Macfilos readers have kept a sharp focus on camera gear over the last three months. And it’s not just the latest kit that caught their eye. Stories about vintage gear, and cameras that don’t even exist yet, found an enthusiastic audience. Although Leica dominated the line-up, a couple of articles highlighted a new player in the game. Read on to find out which made the Macfilos top ten for the quarter.
It’s been camera gear all the way for Macfilos fans this quarter. All ten most-read articles covered photographic gear in some way. In total, we posted over fifty articles since January 1st, thanks to a dozen enthusiastic contributors. So, there are plenty of great articles to check out beyond the list featured here. We are fortunate to have a veteran team of enthusiasts regularly putting pen to paper, or finger to keyboard. But, there is plenty of room for new contributors if you fancy sharing your photography and insights with us.
Leica featured in the title of six of the Macfilos top ten articles. This reflects both Macfilos readership demographics and the interest of our writing team. But, there is more to an article than its title. Several major manufacturers, such as Canon, Fuji, and Panasonic also featured in the quarter’s articles and in the top ten list. And our comments section regularly demonstrates the catholic tastes of our readership, as well as revealing the fan base for Voigtländer, Olympus, and Nikon gear.
Macfilos top ten: in with the old and in with the new
A fascinating development, which we have already begun to cover, is the emergence of lenses manufactured in China. Two articles in the top ten list highlighted examples from Light Lens Lab. This company also featured in our first comprehensive overview of Chinese lens manufacturers, in M-Files (24). We suspect this trend will continue as we progress through 2024.
This quarter saw the official launch of the Leica SL3. Jono Slack’s review is already hit the top ten list for the quarter, and we expect it to feature prominently through the rest of the year. We look forward to reading more about this camera as readers get their hands on it and share their impressions with us.
The most-read articles of a given quarter are in one sense a signal of what Macfilos readers are most interested in. Naturally, this influences what might feature in future Macfilos articles. However, we try to post articles that cover a diversity of photographic topics, and even some ‘camera-adjacent’ material, recognising that not everything will be a hit with our entire readership. If there are topics you feel are under-served and would like to see more of, feel free to let us know in the comments.
Let’s dive in, starting with number ten on the list.
10. Jonathan Slack reviews the Leica 21mm Super-APO-Summicron-SL
As well us giving us a close-up of his rustic kitchen, complete with bright red AGA, Jono divulges the lowdown on this wide-angle lens. It’s a 21mm, rather than the 24mm some were expecting, and the sixth member of a unified APO-Summicron SL range. Jono rates the lens very highly: it delivers wonderful colour, exceptional contrast and suffers from minimal distortion.
Jonathan Slack reviews the Leica 21mm Super-APO-Summicron-SL — sixth in a unified range
Jonathan Slack, 26 January 2024
9. Leica SL3 Review
Jono puts in a second appearance on the list with his definitive review of this new camera. Having familiarized himself with this flagship Leica device over many pre-launch months, he gives us a detailed account of its new features. The review is illustrated with incredible photographs, highlighting the skill of the photographer and the capabilities of the camera. It’s a great read.
Leica SL3 Review: Six months with the new L-Mount flagship
Jonathan Slack, 8 March 2024
8. Light Lens Lab 35/1.4 Replica
Ed Schwarzreich reviews a most unusual lens: a Chinese manufactured replica of a Leica classic. It’s the second such example from Light Lens Lab, the first being a Noctilux clone discussed below. Ed quotes the reclusive lens designer, Mr Zhou extensively, giving us the backstory on his mission to create these replicas. I suspect we will be seeing this article again in future ‘most-read’ lists.
Light Lens Lab 35/1.4 Double Aspheric Replica reviewed
Ed Schwartzreich, 26 February 2024
7. Vintage digital cameras are back
Our weekly news round articles usually find a respectable, if modest, readership. But this one turned out to be very popular. Perhaps it was the reference to vintage digital cameras, coupled with the nostalgia many people feel for these old friends. Despite possessing small sensors and slow lenses, these little gems delivered great photos and happy memories for many people. Which one was your favourite?
