Gear Archives

Leica M9 with Yellow Filter: A Monochrome Alchemist’s Guide——Unlocking Analog Soul in a Digital Body

The Yellow Filter Primer

In black-and-white photography, yellow filters are the unsung heroes of contrast. By blocking blue wavelengths (450-495nm) while passing red and green, they transform bland skies into brooding canvases and elevate skin tones to marble purity. For the Leica M9—a CCD-powered time capsule—this analog trickery bridges the gap between digital convenience and darkroom artistry.

Exposure Algebra: Light as Poetry

1. The Golden Rule

Sunny 16 Adjusted: f/16 @ 1/250s → f/16 @ 1/125s (+1 stop)
Blue-Dominant Scenes: Add 1.5 stops (e.g., f/11 @ 1/125s)
Tungsten Lighting: Neutralize orange cast with +0.5 stops

2. M9’s CCD Quirk

The inherent warmth of the Kodak sensor magically combines with yellow filters. Overexpose by 0.3-0.7 stops beyond the calculated values to preserve shadow detail – the CCD’s limited dynamic range demands mercy.

Leica MP Review: The Last Sentinel of Analog Mastery——Where Silence Speaks Louder Than Megapixels

The Unseen Virtuoso

In an era of computational photography, the Leica MP (2003-present) stands as a mechanical haiku—unapologetically analog, stubbornly silent. Designed not for the crowd but for the coven of purists, it whispers: “Film is not dead; it’s just selective.”

Design: Minimalism as Dogma

1. The Black Paint Enigma

MP’s matte-black finish—thinner than M3’s wartime lacquer—ages like a samurai’s armor. Brassing emerges not as decay, but as a map of journeys. Chrome versions? Eternal youth in a stainless steel sarcophagus.

2. Shutter Dial Tai Chi

The compact speed dial (1s-1/1000s) arranges numbers in yin-yang symmetry. Rotate clockwise to slow time, counterclockwise to hasten it—a tactile waltz even M3 purists envy.

3. Skin Deep

Leatherette: Fine-grained calfskin, echoing MP’s unadorned top plate. No garish logos, just “Ernst Leitz Wetzlar” in ghostly script.
Battery-Free Zen: Mechanical shutter thrives sans electricity; the meter (borrowed from M6) hums on two SR44s.

Leica M6 Review: The People’s Leica with Split Personalities——Where Pragmatism Meets Prestige

The Democratization of Luxury

Born in 1984, the Leica M6 was the brand’s first “everyman” rangefinder. Gone were the brass top plates of the M3/M4; in came zinc alloy, plastic counters, and TTL metering. Purists howled, but photographers voted with their wallets – 20 years of production (1984-2003) cemented its status as Leica’s best-selling M. The genius of the M6? It made the unattainable attainable by wrapping professional-grade optics in a blue-collar shell.

Leica M4 Review: The Black Paint Paradox——Where Engineering Meets Alchemy

Leica’s Last Mechanical Monarch

Born in 1967, the Leica M4 was the Swiss Army knife of rangefinders. It combined the elegance of the M3 with the practicality of the M2 and boasted the fastest film loading system in Leica history. But today it’s neither the most desirable (M3) nor the most accessible (M6). Instead, the M4 occupies an iconic middle ground – a tool for those who crave mechanical perfection with a dash of heresy.

What is the angle of view of the Leica M8 with the Voigtlander 15mm

The Voigtlander 15mm lens has an angle of view of approximately 110° on a full frame camera, but the Leica M8 is an APS-H format (sensor size approximately 27.0 x 18.0mm), in which case the angle of view of the 15mm lens will be slightly less than the full frame 110°.

The Leica M8 sensor has a diagonal length of approx. 32.5 mm, which corresponds to an angle of view of approx. 83°.

Formula for calculating the angle of view.

The formula for calculating the angle of view is: θ = 2 arctan(d / (2f))
In this formula:
θ represents the angle of view.
d stands for the diagonal length of the sensor.
f is the focal length of the lens.

Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide-Heliar Lens Review

When my heart is ignited by the magnificence captured by a wide angle lens, the passion is like a holy fire that drives me to share – to pour out the vastness of the world and the delicate emotions under the lens to anyone who wants to witness this extraordinary perspective.

In all my years of photography, the Voigtlander 15mm/f4.5 Ultra Wide-Angle Lens is undoubtedly one of the most striking lenses I’ve encountered. It’s reputation has been so well established in the photographic world for so long that Voigtlander has now developed it into its third generation. However, the most charismatic in my mind has always been the small and exquisite first generation L39 mount lens.

The small size of this lens perfectly illustrates the spirit of Leica. It is lightweight and easy to carry, and can be easily converted to M-mount with a simple 1mm adapter ring, making it a perfect fit for my Leica camera. What’s even more surprising is that this first-generation lens also comes with a dedicated 15mm viewfinder, a thoughtful design that was not continued in subsequent products, which I appreciate.

