Lenses Archives - Page 5 of 6

LEICA 0 Series Oskar Barnack Limited Edition camera w/Anastigmat 50/3.5 lens

Slow

If you’re looking for a truly unique photography experience, the Leica 0 series camera is the one for you! It’s the perfect blend of classic Leica style and cutting-edge technology. Capture stunning images with the “slow” and “portable” philosophy at the heart of every Leica camera. It may be a bit slow, but I sell this camera quickly.

My story

I found the Leica 50mm/0.95 around my neck to be too heavy, and it caused my neck to hurt for days. So I missed out on the smaller Leica, the 0 series replica is compact, even smaller than today’s smartphones, but it still has a solid case and pure Leica lenses, so I bought one to free my neck.

This is a replica of the Series 0. The original Model 0 sold for $2.16 million at auction, making it the most expensive camera in the world at the time. This special edition Leica camera has a gorgeous black lacquer finish and brass top. I had planned to use this camera for a while and then let the black paint wear off naturally.

Before I started using it for photos, I really liked the design. If you could carry it around with you, this camera could last a lifetime. The reality is that it’s really difficult to use, so you have to cover the lens every time you switch to the next negative.

Of course, it’s not the camera, it’s me! This limited-edition camera is meant to be a collector’s item, not a tool for street photographers like me.

Slow Philosophy

The concept of “slow” is relative and depends on the context. Back when the Leica 0 was first introduced, it was seen as a fast photography tool. Just like computers, you can’t really compare CPU speeds from 20 years ago to today’s standards.

Just a few more things to keep in mind when taking pictures with this camera. For instance, you’ve got to put the lens cap back on before you can switch to the next picture. Also, you’ve got to hold down the shutter while rewinding the film.

Just a heads-up: Once you’ve finished winding, the shutter speed is fixed, so it’s important to set it first.

How to use

To get the most out of this vintage camera, it’s important to develop good operating habits, like:

When you’re ready to stow the camera away in your bag, leave the shutter on release so you can adjust the shutter speed for your next shooting need.
Trim the spare film in advance before using it.
When installing a new roll of film, ensure that the protrusion on the film aligns with the notch on the spindle to ensure proper installation. Instead of using the spindle to locate the notch, you can use the notch to locate the protrusion on the spindle.
Always remember to open the lens cover before taking a photo, and cover it after winding the film. This simple mantra is worth remembering.
It may take some practice and skill to use a 0-type camera effectively, but the stunning results make it all worthwhile.

The Leica 0-series camera used the Anastigmat 50 3.5 lens, which was originally designed by Berek in 1920. Despite what some people said, the lens only had four elements in three groups, which is similar to the Elmar lens. The new version of this lens has four elements in three groups, but it’s got a new design and coated glass. It’s said to offer better contrast and sharpness when used at full aperture, and it’s pretty similar to the Summicron 50 f2.

The lens is really excellent. However, I really think that this camera is not suitable for use, only for collection.

Leica Summaron 28mm f/5.6

M mount Classic lenses

This classic Leica lens has an interesting history. Since the Hektor 28mm 6.3 didn’t have a true aperture ring, it needed to be upgraded. They redesigned it with new glass and a half-stop increase in aperture, plus more refined craftsmanship. When this 28mm lens was first released, it was only available with the L39 mount. When the M3 was released in 1954 with the new M mount, there was no M mount version. It wasn’t until 2017 that an m-mount version of this lens became available.

Yes, it’s a recently listed older lens.

f/5.6

This Leica lens with an f/5.6 aperture has got to be one of the best optical lenses out there. It has great sharpness and contrast, with a Leica feel to it. In fact, most Leica lenses have an optimal aperture of f/5.6. For street photographers, this aperture is more than enough during the day. It’s very compact.

Just to let you know, the lens I have is the original, not the latest production. It still performs great optically, in line with the usual Leica philosophy. Of course, the main thing is how compact it is. For street photographers, image quality isn’t the most important thing. Hahaha. In the old days, lenses were designed to be very small, which was pretty incredible at the time. These days, lenses are getting bigger and bigger, and the light gap is also getting bigger. However, with a small f/5.6 lens, you can really shoot on the street for 12 hours during the day.

