The first Random Lens Generator session in a long while selected a lens that I have used extensively since purchasing it at the start of the year. The DJI 15mm f/1.7 is one of those bargain lenses that was too tempting to turn down: a Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 rebadged as a DJI – the same in every respect except perhaps a different lens coating, thrown in as a kit lens for loads of Chinese drones and then sold on through AliExpress and the likes for around a fifth of the Leica’s RRP. What’s not to love?!
This lens has been a perfect partner for my Lumix GX9 – a dream street photography combo with its small, discrete packaging and 30mm full frame equivalent focal length. It’s also worked well on my GM1, the built in aperture ring super handy on a camera whose spinny wheel of doom is not the best when it comes to making quick aperture or shutter speed changes. When it came to putting it on the Lumix G9 – the camera the random wheel chose for it to partner – the lens felt very small for the size of the camera, but that was hardly an issue worth worrying about. It was actually made a little larger as I attached a third party lens hood that screws on and, if nothing else, provides protection against accidental knocks and bangs.
The walk was a reflection of my life currently, three and a half weeks on from shoulder and collarbone surgery, I was off to the pharmacy to collect a prescription as the lengthy scar created to allow the surgeon to break and move the collarbone back into place, hammer in seven or eight screws and plate it had got infected. So late afternoon on a Monday, I strapped the camera on the shoulder of the arm that is fully working and not half working and headed off into Grantham and onwards to the Hills and Hollows to capture some early autumn vibes.
By chance I caught my daughter walking back from school and I railed off a string of photos as she approached and arrived very close! I’m not knowingly posting my family here but what I will say is that the much maligned AF on the G9 did a great job as nailing focus as she approached. She was tack sharp and the out of focus background was beautifully buttery at f/1.8.
The walk through town was uneventful. I focused in on the exorbitant diesel prices as they breached the £2 a litre barrier with no seemingly no sign of mercy. One thing I did find interesting shooting (and it may have been the electronic shutter or the shutter speed) was how the figures on the Sainsbury’s price tower would disappear more often than not when I took frames. In the end I think there was just one which had the price showing! No such issues with the Esso and BP towers though.
Shooting was a little awkward at times as my left arm could only extend to ninety degrees but I was able to get some slightly creative angles as I left town and headed to the hills and hollows surrounding Grantham. The walk was more about getting some fresh air and exercise though so I wasn’t thinking too hard about composition. I couldn’t help but try and get some close up shots of the red berries that sprung from tree branches – the task made more difficult by insisting on shooting JPEG monochrome so the shots looked fairly lifeless until I got home and was able to enjoy the vibrant colours.
When I reached as high as I was going to go I enjoyed the clear vistas of Grantham town on an autumn afternoon, marred somewhat when I walked back to humanity and the fly-tipped fridge freezers that almost blocked the footpath entrance. They did at least make for an interesting photograph….
Heading back home and the setting sun was offering some potential for a golden hour but it never really materialised. So just a few more pictures capturing every day life and the quirks you come across before arriving back to pop some more pills and enjoy week sixteen of partial incapacitation.
Having had the Leica DJI 15mm f/1.8 for about ten months now it’s a lens that I have grown to be very fond of. Small, unobtrusive, it can capture life exactly as you see it or with a touch of photographic flair if you wish. It’s happy indoors and out and I think 30mm is a focal length I personally really enjoy shooting at.
I’m not sure I would spend £500+ on a new Leica version or even £380 or so on a decent second hand Leica copy, but the DJI is a bona fide bargain and as such I cannot help but smile with smug satisfaction whenever I use it!
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