Tylenol, toothbrushes, etc to distribute to those in need.
@@gregspov thank you very much for the information. I’m still learning as much as possible before the trip. Will take notes and be mindful on this trip.
@@streetinvertphoto963 I added some more Cuba travel tips to the blog entry that I wrote to accompany this video. You can read it at www.gregspov.com/articles/cuba-with-one-leica-camera-and-lens
Agree with all of your points here, except my 35 'Lux is the prior version. I remember a time when I'd to carry 3 or 4 lenses, two cameras and their unique battery chargers, all while wondering why my neck, back and shoulders would ache. Thankfully, that's no longer the case with my M11-P and two small lenses. I now have the freedom to travel lightly, be more creative and am no longer afflicted by range anxiety!
20 years ago I carried a ThinkTank photo backpack stuffed with pro DSLRs and zoom lenses over a mountain pass in the Andes. There is no way I could physically ever do that again. So I'm grateful for the smaller lighter kit.
Provided you're in a position to take the leap, once you ditch the variable length mentality there's no going back. Photography becomes so clear. You literally see the shot before taking it. And with a Leica, the OVF keeps your reality.. and the camera is always ready for any shot. The 35 is definitely my island lens, but I'm happy with just the M240, 35/2, and 90/4. Don't even need a bag, they're both back pocket sized 👌
Great video and you made good points. Ultimately, I’ve settled on a different approach with an M11 paired with a 28mm Summicron v2 and 50mm Summilux ASPH. Yes, it does mean changing lenses, but I like the option of having two FOVs when travelling - with a wide angle and normal lens make for a dynamic combo. However, if you just want one lens then I think a 35mm Summilux is the way to go and 60mp gives you immense cropping power as you mentioned. I felt like I wanted a change after using 35mm as my go to for 10 years on Fujifilm X100 cameras and I’m pleased with this setup. But you can’t go wrong either way.
Yes, completely agree. I often switched between my 50 summicron and 28 elmarit when I was on vacation in Greece. The key to avoid doing too much lens switching is to decide ahead of time what is most appropriate, For example, the day we walked around the center of crowded Athens I kept the 28mm on the camera, versus walking along a ridge trail in Santorini with ocean views where 50mm was a better choice.
Leica is ridiculously expensive. I have a journal where I wrote my desire to try a Leica camera.... it's from 1998! So it took me 25 years before I could afford to buy into the system. But I feel like the lenses I have will last me the rest of my life, so in that perspective they are actually a good value.
Great breakdown man. Agreed that’s a setup I rollout with or the Voigtlander 35 f1.5 close focus 0.5m half the weight of the Lux and similar cars image
Thanks! I tried a Voigtlander 35mm when I bought my first Leica rangefinder. They really are great lenses at a great price. I decided to go with Leica glass (barely was able to afford it) but that is a strictly personal preference. At the end of the day either lens is capable of amazing photos.
The M perspective control is great, not fond of the M11, I prefer the M10. The crop thing to get a 50 mil equivalent with a 35 is absolutely wrong, those focal length render completely differently
Excellent video and narrative! Totally agree with ‘One Camera, One Lens’ philosophy to photography! Identical to my thinking for the past 4 decades. I have approached my photography from composition value and concentrate on ‘understanding and seeing’ what a fixed-focal length lens (21, 28, 135mm etc.) can deliver in imaging terms. However, trying to convince the average photographer on the street or in a camera club, etc. …. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!
No one wants to be “convinced” of something that removes the “this shot would have worked better if I had ” reasons / excuses. Restricting choice means mastering and deeper thinking about capability of gear, but more painfully - personal capability… (For me, I’m looking at going fewer lenses but more film backs)
Great video. The M11 35mm ASPH FLE II is also my primary system. It accounts for around 80% of my images. I just spent a Month in Europe and only took the M11, the 21mm SEM, and the 90mm APO. never felt I missed a shot because of limited lens selection.
It was in Havana on the second day that my Leica gave up. Not the place to find a Leica Shop. Not that it would have mattered. If I sent one of my Leicas for repair, it was always a lottery. The camera could be repaired for free or at a reasonable price, the camera could be repaired at an enormous cost, the camera could not be repaired. Whatever the outcome, it took a very long time. No more Leicas with electronics in them for me. I just have my mechanical MP. A beauty. And I don’t have to rely on a functioning light meter. I felt cheated that I paid so much money for junk electronics.