Leica 28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M

Compact lens

It’s a compact Leica 28mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is pretty large for a wide-angle lens. I hadn’t planned on buying this Elmarit lens, but then it came with a set of used cameras. The main advantage is its compactness, but the main disadvantage is that it lacks character compared to other lenses. In terms of quality and features, it’s not quite as good as the more expensive Summicron 28 f/2 ASPH. I like that lens a bit more.

Pretty Compact

However, the clear winner in the 28mm lens category is the Leica 28mm f/2.8 v1 (9-element lens). It offers top-notch imaging, a rich Schneider character, excellent craftsmanship, zero distortion, and great potential for appreciation. Plus, it’s the only symmetrical design lens in the Leica 28mm focal length.

The APS-H version is pretty compact, and for a 28mm lens, that’s one of the main perks. A lot of street photographers like to carry a 28mm lens with them all the time.

Even so, the Elmarit M28 2.8 ASPH is still a Leica lens with its own unique character, and many Leica users can still choose it. First, a new lens won’t have any defects, and second, it works well with digital cameras.

SN Start	SN End	Product	Year	Total
-3928917	unknown-	28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M	2006	unknown
-3997682	3999025-	28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M	2007	1,344+
-4005877	4007583-	28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M	2008	1707+
~4037099	4043484-	28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M	2009	6,386+
-4086805	4100089-	28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M	2010	13,285+
-4118183	4136266-	28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M	2011	18,084+
-unknown	4191851-	28mm f/2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M	2012	unknown
TOTAL	ASSIGNED	SERIAL NUMBERS	2006-current	unknown

This Elmarit is the most compact lens in the entire portfolio of Leica M-Lenses. This is made possible by the use of an aspherical lens element, which enables particularly compact lens construction and a weight of only 180 grams. 
Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M Aspherical Lens - Rectangular Metal Lens Hood - Metal Lens Caps - Threaded Protection Ring
Focal length: 28.4mm
Aperture: f/2.8 to f/22
Camera Mount Type: Leica M
Angle of View: 75-degrees

Pages: 12

Voigtlander nokton VM50 1.1

It’s Cheap

In general, the larger the aperture, the higher the price. However, the Voigtlander Nokton VM50 1.1 is very affordable despite its large aperture. This is a Japanese-made lens. It has a large aperture and is very affordable.

Street Photography

A good street photography lens lets users focus on shooting and focus quickly. The Voigtlander vm50/F1.1 is a great example of this. The focus ring has a short travel distance, which makes it easy to quickly focus. Despite its size, the VM50 1.1 is actually pretty lightweight. The Leica Summarit M50 1.5 is smaller than the Nokton 50, but it’s much heavier. Of course, the Leica Noctilux 50 0.95 weighs more. The Voigtlander Nokton 50 is much lighter than the others.

Large aperture lens

Just a heads-up: Leica Noctilux lenses aren’t as sharp at full aperture as you might think. For instance, the Noctilux 50 1.0 and the Noctilux 50 1.2 aren’t as sharp as they could be. The Voigtlander Nokton 50 1.1 shouldn’t be too demanding at f/1.1. After all, the point of using an f/1.1 aperture is to get that beautiful bokeh. This lens is definitely worth using, even if it’s not the most expensive option out there. I’ve been using the f/1.1 aperture for portraits of family and friends, and they’ve all loved it.

Color

The only downside is that the colors aren’t as vibrant as they could be. When I look at the lens coating, I think it’s not as beautiful as those from Leica and Zeiss. That might be the main reason why it’s so cheap. I really like converting the image to black and white; it looks perfect that way. With digital cameras, you can adjust the color through software.

