From a photographer who takes himself entirely too seriously at times, please don’t ever change! Your sense of humor and humble acceptance of ‘self’ bring me back to center every time. Thanks James. Congrats on the Leica purchase.

From a G9 to a M11 - life is treating you well !

I think James got into photography for the bags and nothing else!

Seeing the Leica stickers still on your cameras made me giggle! And always enjoy your videos! Thanks for insight and laughs, as always!!!

I laughed when he said his gear has sufficiently changed in a year. James your gear has sufficiently changed from last week 😂😂😂

Wow, no coaster for that glass of water! This guy knows how to live dangerously!

Ahhh he’s keeping the M11! Can’t wait to see what you make with it James! 📷

I absolutely love how the storyline in your your videos accurately represent my camera purchasing process 😂

Thank you, James!

I’m so glad you have (so far!) kept the M 11. You will absolutely get used to focusing via the rangefinder. I was surprised how easy it is to get crisp, non-shaky shots, given the 60 MP sensor. I’ve always had other systems in addition to my analog, and then digital, M bodies, but there is something very special about the cameras and lenses as well as the history of the brand and of the Leitz family.

The stabilizer is a game changer! I have the smaller Peak Design sling so I don't really need it for that one. But for my larger Think Tank Retrospective sling that fits my 13" laptop, I stole an extra strap with a hook from another backpack to make myself a stabilizer so it does't shift around when walking.

I have used the peak design 6L sling for about a year now and I love it. Carry it practically everywhere with me. Its the perfect size for carrying my 11in iPad Pro, m50 mkii (with the lens attached) and a few extra lenses. Its the smallest bag that I could find that fit that criteria. Even fits my 55-250mm telephoto. Its also a sling which I find far more comfortable than backpacks.

You'll love the M11 the big problem is the lack of weather sealing living in North Wales.

That Elmarit is a seriously underrated lens. I love mine. At 2.8 it has a really pleasing draw and the mid-tone contrast through f/5.6 is just a little softer ( less clinical) than the latest, whoopty-doo Leica glass. I love that about it, it feels just slightly analogue.

Love your sense of humor and that you also just try things like e.g. the reduction of your equipment. Always a pleasure to see your videos!

That is a very good strategy! Buy it on the hype. Make content on it. Rent it. Pay for it with the rent money. Keep it forever "for free". GENIUS!

Oooh! Signature wall. Nice touch. Glad you are simplifying.

I've had the lowepro protactic 350 for about 2 years and I'm super happy with it. My old camera backpack was too big for me. So once it had too much storage space and it was too big on my back. And just after a day full of photo shoots, my back was already hurting. That's why it doesn't always have to be the biggest backpack etc. And I see it like you, you don't always have to carry everything with you.

Thank you James, keep up the brilliant content.

Love that bag

I love learning new things. I really enjoy when humor and intelligence is utilized in the process. I just meant to say: I'm glad I found your channel.

A few years ago (the Covid years) I became enamored with the Peak Design bags and ended up with a boat load of them. Fortunately, I have a nephew and a niece who are now the proud (?) owners of a couple of them. But, I do find the remaining ones useful. I like to use the PD Backpack for travel. And I am a fan of a bag in a bag. I put my gear in the backpack, then place the backpack in a hard shell roller suitcase. Try as they might the airlines have yet to damage my equipment. I also have a large PD sling bag that I use when I am home. The Covid years also saw a proliferation of lenses. All of which, I do not need. So, I need to sell some of them. (But, they're so beautiful.) I know, but some need to go.

I do enjoy the camera experimenting!

This makes the Leica sticker on your Sony so much more funny. I like your gear philosophy James.

I love watching your videos. You're humour is brilliant, cheers me up no end.

Completely agree on the Peak Design backpack. Great backpack, not so great camera backpack. I am traveling in a few weeks and likely to use your idea and go pick up the 10L bag to put inside my other bag😂 Great hack.

Brilliant! I think you solved my airplane problem.🎉

Having a great bag setup for dodger scenarios is helpful and giving some inspiration for those of us that need a nudge in one direction or other is meaningful to your community.

I just found your channel a month ago. I really like your sense of humor about both sending back and keeping the Leica! Now you’ve got me thinking about shooting with prime lenses as opposed to the zoom lenses I’ve been using on a Fujifilm XT2.

