CameraCraft – September-October 2026

Summary

David Kilpatrick opens CameraCraft September/October 2026 (Edition #72) by tearing into a Home Office poster that tells asylum seekers "you should not take pictures or videos of someone without their permission" — arguing the phrasing misrepresents UK law and could chill legitimate photography in public spaces.

CameraCraft September/October 2026 leads with an appreciation of Vincent O'Byrne MQEP FIPPA FMPA, the great Irish photo artist who died in August, with a tribute by Kevin Wilson. Kevin Milner contributes Living Off The Land, a feature on his specialisation in farming and countryside photography. Pako Dominguez presents A Summer In Paris, a book project interviewed by Gary Friedman. The lenses section tests the LK Samyang x Schneider-Kreuznach 60-180mm f2.8 FE and the Temu 35mm f1.6 C-mount selling for under 20 pounds for MicroFourThirds use. The Leica SL3 is reviewed with the 28-70mm f2.8 Vario-Elmarit. Analography covers Ilford Pan F Plus at ISO 50. News includes Canon's Camera Store Week across the UK and the completion of the Petzval Focus Control series with the 135mm f2.5.

—————

Content Guide

Features

p.8 · Vincent O'Byrne, R.I.P.
An appreciation and retrospective for the Irish photo artist who died in August, with a tribute by Kevin Wilson. O'Byrne's mastery of the large-format landscape is documented through the images that defined his career. Darkroom printers should study his toning technique.

p.18 · Living Off the Land
Kevin Milner on his specialisation in farming and countryside photography. The article covers timing harvest seasons, working with farmers' schedules, and the specific golden-hour windows for agricultural subjects. Anyone shooting rural commissions will find the access tips practical.

p.26 · A Summer in Paris
Pako Dominguez's book project Ete a Paris, interviewed by Gary Friedman. Dominguez describes shooting Paris during the Olympic summer, navigating crowds and restrictions. The specific camera kit he carried for mobility is named.

Tech & Reviews

p.34 · Lenses: LK Samyang x Schneider-Kreuznach 60-180mm f2.8 FE
A full test of this hybrid lens combining Korean and German optical heritage. The review includes MTF chart data and real-world sample images. Worth reading before committing to a 70-200mm alternative.

p.38 · Lenses: Temu 35mm f1.6 C-mount
A lens selling for under 20 pounds for MicroFourThirds use. The review is brutally honest about where the cheap price shows — and where it surprisingly does not. A budget option that actually delivers for experimental shooters.

p.40 · Leica SL3 with 28-70mm f2.8 Vario-Elmarit
The full camera review covers the SL3's sensor performance, autofocus speed and build quality. The zoom lens is tested alongside the body. The sample images reveal whether the Leica premium is justified over a Panasonic S-series alternative.

p.44 · Analography: Ilford Pan F Plus
Going against the grain with Ilford's ISO 50 Pan F Plus film. The article covers development times, recommended developers and the tonal range that makes this stock unique. Medium-format users should note the reciprocity failure compensation table.

Regulars

p.3 · News
Architecture and Photography: Canon celebrates Camera Store Week (14-27 September 2026 across the UK). Focus-coupled Petzval 135mm f2.5 completes the five-lens range. The 40% Project releases a new photobook on women in photography.

p.46 · CameraCraft Crossword
Plus Rearview Gallery featuring a landscape from Glyn Davies.

—————

Editor's Take

The Vincent O'Byrne tribute is the highlight — it treats his death as a moment to re-examine his technical mastery rather than just a biographical farewell, and Kevin Wilson's contribution gives it the weight of a peer's assessment. The Temu lens test is the kind of low-budget, high-honesty gear coverage that CameraCraft does better than any other photo magazine; it saves readers real money. The legal criticism in the editor's letter (the Home Office poster) is sharp, specific and actionable — Kilpatrick names the exact phrasing and explains why it is wrong. Weaknesses: the Paris book project interview is pleasant but thin — Dominguez does not reveal much about the editing process that would help other photographers. The crossword and Rearview Gallery feel like filler in an issue that could have used one more substantial feature.

Strengths
• Vincent O'Byrne retrospective with genuine technical insight
• Temu 35mm f1.6 lens test saves readers from wasting money
• Editor's legal pushback on photography rights is actionable

Weaknesses
• Paris book interview lacks depth on the editorial workflow
• Crossword and Rearview Gallery occupy space better used for content

Verdict: Recommended — Essential for large-format and landscape photographers mourning O'Byrne; a solid gear issue for everyone else.