Ben Eden

For a 2004 wedding in France, I hired a wedding photographer, Ben Eden, who is a  fine art documentary photojournalist with credits in Time Magazine, National Geographic, etc., who also dabbles in wedding photography when he is not on other assignments.  This simple selection of a top-notched wedding photographer, together with learning everything possible from him in a short weekend that we spent together in France, completely changed my view of photography.

First, Ben Eden shows up for the wedding with 3-4 of the prototypical Leica M6’s hanging around his neck, shooting in 35mm film, rarely if ever uses a flash, and never asks for staged portraits.  Second, he mingles with the crowd and takes lots of candid’s, shooting mostly in black and white film.  The pictures are artistic, to say the least,.  We find them riveting and they tell the story of the day, far better than any staged portraits and groups shots could ever do.   He kinds of blends with the crowd and is an important guest at the same time he is shooting, because the Leica allows you to get close for portraits yet not meddle in the setup times. 

Leica says about the M:  M is M.  M-Photography is more than just capturing a moment; it’s about capturing the emotion, the essence, and the soul behind that moment. Since 1954, the Leica M has been part of history. It’s more than a camera – it’s an icon of design, a testament to unparalleled vision, and a bridge connecting profound creativity with precision. It’s a witness to history, graced by the hands of legends. When you hold a Leica M, you’re embracing a legacy. A legacy of emotions, artistry, and compelling stories. Above all M is not just a letter; it’s a feeling, an era, and a voice.  In short: A one-of-a-kind Rangefinder Camera System. The Leica M fascinates photographers and enthusiasts all over the world with its Design, Made in Germany Quality and the legendary Leica Brand. From the first camera until today. Because an M is an M and remains an M.  Discover the Magic!

Ben uses the M6 Leica’s exclusively, though he admits he is considering the Leica MP (also a 35mm film camera). He doesn’t find the current Leica flash TTL metering concept superior to his Metz flashes, and in fact he says any decent flash unit, can do on their own.  Mostly, he prefers natural lighting, such as candles if necessary.

Sure! Here’s a **rewritten and condensed version** of your Leica M EV1 Mirrorless Camera product page, keeping the key details but making it read more naturally and professionally — perfect for a product summary, article, or promotional copy:

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### **Leica M EV1 Mirrorless Camera**

**Model:** 4246 | **Price:** $8,995
**Status:** Coming Soon (U.S. release pending FCC approval)

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#### **Overview**

The **Leica M EV1** marks a major milestone in Leica’s legendary M-System lineup — the first M camera to feature a **built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF)**. Combining the iconic form factor of the M11 series with advanced digital imaging, the EV1 offers a modern take on classic rangefinder photography.

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#### **Key Features**

* **60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor** for remarkable detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance
* **Integrated 5.76m-dot OLED EVF** with 0.76x magnification and 100% frame coverage
* **Leica Content Credentials (CAI Technology)** for verifiable, authenticated image data
* **Triple Resolution Technology** (60MP / 36MP / 18MP) with up to 15 stops of dynamic range
* **Maestro III Processor** delivering fast operation, 4.5 fps burst shooting, and ISO 64–50,000
* **Electronic Shutter** up to 1/16,000 sec; mechanical shutter up to 1/4000 sec
* **Real-time Exposure Preview, Focus Peaking, and Magnification Assist** for precise manual focus
* **Built-in 64GB Memory + UHS-II SD Slot** for flexible storage options
* **Wi-Fi & Bluetooth** with Leica FOTOS app connectivity for seamless sharing and control

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#### **Design & Handling**

Maintaining the timeless design of the M-series, the EV1 introduces a **sleeker, viewfinder-free front** and a **diamond-pattern leatherette** finish. The **2.95″ 2.3m-dot touchscreen** offers improved brightness and intuitive navigation modeled after Leica’s Q and SL menus. The camera weighs just **1.1 lb**, slightly lighter than the M11-P.

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#### **Connectivity & Power**

* **USB-C port** for charging and file transfer
* **BP-SCL7 battery** rated for up to 244 shots per charge
* **FOTOS Cable support** for direct iPhone connection
* **Wireless image transfer, geotagging, and rating** via the Leica FOTOS app

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#### **Availability**

> **Note:** U.S. availability is temporarily postponed pending completion of the FCC listing process, a standard regulatory step.

**Price:** $8,995
**Shipping:** Free 2-Day (upon release)
**Financing:** $750/month with Payboo Credit Card

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#### **Recommended Accessories**

* Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH Lens — $4,275
* Leica ACA-SCL6 USB-C to AC Adapter — $120
* SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-II SDXC — $104.99
* Leica Leather Strap — $159
* Leica R-Adapter M — $510

Digital cameras have made an incredible progress lately, but Ben only uses digital cameras for editorial assignments where the editors demand that he upload his pictures quickly and in a digital format. For his unique style of wedding photography, however, he doesn’t find “the technology to be quite there yet, as I require a camera that allows me to shoot unobtrusively, often in low-light situations, without flash and without making a lot of noise.” The only digital camera that satisfies his other requirements, like a full-frame image sensor (allowing for shallow depth-of-field when he wants it, as opposed to being limited to the typical “everything-in-focus” digital camera look) and very short shutter lag (the time that goes between pressing on the shutter release and the actual picture being taken) were, at the time of our wedding in 1995, the Canon 1Ds (which we are looking at upgrading our now out of manufacture Minolta to, but complete with the three lenses we have now costs well over $10,000).

In addition, whether you have to realize that the Canon 1D or other DSLRs are huge pieces of equipment.  Apart from their intrusive looks, their also very noisy. Designed to capture 9 frames per second of sports action, the mirror inside makes an atrocious slam when a picture is taken. This really prevents the photographer from covering the intimate moments of many situations. (Noise and flash is in fact the reason why photography is often restricted during celebrity weddings or performances.) Even if allowed, many of his clients do not appreciate the press conference or fashion show sounds that this background noise is bound to generate (and we are firmly in this camp).

Among other, harder-to-describe technical reasons, he sticks with his Leicas: wedding scenes are inherently very high in contrast. Both the black tuxedo and the white wedding dress have to be captured at the same time and still show detail, not be “blown out.” Lighting changes quickly and is impossible to control. Professional negative film – both color and black and white – can still capture a wider image contrast ratio compared to best digital sensors on the market.  The same is true with several other of our favorite settings for our own photography, such as foxhunting, fly fishing, and bird hunting scenes.

In short, I really adored his “one-camera-one-lens” approach. His work is so much different from the “industry’s standard.”   Now, another factor to consider is that negative film – both color and black & white – has a wide exposure latitude. This is perfect for the huge contrast range in wedding photography – think white wedding dress and charcoal tuxedo – compounded with, as you mention it, quite unpredictable light.  Happy shooting!

http://www.beneden.com/wedding/equestrian/

http://www.beneden.com/wedding/equestrian/photography/d10.html#.

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