Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
I'm Still Alive by Mark Metternich

• Nature & Wildlife:
~~A Cold Winters Day~~ by Ted ellis

• People Photography:
Paige downtown by nickelmedia

Congratulations to CDalessandro for winning WA 1220, based on the theme: Sand dunes.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1221 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1222 just started with theme: "Tools"
Deadline: March 18th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
DEVA by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
Ecuador 2026 by jaylee73

• People Photography:
Timo by GiovanniAprea

Congratulations to J. Pow for winning WA 1219, based on the theme: Rocks.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1220 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1221 just started with theme: "Sorrow"
Deadline: March 11th noon - Participate!

The new Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 "SPII" is now available for pre-order at Light Lens Lab:

https://lightlenslab.com/products/light-lens-lab-75mm-f-2-spii/

Get 5% off with code: FREDMIRANDA at checkout

⸻

Optical Heritage

Inspired by a historically significant 1940s Double-Gaussian design, part of the SP-II lineage, paying homage to classic optics.

Enhanced Optical Performance

Refined for modern high-resolution digital sensors, with expanded coverage up to 44 � 33 mm for full-frame imaging.

Advanced Optical Design

Incorporates achromatic elements to maintain balanced contrast and control aberrations across the frame.

Signature Rendering

Delivers atmospheric tonal transitions at f/2, moving to sharper clarity when stopped down, offering a unique and versatile character.

Craftsmanship

All optical and mechanical components are designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled in-house. The lens features a lightweight aluminum alloy construction, balancing durability with compact handling.

⸻

Main Lens Specifications:

� Frame Coverage: 135 Full Frame (24 � 36 mm)
� Lens Elements / Groups: 8 elements in 5 groups
� Focus Range: 0.7 m to infinity
� Diaphragm: Preset with half-stop increments
� Aperture Range: f/2 � f/22
� Aperture Blades: 12
� Lens Mount: M-Mount quick-change bayonet
� Filter Diameter: E43
� Lens Hood: In-body, A46 clip-on Reid style
� Dimensions: 73 mm length � 54 mm diameter
� Weight: 310 g


Included in the Box:

� Aluminum lens body
� Matching full metal front and back caps
� Reid-style lens hood
� Box and instructions
� Genuine leather pouch
� 1-year Light Lens Lab warranty

Congratulations to adventure_photo for winning MA 261, based on the theme: Movie Theater Marquees.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 262 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 263 just started with theme: "Sea Shells"
Deadline: April 1st noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Scenes of Southern Utah by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
~~The Catch~~ by Ted ellis

• People Photography:
Amazing Abigail by Ross Martin

Congratulations to Pieter575 for winning WA 1218, based on the theme: Rainbows.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1219 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1220 just started with theme: "Sand dunes"
Deadline: March 4th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Hoar Frost Fairytale by hasenbein

• Nature & Wildlife:
Short-eared Owls... by louie champan

• People Photography:
Strata by Dneufarth

Congratulations to guywithgas for winning WA 1217, based on the theme: Railroad Cars.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1218 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1219 just started with theme: "Rocks"
Deadline: February 25th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Winter in Alaska by Gregg B.

• Nature & Wildlife:
Amobselli - Land of Gentle Giants and feathered friends by sathsy2017

• People Photography:
Brian Culbertson and Band by Danpbphoto

Congratulations to Danpbphoto for winning WA 1216, based on the theme: Patterns.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1217 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1218 just started with theme: "Rainbows"
Deadline: February 18th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Awaiting the Next Round by Danpbphoto

• Nature & Wildlife:
American Kestrel with prey! by Pius Sullivan

• People Photography:
The Soldier by Danpbphoto

Congratulations to adventure_photo for winning WA 1215, based on the theme: Pairs.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1216 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1217 just started with theme: "Railroad Cars"
Deadline: February 11th noon - Participate!

Congratulations to CDalessandro for winning MA 260, based on the theme: Glass.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 261 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 262 just started with theme: "Pink / Purple"
Deadline: March 1st noon - Participate!

GONE, gear has a new home. thanks everyone!
�

hi
i�m in helena helping my father close down his engineering business. he has a pile of photo gear he�d like to give away.
includes numerous film cameras (plus an early digital nikon), many lenses, cases, manfrotto tripod w/head, benbo tripod w/ball head, copy stand, lowell light system, large collapsible softbox, numerous light stands and umbrellas, large light box, reflectors, lamps, misc filters, etc.
will require a pickup or van to haul off (we can�t deliver).
fyi, there�s no fancy gear (ie: collectables) but a great start for a budding photog, or student, or photo teaching group.
know of any photographer in our area who�d want it?
again, totally free!
needs to be gone in next few days
i left messages for the photo teacher at the local high school a couple times, but have yet to hear back
please pass word.
my cell is:
area code (541)
and number 620-3489 (posted this way to hopefully slow the spammers)
thank y�all!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Moonscape by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
Barred Owl by hawkowl951

• People Photography:
A Beagle by jowul

Congratulations to Danpbphoto for winning WA 1214, based on the theme: Objects.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1215 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1216 just started with theme: "Patterns"
Deadline: February 4th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Southwest Snow Squall by sum1sgrampa

• Nature & Wildlife:
Male Northern Harrier...Gray Ghost by louie champan

• People Photography:
Getting the Horses Ready: San Marcos Parade by cth55

Congratulations to Danpbphoto for winning WA 1213, based on the theme: Noodles.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1214 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1215 just started with theme: "Pairs"
Deadline: January 28th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Aloha Kauai by olalafoto

• Nature & Wildlife:
Golden Hour! by Pius Sullivan

• People Photography:
The girl in the Chartreuse scarf by Detroitable

RICOH has announced a new variant of their GR IV compact camera: the GR IV Monochrome. It keeps the same compact design and image quality of the original GR IV, but the sensor is now dedicated to black-and-white photography.

