Here are the latest photos I captured with my Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 50mm F1.5 Aspherical II 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 50mm F1.5 Aspherical II lens could be the perfect addition to your Leica kit.
Spring in Tokyo is a dream for photographers, especially with a fast, dreamy lens like the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm. The cherry blossoms (sakura) start taking over the city, but they aren’t the only stars—plum blossoms (ume) kick things off as early as February, and magnolias and camellias add to the show. With that Nokton wide…
Enjoyed a visit to Blue Bottle Coffee in Daikanyama. Their Madagascar drink is really good, highly recommended! Did you know that Blue Bottle Coffee, Inc. was founded by W. James Freeman in the early 2000s in Oakland, California. The company is known for its commitment to high-quality, single-origin coffee beans and has played a significant…
A green metal flower spotted in Tokyo. Captured with the Nokton 50mm f/1.4 : wide open, it delivers a soft, dreamy look; stopped down, it transforms into razor-sharp precision.
Hacienda del Cielo in Tokyo’s Daikanyama district offers a vibrant and stylish atmosphere that makes it a standout destination for Mexican cuisine. Perched on the ninth floor, the restaurant boasts high ceilings, large windows, and a spacious terrace, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. The decor, inspired by Mayan influences, adds a touch of authenticity…
A “No Sleeping” sign slapped up in subway corridors often does more than just keep order—it hints at a deeper problem. In cities where such notices appear, it’s usually because public spaces are being used as the only option for a bed. Instead of addressing the root causes like poor housing and economic hardship, authorities…
Ah, the Seiko Clock Tower in Ginza—a monument that’s been keeping Tokyo punctual since 1894. Perched at the Ginza 4-chome intersection, this clock tower has witnessed the evolution of the city, from horse-drawn carriages to bustling modernity. The original clock tower was the brainchild of Kintarō Hattori, Seiko’s founder, who believed that a public clock…
Japan isn’t all futuristic skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. Step outside the glitzy city centres, and you’ll find plenty of ageing, low-cost apartment blocks dotting the suburbs. These buildings, often constructed in the economic boom years, have seen better days, with faded exteriors, cramped layouts, and minimal insulation. They cater to students, low-income workers, and older…
A UFO Catcher is a type of arcade claw machine, originally popularised by SEGA, where players attempt to grab prizes using a mechanical claw. These machines are a staple of arcades in Japan and other parts of Asia, often featuring plush toys, figurines, and exclusive collectibles. Unlike traditional claw machines, UFO Catchers often have a…
Since I use black and white for focus peaking in live view on the rare occasions I skip the viewfinder—like when close focusing—I figured I’d give the black-and-white JPEG a shot. These are straight out of the camera (SOOC) with the high-contrast profile. Quite liking it!
Ah, the classic morning commute with a little one in tow—where every second counts, and somehow, you’re always one sock short. If you take the train, brace yourself for the peak-hour crush. Even the politest commuters turn into efficient sardines, and squeezing in with a child can feel like playing Tetris on hard mode. If…
Kerosene heaters remain a common sight in Japan, particularly in older homes, small businesses, and rural areas where central heating is rare. Even in urban environments like Tokyo, many residents still rely on them to keep individual rooms warm during the winter months. Unlike in colder regions such as Hokkaido, where kerosene delivery trucks regularly…
Ah, cameras on lamp posts—welcome to the high-tech neighbourhood watch of the 21st century! It’s like your streetlights have decided to moonlight as security guards. These unassuming sentinels, perched high above, are quietly capturing the comings and goings of daily life. From tracking a stray cat’s midnight adventures to monitoring the occasional delivery driver who’s…
The winter blue sky in Japan is something special—clear, crisp, and vibrant. It’s the best time of year to enjoy that perfect shade of blue, especially with summers becoming unbearably hot and autumn and spring more unpredictable thanks to global warming. Winter’s stable weather feels like a gift, offering the kind of skies that make…
After buying your ramen at the vending machine, you take a seat at the counter, hand over your ticket, and wait as the magic happens. The sound of noodles boiling, the clatter of bowls, and the aroma of rich broth fill the air, building the anticipation. While waiting, I couldn’t help but appreciate how sharp…
I love how the road glistens after a light winter rain, and the Nokton 50mm captured it beautifully. Moments like these remind me of the importance of having a camera you can carry anywhere—ready to capture the unexpected beauty around you. After all, the best camera you can get is the one you’ll actually use.
In Japan, temporary parking lots on land awaiting sale or redevelopment are not just practical—they can also be a strategic move for tax reasons. Landowners often convert vacant plots into parking lots because undeveloped land incurs higher taxes compared to land in active use. By operating the space as a parking facility, even temporarily, the…
Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3, also known as the International Terminal, is a gateway to Tokyo that seamlessly blends modern efficiency with touches of Japanese culture. As someone who travels a lot, I’ve always been impressed by its spotless cleanliness—something you can count on in Japan. The Edo-period themed Edo Koji area, with its wooden storefronts…
A fleeting masterpiece: Tokyo Skytree piercing the skyline, framed perfectly from Expressway 9 as it arches over the Sumida River. Lucky moment where movement and stillness collide, turning a quick drive into an unforgettable scene. Red sign reads: direction of travel.
Overtourism describes a phenomenon where the number of visitors to a destination overwhelms its capacity, causing strain on local communities, infrastructure, and the environment. In Japan, this has become a pressing issue in popular locations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district as well as popular insta spots. Overcrowding diminishes the charm…
The information point at Haneda Airport exudes a level of professionalism and charm that’s quintessentially Japanese. Staffed by impeccably groomed ladies, often resembling air hostesses in their polished uniforms, they offer a warm smile and friendly demeanor.