50/summilux wide open
This lens, plus the m9 could easily pass as an 'only' lens for a minimalistic approach.
The funniest thing is when people ask me during an event how come i didn't bring my 'big camera' (1ds3 with the 85L or 35L)...the focusing on my M9 has been SO accurate i hardly miss focus like I used to with Canon.. of course the 90mm summicron may be an exception to this.
charles.K wrote:
LL, love the glow to #1 I agree, I now find it easier to focus with the M9, than the 5DII
charles thx..
Of course there is one exception to my ease-of-focus statement, and that is the fact that the Canons (5dii etc) have liveview...which is awesome, but i didn't really use it that often.
i look forward to live view being implemented in the future but for now its not a deal breaker especally with the accuracy of the rangefinder system.
Charles great post processing shots. When I get some time I going to get to scanning my recent film efforts.
It's funny you keeop mentioning the Noctilux being perfect and to my eye it was/is.
Still I can't image giving up my Nikkor's and going all out with Leica M. I love the creative possibilities with the Nikkor 8mm -- to 800mm to much to just shoot with the Leica M system.
As far as the Noctilux, I let one of my pals use it the other day and he was shocked at how heavy it was and how much of the the veiwfinder it blocks. I don't think he is going to be a ask to borrow it again
In truth these are things I hardly notice anymore. It just feel right and I pre-visualize for the most part before I lift the camera to my eye. However, I do admit to having to sometimes take more than one to get the subject framed right to my eye.
charles.K wrote:
I suppose my goal, was to really simplify, have 2 lenses with a M9 and travel the back street while overseas. This week I am headed back to Thailand again for 10 days, so it will be interesting to have another perspective again.
Thanks Charles - I suppose this is a pretty achievable goal, especially with an RF, and especially in a place like Thailand that tends to have a surprise around every corner. I'm looking forward to seeing what you bring back.
Thanks Ryan and Charles.
LL nice flower image.
Charles great portraits. I think the 50 Lux Asph is one of the best portrait lenses.
Carsten, yes this is a lynx and the story behind it is, that he gets feeded once per day (with 1,5 kg meat every day) and this is the moment when you can get pretty close.
Here are some shots of tree stumps from the Bavarian Forest. All images M8 with 50 Lux Asph at f/1.4:
Boris, nice shots...particularly #1. I must say though, the colors look way off. The greens especially. I *believe* it has to do with lenses that don't have UV/IR filters on. I remember that my 50 Lux and 90 Elmarit-M always had the same exact tint as your shots posted above and those were the lenses that did not have the filter on. Of course, putting the filters on open up new problems. I noticed a HUGE change in colors (for the better) when switching from the M8 to the M9.
35 Lux
EDIT: Boris, here are two M8 shots. First two shots are the 35 Cron WITH UV/IR filter and second two shots are the 90 Elmarit-M withOUT filter. Same exact pp done
Some great work recently, everyone! I've been occasionally lurking but haven't had much free time in the past several weeks. It looks like 28mm is the focal length du jour. I appreciate the comparisons and technical thoughts, as I'm looking for something between 18 and 50, although I don't think that length suits my style. Right now I'm searching for the right 35. I suspect it provides a better working distance for me than my 50. I did trick a friend into putting his cron down for a moment by giving him some watermellon.
I suspect I may be happier with the cron ASPH than a lux ASPH because of finder blockage...and price...but the ZM sure is appealing there! Too bad they're all so tricky to find.
Film guys? Really? FILM?! And scanning? -shaking head- You must have a lot of free time!
Here are a couple of recent shots with the leica 18:
And a couple during play time, once the work was done. 50 cron at 2:
Ryan, several nice sets. I really like the way you combine the natural drawing style of the lenses and post processing to get deep and vivid colors that still look very natural.
Charles, great portraits! My favorite is the last one with the 90 V3.
KL, excellent series! See more comments below.
Boris, cool shots of the Lynx.
Joakim, nice sets. I really like the shot with the sandals.
LL - love that flower shot with the 50 Lux!
Corposant - lovely shot. Great colors and bokeh.
Gregory, you can really make that Nocti/1 sing. Although I'm personally not entirely sold on how the lens renders OOF highlights your shots consistently bring out the best of the lens. Great shots!
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KL, I have a bone to pick with you. Your last series with the 90 Cron AA pushed me over the edge and I've ordered one!
I've been thinking about getting it ever since a copy of it turned out in a camera shop here in Sweden. Through some sort of miracle it has been there for a week without it getting sold. I didn't know quite what to do.
On one hand I had performed a series of tests on the V3 and determined that it was excellent stopped down. It does suffer from some purple fringing in high contrast areas, but after an LR fix is applied it's really minimal. Wide open the V3 may not be as sharp as the modern ASPH lenses, but it does have a very pleasant drawing style.
So in a way there was no reason to get the AA. However in a couple of weeks I'll be going on a three week tour of national parks in the US (Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Grand Canyon and Yosemite). As it's a unique opportunity for photography, I don't want to compromise when it comes to image quality. In addition I've always thought that I'd get the 90 Cron AA sooner or later and as they are bloody difficult to find I might as well take the advantage when a copy comes within reach.
So I was basically changing my mind each day now for a week until that 90 AA shot of the salvation army guy pushed me over the edge.
The actual lens is in a camera store in southern Sweden and I've ordered it through the Stockholm branch of the store and they said that it would take them a couple of days to get it here - so I think I'll have it early next week.
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I still have not had time to process any images or scan films, but I hope to have some Tri-X shots for you later today or tomorrow.
Until then, a couple of assorted landscape shots from a couple of days ago:
Thanks Malkovic. Yeah, they're all a bit over processed. I pushed things a bit too far. Normally I would have spent a bit more time and a more subtle approach but I haven't had the time to do so.
Here are a couple of more assorted shots:
I hope that Carsten doesn't overhear this, but I'm really not crazy about posting a set of completely random images. I prefer each set to have some kind of connecting thread but for the past week I have not really managed to collect any coherent series of shots with any type of theme.
Great shots Luka = all your pics have a coherence to them: they are exquisitely composed!
Good to hear about your soon to arrive 90 APO Cron. Made my day actually to read about your recent acquisition. It's just a remarkable lens and if not for the size (by now, i am slightly allergic to largish lenses) i would bring it out more.
I had some other duck shots with the 90 but i really am terrible taking pics of ducks
another portrait with the 90 APO
Gianni contemplating an M9:::London
Can't wait to see pics from your next trip and more TriX shots (really like the look). AM trying out Trix 400 rated at 200 as I read that Salgado the great master photographer uses that combination (and Delta 3200 at 1600). Not in any way equating myself to him, more like getting all the help I can get!
Charles, love all the recent rePP'ed shots and the last one of your fiancee!
I agree, I now find it easier to focus with the M9, than the 5DII 
