Summilux BBQ

Shot with a Leica M11 and the renowned 50mm Summilux lens, this BBQ scene feels almost tactile. The lens’s signature shallow depth of field isolates the sizzling meats and vegetables with precision, while the background dissolves into a soft, creamy blur. That classic Summilux bokeh lends a dreamy, almost cinematic quality to an otherwise simple moment.

Details on the grill—like the glistening fat on the meat and the subtle textures of the foil-wrapped vegetables—pop with clarity thanks to the lens’s microcontrast and rendering ability. The rising smoke twists into the air, captured mid-motion with stunning sharpness and nuance. There’s a warmth and realism to the colors that doesn’t feel filtered or forced—just clean, vibrant, and true.

And since we’re in Japan, grilling onigiri was non-negotiable. The rice balls took their place on the hot mesh, and we brushed them regularly with soy sauce, letting the edges crisp and caramelize just enough to add that unmistakable umami kick. It’s the kind of touch that turns a simple cookout into something deeply rooted in place and tradition.