The Leica M10 series seamlessly connects portraits and street photography.

"If the real camera culture for young people today is smartphones and disposable cameras, then the Leica brand is at the opposite end of the spectrum. But I wanted them to know that it's not just something to aspire to, but also something where you can find 'real' elements that stir your emotions. I understand the appeal of disposable camera photos taken by friends. But this time, the models weren't actually friends, and they were all wearing Gucci clothes as costumes, yet it still looked 'real'... We used top-of-the-line cameras and assembled a team of the best fashion shooting staff in Japan, but we deliberately aimed for an ambiguous look where it's unclear whether it's a snapshot or a portrait."



"As a result, I think we were able to express a kind of 'realism' that's like a documentary film. I felt that the colors of Shinjuku at dawn were reproduced exactly as they are. It's a scene that anyone who has ever gone out at night has probably seen at least once. It's like they're laughing together saying, 'We've done it again!' (laughs)"

According to Mr. Nakano, the camera bodies he used for this shoot were the Leica M10 and the Leica M10-P. He used three lenses—the Summilux- M 1.4/50mm ASPH. , the Summilux- M 1.4/35mm ASPH. , and the Apo-Summicron -M 2/75mm ASPH. —which offer a classic sharpness while also having a soft edge, switching between them depending on the scene.

©HIROHISA NAKANO

From "Going to the Sea from Tokyo"

"To be honest, this was my first time doing a full-fledged fashion shoot using Leica equipment. Before using Leica, I thought that cameras with a cool nuance were those that 'didn't capture things too sharply,' but in reality, it was the complete opposite. I realized that it's precisely because of its extremely high descriptive power that even if the image is out of focus, it can still be a cool photograph. I felt that it was overwhelmingly different from other cameras."

Furthermore, he seemed to have found even clearer and more specific strengths in street photography.

©HIROHISA NAKANO

From "Going to the Sea from Tokyo"

"The latest model, the Leica M10-P, has minimized the clicking sound to the extreme, so models often say things like, 'I don't feel like I'm being photographed at all.' They'll ask, 'When did you take that?' (laughs). Sometimes that's a good thing, and sometimes it's not, but I find it really interesting. On the other hand, when I wanted to really focus on the model, the Leica M10 really shined. You can definitely hear the clicking sound, too."

By using these two cameras interchangeably, I was able to create both close-up shots of the subjects and wider-angle shots, resulting in a harmonious expression with no significant gap between the two. Even the casual snapshots taken from a distance still capture these three in a portrait-like manner. I don't think this would be possible with other cameras. I think the ability to express such subtle photographic sensibilities is what I've come to appreciate about Leica, thanks to using the Leica M10 series."

Mr. Nakano plans to be at the gallery on the 26th (Wednesday), the first day of the exhibition. He says that he actually has a secret wish.

"Since it's Isetan, and on the top floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , not many young people might come. But, if possible, I'd like people of the generation of models and actors to come and see it. This is just an old man's rambling (laughs), but I want to show that good things have their own value. It's fine to shoot with a disposable camera after understanding that, but I want them to think that they'd like to try using a Leica someday... I learned those things from my seniors, so I want to pass them on to younger generations and leave a legacy. That's something I've always thought about."

Event Information

Takahisa Nakano Photo Exhibition "Going from Tokyo to the Sea"

□December 26th (Wednesday) - January 15th, 2019 (Tuesday)
□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th Floor = Isetan Men's Residence Sponsored by: Leica Japan Co., Ltd.

Gallery attendance information : December 26th (Wed) 17:00-20:00

Campaign Information
Starting in December, Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th Floor = Isetan Men's Residence is offering a "Leica Trial Service." We are offering test shooting sessions with the latest model, the Leica M10-P, and other cameras in your preferred environment (limited to the area around Isetan Shinjuku Store). For more details, please contact us at the number below (product inquiries).

Photo: Tatsuya Ozawa
Text: Junya Hasegawa (america)

Product inquiries
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th Floor = Isetan Men's Residence / Leica Department: Sato, Yamaguchi, Uchida
03‐3225‐2787 (direct)

Event Inquiries
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8F = Isetan Men's Residence / Charlie Weiss
03-3352-1111 (main representative)