In actual use, the image quality of this lens is impressive. The center is extremely sharp, capturing fine and crisp details. The color performance is very rich, producing a full and layered color effect. This made it easy for me to capture every vibrant moment while shooting.

However, this lens is not without its challenges. Because it is an ultra-wide angle lens, you have to pay more attention to composition and camera angle when shooting. Especially when using the Leica M3 camera, I have to rely more on my own feeling and experience to estimate the shooting distance, as there is no linkage rangefinder structure. This is a real challenge for me, but it also makes me more focused and attentive during the shooting process.

With this lens mounted on the Leica M8, this lens has an equivalent focal length of about 20mm, which is still moderate enough for me to get used to. However, when placed on the M3, it transforms into a true 15mm ultra-wide angle, and the stunning field of view was a bit too much for my heart to handle. The visual impact of this ultra-wide angle makes me passionate and expectant when shooting.

However, I also realized that the 15mm focal length may not be suitable for street photographers like me. In street photography, if the characters are too close, it is easy to appear “big head” effect; while if the distance is too far, the characters will appear too small. In addition, due to the characteristics of the ultra-wide-angle lens, the shooting of the characters will be stretched out of shape. This made it a bit difficult for me to shoot on the street, so I decided to keep it more company with the M8 and turn it into a 20mm lens for use until I could find a better way to use it.

That said, I still think the 15mm/f4.5 lens from Voigtlander is a worthy lens. Its ultra-wide focal length may not be for everyone, but there’s no chance it’ll suit your shooting style. If you really like it, you’re getting a real bargain because not only is it small, portable and affordable, it also offers such a wide angle of view. The lens is also highly traded on the second-hand market, which means you don’t have to worry about buying or selling it. Whether you want to get in or get out, it’s easy to find the right deal.

The journey of using this lens is like a drama on the stage of life, intertwining challenge and joy, frustration and fulfillment. The moments that seem impossible to capture perfectly have become the goals that I constantly pursue; and the meandering horizons under the lens are precisely the paths that I am eager to explore in my heart. Every time I put the camera down and take a break, not only to catch my breath, but also for the new round of longing for the unknown beauty in my heart, I am ready to set out again, using this 15mm (20mm leica m8) wide angle to continue to capture every moving moment of life.

LEICA T TYPE 701: Saw an ad, liked the look.

When it comes to my Leica T Type 701, it’s not just a camera, it’s a love affair that was sparked by Leica’s long and fascinating advertisement. The ad spent a long time polishing the camera’s body, which made it a bit boring, but it made people feel that it must have a unique touch, so they were filled with endless curiosity and desire. It was this strong interest inspired by the advert that finally convinced me to get my hands on this Leica T Type 701.

However, when I actually got it and started using it, I found that the image quality was only moderate and not as stunning as I had initially expected. But that didn’t disappoint me, because I didn’t buy this camera just for the extreme image quality. I was actually more interested in its unique design and the Leica brand experience.

The LEICA T TYPE 701 looks amazing. The lines are smooth, the shape is simple but elegant, and every detail shows the designer’s ingenuity. When I see it lying there, I can’t help but look at it a few more times, and I feel a real sense of joy.

So I don’t use it much for photography. I mostly just put it on display at home as a decorative piece, which adds a bit of artistic flair to my space. When friends come over and see it, they’re always impressed and some even think it’s a valuable piece of art.

My Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f2.8 ASPH lens: A feast for the eyes and to carry around

No need to change, just blossom!

With the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f2.8 ASPH lens in my hands, I never thought about changing anyone. It is like the sun that hangs high in the sky, quietly radiating light and warmth without seeking a response or asking for a return date. Everyone’s reaction to capturing the world through this lens is different; some marvel at its clarity and sharpness, some are mesmerized by its splashes of color, while others feel alienated by its unique perspective and choose to keep their distance.

It’s like a seed that silently builds up its strength before breaking through the ground, with no sign that it’s about to bloom, because that’s its own rhythm and it’s not yet at the right time. It is the same with my Leica 28mm lens, which is not in a hurry to show all its charms, but with each soft click of the shutter it gradually takes root in my heart, until one day I find myself deeply addicted to the world of images it creates.

I realized that whether it was photography or life, the real savior was always myself. This lens, however, helped me open a window to a better world, so that I could learn to feel everything around me with a more delicate and sensitive heart. It teaches me that there is no need to force myself, but to shine quietly like the sun, allowing each soul to receive this unique light and warmth according to its own rhythm.

Therefore, I am grateful for my Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f2.8 ASPH lens, which is not only a tool for capturing images, but also a partner in exploring myself and realizing life. During this journey, I have come to realize that true beauty is not in changing others, but in reconciling with yourself, discovering and cherishing those unique moments that belong only to you.

