It is always good to buy new camera gear to get the creative juices flowing but last year I decided to switch camera systems from Leica to Sony Alpha kit.

Eight years ago I asked myself what was the camera I had always wanted and the answer was simple because I really should have bought a second hand Leica M6 rangefinder way back in 1994.

It was always my dream camera because it was a classic photojournalistic tool of choice for photographers covering everything from combat photography to long term documentary projects.

I suppose my decision to go for the Nikon F4 was swayed by the fact I already had a load of Nikon lenses. Having said that it was a camera that divided opinion (one of my photographer friends even described it as a “piece of shit”) because basically the Canon EOS system was better. But I liked the results and it was nice to have my first pro-spec camera.

Having said that I was converted in 2017 after I realised that Leica had released a digital version of their classic rangefinder camera, but in a digital format, and I bought some kit. I suppose moving to Inverness in 2019, with specialist dealer Ffordes in nearby Beauly, was too much of a temptation to upgrade the kit (which it was). But I did get good deals in reselling my old kit on commission sales.

Initially the results were great and the quiet shutter was very unobtrusive which enabled me to record whatever story I was covering without drawing attention to myself. Having said that last year I realised, in particular low light situations where the subjects are moving fast, that the results were a bit hit and miss so I guess my reactions are not what they used to be eh? And, if I am being honest, the flashgun I bought never produced satisfying results but then again I rarely use flash these days and rely mainly on available light.

Having said that I took some advice and I reckoned that the Sony system was the way forward and I invested some Alpha kit last year and, when I realised how good the autofocus was, and I got a second camera body as well as additional lenses.

I have to admit that the kit has coped well in a number of situations from local gigs to news stories such as last year’s General Election campaign trail. And, once again, the shutter is also quiet so I can also work without drawing too much attention to myself.

After a quick search here are a few of my favourite shots since getting the new kit:

Bizarrely the Sony cameras are bigger than the Leica kit and my old Domke bags could not comfortably accomodate it so I decided to return to a Billingham bag after a gap of more than 30 years. Having said that the new bags do tend to have more padding to protect the cameras which is probably better if you are travelling (and the front pockets of a Hadley bag can at least hold your guide books).