Lots of comments about the pricing. Although I love my Leica setup for the experience the Fujifilm x100V or X100VI are great choices on a lower budget. If you have a bit more, the Leica Q3 is great.
@@gregspov Tokyo is fantastic and huge and the exchange rate is awesome right now. My Leica gear was ~20% cheaper than in the U.S. I'm hoping to return in the next year or two.
An 11-P + lens is out of reach for me at this point. It's the best camera I could which for. In the meantime I have a Q3 which I love. other than the focal length it check's all the boxes in this video. I'm used to the 28mm and sometimes I which a 24mm though. My ideal setup would be an 11P with a 24mm, 35/40 and a 90mm.
Those pictures look great. I have mild focal-length anxiety. For a rare trip like this, I would be very tempted to bring a 2 lens kit. If you had to bring 2 prime lenses on this same trip, what would you take? 25/50 or 35/75?
Hello, Thanks for your experience. About the battery Pack, it does not charge the battery if you are using the camera, only when it's off, so if you're on an Event, you will still need another battery
Thanks! Absolutely a great combination but until Leica adds image stabilization, it's not my "ideal". A stabilizing feature would certainly expand the capability for those the low light and close in shots you mentioned without taking away from the old-school mechanical operation (like autofocus would). Is there something about the camera's styling or internals that argues against it?
It’s true the buy in price to Leica is insane, only saving grace is that the value holds historically. So I guess I can do mental gymnastics when I bought my QP that if I ever need the cash back I can mooooost likely recover that 3k. That being said digital Leica bodies probably won’t last as long as the film era bodies. Still the M11P with that Lux - I would have extreme anxiety walking around ANYWHERE unless it was fully insured.
Yep, buy-in is insane. But I am considering finally selling my M10-R to fund some new lenses and right now the used M10-Rs are selling for more than what I paid for mine two years ago.
Yes, you can. People often confuse good photography with good/expensive equipment. I am fortunate to be able to afford a Leica system, but I can take just as good photos with my Canon kit. For me it is about the process and other factors. But at the end of the day it is a personal choice. There are plenty of artists who create amazing work with a Holga.
Sell the Leica set up and buy a Fuji X100V and with the extra cash you can feed a Cuban family of 8 for at least two years...with no appreciable loss of image quality.
I am from the US. Probably should have mentioned that in the video. Having grown up in the US, Cuba was always off limits. Only the past few years things opened up. It's amazing that now you can fly to Havana direct from Florida on Southwest Airlines. Citizens of other countries have always been able to go there.
@@gregspov I asked because Cuba is still banned by USA but y are allowed to visit. I visited Cuba before USA banned. Interesting but shame since lots of colonial houses need repair etc..
Counterpoint: just about any modern camera can take shots that have the same impact as these examples. I'm not pimping any particular alternative, but you can buy a 35mm alternative such as an X100, ZF with CV APO, etc and have enough money left over for two international trips. I'm sure the Leica kit is nice, but it's not something exclusive that gets you wildly different results than any other kit.
I actually agree with you. My all time favorite photo I took with a used Canon TX that I bought on eBay for $45. However, there are a lot of other reasons why I like to shoot wit the Leica rangefinder. I tried the Fuji X100 but it just didn't work for me. When I bought my first Leica rangefinder it brought back joy to the process of photography that had been dulled by the auto-everything of modern cameras. At the end of the day these are all personal decisions. Similarly, a used Toyota Tundra pickup will do the same job as a $100K King Ranch, but some people like to drive nice trucks. Photography is a big tent and there is no "best" or "right" way to do things, we all have our own journeys.
@@gregspov Yep, totally agree, and funny how car analogies work their way into photography time after time. I'm not advocating in any particular direction because my own gear cabinet is a madman's collection. Sometimes it's just as important to leave the house and experience life than what gear you have.