Good stuff. I’m a fan of the sling. Have the everyday backpack and am less than enamoured of it…Going to the frozen North shortly. I shall dispense with the backpack and blame you if it all goes south. Thanks for your tongue-in-cheek delivery. Brightens our day.. Bestest.

I have two different setups. One for Event and Portrait work which incorporates larger lenses and then I have my special "travel light" kit. In that kit (beside camera), is the sigma 24mm f/3.5, Sony 40mm g f/2.5, Sigma 65mm f2, and Sigma 90mm f/2.8. A super light kit but still produces excellent images and I don't hurt my back dragging everything around. That's important when you're 73 years old (at least for me). Love your humor and videos!

This is my favorite Camera Gear Channel

And suddenly, my inteire day ends perfectly with one of James’s video. 😊

I find sling bags to cut in my shoulder pretty quickly, I can carry a small backpack of the same weight for much longer

I got the 10l park design awhile ago, saw it in the store at a great deal and wanted to grab something smaller for day to day walk arounds and I was really surprised at what actually fits in there. It’s a really good bag that can easily carry more than you need

i really like this setup and i have both of those bags and will be stealing this idea...including adding the extra strap to the sling bag. Brilliant idea!

Pausing at 3:49 to comment 🤯. This is the hack I’ve been waiting for all my life. (Of course now I have to buy a 10L sling 😬)

Genius! I'm with you. Hate the Peak Design Backpack as a camera bag. Frequently want a smaller camera bag when I get to a destination. Game changer idea!

Taking less stuff than loads of stuff. PERFECT!!

Brilliant! I just checked and the Peak Design 10L sling V1 also fits inside the 20L Everyday ZIP backpack like that. That may be my future method. I loved the touch of reverse-“amongst our weaponry” energy at the end 😂

"In my experience, laptops work best when they're not snapped." - James Popsys, a modern philosopher.

I did call it! I knew you’d be on Leica. Enjoy that camera. They’re a lot of fun

Best line in the video is the title of one of my favorite books: The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz. Totally agree with your change in gear.

I’ve just gotten the A7iv two months ago and it really is the perfect camera for KZfaq, and surprisingly good for stills

Haha, sitting on the fence for one (with my heavy GFX stuff in my bag) I‘m delighted to watch your progress with the M11. Your timing couldn’t have been more appropriate 😂

I like that bag James im definitely in the market for one

Love that you still have the Lieka sticker on your Sony cameras.

I was surprised and excited that you kept the Leica. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it.

I'm chuckling at your Leica rationalization. ;) Have fun!

I too bought a PD everyday backpack. I too loved it as a backpack and hated it as a camera bag. Been looking at the 10L sling lately though, and this video was well timed!

I knew you would!

Totally agree. I loved the idea of the PD backpack. But it was too uncomfortable for me, and i recently sold it off. But I still use the 5ltr sling for my minimal camera carry. Probably upgrade it to the 6ltr once this 5ltr is on its last legs.

Get the electronic viewfinder for the M11, it would make your experience so much better.

Hahaha I’ve been going through the “do I _really_ want a digital Leica?” dance since I got an M6 a while ago. The tiny rangefinder exp is so good. Esp for 1 body 1 lens travel.

I love a bit of Buyers guilt. I had the same when I got my 50S II. Just enjoy it. And take great images.

I decided to lighten my kit as well about a year ago. I've even switch cameras to the Fuji film XT5 instead of the NikonD850 recently.... and amazingly I'm selling more prints now with my XT5... I also switch to a much light tripod that is fantastic, and I'm sure you heard of the Ulanzi ... And now I carry three lenses and a small GoPro for video. Carrying much lighter gear, reduces your fatigue level as well and encourages you to walk a bit further to get that amazing shot

10:33am on a Tuesday is a perfect time for a beer...cheers.

O how cool about the stabilization strap idea I need to try that.

Glad I’m not the only photographer who hated the every day bag for camera, lenses!

I was using a 15L sling bag for a while, but as I've got older I've found a full day of carrying gear on one shoulder has started to really kill my lower back. I picked up a 7L manfrotto shoulder bag and use it as a camera cube inside a 25L hiking backpack. Gives me the option to grab the small lightweight kit for anything where I just need to take my camera and a lens or two and also have the option to pack it as carry on and use all day without it causing any real pain. With that being said, the most comfortable bag solution I've used is putting the 7L bag on a belt, but the volume is just that little bit too low to be useful in that configuration.

