A Fusion of Sports and Photography: Leica SL & M240

Introduction: 

In my friendship with Ron Cruz, I have witnessed his remarkable evolution as a fighter, from his early days in Muay Thai to his upcoming match against Xander Zayas at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York. Understanding the significance of this pivotal moment in Ron’s career, I decided to visit one of his training sessions before his departure. Additionally, I recently acquired a Leica SL camera and embarked on a test of its sports photography capabilities, accompanied by a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Furthermore, I explored the world of portraiture using a Leica M240 rangefinder paired with a TTartisan 50mm f/0.95 lens. Let’s delve into this captivating fusion of sports and photography.

Witnessing Ron Cruz’s Journey:

Having known Ron since his early twenties, I have observed him compete in Muay Thai with awe-inspiring match-ups, including a memorable bout on the esteemed Glory Promotion in Los Angeles. Fast forward to 2023, and Ron now trains at the renowned Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, preparing himself for the highly anticipated 10-round match against Xander Zayas at the illustrious Madison Square Garden Theater. Understanding the magnitude of this event in Ron’s life, I felt compelled to witness his training session firsthand before his departure to New York.

Exploring Sports Photography with the Leica SL: 

Eager to put my newly acquired Leica SL camera to the test, I focused on capturing the intensity and action of sports photography. Equipped with a versatile Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, I dove into the challenge. Initially, I needed some time to familiarize myself with the camera’s menu and various focus modes. However, once I gained a good grasp of its functionalities, the Leica SL proved to be a powerful tool, enabling me to create awe-inspiring shots. The camera’s remarkable image quality and responsiveness allowed me to freeze the exhilarating moments with precision and finesse, exceeding my expectations.

The Artistry of Portraiture with the Leica M240:

Venturing into the realm of portraiture, I turned to the Leica M240 rangefinder, renowned for its exceptional image quality and timeless aesthetics. Paired with the TTartisan 50mm f/0.95 lens, revered for its remarkable low-light capabilities and dreamy bokeh, the combination offered a unique and enchanting experience. The Leica M240’s rangefinder focusing system added a touch of artistry to the process, allowing me to capture captivating portraits that surpassed my expectations. The lenses delivered astonishing sharpness and brought out the essence of each subject, creating truly wonderful images.

Conclusion: 

The intertwining of Ron Cruz’s inspiring journey and my exploration of sports photography and portraiture created a captivating blend of passions. Ron’s dedication and progress as a fighter have been a testament to his unwavering determination and skill. Meanwhile, my experience with the Leica SL and Leica M240 cameras, paired with exceptional lenses, has deepened my appreciation for the art of capturing fleeting moments. Whether freezing the intensity of a boxing match or revealing the soulful essence of a portrait subject, the Leica cameras have proved to be powerful tools that exceed expectations. As Ron Cruz steps into the ring at Madison Square Garden Theater, both his journey and the fusion of sports and photography inspire us to embrace our passions and create something extraordinary.