NYC Photo Expo at Javits Convention Center

[MikeMyers]

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I went to NYC this weekend to visit with family, and also go to B&H Photo to get an IR filter and some other things. B&H was great (as always). Somehow the discussion got around to sensor cleaning, and the people at B&H suggested I go to Javits Convention Center where a huge photo expo was being held.

 

Here's the website: PHOTO PLUS EXPO - it's still open this weekend, and well worth visiting if anyone is in NYC.

 

I got to spend a lot of time at the huge Leica booth. It was right up front, and a very nice looking display - gave people the impression that Leica was right up there with "the big boys". Not only that, but Leica (as well as many other companies) had some of their best people there answering questions. All the new Leica camera were on display, including the S2. I got to check out an M9 for the first time in my own hands, and to ask the people at the booth about some of my concerns.

 

 

My impressions after leaving - the M9 is a superb camera. I'm better off with my M8.2 though, as I don't want to lose some of the benefits such as being able to take IR photos. Still, I *really* liked the M9. As to the S2, it's not the camera for me, but it seems like a beautiful design, very well thought through. I've got a friend who's waiting to buy one, and I think he'll be happier with the large Leica than the other cameras it's competing with.

 

I got to try out the Leica flash, first on a new M9,and then (just to be sure) in my M8.2. It's far, far better than I imagined. It seems to have all the features of the Nikon SB-800, with the addition of a secondary flash that aims straight ahead even if the main flash head is being used as a bounce light. For fill-in light (which is what I need) it will do fine. I was under the impression that it would not work in TTL mode, but that's not true - it can be used in Manual, Automatic, or TTL.

 

I asked about sensor cleaning, and the Leica people still don't advise it, although all the sensor cleaning manufacturers were also at the show, so I got their take on things as well.

 

I also saw the new X1. The weight makes me think there was no battery in place, but it's really that light. I just can't relate it to a price of $2k though, not when small P&S cameras from other companies are so much less.

 

 

Leica wasn't the only company making a major presence at this show - I wandered around from 11am until 5pm, and met with many people for technical questions and assistance. I especially appreciate the Nikon presence at the show - they had so many people, and so many cameras, it was incredible. They even had all the "old" stuff there - when I asked about using the ancient 50mm f/1.2 lens on my D3, they actually had one of the lenses there!

 

Anyway, I could say much more, but it's better to check the website directly, and if you happen to be in the NYC area, check it out in person if you have time. I think tomorrow (Saturday) is the final day.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama