The hype around Leica M is real — the red-dot mystique, the brass, the heritage, the romance. But when you strip away the nostalgia and the collector psychology, a hard truth emerges:

The GFX100RF is a far more powerful photographic instrument than any Leica M camera.

If your goal is to make the most insane, high-impact, high-resolution, soul-shattering images possible, the GFX100RF is the superior choice — period.

Let’s go deep, ERIC KIM style.

THE TRUTH: LEICA M IS ABOUT STATUS — GFX100RF IS ABOUT POWER

A Leica M camera is a luxury object first and a photographic tool second.

It’s jewelry. It’s branding. It’s a flex at the café.

The GFX100RF?

It’s a weapon. A medium-format image-making machine.

It’s designed for creation, not prestige.

One camera invites you to pose.

The other invites you to shoot with reckless intensity.

MEDIUM FORMAT DOMINANCE: REALITY ON STEROIDS

Leica M = 35mm full frame.

GFX100RF = 102MP medium format BEHEMOTH.

This is not a subtle difference.

It’s a different universe of image quality.

• More detail
• More depth
• More tonal transitions
• More dynamic range
• More cropping power
• More EVERYTHING

A Leica M11 file feels good.

A GFX100RF file feels like God gave you new eyes.

If you care about the actual output, the GFX is an outright KO.

FOCUSING: SPEED OF THOUGHT VS 1954 TECHNOLOGY

Leica M = manual focus only.

Charming? Yes.

Efficient? No.

The GFX100RF =

• Fast autofocus
• Eye detect
• Face detect
• Tracking
• EVF exposure preview
• Near-perfect hit rate

You spend less time fiddling with focus and more time capturing actual life.

Manual focus is beautiful as an option, not as a prison.

RANGEFINDER LIMITATION VS ELECTRONIC VISION

The Leica optical rangefinder is cool — until it isn’t.

No exposure preview.

No depth preview.

No color preview.

No film simulation preview.

You guess and chimp.

The GFX100RF EVF shows exactly what your shot will look like.

Live. Real-time. Perfect.

You’re seeing the future, not the past.

FLASH FREEDOM: LEAF SHUTTER GOD MODE

Leica M syncs flash at 1/180s.

Basically useless outdoors.

GFX100RF: leaf shutter.

Flash sync at ANY shutter speed.

1/1000s? Sync.

1/2000s? Sync.

1/4000s? Still sync.

Plus a built-in ND filter.

You can overpower the sun with a pocket strobe.

You can create fashion-level images with zero effort.

Leica M literally cannot do this.

ONE LENS LIBERATION VS LEICA LENS TAX

Leica shooters end up collecting:

28

35

50

75

90

$5,000 here

$10,000 there

Suddenly you’ve bought a car in lenses.

The GFX100RF gives you:

• One perfect lens
• One perfect perspective
• One perfect philosophy

Constraint becomes creativity.

Zero lens FOMO.

Zero GAS.

Pure photographic focus.

THE GFX100RF IS CHEAPER — AND BETTER

Leica M11 body = ~$9,000

One good Leica lens = ~$5,000

Total = $14,000+ for a setup that still gives you:

• Manual focus
• No EVF built-in
• No autofocus
• No IBIS
• No video
• No leaf shutter
• No ND filter
• No medium format

GFX100RF = HALF the price and TWICE the capability.

This isn’t a comparison.

It’s an embarrassment for Leica.

THE FEELING: GFX100RF MAKES YOU WANT TO SHOOT

A Leica M often turns people into collectors.

They polish it, admire it, archive it, protect it, brag about it.

The GFX100RF turns you into a photography machine.

It makes you want to go outside.

It makes you want to experiment.

It makes you want to see the world differently.

It makes you feel ALIVE with a camera in hand.

No nostalgia.

No pretension.

Just pure, uncut creativity.

FINAL VERDICT

If you want a trophy — buy a Leica M.

If you want a tool of creation — buy the GFX100RF.

If you want to impress wealthy hobbyists — buy a Leica M.

If you want to make legendary, powerful, once-in-a-lifetime images — buy the GFX100RF.

If you want a camera that looks expensive — buy Leica.

If you want a camera that makes you a better photographer — buy Fuji.

GFX100RF > Leica M.

In every real-world photographic dimension that matters.

That’s the truth. That’s the gospel. That’s the future.

ERIC KIM OUT.

digital download, https://erickimphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FILM-NOTES-MOBILE-by-Eric-Kim-Haptic-2018.pdf

To the future-photographer-warrior within you: THIS is the ultimate empowerment move. When you process your own film, you seize total control of your artistic destiny. No labs. No waiting. No excuses. Just YOU, your hands, your chemistry, and your vision. This is the ERIC KIM WAY—hyper-direct, insanely simple, brutally effective.

Here’s how to dominate the home-film-workflow like a champion:

THE PHILOSOPHY — WHY DEVELOP YOUR OWN FILM?

Because this is the path of the true artist-craftsman. When you develop your own film:

• You own 100% of the creative pipeline.
• You save money long-term.
• You gain mastery over your tones, contrasts, and grain.
• You collapse the distance between shooting and seeing.
• You transform photography back into a beautiful, physical, embodied ritual.

This is you becoming a film-samurai-monk in your own home dojo.

THE BASIC GEAR YOU NEED

Keep it insanely simple:

1. Changing bag — your portable darkroom. Where the magic starts.
2. Film developing tank + reels (Paterson is king).
3. Chemicals
   
   • Developer (Kodak HC-110, Ilford Ilfosol, Df96 monobath—whatever calls your soul).
   • Stop bath (or just plain water).
   • Fixer (Ilford Rapid Fixer = god-tier).
5. Thermometer — to keep temps real.
6. Measuring cylinders
7. Timer (your phone works).
8. Clips + string — for drying your negatives like laundry for your soul.
9. Scanner
   
   • Best budget: Epson V600
   • Best mid-tier: Plustek 8200i
   • Best baller: DSLR/Leica/Ricoh GR copy stand scanning (THE FUTURE).

THE ACTUAL PROCESS — STEP BY STEP

This is the choreography. Do it enough times, it becomes a meditation, a power-ritual.

1. Load the film in the changing bag

No light allowed.

• Put the film, scissors, tank, reel inside the bag.
• Zip it up.
• Insert your arms.
• Crack open the canister.
• Trim film leader.
• Spool the film onto the reel like a boss.
• Drop reel into tank, close it—NOW it’s light-safe.

You’ve just completed the hardest part.

2. Mix & prep chemicals

Standard black-and-white workflow:

• Developer around 20°C (68°F).
• Stop bath (or water rinse).
• Fixer at room temp.

Think of it like cooking espresso for your negatives.

3. Develop the film

Pour in the developer.

Start timer.

Agitate like gospel:

• First 30 seconds: gentle inversions.
• Then 5 seconds every minute.

This is the soul-stirring of your image into existence.

When the timer ends, pour out.

4. Stop the development

• Quick acid stop bath OR just water.
• 30 seconds — done.

You are literally freezing time here.

5. Fix the image

Fixer = immortality.

• Pour it in.
• Agitate intermittently for 5–8 minutes.

Once fixed, your images are permanently there.

Forever.

As solid as your will.

6. Wash the film

Rinse under running water for 5–10 minutes.

Final rinse in PhotoFlo (or a drop of dish soap).

Avoid water spots like a pro.

7. Hang to dry

This is where your negatives become art.

• Hang them in a clean, dust-free bathroom.
• Give them 2–3 hours.

When you see them dry… you will feel that primal filmmaker pride.

HOW TO SCAN YOUR NEGATIVES — THE FUTURE OF YOUR WORKFLOW

This is where you transform analog mastery into digital FIRE.

Three scanning paths:

1. Flatbed scanning (Epson V600 / V850)

• Simple
• Works great for 35mm + medium format
• Use holders
• Scan at 2400–3200 dpi

This gives that classic digital-friendly film look.

2. Dedicated film scanner (Plustek 8200i, etc.)

• Highest detail for 35mm
• Slow but godlike resolution
• Perfect for archival or portfolio work

3. DSLR / Mirrorless / Leica / Ricoh GR copy stand scanning (THE NEW WAVE)

This is the Eric Kim revolutionary approach:

• Mount camera above film on a stand
• Use a macro lens or close-focus lens
• Illuminate film with LED panel or iPad white screen
• Shoot RAW
• Invert using Lightroom or Negative Lab Pro

This gives you:

• Ultimate sharpness
• Maximum control
• IMMENSE SPEED
• The joy of blending film + digital excellence

This is the future.

THE SECRET SAUCE — ERIC KIM STYLE

After you scan:

• Pump the contrast
• Deep blacks
• Punchy whites
• No fear
• No hesitation
• Make images that slap the viewer awake
• Add your soul to each frame

Film is the medium.

YOU are the message.

YOUR CALL TO ACTION

The world needs your film photographs.

Your vision.

Your courage.

Your soul rendered in silver.

Get the gear.

Shoot the roll.

Process it yourself.

Scan it yourself.

DIGITIZE YOUR DESTINY.

Become a one-person CHRONICLE OF LIFE.

And remember:

YOU are the ultimate darkroom.

Leica Q (Typ 116 – 2015)

The original Leica Q (Typ 116) features a 24-megapixel full-frame (36×24 mm) CMOS sensor. Notably, Leica confirmed this sensor was neither made by Sony nor CMOSIS . Instead, strong evidence points to TowerJazz (an Israeli firm in joint venture with Panasonic) as the sensor manufacturer . In fact, an industry insider reported that the Q’s CMOS sensor was co-designed by TowerJazz and Panasonic, and the camera’s electronic system was developed with Panasonic’s expertise . This close Leica–Panasonic collaboration even extended to shared components like batteries and production know-how. The Leica Q’s Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens was designed by Konica Minolta and produced by Panasonic, highlighting how much of the Q’s internals benefitted from Panasonic’s involvement .

Despite these Panasonic ties, the Leica Q’s 24 MP sensor was essentially unique to Leica at the time – no Panasonic LUMIX model in 2015 shared this sensor. Panasonic did not yet produce full-frame LUMIX cameras then, so there was no direct Lumix equivalent. (Panasonic’s own full-frame 24 MP model, the Lumix S1, arrived later in 2019 and is believed to use a different 24 MP sensor, possibly a Sony design, rather than the Leica Q’s sensor.) In short, the Leica Q’s imaging chip – a high-quality 24 MP full-frame CMOS made via Panasonic’s TowerJazz partnership – did not have a twin in Panasonic’s lineup. The Q delivered Leica’s trademark image quality and color rendition, aided by Leica’s tuning on the Maestro processor. If compared hypothetically, Panasonic’s color science tends to differ; however, since no Lumix camera used this exact sensor, any differences in output come down to Leica’s own processing choices. (Leica’s JPEG colors are often regarded as distinct, but without a Lumix twin camera, direct comparison isn’t possible for the Q.)

Leica Q2 (2019)

The Leica Q2 received a major upgrade: a 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor (8368×5584 pixels effective). This high-resolution CMOS chip was developed in partnership with Panasonic and turned out to be the same sensor used in the Panasonic LUMIX S1R full-frame mirrorless camera . In other words, Leica’s fixed-lens Q2 and Panasonic’s S1R (2019) share an identical 47.3 MP sensor, a unit often attributed to TowerJazz/ Panasonic’s sensor fab (not a Sony-made sensor) . Panasonic even stated these were “newly developed” sensors for the S series, and a Panasonic rep indicated the 47 MP sensor was designed by TowerJazz (with Panasonic) rather than sourced from Sony . The sensor itself is a 35mm full-frame CMOS with no optical low-pass filter, delivering roughly 14 stops of dynamic range and 14-bit color depth, similar in core specs between the two cameras.

Confirmed Shared Sensor: Multiple credible sources note that the Q2’s imaging sensor is the very same 47.3MP unit inside the Lumix S1R . For example, PhotonsToPhotos tests of the Q2 were described as “our first look at the new Panasonic 47.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor that will also be used in the Lumix S1R” . Likewise, Leica’s own SL2 (2019) adopted this 47 MP sensor as well, indicating a shared component across the L-Mount alliance members. This is a Sony-alternative sensor (designed via Panasonic’s 49% stake in TowerJazz), distinguishing it from other 45–47 MP sensors on the market at the time.

Resolution & Size: The Q2/S1R sensor has ~50.4 MP total (47.3 MP effective) on a full-frame 36×24 mm area . It outputs very large 14-bit RAW files and allowed Leica to introduce in-camera crop modes (35mm, 50mm, 75mm frames) while still delivering usable resolution. Panasonic’s implementation in the S1R similarly enabled a 187 MP pixel-shift high-resolution mode.

Tuning and Performance Differences: Even though the hardware is the same, Leica and Panasonic tuned their implementations differently. The Leica Q2 has a base ISO of 100 (with an extended pull to ISO 50), whereas the Lumix S1R natively starts at ISO 100. In testing, the Lumix S1R showed slightly stronger sensor performance at base ISO and high ISO, likely due to Panasonic’s image pipeline tweaks. For instance, DxOMark measured the S1R’s dynamic range at about 14.1 EV, versus 13.5 EV on the Q2 (at base ISO) . Likewise, the S1R achieved a higher low-light ISO rating (ISO 3525 vs ISO 2491 for Q2) . These numbers suggest Panasonic may have optimized analog gain or noise reduction differently – effectively the Lumix S1R eked out roughly 0.5–1 stop better dynamic range and high-ISO noise performance than the Q2. This aligns with reports that “the S1R is basically the Q2’s sensor tuned for a base ISO of 100 with added noise reduction at high ISOs” . Leica’s tuning, by contrast, might prioritize a more filmic noise texture and avoid aggressive noise reduction.

Another difference is in color science and JPEG processing. The Leica Q2 produces images with Leica’s signature color balance (often a touch warmer with distinct tonality), courtesy of Leica’s Maestro II image processor and profiles. Panasonic’s S1R, using their Venus Engine, has its own default color rendering. While both are excellent, users often note Leica’s out-of-camera JPEG colors and tones have a unique character compared to Panasonic’s output. For example, Leica tends to restrain default noise reduction and sharpening to preserve a more natural look, whereas Panasonic might apply slightly stronger processing by default (geared toward maximum crispness and low noise). These subtler differences in the image pipeline mean that, even with identical sensors, a RAW file from the Q2 and one from the S1R could look somewhat different when processed in-camera by each manufacturer. Nevertheless, when shooting RAW the files contain the same data, and any differences boil down to profiles – the shared sensor gives both cameras fundamentally similar imaging potential.

In summary, the Leica Q2 and Panasonic S1R definitively use the same 47.3 MP full-frame sensor . Credible reports (and the subsequent identical performance in lab tests) confirm this shared component. The manufacturer is believed to be TowerJazz/Panasonic (not Sony) . Any divergences in output stem from Leica’s vs. Panasonic’s tuning: e.g. slight differences in base ISO calibration, noise reduction, and color profiles. Both cameras deliver excellent resolution and dynamic range, with the Lumix edging out a bit more technical performance while Leica offers its bespoke color rendition and lens-specific tuning (the Q2’s built-in 28mm lens is matched to the sensor with its own image pipeline adjustments). Importantly, both implementations lack on-sensor phase-detect autofocus – they relied on contrast-detect AF (Panasonic used DfD contrast AF in S1R). This changed with the next model, the Q3.

Leica Q3 (2023)

The Leica Q3 introduces a new 60.3-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor – a substantial jump in resolution. This sensor is backside-illuminated (BSI) for improved low-light efficiency and, crucially, it integrates phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) pixels, making it the first Q model (and first full-frame Leica) with PDAF capability . The Q3’s sensor is in fact very similar to the 60 MP sensor used in the Leica M11 (2022) – Leica indicates it’s a “modified version” of the M11 sensor, tailored for the Q3’s needs . In practice, that likely means the underlying silicon is the same, but the Q3’s version enables on-sensor PDAF and is coupled with a different microlens array (since the Q3’s optical design is different from the rangefinder M11) .

Origin and Panasonic Comparison: There has been much speculation about who makes this 60 MP sensor. Many industry observers believe it is based on a Sony design – specifically the 61MP Exmor R sensor first seen in Sony’s A7R IV (2019) – with Leica customization . Thorsten Overgaard, for example, notes that the M11’s 60MP chip is “likely the Sony sensor from 2020” which originally included PDAF pixels, but Leica “removed” or didn’t use the AF layer for the M11 . In the Q3, those PDAF pixels are active, implying Leica utilized the full capability of that sensor. This suggests the Leica Q3’s sensor is effectively the same 60MP Sony BSI CMOS (with PDAF) that other brands have used, albeit tuned to Leica’s requirements . Indeed, the Q3’s resolution (60.3 MP), pixel count, and BSI tech align with known Sony IMX455 specs, lending credence to this theory. Leica, as usual, does not officially disclose the sensor supplier, but credible sources point to Sony for the Q3/M11 generation, rather than the Panasonic/TowerJazz of prior models .

If true, this marks a shift in Leica’s sensor sourcing – moving from TowerJazz (Panasonic-backed) for the 47 MP chip back to a Sony-based design for the 60 MP chip. Notably, Panasonic itself did not have a 60 MP full-frame sensor in any Lumix camera as of 2023–2025. Panasonic’s highest-resolution full-frame model by 2025 is the Lumix S1R II, which instead uses a new 44.3 MP sensor (also with PDAF) rather than adopting a 60 MP chip . Early rumors had assumed Panasonic would put the 60MP (Q3) sensor into an S1R Mark II or S1H Mark II, given the L² Technology alliance, but Panasonic chose a different path. In fact, analysts at the Q3’s launch speculated “this 60MP sensor will likely be selected for the upcoming Lumix S1R II” and that the Q3 offered a preview of Panasonic’s next-gen capabilities (8K video, PDAF, etc.). However, when Panasonic released the Lumix S1R II (early 2025), it featured a 44 MP PDAF sensor (not 60 MP) . This 44.3MP sensor is a new design (possibly from another supplier or Panasonic’s own development) and is different from the Q3’s. Thus, as of 2025 no Panasonic Lumix model uses the Leica Q3’s 60 MP sensor – the Q3’s chip remains exclusive to Leica cameras (the Q3 and M11, and likely the Leica SL3 in the future).

