Leitz Summicron 50mm f/2 Dual Range!!

Leica M3 + Leitz Summicron 50mm f/2 Dual Range, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Recently acquired the famed Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 Dual Range.

This is a really interesting lens and it's basically a Rigid Summicron (which is known for it's resolution) with close focusing capabilities! As we all know, macro photography and rangefinder cameras aren't exactly the best match.

The 'spectecles' are actually removable. Without it, the lens works just like a regular Summicron lens. Once you clip it on, it can go below the usual 1m minimum focusing distance, in this case, to about 48cm. Also interesting to note is that this setup allows parallax corrected viewing in the close focus range! The way the whole setup comes together is amazing and the quality of the construction is top notch.

However, do take note that to mount or remove the lens, you have to remove the 'specs' first. If you don't have any where to put it, it might just end up missing sometime later or be damaged when it falls out of your hands accidentally. There was some like of a carrying case for the lens and spec setup, but it's bulky. There's also a leather holder for the spec alone, but it's not easy to find.

Whilst the len was made for the M3, the close focusing function also works on most of the other Leica cameras (except some M6 with a different film chamber). It won't work on M mount cameras from other brands with the exception of the Konica Hexar. Of course the lens on its own works just fine on any M mount cameras.

Anyway, let's see how this lens performs!

Cheers,

They just don't make them like they used to..

Vintage Leica M3 set, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Despite the fact that some of these gear are made more than 50 years ago, they will outlast some of the recently produced cameras.

There was once a time when manufacturers will present products that represent their best efforts, made with the finest materials and was built to last. Whilst some of these items may seem bulky and heavy by today's standards, it does not change the fact that corporations then used to have a philosophy to produce products that last. And this extends beyond Leica, and beyond cameras.

These days, product life cycles are so short. In most industries, lower cost to maximise profit is the corporate axiom. "Acceptable" has become the defecto standard instead of "best". Nothing needs to last forever, or even ten years, customers would have junk it for something else by then.

It's such a bloody shame.....

Cheers,

The fascination with Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4

Lots have been said about this lens from Leica. Many aspire to own one for the sharp image and creamy bokeh that it produces.


This image is shot with the earliest version, commonly known as Version 1. This is also available in screw mount, albeit in very limited numbers.


This image is shot with the third version, also commonly known as the "pre-ASPH" version.

Both images taken with Epson R-D1 digital rangefinder camera.

However, are there no lenses that matches up in performance? Actually, if you look around there are plenty of options available, and often at much cheaper price points too. Here are some common alternatives:

Modern
Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f/1.5
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 LTM

Vintage
Canon 50mm f/1.4 LTM

To be honest, how many can differentiate the prints from any of these lenses or those from the various Summilux?

However, in terms of construction and handling, there is of course no doubt that Leica lenses are superbly finished and feels worthy of it's price when held in your hand. The rest don't even come close.

Cheers,

Black or Chrome

P1010019E, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Before I used Rangefinders, colors of gear were usually never an issue. For some strange reason, there is a tendency to try to match the RF gear with the appropriate finishing. So there's the usual chrome, then there's black chrome, and then there's even painted finish like black, olive or other exotic colors.

I've decided to be vain and trade out this beautiful black chrome Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH for a chrome version. Basically, they are the same lens that produces the same images.

Shallow. I know. Shallow. But it's so pretty!.... Shallow...

Cheers,

The top gadget of all time!

Leica M3 + Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Leica M3 + Leitz Collapsible Elmar 5cm f/3.5 lens.

This is one all time classic that just goes on ticking and ticking. Although there's more than a million units out there, it's just nice to own a piece of photographic history that part of the 35mm photography revolution.

On November 20th, 2006 the Leica M3 was even voted "the top gadget of all time" by ebay.co.uk and Stuff Magazine! Quoting David Bell, Leica UK's Managing director:

"Leica is very proud that the original Leica M3, the oldest gadget in the running, beat more modern day gadget wonders such as the Apple iPod, Sony Walkman and the Game Boy — a true testament to Leica's longevity and iconic status."

So... here's my user copy of the all time classic, together with a matching lens and a quirky soft release!

Cheers,

I shot Roger!

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.0 @ f/2.0, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Got a chance to test out the late version of the famed Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.0 on Roger. It's the one with the built in hood. The shots at f/1.0 was soft and exhibit a lot of veiling glare when you have reflective surfaces or white color in your image.

As you can see, once you stop down to 1.4 or 2.0, it's all gone and there's general improvement in the overall contrast and resolution.