Digital Camera

Just a heads-up: the Leica Noctilux 50 f/1.0 and Noctilux 50 1.2 Asph lenses will have purple fringing on digital cameras. The same goes for the Voigtlander lens. When a lens with a large aperture meets a digital camera, it’s normal for purple fringing to appear. It can be removed with software. My favorite way to use it is with a Leica M8 camera to take black and white photos. It works really well.L1023808.jpg

Leica Elmar 90mm f4 3-element (III)

three panes of glass

For a 90mm focal length lens, it’s got f/4, but the aperture could be better. However, many people like this lens, which is made up of three pieces of glass. It actually has excellent optical quality and vivid color contrast. Collectors like it because it was produced in small quantities. This also makes it cost more than the regular version. What makes it special is that it uses more advanced glass than the previous version, with only three pieces, while the previous version had four pieces.

There are 5,947 M-mount lenses and 543 L39 screw-mount lenses. The lenses were made between 1964 and 1968.

High definition, high contrast

The Elmar 90mm f4 3-element is noticeably sharper than previous versions. It’s better than the Elmarit 90mm 2.8 V1 at f/4. The picture is much more vivid than the Tele-Elmarit 90mm 2.8. This lens is really sharp.

Leica Elmar 90mm f4 3-element + Leica M2

Leica Summicron-M 35 f2 ASPH

The key to opening the door

Maybe a small, exquisite, and beautiful 35mm lens can change your view of photography or give you a different photography style. The Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 Asph is the key to opening the door of street photography for you.

Versions

The Leica Summicron lens has always been a popular choice for street photographers and report photographers. Before the 35mm asph version, there were already four versions without asph. Their optical quality was really impressive, way above what you’d get from other brands of the same era. In terms of optical technology, asph is a big step up from previous versions.

Just wanted to let you know that the asph version has two generations now. I use the first generation asph. It comes in three colors: black anodized aluminum and silver brass chrome. There is also a brass black lacquered version, which is pretty rare. The second generation asph has the same optical design as the first, but with the addition of the aperture blades. I’m happy with the first generation.

Golden ratio

I think the Leica Summicron 35mm lens paired with an M camera is the most beautiful combination. I think it’s a great combination, and my favorite so far. I don’t like to install lens hoods because I want to maintain the golden ratio of lens to camera.

Rainbow

I think the anti-glare capability could be better. With backlighting or side backlighting, it’s easy to create a beam of light that damages the screen. But many people think it’s a wonderful rainbow and have fun with it. I’m not a big fan of it, though. I prefer more classical flares such as large light spots and reduced overall contrast.

Conclusion

I’m amazed that this lens was made in 1997. It works perfectly with digital cameras and produces rich colors and great sharpness. Leica lenses are really good quality. This lens is built to last a lifetime.

Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 E43 Review: The Forgotten Alchemist—Where Optical Heritage Defies Obscurity

The Alchemist’s Paradox

In the shadow of its mythic sibling, the Summicron-M 50mm Rigid, lies the Summicron-R 50mm f/2 E43—a lens that mirrors its cousin’s soul but dances to a different rhythm. Born in the 1960s, Leica’s first R-system 50mm f/2 dared to adapt Walter Mandler’s M-design wizardry for the single-lens reflex realm. Priced at a modest 450–450–700 (2025 USD), this brass-and-glass enigma offers Mandler-esque magic without the collector’s premium.

Design: Symmetry’s Compromise

Optical Twins, Mechanical Strangers
- Glass Kinship: The E43 shares 6 elements with the M-Rigid, missing only its seventh layer—a sacrifice to the SLR’s mirrored altar.
- Rear Chamber Depth: The R50’s rear element retreats 2mm farther from the film plane, yielding to the reflex mirror’s mechanical ballet.
Chassis Philosophy
- Aperture Wizardry: SLR trickery demands complexity; the E43’s internal linkages swell its waistline, yet its 315g heft feels lighter than a Tang dynasty scroll.

Optical Scripture: Mandler’s Echo

Aspect	Summicron-R 50mm f/2 E43	Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Rigid
Sharpness	Bamboo stalk at dawn—supple yet unyielding	Samurai sword edge—cold perfection
Bokeh	Wang Wei’s mountain mist	Li Bai’s moonlit wine
Focus	0.5m intimacy (SLR’s whispered secret)	0.7m street tango (rangefinder’s waltz)
Soul	Unpolished jade	Imperial porcelain

The SLR Reformation

Wide-Angle Conundrum
- Symmetry sacrificed: To dodge the SLR mirror, Leica engineers reforged Mandler’s design like blacksmiths hammering iron—R-system 35mm lenses ballooned to 9-10 elements, compensating with glass alchemy.
E43 vs E55: Evolution or Devolution?
- E43 (1964): 6 elements—Mandler’s frugal haiku.
- E55 (1977): Sharper but colder, like digital ink beside hand-ground calligraphy.

Practical Zen: Why This Lens Sings

Price-to-Grace Ratio: At 450–450–700 (2025 USD), it’s the cost of three Michelin-starred meals for optical banquets daily.
Focus Sorcery: 0.5m minimum distance—capture a lover’s eyelash or a teacup’s steam spiral.
Film Pairing: Ilford HP5+ @1600—grain dances with the E43’s gentle glow.

Who Should Buy This?

✓ SLR Minimalists: Seeking Mandler’s soul in reflex form
✓ Budget Alchemists: Turning leaden prices to golden imagery
✓ Macro Curious: 0.5m focus unlocks intimate worlds

Avoid If: You demand autofocus or f/1.4’s bokeh delirium.

Final Verdict: The Underdog’s Triumph

The Summicron-R 50mm E43 is photographic wabi-sabi—a $700 lesson in imperfect perfection. For the price of a weekend in Suzhou, you gain:

90% of the M-Rigid’s magic at 30% cost
Proof that “forgotten” often means “undervalued”
Freedom from collector mythology

Rating:
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌗/5 (for classicalists) | 🌞🌞🌞🌑🌑/5 (for speed addicts)

“A lens that whispers: ‘The overlooked gem often outshines the crown jewel.’”

Pro Tips:

Adapt It: Mount on mirrorless cameras—watch analog flaws become digital virtues.
Hack the Hood: Use a 12585H—flare paints Impressionist halos.

Epilogue: The Forgotten Classic
While collectors chase M-Rigids priced like Ming vases, the E43 lingers in the shadows—a lens that scoffs at mythmaking. Yet herein lies its charm: true artistry needs no temple. As the Song dynasty poets wrote, “The moon’s beauty lies not in its fame, but in its silent glow.” The E43 glows on, patient as a sage, waiting for those who see beyond the hype.

LEICA R6 + LEICA SUMMICRON-R 50MM F/2 E43

Leica Elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8 Review: The Unassuming Poet—Where Functionality Meets Forgotten Brilliance

The Photographer’s Paradox

Gear is a means, not an end—a truth the Leica Elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8 (1964–1996) embodies with quiet defiance. Designed for Leica’s inaugural SLR system, the Leicaflex, this 320g aluminum relic rebukes modern pixel-peeping obsessions. At 300–300–600 (used), it’s a $500 lesson in humility: “Your best lens is the one that gets out of the way.”

Design: Mechanical Haiku

Close-Focus Sorcery
- Minimum Focus: 0.3m (11.8″)—closer than Super-Angulon 21mm’s 0.4m
- Build: Brass helicoid, aluminum barrel—dense as a haiku, rugged as a tank
Ergonomic Nuance
- Focus Throw: 270°—precision over speed
- Aperture Ring: Clickless for cine-smooth transitions (later versions detented)

Optical Scripture

Sharpness Philosophy
- Center: Cuts Kodak Tri-X like a scalpel @ f/2.8
- Edges: Soft as 1960s Kodachrome nostalgia—flaws as features
Bokeh Ballet
- f/2.8 Rendering: Backgrounds dissolve into pointillist abstraction
- Close-Up Magic: 0.3m focus transforms weeds into Weston-esque studies

Generational Wars

Aspect	Version 1 (S6 Mount)	Version 2 (S7 Mount)	Version 3 (E55 Mount)
Build	Brass internals	Aluminum lightweight	Plastic hybrid
Coating	Single-layer vintage	Multi-coated pragmatism	Modern flare control
Character	Mandler’s microcontrast	Clinical precision	Digital readiness
Price (2024)	500–500–600	300–300–400	200–200–300

The Leicaflex Legacy

Leica’s SLR gamble birthed quirks:

Why f/2.8?: Corporate caution—testing waters before Summilux plunges
Capa’s Ghost: “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough”—this lens listens
R-System Irony: Outlived its SLR bodies—now thrives on mirrorless adapters

Who Should Embrace This Relic?

