Here are the latest photos I captured with my Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 35mm F1.5 Aspherical lens mounted on a Leica camera. These samples showcase how effectively this lens performs across diverse settings, conditions, and subjects, thus providing a comprehensive look at its real-world performance. These should help you decide if the Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 35mm F1.5 Aspherical lens could be the perfect addition to your Leica kit.
Ah, Japanese cashiers—the unsung heroes of retail efficiency and customer service! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Japanese cashiers, where precision meets politeness in a symphony of transactional excellence. First off, Japanese cashiers are renowned for their speed and accuracy. Ever noticed how they can ring up your items faster than you can say…
Got my Nokton 35mm back from Voigtländer—finally focuses to infinity like it should. Took them two months to sort it out. Took it for a spin in Roppongi. Roppongi Hills was a solid test ground—towering skyscrapers, polished architecture, high-end shopping, sleek cafes… Plenty of contrast, reflections, and deep shadows to play with.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is the kind of vehicle that doesn’t care about trends, comfort, or fuel efficiency. It’s built for the toughest environments on Earth, the kind where lesser SUVs crumble and die. This machine is a rolling monument to Toyota’s engineering stubbornness, refusing to modernise in any way that would compromise…
Preachers on street corners in Japan, often armed with speakers, can be a surprising sight amidst the typically quiet and reserved public spaces. They deliver fiery sermons, with phrases like “the result of sin is death!” echoing through the urban landscape. While not as common as in some other countries, these street evangelists can often…
A night out in Shinjuku during the end-of-the-year season means navigating through packed streets and lively izakayas as everyone celebrates bonenkai (year-end drinking parties). The neon-lit alleys are bustling with groups of coworkers, friends, and couples squeezing into small bars and restaurants for one last hurrah before the year ends. Trying to beat the crowds…
Heavy snowfall in Echigo Yuzawa transforms the area into a winter wonderland. Thick blankets of snow cover the rooftops and trees, while the streets are lined with shimmering white. It’s the perfect setting for winter activities or simply enjoying the beauty of a snowy Japanese landscape. ❄️🏔️✨ Echigo Yuzawa is a charming town nestled in…
Makudonarudo (マクドナルド) is a slice of fast food life that’s surprisingly woven into Japan’s socio-economic fabric. In poorer neighborhoods, it becomes more than just a quick meal—it’s a gathering spot for many elderly folks living on tight budgets. You’ll see groups of older people nursing coffee refills and sharing fries, finding warmth and company they…
Local trains in Japan are a must-try experience. They offer a charming and laid-back way to explore the countryside, small towns, and even suburban areas. The slower pace lets you take in the scenery, and the local vibe feels so different from the hustle of bullet trains. It’s a simple but memorable way to connect…
Delicious ginger ramen at the nearby station. Ginger adds a distinctive layer of warmth and aromatic complexity that enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile. Its slightly spicy, zesty notes cut through the richness of the broth, balancing the fatty pork. At its core, ramen consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a rich broth, often…
In winter, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport transforms into a scene straight out of a Nordic snow globe. Blanketed in snow and surrounded by frost-covered landscapes, the airport operates like a well-oiled machine, embodying Finnish precision and resilience. Despite the sub-zero temperatures and frequent snowfalls, the airport remains a model of efficiency, handling winter challenges with calm expertise….
Aleksanterinkatu, or “Alexis Street” if you’re feeling playful with translations, is the beating heart of Helsinki, Finland. This bustling thoroughfare is both historic and modern, combining the charm of Nordic architecture with the pulse of urban life. On a typical stroll, you’d find yourself flanked by stately buildings that exude an understated elegance—pastel facades, neoclassical…
The Helsinki Christmas Market, held annually in the iconic Senate Square, is a magical event that transforms the heart of the city into a winter wonderland. Surrounded by the grand Helsinki Cathedral and neoclassical architecture, the market exudes a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine (glögi), and the cheerful hum of…
Helsinki’s tramway system stands out as a vibrant and enduring part of the city’s public transport network, even as many cities worldwide have dismantled their tram systems over the years. Cities like Los Angeles, Sydney, and London removed large parts of their tramways in the mid-20th century, often replacing them with buses or expanding road…
Esplanadi, often called “Espa,” is a beautiful and iconic park and boulevard located in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. It serves as a central meeting point for both locals and visitors, offering a peaceful green space amidst the bustling city. Stretching from Erottaja Square to Market Square by the harbor, it is flanked by Pohjoisesplanadi…
The Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland, stands as a majestic example of Russian Byzantine architecture and a testament to the country’s historical ties with Russia. Constructed in 1868 and designed by the renowned Russian architect Alexey Gornostaev, the cathedral’s red-brick façade and golden onion domes make it an unmistakable landmark in the city’s skyline. Situated…
Katajanokka is a historic and picturesque district in Helsinki, Finland, located just east of the city center. Surrounded by water on three sides, it offers a serene yet central location with stunning views of the harbor and skyline. Accessible via a short bridge, it feels like a distinct enclave within the bustling capital. The district…
Café Engel, located in Helsinki’s historic Sunnin talo building overlooking Senate Square, is renowned for its traditional Finnish salmon soup, known as “lohikeitto.” This creamy soup features tender salmon pieces, potatoes, and leeks, all simmered in a flavorful fish broth enriched with milk or cream. The addition of fresh dill enhances its aromatic profile. The…
Café Engel, located at Aleksanterinkatu 26 in Helsinki, is an iconic café situated in the historic Sunnin House, one of the city’s oldest stone buildings dating back to 1765. The café offers patrons a charming atmosphere with views overlooking Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral. The menu at Café Engel caters to various tastes, serving…
The Statue of Alexander II in Helsinki, Finland, is a prominent monument located in the heart of Senate Square. Erected in 1894, it commemorates the Russian Emperor Alexander II, who was also the Grand Duke of Finland. The statue holds significant historical and symbolic importance, as Alexander II is remembered for his reforms that benefited…
Familiar logo in Helsinki : the red H of Hesburger. Hesburger is a prominent Finnish fast-food chain specializing in hamburgers and related fare. Founded in 1980 by Heikki Salmela in Turku, Finland, it has grown into the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland and the Baltic states, surpassing even global competitors like McDonald’s in these…