In Conversation with Thypoch丨Poetic.duck: Unveiling the Soul Behind the Lens

Leica in hand, capturing the fleeting poetry of Seoul's streets in monochrome — that's Ted (@poetic.duck), a Korean street photographer whose work resonates with deep emotion and timeless composition. Recently, he had the opportunity to test Thypoch's Simera 35mm, Simera 28mm, and the Eureka 28mm M-mount lens. We sat down with him to discuss his photographic journey, his preferences for lenses, and his experience with Thypoch gear.

@Poetic.duck Simera 28mm f/1.4

Q1: What made you fall in love with photography? Was there a specific moment or inspiration that drew you into this world?

Ted: My first “camera” was actually a drone. I first picked up a camera simply to record memories while traveling with friends. Over time, I became more interested in photography itself, especially as I discovered inspiring works of others. Seeing those images sparked a desire in me. I wanted to create photographs that carried the same power and feeling.

Q2: Is photography your main profession, or is it a passionate side pursuit? What is the source of your love for this craft?

Ted: It started as a hobby, but over the years it has grown into something much more meaningful. I am working/trying to make it become my main profession. My love comes from the unpredictability of it. You never know what will unfold in front of you. That sense of discovery keeps me curious and inspired.

Q3: Why do you have a special preference for black and white photography style? Is there a special meaning or pursuit behind it?

Ted: At first, I chose black and white simply because I found the streets of Korea visually overwhelming. The colors often felt too chaotic and distracting, and stripping them away helped me see more clearly. Over time, though, I began to understand the unique charm of monochrome. Black and white is timeless, it heightens emotions, and it offers a simplicity that I deeply connect with. These days, I shoot almost exclusively in black and white.

@Poetic.duck Eureka 28mm f/2.8

Q4: Regarding lenses, what do Korean photographers typically value most? Optical performance, size/weight, brand, or something else?

Ted: I don’t interact closely with many other Korean photographers, so I can’t speak for them. For myself, I prefer lenses with character over those that are clinically perfect. My priorities are: first, whether the lens has a unique character; second, compactness; and third, practicality.

Q5: You've tested Thypoch's Simera 35mm, Simera 28mm, and the new Eureka 28mm. What was your overall experience? Did anything surprise you? What specific aspects of Thypoch lenses' shooting experience or optical performance appeal to you?

Ted: Lately, I’ve been using Thypoch lenses almost exclusively. Both the 35mm and 28mm are excellent, and what I love most is that they feel like they were designed specifically for Leica M bodies. The focus lock at 0.7m before extending to 0.4m is a great detail. It makes a big difference in real use.

Among the Thypoch lineup, I think the Eureka lenses suit me best. For street photography, lightweight and portable gear is essential, and the Eureka series delivers that while still carrying the character of old lenses. They add a kind of magic that’s hard to find. What surprised me most was how much quality and craftsmanship Thypoch managed to achieve at this price point.

Q6: For the Eureka 28mm, what are your expectations or suggestions?

Ted: What I love most is the minimal and compact design. It really suits the street photography mindset. However, since the lens currently doesn’t come with a filter or hood, I sometimes feel a bit uneasy carrying it around. It would be great if Thypoch could offer a dedicated hood or protective filter option. I also think a special edition with an even more minimal aesthetic could be interesting, perhaps with smaller logos or more discreet engravings. That kind of subtle design would perfectly match the way many street photographers like to work: simple, practical, and unobtrusive.

Conclusion

Our conversation with poetic revealed not only his profound personal connection to photography but also his keen eye for equipment that enhances artistic expression. His positive reception of Thypoch lenses, especially the compact yet characterful Eureka 28mm, is incredibly valuable. It underscores the brand's potential to resonate with photographers who value unique rendering, portability, and solid craftsmanship.