I just downgraded from a peak design everyday backpack 30 L to an Osprey 18 L! I am so much happier that I’m not taking ALL of my gear! Love the videos!

No comment on the bag or its contents, but as a dad of two small children I'd like to point out how jealous I am of your clean house. Lovely!

I've got the Peak design 6 liter and it caters to all my needs and I also am gearing towards taking less gear. Makes it a lot easier. Especially when traveling. A 17-50 lens and a 55-250 (I work with Aps-C) and Bob's your uncle. 🙂 Only with special projects, I'll take my big bag with more gear. So less is more in my opinion.

Hi James, so you've done a video explaining your aversion towards the all-to-perfect autofocus system on the new A7RV, you made a video badging all of your cameras as Leicas, you then tested the Leica M11, bought one, prepared to send it back, and then convinced yourself to keep it based on a financial argument that you may as well "rent" it for a couple of years....:-) Personally, I sense a photographer undergoing change in his approach. There is absolutely no shame in that nor in wanting to shoot with Leicas (p.s. I don't shoot Leica). Keep up the fantastic work!

I have that Voigtlander in a Sony mount. I use it on an a7c and love it! My carry around kit is the a7c, 50mm APO, 35mm ZA and an iPad Air. I love being portable.

kudos for keeping the Leica 😉

Funny, as I’m quite in the same mood nowadays : few stuff, but from great quality, and cheap. So I bought old/used Sony A-mount (discontinued) gear : A850 camera + 3 great Zeiss autofocus lenses : 24mm f2, 50mm f1.4 and 135mm f1.8 (or 100mm f2 if I choose the lightest setup). All packed up in a small shoulder bag. That’s all, the results are great and that’s liberating !

Congrats on the Leica… I am tempted to buy one for my 40th… always wanted one, was tempted by Q2… but I really want 35mm. I am Intrigued whether you sold everything else. Personally I have a big gear drawer, and each trip I pack differently for, and each day I may take out different gear. I usually lean to taking one or 2 lenses which helps me keep being creative and not laid down with gear.

I'm using the 6 liter Everyday Sling and the only thing I'd change is the quick adjust buckle on the strap, easy to use but doesn't really hold its position that well (the strap loosens by itself over time).

I didn't think you were going to send that Leica M back! Once you get one in your hands, it hard to give it back again. I think you will have a great time with the camera. It might not always be the best for landscape stuff (I would definitely recommend the EVF accessory for focusing), but it's a great camera for just taking around with you, recording life, and enjoying your photography. I'd definitely practice zone / range focusing as that opens up another world with the camera and that 28mm lens.

Can’t believe you kept the Leica after all that 😂 you’re funny. Hope you enjoy using it

good job on keeping the m11 :)

5:00 YESSSSS, I´ve been asking peak design for a cross strap since the beggining. I have the 6L and I bike

I like the mirror on your wall that looks like a bunch of lens filters ;-)

I think you’re really going to enjoy the Leica. If you hold on to it, you can hand it down to your kids as a legacy gift when they’re old enough. It doesn’t take photos any better than the Sony in my opinion but it gives a unique experience and it just feels special.

The Leica employee where I bought my M11 said that Leica makes an inflation adjustment 2 times a year. So it is possible that your M11 will still bring in money when you sell it in one or two years.

The company "Alpaca" Makes a brilliant sling stabilizer

Love your combination of experimentation, self discovery, pragmatic, and tongue in cheek approach. I too, have been working on lightening my, camera bag, load and bought a 7L Wotencraft. I love it!. If I had a 10L I am sure I could cram 26g of stuff in it. I put the 24-105 and the 100-400 on the shelf and I'm currently carrying the 16-35 GM, and a Tamron 28-200. I am considering changing to a 20-70 G, and a 70-200 GM II for a bit better IQ. If you ever get the chance to test the 20-70 G with your 24-70, I would be very interested in seeing how far off the IQ is.

Congrats on the M11. I’m sure once you get used to it the manual focus will be a non-issue! I love my M10-P and for street zone focus and away you go!

Buying the Leica and selling it a few years later…you’re approaching car guy logic here. Which also makes sense for a camera the price of a car.

