Hi Alex, can you tell us a bit more of yourself ?
I was a soldier for a very long time. I am now a full-time civilian and I am savouring every moment of this new found “freedom” from duty, honour and country. But deep down, I am still a soldier.
When did you fall in love with rangefinder cameras?
I wish it had happened much earlier (or maybe not, because I would probably be much poorer now!), but I only started seriously a couple of years ago when I bought a Leica M8 to replace my DSLR. As a teenager and young adult, I was using one of those fixed lens Japanese rangefinder cameras give to me by an uncle. Those were the most common cameras then but I did not know that they were known as rangefinders. It was a just a camera to make pictures with. So maybe I was in love then but never knew. But I am glad I rediscovered rangefinder cameras after so many years. Love is complicated, they say.
What is your favourite genre of photography?
I enjoy looking at images that leave my eyes lingering longer than they should and asking myself “How did the photographer manage to capture such a scene?”. I would say that my favourite would be street photography but I am not limited to any particular genre in my appreciation.
Can you share with us what your favourite RF set-up is?
That would be a Leica M3 with a 50mm lens. This set-up allows me to focus on the image with minimum distractions from the camera itself.
You have tinkered about with other vintage and modern camera set-ups as well. Which is your favourite “alternative” camera set-up, and why?
I love all things antique and unusual. The problem is that they are normally expensive. I call these my “transient toys” that come by and eventually have to give way to other finds. Right now, I am enjoying the Minolta CLE and looking at the way I have been “smitten” by this little gem of a camera, I may end up keeping it longer than I expected. So many toys, so little time.
What is your favourite photographic film?
I suppose this would have to be the Kodak TriX 400 monochrome film. It is so forgiving and manageable. The perfect film for an imperfect shooter like myself!
You have travelled widely and to many far flung & exotic locations. Which is your favourite? Is there a location that you have yet to visit and would absolutely love to go?
I don’t think I can say that I have a favourite. Each place is unique in its own way and draws out very different feelings and emotions. Where I have never been and would love to go? I don’t think there is sufficient space to list them all here!
In one word, describe your relationship with your rangefinder camera
Magnificent
What about two words?
Hopefully magnificent!
When was your last photo taken with a rangefinder camera ?
Err… 12 hours ago?
How many rangefinder cameras/lens do you own?
Not enough!
If this is your last roll of film, what will you photograph?
Family and friends in their happiest moments
Alex, thanks for your time. Any tips for newbies shooting with RF ?
Shoot more, buy less. Yes, that is what I should do too!
Alex Lee’s Flickr
Photo copyright Alex Lee . Interviewed by Melvin Tan