With all due respect, you are going for the Elon, Jeff, Bill and Warren subscribers, good luck with that. The masses are looking for cheaper budget friendly cameras that will not deprive their families of a place to live
Haha yeah his setup here is close to $20,000 USD. Still has a good message about focal length anxiety that can be applied across platforms. One small body like an X-Pro2 with a 23 or 35mm 1.4 could be a perfect option around 1,200 dollars tho. Fake rangefinder style
You are right, Leica is not for everyone. I'm fortunate that at this point in my life I can play with Leica gear. But 30 years ago I was using a cheap Nikon 35mm film point and shoot, and it took great pictures, then for the past 20 years I've been using Canon digital. For a long time my primary camera was a Canon 5D Mark I that I bought used for $600, and again, it took great photos. Photography is all about the process and the experience. Expensive gear can enhance the experience, but is definitely not a substitute for taking good pictures.
I was out yesterday with a Nikon D2x (2005) and a 24mm f/2.8D (35mm lens equivalent on an APS-C camera). Much of what Greg says about one lens applies to any camera with a 35mm equivalent lens. Not worrying about which lens to use and being able to shoot at f/2.8 was enjoyable. And the D2x is a heavy old thing, so having a small light lens on it was a help. Very little stealthy about a D2x though. Thanks for some of the ideas here.
Great video. No doubt your channel will grow in the future. I’m planning to go to Cuba as well with the 35mm FLE II and 50 Noct
Have a great trip to Cuba. After decades of communist rule and sanctions the poverty is astonishing, but the people we met were all super friendly. Best to stay in a group or with a knowledgeable guide. And make sure to do a lot of research before leaving, the modern conveniences we take for granted such as cell coverage and wi-fi, and even consistent electricity, are spotty at best. And you can't just run down to the convenience store to get toothpaste if you forget to bring some. We were on a humanitarian mission and brought a lot of daily essentials such as Tylenol, toothbrushes, etc to distribute to those in need.
@@gregspov thank you very much for the information. I’m still learning as much as possible before the trip. Will take notes and be mindful on this trip.
@@streetinvertphoto963 I added some more Cuba travel tips to the blog entry that I wrote to accompany this video. You can read it at www.gregspov.com/articles/cuba-with-one-leica-camera-and-lens
M11 Monochrom shooter here. I wait for the M12-P hopefully coming with in body image stabilisation 😊
Agree with all of your points here, except my 35 'Lux is the prior version. I remember a time when I'd to carry 3 or 4 lenses, two cameras and their unique battery chargers, all while wondering why my neck, back and shoulders would ache. Thankfully, that's no longer the case with my M11-P and two small lenses. I now have the freedom to travel lightly, be more creative and am no longer afflicted by range anxiety!
20 years ago I carried a ThinkTank photo backpack stuffed with pro DSLRs and zoom lenses over a mountain pass in the Andes. There is no way I could physically ever do that again. So I'm grateful for the smaller lighter kit.
Provided you're in a position to take the leap, once you ditch the variable length mentality there's no going back. Photography becomes so clear. You literally see the shot before taking it. And with a Leica, the OVF keeps your reality.. and the camera is always ready for any shot.
The 35 is definitely my island lens, but I'm happy with just the M240, 35/2, and 90/4. Don't even need a bag, they're both back pocket sized 👌
100% well said!
Great video and you made good points. Ultimately, I’ve settled on a different approach with an M11 paired with a 28mm Summicron v2 and 50mm Summilux ASPH. Yes, it does mean changing lenses, but I like the option of having two FOVs when travelling - with a wide angle and normal lens make for a dynamic combo. However, if you just want one lens then I think a 35mm Summilux is the way to go and 60mp gives you immense cropping power as you mentioned. I felt like I wanted a change after using 35mm as my go to for 10 years on Fujifilm X100 cameras and I’m pleased with this setup. But you can’t go wrong either way.
Yes, completely agree. I often switched between my 50 summicron and 28 elmarit when I was on vacation in Greece. The key to avoid doing too much lens switching is to decide ahead of time what is most appropriate, For example, the day we walked around the center of crowded Athens I kept the 28mm on the camera, versus walking along a ridge trail in Santorini with ocean views where 50mm was a better choice.
Loved this, Greg. Have subscribed, and will be looking at more videos from your catalog.
Great video. Thank you. I need to save dough a long time to get there.
Leica is ridiculously expensive. I have a journal where I wrote my desire to try a Leica camera.... it's from 1998! So it took me 25 years before I could afford to buy into the system. But I feel like the lenses I have will last me the rest of my life, so in that perspective they are actually a good value.
It's a great kit and I enjoy using it as well.
