Last month, I had the pleasure of being invited, along with three esteemed Leica SL3 ambassadors: Robin Lowe, Marcus Bell, and Alex Drewniak, to visit BMW's Museum and BMW Welt (World) in Munich. It was truly a unique opportunity to learn about BMW's rich heritage and gain insights into the brand's past and current direction.

On the SL3, I was using the Apo-Summicron-SL 28/2 0- the only 28mm APO lens in existence. I was particularly impressed with the incredible jump in high-ISO performance in low light, which almost matches the SL2-S which I have been using the last few years. Most of the pictures you see were shot wide open….because Peter Karbe told me to!

All these shots were taken in low light and the camera handled it easily, allowing me a lot of editing control, whether I wanted the shadow information or not. The smooth rendering resulted in smooth gradations of tonality, which worked so well for a Monochromatic effect.

During the program, we had the opportunity to explore BMW Classic, where the brand's journey began with its first plant in Munich. This location is a treasure trove of the company's heritage, housing numerous classic cars that offered fantastic photography opportunities and deepened our understanding of BMW's rich history.

Although I didn’t test drive any cars during this visit (due to weather), I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the Leica SL3 and the BMW cars. Both are German made, precision engineering….you know the rest. However I was taken back by the level of sophistication of the camera and how thought out the design and ergonomics are, and saw the exact same thing in the BMW cars.

For example, the new dial on the SL3 is exactly what I have been hoping for - a dedicated way to control the exposure triangle (shutter/aperture/ISO) at my fingertips. Just imagine it! Remember shooting film? Well maybe not all of you remember, but I do, and my exposure and therefor my photographic abilities were limited for 36 shots and a role change - not to mention the max limit of ISO 800 (my personal limit).Now I have the capability to set my shutter and aperture and adjust one dial for ISO as light changes. this is brilliant, especially considering I actually enjoy the look of high-ISO grain/noise, especially in the way Leica does it.

The second day of our adventure took us to the BMW Museum and BMW Welt, cleverly positioned side by side to create a fluid journey through time—from the brand's origins to its cutting-edge innovations. While I may not consider myself a car enthusiast or expert, I have a keen eye for quality and excellence, and this was truly a visual treat to my eyes.

The BMW Museum provided a captivating narrative of BMW's evolution, showcasing not just cars but an architectural marvel. Each exhibit offered a glimpse into BMW's iconic models, historical milestones, and the engineering marvels that have defined its legacy in spectacular fashion.

Ambassador Robin Lowe with Leica’s Shaun McMahon

On the other hand, stepping into the BMW Welt was like entering a portal to the brand's present and future. Here, I witnessed firsthand the latest advancements in automotive technology from all perspectives, and this is a car lover/photography lover’s dream!

As you can see, I had a great tine shooting, and so did my colleagues, all with the SL3. The standout features for me are the Flip screen and the new dial, and I guess you could say the overall size and shape change, which made handling even more efficient and comfortable.

BMW Welt provided some really cool ways to immerse ourselves in the world of BMW cars. One standout experience was the Elvis exhibition, which showcased not just the iconic 507 that Elvis Presley drove, but also incorporated interactive elements that elevated the entire visit. For instance, approaching the Shure vintage microphone triggered a captivating sequence where the lights dimmed, and Elvis's music filled the space, creating a truly immersive and memorable encounter. This attention to detail and thoughtful integration of multimedia elements added a layer of richness and completeness to the overall experience at BMW Welt, making it more than just a showroom but a place of engaging storytelling and automotive history celebration.

The museum's captivating journey through BMW's evolution offered a deep appreciation for the brand's heritage. On the other hand, the BMW Welt provided an exciting peek into the brand's current achievements and future aspirations, showcasing the latest models and cutting-edge technologies.

Speaking of which, what can I briefly say about the Apo-Summicron-SL 28/2? It’s incredible and literally has no weaknesses, optically. Autofocus is good, but a little slower than the new smaller 35/50 ASPH lenses, as it has more lens elements and groups to move. This is to be expected and while not super fast, is fast enough and let’s face it - it’s all about the quality!

Together, these experiences not only celebrated BMW's incredible history but also inspired excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead in the world of automotive luxury and performance. Despite my non-expert car-head status, the experience at BMW Museum and BMW Welt left a lasting impression, reaffirming my appreciation for everything that defines German excellence in cameras and automobiles. The SL3 is a great performer and my full review will come once I’ve given it a proper 6 months of use. thanks for joining me on this journey!

kD.