FroKnowsPhoto Podcast – RAWtalk 184

Episode Title: A BIG Decision Has Been Made...
Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Jared Polin (FroKnowsPhoto)
Topic: Choosing the Right Leica for Paris, Lens & Gear Philosophies, and Recent Rumors

Episode Overview

In this engaging solo episode, Jared Polin (“the Fro”) shares a behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal decision for an upcoming Paris trip: which Leica camera and lens setup to bring. The episode explores gear choices, personal shooting philosophies, new lens and sensor rumors from Canon and Sony, and how intent plays a critical role in photographic artistry. Jared’s signature candid, sometimes irreverent tone permeates his reflections on cameras, lens choices, and the experience of creating images with intent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Travel Preparations & Podcast Context

• Jared is preparing for an imminent trip to Paris to support a friend and create photo/video content.
• Co-host Steven is on maternity leave, so this episode is solo.
• New team member Austin will be joining on the trip to help document the experience.

2. The Big Gear Decision: Which Leica to Take to Paris?

(Starts ~06:00)

• Jared currently has two Leica cameras on loan:
  • The Leica M11 Monochrom (a classic rangefinder, black and white only)
  • The Leica MEV1 (newer, EVF-based, color sensor)
• Lenses: Main options are the legendary 35mm Summilux 1.4 and anticipation of Leica’s newly announced (and expensive) 35mm 1.2.

Rangefinder vs. EVF

• Personal struggles: Jared admits he “doesn’t like rangefinders,” citing focus/framing difficulties with multiple frame lines.
• The M11 Monochrom with an added external EVF attachment gives him the shooting experience he prefers but still highlights the traditional Leica challenge.

“I have trouble focusing with rangefinders. I have trouble visualizing... It’s kind of a lot of guesswork. Well, I don’t want the guesswork, personally, but I want to use the Leica in Paris.” — Jared (07:30)

Leica Community & Support

• Acknowledges support from both B&H Photo and his local store, Alan’s Camera (special mention to Brandon for community support).
• Points out that the Leica NYC store lent him the M11 Monochrom with no obligation—something he appreciates for its humility and generosity.

3. Lens Talk: 35mm vs. 85mm

(~14:00)

• Jared strongly prefers the 35mm focal length for its versatility, both for portraits and documentary work.
• Discusses the new Leica 35mm f/1.2 and the merits of 1.2 lenses in general.

“I don’t understand someone who would say that 85 is their favorite focal length, because 85 is very limiting... a 35 is one of the most versatile photojournalistic style lenses...” — Jared (13:35)

4. Monochrome Sensor vs. RAW Conversion

(~18:30)

• Shares hands-on impressions after shooting with the MEV1 in snowy conditions.
• Converts DNG files to B&W in Lightroom for comparison with Monochrom output.
• Notes that lens/optical quality matters for straight lines—praises the Summilux 35mm for minimal distortion.

“Do I think that they stand out more than if it was taken with a Canon, a Sony, a Nikon, or anything else? No. The answer to that is it’s gonna be hard to tell, and it always is.” — Jared (20:30)

Is There a Real Difference?

• There’s a perceived “Leica look,” but much of it is bias and subtle differences that most people won’t notice.

“If I took black and white pictures with a Canon R8 and posted them with a 35 1.4 and said it was a Leica, no one would question... because good pictures are good pictures are good pictures.” — Jared (22:15)

Intentional Shooting vs. Testing

• Hesitant to become a “tester” or get lost in technical details.
• Plans to stick with the M11 Monochrom to force himself into a creative box—shooting Paris in black and white.

“What I don't want to have happen is I don’t want to have my focus split between two cameras... I want to be locked into the box of shooting monochrome.” — Jared (28:30)

5. Canon Rumors: Patents for 35mm & 24mm f/1.2 Lenses

(~31:00)

• Excited about rumors for 35mm f/1.2 and 24mm f/1.2 lenses from Canon.
• Debates: Are fast primes still necessary, or do modern “prime zooms” like the 28-70mm f/2 cover enough ground?
• For fast-moving or “run and gun” situations, a versatile zoom still wins out, but nothing beats the “zhush,” or feel, of a fast prime.

