2024 has been an incredible year for Leica Store San Francisco, Camera West, and the vibrant Bay Area photography community. From groundbreaking product launches to community-driven events, thought-provoking exhibitions, and an expanding collection of rare, collectible photography books, we are deeply grateful for the privilege of serving you. Together, we’ve shared resources, tools, and experiences to inspire and enhance your photographic journey.
Gears: A Year of Innovation and Craftsmanship
This year brought incredible updates across Leica’s product lines, delighting enthusiasts and professionals alike. Highlights included the powerful Leica SL3, the redesigned D-Lux 8, and the newest member of the Q family, the Q3 43.
Left: Leica SL3
Right: Leica D-Lux 8
Camera West TV: Leica Q3 43: Wide VS Standard Focal Length?
Marking the 70th anniversary of the legendary Leica M system, we celebrated with the launch of the M11-D, M11 Black Paint, and the commemorative Leica M Edition 70. These releases reaffirm Leica’s commitment to timeless design and technical excellence, leaving us eager to see what surprises the future holds for the iconic M system.
10 Jahre SF: A Decade of Leica Store San Francisco
Camera West President Sean Cranor delivering the welcome address at the Leica Store San Francisco’s 10 Jahre Celebration
2024 marked our 10th anniversary, a milestone we celebrated with our beloved photography community. The day featured rare and notable photography books, multiple photo walks exploring San Francisco’s Chinatown, Columbus Avenue, and Financial District, and hands-on experiences with Leica cameras and lenses provided by Leica USA.
Leica Store San Francisco’s 10 Jahre Celebration
This was a true celebration of creativity and connection. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in our events, supported us, and contributed to the vibrant photography culture of the Bay Area. Here’s to the next decade of growth and innovation together!
Events: Building Bridges Through Photography
This year, our events calendar expanded, blending tradition with fresh collaborations. Highlights included:
Celebrating 70 Years of an Iconic Combo: Kodak Professional & Leica M
• Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Leica M system and Kodak Tri-X with Kodak Professional and Underdog Film Lab.
Left: Leica Store San Francisco at PolaCon 2024
Right: Camera West Marketing Director Ben Carpenter introducing Leica cameras at Windup 2024 San Francisco
• PolaCon 2024, where our Sofort community joined the broader instant photography community.
• Windup 2024 San Francisco: A celebration where our passion for fine photographic tools seamlessly merges with curated lifestyle goods, deepening our appreciation for capturing time.
• Two inspiring book talks: Luis Cobelo and Dr. Shana Lopes from SFMOMA explored cultural flows, while Shane Hallinan, Mimi Plumb, and Nelson Chan discussed themes of family and identity.
• Launching Book Insight, a new community-focused program dedicated to exploring the world of photography books.
Left: Artist Luis Cobelo and Dr. Shana Lopes from SFMOMA in conversation
Right: Educator and publisher Nelson Chan, artist Mimi Plumb and artist Shane Hallinan at book event You’ve Loved Me Before
Our heartfelt thanks go to our partners: PolaCon, Cameras & Coffee Club, Windup, SFMOMA, Kodak Professional, Underdog Film Lab, and others who helped make these events unforgettable.
Workshops: Nurturing Creativity and Learning
Education remains central to our mission. In 2024, we hosted workshops offering diverse perspectives on photography:
Top:
Michelin Star Photography A Food Photography Experience with Jim Sullivan
Mark De Paola, Bridging the Gap Between Stills & Motion Workshop
Critical Decisions Perspectives on the Creative Process with Todd Hido
Bottom:
Creative Lighting With Nicolò Sertorio
The Analog Workshop with Quinton Gordon
• Jim Sullivan returned with a fresh take on food photography.
• Mark De Paola shared insights from his latest film project.
• A rare critique workshop led by Todd Hido, coinciding with his exhibition.
• New workshops: Nicolò Sertorio introduced studio lighting techniques, and Quinton Gordon brought an analog photography workshop to reconnect us with photography’s roots.
Exhibitions: Celebrating Bay Area Stories and Beyond
Our gallery program highlighted artists’ unique perspectives on the Bay Area and beyond:
Artists in the exhibition About Face
• Local artists Brian L Frank, Jake Ricker, and Brandon Ruffin opened the year with reflections on the Bay Area.
• Todd Hido premiered new works in spring.
• Luis Cobelo’s Zurumbático took center stage with immersive installations.
• Chloe Sherman showcased Renegades San Francisco, The 1990s, a homage to the city’s queer cultural renaissance.
We also held two group exhibitions: our online 10th-anniversary show, Onward, and the year-end About Face, an exploration of the gaze.
Top:
This Must Be The Place with Brian L Frank, Jake Ricker, Brandon Ruffin
Todd Hido: A Series of Small Decisions
Bottom:
Luis Cobelo: Zurumbático
Chloe Sherman: Renegades San Francisco, The 1990s
Camera West TV: Stories Behind the Lens
Our video platform Camera West TV thrived in 2024, led by talented creator Carlo Velasquez. This year’s standout content included:
Camera West TV: Todd Hido: Photograph like a documentarian but Print like a painter
• Deep dives into the Leica SL3 and Q3 43, showcasing Leica’s technical innovation.
• The return of Thumbprints & Signatures, celebrating classic design of the Leica 9cm f2.2 Thambar and Leica 35mm f1.4 Black Steel Rim.
Left: Leica 9cm f2.2 Thambar
Right: Leica 35mm f1.4 Black Steel Rim
• Stunning documentaries on artists: Mark De Paola: The Making of A Stab at Heaven and Todd Hido: Photograph like a documentarian but Print like a painter.
Camera West TV: Mark De Paola: The Making of A Stab at Heaven
As we reflect on a fulfilling year, we are already planning an exciting 2025 filled with new products, events, and collaborations.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to a happy new year and an inspiring future together!
Team Leica Store San Francisco