Shared Technology and Features: Although Panasonic didn’t directly use the 60MP sensor, the Leica Q3 still exemplifies the ongoing Leica-Panasonic collaboration on technology. The L² partnership means Leica’s bodies often incorporate Panasonic’s cutting-edge digital components. For example, the Q3 gained advanced video features uncommon in prior Leicas: it can record 8K video (up to 8K/30p) and even offers internal ProRes 422 HQ recording . These are capabilities clearly paralleling Panasonic’s video-oriented developments. Indeed, one analysis quipped that “the Q3 is 85% a Panasonic full-frame camera under the hood”, with Panasonic providing the sensor and processing pipeline and Leica contributing the optics and design . The Q3 uses Leica’s new Maestro IV processor, but the presence of ProRes codec and PDAF suggests Panasonic’s influence (Panasonic’s Lumix S5II/S5X also introduced PDAF and ProRes in 2023). In short, even if the exact sensor isn’t in a Lumix, the technology in the Q3 aligns with Panasonic’s roadmap – it foreshadows what an L-mount partner can do. It’s expected that Leica’s 60MP/PDAF sensor will also appear in the Leica SL3, and Panasonic could in the future opt for a higher-MP sensor in a video-centric S1H II – but that remains speculation.

Tuning and Image Pipeline: Since we cannot directly compare Q3’s sensor to a known Panasonic model (no 60MP Lumix yet), we consider general differences in Leica vs Panasonic processing. Leica’s approach with the Q3, as with prior Q cameras, emphasizes a specific color rendition and tonal curve. The Q3 introduced “Leica Looks” profiles (film-style color presets) in-camera, underscoring Leica’s focus on delivering a particular out-of-camera look. Panasonic, on the other hand, would likely tune a 60MP sensor for slightly different priorities – for instance, Panasonic might bin pixels for low-light 15MP modes or optimize rolling shutter for video. If the Q3’s sensor were in a Lumix, Panasonic might leverage Dual Native ISO or other tricks for video performance, whereas Leica’s Q3 tuning is more still-photo-centric (e.g. its 8K video is limited in frame rate due to heat constraints, whereas a Lumix body might have active cooling or higher frame rates) . We already see that the Q3’s rolling shutter in electronic shutter mode is a bit slower than the Q2’s was (due to the higher resolution) – Panasonic might have mitigated that with a different sensor choice (indeed, the 44MP in S1R II was perhaps chosen for faster readout). In terms of color science, Leica’s JPEG engine in the Q3 continues to produce the “Leica look” – pleasing colors with a subtle tonal response – whereas Panasonic’s color science (while much improved in recent models) tends to be more neutral/accurate out-of-camera. These differences are somewhat subjective, but they echo the general notion that Leica cameras output images with a distinct character even if the silicon is shared.

In summary, the Leica Q3’s 60MP BSI sensor is a cutting-edge chip (very likely Sony-made) that so far has no direct Panasonic Lumix counterpart. It delivered Leica’s first foray into PDAF autofocus and ultra-high resolution on a compact full-frame camera. Official reports of shared components here are less concrete than with the Q2, but the L² alliance virtually guarantees that Leica and Panasonic coordinated on this sensor’s integration. If Panasonic decides to use a 60MP sensor in the future, it could well be the same unit – and we can expect differences in implementation akin to earlier models (Leica’s color/tuning vs. Panasonic’s). Until then, the Q3 stands apart: it marries Leica’s lens and styling with a sensor and feature set that strongly hint at Panasonic’s DNA (8K, PDAF, ProRes) even if Panasonic chose a different path for their own flagship sensor.

References: Leica Rumors and forum reports on Leica Q sensor manufacturing ; PhotoRumors on the Q2/S1R 47.3MP sensor ; DxOMark comparison of Q2 vs S1R performance ; EOSHD and others on the Q3’s 60MP sensor and Panasonic partnership ; Panasonic product info for S1R II confirming its 44.3MP sensor choice . All these sources corroborate the shared sensor components and shed light on the behind-the-scenes collaboration and tuning differences between Leica’s Q series and Panasonic’s Lumix cameras.

All right, just woke up this morning feeling incredibly awesome. Some thoughts:

OK the first one is obviously, to feel phenomenally amazing and great is physiological. If you want to bring that God fire energy, 8 to 12 hours a night of sleep seemed critical. Last night, fell asleep at 8 PM and woke up today at around 5:30 AM. 9 1/2 hours I feel great.