“There’s a look to these 1.2 lenses. There’s just a 3D nature to it, there’s a specific sharpening to the edges and the colors and the tones that just resonate.” — Jared (41:50)

• Jared wishes for a lighter Canon 28-70mm f/2, seeing as Sony’s competing version is 33% lighter.

6. Rumor Analysis: Sony’s 180 Megapixel Medium Format Sensor

(~44:20)

• Addresses rumors from Sony Alpha Rumors about a 180mp “medium format” sensor.
• Explains “medium format” in modern terms is more “full-frame plus” or “mini medium format,” not true old-school MF size.

Would Sony Enter Medium Format?

• Jared doubts Sony will release their own medium format camera system, citing the required investment in bodies, new mount, lenses, and ecosystem.
• Sony may be content to sell sensors to Fuji and others, rather than risk cannibalizing their 35mm lineup.

“If Sony decides to come out with their own medium format system, that would mean that they could be killing off their A7R line of lenses, sorry, line of bodies... I don't think they're going to come out with a system like that. I think they will be happy to just sell those sensors to these other companies like Fuji...” — Jared (51:15)

On Cropping and Megapixels:

• Jared pushes back on the lazy approach of “just crop later with 180mp,” criticizing the “I’ll fix it in post” mentality.

“That right there, my friends, is the absolute wrong mentality to have as a creator. Leaving all your lenses at home and being like ‘I’ll just do the work later’ is the wrong mentality... If you ever find yourself saying ‘I’ll fix it in post’ instead of correcting it right off the rip, there’s a problem.” — Jared (54:00)

• Stresses composing with intent in-camera saves work, reduces doubts, and creates stronger images. Cropping because you planned for a pano is fine, but relying on cropping for your style isn’t.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Leica “look” and gear bias:

  “Leica shooters have this thing where it’s like... ‘oh, that Leica just has a look.’ Just look at the falloff and you’re like, fuck off. Like seriously, like, fuck off. You can’t tell... At the end of the day, guys, a great picture is a great picture is a great picture. It doesn’t matter how it was shot.” — Jared (23:05)

• On shooting with intent, not technicalities:

  “I don’t care about the subtleties of certain things that only show up when you pixel peep. That’s not my jam, and I don’t like doing that.” — Jared (27:10)

• On content creation and the Leica community:

  “Most Leica shooters I know spend more time taking pictures of their Leicas with their iPhones than pictures with their Leicas.” — Jared (around 01:09:00)

• On fast primes vs. zooms:

  “A good picture is a good picture is a good picture. You could shoot it at F29, I don’t give a shit if it’s the greatest picture since sliced bread...” — Jared (42:20)

• On cropping vs. composing:

  “If you start questioning every image now... you’re taking away from the intent... but it’s also creating you a lot of extra work in post.” — Jared (57:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–05:30 – Intro, Paris trip context, text line update, solo podcast explanation.
• 06:00–14:00 – Leica decision: M11 Monochrom vs. MEV1, comments on rangefinder vs. EVF.
• 14:00–18:30 – Lens talk: pros/cons of 35mm vs. 85mm.
• 18:30–28:30 – Shooting and editing workflow, Monochrom vs. RAW conversion, intent vs. technicalities.
• 28:30–31:00 – Decision made: M11 Monochrom is the main camera for Paris.
• 31:00–44:00 – New Canon lens rumors, debate: primes vs. fast zooms, practical lens choices.
• 44:20–53:00 – Sony “medium format” sensor rumors, explanation of sensor sizes, probability of Sony releasing MF system.
• 53:00–01:02:00 – Rant: Cropping in post vs. composing in camera, philosophy on creative intent.
• 01:02:00–01:10:00 – Trip planning, content expectations, shooting approach and mindset, closing thoughts.

Closing Thoughts & Continuing the Journey

• Jared is set to explore Paris “in black and white,” focused on intentional shooting.
• Plans multiple content pieces: a Leica M11 Monochrom/MEV1 review, real-world shooting vlog, and possible comparisons—with an emphasis on honest, non-technical impressions.
• He invites feedback via the text line (313-710-9729) and Instagram (@jaredpolin).
• The episode ends with a reminder about balancing gear curiosity with creative vision, and a trademark Jared sign-off.

Summary prepared by Podcast Summarizer AI
(For the full photographic deep dive and irrepressible FroKnowsPhoto attitude, listen to the episode!)