But why buy a big, huge, expensive monster to use it at f/1.4 or f/2.0 when a Summilux or Summicron will suffice?

Tempting, but it's not tugging at my heart strings.... We'll have to see.

Cheers,

Leica still makes film cameras!?

Surprise, Surprise! It seems that they still make about a measly 100 to 150 film cameras (mainly M7 and MP) each month to restock their inventory. Everything seems to be shipped in from Portugal and only assembled in Germany. Anyway, at that kind of volume, it's no wonder prices keep going up. With Japan as their biggest market and the fact that Leica has a cult status, how many more Leicas can they sell before the market eventually saturate....

It will be interesting to see if Leica Camera can survive another ten years.

Cheers,

Bernard contemplating on the Summilux

Bernard contemplating on the Summilux, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Was fooling around Peninsular Shopping Center as usual. Tried the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH on the M7. Small, snappy and quite a handy little package.

Bernard's happy with his recently acquired chrome M6 classic which I must agree is a really handsome package. Glad to see him coming back to film photography after a quick fling with digital SLR. The Artisan & Artist leather case that he shelled out good money for really adds to the luxurious feel of the camera.

So the next question is which Summilux? Chrome or Black? Ha Ha!!!!

Cheers,

Leica camera - Made in China?

Leica camera - Made in China?, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Almost everything is made in China these day. When will Leica be made in China as well?

Leica Fashion!

You might have the Leica bag, the Leica cap, the Leica T Shirt, or even the Leica keyring...but do you have this!?



Seems to be a Leica USA commerative issue for some event. Interesting, but I don't think I'll be sporting it even if it was given to me. But I might hang a D-Lux 4 around my neck if Leica is so kind enough to give me one... Ha!

Cheers,

p.s. Not an April Fools Joke. This buckle really exist!

More Leica Gear!

Since there is a 15% rebate and I get an additional 15% discount for VAT, I'm going to pick up some Leica gear from the UK. The exchange rate is hovering just below S$2.10 to a pound, which is an additional savings.

Michael's going to get a Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH too.

I think I'll pick up the Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH and either the Summilux-M 35mm or 50mm f/1.4. Can't quite decided which it'll be. Since I already have 2 Summilux-M 50mm, I may swing towards the 35mm instead.

Also, looking to add the 1.4X magnifier and the SF 24D flash to the stash as well. Though there's no rebate, the exchange rate savings and the VAT refund still make it worth my while.

We'll see... offer ends on 31 January 2009

Cheers,

The Summicron Adventures in China

The Summicron Adventures in China, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Brought along the Epson R-D1s and 3 Leica Summicron-M on the China trip, together with my Canon digital SLR. Let's see how well they work for me. Will be uploading the pictures into one of my flickr sets.

Let's hope I didn't bring more than I can carry! Ha!

Cheers,

p.s. This is uploaded "live" at the commune with wireless internet! Isn't technology cool!?

Fishing

Fishing, originally uploaded by benny ng.

A lazy weekend at Labrador Park with Bernard and my Leica M6.

Cheers,

A380 Tokyo to Singapore!

A380 Tokyo to Singapore!, originally uploaded by benny ng.

This is what a 15mm should look like in it's full glory!

Shot with the Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical on the Leica M7, so there is no 'crop' on the image as it's not a APS-C sensor.

By the way, lots of goodies from this Japan trip. Got the another Zeiss Ikon, but in black. Some vintage Canon and Nikkor M39 rangefinder lenses as well! All in all, a good trip.

Cheers

Got my Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0!!

Marina Bay, originally uploaded by benny ng.

This is one of the first few shots from my new lens on the Epson R-D1! It's the fourth version of Leica's 35mm Summicron, or commonly known as the King of Bokeh!

Michael alerted me to this chrome version for sale on Rangefinderforum.com. Some one actually beat me to it. As usual. Luckily, buyer backed out and I ended up with the lens. Small package and feels really good in the hand. Let's hope it performs as well as it's reputation.

Cheers,

Testing my Elmar 3.5cm f/3.5 on chiif!

Chii Fei, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Got this off ebay and brought it along to show Chii Fei. Seems like I paid too much of it. As usual.

Anyway, looks like there's fog in this tiny lens so the contrast is very low. Of course nothing Adobe photoshop can't fix. I think I'll send it in for cleaning to see if it can improve. These tiny vintage lenses are just so....... pretty!

Chii Fei says "Buy less, shoot more"! Ha Ha.

Cheers,