Have yourself a very Leica Christmas - SL2-S

[Archiver]

2025 is about to come to a close, and I've been using my new-to-me SL2S for the better part of the year. The more I use it, the more I am okay with carrying this large hunk of metal when I go out. The following is a selection of images taken during the Christmas season with the SL2-S and Summicron-SL 35mm f2 ASPH, which I've found to be an excellent combination.

Like most cities, Melbourne decks itself out in style with Christmas decorations each year. This pedestrian bridge of the Yarra River is usually festooned with Chrismassy things.

SL2-S - the bridge to christmas by Archiver, on Flickr

Melbourne Town Hall in the middle of the City is another example of the Christmas decorative spirit.

SL2-S - town hall by Archiver, on Flickr

Shopping centres get in on the act as well, like Doncaster Westfield. This Westfield, previously known as Doncaster Shoppingtown, is a large suburban centre which has steadily grown over the decades. We used to visit a lot when I was a kid, and now I come every now and again and wonder where the time went.

SL2-S - a cracking christmas by Archiver, on Flickr

 

[Archiver]

Ivanhoe's Boulevard is known for its annual Christmas lights displays, where residents turn the street into a riot of light and Christmassy fun. It's fascinating to return each year to see old favourites and new displays.

SL2-S - rainbow path by Archiver, on Flickr

This is one of the newer displays in the street. This house was built in the last three years and seems to have been designed with the Christmas lights at least partially in mind.

SL2-S - balcony by Archiver, on Flickr

This is another new addition to the Boulevard, which is mostly freestanding houses. This is part of a large bank of apartments near one end.

SL2-S - orange house by Archiver, on Flickr

And this is a house in a side street near the Boulevard.

 

[Archiver]

And what would a Christmas photo season be without food and drink?

SL2-S - the view within by Archiver, on Flickr

Yes, we have Starbucks in Australia, despite having a very strong coffee culture brought by Italian migrants over the years.

SL2-S - island of light pt 2 by Archiver, on Flickr

Not Starbucks, but Gradi at the Crown Casino complex.

SL2-S - koko is black by Archiver, on Flickr

Not to mention chocolate! Koko Black is a local chocolate brand which began in a single Melbourne store in 2003. I believe the first store was in the famous Royal Arcade - I often saw a chocolatier making chocolate in the front window, a visual attraction of the store. Koko Black has since expanded to many retail shops, and its products sell all over Australia.

 

[p.giannakis]

Very nice pictures 😍

 

[Zuiko-logist]

Love the colours. Merry Christmas!

 

[Dralowid]

Some years ago we spent Christmas and New Year in Melbourne, staying on Dorcas. Your pictures match my memories.

At the time Michaels Cameras were processing our pics which they did well and the Leica museum upstairs was particularly interesting. They had a three digit conversion to a III which caught the eye.