The color filter has been removed from the sensor, which helps the camera deliver richer tonal gradation. One of the most notable features is the built-in red filter, which replaces the traditional ND filter and provides more contrasty, dramatic B&W effects straight out of the camera.

The Monochrome version also gets a faster electronic shutter, capable of speeds up to 1/16,000 of a second. This allows shooting at larger apertures even in bright light. RICOH has said this high-speed shutter will also come to the standard GR IV through a firmware update.

The body is finished in matte black with the engraved GR logo in semi-gloss black, keeping the monochrome look consistent, including the shutter and power buttons.

It�s an interesting addition for anyone who enjoys compact cameras and black-and-white photography, particularly for street and everyday shooting.

Pre order here:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1926946-REG/ricoh_gr_iv_monochrome_digital.html

B&H Photo Article about it:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1926946-REG/ricoh_gr_iv_monochrome_digital.html

Congratulations to ZdevilH1 for winning WA 1212, based on the theme: Mirrors.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1213 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1214 just started with theme: "Objects"
Deadline: January 21st noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Zion Eastside by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
Shorties working the saltwater marsh! by Pius Sullivan

• People Photography:
Funny little headshot of a boxer from Waltham. Taken on "Boxing Day, 2025" by jacquesvroom

Congratulations to chad hites for winning WA 1211, based on the theme: Letters.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1212 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1213 just started with theme: "Noodles"
Deadline: January 14th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Lofoten, Norway by keepclicking

• Nature & Wildlife:
One more item checked off the bucket list-Giza the black leopard and Masai Mara's amazing light. by kdacharya

• People Photography:
Wicked at OMSI by DanielScott

Order the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "11873"

At the moment, this lens is only available for purchase directly from https://lightlenslab.com.

Get a 5% discount when you use the FREDMIRANDA code at checkout.
_____________


About the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "11873" lens:

Light Lens Lab released their 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical on October 17, 2025. This lens is based on Leica's original 35mm f/1.4 Double Aspherical design, often referred to as the AA, one of the rarest and most sought after M mount lenses ever made.

For this review, I received the Titanium version, which was produced in a single, one time batch based on pre-order demand rather than a fixed numerical limit. Aside from the finish and material, the optical design is identical to the black and silver aluminum versions.



Review Quick Links:

1. Initial thoughts
   
2. Infinity Resolution and Contrast: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "11873"
   
3. Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH.
   
4. Distortion
   
5. Field Curvature
   
6. Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
   
7. Sunstar Rendering
   
8. Vignetting
   
9. Flare Resistance
   
10. Chromatic Aberration control
    
11. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
    
12. Rendering comparison: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical vs Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH.
    
13. Rendering comparison 2: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical vs Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH.
    
14. Rendering comparison 3: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical vs Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH. vs Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux Steel Rim
    
15. Rendering comparison 4: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical vs Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux "Steel Rim" (pre-ASPH)
    
    
16. Final Thoughts
    
17. Samples 1: Overcast early morning
    
18. Samples 2: Sunny, high-contrast conditions at various distances
    
19. Samples 3: At various distances under a textile factory artificial lighting
    
20. Samples 4: Early morning and late afternoon at various distances
    
21. Samples 5: Mostly people at various lighting and distances
    
22. Samples 6: Inside a textile factory under artificial lighting
    
23. Samples 7: Night shots showcasing specular highlights from Christmas lights
    
24. Samples 8: Hazy and foggy night
    
25. Samples 9: Assorted shots with mixed lighting and varying distances.
    
26. Samples 10: Assorted shots with sunset lighting and varying distances (Leica M10-P)
    
    
    

Congratulations to Danpbphoto for winning MA 259, based on the theme: Woods.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 260 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 261 just started with theme: "Movie Theater Marquees"
Deadline: February 1st noon - Participate!

Dear FM members,

I hope your cameras keep capturing the moments that will make this year the best one yet. May 2026 be filled with golden light, serene mornings, and those fleeting scenes that feel like small gifts, revealed for just a second to anyone patient enough to see them through a lens.

Chase the colors of every sunrise and sunset, wander into the shadows and the highlights, and let your curiosity guide you to the stories waiting in ordinary places. And may God continue to inspire us with beauty, wonder, and grace in the world we photograph.

Here's to images that move us, challenge us, and remind us why we love this craft in the first place. Wishing you all a joyful, creative, and prosperous New Year...and countless photographs worth remembering.

Congratulations to guywithgas for winning WA 1210, based on the theme: Learning.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1211 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1212 just started with theme: "Mirrors"
Deadline: January 7th noon - Participate!