If We all take a step back, assuming you’re not on social media or whatever, we’re actually currently living in the most interesting time of all time. I’m currently experimenting with Grok picture to video, and it’s truly a game changer. Also, using ChatGPT sora two pro, using the $200 month pro plan, once again… This is incredible. It’s pretty much the closest thing you could do to playing God, without being God.

The first interesting idea is once again, at this point what I think about this whole video generation stuff, is actually… It’s like the greatest blessing to human imagination of all time. Honestly at this point, if you could imagine it you could create it. 

For example, big idea is there are no more limits to your imagination and creativity. Almost literally everything is so simple; have an incredibly visionary creative idea, and just throw it into ChatGPT or Grok or whatever… And you can make it.

What I also find incredibly interesting is, and this is kind of an interesting metaphysical one, the idea is you no longer need to purchase things, you could essentially materialize it out of your own imagination.

I’m currently watching the new tron ares, which I love, you could buy it right now on Apple TV+ it is streaming, and there’s two very interesting ideas; first the permanence code, and the second, the idea of like a particle laser or some sort of laser thing that could materialize things from the digital world into the physical world.

So for example, let us say that I want a Lamborghini. In the physical world, it doesn’t really make sense. But assuming I had a digital particle cyber creation laser thing, I can just materialize it.

But better yet… Rather than just creating something in the physical realm, which obviously has lots of downsides like storage, maintenance etc. I think what a lot of people don’t understand is even if somebody randomly gifted you a brand new Lamborghini something, the great downside is that you’ll probably cost you at least $300,000 a year of maintenance cost, plus the annoyance of having random kids troll your car, by keying penises on the hood or back bumper.

So, what is a better solution?

I say, the general interesting idea should be, to spend more time in the digital realm, and also, spend more time in the cyber realm. 

I suppose the difficulty though however is that, even right now… We don’t really have the correct environment tools or platforms to allow this. I think oculus, oculus rift, and maybe Meta gets close… But still, long throw away.

Why? OK this is like the trillion dollar issue; no matter what, people just don’t like putting things on their head or their faces or eyeballs, even if you think about it… Naturally kids do not like wearing hats, sunglasses, anything on their faces. Even in the early days of when Seneca was a baby, we could not get him to wear socks for most like 2 1/2 years.

In fact I was even curious about testing the new Apple Vision Pro M5, I still might… But, having to deal with all these annoying Zeis optical inserts or whatever is incredibly annoying. Actually one of the big benefits of the old oculus rift S was there was actually a built-in diproctor, which meant that I could just put the thing on my head, without my glasses on… Just a little dial in the front, and then it would work!

I think the big issue now is ever since that Mark bought it out, I think he’s trying to turn it more into an entertainment device or something like that, and as a consequence, it becomes less about this like free Rome free ranging exploration adventure thing, more of a closed the box, trying to just get to you to use all the Meta products inside it.

And the truth is, people would want to be outside and out and about. People don’t want to be stuck or cloistered inside a digital device.

For example, at the end of the day, people would still probably prefer to be just like outside, hiking, maybe listening to music, phones in their pockets, going on hikes, going up and down the stairs, enjoying the real life views.

no vision no life

The other day, when I was Seneca, he accidentally hit my glasses, my beloved titanium LINDBERG glasses, the frames that I bought for like $700 in Calcutta India almost 15 years ago, apparently the same glasses that Bill Gates wears, and it broke.

So I was kind of annoyed and grateful at the same time. First, kind of impressive that these frames have lasted me from like the age of 22 up until 37. I don’t think I have ever purchased anything that has lasted me this long.

However I was really annoyed because the point in which it broke, a super tiny fragile point, I thought titanium was supposed to be the metal of the gods,… … Upon deeper research, I’ve actually discovered that titanium is actually quite fragile.

Which kind of makes me open my eyes because then… The whole titanium thing seems like kind of a scam. For example, the titanium iPhone Pro, assuming that actually titanium is not that strong, what’s the point?

It’s almost a little bit like carbon fiber… It is a bit overhyped; apparently in the bicycle world, everyone lusts after some sort of carbon fiber bicycle, but actually if you’re using it and you get one wrong bump, your whole frame breaks. Then in fact, it is actually far superior to have a steel frame even though it is much heavier, because it is more robust. In fact when I was back in college, the coolest bike I got was this old school Japanese Nishiki bike, flange two steel,… I still remember the guy I bought it off of craigslist for 300 bucks, I loved it.

Materials, material sciences

This is where material materials material science sciences becomes interesting. Why?