Great breakdown man. Agreed that’s a setup I rollout with or the Voigtlander 35 f1.5 close focus 0.5m half the weight of the Lux and similar cars image
Thanks! I tried a Voigtlander 35mm when I bought my first Leica rangefinder. They really are great lenses at a great price. I decided to go with Leica glass (barely was able to afford it) but that is a strictly personal preference. At the end of the day either lens is capable of amazing photos.
The M perspective control is great, not fond of the M11, I prefer the M10. The crop thing to get a 50 mil equivalent with a 35 is absolutely wrong, those focal length render completely differently
They do. My 50mm Summilux gives a completely different look. But when I want to travel light I don't mind the tradeoff.
Enjoyed this video. Thanks Greg.
I enjoyed hearing your insights!
Excellent video.
Excellent video and narrative!
Totally agree with ‘One Camera, One Lens’ philosophy to photography! Identical to my thinking for the past 4 decades.
I have approached my photography from composition value and concentrate on ‘understanding and seeing’ what a fixed-focal length lens (21, 28, 135mm etc.) can deliver in imaging terms.
However, trying to convince the average photographer on the street or in a camera club, etc. …. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!
No one wants to be “convinced” of something that removes the “this shot would have worked better if I had ” reasons / excuses.
Restricting choice means mastering and deeper thinking about capability of gear, but more painfully - personal capability…
(For me, I’m looking at going fewer lenses but more film backs)
Yeah I agree. Same background. Also own the R5. I use a Q3 though. Manual focus is not for me
Great video. The M11 35mm ASPH FLE II is also my primary system. It accounts for around 80% of my images. I just spent a Month in Europe and only took the M11, the 21mm SEM, and the 90mm APO. never felt I missed a shot because of limited lens selection.
I think the Leica q3 is a much better value.
It was in Havana on the second day that my Leica gave up. Not the place to find a Leica Shop. Not that it would have mattered. If I sent one of my Leicas for repair, it was always a lottery. The camera could be repaired for free or at a reasonable price, the camera could be repaired at an enormous cost, the camera could not be repaired. Whatever the outcome, it took a very long time. No more Leicas with electronics in them for me. I just have my mechanical MP. A beauty. And I don’t have to rely on a functioning light meter. I felt cheated that I paid so much money for junk electronics.
Lots of comments about the pricing. Although I love my Leica setup for the experience the Fujifilm x100V or X100VI are great choices on a lower budget. If you have a bit more, the Leica Q3 is great.
Yay that's the exact setup I just bought in Japan!
I've never been to Japan, my goal is to visit Tokyo and Kyoto sometime in the next few years.
@@gregspov Tokyo is fantastic and huge and the exchange rate is awesome right now. My Leica gear was ~20% cheaper than in the U.S. I'm hoping to return in the next year or two.
Grt video ❤️❤️❤️.
An 11-P + lens is out of reach for me at this point. It's the best camera I could which for. In the meantime I have a Q3 which I love. other than the focal length it check's all the boxes in this video. I'm used to the 28mm and sometimes I which a 24mm though. My ideal setup would be an 11P with a 24mm, 35/40 and a 90mm.
I can’t show you any images of Havana, because the electronics of my Leica gave up the second day.
Those pictures look great. I have mild focal-length anxiety. For a rare trip like this, I would be very tempted to bring a 2 lens kit.
If you had to bring 2 prime lenses on this same trip, what would you take? 25/50 or 35/75?
Hello, Thanks for your experience. About the battery Pack, it does not charge the battery if you are using the camera, only when it's off, so if you're on an Event, you will still need another battery
Good point. But for commercial work I’ll be using my R5 anyway. The Leica, for me, is only for personal work.
Thanks! Absolutely a great combination but until Leica adds image stabilization, it's not my "ideal". A stabilizing feature would certainly expand the capability for those the low light and close in shots you mentioned without taking away from the old-school mechanical operation (like autofocus would). Is there something about the camera's styling or internals that argues against it?
I agree. If Ricoh put stabilization in the tiny GRIII years ago I don’t see why not in the much larger M body.
yes you are right, but you have 8k? 12k? combination in your hand??
It’s true the buy in price to Leica is insane, only saving grace is that the value holds historically. So I guess I can do mental gymnastics when I bought my QP that if I ever need the cash back I can mooooost likely recover that 3k. That being said digital Leica bodies probably won’t last as long as the film era bodies. Still the M11P with that Lux - I would have extreme anxiety walking around ANYWHERE unless it was fully insured.
