A Photographer’s Paradise

Recap of Leica Experience Days 2024 in Wetzlar

By Marwan El Mozayen / SilvergrainClassics

The “Leica Experience Days” took place from October 25-27, 2024, at the renowned Leica Store in Wetzlar, Germany, drawing photographers of all stripes to celebrate both digital and analog photography. With an engaging program featuring notable photographers, rare equipment, and immersive photo walks, the weekend was packed with excitement for seasoned pros and emerging talents alike.

Celebrating the Art and Craft of Photography

The event kicked off with a series of presentations from celebrated photographers like Andreas Jorns, Tom Klein, and Michael Will. Each brought unique perspectives to the table, delivering insights into creative processes and techniques, all while emphasizing the blend of artistry and skill that makes photography timeless. These talks covered the entire spectrum of photography, giving attendees fresh ideas and practical tips to elevate their own work.

The Lens Library: A Treasure Trove of Leica’s Rarest

One of the event’s most buzzed-about features was the opportunity to borrow vintage lenses from Leica’s esteemed archives. These rare “jewels” spanned various eras of Leica’s history, offering attendees a hands-on experience with equipment rarely available to the public. For photography enthusiasts, this was an unparalleled chance to work with some of Leica’s finest—and often, most elusive—optics.

Immersive Photo Walks with Leica Experts

Leica Experience Days wouldn’t have been complete without a chance to hit the streets, cameras in hand, guided by seasoned experts. Anton Ivanov of Leica and Marwan El Mozayen of SilvergrainClassics led participants on a highly educational photowalk, diving deep into the nuances of focal lengths, from 15mm wide angles to 500mm mirror lenses. Equipped with his “Red Leica Bible,” Anton shared insights into the lenses’ histories and characteristics, while Marwan offered tips for creatively handling different focal lengths.

Adding to the lineup, Tom Klein led a photowalk with a historical twist, transporting participants back in time with vintage Leica models from the Jugendstil era. The experience offered a glimpse into how early 20th-century photographers might have seen the world, connecting history and modern-day photography in an unforgettable way.

The Fast Lane Meets Analog: Lamborghini and Analog Film

What’s a Leica event without a bit of flair? The team from RIGHTLIGHT MEDIA, led by automotive photographer Daniel Wollstein, brought a Lamborghini into the mix, offering attendees a live session in studio photography, where this automotive masterpiece became the muse. True to the analog spirit, Daniel had an Ilford HP5 film developed on the spot, with negatives digitized by SilvergrainClassics using a portable drum scanner. This demonstration proved that film photography is not only capable of speed but remains unrivaled in quality.

A Grand Finale: The Photography Contest

The event wrapped up with a highlight reel of the weekend’s best shots, showcasing the winners of the Leica Experience Days photo contest. The top three photographers received well-earned prizes, including a weekend stay at the luxurious Leitz Hotel, a JOBO development kit, and an Oberwerth camera bag—fabulous rewards for a job well done.

A Weekend to Remember

The 2024 Leica Experience Days succeeded in every aspect, leaving participants not only inspired but connected. Attendees walked away with cherished memories, valuable new techniques, and new friends. Leica Store Wetzlar set a high bar with an event that captured the true essence of photography—bridging old and new, fostering creativity, and creating a space for photographers to come together, learn, and celebrate their craft.

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2024-10-27

Here’s to many more Leica Experiences in the future!