In this issue

Portfolio: Deserts of the World. Michael Martin journeyed through the many deserts of the world, climbed high mountain passes, shoveled deep sands and cruised exotic oases.

Portfolio: Made by Hand. Leather, glue and lasts – Jürgen Holzenleuchter photographed the production line of Trippen shoemakers at work. A stirring tribute.

Taming Studio Light: Designing artificial light for photography is part creativity, part craft. Part 1 of a two-part workshop: tabletop photography.

Digital Module R: A Mighty Steed? Leica’s digital back unit has arrived. Our lab and field comparison with Canon’s royal stud, the EOS 1Ds Mk II, reveals insightful details.

Leica à la Carte: Since photokina 2004 Leica customers have been indulging in the full flavour of personalised MPs and M7s. An interim report.

Filmscanners from 1000 Euros: The third and final part of our scanner check: what to expect from the upper class.

Composition in Black and White: LFI Academy. Landscape photography today: escaping the temptation of romance through compositional fantasy.