For me, the Hasselblad 503 CXi was more than just a camera—it was the search for a dream. I’ve always loved the way it looked: the timeless design, the precision of its build, and the beautiful images it produced. But I didn’t have the time that medium format truly requires. It demands patience, commitment, and ongoing investment, and eventually I had to admit that it was more than I could give. On top of that, the specialised film scanners I needed were becoming harder to find and increasingly expensive.
Still, I had always dreamed of trading my Hasselblad gear for a Leica M6—a camera that had been on my list for years. And then, out of the blue, it finally happened. Someone reached out who genuinely loved my Hasselblad, and he happened to have a Leica M6 he was ready to let go of. But it wasn’t just any M6. It was in mint condition, carefully kept, and carried sentimental value because it had belonged to an old doctor who had passed away. Receiving it felt different—almost like inheriting someone’s passion rather than simply buying a camera. It carried a story, a soul, and I knew immediately that it was something I needed to treasure and honour.
The timing couldn’t have been better. I already owned a Leica M10 and a Leica M-A, and I had realised how much I truly loved working with them. Those cameras reignited my passion for photography. The simplicity of the rangefinder, the way it fits in the hand, the quiet confidence it gives—it all matched the way I wanted to shoot. Suddenly, photography felt light again, both physically and creatively. A small backpack, almost no weight, and the freedom to move without constantly thinking about gear—it changed everything.
With the Leicas, I started taking more photos, wandering more, and paying attention again. Seeing became enjoyable instead of something that required preparation. And maybe that was the real lesson. The Hasselblad was a beautiful dream, but the Leica system made photography part of my everyday life. It made the craft accessible, spontaneous, and joyful.
So I followed my heart and committed more deeply to 35mm. I began developing the film myself, staying hands-on with every step, and keeping the process personal and intentional. Honestly, it was the best decision I could have made. It brought peace to my mind. By making everything smaller, simpler, and more deliberate, I finally felt aligned with my passion again. Letting go of the excess and focusing on what truly inspires me has made my photography feel more honest and fulfilling.
Creativity is passion, and when that passion flows, everything becomes fun. It brings joy—to others and to myself. When I see the scans from my Leica, or when I’m developing the film, I feel like a child in kindergarten again, completely absorbed in the moment. There’s something magical about watching your own images appear. That feeling—the curiosity, the excitement, the quiet happiness—is what keeps me picking up the camera day after day.
Thank you
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