5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

By Nick

Leica and film. Two words that seem to be forever linked in my mind. After playing around with a Leica Monochrom digital for a while it was inevitable that I would end up trying out a Leica film camera. After hours of pondering I decided to go for an M4-P body and a 1976 Summicron 35mm lens. My thinking was that I would save a bit of money by going with a meterless camera body and spend the majority of the cash on a vintage Summicron lens. I admit there was some trepidation in going meterless but I reasoned that it would help me build up more awareness of lighting conditions and add to the magic.

The camera and lens arrived a week before I was due to go to the Scottish island of Islay on my annual ‘whisky pilgrimage’ with a friend. I decided to leave my digital camera at home and document the trip entirely on Tri-X film. We sampled all 8 Whisky distilleries on Islay and also visited the distillery on Jura. Islay and Jura are very special places and I think I made the right choice going with black and white film. I shot 3 rolls of Tri-X on the trip, many after a whisky tasting. These 5 frames are some of my favourites and they are also the straightest!.

My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_aesthetic_atlas
Website: https://aestheticatlas.com

You can find Hamish’s Leica M4-P review here

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About The Author

By Nick
Nick is a photographer and art director based in the UK. He uses a Nikon F3 for film and a Nikon Z7 for digital. www.storiesfromtheworld.com
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Comments

StephenJ on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

The last time I was there was 1969 but you are right Nick the western highlands of Scotland are very special, as is your choice of photographic tool.

Having said that, I would say that you would take good snaps like those above, with or without a wee dram, with or without a proper Leica, with or without a light meter... And you would probably even make a decent snap with a digital jobby.

In other words, excellent snaps sir, great framing and contrast.

BTW: I like your Pythonic foot from your Paris flâneur.
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

Thanks for the kind words Stephen. 1969.. wow! Some things might have changed on Islay since then but probably not the important ones! I shoot digital on most of my trips but somehow Islay seemed to scream 'shoot film' at me for this one. It's always a bit of risk though. Results not guaranteed. But thats part of the magic. Sorry for not repying earlier I was away for a few weeks. Re: Foot. Yes.. big Python fan here!

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Aukje on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

I like whisky, I love Scotland, and it has been too long since I’ve shot Tri-X. Lovely images, it reminds me that I still like Tri-X, so I’m going to shot some tonight!
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

Thanks Aukje.. I kept it simple on this one: One film stock and one lens. I wlould say Islay is an essential visit for you then!

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Dominique Pierre-Nina on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

Great choice. I can't understand for the life of me why would Leica want to keep making cameras with the idea of or a sudo sole of a film camera such as the M10-D when the M2, 3, 4, 5,( 6 and 7 with light meter) are all one needs.
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

Thanks Dominique, I do love the M4-p. I think it's something of bargain in the film Leica world.

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CAL STEWART on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

you knocked it out the park, mate. one of the best 5 frames, yet. great images and cool yarn to boot
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

Cheers Cal! Sorry for the late reply.. was away for a few weeks. Computerless!

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Nick Chase on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

Great shots and I must say your pilgrimage sounds like my ideal vacation.
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 10/11/2018

Thanks Nick. Islay isn't easy to get too but well worth the effort!

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Des McSweeney on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 11/11/2018

oooh, Bruich'laddie', my fave without a doubt! talented photography too though ;-)
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Hank on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 11/11/2018

Nice shots! Who did the development and scanning?
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Hank on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 11/11/2018

Nice photos!
Who did the development and scanning?
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2018

Thanks Hank. I used AG Photolab for these. Always pleased at the results from there.

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Thomas Inman on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 11/11/2018

Beautiful and full of feeling, makes me want to take a trip there even more. That barrels shot is especially perfect.
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2018

Thanks Thomas. Sorry for the late reply i've been away. Islay is highly recommended!

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Flavio Colker on 5 Frames with a Leica M4-P on a Whisky Pilgrimage – By Nick Holt

Comment posted: 13/12/2018

Those pictures are great! Is it the whisky?
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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 13/12/2018

Yes! ;-)

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