Montreal, November 2005 (Version Francaise)

Dear Classic photographers and Leica enthusiasts,

Timing. It separates a great comic from just another standup, elevates a good story to front-page news, and turns a strong photograph into a memorable image. Would The Kiss—arguably the most recognized photo of all time—have been on the cover of Life Magazine, had Alfred Eisenstaedt walked through Times Square and snapped off 4 frames on his Leica on any day but V-J Day, August 14, 1945?

Look at one of Jay Meisel’s defining images of the World Trade Center from the 1970’s. His brash, graphic vision of this structure revels in the confidence of the 1970s. Now look again, and realize that the photographer’s purpose has been superseded by an event in time.

Very occasionally, a photograph requires time in the dark before we recognize its special qualities. At the recent M Vision workshop, Steve Simon mentioned that he revisits photographs taken a couple of years earlier. Whether we no longer subscribe to yesterday’s fashion, or whatever the reason, we discover a photograph whose time has come!

Logistics, logistics . . .
I apologize to all waiting patiently for the D-Lux 2, DMR, and some of the silver-finished lenses. Logistical challenges are the latest in the legion of explanations for the delay in delivery from Leica. Perhaps they should just call FedEx!

Playing god must run in the name. It has been decreed that early in 2006 there will be a price increase of approximately 4-5%. An M7 will cost mortal photographers C$4125, and a 35mm Summicron will retail for C$2495.
Less ethereal reasons for the price increase include the usual favourites: currency fluctuation, energy prices, geo-political instability, pork belly futures, yada, yada, yada.

Selling in, not out!
After many years of contemplation and cajoling, I’ve decided to stock and support the Voigtlander line of rangefinder cameras, lenses and accessories. Count me as an admirer of Voigtlander’s wide-angle finders and compact, innovative optics. They serve as a worthy complement to the ‘original’, but more importantly, offer unique optical solutions to photographic challenges.  

The Eyes of Anna, as seen by Yves and his Summicron.
M. Yves Vaillenvourt, a fine photographer and writer who traveled to Romania during the summer, is displaying eight of his images at the boutique. Next time you are in the area, please drop by. The photos were taken with his new M7 and 50mm Summicron. The simplicity of the camera coupled with the light-gathering capacity of the lens, served him well in capturing his vision.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and joyful holiday season.

Always looking forward to your comments.

Photographically yours,

Jean Bardaji
Leicaboutique.com & Camtec Photo