One of my favourite portrait gear combos is also one of the oldest pieces of kit I still own: the Panasonic Lumix G7 paired with the Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2.

The G7 has been with us for just over 11 years now.

Despite its age, this little camera continues to remind me that simplicity allows for more flexibility and creativity. After all, all photographs are created by light, timing and skill. And to me personally, the latest technologies come second.

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Compact yet versatile

I recently took this great little combo to a barbecue with some friends. As usual - my plan was to capture some unique moments and share it with my friends later. This time however, I found myself photographing one of my friends along with her two energetic little dogs. As I was also feeling extra creative on that day, I switched to the camera's built-in Dramatic Black & White profile, curious to see how the Leica lens and this effect would mix together.

The results genuinely surprised me. The Nocticron rendered beautifully soft backgrounds while keeping every detail of the eyes perfectly crisp.

The monochrome effect gave the shots a sense of timelessness, a character that suited both the expressions and the natural light. Because of the compact nature of this combo, the equipment did not come into the equation much, allowing me to focus entirely on composition and the talent in the frame.

These images are a reminder that older cameras still have plenty to offer. The Lumix G7 may no longer be the newest body on the market, but paired with exceptional glass like the Leica Nocticron, it offers a light, compact setup that is capable of producing stunning-looking portraits I am proud to share.

I hope you enjoy this small collection from a relaxed summer afternoon during this ongoing heatwave. Stay hydrated, and see you soon.