I find it really hard to connect with new people or to participate in events, yet I saw Leica UK was doing a Leica S3 workshop and I thought fuck it, why not?” I’m going to be buying a Leica SL3-S in a few weeks, and I really wanted to get out with it and see what it can do, so I signed up.
Now, on the morning of the workshop, I did start having second thoughts. I did my usual overthinking, and yet I got myself out of bed and started to get ready. Before I knew it, I was on the train heading towards Manchester. I’d put my headphones on, and I was blasting some 80’s heavy metal. This normally distracts me from the world, and today it was working.
I think what helped me this day was the fact that I’d gotten to know the guys that work in Leica Manchester. Leica Manchester really makes you feel welcome. It’s not like any other camera store. It’s all about the customers. (Boy, do I wish all stores were like this.) You can go in just for a chat. I find the store comfortable, which really helps me.
When I arrived, everyone was really friendly and welcoming, like always. I started to feel relaxing, calm, and I couldn’t wait to try the SL3-S. However, there was still apprehension in me. How many would be on the workshop? What if there were too many people? How would I cope? It wasn’t too long before I’d met the other 2 photographers that were on the workshop and Ethan, who was from Leica UK. I was so glad Stuart, who works in Leica Manchester, was joining us on the workshop. Stuart is so easygoing, and I truly enjoy his company.
Ethan is a credit to Leica. His knowledge, not just about the Leica products but also photography, is invaluable. He has an incredible positive impact on the people around him. He helped each one of us, and there was nothing that he wouldn’t do. He brought so many toys for us to play with that we all felt like kids in a candy store. I got to shoot most of the photo walk with the Leica 90mm F2 APO lens, which I fell in love with. I can honestly see myself spending £4650 in the future for that lens….damn you, Ethan. If that wasn’t bad enough, Ethan insisted on my trying his Leica 50mm F1 Noctilux, and oh my god, this lens wasn’t incredible. I felt pissed that I had to hand it back. Again, damn you, Ethan.
The 4 hours blew past, and before I knew it, it was back in the store, saying goodbye. I had a blast shooting with everyone, and I can say confidently that it has been one of the best days I’ve had in ages. I was so happy after the workshop finished. I was buzzing for days afterwards, and I wish I could do these walks more. Yes, I was dead tired and in a lot of pain by the end of it, and the guys had to wait for my slow ass more than once, but I would do it over and over.
Thank you so much, Stuart, Ethan, and everyone at Leica Manchester. You all have no idea what your kindness means to me. I’ll see you all very soon when I come to collect my SL3-S.
Stuart from Leica Manchester
Ethan from Leica UK
