A few weeks ago, I saw the invite for the Leica 100 ceremony in NYC and knew I had to attend. I’m lucky my wife and I each take a solo trip a year, and this was going to be my trip. After sending Dave Herring a message to meet me in New York to celebrate Leica’s centennial, I booked my flight and hotel in Chelsea. I had some time alone in the city before Dave arrived and explored many of New York’s amazing neighborhoods. I enjoy living in Fort Worth, but man, NYC is just ALIVE. The West Village is a real gem.
I’ve been to Manhattan a few times and know my way around. I packed the Leica M11, MP, and the SL3 with the 28 elmerit, 35 summilux, 50 summilux, & 50 summicron L in case the weather turned nasty. I’m glad I brought the SL setup because the last day’s rain was heavier than I would want for the M11 or the MP. I’m not afraid of some weather, but this was a very heavy drenching. I got some of my favorite shots of the trip in the downpour, so I’m glad the SL3 was with me, even if it was extra kit to carry. There is just something beautiful about red umbrellas.
The “Top of the Rock” was absolutely a highlight of the whole trip. The $100 skip-the-line pass was a thousand percent worth the fee. Dave and I would have missed the sunset had we not jumped the line. Once on top, the view is truly spectacular.
All film images were shot with the Leica MP on Kodak Vision3 250D & 500T. ECN2 processing was handled by Prisma Film Lab in Dallas and home scanned with FilmLab app. Digital images were shot with the Leica SL3 and edited with VeryGoodPresets.
I think the West Village is my favorite neighborhood in the city.
Dave and I had come to the city for the Leica 100 Celebration at the Meatpacking District store. Leica had a massive block party with the store hosting several events throughout the day, a space across the street with a preview of their upcoming auction with incredibly rare cameras, and down the block at Gansevoort Plaza was an open space with a “photo slam” with Bill Brown, a showcase of the very first Leica, and the ability to get your portrait made with the incredible Mark Mann.
Hands down, the best part of the whole event was the community. I couldn’t say it better than Dave’s recap video, so watch that here.
Later that night, a ton of us creatives met in Times Square for community, more than grabbing bangers. Getting to spend time hanging with people I genuinely admire is such a cup-filling experience. Special thanks to Brandon Talbot, Portra Papi (Jakob), Alex Barrera, Ryan and his lovely wife Ali, Jamie, Bao, and a ton of other like-minded creatives for an unforgettable night in New York.
Walking back to my hotel, I stopped at Grand Central station, and man, was Kodak 500T the perfect pair for the foggy night. It is simply incredible what the city can look like.
This is it for now, but I’ll be posting more recap and photos from my trip next week.
Update: Part 2 available now here.