Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer is the world’s oldest weekly photographic magazine, established in 1884. It is the respected authority for news and reviews, with detailed tests and investigations on the latest equipment. The weekly contents include interviews and columns from many of the world’s leading photographers and practical technique to inspire and enthuse the devoted readership, to whom taking photos is far more than just a hobby. Essential reading for those interested in buying photographic equipment or wanting advice about improving their picture taking. Amateur Photographer is published 51 times a year. Subscribe now and save money on the retail price.

Welcome

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Major Sony lens releases

DxO rolls out PureRAW 5

Sigma’s sayonara to DSLR lenses

Stylish Billingham compact camera pouch

Why the long face…

Zeiss Otus goes mirrorless

Big phone news from Barcelona

Leica M • Leica’s in-house tribute to its legendary M-series rangefinder cameras is a treat for both photography lovers and camera geeks alike, as Andy Westlake finds out

Books & exhibitions • The latest and best books and exhibitions from the world of photography

Elliott Erwitt: Personal Best • A revised edition celebrating the work of a legendary and masterful photographer is an absolute must-buy, says Amy Davies

It's good to share • Our favourite photos posted by readers on our social media channels this week

A star is born • John Wade on the early steps that led to the first Leica

FILM STARS A century of excellence • John Wade traces the Leica story from 1925 to 2025

Tribute brands • John Wade takes a look at Leica look-alikes

The 2025 Leica range • Andy Westlake guides you through the Leica cameras that you can currently buy new

A global society • Leica Society International (LSI) brings together Leica collectors and users from around the world. Its Vice President, William Fagan, tells us more

Amateur Photographer

Inbox • Write to the Editor at ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk and include your full postal address. Please don’t send letters in the post as there is no one in the office to receive them. Replies are from the Editor unless otherwise stated

THIS WEEK WE ASKED...

Professor Newman on… Climbing Mount Leica • Professor Newman traces the history of Leica’s influential lens mounts

Some famous Leica users • So many great documentary, street and travel photographers have shot with Leica. Geoff Harris celebrates some of the brand’s best-known fans

The importance of being Ernst • Ernst Leitz II of the Leica camera company was at the centre of a rescue effort in which Jews were smuggled out of Nazi Germany before the Holocaust. Peter Dench finds out more

Barnack to Bach • For over five decades, freelance photojournalist John Robert Young travelled the world with his Leicas, documenting everything from war, famine and devastation to politicians, actors, artists, and musicians. Peter Dench finds out more

Leica through their lens • Three photographers, three journeys, one shared passion – capturing the world with Leica. From the wild landscapes of explorers to the intimate moments of daily life, discover how Levison Wood, Lucy Laucht, and Emily Garthwaite see the world through their Leica cameras

The Leica effect • The craftsmanship, design and reliability of Leica cameras and lenses attracts thousands of photographers to the brand, but the company’s dedication to the medium’s history is also a big draw. Tracy Calder asks five ambassadors why they love Leica

R you experienced • Older Leicas don’t just mean rangefinders. Geoff Harris shares his experience of owing two Leica R-series film SLRs

Buying...