Yep, buy-in is insane. But I am considering finally selling my M10-R to fund some new lenses and right now the used M10-Rs are selling for more than what I paid for mine two years ago.
Can we see your photos of Cuba? 😊
Completely agree with you said, but I can do all of that (and more) for way less money with a Sony A7CR and Voigtländer lenses.
Yes, you can. People often confuse good photography with good/expensive equipment. I am fortunate to be able to afford a Leica system, but I can take just as good photos with my Canon kit. For me it is about the process and other factors. But at the end of the day it is a personal choice. There are plenty of artists who create amazing work with a Holga.
So where’s that external battery link…? I see no “notes” in the description…
amzn.to/3Wlog2T
Are you running the 38” or the 47” artisan and artist strap?
48" I'm over six feet tall so it's the only option. Really like it though.
Sell the Leica set up and buy a Fuji X100V and with the extra cash you can feed a Cuban family of 8 for at least two years...with no appreciable loss of image quality.
Nice video, are y not from USA?
I am from the US. Probably should have mentioned that in the video. Having grown up in the US, Cuba was always off limits. Only the past few years things opened up. It's amazing that now you can fly to Havana direct from Florida on Southwest Airlines. Citizens of other countries have always been able to go there.
@@gregspov I asked because Cuba is still banned by USA but y are allowed to visit. I visited Cuba before USA banned. Interesting but shame since lots of colonial houses need repair etc..
Skip the Leica setup and go cuba 10 more times😂 for the same price
sorry, I don't have extra $15k 🤩
Counterpoint: just about any modern camera can take shots that have the same impact as these examples. I'm not pimping any particular alternative, but you can buy a 35mm alternative such as an X100, ZF with CV APO, etc and have enough money left over for two international trips.
I'm sure the Leica kit is nice, but it's not something exclusive that gets you wildly different results than any other kit.
I actually agree with you. My all time favorite photo I took with a used Canon TX that I bought on eBay for $45. However, there are a lot of other reasons why I like to shoot wit the Leica rangefinder. I tried the Fuji X100 but it just didn't work for me. When I bought my first Leica rangefinder it brought back joy to the process of photography that had been dulled by the auto-everything of modern cameras. At the end of the day these are all personal decisions. Similarly, a used Toyota Tundra pickup will do the same job as a $100K King Ranch, but some people like to drive nice trucks. Photography is a big tent and there is no "best" or "right" way to do things, we all have our own journeys.
@@gregspov Yep, totally agree, and funny how car analogies work their way into photography time after time. I'm not advocating in any particular direction because my own gear cabinet is a madman's collection. Sometimes it's just as important to leave the house and experience life than what gear you have.
Sounds a lot like a modern Fujifilm X100VI 😂
With all due respect, you are going for the Elon, Jeff, Bill and Warren subscribers, good luck with that. The masses are looking for cheaper budget friendly cameras that will not deprive their families of a place to live
Haha yeah his setup here is close to $20,000 USD. Still has a good message about focal length anxiety that can be applied across platforms. One small body like an X-Pro2 with a 23 or 35mm 1.4 could be a perfect option around 1,200 dollars tho. Fake rangefinder style
You are right, Leica is not for everyone. I'm fortunate that at this point in my life I can play with Leica gear. But 30 years ago I was using a cheap Nikon 35mm film point and shoot, and it took great pictures, then for the past 20 years I've been using Canon digital. For a long time my primary camera was a Canon 5D Mark I that I bought used for $600, and again, it took great photos. Photography is all about the process and the experience. Expensive gear can enhance the experience, but is definitely not a substitute for taking good pictures.
I was out yesterday with a Nikon D2x (2005) and a 24mm f/2.8D (35mm lens equivalent on an APS-C camera). Much of what Greg says about one lens applies to any camera with a 35mm equivalent lens. Not worrying about which lens to use and being able to shoot at f/2.8 was enjoyable. And the D2x is a heavy old thing, so having a small light lens on it was a help. Very little stealthy about a D2x though. Thanks for some of the ideas here.
but nobody will use a 20K-Setup for a holiday in Havana.....
I did :) but then again I'm not normal. TBH if I even went back there I'd take only my trusty old Ricoh GRIII.
I would