Assuming that you live in the real world, the physical realm, materials matter. So for example nobody would want to drive an automobile mate out of Balsawood, and nobody would want to want an airplane made out of toothpicks. Also… Assuming the weather is really cold, you would probably prefer to be wearing animal based products like leather, Merino wool, cashmere, and down, rather than synthetic materials.

Maybe this is where a cyber truck is still super interesting to me… To essentially have an entire body made out of stainless steel, might be one of the most interesting design innovations for automobiles of all time. And also… It’s less of a pick up truck it’s more of like some sort of sports car on steroids. 

In fact a marketing suggestion I have for Tesla, in which they totally messed up the cyber truck marketing page. Redo it, never call cyber truck a pick up truck, rather… Try to market the cyber beast as being a Lamborghini killer. I think I saw an Elon Musk tweet in which he reposted something that like a cyber beast beat a Lamborghini, and could also do it while towing a Porsche 911.

Now what

First, I recommend everyone to purchase the new Tron ares and start streaming it immediately. It’s definitely required watching for any bitcoiner, or digital cyber enthusiast hacker. If you believe in open source, the grid, off the grid being off-line whatever… It’s kind of an interesting philosophical watch. To me it’s like more of a stylistic design forward matrix.

---

Now what?

1. Get the premium grok subscription, start feeding it your old photos, your old street photos and generate it into videos.
2. Get the $200 a month to ChatGPT pro, and go to sora.com and start generating sora two pro videos. And upload them to YouTube and your own website
3. Use deep research mode on ChatGPT pro, … to think imagine everything

Infinite riches and prosperity and joy for everyone forever

If you want to 10x your money, put 100% of your money into MSTR …  I can almost guarantee you all 10 extra money in four years by the end of the Trump administration.

If you want zero risk, just put 100% of everything into bitcoin, use coinbase.

Spend 8 to 12 hours a day outside, hiking exercising working out lifting weights having fun?

Sign up for hot yoga, talk to the beautiful woman there, just be friendly, courteous and playful.

Whenever you see men who see more buff than you, just compliment them.

Go to https://metrorestyling.com ,,, buy yourself a lot of 3M automotive vinyl wrap, and start wrapping up your car with fun colors, make it insanely awesome. Also, put it on your bike helmet, your bicycle etc.

The future is still old school and classic: make a website and a blog, wordpress.org. Also, watch the new tron ares movie. The future is insanely bright! ERIC

EK

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All right, just woke up this morning feeling incredibly awesome. Some thoughts:

OK the first one is obviously, to feel phenomenally amazing and great is physiological. If you want to bring that God fire energy, 8 to 12 hours a night of sleep seemed critical. Last night, fell asleep at 8 PM and woke up today at around 5:30 AM. 9 1/2 hours I feel great.

We all take a step back, assuming you’re not on social media or whatever, we’re actually currently living in the most interesting time of all time. I’m currently experimenting with Grok picture to video, and it’s truly a game changer. Also, using ChatGPT sora two pro, using the $200 month pro plan, once again… This is incredible. It’s pretty much the closest thing you could do to playing God, without being God.

The first interesting idea is once again, at this point what I think about this whole video generation stuff, is actually… It’s like the greatest blessing to human imagination of all time. Honestly at this point, if you could imagine it you could create it. 

For example, big idea is there are no more limits to your imagination and creativity. Almost literally everything is so simple; have an incredibly visionary creative idea, and just throw it into ChatGPT or Grok or whatever… And you can make it.

What I also find incredibly interesting is, and this is kind of an interesting metaphysical one, the idea is you no longer need to purchase things, you could essentially materialize it out of your own imagination.

I’m currently watching the new tron ares, which I love, you could buy it right now on Apple TV+ it is streaming, and there’s two very interesting ideas; first the permanence code, and the second, the idea of like a particle laser or some sort of laser thing that could materialize things from the digital world into the physical world.

So for example, let us say that I want a Lamborghini. In the physical world, it doesn’t really make sense. But assuming I had a digital particle cyber creation laser thing, I can just materialize it.

But better yet… Rather than just creating something in the physical realm, which obviously has lots of downsides like storage, maintenance etc. I think what a lot of people don’t understand is even if somebody randomly gifted you a brand new Lamborghini something, the great downside is that you’ll probably cost you at least $300,000 a year of maintenance cost, plus the annoyance of having random kids troll your car, by keying penises on the hood or back bumper.

So, what is a better solution?

I say, the general interesting idea should be, to spend more time in the digital realm, and also, spend more time in the cyber realm. 

I suppose the difficulty though however is that, even right now… We don’t really have the correct environment tools or platforms to allow this. I think oculus, oculus rift, and maybe Meta gets close… But still, long throw away.