I love it.

First, let’s talk about its first impression – it’s compact and lightweight. In this day and age when you can’t leave home without your cell phone, the weight and size of a lens is an important factor in my choice. This Elmarit-M lens is just “portable”. Whether you hang it around your neck or stuff it in your pocket, there is no pressure. Traveling, daily street photography, it is my best partner to enjoy the fun of photography without being weighed down by heavy equipment.

Let’s talk about its appearance. That classic Leica design, simple but not lose style, metal texture of the mirror body, in the sunlight with a charming sheen. Just attaching it to the camera before each shot is a pleasure. It is so well proportioned with the Leica M camera that it can be the golden ratio.

Of course, the most important thing about a lens is its image quality, and the Elmarit-M 28mm f2.8 ASPH certainly didn’t disappoint. Clear and sharp is the first impression it gave me. Whether it’s wide-angle landscapes or portrait close-ups, it handles them all with ease, retaining just the right amount of detail to give you that “knife-edge” clarity right off the bat. Color performance is also excellent, with high saturation without distortion and natural color transitions that make photos look more vibrant and layered.

What surprised me the most was the bokeh effect when shooting outdoors. It’s almost like being smeared with cream, soft and sweet without losing the sense of layering. Every time I see those photos with dreamy background bokeh, I can’t help but silently give this lens a shout-out in my heart. It allows me to easily capture those fleeting human moments while shooting landscapes and capturing every beautiful moment in life.

Under the gaze of this lens, I captured an unspoken story, silent and deep, like a word never uttered, hidden in the softest corners of my heart; I witnessed a ray of light that did not shine directly, that pierced the clouds and gently sprinkled in every corner, but left no traces, like some of the warmth of life, silent; I recorded a unique chaos, which in its disorder I recorded a unique chaos, which in its disorder contains order, and a miracle hidden in the mundane, is the truest representation of life, incomparable; I also walked on a street that seems to have no end, and every frame in the camera is a new beginning and an eternal continuation, leading me to keep exploring and moving forward, searching for my own answer and destination in this journey of light and shadow intertwined.

Sony A7 and Leica Leica NOCTILUX-M 50/1.2 Large Aperture Lens Adapter Journey

In the world of photography, trying out a new lens is like embarking on a whole new visual adventure. The Sony A7 generation, as the pioneer of the microsingle camera, is an ideal choice for many photography enthusiasts thanks to its excellent image quality, flexible mount system, and excellent manual focusing performance. As a photographer who loves trying out different lenses, I particularly enjoy using the Sony A7 to adapt to and test out new lenses, especially the legendary Leica large-aperture lenses.
Leica is a brand that originated in Germany. It’s known for its superb optical technology, rugged workmanship and unique imaging style. Leica lenses are great for resolving detail and reproducing colour, and they also deliver stunning sharpness and detail at maximum aperture. Every Leica lens is a classic in the history of photography, and represents the brand’s heritage and innovation.

The Sony A7 is the perfect platform for adapting lenses, thanks to its short flange distance, strong bayonet compatibility and excellent focus peaking. The short flange distance means you can easily use a variety of adapter rings to adapt lenses of different mounts. The strong mount compatibility means you can explore the resources of different brands of lenses to your heart’s content. The Sony A7’s Peak Focus function makes manual focusing more accurate and faster, allowing adapted Leica large aperture lenses to perform at their best.

I adapted a few Leica large-aperture lenses for the Sony A7 generation and had a bit of a play with them. I was particularly impressed by the Leica NOCTILUX-M 50/1.2 ASPH lens. With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, it can produce sharp and bright photos in very low light conditions. It also has a really distinctive bokeh. Meanwhile, the colour reproduction and detail when the aperture is contracted is really impressive.

The f/1.2 aperture not only produces great background bokeh, but also lets photographers take sharp, clear photos in low light. This large aperture means the lens performs well in low light, giving photographers more creative freedom.
I also tried out a few other Leica lenses with large apertures, like the Summicron-M series. These lenses also performed really well after adapting, with great resolution, colour reproduction and bokeh.

Just a heads-up on a few things to keep in mind during the adapter process. Firstly, it’s important to make sure you’re using a good quality adapter ring. A good-quality adapter makes sure the lens and camera are connected tightly, which stops problems like them coming loose or light getting in. Secondly, as different lenses have different optical designs and mechanical structures, you might need to make a few adjustments and optimisations after using the adapter to get the best performance out of the lens. Finally, as Leica lenses are on the pricey side, it’s important to be extra careful when using the adapter to avoid any unnecessary damage.

In short, adapting the Sony A7 to Leica’s large-aperture lenses is an adventure that’s full of surprises and fun. By adapting lenses from different brands, we can enjoy a wider range of image styles and shooting effects. The Leica lenses have been a real highlight of this journey, delivering outstanding performance and a unique charm.