Vintage digital cameras are back. But some new models have become unobtainable
Jason Murray, 20 March 2024
6. Do I Leica It?
Gary’s story reminded us that unless we really ‘click’ with our camera gear, it is difficult to enjoy it fully. So, having inherited what most people would consider a stellar Leica kit, Gary eventually decided to part company with it. Before doing so, though, he tackled some new photographic territory and took a series of beautiful photographs. It’s a wonderful story with wonderful images.
Do I Leica It? The latest step in my photographic journey
Gary Schwarzwald, 2 February, 2024
5. The Nocticlones march on
Ed’s review of this low-cost alternative to the Leica Noctilux has become a perennial feature on this top-ten list. It’s also his second entry in this edition. Readers clearly remain eager to learn what he makes of this Chinese-manufactured ultra-fast lens. According to Ed, it’s a strong performer.
LLL 50mm f/1.2 review: The march of the Nocticlones
Ed Schwartzreich, 23 August 23 2023
4. The Pixii rangefinder review
Talking of perennial favourites, Jörg-Peter’s review of this modern alternative to the Leica M is still going strong. First posted almost a year ago, he gives us his unbiased assessment of a digital M-mount camera designed from scratch — but not by Leica. If you are thinking of investing in a Pixii, you might want to have a look.
New kid on the block: The Pixii rangefinder camera review gives you the full story
Jörg-Peter Rau, 17 April 2023
3. A Leica M with EVF?
Keith stirred up some spirited discussion with his article describing his experience using M-lenses on his Panasonic Lumix S5. He asks why anyone would need an M-camera with built-in EVF when the S5 and L-to-M adapter do the trick. It even has an articulating rear monitor for those low-level shots. Do you find his argument convincing? Despite his best efforts, I suspect there will still be Leica diehards pining for this non-existent camera.
Leica M with EVF: I have the next-best thing
Keith James, 5 January 2024
2. From Nikon to Leica: I handled the Leica and fell in love
Mike describes Jeremy Walker’s ‘Damascene conversion’ to Leica after a lifetime’s devotion to Nikon gear. Jeremy, an author and professional photographer, became smitten after an encounter with a 60-year-old Leica M3. The article shows off a sample of his photographic skills with some gorgeous colour and monochrome images. Jeremy’s transformation to a Leica devotee clearly struck a chord with many readers. We will shortly be publishing yet another cracking article by Jeremy — his view of the Leica M11.
From Nikon to Leica: I handled the Leica and fell in love. I have now sold all my Nikon gear
Mike Evans, 17 January 2024
1. Leica in 2024 and 2025
Editor Mike has done it again. Gazing into his crystal ball, he ponders what may be in store for Leica fans over this year and next. It seems we all enjoy a dose of speculation; Mike’s article quickly rocketed to the top of this quarter’s list. The boffins at Leica must suspect he has a spy camera installed in their Wetzlar conference room. I can assure them, just like predicting the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, it’s all about studying form.
Leica in 2024 and 2025: What’s next from Wetzlar
Mike Evans, 5 February 2024
Macfilos top ten: a flavour of our coverage
We hope regular Macfilos readers will enjoy revisiting a few of these recent articles. And if you are new to Macfilos, you now have a flavour of the scope and style of our coverage of the photography world. If you have ever considered writing an article for Macfilos, now is a great time to have a go. Perhaps your article will make it to a future ‘ten most-read’ list. Press the ‘Write for us’ button below for more information.
Want to contribute an article to Macfilos? It’s easy. Just click the “Write for Us” button. We’ll help with the writing and guide you through the process.
I forgot to mention in my last comment that this is the first time I’ve had the courage to write. I’ve enjoyed reading Macfilos for about four years and really like the way in which everyone is so polite and helpful.
What about covering photography from a female perspective. Everything seems so male oriented in the Leica world and I don’t think I’ve seen a single woman author. What about it? Can we encourage female photographers to put pen to paper?
Jenny
It’s not a surprise that the crystal ball articles are so popular. We all like a bit of inside information. I’ve looked at Leica Rumours and think they often get things wrong. Mike’s cinsidered views are entertaining and accurate I think. Hope he has more on the M11-D which I’m looking forward to.
Jono Slack’s reviews are the best and his photos are great. Always look forward to reading how he got on with a camera or lens before launch. I’m always envious.