Interesting as always to see what you’re using, James and particularly what you plan on using going forwards. I got a 6L PD sling a few months ago and I really like it (good with M4/3 gear). I like the tip about the stabiliser for it as I would like to get a gravel bike one day so that would be useful. I’m trying to get out more and start hiking starting this Saturday with somewhere in the Peak District I think although not sure where as a) I’m a novice and don’t know places and b) I love the idea of the possibility of snow but I don’t want to get stuck anywhere 😂 Also, I spotted you on Friday near the Tesco with your son when I was coming into Conwy for the weekend. It was quite strange seeing a celebrity out in the wild 😅

Back to a small kit. Circle of lifffffeeeee

I've only been 'enthusiastic photographer' for a couple of years, but I totally agree with your philosophy of taking smaller bags... When I take my 'big bag' I essentially carry 5kg of extra gear that I really never use. In recent months I've started going back to my roots and only taking one body and one lens, it somehow makes me think better about different shots and compositions. Sure, it can be annoying as hell when you spot a composition that would work great with THAT lens you left at home, but that is a price worth paying for being more agile I think.

Ah yes. Scathing thoughts and can’t stop thinking about it. Reminds me of a woman or two in my life 😂

This video should really be named "What's in my camera bag that's inside my camera bag"

Could have been the tenth video in a row that you could have started with "This is not a channel that is about gear", and that is about gear. 😊

Yep. I am currently carrying the x50 bag with about 15kg of Sony gear and my philosophy for 2023 is go to the gym. We'll see how that fares...

Very enjoyable .Been using Leica over 20 years also Sony/Canon/Pentax/Richo/Sigma .Always come back to Leica but they do have their limitations. Fun fact : it is strongly rumoured that the sensor in the M11 is the 62 mp Sony sensor. Probably correct as there is only one 61mp sensor on the market. Look forward to future content.

I have totally put my old 9L Peak Design sling inside my WANDRD PRVKE backpack when traveling for exactly this reason! 😂

I'll be intrigued to see how you get on with the M11, especially if you do like to use filters.

That is very clever and nice excuse for keeping Leica. I must try this trick on my Wife.😁

As a challenge to myself, I will often travel with only one camera and one lens. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it makes me think! 😁

I have the Sling which I use for everyday and the McKinnon 25L for travel. Love them both. I like to carry a 50mm and 24-105 kit but am switching to 24-70 instead. Trips I take a Sigma 18-35mm. Heavy and built like a tank but I think with the 24-70 I should be covered for what I like to shoot.

I picked up the 3L PD sling for my Fuji X-T3 for a recent trip to Rome. Got the 18-55 and the 33 F2 in it. I could stick it in the bottom of a normal rucksack with laptop for the airport. Nice and light for a lot of city walking around.

Surprise surprise,,, not! Sometimes you just need to change things up and go on a voyage of discovery, it keeps life interesting. Good fun.

James: "What's in my camera bag? Another camera bag!!" Love it!! 🤣 However I fully agree with carrying less gear. Just a few years ago I was carrying a DSLR, 24-70, 70-200, maybe a 16-35, a tripod, filters, and anything else that could fit in my bag. My back hated me!! And I spent too much time trying to decide what lens to use for each shot. I was also really worried about falling over when scrambling over rocks. These days I'm MUCH more minimalist and take one body and one lens most of the time. Very rare do I take a second. I've even started using my X100F a lot more when out on personal trips and leaving the heavier pro gear at home. It's brought back the joy of taking photos (much like you and your Leica I guess) and as I reult I enjoy the images more afterwards, even if they aren't as technically perfect as they would have been with my pro gear.

I'm excited to see the Elmarit in action. I almost bought one the other day, but held off, because I wanted to walk into a Leica store to do it rather than online. I'll save it for my next trip to Singapore, I think. It looks to be exactly my perfect manual focus lens. Light, wide, 2.8. I'd probably just stick it on other cameras though, because I'm an LCD screen shooter. Don't hurt me. 😂

I'm a little bit shocked that you never tried a Billingham Hadley. I have the OG normal size in Khaki and large in Sage, and these are no problem 10 years old or more, and still are perfectly working and watertight. Truely, these are wonderful. A bit more posh and less outdoor looking, but you never know ;-).

That stabilizer should be included from start. They are on all my Timbuk2 bags.

My setup is quite similar to yours. I have Leica M10R with 28mm f2.8 and 35mm f2 lenses. For Sony, I am using A7R3 with 35mm GM & 24-70mm GM2. Recently I have sold my 24-70mm GM2 and replaced it with the 20-70mm F4 to reduce the weight of my gear.