Why? OK this is like the trillion dollar issue; no matter what, people just don’t like putting things on their head or their faces or eyeballs, even if you think about it… Naturally kids do not like wearing hats, sunglasses, anything on their faces. Even in the early days of when Seneca was a baby, we could not get him to wear socks for most like 2 1/2 years.

In fact I was even curious about testing the new Apple Vision Pro M5, I still might… But, having to deal with all these annoying Zeis optical inserts or whatever is incredibly annoying. Actually one of the big benefits of the old oculus rift S was there was actually a built-in diproctor, which meant that I could just put the thing on my head, without my glasses on… Just a little dial in the front, and then it would work!

I think the big issue now is ever since that Mark bought it out, I think he’s trying to turn it more into an entertainment device or something like that, and as a consequence, it becomes less about this like free Rome free ranging exploration adventure thing, more of a closed the box, trying to just get to you to use all the Meta products inside it.

And the truth is, people would want to be outside and out and about. People don’t want to be stuck or cloistered inside a digital device.

For example, at the end of the day, people would still probably prefer to be just like outside, hiking, maybe listening to music, phones in their pockets, going on hikes, going up and down the stairs, enjoying the real life views.

no vision no life

The other day, when I was Seneca, he accidentally hit my glasses, my beloved titanium LINDBERG glasses, the frames that I bought for like $700 in Calcutta India almost 15 years ago, apparently the same glasses that Bill Gates wears, and it broke.

So I was kind of annoyed and grateful at the same time. First, kind of impressive that these frames have lasted me from like the age of 22 up until 37. I don’t think I have ever purchased anything that has lasted me this long.

However I was really annoyed because the point in which it broke, a super tiny fragile point, I thought titanium was supposed to be the metal of the gods,… … Upon deeper research, I’ve actually discovered that titanium is actually quite fragile.

Which kind of makes me open my eyes because then… The whole titanium thing seems like kind of a scam. For example, the titanium iPhone Pro, assuming that actually titanium is not that strong, what’s the point?

It’s almost a little bit like carbon fiber… It is a bit overhyped; apparently in the bicycle world, everyone lusts after some sort of carbon fiber bicycle, but actually if you’re using it and you get one wrong bump, your whole frame breaks. Then in fact, it is actually far superior to have a steel frame even though it is much heavier, because it is more robust. In fact when I was back in college, the coolest bike I got was this old school Japanese Nishiki bike, flange two steel,… I still remember the guy I bought it off of craigslist for 300 bucks, I loved it.

Materials, material sciences

This is where material materials material science sciences becomes interesting. Why?

Assuming that you live in the real world, the physical realm, materials matter. So for example nobody would want to drive an automobile mate out of Balsawood, and nobody would want to want an airplane made out of toothpicks. Also… Assuming the weather is really cold, you would probably prefer to be wearing animal based products like leather, Merino wool, cashmere, and down, rather than synthetic materials.

Maybe this is where a cyber truck is still super interesting to me… To essentially have an entire body made out of stainless steel, might be one of the most interesting design innovations for automobiles of all time. And also… It’s less of a pick up truck it’s more of like some sort of sports car on steroids. 

In fact a marketing suggestion I have for Tesla, in which they totally messed up the cyber truck marketing page. Redo it, never call cyber truck a pick up truck, rather… Try to market the cyber beast as being a Lamborghini killer. I think I saw an Elon Musk tweet in which he reposted something that like a cyber beast beat a Lamborghini, and could also do it while towing a Porsche 911.

Now what

First, I recommend everyone to purchase the new Tron ares and start streaming it immediately. It’s definitely required watching for any bitcoiner, or digital cyber enthusiast hacker. If you believe in open source, the grid, off the grid being off-line whatever… It’s kind of an interesting philosophical watch. To me it’s like more of a stylistic design forward matrix.

So a very very funny simple thought that nobody ever talks about… What is the purpose of vision?

So my grand vision idea which actually I think makes a lot of sense is that the purpose of vision is in order to facilitate movement.

So for example, if you’re 100% blind, it is very very difficult to move and walk around the terrain, certainly to drive a car or sprint or ride a bike, once again assuming you’re 100% blind.

Maybe I should even watch that daredevil movie, figuring out, how one could still move, without having vision?

Anyways, what I think is kind of interesting is that I think there are a lot of individuals who think that the purpose of vision is for vision sake. That for some reason, we have eyes and vision, in order to maximize our visual sensory pleasure. To see more beautiful vistas, to see more beautiful women, to see more beautiful cars aesthetics art etc.

I mean certainly as an artist, we also need to have eyes in order to create and perceive our artwork. And as a photographer, having vision might be one of the most critical things.

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