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Ireland and the Leica M10

By Glenn Charles Photography

March 9^th, 2017

I travel to Ireland once a year, usually by bike, as a way to cleanse my soul and refresh my spirit. I am excited to say, that for this years trip, I will have a brand new Leica M10 as my tool of choice, accompanied by the venerable Leica Q. What follows will be a bit of travel photography intermixed with camera review as I put this much anticipated piece of gear to the test. The camera arrives tonight and I leave tomorrow, so this post will be dynamic as I pedal my way across the emerald isle.

A note on processing- Because this is a bike trip, I will be using my iPad as my primary editing tool which means using Google's Snapseed as my editing program. While Snapseed does a very good job, I still don't believe it is a substitute for Lightroom. With that in mind, I will most likely create a separate story once I return and am able to process my images through my normal workflow.

Sláinte

SHe Arrives

Just in time for Ireland, the M10, along with some super secret new pieces of kit from JB Camera Designs. I am initially blown away by how much smaller the camera feels than the M240 or the MM. I know it is a mere couple of millimeters, but it is dramatic in how it sits in the hand.

Long having been a huge fan of what Brady does out at JB Camera Designs, I am pleased to show off his latest M10 kit. The new special edition grip and wooden thumbs-up device are simply stunning to look at. I have always used one of his grips on my Leica Q and my M240, so everything feels right at home, but somehow, more refined. The Thumb adapter is unique in how it mounts to the camera, providing the solid feel that the basic M10 design lacks.

Both the grip and thumb adapter are made out of stunning wood right here in the USA. Stillwater OK is the home to JB and the team of craftsmen that make these products. I have had the pleasure of watching a grip come to life in person, and it amazes me the care and attention to detail that goes into each and every one of their products. JB also sent me two of their new straps, both of which will be put to use this trip. One will go on the M10 and the other to the Q.

Now, I am off to pack, update the firmware and get ready to shoot. Super excited to say the least.

P.S., it appears that I will be unable to edit this story using my iPad, something that I thought would work. So... I will use Instagram as a means of sharing images along the way and update this story when I return. I may actually be able to create small micro stories using the iPad, but I need to experiment a bit before I am sure.

Ireland and the M10

I have now returned from 3 weeks traveling the Irish countryside with my Leica M10 and the trusty Q. It will take me a few days to process the images, but let me just start by saying that this camera is a keeper. I was incredibly pleased with almost every single aspect of the new body. Yes, as with any camera, their are always issues, but by and large, Leica have done an incredible job in refining the digital Leica M experience. Many more images to follow.

Cliffs of Moher -- Leica M10, Summicron 75/2 APO

De-Icing is never a good feeling

Arrival - Shannon

ennis

Doolin - Cliffs, Music, Pubs

angry seas

the cliffs

bikes and food

Galway - a vibrant city

Haunting

The GreenWay to Achill

achill - must come back and explore

To Dublin

Morning Light

glendalough

in summary

I have to say, the M10 is an elegant refinement over the M240. The slight change in size is noticeable and the new battery is just a touch better. All in all, it is an amazing street shooting machine. Paired with the Q, the M10/75APO made for my ultimate travel kit. While I did carry a 50 with menthe 75 was mounted on the M10 the vast majority of the time. If Leica were to simply fix the startup time I would be in heaven. With that said, this is the best digital M that Leica has produced and I would say a worthwhile upgrade over the M240.