✓ Film Purists: Breathing life into forgotten Leicaflex bricks
✓ Street Minimalists: Who see 0.3m as intimate, not invasive
✓ Budget Connoisseurs: Craving Mandler-era rendering without M-tax

Avoid If: You need autofocus or f/1.4 bokeh bragging rights.

Final Verdict: The Humble Teacher

The Elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8 is optical wabi-sabi—a $500 lesson in photographic Zen. For the price of a premium filter, you gain:

100% analog soul + 0% gear anxiety
Proof that “perfection” is the enemy of art
Permission to finally see

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (for poets) | ⭐⭐/5 (for tech fetishists)
“A lens that murmurs: ‘Shoot, don’t shop.’”

Pro Tips:

Adapter Alchemy: Pair with Fotodiox R-to-L/Mount—vintage becomes future
Flare Embrace: Remove hood for 1960s Hollywood halation
CLA Ritual: Send to Japan’s Shintaro—the R-system whisperer

Aluminum hymn,
Thirty-five millimeters—
Closeness births vision.

Epilogue: The Capa Contradiction

We chase f/1.4 dreams yet find truth at f/2.8. The Elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8—overlooked, underrated—whispers Robert Capa’s forgotten corollary: “The best camera is the one that fits your budget… and your hands.” In its scratched glass and stiff focus ring, we rediscover photography’s first commandment: Thou shalt create, not covet.

Leica M4

To be honest, the Leica M4 is the top-of-the-line camera in the entire Leica M series. It’s got the most advanced film loading and rewinding systems, the most ergonomic film advance lever, and the most advanced black chrome plating technology. A brand new black chrome M4 is considered to be first-class in terms of both technology and workmanship. Plus, you can still find a top-of-the-line black chrome M4 at a reasonable price. Black chrome is more durable than black paint, but collectors prefer the latter because brass shows through where the paint has worn off.

There’s nothing quite as alluring as a black paint Leica camera. Once you get your hands on a black paint Leica, you can’t let it go. The worn-off black paint on the brass gives it a kind of glow that reminds us of the history of our rise and fall. It’s inspiring, really.

Black paint is becoming more and more popular, and the price keeps going up. Another option is to buy a current version of the black paint MP, since it hasn’t been discontinued yet, and even used ones often look like new.

In the past, black Leicas were a great help to war photographers, and now those same photographers have contributed to black paint Leicas. When you wear a black paint Leica M4 on your chest, you’re reminded of the masters, which gives you even more courage and strength. If this is true, then such a camera is truly priceless. Leica has become a cultural symbol, at least that’s how they promote themselves.

The Leica M4 stands out for its speed. It loads, advances, and rewinds film quickly, which is really useful. The M4 also has a combination of the M3 and M2 structures, with the counter from the M3 and the viewfinder from the M2. It was sold at a higher price than the M2 and M3 at the time. So, no matter what color it is, the Leica M4 is a really user-friendly camera.

The M4 was the first model to have a bent corner and a plastic washer on the film advance lever. This design increased the contact area of the thumb during film advance, so the thumb could slide along the edge of the body to the end. The classic film advance lever on the M3 looks good, but when the film is fully advanced, the finger has to leave the body, which reduces grip stability. The M4’s film advance lever design makes it easier for your thumb to move, which actually speeds up film advance and increases grip stability. The Leica M4’s film advance lever is designed with ergonomics in mind.

The Leica M4 also loads film pretty quickly. This fast film loading feature was inherited from the military versions of the Leica M2 and M2-R.