This camera was a mistake.

Key technological concepts & product-feature regrets discussed

• Over-focusing on gear specs vs making photos

  • Both speakers say they regret spending too much time researching technical details (lenses, megapixels, charts) instead of going out and shooting more.

• Leica rangefinder upgrade regret (M10 → M11)

  • One host regrets upgrading from Leica M10 (24MP) to Leica M11 (60MP) for about 1.5 years.
  • They expected the megapixel jump and improved dynamic range to be worth it, but ultimately disliked:
    • How the camera operates
    • The shutter feel
  • They returned to and preferred the M10, citing favorite photos taken on it.

• Fujifilm X100F nostalgia vs image quality over time

  • Another regret involves the Fujifilm X100F (a “28mm/24MP” vibe is implied by the way they discuss focal length and resolution), preordered around its release period (2017–2018).
  • They loved its look as a travel/daily camera and how it “defined” their color preferences.
  • Later comparisons suggest that images from that time look noisier/muddier than newer gear (they reference an XT5 as cleaner).
  • Emotional takeaway: they value the time/candid street learning period more than strict technical quality.

• Color/processing “phases” from early street shooting (JPEG pitfalls)

  • They review early Instagram-era editing habits:
    • Split toning that caused incorrect skin tones (e.g., “green/blue” casts)
    • Over-lifting shadows, leading to wrinkly skin and excessive, unflattering detail
    • Blue “white balance” mistakes
  • They note many early images were JPEG straight out of camera, and later attempts to “re-jig” grades are difficult.

• Fujifilm GFX 50R medium format regret (bought/sold repeatedly)

  • Regret: repeatedly owning the Fujifilm GFX 50R (three times).
  • Reasons they keep returning:
    • They love the 50MP sensor look (color, dynamic range, “medium format look”)
    • They like it for specific projects/events (they mention using it for Brighton work)
  • Why it gets sold:
    • High cost / impracticality
    • Slow, clunky handling
    • Life events forcing selling
    • They feel the “status” element may tempt purchases even when it doesn’t fit daily shooting
  • They compare it visually to an XT5: the difference is subtle, but the medium-format character is noticeable.

• Fujifilm X-Pro 2 regret (selling, re-buying)

  • Regret theme: the X-Pro 2 was their first true street camera after experimenting with film.
  • They repeatedly sell and repurchase it over ~6 years, about 7–8 copies.
  • They love it overall, especially:
    • How the X-Trans sensor renders on older lenses
    • White balance treatment (slightly warmer / less magenta)
  • They regret not sticking with it longer.
  • They also mention using manual lenses via adaptation (e.g., a Voigtländer 35), finding it fun though tricky.

• Ricoh GR series regret (GR II / GR III HDF features)

  • Regret: adopting the Ricoh GR lifestyle, but realizing they dislike its experience.
  • Specific points:
    • GR II: used exclusively for black & white street, got bored, later moved on
    • GR III HDF: includes an in-camera “pro mist / bloom” HDF filter
      • They immediately disliked the built-in effect because it reduces clarity a lot, creating a digital/fake-looking bloom
      • They argue it’s redundant since similar looks can be done in post
    • Core usability issue: no viewfinder (they say it feels like using a phone and kills the shooting “fun”)
  • They also comment on focal length preferences, suggesting certain GR fields (around 28mm-eq) are harder to use than expected.
  • They suggest the GR is “designed” to be shot around F8/F11 for depth-of-field reasons rather than for wide-aperture separation.

• Pentax 67 medium format (gear acquisition + impracticality regret)

  • They both regret buying Pentax 67, tying it to “gear acquisition syndrome” (especially during COVID).
  • Criticisms:
    • Heavy, bulky medium format film
    • Cost per shot (they estimate a few pounds each)
    • Shallow depth of field issues (some shots not in focus)
    • Hard to shoot street candidly (described as “intentionally breaking your own ankle”)
    • Scanning is a headache
  • They reference:
    • Stopping film shooting after this camera
    • Repair/reliability concerns during reload mishandling
  • They consider it not suited to the style of street photographers who walk long distances taking fast candid shots.
  • They later switch from Pentax 67 to a Fuji GF690, finding it more enjoyable (and oddly lighter despite the larger frame), and that it fit their approach better.

Planned future challenge & community features (non-regret items)

• Upcoming street challenge: “fill the frame”

  • Format: 1 hour to fill the frame.
  • Submissions will be part of a monthly “street assignments” community with a new theme.
  • Matt Stewart will guest-edit a future/ongoing assignment by selecting favorites, commenting, and building a gallery from hundreds of submissions.

• Platform update

  • Digital or print magazine purchases inside the platform/app, viewable on desktop, iPad, or phone.

Product/camera models mentioned

• Leica: M10, M11, Leica Q
• Fujifilm: X100F, X-Pro 2, GFX 50R, GFX (general reference line), XT5, GF690
• Ricoh: GR II, GR III HDF
• Pentax: 67
• Plus references to iPhone/phone comparison, Fujifilm lens behavior (wide vs ~28mm behavior), and adapted manual lenses (e.g., Voigtländer 35).

Main speakers / sources (as referenced in discussion)

• Josh (explicitly mentioned: “me and Josh”)
• The other host (speaks throughout but isn’t named in the provided subtitles)
• Matt Stewart (guest editor for a street assignment/gallery)